Researchers at Saarland University developed a new self-optimizing conveyor technology that adapts to the size, weight, and desired speed of materials. The technology uses silicone polymer-based artificial muscles to transport dry bulk materials with sensor capabilities.
Researchers found that screening individuals with a high lifetime risk of developing precursor conditions like MGUS can reduce the prevalence and specific mortality of symptomatic multiple myeloma. By implementing regular screening and preventative measures, mortality rates can be lowered by up to 19% in certain groups.
A new model simulates sediment transport and coral reef development in response to climatic variability. The study reveals that high sediment loads prevented coral growth during early sea level rise, while a balance between climate, sea level, and physiography enabled reefs to thrive.
Researchers uncovered the anomaly in water's properties by using supercomputers to 'untune' its interactions, revealing a specific molecular arrangement that contributes to its unusual behavior. This discovery provides a simple explanation for phenomena such as water expanding on cooling and insects walking on its surface.
A sediment core from Sluice Pond has identified a layer of light brown organic-rich mud deposited between 1740 and 1810, suggesting an underwater landslide possibly triggered by the 1755 Cape Ann earthquake. The discovery provides new evidence for historic seismic activity in New England.
The 2018 Canada Gairdner Award laureates made significant discoveries in genomic imprinting and optogenetics, impacting human development and disease. Their work has led to a deeper understanding of gene expression, developmental biology, and neurological disorders.
Researchers discovered that aging reduces sensitivity to light in the brain's circadian rhythm control center, affecting the SCN's ability to set a stable circadian rhythm. This structural change in the glutamate receptor impairs its function, contributing to age-related disruptions in sleep patterns and overall wellbeing.
Researchers found two compounds effective in prolonging lifespan and protecting against brain damage in animal models of mitochondrial disease. These findings suggest that N-acetylcysteine and vitamin E may be viable leads for clinical trials to treat mitochondrial disease, which has no proven effective treatments.
A study published in JAMA Network found that deaths due to most infectious diseases decreased in the US over a 34-year period. However, significant variations in mortality rates were observed across different counties, with lower respiratory infections and HIV/AIDS being major contributors to these disparities.
African swine fever virus may survive in feed ingredients, posing a significant risk to the U.S. swine industry. Researchers are working to understand this risk and develop mitigation tools to prevent the virus from being introduced through feed.
The American Geriatrics Society recognizes Drs John Burton and George Drach for their long-standing commitment to improving geriatric care and education. Through their work, they have helped develop educational programs and researcher career development awards, promoting geriatric expertise across specialties.
Dr. Heather E. Whitson, a leading geriatrics researcher and clinician, will deliver a plenary presentation at the #AGS18 Annual Scientific Meeting. Her work focuses on improving care delivery systems to serve older adults with complex health needs.
Researchers have developed a new device that uses fluorescence to detect ions and identify the product of a rare radioactive decay called neutrinoless double-beta decay. The discovery could provide insight into the nature of the neutrino, which may offer an explanation for the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.
A recent study found that high levels of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) can harm coral reefs by causing stress and accelerating bioerosion. However, when SGD is at low levels, corals can actually thrive on the reef, suggesting a potential solution to mitigate reef degradation in urban areas like Maunalua Bay.
A new study by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center team has calculated how 'Oumuamua fits into our understanding of planetary system development. The object, a fresh perspective on planetary formation, was likely ejected from a distant star system and is helping scientists constrain planet formation models.
Researchers have designed molecular perovskite-based energetic materials with improved explosive performances, including high detonation heat, velocity, and pressure. The new materials also exhibit increased thermal stability and low impact sensitivity, making them suitable for military devices and civil industry.
Researchers have found that a synthetic pheromone can lure beetles to concentrate on tamarisk bushes, doubling the die-back of the plants. This method is more precise and lower-cost than traditional methods like herbicides and mechanical removal.
A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown feature of human anatomy, revealing layers of the body as interconnected, fluid-filled compartments. This discovery has significant implications for understanding organ function, disease progression, and the development of new diagnostic tools.
Unstable atomic nuclei like Helium-8 and Lithium-8 can be investigated through beta decay and detection of decay products. The author discusses available experimental data and models applied to 'exotic' nuclei, revealing unresolved puzzles in the connection between microscopic structure and observable quantities.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the underlying biology behind pulmonary hypertension. By studying endothelial cells, they discovered that KLF15 protects these cells from damage caused by low oxygen levels, which can lead to blood vessel damage and progression of the disease.
Researchers discovered that people who are self-conscious in public may feel more embarrassed when watching ads with embarrassing content. However, adopting an observer's perspective can reduce feelings of embarrassment and increase willingness to take action. The study suggests devising strategies to overcome embarrassment avoidance i...
A team of researchers will create decision-support tools to help beekeepers and land managers maintain pollinator populations. The tools will assess landscape factors, predict bee health, and provide information on flowering plant species.
Researchers found that a football coach's extreme overconfidence has a positive influence on the team's result. The study analyzed the behavior of coaches in the Russian Football Premier League and concluded that high levels of charisma associated with overconfidence can motivate players, leading to better team performance.
Researchers developed a machine-learning algorithm that identifies relevant degrees of freedom in physical systems, revolutionizing the field. The approach provides fundamental physical insight and raises the prospect of combining human creativity with machine learning.
A new study reveals that diarrheal diseases are becoming a major public health concern in the US, with rates increasing substantially between 1980 and 2014. Diarrheal disease deaths were ranked as the second-leading cause of all infectious disease mortality, behind lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
Researchers detected tDCS-generated electric fields (EFs) deep in the brain using DBS electrodes in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study provided dose-dependent and montage-specific evidence that scalp-applied current penetrates the brain, challenging previous assumptions.
The BIABooster device characterizes DNA in blood circulation with new precision and sensitivity, identifying promising signatures for cancer monitoring. It has been shown to detect DNA up to a concentration of 10 fg/μL with precisions of 20% and 3%.
Research articles explore associations between comorbidities, symptoms, and patient-rated health in heart failure patients. Patterns of multimorbidity were identified, with poorer clinical outcomes observed in certain groups, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches in phenotyping patients with heart failure.
Researchers found that economic profit is the main motivation behind salvage logging in protected areas, despite warnings about its harm to biodiversity and regeneration capacity. Salvage logging should be banned from protected areas unless necessary for safety reasons, according to ecologists.
A new study found that e-liquid ingredients can vary widely in toxicity, with some being more toxic than nicotine alone and propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. The researchers developed a system to rapidly evaluate e-liquid toxicity using plastic plates with tiny wells containing human cells exposed to different e-liquids.
Astronomers have detected an Earth-sized planet with a density similar to Mercury's, located 260 million light years away. K2-229b orbits a medium-sized active star and reaches temperatures of over 2000°C.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a high-powered, environmentally safe lithium-sulfur substitute that could drastically lengthen battery life. The new technology improves stability and power density, making lithium-sulfur batteries more commercially viable.
Tropical Cyclone Iris is being torn apart by strong wind shear, resulting in fragmented areas of thunderstorms and potential for heavy rainfall. The storm is weakening rapidly due to cooler waters and stronger vertical wind shear, expected to dissipate in the next day or two.
A recent study found that less than 13% of individuals born between 1945 and 1965 have undergone HCV screening. The researchers also noted a significant disparity in HCV screening rates among different ethnic groups, with Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks receiving lower rates of screening.
A study by University of Sheffield researchers found that honeybee colonies follow the same laws as the human brain when making collective decisions, including Pieron's Law, Hick's Law, and Weber's Law. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of human behavior and cognition.
Researchers applied new technological approaches to study the iconic Neandertal skeleton, identifying fossil remains, pathological conditions, and confirming deliberate burial. The study sheds new light on Neandertal anatomy, behavior, and cultural practices.
A low-cost, open-source 3D bioprinter has been developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers, allowing users to print large-scale artificial human tissue with high resolution. The bioprinter, which costs under $500, is a significant cost reduction compared to existing commercial machines.
A study found that symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and conduct disorder are associated with increased errors in a driving simulator and self-reported risky driving behaviors in adolescents. Researchers suggest that understanding mental health factors can help reduce risky driving behaviors among novice teen drivers.
Dr. Jane Potter, MD, AGSF, is honored with the 2018 Dennis W. Jahnigen Award for advancing education for thousands of health professionals in geriatrics. Her work has shaped the education of many clinicians trained in recent decades.
A new pre-clinical study suggests that combining PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies with CD27 antibodies may lead to improved immune responses against cancer cells. The combination treatment showed up to 60% protection from cancer, compared to 10% with single treatments.
A study found that 65% of emergency department physicians underestimated their opioid prescription rates, but rates decreased after they saw their actual data. The researchers believe this change was due to the shock of seeing the reality of their actions versus their perceptions, priming them to make a change.
Researchers developed a new screening technique to evaluate e-liquid toxicity, finding that some ingredients are more toxic than others. The study suggests that even small doses of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin can significantly reduce cell growth rates, highlighting the need for further regulation of e-liquid ingredients.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have found that HDAC inhibitors can suppress proliferation and induce programmed cell death in ovarian cancer cells with ARID1A gene mutations. This new treatment approach has therapeutic potential, slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates in mouse models.
Researchers from NREL have pinpointed regions on enzymes that can be targeted via genetic engineering to break down cellulose faster. The team has gained a better understanding of the structure-activity relationships of these enzymes, which are crucial for industrial processes such as cellulosic ethanol production.
NASA analyzed satellite data to calculate Tropical Cyclone Nora's heavy rainfall in Queensland, revealing over 433 mm of rain in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The analysis also indicated significant precipitation along Nora's track into northwestern Queensland, causing flooding and landslides.
A new system using infrared light tags monitors face-to-face interactions with fine granularity, providing a more precise understanding of social interaction. The technique can increase the effectiveness of communications coaching and support real-time feedback during interviews.
Research suggests that narcissists are more likely to engage in 'mate poaching' - making a play for someone already in a relationship - due to their traits of selfishness and arrogance. However, they don't discriminate between single and taken individuals, instead going after whoever appeals to them.
A multi-decade study found that boys who spent more time with friends as children tended to have lower blood pressure and body mass index as men in their early 30s. The association held even after accounting for other potential influences, suggesting an early protective influence of childhood friendships on physical health.
The University of Liverpool has been awarded £3m in funding to support two innovative projects focused on improving drug delivery and ophthalmic innovations. The projects aim to develop novel materials and technologies that can benefit patients with various healthcare needs.
A new study suggests that Silk Road cities had limited and monotonous diets, while nomadic communities enjoyed a diverse smorgasbord of foods. Researchers used isotopic analysis of human bones to unlock information about ancient dietary regimens.
Researchers at Osaka University found that GTSF1 is essential for regulating piRNA-mediated cleavage of target RNA, preventing retrotransposon overactivity. This mechanism safeguards the genome in male germ cells.
Researchers developed a new healthcare model to address both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular comorbidities in heart failure patients. The study found that non-cardiovascular conditions had a greater burden on patients' quality of life, highlighting the need for an individualized treatment approach.
A team of researchers has identified the gene that enables electric fish to generate high-frequency electrical discharges, a phenomenon seen only in Apteronotid fish. This discovery sheds light on the evolution and function of specialized sodium channels in these animals.
A six-year study of 24 transgender men treated with testosterone therapy found no rise in estrogen levels and a later stabilization within normal ranges. The results support the safety of testosterone therapy for transgender men without additional risks to female reproductive tissues.
Researchers at RIT are creating a smart warehouse system where forklifts and robots can communicate to optimize workload allocation and navigation. The goal is to increase productivity and safety by automating warehouse processes.
A survey of 502 individuals found that patients are more willing to undergo non-invasive dental procedures such as teeth cleaning and whitening performed by a robot. The promise of half-price dentistry increased participants' willingness to accept robotic dentistry, with only 32% opposed at full price.
A new study suggests that multidisciplinary care programs for patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) are likely to be cost-effective. The study estimates that such programs add 0.23 quality-adjusted life years over usual care, with a cost of $51,285 per QALY gained.
Theresa Currier Thomas has received a $1.65 million grant to study traumatic brain injury and develop more effective treatments. The research aims to understand how communication in the brain changes after an injury, with implications for cognition, sensory processing, and mental health.
Researchers compared mouse and human blood vessels using three-dimensional imaging, revealing that mice have a more robust vascular structure against lower limb ischemia. The inferior gluteal artery in mice extends further than in humans, allowing for better bypassing of obstructions.
Researchers from FAU found warning signs of mass extinction existed 700,000 years before the event, including fossil records of dying species. They also note that current global warming, ocean acidification, and oxygen lack are evident in today's biodiversity crisis.
Researchers at TU Graz have developed a novel method for creating printed tattoo electrodes that can transmit electrical impulses from human to machine. The electrodes are thin, flexible, and conformable, allowing for accurate measurements over extended periods without restricting patient mobility or comfort.
Researchers create novel drive technology that enables wheels to work together in teams, allowing for interactive support and precise control. The system uses data generated by small electric motors within the rotating wheels to make decisions without additional sensors.
A new study in mice shows that turning on a gene called LZK can stimulate the healing process after spinal cord injuries, resulting in smaller scars. This trigger has implications for treating brain conditions through gene therapy targeting astrocytes.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of hundreds of villages in unexplored regions of the Amazon, home to diverse communities and agricultural practices. The research provides a wealth of information on the history of the Amazon, revealing that ancient populations had an impact on the environment, challenging previous assumptions.
A USU student-built experiment rocketed into space to test a new 'green' thruster technology developed by Stephen A. Whitmore. The mission aimed to determine if the thrusters' exhaust plumes contaminate spacecraft surfaces, and initial results suggest a clean burn.
Researchers have developed III-V quantum-dot lasers that can be integrated with silicon, offering significant energy savings and improved performance. The lasers can operate at higher temperatures and scale down to smaller sizes, making them promising for photonic circuits.
The EPSRC RCUK Catapult Researchers in Residence (RiR) initiative aims to accelerate impact, increase knowledge exchange, and develop new collaborations. The first tranche of 18 awards has been successfully funded.
Drs. William Applegate and Thomas Edes receive the prestigious Nascher/Manning Award for their groundbreaking contributions to geriatrics expertise. Both pioneers have made significant impacts on improving patient care, increasing access to home-based primary care, and advancing palliative care.
A new UCLA study found that a peer navigation treatment program can help former HIV-positive inmates stay on their medications and keep the virus controlled. The program showed significant improvement in viral suppression rates compared to the traditional approach used today.
Dr. J. Eugene Lammers, MD, MPH, FACP, AGSF, is the 2018 Clinician of the Year for his innovative approaches to care and commitment to empowering healthcare teams. He has worked with interdisciplinary teams across the U.S., prioritizing person-centered care for older adults.
Tropical Depression Jelawat continues to face southerly vertical wind shear, causing its convection to remain displaced to the north. By March 27, it had developed into a tropical depression with sustained winds near 34.5 mph.
The co-founders of the Global Burden of Disease study have been recognized for their groundbreaking work in measuring and analyzing the world's health issues. The award honors their pioneering efforts to improve health outcomes in developing countries, with the study providing critical intelligence for policy decisions.
University of Colorado Boulder engineers are developing a proof of concept for wireless power transfer that can transmit electrical energy through electric fields at high frequencies. This technology has the potential to enable electric vehicles to charge on the go, reducing the need for frequent charging stations and increasing drivin...
Research finds that lullabies soothe both mothers and babies simultaneously, while playful songs increase babies' attention and displays of positive emotion toward their mothers. Live concerts also trigger neural synchronization, creating a sense of community among concert-goers. These findings shed light on the universal power of musi...
Research published in The Journal of Physiology suggests that shifting brain clock through light exposure can improve sleep quality and health benefits for night shift workers. A personalized approach considering individual morning or evening types is essential.
A study found that evaluating and treating depression can improve or maintain cognitive functioning in some older patients with MCI. Approximately one third of participants who had progressed to MCI reverted back to normal cognition, suggesting that successful treatment may potentially reverse cognitive decline.
Researchers at ORNL's Quantum Information Science Group have developed methods to control dissipative behavior in quantum systems, allowing for advancements in quantum computing and sensing. The studies aim to probe and control quantum coherent dynamics in materials at the nanoscale.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that high doses of antiviral drug favipiravir extended survival in non-human primates infected with Ebola virus. The drug was shown to inhibit viral replication in a drug concentration-dependent manner, with animals treated at higher doses surviving longer than those treated at lower doses.
A study found that antibiotic use can increase the risk of severe West Nile disease in mice by weakening their immune response. The research suggests that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, making it harder for the body to fight off viral infections.
Researchers found that negative selection does not eliminate nonsense mutations entirely, but rather has a slight impact on some genes. They also discovered that alternative splicing allows some genes to preserve their functions despite the presence of nonsense mutations.
Research shows that human hunting has changed the relationship between mother bears and their cubs, causing mothers to stay with them for an additional year. This shift is attributed to the increased killing of females without cubs, forcing them to prioritize cub survival over reproductive efforts.
A new study from Dartmouth College and Carnegie Mellon University proposes a scheduling model that integrates inter-airline equity considerations into airport scheduling decisions. The approach aims to reduce flight congestion and delays by balancing efficiency and fairness.
Three Asian water snake species use varying approaches to capture soft-shelled crabs, including Gerarda, which rips them into bite-sized pieces, and Fordonia, which targets tiny hard-shelled crabs. These adaptations enable the snakes to overcome prey size limitations.
A study by computer scientists at the University of California - San Diego found that mining altcoins can earn higher returns than speculation, with daily returns ranging from 7-18% for miners. The researchers estimated potential profits using opportunity cost and simulated daily returns under various conditions.
A clinical trial, TAKE-IT, combines electronic medication monitoring and coaching to encourage adherence behavior in adolescent kidney transplant recipients. The study shows a 66% higher adherence rate among participants who used the digital health medication management solution with coaching.
A new study suggests that air pollution from traffic-related emissions is a significant contributor to childhood asthma cases in Bradford, with up to 24% of annual cases potentially attributed to this factor. The research highlights the need for policies aimed at reducing traffic-related air pollution to mitigate its effects on childre...
Researchers have developed opto-thermoelectric nanotweezers that can control particles at the nanoscale and analyze them in-situ. This technology has the potential to lead to new discoveries in nanotechnology, individual health monitoring, and biological systems.
MIT engineers create kirigami-patterned adhesive films that stick to highly deformable regions of the body, such as knees and elbows, and maintain their hold even after 100 bending cycles. The films' slits open at the center of bending, releasing tension and improving grip.
Research highlights the connection between diet, obesity, and various types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Dietary interventions like calorie restriction and low-fat diets may help reduce obesity-related cancer risk.
Researchers have developed the Malaria Cell Atlas, a reference map that maps malaria parasite development in unprecedented detail. The atlas allows for the identification of weak points in the parasite's lifecycle, paving the way for intervention with drugs and vaccines.
Researchers at UT Dallas paired vagus nerve stimulation with physical therapy to improve upper limb function in rodents. The results showed a significant increase in engaged neurons and sustained improvement months beyond VNS-paired therapy.
A new University of Bristol study reveals that two types of nicotinic receptors play distinct roles in long-term memory retrieval and encoding. The study suggests that drugs targeting individual nicotinic receptors could lead to more effective therapies for dementia.
A psychology professor's new paper suggests that facial expressions are used to achieve specific social outcomes, rather than revealing emotions. The study finds that certain expressions serve as 'social tools' in behavioral negotiation, and can be used to subdue or intimidate others.
Researchers have developed a microsensor that can monitor and adjust the composition of kidney dialysis fluid in real-time, potentially alleviating serious side effects. The microsensor, made by Eindhoven University of Technology, measures sodium concentrations accurately and live.
A research team at Case Western Reserve University is developing an AI-powered tool to analyze computerized images of tissue samples for patterns that can predict the risk of recurrence in oropharyngeal cancers. This could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients with these aggressive tumors.
Scientists at PNNL have developed an electrolyte solution that increases the charge/discharge cycles of lithium-metal batteries by up to seven times. This breakthrough enables electric vehicles to drive more than two times longer between charges.
Researchers found abnormal brain connectivity in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder, which may underlie the disorder's abnormal development and contribute to its mechanisms. The study suggests that these altered patterns could be used as potential imaging biomarkers for early diagnosis.
A University of Kent physiotherapist contributed to updated international guidelines for managing meniscal and articular cartilage lesions. The guidelines include new recommendations for physical therapy management after knee cartilage surgery, aiming to improve patient outcomes and return to previous activities.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School discovered an unrecognized cyclic pathway structure within the folate biosynthesis pathway, allowing each drug to enhance the activity of the other. This new mechanism has the potential to open doors for identification of other synergistic drug combinations.
A new exploratory study examines how use of sleep tracker data can improve physician-patient dialogue regarding sleep. The study will utilize Fitbit devices and track real-time sleep information to measure results, providing insight into the utility of consumer sleep monitoring devices in primary care.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use is associated with an increased initiation of cigarette smoking among non-cigarette smokers. Additionally, adults who smoke cigarettes and use cannabis are less likely to quit smoking than those who do not use cannabis.
Johns Hopkins surgeons develop a modified muscle transplant operation that restores wide and even smiles to selected patients with one-sided facial muscle paralysis. The procedure, published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, shows improvements in smile function, gum exposure, and eye wrinkles.
A randomised trial found that high doses of ivermectin can kill mosquitoes feeding on humans for at least 28 days. Adding ivermectin to community-wide antimalarial treatment campaigns could boost impact by up to 61 percent, reducing malaria prevalence in areas with low transmission rates.
A study found that six percent of visits to physicians involve high-risk anticholinergic medications, commonly used for depression and gastrointestinal disorders. The prevalence varies by physician specialty and patient demographics, with women and those from the South being more likely to receive these prescriptions.
A recent study analyzed patient safety reports from 2013-2016, identifying potential connections between EHR usability and patient harm. The researchers found that approximately 0.03% of reported safety events mentioned possible harm related to EHR usage.
Researchers successfully implemented a prosthetic system that utilizes individual brain cell patterns to enhance memory encoding and recall. In a pilot study, participants showed significant improvements in episodic memory performance, with the most notable gain observed when stimulated with correct-answer codes.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that menopausal hormone therapy users tend to have less abdominal fat tissue than other menopausal women. The protective effect disappeared rapidly after treatment stopped.
Researchers discovered a unique mechanism involving intrinsically disordered polypeptides in nuclear pore complexes that enable rapid recognition and binding of transport factors. This 'fuzzy' interaction allows for specific and speedy cell signaling, preventing DNA data breaches by viruses or faulty functioning.
The USDA is funding a four-year research project to investigate the environmental benefits of woody polyculture systems for crop production. Led by University of Illinois scientists, the study aims to compare different farming practices and estimate their impact on soil health, insect diversity, pollination, and carbon sequestration.
A Carnegie Mellon University team has received a three-year grant to refine a custom EEG system that can identify early markers for worsening brain injuries. The team will use the high-density EEG to detect cortical spreading depolarizations, or brain tsunamis, which are biomarkers for worsening brain injuries.
A team of researchers has observed unexpected rotational motion of hydrogen molecules within a molecular cage, which could lead to breakthroughs in hydrogen storage materials. The study provides fundamental insights into the behavior of quantum-influenced particles trapped in well-defined spaces.
The study explores the thermoelectric properties of nanometer-thick tin selenide crafted in thin films of connected 'nanoflakes', achieving a significant power factor improvement through doping with silver. This material has potential for miniaturized, environmentally friendly, low-cost thermoelectric and cooling devices.