Researchers have developed a bio-inspired membrane that combines the strength of bones with the ion transport properties of cartilage, enabling it to harness osmotic energy from saltwater. The membrane has shown high stability and performance, making it a promising solution for harvesting ocean energy.
The study found nearly 9 million injuries and over 120,000 deaths worldwide in 2017 due to fire, heat, and hot substances. Heat-related injuries disproportionately kill the very young and very old, with the risk of death greatest in Seychelles and Laos.
A study published in Integrative Organismal Biology reveals that ants like Gigantiops destructor use their abdomens to add speed and power to their jumps, enabling them to travel faster through leaf litter habitats. This unique behavior allows the ants to navigate complex forest floors with greater ease.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a chemical compound found in essential oils that improves wound healing in mice when applied topically. The study shows increased cell growth and gene expression, suggesting potential for less scar formation and improved recovery.
A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has made a breakthrough in understanding the inflammation mechanism in IgG4-related disease. They found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) are necessary for pancreatic inflammation, and propose Janus kinase (JAK) as a suitable therapeutic t...
The 2019 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey found that vaping of marijuana has more than doubled in the past two years, with past month use nearly tripling. Daily marijuana vaping also increased, reported at 3.5% among 12th graders. Overall, marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug by adolescents.
Climate scientists continue to face uncertainties in predicting ice sheet melt rates, which directly impact sea-level rise projections. Recent research highlights the need for improved observations and computer models to refine these estimates and inform climate adaptation efforts.
Scientists have developed a method to identify all 20 amino acids in proteins using nanopores, a major breakthrough towards protein sequencing. The technology allows for precise differentiation of modified forms of amino acids, potentially identifying hundreds of modifications.
The study found that the proportion of students reporting ever using marijuana in an e-cigarette increased from 11.1% to 14.7% between 2017 and 2018. This increase was seen among certain demographic groups, including males, females, adolescents, high-schoolers, non-Hispanic whites, and Hispanics.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that 30% of pregnant women with HIV were prescribed medications with insufficient evidence of safety in pregnancy. The study, led by Kathleen M. Powis, suggests that physicians may be prescribing ahead of recommended guidelines.
Researchers have proposed new concepts for in situ formed and artificial SEIs to fundamentally modulate the electrochemical characteristics of zinc. The interfacial design enables reversible and dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping, resulting in excellent cycling stability with negligible capacity loss.
A new analysis reveals significant increases in subsurface runoff and cold season discharge due to thawing permafrost. This shift is expected to alter the Arctic water cycle, with implications for coastal ecosystems and nutrient cycling.
Researchers found that children with HIV performed poorly on neuropsychological tests, particularly in planning and reasoning abilities, compared to their HIV-negative peers. The disparity worsened over time, highlighting the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of these cognitive challenges.
A team of researchers led by the University of Iowa has dated the last known appearance of Homo erectus at Ngandong in Indonesia between 108,000 and 117,000 years ago. The site is considered the last known settlement of this direct ancestor to modern humans.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that most people agree on what is considered acceptable behavior at work, but emphasizes the importance of clarifying boundaries and addressing stereotypical thinking to effectively reduce sexual harassment.
Researchers developed a method to capture and count cancer-associated microRNAs in blood or serum with single-molecule resolution. This approach could enable low-concentration cancer-related molecules to be detected for diagnostic purposes.
A large study of over 1 million women found that obesity in midlife increases the risk of dementia later in life, while poor diet and lack of exercise are not. The study also revealed short-term associations between these factors and dementia risk may be due to early symptoms of dementia.
Researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, published a report analyzing climate monitoring data for the Three Gorges area of the Yangtze River in 2018. The study provides basic climate monitoring facts and data to inform further research on extreme climatic events.
A study by BMJ Group found that healthcare workers are less likely to receive honors compared to professionals in other industries. Healthcare workers received only 7.6% of New Year Honours from 2009 to 2018.
Fossil record will be unique in Earth's history with many complete hominid skeletons, as human activities alter burial practices and increase animal density. The Anthropocene era will leave an unmistakable signal for paleontologists 100,000 years from now.
A new study found that postmenopausal women experience more sleep problems, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, compared to premenopausal and perimenopausal women. Researchers confirmed the increase in sleep disorders as women transition from perimenopause to postmenopause.
Researchers have designed artificial sweetener derivatives that inhibit two tumor-associated enzymes, showing improved activity against cancer cells. These compounds selectively bind to enzymes CA IX and XII, making them potential anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers at UW-Madison developed an ultrathin coating that decouples temperature and thermal light emission, allowing for temperature-independent thermal radiation. This technology has potential applications in heat transfer, camouflage, and infrared imaging protection.
A new drug trial by Monash University Professor Eric Morand shows a statistically-significant reduction in disease activity versus placebo in lupus patients. The TULIP 2 trial found a significant effect in global disease activity measures, including improved skin disease and reduced steroid doses.
Researchers are developing a non-invasive device that uses transcranial direct current stimulation to desensitize areas tied to knee pain in the brain. Participants wear a cap powered by three AAA batteries and undergo 15, 20-minute sessions over three weeks.
Researchers developed a new method using interferometry to visualize the movement of millions of molecules in 3D, providing insights into biological processes. The technique distinguishes between flow and diffusion movements, enabling the study of virus-cell interactions and cellular dynamics.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that gastric bypass surgery is associated with a slightly higher risk of returning to the operating room or having other types of interventions. By four years out, researchers estimated that 26.5% of bypass patients had an endoscopy procedure compared to 18% of sleeve patients.
Researchers found that nearly 92 percent of Ellipsys fistulas were still functional after two years, with patients reporting high levels of satisfaction. The study's results confirm the Ellipsys system provides good vascular access while reducing pain and discomfort associated with traditional fistula surgery.
A new Texas A&M University study reveals the Cleveland Bay horse breed has the third-lowest genetic variation level among domestic horses. This low genetic diversity puts the breed at risk for various health conditions, making it critically endangered.
A new study published in Nature reports the genome sequence of the blue-petal water lily, finding evidence of genetic innovations that may have led to the evolution of floral scent and other traits in early-diverged flowering plants. The research sheds light on the early evolution of all angiosperms.
Racism-specific support from spouses significantly benefits African American husbands' and wives' physical and mental well-being. Despite this, Black women often bear the burden of supporting their male partners, highlighting a need for targeted resources and support networks.
A new study from North Carolina State University shows that ongoing habitat management can help prevent hurricane-driven extinctions. The research found that a rare Florida plant, the pineland croton, weathered the damage from Hurricane Irma better in plots under human management than those left alone.
A new study by Portland State University researchers found racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment by emergency responders, with Hispanic and Asian patients receiving lower quality care. The study analyzed 25,732 health records and found that odds of pain assessment were 21-31% lower for these groups compared to white patients.
A study found that zero-sum thinking fuels political divisions in the US, with conservatives viewing policies as threats and liberals as opportunities. The research suggests that framing policies to emphasize or challenge the status quo can increase bipartisan support.
A new study from the University of Delaware suggests that India can sustainably enhance its food supply and reduce environmental impacts by reducing reliance on rice and planting more nutritious crops like sorghum and finger millet. The traditional cereals have higher nutritional quality, use less water and energy, and emit fewer green...
Researchers identified a gene in mice that influences memory recall at different times of day, causing mice to be more forgetful just before waking up. The study found that the circadian clock regulates memory retrieval via dopamine and PKA-induced GluA1 phosphorylation.
Elite controllers, a subset of HIV-positive individuals, have distinct transcriptional profiles and enhanced ribosomal function in their lymphoid tissue CD8+ T cells. This allows them to suppress HIV replication through cytokine production, presenting an alternative approach to traditional viral eradication strategies.
Researchers have found that suppressing MSUT2, a gene involved in tau regulation, may protect against Alzheimer's disease. The study also highlights the importance of preserving PABPN1 activity to prevent brain degeneration.
Researchers found that key changes during rice domestication reflect selection on traits determined by a portion of the genome that does not transcribe proteins. Non-coding RNAs, suspected to play important roles in regulating growth and development, were also implicated.
Research from the University of Cambridge found that people living in deprived areas are more likely to be admitted to hospital, with manual workers and those with low educational attainment at highest risk. The study suggests that addressing environmental deprivation is crucial for reducing hospitalization rates.
A phase 2 clinical trial has demonstrated an effective alternative to mastectomy for breast cancer patients experiencing recurrence after initial lumpectomy and whole-breast radiation. The treatment involved a second lumpectomy followed by partial breast reirradiation, resulting in long-term cancer control and low toxic side effects.
A new model of animal energy budgets reveals that resource variation is a key mechanism driving evolutionary body size. By considering factors such as metabolism, reproduction costs, and offspring energy delivery, the model shows that larger bodies provide more room for energy storage, helping animals survive uncertain environments.
Researchers argue that intervening on biological aging mechanisms can slow multiple age-related diseases, extending health span. Geroscience seeks to define the underlying causes of aging, aiming to delay or prevent diseases simultaneously.
The University of Texas at Arlington is collaborating with the city of Waxahachie on a pilot project to inspect several miles of sewer pipelines using robotic technology. This will allow for more accurate estimates of pipeline service life, reducing the need for costly replacements and enabling 'microsurgery' repairs.
A research team developed a microneedle platform using fluorescent quantum dots to deliver vaccines and record vaccination history in the skin. The platform offers a dependable way for clinicians to keep accurate medical records, potentially saving millions of lives worldwide.
The PROBOSCIS project aims to develop a new generation of bioinspired robot manipulators capable of adapting to uncertain environments and performing various real-world grasping tasks. By studying the anatomy and movements of elephants' proboscis, researchers will create a soft robotic system with advanced tactile sensing capabilities.
A Finnish study of 6.2 million people from 1996 to 2014 found that lower household income is associated with a higher risk of first psychiatric hospitalization for mental disorders. The research used national registry data to examine the relationship between household income and mental health outcomes.
A metabolic inhibitor called OSI-027 induces catastrophic macropinocytosis in human cancer cells, reducing tumor growth when combined with chemotherapy. The study suggests that targeting the mTOR pathway may be an effective approach to treat drug-resistant cancers.
Researchers found that a problem in gene-regulatory process can cause normal cells to turn malignant and produce Wilms' tumor. The implicated reader protein causes problems by acquiring a new property and being too active, leading to abnormal gene expression and tumor formation.
A recent study found that low back pain accounts for approximately one-third of new emergency department imaging in the US. Imaging utilization varies significantly by region, with patients in the southern US undergoing more imaging than those in the western US.
A new national study found that walking and cycling to work were associated with a significant reduction in heart attacks. For women who walked to work, there was an associated 1.7% reduction in heart attacks the following year, while men who cycled to work experienced the same decrease.
Researchers found that spherical droplets of chain-like liquid crystal molecules transform into complex shapes upon cooling, exhibiting polydispersity-driven effects. The key to this phenomenon lies in the presence of both long-chain and short-chain rods within the drop.
Experts recommend developing more intuitive applications with signposting and instructions to help older adults feel comfortable navigating online banking. Self-sufficiency and technological anxiety influence behavior, making it essential to increase confidence and reduce anxiety through clear communication and usability guarantees.
A new study suggests that users should have more control over what happens to their emails after they die, with the law failing to recognize this right. The current contractual provisions allow email providers like Google and Microsoft to regulate post-mortem transmissions without user consent.
Traffic-related air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnant women, with exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) associated with a 50% higher likelihood of developing preeclampsia. The study highlights the need for further research into the impact of environmental exposures during pregnancy.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed an algorithm to analyze biometric data from smart devices and recommend personalized sleep and light schedules. The approach has been shown to estimate circadian rhythm variation with high accuracy, potentially benefiting travelers and service members.
Attending schools in greener areas was associated with lower odds of ADHD symptoms, defined as six or more symptoms, in this observational study of 59,754 children. Researchers suggest findings could help develop strategies for planning green spaces around schools.
Marijuana vaping reported by US adolescents increased from 2018 to 2019, with a notable rise in 10th and 12th graders. The study found an absolute increase of 6.5% among 12th graders and up to 5.6% among 10th graders.
A new thermodynamic formula reveals bifacial cells can generate 15-20% more sunlight to electricity than monofacial cells, taking into consideration different terrain and surfaces. The formula helps companies design more efficient next-generation solar cells.
A study by Queen Mary University of London suggests regular cannabis use may be associated with an enlarged left ventricle and early signs of impaired heart function. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the cardiac impact of recreational cannabis use.