A team from Princeton University used mathematical modeling to explore the relationship between T cell expansion and infectious agent levels. They found that the starting amount of infectious agent and affinity for the cells are key factors in determining the expansion rate. The study suggests a simple underlying mechanism governing th...
A clinical study led by Flavio Frohlich at UNC School of Medicine successfully reduced depression symptoms in about 70 percent of participants using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The treatment target specific alpha oscillations in the brain, bringing them back into balance and decreasing symptoms.
A new study forecasts that ocean acidification will reduce the depth at which some shelled organisms can survive to just 83 meters by 2100. This drastic reduction in viable habitat could impact marine food webs significantly and lead to cascading changes across ocean ecosystems.
Researchers observed Ceratina nigrolabiata bees employing biparental care and social monogamy to safeguard offspring. This unconventional approach allows for increased protection of offspring, benefiting male bees by enhancing their mating prospects.
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new device that can ascertain the orientation of skin tension lines, crucial for wound-healing post-surgery. The device directly measures skin tension direction with high accuracy, making it more reliable than existing methods.
A Yale team isolated antibodies from mice bitten by mosquitoes and found a protein, AgBR1, that exacerbates Zika infection. Blocking this protein with an antiserum reduced Zika virus levels and provided partial protection in infected mice.
A new species of stiletto snake, Atractaspis branchi, has been discovered in the western Upper Guinea forests. The snake can attack and stab sideways with its fangs sticking out of the corner of its mouth, making it difficult to handle.
A large-scale study of 187 explorers and 11,000 households found no correlation between birth order and risk-taking behavior in adulthood. The research suggests that family dynamics do not impact an individual's willingness to take risks in adulthood.
The revised guidelines address pharmacogenetics, diagnosis of mental disorders with new molecular genetic technologies, and ethical challenges of genetic testing in psychiatric patients. Key findings include a lack of consensus on CNV testing in adults with mental illness and the need for more research to identify relevant genes.
A team of USC researchers developed an AI-controlled robotic limb that can learn a new walking task in 5 minutes and adapt to other tasks without programming. The robot uses bio-inspired algorithms to build an internal map of its limb and environment, enabling it to develop personalized movements.
Researchers found that lower blood pressure is associated with increased risk of death in adults over 80, and those who've had a heart attack or stroke. This study's results suggest adjusting antihypertensive treatment based on individual needs, moving away from blanket approaches.
A study found that nearly all colleges have dedicated lactation spaces, but only a quarter include them in campus construction standards. The researchers hope to help institutions create more comprehensive policies and resources for breastfeeding moms.
Researchers have developed a metric called IMM-AGE to accurately understand an individual's immune status, providing increased information for accurate prediction and management of risks. This new capability has major implications for drug development, including the design of future vaccine trials and re-evaluating past vaccine trials.
Researchers have identified a novel transcription factor called Osteoblast Inducer-1 (ObI-1) that regulates the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into bone in mice. This discovery has significant implications for regenerative medicine, as MSCs offer a promising source of stem cells for therapeutic applications.
Research suggests that adolescent binge drinking increases risk for anxiety later in life by altering brain connectivity and epigenetic programming. Abnormal epigenetic changes in the amygdala, a key emotional regulation center, can lead to lasting susceptibility to psychological issues.
Tropical Cyclone Idai was detected by NASA's Aqua satellite on March 11, 2019, with powerful thunderstorms wrapping around an eye obscured by high clouds. The storm was forecast to make landfall near Beira, Mozambique as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 knots.
Researchers found that younger patients with early-onset colorectal cancer have unique genetic mutations and subtypes of the disease. Patients with predisposing conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, also exhibit distinct clinical and genetic characteristics compared to those without such conditions.
Researchers found that mangrove fiddler crab burrows change the surrounding sediment, attracting bacteria with similar functions across three locations. This effect, known as bioturbation, influences environmental processes such as carbon and nutrient fluxes in mangrove ecosystems.
Scientists at ORNL solved a 50-year-old puzzle explaining why beta decays are slower than expected by including subtle effects in theoretical models. The team used ORNL's Titan supercomputer to simulate tin-100 decay into indium-100, demonstrating increased confidence in computing nuclear processes.
A new study reveals how the long-horned passalid beetle's gut microbiome breaks down woody biomass into energy-rich products like acetate and biofuels. The findings provide insights into a nature-derived approach to producing affordable fuels and bioproducts.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that loss of blood vessels in the retina may signal Alzheimer's disease, even before cognitive symptoms appear. The study used non-invasive technology to analyze retinal blood vessels and detected differences between people with Alzheimer's and those with healthy brains.
Researchers have designed a novel polymer that can switch its thermal conductivity in response to light, enabling on-demand heat routing. The material's unique behavior has potential applications in managing heat for sensitive electronics and keeping electrical devices warm.
Researchers found that PM2.5 pollution is disproportionately caused by the consumption of goods and services by the non-Hispanic white majority, but disproportionately inhaled by black and Hispanic minorities. This disparity is driven by differences in consumption patterns and exposure to pollution.
A QUT-led study found that improved hospital cleaning practices reduced healthcare-associated infections by 37% and decreased overall infection rates by 5.8%. The cleaning bundle was successful in improving thoroughness and showed promise in reducing vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections.
Scientists at the University of Rochester's LLE have successfully turned a liquid metal into a plasma, exhibiting classical properties at high temperatures. This discovery has implications for better understanding stars and planets, as well as realizing controlled nuclear fusion, a promising alternative energy source.
Global crop-growing regions will experience changes in rainfall patterns by 2040, even if Paris Agreement targets are met. Up to 14% of wheat and maize land will be drier while up to 31% will be wetter.
Two universities have collaborated to overcome a fundamental hurdle in building quantum computers in silicon. This collaboration opens the way for further development of machines at scale, enabling billions of qubits to be built in complex arrays.
A study found that climate change and wildfires can lead to abrupt loss of low-elevation forests due to reduced tree regeneration after disturbances. Annual climate conditions now cross critical thresholds at most study sites, making it challenging for trees to regenerate.
Physicists at the University of Basel have demonstrated spontaneous spin polarization in a two-dimensional material, molybdenum disulfide. The phenomenon occurs due to interactions between electrons and weak spin-orbit coupling, contradicting a well-known theorem from the 1960s.
Researchers have developed a method to use atovaquone-coated mosquito bed nets to cure mosquitoes and prevent malaria spread. The treatment could be more effective and less harmful than current methods.
A new, wallaby-sized herbivorous dinosaur named Galleonosaurus dorisae has been identified from five fossilized upper jaws found in 125 million-year-old rocks in southeastern Australia. The discovery confirms that the diversity of small-bodied dinosaurs was unusually high in the ancient rift valley.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh found evidence that a juvenile T. rex fed on a plant-eating Edmontosaurus dinosaur, despite lacking adult bone-crushing abilities. The discovery provides insight into how T. rex developed changes in diet and feeding habits as it grew.
A research team has successfully computed millions of highly accurate atomic data for neodymium ions, enabling studies of the origin of precious metals like gold and platinum. The findings show that the light of a kilonova, emitted by neutron star mergers, contains abundant heavy elements.
A study by University of Pennsylvania sociologists found that high-income residents moving into tech-enabled neighborhoods increase carbon emissions, displacing low-income populations. The research highlights the need for affordable housing and sustainable planning to counteract gentrification's negative effects.
Researchers analyzed sentinel chickens to detect Eastern equine encephalitis virus, finding its presence year-round in the Florida Panhandle. A new hand-washing product, SuperTowel, shows potential to limit disease spread in humanitarian crises. The global 'pandemic' of fake medicines kills over 250,000 children annually.
Catherine Costello has made a lasting impact in proteomics with her groundbreaking research on biologically important polymers and their structures. She is the author of over 375 scientific papers and has received numerous awards for her contributions to mass spectrometry.
Elevated soothability in infants was associated with increased likelihood of early childhood obesity and shorter breastfeeding duration. Infant temperaments of elevated soothability and activity also linked to early introduction of sugary drinks, contributing to obesity risk.
Researchers at Portland State University will study a novel method of generating electricity from ocean waves using adjustable magnetic springs. The goal is to create cost-effective and smaller devices that can harness wave energy more efficiently.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that schools with diverse mission statements show improved cardiovascular health in students of color. These environments tend to be more supportive and inclusive, leading to better academic success and reduced discipline rates.
Researchers in the EPic Lab have made a breakthrough in developing a crucial element of an atomic clock, improving efficiency by 80%. The technology has the potential to revolutionize navigation systems, potentially replacing satellite mapping like GPS within 20 years.
Researchers at the University of Bradford have identified a new biomarker that could help diagnose PAH earlier, potentially leading to better treatment options. The study reveals how a faulty gene affects cell death regulation in the blood vessels.
A recent study has found that Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) acts as a sensor to mechanical forces generated by the cytoskeleton, activating biochemical signals regulating cell migration. This discovery provides new insights into how cancer cells invade and metastasize, potentially leading to therapies targeting this mechanism.
A recent NIH study found that nearly one-third of preteens (ages 10-12) screen positive for suicide risk in emergency department settings. This highlights the need for universal youth suicide risk screening, which may save lives and prevent undetected cases.
Physicists have solved a 50-year-old mystery in beta decay, a process that drives stellar explosions and synthesizes elements. Using advanced computing power, researchers found that the beta decay rate for an atomic nucleus is more complicated than initially thought.
Researchers found that note-taking during trials enhances jurors' recall of critical evidence and influences verdicts. Jurors with faster handwriting speed, higher short-term memory capacity, and better sustained attention remembered more incriminating evidence, leading to a greater likelihood of finding the defendant guilty.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people in rural communities are more vulnerable to both hot and cold temperature extremes than those living in urban areas. The disparity was greater for women, older adults, and those with poor public health system coverage.
Guidelines update suggest children can begin some activity sooner, as long as symptoms don't worsen. Average time to move through stages of recovery varies from 48 hours to six weeks.
A new study using ice cores and tree rings reveals a third massive solar storm in history, occurring in 660 BCE, with others in 775 CE and 994 CE. These rare events pose a risk to electrical grids, communication systems, and air traffic.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed magnetic field sensors that can detect biomagnetic fields produced by the human body under normal ambient conditions. The sensors can detect signal strengths far below a billionth of a tesla, enabling non-contact medical diagnostics and geophysical applications.
A study found that parents who use e-cigarettes are more likely to allow vaping in homes and cars than those who smoke traditional cigarettes. However, most parents reported having strict smoke-free policies in their homes, but these policies were not always enforced.
Researchers analyzed honey from urban beehives to detect pollutants like lead and zinc. The study found higher element concentrations near downtown areas with heavy traffic and industrial activity, suggesting potential manmade sources of pollution.
A new framework for global species monitoring has been developed to improve tracking of biodiversity trends worldwide. The framework, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, aims to address the 'woefully inadequate' current information on species populations and ecosystems.
UK researchers found that mobile devices are increasingly used during alone-together time with parents, increasing by nearly 30 minutes a day between 2000 and 2015. Despite this, shared activities like eating and watching TV remained unchanged at around 90 minutes per day.
A research team at Osaka University has identified a genetic factor essential for the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major threat to public health globally. The study reveals that the cbpJ gene is under strict negative selective pressure, making it an attractive target for drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The UK Biobank has released a vast tranche of new genetic data linked to detailed health records, offering an unprecedented resource for understanding human biology and aiding therapeutic discovery. The data includes novel loss of function associations with large effects on disease risk, such as between PIEZO1 and varicose veins.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory create a new technique called ultrafast surface X-ray scattering to study the motion of atoms in single atomic crystals. The method reveals counterintuitive effects on atomic behavior, shedding light on the properties of two-dimensional materials.
Researchers found that cash transfer programs can exacerbate environmental degradation, particularly in rural areas where livelihoods depend on natural resources. The study suggests that these programs need to be implemented with environmental policies to maximize their effectiveness.
A collaborative study between Seattle Children's Research Institute and Microsoft data scientists found that smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). The study estimated that up to 800 deaths from SUID could be prevented each year if women smoked no cigarettes during pregnancy.
A new study found that urban children with poorly controlled asthma experience higher school absences and lower academic performance. Ethnic minority children, particularly Latino kids, face greater disparities in academic outcomes due to unique stressors related to their background and migration experiences.
New research finds that smaller doses of solar geoengineering could work in tandem with emission cuts to lower the risks of a changing climate. The study suggests that no IPCC-defined region would be made worse off, with big uncertainties remaining but potentially uniform benefits across the globe.