Researchers at Tohoku University developed an algorithm to improve the D-Wave quantum annealer's ability to solve complex combinatorial optimization problems. The new algorithm allows for larger subproblems, leading to more optimal solutions efficiently.
A study by UC Berkeley scientists found that falling levels of air pollution are causing the decline in California's tule fog, which may help improve traffic safety in the region. The researchers analyzed data from 1930 to 2016 and found a strong correlation between air pollutant emissions and fog frequency.
Researchers at the Center for Self-Assembled Organic Electronics will integrate chemical synthesis, theory, and simulations to develop next-generation materials capable of converting sunlight into electricity. The goal is to create lightweight and flexible solar cells that can be deployed in various environments and scenarios.
Researchers found that vaccinated mothers can protect their newborns from neonatal herpes, a disease that can cause brain damage and death. The study also identified two scenarios that are particularly dangerous for newborns: acquiring genital herpes late in pregnancy or exposure to the virus through non-protected contact.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Wallace as it continued to weaken off the coast of Western Australia. Wind shear has pushed the bulk of the system's clouds southeast, tearing the storm apart.
Mendel Rosenblum's work on virtual machines transformed datacenters and enabled modern cloud computing. His contributions led to the development of Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Researchers have made significant strides in improving the stability of perovskite solar cells to match their high efficiency. Surface terminal groups and alternative electrodes are promising strategies for enhancing long-term stability and reducing degradation mechanisms.
Researchers at Stanford University and India's National Centre for Biological Sciences have developed a new approach to extract genetic clues from degraded DNA samples. This method uses a sequencing technique that amplifies small bits of DNA with unique differences in each sample, allowing for the use of contaminated or mixed samples. ...
Researchers have discovered that human iPSC-derived MSCs (iMSCs) from aged individuals acquire a rejuvenation-associated 50-gene signature, which is also expressed in pluripotent stem cells. This finding highlights the potential of iMSCs to act via paracrine signalling and circumvent drawbacks associated with adult MSCs.
A study found that higher lead levels in topsoil significantly increase the probability of cognitive difficulties in 5-year-old boys, while 5-year-old girls are less affected. The researchers used instrumental variable methods to estimate the causal effect of exposure to lead in topsoil on cognition.
Processed aconite root relieves neuropathic pain in murine models, with neoline emerging as the active compound. Neoline is stable and shows promise for pain alleviation.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified a novel way to prevent water from forming ice crystals by creating a new class of lipids that form a 'soft' biological matter. This material confines water in narrow channels, preventing it from freezing even at extreme sub-zero temperatures.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimates that traffic-related air pollution is associated with 170 new cases of traffic pollution-related asthma per 100,000 children every year. Globally, 13% of childhood asthma cases diagnosed each year are linked to traffic pollution.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found that combined cognitive training with Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) improved executive functions, episodic memory, and subjective memory satisfaction in adults with mild cognitive impairment. However, tDCS failed to...
The Phase 3 REGENERATE study confirms obeticholic acid's effectiveness in treating NASH with liver fibrosis, improving fibrosis in almost one-quarter of recipients. The treatment also shows significant improvements in other histological markers of NASH, including lobular inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning.
A study published in Accident Analysis and Prevention found that marked on-road bicycle lanes and parked cars do not provide enough space for safe passing. The research, which analyzed over 18,000 vehicle passing events, suggests that a single stripe of paint is insufficient to protect cyclists.
Researchers confirm effectiveness of transient coaxial helical injection (CHI) technique, which could facilitate constant fusion reactions and free up space in compact spherical tokamaks. The technique eliminates the need for a central magnet, simplifying design and potentially improving performance.
A study by CU Anschutz researchers found that men who have sex with men have unique gut microbiomes that drive immune activation and may increase their risk of HIV infection. The study suggests a direct link between microbiome composition and immune activation in HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM.
A recent study estimates that 4 million children worldwide develop asthma each year due to exposure to nitrogen dioxide pollution. The study found that urban areas account for 64% of these new cases, and cities with high NO2 concentrations also experience high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found four bat lineages that live at least four times longer than other mammals and identified life history features predicting extended life spans. Hibernating bat species in higher latitudes are found to live longer, possibly due to their ability to adjust body temperature.
A University of Kansas study found that noncompete clauses influence employee behavior, leading to increased productivity and reduced risk-taking. Employees under these clauses engage in behaviors such as window dressing and align their actions with employer goals.
The ClinEpiDB database has released new data from the MAL-ED study, which investigated environmental exposures early in childhood and their impact on growth and development. The dataset contains over 1.3 million observations covering anthropometrics, nutrition, vaccination status, and more.
Researchers discovered that sex-determining genes control beetle horns and identified the timing of sex differences appearing at 36 hours after a reference point. The study found that transforming gene suppression during larval stages leads to male-like horn formation in females.
New research finds differences in breast milk composition between normal weight and overweight mothers, with specific metabolites identified as risk factors for childhood obesity. The study suggests that a tailored mix of nutrients in breast milk could be therapeutic targets to protect children from obesity.
Research in mice and rats reveals a molecular pathway stimulated by physical activity that promotes nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury. A key molecule called CREB-Binding Protein (CBP) is identified as a therapeutic target to increase regeneration, with promising results in animal models.
Researchers at KAUST developed a new sensor using fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can detect critical gas parameters for human comfort and safety. The MOFs can selectively remove sulfur dioxide from flue gas with high affinity, making them suitable for carbon capture and storage applications.
A genetic study of an outbreak of Enterococcus faecalis revealed how the organism became resistant to new antibiotics and adapted to infect human blood. The research identified multiple mutations that enabled the bacteria to resist host immune systems and antibiotics.
Researchers visualize HIV's shape and vulnerabilities using single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) technology. The study provides a direct means of seeing the dynamic machine-like structure of the HIV envelope, which can be targeted by antibodies to eliminate infected cells.
The Charisma for Youth program has shown strong results in improving social skills in children with autism, ADHD, and self-worth challenges. The program involves virtual sessions that teach real-world social scenarios, resulting in improved ability to understand others' points of view, start conversations, recognize emotions, and build...
A study by UCSF researchers found that nearly one in seven kidney donors experience potentially adverse events related to their donation. Long-term systematic renal monitoring and routine checkups for living kidney donors are recommended to prevent renal failure and cardiovascular issues.
A new study has found that women with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL may be at a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The study also found that women with the lowest triglyceride levels had an increased risk of bleeding strokes compared to those with the highest triglyceride levels.
A new study from Stanford University suggests a way to map precisely where and how to use groundwater recharge to refill aquifers and stop sinking in California's Central Valley. The model, based on remote sensing data, indicates areas of high subsidence risk and optimal recharge locations.
Researchers analyzed firearm-injured patients arriving at Philadelphia-area hospitals within 15 minutes of each other, revealing 54 cluster events over 11 years. These clusters were more likely to occur at night and be female, with lower mortality rates than traditional mass shootings.
Researchers developed an Al anode design with Cu codeposition, improving cycling stability and capacity retention. The new battery configuration achieved a capacity retention of ~88% over 200 cycles with a high areal density cathode.
Researchers at CNIC have discovered that the protein p38gamma plays an essential role in initiating cell division in liver cells, making it a promising therapeutic target for liver cancer. The study found that inhibiting p38gamma slows down the development of liver cancer in mice, suggesting potential treatment options.
The Event Horizon Telescope project has captured the first-ever image of a black hole, located at the heart of galaxy Messier 87. The image reveals a ring-like structure with a dark central region, confirming our understanding of general relativity.
Climate scientists are partnering with the City and County of San Francisco to assess how climate change may influence the intensity of atmospheric rivers and associated precipitation. Using high-resolution climate simulations at a resolution of 3 km, researchers aim to provide more accurate predictions about extreme weather events in ...
The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has captured the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole, located 55 million light-years from Earth. The image reveals the black hole's mass is 6.5-billion times that of the Sun.
A study from U of T Mississauga uses new techniques to reconstruct summer temperatures over the last 13,600 years, confirming current global warming trends. The research reveals that recent climate warming in the central Yukon region has surpassed the warmest temperatures experienced in the previous 13,600 years.
A UBC study found that a high-fat, low-carb breakfast can prevent large blood sugar spikes and improve glycemic control. Participants with well-controlled Type 2 Diabetes experienced reduced glucose exposure and improved stability of glucose readings after consuming a low-carb breakfast.
A new research project aims to investigate how opioid use is treated in adolescence, a significant public health problem. The study will analyze insurance claims data to identify patterns of opioid use leading up to addiction and long-term treatment outcomes.
A new molecule, EPB-53, has been discovered to increase FGF21 levels in the liver and plasma through oral administration. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers have uncovered the remains of a new species of human, Homo luzonensis, in the Philippines. The fossil discovery provides significant insights into human evolution across Southeast Asia, with unique skeletal features compared to other known hominin species.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found that even tiny amounts of neonicotinoid pesticides can severely impact flying insects' motion detection abilities. The study's results suggest that very low doses of these widely-used neurotoxins can profoundly affect a flying insect's ability to detect movement, making it crucial for...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that AXT107 stops abnormal blood vessels in the eye from leaking vision-blocking fluids. The compound strengthens connections between cells, creating a watertight barrier and preventing fluid permeation into surrounding tissue.
Researchers analyzed genetic information from 7,026 UK children to find polygenic scores that predict up to 11% of the difference in intelligence and 16% of the difference in educational achievement. The study used multivariate genomic approaches to increase predictive power and found improved accuracy when analyzing multiple traits.
Scientists found that disrupted autophagy leads to protein accumulation, causing neuronal communication problems and behavioral changes resembling human autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. The study confirms a link between mTOR-autophagy and GABA signaling in the development of social behavior deficits.
Scientists at UCL have successfully produced individual 2D phosphorene nanoribbons with unique properties, opening up new avenues for applications in batteries, solar cells, thermoelectric devices, and more. The ribbons' flexibility and scalability make them promising for transforming industries.
A recent UFZ study analyzed 10,000 studies on yield and biodiversity in intensification measures, finding a 20% increase in yield but a 9% species loss. Medium-intensity areas showed the highest increase in yield and greatest species loss.
Researchers analyzed data from Fresno and Bakersfield before, during, and after the California drought to understand its impact on ozone air quality. They found that severe drought conditions led to a 20% decrease in ozone production due to reduced isoprene concentrations and altered VOCs.
Researchers at the University of Southampton found that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tailored specifically for IBS is more effective in relieving symptoms than current standard care. CBT sessions delivered over the telephone or through an interactive website improved patients' quality of life and reduced symptoms after 12 months.
Cherokee inscriptions found in Manitou Cave reveal evidence of secluded ceremonial activities, including stickball and ritual events. The inscriptions provide a direct link to how some Native Americans viewed caves as sacred places.
Researchers used satellite radar data to map the extent of standing water and measure land subsidence in the Houston-Galveston area, revealing large flooded areas fell outside FEMA designated flood zones. The study highlights the need for revising flood hazard zone maps and resilience plans in coastal regions.
Researchers found rates of heat-related illnesses reduced by half in states with mandated guidelines, highlighting the effectiveness of safety policies. The study provides compelling evidence that exertional heat illness can be prevented through mandated safety measures.
Two studies presented at The International Liver Congress highlight the increasing burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with HIV infection, leading to a risk of progressive liver disease. NAFLD prevalence is higher in HIV-infected individuals than the general population.
A team of archaeologists has discovered the first example of Palaeolithic figurative cave art in the Balkan Peninsula, estimated to be around 34,000 years old. The site, Romualdova Pe?ina in Croatia, features paintings of a bison, ibex and possible anthropomorphic figures.
Scientists at the University of New Hampshire have documented a unique event called fast negative breakdown, which shows that lightning can form in clouds through an upward pathway. This discovery provides new insight into how lightning begins and spreads, and may lead to a better understanding of this natural phenomenon.
Researchers at Lund University developed a new approach to treating bacterial meningitis by cutting up neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) with DNase, exposing bacteria to the immune system and antibiotics. This method has shown promise in reducing bacterial loads without antibiotic intervention.
The PATHS program, funded by Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grants, aims to empower underrepresented students to succeed in STEM fields at UC San Diego. The initiative replicates successful models from UMBC's Meyerhoff Scholars Program and offers research experiences, team learning, peer counseling, and more.
Researchers have developed a self-healing catalyst, SION-X, that can efficiently release hydrogen from ammonia borane, a promising energy carrier. The catalyst is based on abundant mineral Jacquesdietrichite and can be easily regenerated, stored, and handled, making it suitable for large-scale applications.