Alán Aspuru-Guzik, a world-leading researcher in theoretical and computational chemistry, joins the University of Toronto as a Canada 150 Research Chair. He aims to disrupt chemistry through computer science and robotics, with a focus on bio-inspired solar energy.
Researchers found a single upfront genomic test to be more effective for detecting Lynch syndrome in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients than traditional multiple testing. This approach helps guide treatment decisions while identifying those at risk of developing CRC and other cancers.
A new study found that students whose circadian rhythms were out of sync with their class schedules received lower grades due to social jet lag. The research analyzed online activity data from nearly 15,000 college students and suggested individualizing education to match students' natural rhythms for better academic success.
A study by GEOMAR and international colleagues reveals a 4-fold reduction in Pb concentrations in European surface waters since the phasing out of leaded gasoline. However, legacy Pb from Mediterranean sources persists, suggesting sediments are now a new source of Pb to the environment.
A study has characterized the physical mechanism that enables a widespread bacterial pathogen to adhere to human host tissues. The researchers used atomic force microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to reveal a unique cooperation of non-covalent hydrogen bonds in the adhesion process.
A new research project led by Clemson University's Sara Riggs aims to create technology on workstations that can adapt to individual workers depending on the person, context, and environment. The goal is to make jobs easier, enable more people with disabilities to work, and retain them once employed.
A long-term field study in a Swedish fjord found that herring larvae can survive and thrive in acidified seawater due to increased phytoplankton growth. However, this finding does not necessarily apply to other fish species, which may be negatively affected by ocean acidification.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences found that walleye production in Wisconsin lakes decreased by 27% between 1990 and 2012. Climate change, habitat degradation, and harvest rates are likely contributing factors to the decline.
The Pittsburgh Atlas creates hundreds of regional referral regions to coordinate emergency and trauma care in the US, respecting geopolitical borders. The framework allows states and groups of counties to implement quality improvement programs accountable to regional performance measures.
A new study finds that kidney dysfunction is a contributing factor to severe malaria cases caused by Plasmodium vivax parasites. Elevated creatinine levels were associated with increased disease severity and mortality, while certain immune molecules could predict outcome in patients.
A team of scientists discovered a previously unknown species and genus of frogs in a limestone cave in Thailand. The findings shed new light on the evolutionary history of the relevant group of Amphibia and highlight the importance of conservation efforts for this unique species.
A new study suggests that amphibian populations in Panama have started becoming more resistant to the deadly fungal pathogen chytridiomycosis. Over 2,000 diagnostic samples show a decrease in the prevalence of the fungus since the initial epidemics occurred.
Researchers have developed an AI algorithm that can accurately predict biological age and mortality risk using wearable sensor data from a large dataset. The model outperforms previous models and has the potential to refine health risks for life and health insurance programs.
The GPM satellite detected strong convective storms dropping rain at a rate of over 264 mm/hour, with some reaching heights of nearly 18 km. Favorable conditions are expected to aid Jelawat's rapid intensification and make it the first western Pacific Ocean typhoon of 2018.
A new cancer drug has proven safe and effective in treating pediatric patients with tumor-specific gene mutations, particularly those with TRK fusions. The study found encouraging anti-tumor activity in all patients with solid TRK fusion-positive tumors, achieving sustained tumor regressions in over 90% of cases.
Researchers found that soy-derived isoflavones and saponins have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects on pigs. These compounds promote growth and help pigs recover faster from PRRSV infection.
Researchers at Washington State University analyzed a mobile app used by diabetes patients, identifying 12 key values that inform self-management technologies. These values include accessibility, autonomy, and hope, highlighting the importance of considering patient concerns in technology design.
The W7-X stellarator achieved improved heating and measurement capabilities with the help of large magnetic trim coils designed by PPPL, enabling plasma discharges lasting up to 30 seconds. The research demonstrated the ability to control error fields and measure magnetic field measurements of unprecedented accuracy.
Researchers have developed a process for creating ultrathin, self-assembling sheets of synthetic materials that can function like designer flypaper in selectively binding with viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. The sugar-coated nanosheets are made from bio-inspired polymers known as peptoids and can effectively mimic cell surfaces.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that an expert panel of pediatric injury experts can reliably identify injuries in young children as abuse or accidents. The panel achieved nearly perfect reliability and accuracy, both individually and collectively.
A new study by Nagoya University reveals that germ cells in medaka fish can feminize the body before the sexual fate decision is made. This finding suggests that the mechanism underlying this effect is activated early in development and plays a critical role in sex determination.
Researchers have determined the molecular target and mechanism of action of fidaxomicin, a front-line antibiotic for treating Clostridium difficile infections. The study reveals that fidaxomicin inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase through a unique binding site and mechanism, allowing it to target resistant strains.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that consuming nicotinamide riboside (NR) daily improves blood pressure and arterial health, particularly in those with mild hypertension. The supplement mimics caloric restriction's key chemical pathways responsible for its health benefits.
Researchers developed more accurate models to predict methane emissions from dairy cattle, utilizing individual data from over 5,200 lactating cows from 15 countries. The new models can be used to create region-specific inventories, improving the accuracy of carbon footprint assessments and mitigation strategies.
The SAGE Ocean Concept Grant Program has awarded over $100,000 in funding to support the development of new tools that enable social scientists to work with big data. The winners include Quanteda Studio, MiniVAN, and Digital DNA Toolbox, which aim to make text analytics and network analysis more accessible to non-specialist researchers.
Researchers identified a tumor suppressor protein called LHPP that can help diagnose and monitor liver cancer. Reintroducing LHPP into the liver of model mice prevented tumor formation, suggesting its potential as a new therapeutic approach for treating liver cancer.
A single high-fat milkshake can quickly transform healthy red blood cells into small, spiky cells that wreak havoc inside blood vessels. This study found that such a meal can lead to impaired ability of blood vessels to relax and an immune response similar to one provoked by an infection.
RIT researcher Zoran Ninkov developed an astronomical imager inspired by a cinema projection system, capturing light signatures from multiple objects in the same area of sky. NASA is funding $550,000 to recoat the device with aluminum for improved performance at ultraviolet wavelengths.
The Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine has presented a framework for individuals, organizations, and health systems to address physician burnout. The Charter on Physician Well-Being provides guidelines for developing regulations and policies that support physician well-being and maximize meaningful engagement.
Women with breast implants are more likely to have detectable cancers at a smaller size compared to those without implants. The study found that screening mammograms may be less effective in detecting cancers in breasts with implants.
A recent study revealed neural clustering in V4 that preserves visual acuity, enabling the separation of local and global features. This discovery challenges existing models and offers new insights into how the brain processes visual information.
Researchers have discovered a detailed structure of ISRIB, a brain-boosting experimental drug that eliminates learning and memory deficits in mice with concussions. The new atomic-scale protein structure reveals how ISRIB interacts with its target, potentially leading to tailored treatment for cognitive disorders.
The study reveals that the circulating form of soluble a-Klotho can act as a co-receptor for FGF23, making every cell a potential target. This breakthrough challenges the long-held belief that only cell-attached a-Klotho can receive FGF23 signals.
A team of Canadian and US scientists propose converting CO2 into small building block molecules that can be upgraded for commercial use. Potential applications include energy storage in hydrogen, methane, and ethane; production of consumer goods using ethylene and ethanol; and pharmaceuticals using CO2-derived formic acid.
A recent study found that cancer survivors were more likely to be insured, yet still reported greater challenges in accessing and affording healthcare compared to adults without cancer. The proportion of cancer survivors experiencing these issues decreased over time since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law.
Researchers develop a heat-shock process to form high entropy alloyed nanoparticles from multiple elements. The resulting nanoparticles exhibit homogeneous crystal structures and potential applications as catalysts in emerging energy technologies.
Researchers discovered a new path of evolution that enables viruses to quickly adapt to their environment and infect new host targets. This phenomenon could lead to new insights into preventing the emergence of new diseases.
Researchers have discovered that rat tear proteins can be detected in mice, triggering a defensive response in the rodents' brains. The proteins, produced by male rats, activate receptors in the mouse vomeronasal organ, prompting the animals to stop moving and drop their body temperature.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found an FDA-approved topical solution to be less cytotoxic and damaging to melanocytes than cryosurgery, suggesting a safer option for seborrheic keratosis removal
A team of researchers is working to better understand how riverbank erosion affects citizens in Bangladesh and develop early-warning measures. They will use satellite images and precipitation data to plot spatiotemporal patterns of erosion and generate location-specific annual rates.
Materials experts at UCI have created a revolutionary new material that can change its reflectivity in under a second, mimicking the properties of squid skin. The technology has potential applications in military camouflage, space insulation, and more.
A NIH study found that extra iron interferes with ferroportin, a protein preventing toxic iron buildup and protecting red blood cells against malaria. The researchers also identified a mutant form of ferroportin, Q248H, which appears to protect against malaria in African populations.
New research reveals that dolphins are not only being accidentally caught in fishing nets but may be actively seeking them out for food. The study found that acoustic deterrents were ineffective and may even attracted more dolphins, highlighting the need for effective fish stock management to break the vicious cycle of overfishing.
A follow-up study of infected but asymptomatic individuals reveals parasite levels drop quickly after infection onset. Despite low levels at day 28, the study suggests that these individuals pose a shorter transmission risk to communities aiming for malaria elimination.
A promising malaria vaccine candidate, TBV, has shown to completely prevent transmission of the Plasmodium parasite to mosquitoes in Cameroon. The $3.2 million grant will further develop processes for human trials and a clinical treatment.
A recent study published in Science reveals that some tropical amphibian species are recovering from a deadly fungal disease, despite the pathogen remaining equally deadly over time. The researchers found that nearly a decade after the outbreak, some frogs in Panama are surviving and may have better defenses against the infection.
A new study by Georgia State University estimates that child sexual abuse in the US has a total lifetime economic burden of $9.3 billion, with female victims facing an average lifetime cost of $1.1M and male victims facing a lower estimated lifetime cost due to insufficient data on productivity losses.
A new UMD study reveals the Sahara Desert has expanded by 10% since 1920, primarily driven by human-caused climate change. The research also suggests other deserts may be expanding, posing significant implications for global food security and ecosystems.
Researchers found that monkeys' brains synchronize during social tasks, predicting location, velocity, and proximity to each other. The study also shows that social rank influences brain synchronization, which may have implications for conditions like autism.
A recent study developed a model to predict the effect of genetic variants on cognitive traits, opening the way for better interpretation of genetic analyzes and early care for children at risk. The discovery paves the way for clinicians to estimate cognitive impact of rare genetic variants.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals substantial problems and risks associated with medical tourism for plastic surgery. The most common complications included infections, pain, and wound-healing issues, with many patients relying on US medical insurance to cover follow-up care.
A team of scientists discovered four new species in the rare parasitoid genus Habroteleia, while also correcting the classification of five previously known species. The study maintains the species number within the group intact and provides an illustrated identification key to prevent future taxonomic confusion.
A recent study by the University of Manchester found that the UK chocolate industry has a significant environmental impact, with high greenhouse gas emissions and water usage. The study estimates that the industry produces around 2.1m tonnes of GHG annually, equivalent to the annual emissions of a city as large as Belfast.
A team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers has created a system that translates 3-D shapes into stitch-by-stitch instructions for computer-controlled knitting machines. The technology enables the production of customized, on-demand knitted garments with unique patterns and ornamentation.
Researchers discovered that kesterites with germanium exhibit lower point defects and disorder, leading to increased efficiency in solar cells. Germanium increases the optical band gap, allowing for more efficient sunlight conversion into electrical energy.
A study by UMD researchers found that individuals with higher locomotion traits performed better in a diabetes management app, exhibiting greater improvements in blood glucose levels. The study highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to individual personality traits for effective mHealth treatments.
Researchers at Yale University developed a novel RNA-based therapy to target West Nile virus, delivered through the nose. The therapy reduced the virus in the brain and allowed the immune system to destroy it, resulting in a 90% survival rate among treated mice. The treatment also provided long-term protection against future exposure.
Kansai researchers successfully synthesized hexa-peri-hexabenzo[7]helicene, the first helically twisted chiral graphene. The discovery offers promising applications in nanomechanics and has unique electronic structure properties.
A boom in fragile nonbank lenders has put the US mortgage market at risk of another meltdown, warns a new paper. Nonbanks originate half of all US home mortgages and have limited capital and access to cash, making them vulnerable to collapse.
Researchers have developed a method to create linked networks of metal oxides that can improve their ability to catalyze chemical reactions or harvest energy from light. This new material has potential applications in various fields, including catalysis and electronics.