A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Northeastern University received a $1.2M NSF award to develop a BCI system for detecting, assessing, and rehabilitating unilateral spatial neglect in stroke survivors. The system will use EEG monitoring and augmented reality to provide personalized intervention strategies.
A new measurement of the Hubble constant has been made using light from extremely distant galaxies, estimating a value of 76.8 kilometers per second per megaparsec. The result is comparable to previous estimates but differs significantly from other methods, sparking debate about potential new physics beyond our current understanding.
A team of researchers has revealed how nacre, the rainbow-sheened material lining mussel shells, achieves its remarkable hardness and resilience. By studying the nano-engineering process, they found that combining microscopic 'bricks' of aragonite with organic mortar enables strength without losing resilience, setting it apart from hum...
A small proof-of-concept trial has shown promising results for a new therapy targeting the immune system to treat atopic dermatitis. The treatment, called etokimab, led to significant improvements in physical symptoms and a reduction in eosinophils in patients with severe eczema.
The One Thousand Plant Transcriptomes Initiative reveals the timing of whole genome duplications and the origins of key gene families contributing to fundamental genetic innovations in green plants. The study provides a framework for understanding plant diversity and evolutionary innovations.
Researchers developed a technique that enables robots to autonomously support teachers in educational activities, with benefits for pupils and potential applications in eHealth and assistive robotics. The study showed that robots can learn to provide consistent support in just three hours, improving teacher-pupil interactions.
Researchers create spatial-human-ecology model to predict interactions between natural and human systems in Pima County. The team aims to provide resource managers with necessary knowledge and tools for proactive management of emerging threats.
The National Institute on Aging has funded a major study to examine the benefits and risks of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins in adults age 75 or older. The trial, called PREVENTABLE, aims to determine whether statin therapy can help prevent dementia and disability in this age group.
Two new studies found that Gulf War Illness (GWI) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are distinct disorders with unique effects on the brain. GWI was associated with decreased activation in the cerebellum, while CFS had increased activation in this region after exercise.
Research from Trinity College Dublin shows that vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor skeletal muscle function in adults aged 60 years and over. Regular physical activity was found to be protective against impaired muscle strength and performance.
A recent study found that risk factors for unemployment among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) differ by age group. Factors such as physical symptoms, psychological issues, and person-specific traits were identified as contributing to the high unemployment rate among MS patients, with younger and older adults experiencing diffe...
Researchers aim to develop a new compound, SBI-553, to treat opioid-use disorders with limited effectiveness. The compound has shown promise in preclinical testing, reducing addictive behaviors and improving safety profiles.
A new strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae was discovered in 2017 and found to be resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. A recent study identified an easily transmitted DNA piece that can make this superbug even more deadly and hyper-virulent, posing a significant threat to human health.
A new study published in Science Advances sheds light on the evolution of bird flight styles, highlighting the importance of wing flexibility and wrist movement. Researchers found that birds specializing in gliding, like bald eagles, have a restricted ability to extend their elbows but can move their wrists freely.
Researchers discovered a way to stop the process that allows TB bacillus to infect and hijack blood stem cells using an anti-arthritis drug, Tocilizumab. The study found that this transformation can be halted by administering the drug.
Dr. Bruce Alberts will receive the 2020 John Edward Porter Legacy Award for his commitment to scientific research and education. The award recognizes his efforts to promote science as inquiry and improve science education in primary and secondary schools.
A joint research team has successfully designed a swarm of tiny drones to explore unknown environments autonomously. The drones use a novel bug algorithm that enables them to navigate back to a base station while avoiding obstacles and detecting victims, showcasing the potential for swarms in search-and-rescue scenarios.
Researchers discovered Hedgehog signaling shuts down chemokine secretion by tumor-associated macrophages, limiting CD8 T-cell infiltration. Blocking hedgehog pathway reverses process, promoting CD8 T-cell infiltration into tumor microenvironment.
A large Swedish study found stress-related disorders associated with a higher risk of life-threatening infections like meningitis and sepsis. Younger age at diagnosis and co-occurring psychiatric conditions further increased the risk, while SSRI antidepressant use appeared protective.
A high-salt diet can cause cognitive impairment by activating a pathway in the brain that leads to tau protein clumping, according to a new study. The researchers found that this effect is not due to a loss in blood flow to the brain, but rather to the accumulation of tau protein aggregates that interfere with brain cell function.
Researchers from CRCHUM unveiled a mechanism that likely contributes to the low level of pregnancy success in some fertility clinics. Healthy cells usually have one nucleus, but many fertility clinics transfer so-called 'binucleated embryos' with two nuclei back to patients. The study found that binucleation increases the chances of an...
Researchers found that disrupting the PTPN2 gene boosts anti-tumor immunity, enabling cancer clearance in animal models. Deleting the gene stimulates production and fitness of T-killer cells, which are critical in warding off tumors.
A new study by UTSA researchers reveals that popular smart light brands have significant security holes, including infrared capabilities that can be exploited by hackers. The study warns that smart bulbs could become a prime target for hackers, posing a risk to consumers' personal information.
A new study reveals that PGV-1, an analogue of turmeric's curcumin, effectively suppresses tumor cell growth and causes cell death in various types of cancers. The compound's ability to selectively target cancer cells with minimal side effects may lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
Researchers found that the brain's inability to process information quickly enough can lead to a bottleneck in visual processing, resulting in missed stimuli. By reducing interference between feedforward and feedback signals, they observed improved detection and categorization performance.
New research from the University of Adelaide predicts that driverless cars could increase traffic congestion in Australia's City of Adelaide. The study, which surveyed over 500 commuters, found that autonomous vehicles may lead to an adverse impact on public transport, causing peak period vehicle flows to rise.
Researchers developed a new method to separate mixtures of rare earth metals using magnetic fields, achieving a doubling in separation performance. This breakthrough has potential applications for recycling and can help address geopolitical and climate issues associated with rare earth mining and recycling.
Researchers have developed a pacifier-based biosensor that tracks real-time glucose levels in saliva, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of newborns. The device could help diagnose and treat diabetes in infants, providing an alternative to continuous glucose monitoring currently only available in hospitals.
A University of Michigan study found that 15% of older adults readmitted to hospitals within a month after discharge, with many returning for preexisting infections. Patients discharged home or to home care were more likely to return with linked infections than those discharged to skilled nursing homes, contradicting conventional wisdom.
Emory researchers have secured a $15.89 million NIAID contract to test the antiviral drug EIDD-2801 in human trials. The goal is to develop a better drug against influenza, which kills an average of 20,000 people annually in the US. EIDD-2801 has shown promising results in animal models and is effective against multiple RNA-based viruses.
Researchers studied blue bottle fly landing behaviors using high-speed videography, uncovering a wide range of rotational maneuvers. The results suggest the flies may use neural processes and sensory cues for inverted landings, informing efforts to engineer small robotic fliers.
A new report found at least seven Australian Leptospermum species produce medical-grade honey with exceptionally high antibacterial activity. The research pinpointed several regions as 'hot spots' to yield these high-value honeys.
Researchers identify a specific subset of cardiomyocytes with enhanced regenerative capacity in zebrafish, which differ from other myocardial cells in gene expression profile. This discovery could provide new insights into human heart regeneration and potentially stimulate the repair process.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina discover a protein P17/PERMIT that regulates mitochondrial function and could be a connection between age-related diseases. The protein helps recycle aging mitochondria, which can contribute to conditions like cancer and Alzheimer's.
A new US food-labeling policy will require packaging to display the amount of added sugars and their daily value. Food companies are developing low- or no-calorie sweeteners, such as allulose, which promises to deliver sugar properties with one-tenth the calories.
A seven-year project analyzing sewage samples from 60 million people worldwide shows a worrying trend of drug use globally, with cocaine levels increasing by nearly 13% over five years. Methamphetamine use was particularly high in Australia and North America, linked to health conditions such as mental disorders and domestic violence.
A recent yeast study found that combining gene deletions can lead to increased drug sensitivity, while some combinations result in hyper-resistance. Researchers used a model system to demonstrate the impact of perturbing many different gene combinations.
Scientists at Ohio State University are studying the potential link between chemotherapy treatment and cognitive problems in patients. Researchers have found that manipulating gut bacteria in mice before chemo may partially reverse side effects such as fatigue and weight loss.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that commercial facial recognition software can accurately identify people from brain MRI scans, even with image face removal. The study found an 83% success rate in identifying participants using publicly available facial recognition software.
Researchers have generated genetic resources for three different varieties of millets, which can lead to the development of new crop varieties. The study's findings uncover tiny differences in DNA sequences that may be connected to characteristics like drought tolerance and growth rate.
A new study by University of Chicago researchers reveals how lactate regulates immune cell function and contributes to cancer growth. The discovery offers a potential breakthrough in developing targeted therapies for various types of cancer.
A study found that local people in Nepal's Himalayan regions have mixed views on snow leopard conservation, with some valuing the species' cultural significance and others fearing its impact on livestock. Conservation efforts that benefit both humans and snow leopards are crucial for their coexistence.
A recent study found that women scientists are 21% less likely to author invited commentaries in medical journals compared to their male peers. The disparity grows as women progress in their careers, reaching up to 40% for the most senior authors. This lack of diversity in perspectives can hamper health research progress.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen are establishing a new center to study catalysis on high-entropy alloys, aiming to develop sustainable chemistry alternatives. The project aims to identify materials capable of combining carbon and oxygen-containing molecules to produce valuable chemicals.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have found that examining the distal humerus (elbow) bone is superior to previous techniques for identifying sex in a non-Asian population. The study used over 600 modern, documented skeletons from Thailand and found that the shape of the elbow differs between females and males.
A new study reveals that helper T cells play a vital role in cancer immunotherapy, and activating them alongside killer T cells can lead to more effective treatments. The research suggests that combining immune checkpoint therapy with vaccines targeting both types of T cells may be the key to improving treatment outcomes for patients
A new clinical trial funded by the National Eye Institute found that vision therapy for convergence insufficiency does not improve reading test scores in children. While in-office vision therapy can improve visual function, it fails to lead to better reading fluency and comprehension.
Researchers have identified two brain circuits that help tune out distracting sensory information and found a way to reverse noise hypersensitivity in mice by boosting the activity of those circuits. Targeting both circuits is more effective than treating either one alone, suggesting a new approach to treating neurological disorders.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new catalytic method to upcycle single-use plastics into high-quality liquid products, such as motor oils, lubricants, and cosmetics. This breakthrough improves current recycling methods, producing fewer greenhouse gases and toxic byproducts, while contributing to a circular economy.
A new IIASA study found that childhood socioeconomic conditions play a significant role in determining health satisfaction in adults. The study's results indicate that policies to mitigate early disadvantages are crucial for improving health outcomes.
Researchers from FEFU and FEB RAS developed a nanoheterostructure consisting of magnetite film and silicon substrate, which can be used as a source of spin-polarized electrons. The new structure offers high spin polarization efficiency, enabling the creation of spin injectors for spintronic devices.
A new study on an enzyme crucial for photosynthesis has uncovered a structural understanding of how light activates chlorophyll synthesis. The researchers discovered how the enzyme captures light and channels it to drive a biological reaction, paving the way for bioengineering artificial light-activated enzymes.
A recent study found that acetate, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, affects the brain's memory system and contributes to cravings. The research team discovered that alcohol metabolism impacts histone acetylation in the hippocampus, leading to increased gene expression and memory formation.
A study analyzing Google searches from 2004 to 2019 found significant increases in interest for CBD, a chemical component of marijuana, with substantial growth in search volumes between 2017 and 2018. The researchers urge attention to CBD as a public health priority to understand its use and potential effects.
The study introduces two novel initiating systems consisting of palladium, naphthoquinone, and borate, exhibiting unique activities in C1 polymerization. The new systems afford high molecular weight poly(alkoxycarbonylmethylene)s with improved yields and stereoregularity.
A nationwide study of over 38,400 participants found a link between using flavored tobacco products for the first time and subsequent continued use. The findings suggest that flavored tobacco products may pose a significant public health risk, particularly among young adults.
The collaboration aims to develop and implement protocols, resources, and specialized care areas for geriatric emergency care in rural hospitals. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine in extending the reach of a geriatric emergency department to rural facilities.
Geoffrey C. Fox is recognized for his significant contributions to parallel computing, including the development of Twister and SPIDAL projects. He has also made notable service to the community through various organizations and roles.
Researchers developed an algorithm to recommend tags for social media posts, resulting in a 20% boost in popularity. The system takes into account user popularity and content emotional impressions to suggest effective tags.
A team at NYU Tandon created a system that lets people use simple English to create complex machine learning-driven visualizations using VisFlow and FlowSense. These frameworks make non-expert users more comfortable with data modeling while providing shortcuts for experienced users.