The US Army has awarded up to $50 million over five years to eight academic teams pursuing basic research across various scientific disciplines. The teams will study topics including heat energy transfer, plant and pollen distribution, and the restorative effects of sleep.
A new Yale study uncovers key relationship between storm events, ecology, and topography in moderating greenhouse gas release from rivers and streams. Concentrations of three greenhouse gases increase during rainstorms in wetland streams but decrease or remain constant in forested streams.
Dr. Nicole Brandt will receive the 2019 Dennis W. Jahnigen Award for her dedication to training health professionals in care for older adults. She has developed a geriatrics and palliative care pathway, an accredited geriatrics residency, and secured funding for innovative programs supporting older adults.
A novel plasma water treatment method by electrical discharge has been developed, producing drinking water as suitable for consumption as ozonation, without carcinogens or high costs.
A CABI-led study found that women face unequal access to agricultural advisory services, hindering their contribution to farming. The research proposes training female extension workers as 'lead contact' farmers to improve information dissemination and reduce gender inequalities.
A new AI system called FocalNet has been developed to aid radiologists in detecting prostate cancer, achieving 80.5% accuracy in reading MRI scans. The system uses machine learning to evaluate tumors and predict their aggressiveness, providing diagnostic guidance to less-experienced radiologists.
Regular ultrasounds at 36 weeks' gestation can identify undiagnosed breech presentations, reducing the risk of complications for both mothers and babies. By performing these scans, hospitals could potentially save thousands of pounds annually while improving patient outcomes.
The US Preventive Services Task Force now finds no evidence to support or refute screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children under 5 years old and asymptomatic pregnant women. This recommendation updates the 2006 statement and is based on a review of existing literature.
The 2017 pneumonic plague outbreak in Madagascar was characterized by a dominance of the pneumonic form, which accounted for 78% of reported clinical cases. The number of confirmed cases doubled every five days after the initial stage of the outbreak.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for renal fibrosis by selectively activating AT1 receptors on T cells, which may help limit scar formation in the kidney. The study found that activating these receptors mitigates renal fibrogenesis by inhibiting Th1 differentiation and renal accumulation of pro-fibrotic macrophages.
A new study in Heliyon identifies distinct opinion patterns on positional issues among Canadian voters, suggesting a micro-targeting marketing strategy could be effective. The research found that many Canadians have strong opinions on divisive issues, comparable to conventional vote predictors like party identification.
A new study finds that climate change will lead to the extinction of both seaside and saltmarsh sparrow species, with saltmarsh sparrows facing local extinction in as little as 30 years. Rising sea levels will reduce available habitat and increase flooding rates, making it difficult for these birds to thrive.
A new study found that having Black female role models in STEM is crucial for black women college students to feel a sense of belonging. The research, led by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science, also discovered that seeing a Black male scientist can signal more belonging, while high stigma consciousness ...
Joanne Kurtzberg, MD, has been awarded the 2019 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for her groundbreaking work in pediatric hematology and regenerative medicine. The award recognizes her clinical trials that have led to positive results in treating adult ischemic stroke patients with cord blood therapy.
A new approach, PRO-cision Medicine, uses patient-reported outcomes to personalize cancer care. This method provides valuable information on patients' symptoms and functioning, guiding clinicians in making informed decisions.
Researchers found that high testosterone and cortisol levels are associated with increased aggression in boys, while girls with high empathy levels exhibit lower aggression. The study suggests a complex interplay between hormones and empathy in shaping aggressive behavior in children.
Research reveals that white sharks immediately vacate their preferred hunting grounds when orcas arrive, resulting in no shark sightings for up to a year. Elephant seal colonies also indirectly benefit from these interactions, with significantly reduced predation events during the orca presence period.
Researchers have identified a pattern of brain activity reflecting anger experienced during dreaming. The study found that frontal alpha asymmetry is related to anger in both wakefulness and dreams.
A study found that metformin reduces left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in prediabetic and pre-existing heart disease patients, leading to lower cardiovascular risks. The MET-REMODEL Trial showed significant benefits of metformin on LVH, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and body weight.
Researchers identified 11 primary challenges faced by therapists, including unrealistic agency expectations, inadequate support, and heightened case complexity. Therapists reported needing targeted trainings to improve service delivery for children and families.
DNDi and Atomwise collaborate to develop first-in-class treatments for Chagas disease using AI, delivering drug-like compounds that will undergo further optimization and potential drug development. The research aims to address a public health challenge affecting millions worldwide.
A study published in Biological Conservation highlights the importance of tree dens for pandas raising infants in native habitats. Tree dens provide a more stable microclimate than cave dens, facilitating offspring survival. This research emphasizes the need to preserve large old trees for giant panda conservation.
Researchers discovered multiple potential targets for glioblastoma by systematically profiling patient-derived brain tumour cells. They found that adult glioblastoma cells rely on genes important for brain development in infancy, highlighting the need for new research to understand the developing human brain.
Researchers found that the nutrient composition of interstitial fluid surrounding pancreatic tumors differs from blood and culture medium used to grow cancer cells. This discrepancy suggests growing cancer cells in a more similar environment could help predict how experimental drugs will affect cancer cells.
A new study from Iowa State University found that same-sex couples are less likely to be approved for mortgages, with approval rates ranging from 3-8% lower. Same-sex applicants also faced higher interest and fees, with the difference adding up to $86 million annually.
The PCV10 pneumococcal vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of serious pneumococcal disease among children under five years old, with a 92% decline in cases involving the ten targeted strains. The vaccine also provided herd immunity benefits by reducing disease transmission among older, unvaccinated age groups.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that oxytocin administration can block excess drinking in alcohol-dependent rats, suggesting a potential novel pharmaceutical intervention for treating alcohol-use disorder. Oxytocin also blocked altered GABA signaling in the brain region affected by alcohol dependence.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy has designed new small molecules that can stop the replication of equine encephalitis viruses in the brain. These compounds have shown a high survival rate in mice, even when delayed treatment is administered.
A study found that carnivores interact with each other more frequently when sharing green spaces in suburbs, contrary to previous theories. Preserving green space is crucial for wildlife species, providing cover, food, and navigation without human danger.
Researchers have shed light on how leukemia cells become resistant to drugs and describe a potential solution using two drugs in combination. The study identifies the genes responsible for resistance, revealing that cancer cells overcome the lack of asparagine by breaking down proteins.
Researchers developed a novel bioelectronic treatment that significantly reduces swelling and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation treatment inhibits the production of cytokines, proteins that mediate inflammation.
A recent study published in JAMA found that magic mouthwash significantly reduced pain from oral mucositis, a common side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. The treatment, which contains diphenhydramine, lidocaine, and antacids, was well-tolerated by patients and outperformed placebo.
Researchers developed a smart polymer that senses high oxidant levels and administers just the right amount of antioxidant to restore balance. The polymers successfully recovered water fleas' heart rates when exposed to sublethal concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
A workshop published a roadmap for AI in medical imaging, highlighting key research themes and prioritizing foundational machine learning research. The report emphasizes the need for collaboration among professionals, funding agencies, and institutions to develop innovative imaging technologies.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) researchers have each been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award, totaling $2 million. The awards will support various projects, including energy planning and management for smart cities and biomedical engineering research.
Courtney Balentine, MD, MPH, and Candace Yvonne Parker-Autry, MD, will receive the Jeffrey H. Silverstein Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in Surgical and Related Medical Specialties. Their research focuses on improving care for older adults through innovative approaches, such as Virtual Acute Care for Elders (ACE) and phenoty...
Researchers at UTA work with TxDOT to improve soil monitoring and predictive modeling, reducing slope failures and increasing road resilience. The projects also aim to enhance the transportation system's reliability and safety.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice suggests that oral immunotherapy is safe for preschool-aged children with peanut allergies. Researchers followed 270 children who received oral immunotherapy and found that 90% reached the maintenance stage successfully.
The GRACE satellite mission has revealed significant changes in Earth's gravitational field, providing insights into the terrestrial water cycle, ice sheet and glacier mass balance, and sea-level rise. The data highlights the effects of global warming on ice sheets and glaciers, as well as changes in freshwater storage and ocean dynamics.
A team of scientists measured the puncture performance of viper fangs using a custom-built machine. The study found that the angle of the fang's tip contributes most to its sharpness, with narrower tips performing better than wider ones.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a self-cleaning solar evaporator made of wood that can efficiently produce clean drinking water from salty water. The device uses interfacial evaporation technology and minimizes maintenance needs, making it suitable for off-grid water generation in low-income countries.
A recent study from Binghamton University found that negative behaviors like substance abuse can lead to a cycle of poor lifestyle choices, mental distress, and low grades. Positive behaviors, on the other hand, support brain chemistry profiles that promote mood maturity and rational thinking.
The TESS mission has discovered its first Earth-sized exoplanet, HD 21749c, which orbits a nearby star in just 7.8 days. The planet is likely a rocky, uninhabitable world with surface temperatures of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Biologists seek to determine why bodies eliminate DNA during hybridization, aiming to grasp the molecular mechanisms behind this process. By studying frogs, they hope to unlock the secrets of genome elimination and its crucial role in species survival.
A large GWAS study identified novel loci associated with asthma susceptibility, including the gene IL1RL1 and HLA-DQA1, in four major ethnic groups. The study suggests unique biological pathways contribute to asthma susceptibility across different ethnicities.
Researchers developed a new time scale using microfossils, doubling the resolution of published GoM time scales. The BP GNATTS provides valuable aid in seismic correlations, detecting unconformities, sediment redeposition, and faults.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a demethylase enzyme that primes gene expression in plants, allowing them to regenerate tissues. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient food production, helping to address global hunger.
A recent study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that only a quarter of PCORI-funded trials between 2015-2018 examined primary care, while specialty care received the majority funding. The study's authors argue that this is wasteful, as most healthcare is accessed within primary care settings.
A new study finds that Hurricane Maria's extreme rainfall was due to human-caused climate warming, making a storm of its magnitude nearly five times more likely to form now than during the 1950s. The research analyzed Puerto Rico's hurricane history and found that Maria produced the largest maximum daily rainfall of those 129 storms.
Researcher Nadine Mengis investigates climate engineering methods' impact on interconnected variables, including solar radiation management and ocean alkalinity enhancement. Her study highlights the need for a holistic approach to understanding these projects' effects.
A new study found that routine ultrasounds can eliminate undiagnosed breech presentations, lower emergency caesarean sections, and improve maternal health. The research suggests that screening for breech presentation near term could be introduced in a cost-effective manner.
Research by UBC's Men's Health Research Program reveals that many men struggle with understanding prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options. The study highlights the importance of health literacy in making informed decisions and managing personal health.
Biotechnologists and medical researchers at FAU have developed a miniaturized multi-photon microscope that can be used in endoscopes, illuminating the body's own molecules to enhance imaging. This technology offers high-resolution three-dimensional images of living tissue, supplementing or even making biopsies superfluous.
Researchers analyzed over 90,000 narrative medical school evaluations, finding significant differences in how female and underrepresented minority students are described. Evaluators often used personal descriptors to describe performance, with strikingly different words for men and women. The study also identified biases in descriptive...
Researchers have developed an energy-efficient method to synthesize bioplastic ingredients, overcoming a key limitation in large-scale production. The new technique uses a gold nanoparticle catalyst and achieves high conversion rates, making it more practical for commercial production of sustainable 'green products'.
Researchers have characterized extensive structural variants in three family trios, uncovering 818,054 small insertions and deletions and 27,622 SVs per genome. Many of these variations are missed by routine sequencing technologies, revealing a vast genetic repertoire that can inform new disease associations and diagnostic methods.
A NASA study has verified recent global warming figures, showing high consistency between satellite-based AIRS data and station-based GISTEMP analysis over the past 15 years. The findings also suggest that surface-based data may be underestimating temperature changes in the Arctic, indicating faster warming at the poles.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a low-cost, high-speed algorithm to test chemical toxicity without animals. The algorithm uses massive amounts of data from PubChem and achieves a 62-100% success rate in predicting oral toxicity for several groups of chemicals.
A novel body awareness training, MABT, helps women recover from drug addiction by teaching them to recognize physical and emotional signals in their bodies. Participants who received the intervention showed significant improvements in substance use, distress, and emotion regulation, with lasting effects over a year.
Recent studies suggest that high-energy particles from TRAPPIST-1's star could break apart complex molecules needed for life, while tidal forces may raise temperatures and drive volcanic activity on planets. This challenges the habitability of TRAPPIST-1 exoplanets.
A new research project will investigate soil and ravine erosion on a vast territory of European Russia. The project aims to map the ravine network and provide data for university courses and national Big Data platforms.
A new study identifies a particular bacterial genus, Brevibacterium, and its genetic pathways that likely govern histamine degradation. The research suggests harnessing strains that break down histamine to reduce allergy-like reactions in people who are susceptible to histamine reactions when consuming ripened cheese.
Astronomers use thermal wavelengths to spot near-Earth objects, providing critical details for defensive strategies. This technique enables the calculation of energy required to nudge an object away from Earth's trajectory, shedding light on the solar system's formation.
Researchers at Florida International University have discovered a new broad-spectrum antibiotic, arsinothricin, which is the first natural product containing arsenic to be found effective against various bacteria. The compound has shown promise in treating infections caused by E. coli and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that over half of residents on housing estates want to move away due to economic constraints. Involuntary staying is linked with perceived poor health, stress, and cramped residential arrangements.
A study by UMass Amherst researchers explores the effects of tai chi and mindfulness meditation on people with multiple sclerosis (MS), comparing their impact on physical balance and psychosocial well-being. The pilot study aims to validate community-based classes and lead to a larger scale study.
A new study led by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop type 1 diabetes before the age of 22. Early detection is crucial in preventing complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
Researchers found that comic-style information improves patient comprehension and reduces anxiety before cardiac catheterization. The comic booklet was shown to be effective in explaining procedural details and postoperative advice, with patients reporting feeling better prepared for surgery.
The American Geriatrics Society honored more than 20 leaders representing various disciplines at its 2019 annual scientific meeting. The award recipients include researchers, clinicians, educators, and emerging health professionals who have made outstanding contributions to high-quality care for older adults.
A new study from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution uses coral chemical data to reconstruct nearly three centuries of wind data, revealing that monsoon winds have indeed increased over the past centuries. This finding suggests that stronger winds may be becoming more common due to climate change.
A team of researchers at RIT has developed a phonon laser for sound using the optical tweezer technique, which could lead to breakthroughs in sensing and information processing. The device uses an optically levitated nanoparticle to create a laser-like situation, enabling the investigation of fundamental quantum physics.
A new study found that 40% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions were unnecessary, with urinary tract infections, bronchitis, skin structure infections, and sinusitis being common causes. Real-time alerts and patient education may help reduce misuse by targeting these factors in the outpatient setting.
Assistant professor Bala Chaudhary's research aims to understand how symbiotic plant microbes disperse at large continental scales. The project will use data from the National Ecological Observatory Network and analyze soil samples using DNA sequencing to determine eco-climatic predictors of mycorrhizal communities.
Researchers used X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) to track catfish catching and swallowing prey, revealing coordinated movements of bones and muscles. The findings suggest that different tasks require varying levels of coordination.
Hybrid magnetic-plasmonic elements enable contactless temperature control in magnetic functional metamaterials, facilitating local, efficient, and fast heating schemes. Sublattice-specific heating on sub-nanosecond time scales is achieved using plasmon-assisted photo-heating.
A new Harvard study found that workplace wellness programs can increase healthy behaviors such as exercise and weight management, but have no significant effects on clinical measures of health or other outcomes. The study suggests that these programs may not yield large returns on investment in the short term.
A new study identifies 20 common sleep myths that can lead to poor habits and serious health risks. The researchers suggest creating a consistent sleep schedule and spending at least seven hours asleep to promote overall better health.
In the INFORMS O.R. & Analytics Student Team Competition, student teams from around the world used operations research (OR) and analytics to optimize autonomous vehicle delivery processes for General Motors. The winning team from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology minimized total costs while satisfying all constraints.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new material that improves lithium-ion battery performance, enabling faster charging and higher energy density. The discovery could lead to enhanced applications in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and solar grid storage.
Dr. Kellie Flood, an Associate Professor at UAB, is recognized for her outstanding geriatric care, research, and leadership. She has expanded geriatrics expertise in Alabama and beyond through various programs, including the UAB Geriatric Scholar Program.
The American Geriatrics Society recognizes Dr. Arti Hurria's tireless advocacy for older adults with cancer, improving geriatrics competence among physicians and health professionals. Her legacy continues to benefit her colleagues and patients through interprofessional collaboration and person-centered care.
The Framingham Heart Study, the nation's longest-running cohort study, has been renewed for an additional six years and $38 million from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Researchers will examine the elderly groups and younger cohorts to better understand aging and determinants of health and disease in older people.
Researchers found a dramatic change in bacterial composition during late pregnancy, with Bifidobacterium increasing in relative abundance. Progesterone regulates microbial growth, aiding in baby development and potentially impacting preterm delivery.
Cara Boutte's research aims to better understand how mycobacteria respond to stress and develop effective treatments. The project will characterize two systems by which mycobacteria regulate cell growth and division in response to stress, leading to new mechanisms of cell wall regulation.
The study found that participants are more confident when trying to win money, but this confidence rapidly evolves into over-confidence. In contrast, learning in a loss context mitigates these errors of judgment. The fear of losing money makes individuals more flexible and accurate in their decision-making.
A mathematical model shows that sacrificing a few offspring can lead to increased total offspring survival, especially in overcrowded environments. This suggests that filial cannibalism and offspring abandonment might be considered forms of parental care.
New lead screening recommendations from the USPSTF conclude that current evidence is insufficient to assess benefits and harms. NYU researcher Michael Weitzman emphasizes the need for environmental interventions to prevent lead exposure, particularly in homes with lead-based paint.
Science-oriented CubeSats like MinXSS can collect valuable data on solar flares and the Sun's atmosphere, consistent with large satellites. The success of these small satellites has led to new funding opportunities for CubeSat science missions.
The new standard will facilitate collaboration and cross-study analyses to ensure the highest return on research investments. By structuring data in a common format, researchers can focus on discoveries that will have invaluable impact on clinical research and global public health.
A new study suggests that mass drug administration (MDA) can reduce malaria infections in communities where participation is high. The findings highlight the importance of approaching communities in an engaging and appropriate manner to encourage their involvement in MDA.
Researchers from Kanazawa University discovered that genes turned on in response to inflammation are a major cause of gastric cancer. The study found that NOXO1, a component of the NOX1 complex, produces tissue-damaging molecules called reactive oxygen species, leading to mutations in stomach cells and tumor formation.
Research reveals that T-regulatory cells, which suppress the immune response, are driving tumor resistance to radiotherapy. Inhibiting EphB4-ephrinB2 interaction reduces T-reg cell activity, allowing immune cells to target cancer effectively.
The discovery of Kepler-47d, the third planet in the Kepler-47 circumbinary system, sheds light on the formation and composition of low-density planets. The new planet's size and location were unexpected, with it being the largest of the three planets in the system.
A new biomarker, TP53INP2, has been identified as a potential marker for personalized cancer treatments. This protein increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to death signals, such as TRAIL, enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy treatments.
A randomized clinical trial found that employees with workplace wellness programs reported better health behaviors after 18 months, including more regular exercise and weight management. However, there were no significant differences in other health outcomes or employment metrics.
Researchers from Otago Global Health Institute aim to increase TB notifications in Indonesia by implementing an electronic referral system and educating private healthcare providers. The study, funded by $650,000, will shed light on the issue of unreported TB cases and its impact on global health.
Rhythmic food intake drives liver gene expression independently of the molecular clock, regulating metabolic pathways and potentially leading to health issues like aging and obesity. The study's findings have implications for understanding circadian biology and the impact of timing on health.
A new estimation method for assessing natural variations in the sex ratio at birth was developed by an international team of researchers. The study found regional baseline SRB imbalances and identified 12 countries with strong evidence of sex ratio inflation, leading to fewer female births than expected.
Researchers found that bacteria can recognize themselves using phages, which helps them repel competitors and gain a fitness advantage.
Two proteins, glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor, work together to support heart health in mice. The study's findings may lead to the development of therapeutic compounds that help people with an increased risk of a heart attack by regulating cortisol levels.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel data-compression technique that leverages object-based compression to reduce memory usage and improve performance. The 'Zippads' technique compresses objects across the memory hierarchy, reducing memory consumption by half and improving computation speeds.
A team of international astronomers, including UNLV's Bing Zhang, has discovered a new way to spot neutron star mergers using a bright X-ray burst detected by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The observation validated predictions made in 2013 and provided a rare glimpse into how neutron stars are formed.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved $44.6 million to fund studies comparing the best ways to treat health conditions that impose high burdens on patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system. The newly approved awards focus on improving treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), with a total of four aw...
Researchers at Hiroshima University Hospital have developed an oral appliance to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. The treatment, which brings the jawbone forward to enlarge air passageways, was found to halve sleep apnea episodes and widen airways in a study of 13 patients.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology found that bacterial communities can homogenize even with slow flowing water and persistent conditions. They identified a precise flow rate of 3.85 microlitres per second for homogenization to occur.
A recent study analyzing eight premodern states reveals that queen rulers and main wives exercised significant political power, including determining succession, governing policies, and influencing alliances. These women often wielded comparable power to their male counterparts, with agency extending beyond warfare.
A team of researchers is developing AI-powered mobile robots to direct a documentary-style coverage of a 5K race. The robots will predict likely events, adjust plans in real-time, and gather information as they go, capturing the most pertinent moments for an engaging narrative.