The Cool Science program is expanding its reach to other cities and towns in Massachusetts and Kansas, introducing it to young people and commuters, while also adding adult mentors. The program aims to study the effectiveness of using art to teach climate science and extreme weather events.
A team of WPI researchers has received a $3 million NSF grant to investigate human-robot interaction in the workplace. The project will train 120 graduate students from various STEM fields to develop skills for navigating robot-assisted work environments.
Researchers discovered four new strains of human adenovirus in Singapore, with two strains linked to severe respiratory diseases. The study highlights an increase in adenovirus types 4 and 7 among pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for antiviral therapies and vaccine development.
Scientists have created a new method to isolate quantum images from classical illumination, enabling ultra-sensitive microscopy and potential applications in quantum communications. By leveraging image distillation, they can retrieve 'quantum illuminated' images even with high classical illumination.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to mimic human SF3B1 mutations in C. elegans worms, identifying three splicing factors as potential targets for cancer therapy. The study also humanized a region of the SF3B1 protein binding site, enabling testing of Pladienolide B-derived molecules.
A genetic test can now be developed for the mutation discovered in the RAPGEF6 gene in miniature bull terriers. The study identifies an important role for RAPGEF6 in laryngeal nerve function, with carriers of the mutation having a 10- to 17-fold increased risk of laryngeal paralysis.
Researchers found that mindfulness meditation boosts the positive long-term effects of a single dose of psilocybin, reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness. The study showed that meditation can counteract negative reactions to psilocybin and increase empathy and altruism.
Researchers found that athletes who focus solely on winning will engage in antisocial behavior, while prosocial behavior from teammates can boost performance and enjoyment. Coaches' coercive practices also lead to moral disengagement and negative team spirit.
Researchers from Xyphos and Gladstone Institutes published preclinical data demonstrating that convertibleCAR cells can significantly reduce latent reservoirs of diverse HIV strains. This approach targets specific cells for destruction using bispecific MicAbodies, providing a promising solution to the HIV/AIDS cure.
Researchers found that iron-poor environments limit fish populations worldwide, including areas with no fishing activity. The study highlights the crucial role of iron in marine animal ecology and suggests a new perspective on fish life cycles.
A new study found that showing young children examples of gender-nonconforming peers who exhibit positive traits reduced bias against them. The intervention was tested on 315 Hong Kong Chinese children aged 4-9 years old.
A 370-million-year-old tetrapod, Parmastega aelidae, had a skull resembling a crocodile with eyes above its head, indicating it could keep an eye on prey while swimming. It used slender needle-like teeth and elastic jaws to snatch prey before crushing it with massive fangs.
Researchers at RIKEN have confirmed that atomic nuclei with 34 neutrons are more stable than expected, exhibiting strong shell closure. This finding demonstrates that 34 is a 'magic number', a set of numbers where the shells are completely filled and the nucleus exhibits unique properties.
The 6-month study aboard the ISS will evaluate the ability of Lamborghini's carbon fiber materials to withstand extreme conditions, including temperature fluctuations, radiation exposure, and vacuum. The research aims to develop technologies and devices that could be used on Earth and in space.
Researchers at Scripps Research identified cellular workings that stop and restart early brain development in tadpoles. When food is reintroduced after a period of starvation, neural progenitor cells resume dividing and the brain catches up on its growth.
The NSF awards $2.8M to develop a Scalable Cyberinfrastructure Institute for Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (SCIMMA) to analyze large-scale distributed data. The project aims to accelerate scientific discovery in multi-messenger astrophysics by facilitating global collaborations.
A new study published in Geosphere uses GIS-based analysis to reveal the complex geometry of the Rose Canyon fault zone beneath downtown San Diego. The researchers compiled data from hundreds of individual reports and created a centralized geodatabase to examine the fault zone's shape and potential hazard.
Researchers have created a synthetic abscisic acid (ABA) mimic, opabactin, nearly 10 times more effective in manipulating crop water use than natural ABA. The molecule demonstrates high potency in wheat and tomato plants and provides long-lasting protection against underwatering.
A new drought index, SEDI, sensitively captures biological changes in ecosystems due to drought evolution. The study assesses its effectiveness in highlighting vegetation responses to climatic fluctuations and heavy droughts.
A new study of nearly 5 million patients shows that ACE inhibitors are not as effective in treating hypertension as thiazide diuretics, which cause fewer cardiovascular events. The research highlights the need for more evidence to guide drug selection in treating high blood pressure.
A recent lupus study reveals significant epigenetic differences between black women and other populations, impacting disease progression and severity. Researchers found that increased risk of lupus can be linked to epigenetic changes, which could lead to new treatments and better understanding of the disease.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that genetic variants associated with higher educational attainment were linked to a reduced risk of alcohol dependence. Higher educated individuals also tended to drink less frequently and consumed fewer spirits, beer, and cider.
A new cell therapy approach has been developed by Dr Christopher E Rudd, boosting the immune response of T lymphocytes to malignant tumours.
St. Jude researchers have identified key biological switches controlling regulatory T cells, which can be boosted or suppressed for cancer and autoimmune disorder treatment. The study reveals the critical role of enzymes Rag and Rheb in activating these cells, offering new avenues for immunotherapy against cancers.
Researchers at University College London analysed Martian landslide structures to understand their formation. The study found that high-speed rock particles and vibrations could create the unique ridges and furrows, contradicting the idea of icy substrates.
A vaccine for Lassa fever, a hemorrhagic disease causing up to 6,000 deaths annually, is set to enter human clinical trials. The measles platform-based vaccine demonstrated the best protection against the virus in preclinical tests.
Rates for all types of kidney replacement therapy were consistently higher in men than women in European countries from 1965 to 2015. The male-to-female ratio increased with age and was particularly high for diabetic patients, suggesting that biological or access-related factors may be at play.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and Xyphos Biosciences have developed convertibleCAR, a cell-based immunotherapy that reduces the latent HIV reservoir in infected patients on anti-retroviral therapy. The technology combines cytotoxic T cells with antibodies, offering a flexible approach to fighting the virus.
A new study found that less than 20% of Canadian patients with chronic kidney disease received a critical urine test within six months of diagnosis, highlighting a significant gap in care. The test is crucial for assessing the severity of kidney disease and guiding treatment.
A team of researchers identified a critical protein component essential for coordinated motion in comb jellies. The study found that this protein, CTENO64, plays a vital role in maintaining harmony among the tiny surface organelles on comb plates, which propel these marine animals through the ocean.
A nationally representative survey found that nursing homes with certified infection preventionists were nearly five times more likely to have comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programs. The study highlights the importance of well-trained IPs in reducing the risk of infections and improving patient safety.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified chemical signatures detectable in blood and urine that can accurately measure dietary intake. The study validates a panel of metabolites in urine and plasma that correlate with consumption of fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber.
Researchers identified CEUS biomarkers predicting HCC in cirrhotic nodules, stratifying risk within the LI-RADS system. Customized surveillance strategies can be enabled using these biomarkers.
The NASA-developed Photonic Integrated Circuit Tuned for Reconnaissance and Exploration (PICTURE) instrument will utilize telecommunications-inspired technologies to create a smaller, more capable spectrometer. This device aims to gather unprecedented details about extraterrestrial planets, moons, comets, and asteroids.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes in women and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic kidney disease in men. The researchers analyzed data from over 423,000 participants and identified distinct patterns of disease association for each sex.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have found that pectin in plant cell walls plays a significant role in conferring aluminum tolerance to rice plants. The study suggests that pectin acts as a protective barrier against aluminum, preventing it from entering plant cells and causing harm.
Artificial neural networks successfully identify minor changes in DNA structure caused by UV radiation, enabling early detection of potential cancer risks. The technique uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and has the potential to be used for medical diagnostics.
A new study found that poverty worsened the working memory of refugee youth, while exposure to war-related trauma did not have lasting impacts on executive function. The researchers suggest that addressing ongoing poverty is crucial for improving learning outcomes and educational achievement in adolescents affected by war.
A new study found that people's moral foundations are better predicted by their political attitudes than vice versa. The researchers tracked participants' moral values and political leanings over time, revealing that those with stable political beliefs were more likely to have consistent moral foundations.
Experts say optimal implementation of existing tools and development of new interventions are crucial to ending the HIV pandemic. Current highly effective treatments like antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent transmission if implemented correctly.
Infants who consume formula with added bovine MFGM show higher scores in cognitive, language, and motor development tests by their first birthdays. The ingredient may also contribute to better gastrointestinal and respiratory health outcomes.
A new study found higher local earthworm diversity in temperate regions than in the tropics, with patterns not matching aboveground biodiversity. The researchers created a global map of earthworm diversity, abundance, and biomass, highlighting climate change's potential impact on earthworm communities.
A recent study reveals that human-carnivore relationships are deeply skewed, with research gaps in understanding ecosystem services provided by carnivores. The study identifies four key knowledge gaps, including a lack of focus on small and medium-sized carnivores and social science methods.
Strong winter dust storms and a prolonged cold winter season likely contributed to the collapse of the Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia. The empire's settlements were suddenly abandoned around 4,200 years ago due to agricultural failures and social instability caused by frequent shamals and dry spells.
Researchers at Lehigh University have discovered the mechanism behind a crucial catalyst that reduces harmful industrial emissions. The study found that tungsten oxide changes the structure of vanadium oxide, increasing its activity and reducing undesirable reaction products.
Researchers discovered that Ebola virus targets and disables T cells, a crucial line of defense, rendering infected individuals less able to combat the infection. This understanding could lead to new insights into immunosuppression and disease development in general.
A $5 million federal grant will support research into urea cycle disorders, which can cause hyperammonemia and seizures. The study aims to investigate long-term organ damage, academic achievement, and neurologic complications in patients with the disorder.
A team of researchers at Medical University of South Carolina enhances an existing informatics tool to better identify Emergency Department cases of nonfatal opioid overdose. The enhanced tool uses natural language processing to analyze clinical notes and provide real-time information on opioid addiction, enabling more intelligent clin...
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital uncover the molecular process behind protein mutations that cause inflammatory bowel diseases, identifying palmitoylation as key to altering NOD 1 and 2 function. The findings hold promise for potential treatments of inflammatory disorders.
Researchers discovered a link between SETD1A gene mutations and schizophrenia risk in mice. Restoring the gene's function reversed behavioral and neuronal abnormalities, suggesting potential treatment strategies.
The Global Health Security Index reveals severe weaknesses in countries' abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to significant disease outbreaks. The average overall score is slightly over 40 out of a possible 100, with the lowest-scoring category being having a sufficient health sector.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that consumers are less likely to support organizations led by women after an ethical failure, but more willing to forgive them for competence failures. The research highlights the impact of gender stereotypes on consumer perceptions of female-led companies.
A new study found that skin UVB exposure increases gut microbial diversity and favors the growth of Lachnospiraceae bacteria, which are linked to vitamin D status. The results suggest a potential link between UVB light exposure and the protective effect against inflammatory diseases like MS and IBD.
A study by Yale University found that sentinel lymph node biopsies do not reduce the risk of death from breast cancer or decrease invasive cancer development in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive breast cancer. The procedure also increases the risk of pain, wound infection, and lymphedema.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified biomarkers that predict poor treatment response in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by analyzing bone marrow metabolomes. Central carbon metabolism pathways were found to be associated with minimal residual disease after treatment.
Researchers use new mapping method to identify most vulnerable tropical forest areas, combining 45 years of satellite images with current land use data. The analysis reveals the impact of human activity, such as agriculture and infrastructure development, on deforestation and forest degradation.
A prototype of a cloud-based informatics and resource-discovery tool will be built to help CTSA hubs measure their impact and compare efforts. The e-SPARC tool aims to provide a one-stop shop for investigators planning trials, while also supporting NCATS monitoring and improvements.
Researchers found that trademark portfolios are an important predictor of firm success, leading to better product market performance and higher valuations. Obtaining a trademark signals quality and attracts financing on favorable terms.
A recent study reveals that metacognitive therapy significantly reduces the risk of depression relapse, with 67-73% of patients remaining healthy one year after treatment. The therapy teaches patients to recognize and manage negative thought patterns, leading to improved outcomes.
A new study in Science documents life's rebound after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event through a collection of fossils found in central Colorado. The findings provide a detailed snapshot of the first million years of taxonomic and ecological recovery, revealing a dynamic interplay between plants, animals, and climate.