A new study combines two forecasting methods with machine learning to estimate local flu activity, producing the most accurate estimates available, a week ahead of traditional healthcare reports. The approach, called ARGONet, outperforms earlier methods in more than 75% of states studied.
A recent laboratory culture experiment found that benthic foraminifera communities are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and salinity, with temperature having a more significant impact. The study suggests that these microorganisms can be used as indicators of marine ecosystem changes.
A team of researchers developed the Integrated Intervention for Dual Problems and Early Action (IIDEA) program to provide culturally tailored care for Latino immigrants. The study found that IIDEA reduced mental health symptoms but did not show an effect on alcohol and drug outcomes for participants with mild symptoms.
A new science curriculum, Integrating Biology with Inquiry (IBIS), has been shown to increase student buy-in and satisfaction over time, while maintaining learning gains. The four-year study found that students recognized the connection between their teaching methods and their learning outcomes.
A new mathematical model developed by University of Southern Denmark researcher Fernando Colchero can help predict the population growth of endangered species. The model takes into account age-specific survival and reproduction rates, as well as trade-offs between these factors, resulting in more accurate predictions.
A new seven-point plan aims to help policymakers develop coherent strategies to address climate change and its impact on the environment. The plan suggests working together across disciplines to tackle complex issues, and outlines guiding principles for policy decisions.
Researchers have made novel discoveries about visual cortex layers and the subplate, a mysterious layer below. The team used optimized three-photon microscopy to measure patterns of activity among neurons in six layers of visual cortex and the subplate.
Researchers developed a new class of hypnotic drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) that selectively target the brain's sleep/wake pathways. DORA-22 preserves the ability to wake in response to threats, unlike common sleeping pills.
Researchers have discovered a new light sensor in green algae that inhibits cGMP production, reducing its concentration. This finding is significant as it mirrors the human eye's response to light, and could lead to breakthroughs in optogenetics.
A new study from the University of Adelaide found that people who suffered bullying or sexual abuse have a lower quality of life similar to those living with chronic conditions. Those who experienced these traumas are more likely to display harmful behaviors like smoking dependence and binge eating.
Researchers developed a mobile CRISPRi system to study antibiotic function in various bacteria, including those that cause disease and promote health. The system allows scientists to screen for antibiotic targets thousands of genes at once, providing clues on how to improve existing antibiotics or develop new ones.
Astronomers have developed a massive library of star spectra, enabling them to reconstruct the composition and history of distant galaxies. By analyzing thousands of stars in our Milky Way galaxy, researchers can build up a "library" of stellar spectra, allowing them to understand the unique mix of stars that makes up each galaxy.
Researchers Julie Renner and Mohan Sankaran have developed an electrolytic process with a plasma to create ammonia from nitrogen and water at low temperature and pressure. This process could lead to smaller, more localized ammonia plants powered by alternative energy.
The systematic review identified nine themes impacting on adherence and treatment seeking, including external issues such as poverty and stigma. Long-term engagement requires adaptation and incorporation of ART into daily life, facilitated by factors like self-efficacy and emotional support. The review aims to inform service delivery a...
Researchers have identified a unique actin filament nanoscaffold triggered by molecular signals, which expands our understanding of cell movement. The discovery could yield insights into cancer metastasis, wound healing, and other cell-motility-related conditions.
A global collaboration of ecological researchers, including Kent State University's Dave Costello, has revealed new findings on the effect of climatic factors on river-based ecosystems. The study found that temperature and moisture influenced carbon-cycling rates of river ecosystems.
A team of researchers from Illinois Institute of Technology has developed a novel microfluidic device for measuring cholesterol secreted from human hepatocytes in real-time. The device uses bead-based enzymatic assay for cholesterol measurement, which can quantify cholesterol secreted by human hepatocytes in real-time on-chip.
A study at the University of Pennsylvania found a significant increase in opioid prescriptions for small animals, driven by complex procedures and pain management needs. The results suggest that veterinary opioids could contribute to the human opioid epidemic if misused.
Visceral adipose tissue prioritizes over subcutaneous fat storage, leading to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Early life malnutrition and modern diets contribute to VAT accumulation.
A study shows that gamblers sensed the Leave vote coming an hour before currency experts in the city, creating a window of arbitrage. By trading early on either market, astute traders could have made up to nine US cents of profit per pound sterling.
A study by Saint Louis University's College for Public Health and Social Justice found that nearly two-thirds of low-income women cannot afford menstrual hygiene supplies like pads or tampons, with 46% unable to buy both food and period-related products. The researchers advocate for broader education and policy shifts surrounding menst...
A £1.5 million grant from Barts Charity will support brain tumour researchers at Queen Mary University of London in extending their lab-based research to clinical trials with patients. The funding aims to increase experimental treatments available to brain tumour patients and bring hope to those diagnosed with this devastating disease.
Researchers found that infected red blood cells from cerebral malaria patients bind more strongly to brain-derived cells than those from uncomplicated malaria patients. This suggests that specific PfEMP1 proteins on the infected red blood cells allow for efficient binding to brain vessels, a key feature of cerebral malaria.
Researchers have discovered a genetic mechanism used by all plants to sense temperature during the day, using the model plant Arabidopsis. The study reveals that phytochrome B plays a key role in this process, and identifies a transcription activator called HEMERA as the master control for temperature sensing.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology analyzed data from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Severe Asthma Research Program. The research found that African American patients are more likely to experience emergency hospital visits for asthma and have poorer asthma outcomes due to socioecon...
Researchers discovered activated PMN exosomes cause destruction in COPD lungs, harboring protease enzymes like NE that degrade collagen. These tiny entities, similar to those found in human COPD patients, can also cause damage when instilled into healthy mice.
A new model predicts PTSD risk with high accuracy, identifying individuals at significant risk for early intervention. The model, developed from a large international study, analyzes trauma scores and estimates each individual's risk of chronic PTSD.
A new computational model accurately predicts fracture mechanics, allowing for optimized pumping rates and fracturing fluid properties. This could lead to a greater percentage of gas extraction from deep shale strata, increasing industry efficiency and profitability.
Researchers identified a giant streak structure among Venus' clouds using Akatsuki spacecraft data, which was replicated by high-resolution climate simulations. The study suggests that the streak structure is formed from baroclinic instability and jet streams in the planet's atmosphere.
A new high-throughput sequencing technique enables quick diagnosis of viruses like Ebola and Zika in the field, avoiding sample transfer. The technology has been validated in plant virology, paving the way for real-time detection of chronic or emerging plant viruses.
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has successfully completed a phase one clinical trial of their malaria vaccine, demonstrating its safety and ability to induce the desired antibody response in humans. The vaccine is now poised for further testing and potential use in vulnerable populations.
Researchers have identified a key molecule named PI3K alpha that binds to gelsolin and suppresses its enzyme activity, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. The discovery offers potential for targeted therapies in patients with heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo successfully synthesized a phenine nanotube with intentional periodic defects, which imbue it with semiconductor characters. The discovery uses a novel process starting with benzene and platinum atoms to create a controlled defect structure.
A study found that NPY enhances pulmonary inflammation and viral replication in severe influenza virus infection, leading to poorer outcomes. Deletion of NPY improved survival rates and reduced disease pathology in infected mice.
A Northwestern University-led team captures the exact moment a star collapsed to form a compact object like a black hole or neutron star, revealing evidence of an accreting black hole or neutron star. The event, known as AT2018cow, was detected in the Hercules constellation and emitted remarkable bright glow.
Basel researchers identified a substance that prevents the formation of metastases by dissociating circulating tumor cell clusters and reversing epigenetic changes. This approach targets key aspects of metastasis seeding, including proliferation and tissue-forming capabilities.
Researchers found that patients with more long-term conditions were more likely to miss appointments and had a higher risk of mortality. Patients with mental-health-based LTCs were associated with a higher risk of missing appointments than physical LTCs.
Scientists at the University of Bern have identified a unique mechanism in trypanosomes where non-coding RNA molecules stimulate ribosome activity, accelerating protein production during stress. This 'kick start' helps the cell recover quickly from nutrient scarcity or environmental challenges.
Scientists have successfully mapped the active-state structure of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, a critical drug target for regulating blood pressure and kidney function. The study provides insights into how this receptor activates and offers clues for developing new medications that activate rather than block the receptor.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have identified arrow worms as a new group of animals, challenging the classical view that complex organisms evolved from simple ancestors. The study reveals important evolutionary trends and sheds light on the phylogenetic position of these bizarre creatures.
A study using neuroimaging found that social exclusion strengthens willingness to defend non-sacred values, making them more radicalized. The neural activity associated with sacred values was also increased, suggesting a process of sacralization. These findings have implications for understanding and addressing extremism.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that African-American and Hispanic-dominant neighborhoods have installed significantly fewer rooftop solar photovoltaics than white-dominant neighborhoods, even after controlling for household income and home ownership. This disparity affects the deployment of solar energy across the US.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers has identified a protein called ubiquilin-4 as a biomarker for genome instability. Elevated levels of this protein in tumor cells accelerate cancer progression and make them resistant to common treatments.
Researchers found that termites mitigate drought's impact by increasing decomposition rates and nutrient cycling. The study suggests that intact biological communities can act as ecological insurance during environmental stress.
Researchers used quantitative spatial modeling to explore the relationship between ahu construction locations and subsistence resources on Rapa Nui. The study found that ahu locations are consistently linked to proximity to freshwater sources, suggesting a critical role for water availability in ancient island society.
A new review shows that plant-based diets improve cardiovascular safety and performance in endurance sports, benefiting athletes' heart health, performance, and recovery. A varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes provides essential nutrients for athletes.
Researchers discovered a gene signature associated with treatment response and survival in patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers. The biomarker distinguishes between two subgroups within HPV-positive patients, one with similar survival rates to HPV-negative cancers.
Researchers at Emory University have developed a high-throughput screening platform to identify small molecules that can enhance the ability of human immune cells to kill cancer cells. The platform, called HTiP, has identified compounds such as birinapant, which has shown strong evidence for its relevance as an immune enhancer.
New research reveals ocean heat content is accelerating, with 2018 likely the hottest year on record. The warming contributes to sea level rise, increased rainfall intensity, and stronger storms.
A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown disease that causes children to suffer from epileptic seizures, loss of magnesium in urine, and reduced intelligence. The disease is linked to a mutation in the sodium-potassium pump's Alpha-1 form, affecting both kidneys and the brain.
A new generation of chemists and biochemists is advancing lipid research with the help of a newly established database. The LIPID MAPS database, developed by UC San Diego researchers, provides a gold standard classification system for lipids, enabling better study and diagnosis of acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer.
A novel online questionnaire found that most CFS patients do not receive proper care in EDs, with only a third receiving appropriate treatment. Researchers call for more training on the disorder to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a reliable method to measure the length of the Huntingtin gene, which causes Huntington's disease. The new technique reduces analysis time from over five hours to just five minutes, significantly speeding up diagnosis. This breakthrough has potential applications for other trinucleotide diseases.
Scientists at Duke University and colleagues have identified four main shapes of the angiotensin receptor, which interact differently with various drugs. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more specific medications that target only the desired effects, reducing unwanted side effects.
Researchers found that lethal disease can occur without viral replication in EHEC-infected mice. The study suggests potential novel treatments for EHEC and life-threatening kidney complications in children.
A study found that nearly one-third of non-urgent ED visits in Ontario can be managed by pharmacists with an expanded scope of practice, reducing crowdedness and free up resources for more acute cases. The most frequent ED cases that could be managed include skin-related concerns and other minor conditions.
The Sleep Research Society recognized four scientists with awards for their groundbreaking work in sleep and circadian research. Louis Ptáček received the Distinguished Scientist Award for his pioneering genetic studies, while Frank A.J.L. Scheer and Steven A. Shea were honored for their seminal discoveries on circadian misalignment.
Researchers developed new materials to adjust transport layer properties, suppressing recombination and enhancing charge extraction. The study showed that permittivity and doping density of transport layers significantly impact PSCs' performance.
Researchers develop a new way to measure solar panel degradation by using past meteorological data and machine learning algorithms. The method allows for real-time inspection and prediction of solar power output, enabling faster repairs and improved forecasting.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have adapted a chemical reaction pathway from plant biology to convert water into hydrogen fuel using solar energy. The new process combines two membrane-bound protein complexes, Photosystem I and II, to perform a complete conversion of water molecules to hydrogen and oxygen.