Researchers have discovered a new catalyst using bulk cerium oxide that can efficiently remove oxygen from biomass, enabling more economical conversion to fuels and chemicals. The discovery could reduce energy use and carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel production.
A new gene, NPSR1, has been discovered that promotes natural short sleep and prevents memory deficits associated with sleep deprivation. The researchers found that the mutant version of NPSR1 is easier to activate and better at switching on other proteins involved in wakefulness.
A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies found that mosquitoes in lower-income neighborhoods have larger bodies, which can transmit diseases more efficiently. The researchers measured wing length and habitat features to understand how socioeconomic conditions influence mosquito-borne disease risk.
Researchers discovered that different mechanisms govern chromosome interaction with the synaptonemal complex, particularly for sex chromosomes like X. The findings highlight the importance of structural features over primary amino acid sequences and suggest a chromosome-specific aspect to human meiotic defects.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of six studies with over 200,000 participants found that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of developing maternal diabetes and hypertension. The study suggests that breastfeeding may have a protective effect against these conditions.
A recent study suggests that BRICS countries can curb the spread of invasive species by forming networks of researchers dedicated to invasion science. The study proposes a 'facilitated' network model that would allow for rapid responses to emerging alien species and substantial increases in capacity to tackle existing invasions.
Scientists have linked abnormal tau in the brain to at least 25 neurodegenerative diseases, but current diagnosis requires analyzing brain tissue after death. The new test uses cerebrospinal fluid to detect abnormal tau, offering hope for diagnosing less common neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
A new study reveals that using average emissions intensities can lead to errors in estimating the benefits of interventions, potentially compromising their implementation. By analyzing electricity from PJM, researchers found that ignoring marginal emissions can underestimate damages avoided by 50%. The study highlights the importance o...
A new study at Rush University Medical Center aims to determine whether a combination of lifestyle changes can protect memory and thinking skills in people at risk of developing dementia. The two-year U.S. POINTER clinical trial will enroll 2,000 adults between 60-79 years old with no current memory problems or exercise habits.
For most healthy individuals, statin use is uncertain and its benefits are small, while potential harms exist. The research suggests that lower-risk groups may not reach acceptable levels of risk reduction to justify taking daily statins.
A new study found that tiny particles formed in the tropics can brighten lower-level clouds, which may impact global cooling predictions. The research used measurements from a massive airborne study to understand how these particles form and contribute to cloud properties.
Researchers aim to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis by studying the molecular mechanisms of transmission and placenta development. The team will investigate how Toxoplasma gondii infection affects fetal development and explore potential treatments.
Researchers found that European nightjars begin their autumn migration 10 days after the full moon and synchronize their flight to depart at the same time. The study reveals that moonlight affects the birds' activity patterns, enabling them to hunt more efficiently and replenish energy reserves.
Arapaima's scales are made of tough yet flexible layers bound by collagen, adapting to prevent piranha bites. The thick collagen layers may be the secret to its defense.
A recent study by Brown University researchers found that biologically diverse communities are more resistant to environmental changes and can thrive in turbulent areas. This is because highly mobile species can adapt to changing conditions by darting to safe locations or accessing abundant food sources.
A recent study found that established brands are less affected by fake news on social media, with trust remaining unaffected. The researchers tested 468 consumers and found those who could detect misinformation were more likely to perceive the post as manipulative.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a nanomesh drug delivery system that can effectively treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The system, which uses electrospinning and gold nanoparticles, was tested with antibiotics Colistin and Vancomycin and showed promising results.
Research by Lancaster University finds that family-related considerations often trump a desire to grow among firms with multiple generations of the same family in senior roles. Non-active family members as major shareholders and non-family members on boards encourage growth, while active family members are more conservative and risk-av...
Researchers detected energy transfer from excited electrons to the crystal lattice on the femtosecond timescale, enabling the development of materials that retain energy for longer periods. This study contributes to the retardation of decoherence and the creation of quantum information devices such as optical switches.
Between 2000 and 2015, the number of US deaths from cardiovascular disease among people aged 25 to 64 rose substantially. This trend is attributed to increased rates of heart disease and stroke.
A team of astronomers discovered three areas in the disk of a young star where gas is cascading into gaps, indicating the presence of forming planets. The study confirms a theory about how planets acquire their atmospheres, suggesting that warmer gas from the outer layers of the disk forms the atmosphere of the planet.
A study by Ohio State University found that partisan media use is linked to stronger negative feelings and false beliefs about political opponents. Researchers surveyed Americans using various news outlets during the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections, discovering a correlation between increased hostility and belief in misperceptions.
Researchers at the University of Delaware found that 3D-printed coral models do not harm fish behavior or coral survival. Fish showed no preference between native coral and artificial habitats, making biodegradable materials like cornstarch a promising alternative to plastic.
A Japanese research team developed a virtual walking system that records a person's walk and replays it to another user, creating an illusion of walking. The system uses pre-recorded oscillating optic flow and synchronous foot vibrations to induce sensations of self-motion, walking, leg action, and telepresence.
A study examining sociodemographic factors associated with passing American Board of Surgery board exams found that women and family-salaried physicians were more likely to pass. General surgeons who identified as Asian or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander also had higher board exam passing rates.
Research by Imperial College London and the University of Turku found that premature babies transferred to a different hospital within 48 hours had an increased risk of severe brain injury. In contrast, staying in a hospital with a specialist neonatal unit was associated with a lower risk of death.
A survey of 1,718 individuals from 69 countries found Hispanic and Latinx people willing to participate in genomics research studies, but with notable differences when segmented by country of birth and residence. Researchers emphasize the need for diversity in genetics research, including community-oriented approaches and cultural rele...
Research reveals that human medicines influencing serotonin and dopamine systems alter the boldness and explorative behaviour of three-spined sticklebacks, highlighting potential consequences for aquatic ecosystems. The study confirms the role of these signal substances in individual personality differences and stress resilience.
A new study examines the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in mediating conflict among team members. Researchers found that while humans initially engaged with a virtual agent during mission planning, their engagement decreased as conflicts arose, suggesting a limit to trust in AI-mediated conflict resolution.
Researchers have identified 10 previously hidden pyridine alkaloids in fire ant venom, which could help explain the severity of bites and potential health complications. These compounds are found in different species of fire ants and even within individual ant castes.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that warmer springs cause blue tits to begin breeding earlier, with chicks hatching after peak caterpillar numbers. This suggests that night-time temperatures and tree leafing cues influence bird reproductive timing.
The Plants-3D program will provide academic and entrepreneurial training to 50 students, equipping them with cutting-edge technologies to increase crop yields and nutritional value. The synthetic biology approach will enable plants to tolerate increased stress levels, reducing the need for fertilizer.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center report a measurable increase in inflammation after four weeks of e-cig use without nicotine or flavors. The study suggests that even short-term usage can result in inflammatory changes at a cellular level, a concern as vaping usage is rapidly outpacing scientific understanding.
Researchers discovered a brain circuit linking cigarette smoking to type 2 diabetes, showing that nicotine consumption leads to reduced insulin release and higher blood sugar levels. The study found that variations in the Tcf7l2 gene may influence both tobacco addiction and diabetes development.
The University of Chicago is part of a 3½-year project aiming to harmonize cancer research data, advancing treatments and providing better care. The Center for Cancer Data Harmonization will align with the National Institutes of Health's Cancer Research Data Commons.
Researchers found that age-dependent effects on color perception can lead to different perceptions of white LED lighting. Designs that consider these differences can improve the aesthetic appeal of LED lighting. The study suggests using modern colorimetry to minimize inter-user discrepancies in LED emitters.
Researchers have developed a new kind of robotics that can assemble large structures from identical subunits using simple robotic systems. The system works by having the robot work together with the structure, adjusting its position as it adds each piece, allowing for efficient and precise assembly.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that ANT is crucial for mitophagy, a quality control process removing damaged mitochondria, and found that mutations leading to defective quality control cause heart disease. The study reveals ANT's two distinct roles: producing ATP and regulating mitophagy.
A study shows that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can relieve self-reported symptoms and side-effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients, including bleeding, urinary incontinence, and pain. The treatment, administered for 30-40 sessions, was found to be highly effective for the majority of patients.
Australian researchers have discovered a link between itchy skin and gut pain in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients. The study found that identical receptors cause both conditions, leading to chronic abdominal pain and rewiring of the nervous system.
MIT researchers create a visual deprojection model that recovers valuable data lost from images and video by learning patterns in low-dimensional projections. The model has successfully recreated video frames showing people walking and recovered motion-blurred images, with potential applications in medical imaging.
A new approach to identifying killer T lymphocytes in patients with gastrointestinal tumors has been developed, which can hone in on unique mutations expressed in cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized and effective cell therapies for patients who do not respond to current immunotherapies.
Scientists have assembled a set of genetic sequences to improve the human reference genome, which better reflects global genetic diversity and provides more accurate interpretations of whole-genome sequencing data. The new resource benefits researchers studying diverse human populations and future sequencing studies.
Scientists have created a quantitative map of radioactive cesium-rich microparticle distribution in Fukushima soils, shedding light on their origin and environmental impact. The study suggests three regions of particular interest, with varying levels of microparticle abundance and radioactivity.
Blue Wave AI Labs will develop predictive models of reactor components using billions of nuclear reactor data points, enabling timely and safe replacements. The project aims to create a virtual sensor platform for nuclear reactor operations and maintenance, potentially applicable to future energy-production systems.
A new study published in Cancer Research found that excess fat in the liver impairs a tumor-suppressing protein named HNF4α, increasing cancer risk. The research provides potential mechanisms for the growing incidence of liver cancer linked to fatty liver disease.
Biologists have documented the widespread presence of the notorious chytrid fungus in 80 species of frogs from lowland rainforest sites in the Peruvian Amazon. The study found that even lowland frogs with high levels of fungal infection showed no external signs of disease, suggesting they could serve as a large disease reservoir.
A new rapid assay for Lyme disease uses several biomarkers to detect infection and is more sensitive than current tests when diagnosing early after suspected infection. The research could lead to a practical test for healthcare providers.
Researchers found a strong association between chronic stress and hypertension in African Americans, with those reporting high stress levels facing a 22% increased risk over time. Lifestyle changes may help prevent hypertension, but culturally sensitive interventions are needed to address disparities.
Scientists create a metal oxide@MOF composite with enhanced durability and capacitance, showing promise for electrochemical capacitor energy storage devices. The composite exhibits high cycling stability, specific capacitance, and energy density.
A new study has found that a father's low-protein diet can affect the quality of his sperm and impact the long-term cardiovascular health of his offspring. The study used mouse models to show that a poor-quality diet altered genetic information carried in sperm, changing blood vessel formation in developing fetuses.
Researchers used AI techniques to analyze patterns in fish schools, discovering a solution that balances simplicity and accuracy. The model, inspired by 'attention networks', can predict the behavior of individual fish with 90% accuracy, offering new insights into collective behaviors.
A recent study published in Injury Prevention described a method for categorizing self-injury mortality, allowing closer examination of national trends in suicide and drug-related deaths. The study found that suicide is likely underreported for females due to less violent and less obvious methods.
The Department of Energy announces private-public awards to advance fusion energy technology through the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy program INFUSE. The funded projects will provide companies with access to DOE's national laboratories to overcome critical scientific and technological hurdles in pursuing fusion energy systems.
Researchers discovered a diverse range of bacterial symbionts in deep-sea mussels, with each strain fulfilling different functions and enabling the mussel to adapt quickly to changing environments. This diversity challenges current evolutionary theories and suggests that similar symbionts can coexist.
A new BU School of Public Health study reveals people with PTSD are 1.8 times more likely to develop any infection compared to those without the condition. The study found distinct effects on men and women, with PTSD increasing a woman's risk of urinary tract infections, while having a greater impact on men's risk of skin infections.
A recent poll shows that almost 9 in 10 Canadians support a national pharmacare plan providing equal access to medications. Most federal parties are offering major policy proposals to introduce national pharmacare, but long-term thinking is crucial to its success.
The University of Texas at Arlington researcher is using Daphnia, a freshwater microcrustacean, to study the genetic mechanisms of parthenogenesis and its implications for human reproductive health. The study aims to understand how environmental conditions affect the switch between sexual and asexual reproduction in these animals.
Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine identify new pathway to destroy cancer cells using PARP inhibitor and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor combination. The therapy has a synergistic effect when combined with radiation therapy, potentially expanding treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer patients.
The Suomi NPP satellite revealed that Tropical Storm Melissa was experiencing wind shear, causing the strongest thunderstorms to be displaced. This led to a weakening of the storm's circulation, with only scattered clouds and precipitation remaining.