Researchers discovered that bacteria can degrade solid bedrock by oxidizing iron and extracting energy from it. The study found that these microorganisms use proteins on their outer surface to move electrons, allowing them to 'munch' rocks without taking minerals into their cells.
A Linköping University study reveals that LGBTQ+ women's fear of childbirth is comparable to heterosexual women's but exacerbated by identity-related concerns. Healthcare staff must receive training to address minority stress and create trust with these patients.
Researchers used atmospheric methane measurements to detect and quantify methane emissions from a gas well blowout in Ohio. The estimated emission rate was 120 metric tons per hour, exceeding the peak emission rate from the Aliso Canyon blowout in California in 2015.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a plastic biosensor that can power itself using glucose, enabling continuous monitoring of key health indicators like blood sugar levels. The device uses an electron-transporting polymer and glucose oxidase enzyme to drive its circuitry, offering an ideal alternative to current implantable devices.
Researchers verified predictions of particles beyond standard physics, improving restrictions on theories explaining B meson decay anomalies. The analysis used artificial intelligence to eliminate background data and narrowed the area for searching for new physics.
A new study suggests that individuals with psychotic disorders experience persistent cognitive impairment across all areas of ability measured. Cognitive decline in these individuals may exceed expected age-related changes in some areas, particularly those related to symptoms and employment.
Researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Toronto have developed a sponge that captures and removes oil microdroplets from wastewater, improving upon previous concepts. The new sponge works faster and over a wider pH range than its predecessor, making it suitable for industrial wastewater applications.
A new study from the University of California San Francisco and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health challenges assumptions about contraceptive use among women. Despite having a strong preference against pregnancy, over half of the women studied used a contraceptive method.
Researchers found that children with mild to moderate asthma who experienced worsening symptoms had distinct bacterial groups in their upper airways, while those with well-controlled asthma had different bacteria. Altering the airway microbiome could potentially help patients with asthma.
A new study from Ohio State University reveals that time-of-use electricity rates increase costs for households headed by people with disabilities and the elderly, compromising their health. The research highlights the need to test and design time-of-use rates to avoid increasing hardship for vulnerable energy users.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered that a specific set of neurons in the brain can be targeted to stop seizure activity. The study's findings provide new hope for treating epilepsy, an incurable condition affecting millions worldwide.
A new treatment option for Ewing sarcoma is proposed by combining chemotherapy drug imatinib with diabetes medication metformin, according to Houston Methodist researchers. The combination has shown potential in treating the aggressive tumor in clinical trials.
A recent clinical trial found that nilotinib increases dopamine levels and reduces neurotoxic proteins in people with Parkinson's disease. The study also showed potential in halting motor and non-motor decline, making it a promising treatment option.
Researchers found that out-of-network billing at in-network hospitals occurs in about 10% of cases involving anesthesiologists, pathologists, radiologists, and assistant surgeons. This practice can lead to unexpected and expensive medical bills for patients with private health insurance.
Researchers at UCLouvain have made breakthroughs in understanding the immune system's role in cancer. They developed a new drug targeting immune system cells to stimulate anti-tumour responses, and are now testing it in human clinical trials.
A deep-Earth water cycle is possible if a key mineral called stishovite can store and transport large amounts of water under extreme conditions. This discovery indicates that water could be present far into the lower mantle, altering our understanding of planetary evolution.
A new CRISPR-based gene-drive system, Pro-AG, has been developed to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria with increased efficiency. The system uses a self-amplifying editing mechanism to insert tailored genetic payloads into target sites with high precision.
A new study from Washington State University found that employees who experience friendly and light-hearted flirtation at work tend to feel better about themselves and have lower stress levels. The research suggests that overly restrictive policies on workplace sexual behavior may be missing the mark and could even make situations worse.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that fluorodeoxyglucose PET, combined with high-resolution CT, can predict invasive histopathologic subtypes of early lung adenocarcinoma. The imaging technique also showed higher SUVmax values in invasive adenocarcinomas compared to non-invasive forms.
A survey of US acute care hospitals found that those with high psychological safety levels were more likely to adopt infection prevention practices requiring staff to speak up and challenge customs. This association suggests that creating a psychologically safe environment can enhance the effectiveness of infection control programs.
Researchers found a microbiome signature associated with endometrial cancer risk, particularly in postmenopausal women, and verified established risk factors including obesity and high vaginal pH. The study aims to develop a screening tool for early detection of endometrial cancer.
Researchers found that defective primary cilia can modulate connectivity between neurons during brain development and cause JSRD. Dysfunctional cilia affect axonal tract malformations in JSRD.
Researchers found that the sympathetic nervous system can limit the generation of effector responses by inhibiting the action of cells attacking an antigen. This discovery opens up opportunities for novel therapies in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
A new photoacoustic microscopy system developed by researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) can image blood vessels with high resolution and speed. This system enables real-time monitoring of blood flow, which is significant for diagnosing and treating stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
A new MIT study examines the opposing roles of natural gas in the battle against climate change, as a bridge toward a lower-emissions future and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To meet greenhouse gas reduction targets over the coming decade, present methods of controlling methane leakage would have to improve by 30-90 percent.
Research on mice suggests that antidepressant exposure during pregnancy can lead to long-term changes in brain activity and sensory processing. The study found abnormal brain activity in sensory areas of fluoxetine-exposed mice when stimulated with their front paws.
Researchers develop a new industrial laser system to study cold atom dynamics in space. By doubling the frequencies of widely used telecommunications lasers, their design enables accurate measurements of subtle variations in the Earth's gravitational field.
Scientists have developed a new gene-therapy technique using exosomes to communicate with other cells, which has shown promising results in slowing tumor growth and prolonging survival in mice with gliomas. The technology relies on patented technology that prompts human cells to produce nanocarriers containing a drug.
A recent study published in Cephalalgia found that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and sildenafil both provoke migraine attacks in patients, with no differences in clinical characteristics. The study suggests that these drugs may act through a single molecular pathway, offering potential for new preventive therapeutics.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made a key design advance in creating durable and non-toxic blue pigments. By analyzing the crystal structure of hibonite, they have developed a way to match or surpass the vividness of cobalt blue while using significantly less hazardous cobalt ion.
Researchers found that radiation triggers an immune response that severs connections between nerve cells, leading to damage and cognitive problems. The study suggests two potential approaches to prevent this damage: blocking a receptor responsible for synapse removal or tamping down the brain's immune response.
A new study by UK researchers found that people with one virus are less likely to catch another common cold-causing virus. The interaction is thought to occur both at an individual and population level, which could help improve forecasting models and disease control strategies.
The study reveals that interactions between planetary boundaries amplify human impacts, particularly in climate change and biosphere integrity. Reducing pressure on one boundary can lessen pressure on others, offering a win-win solution for sustainable development.
Adolescents and young adults ages 12-21 are at similar risk for prescription opioid overdose as adults, with mental health or substance use disorders increasing overdose odds by three times. Safe prescribing practices include using short-acting opioids and avoiding concurrent prescriptions with benzodiazepines.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed a novel water filtration process that mimics the human body's efficient water transport system. The new membrane technology shows impressive desalination properties, exhibiting selective salt removal with higher efficiency than current processes.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that uses RNA sequencing and bioinformatics to identify sudden transcriptomic switches in healthy liver tissue, turning them cancerous. The tool can predict tumor stages and prognosis for patients with liver cancer.
Researchers used microscopic shells to reveal that California waters are acidifying twice as fast as the global ocean average, posing a threat to the state's economically valuable fisheries. The study found decade-long changes in acidity patterns, which match the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, a natural warming and cooling cycle.
A Wayne State University research team will develop algorithms to detect and prevent cyberattacks on chemical process control systems, enhancing production efficiency and safety. The three-year project aims to create stronger safeguards against automation system attacks.
Researchers at the University of York found that non-native plants are supporting communities of British insects, including pollinators and beetles. The study suggests that a balance between native and non-native plants may provide the best home for most insects.
Research finds that male scientists frame their research findings more positively, leading to higher citations and potential career advantages. Women are underrepresented in academic medicine and face biases in peer review.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that changes in VEP latency can accurately reflect remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients, providing a potential outcome measure for evaluating new treatments.
Splice-altering mutations can contribute to inherited predisposition to cancer by altering RNA splicing patterns. The cBROCA method identifies altered transcripts and associated genes, revealing potential therapeutic targets.
A study by Princeton University researchers found that climate change could lead to more frequent and earlier outbreaks of RSV respiratory infection in North America. The virus' spread is influenced by humidity and rainfall, which are expected to shift northward due to changing weather patterns.
Researchers analyzed respiratory illness cases and found competition between respiratory viruses may explain declining common cold infections during winter. This finding can help improve forecasting and understanding of circulation trends and infection risks.
Using dimmer, cooler lights in the evening and brighter, warmer lights during the day may be more beneficial to health than previously thought. The body clock uses a specialized protein to measure brightness, and blue colors have a weaker impact on the clock than white or yellow light of equivalent brightness.
Researchers discovered gigantic clouds of gaseous carbon spanning over 30,000 light-years around young galaxies using ALMA. The findings indicate that carbon atoms produced inside stars in the early Universe have spread beyond galaxies, challenging current understanding of cosmic evolution.
The mind composes meanings from separate words through a dynamic interaction between brain regions, using multi-modal cues. Humans and artificial intelligence systems differ in representing meaning, with humans using contextual knowledge and emotional cues.
Researchers found that opioid prescribing patterns were linked to an increased risk of overdose among adolescents and young adults without cancer. The study used a private insurance claims database to examine 2.7 million individuals, revealing significant associations between opioid use and overdose risk.
The home hospital model, where patients receive hospital-level care at home, has been shown to lower costs and improve care. The randomized controlled trial found that home hospital patients had 38% lower total direct costs, fewer lab orders, and lower readmission rates.
A peer support program for surgeons has been shown to improve well-being, enhance patient safety, and decrease burnout. The program provides a safe space for surgeons to share their experiences and receive emotional support from fellow surgeons who understand their challenges.
Population genomic datasets reveal that Antarctic penguin species expanded rapidly after the Last Glacial Maximum, while those in ice-free habitats showed less expansion. Climate change may be driving similar demographic shifts again as global warming continues.
A study by Jan Ohlberger and colleagues found that orca predation contributes to more rapid growth, earlier maturation, and a 9% decrease in Chinook salmon body size. The impact is particularly pronounced on larger, older fish, highlighting the need for reconciling marine mammal conservation with management of Chinook salmon populations.
Researchers created a polymer thermal regulator that can switch between conducting and insulating states, allowing for precise control of heat flow. This breakthrough enables potential applications in fields such as refrigeration, computing, and waste heat scavenging.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new tool that provides more reliable and precise results in identifying protein targets for cancer drugs. The tool uses a database of experimentally determined data to analyze the effects of different drugs on various types of cancer cells.
The study reveals that inbreeding is high among southern white rhinos due to their unique mating behavior, which includes female preference for individual males over others.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has created a data-driven 'vocation compass' that suggests different occupations tend to have distinct personality profiles. The research used Twitter data to group similar jobs together, revealing that software programmers and scientists are often open to exp...
The study found that higher doses of radiation and adding the drug cetuximab did not improve patient survival compared to standard of care chemoradiation. The 5-year overall survival estimate for the standard radiation dose arm was 32.1%, amongst the highest for Stage III NSCLC.
A new data science institute will focus on the theory and application of data science at UIC, developing a curriculum and promoting interdisciplinary collaborations. The institute aims to train the next generation of data scientists, particularly underrepresented groups.
A study conducted by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found that pregnant women in coastal Florida have higher mercury concentrations in their hair due to fish consumption, particularly from the Indian River Lagoon. The study also highlighted the importance of education on safe seafood sources and spe...
Researchers have developed injectable hydrogels that can tune the body's inflammatory response, promoting or reducing inflammation as needed. The study found that positively charged hydrogels triggered stronger responses for wound-healing and cancer treatment, while negatively charged gels were better suited for drug delivery.