A joint team of scientists at UC Riverside and MIT has developed a new heterostructure material system based on gold that can potentially demonstrate the existence and quantum nature of Majorana fermions. The research shows superconductivity, magnetism, and electrons' spin-orbit coupling can co-exist in gold.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method to divide patients with ulcerative colitis into two groups based on conserved gene expression across species. The study found that 87% of patients in one group responded poorly to treatment, while 60% in the other group showed improvement.
A new mini MRI scanner uses 'magic angle' effect to visualize knee structures, helping diagnose ligament and tendon damage. The technology could reduce NHS waiting times for MRI scans and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers review 200 years of non-human primate interactions with their dead, observing behaviors like defense of deceased companions and emotional responses. The study reveals a complex cognitive understanding of death among primates, including an ability to grasp objects and distinguish between living and dead.
Callery pear trees, originally introduced as urban favorites, now outcompete native species in US forests, threatening ecological balance. The invasive trees' deep roots and long growing season make them difficult to remove, posing an existential threat to native biodiversity.
Researchers have discovered a neurotoxin, PMP1, that selectively targets malaria mosquitos, demonstrating a broader host spectrum than previously believed. This finding offers an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to reduce malaria prevalence.
A QUT study found that sharing medical 'selfies' improves confidence and satisfaction among patients, while also enhancing the relationship between doctors and patients. Parents who took photos of their children's surgical wounds after laparoscopic appendectomy reported feeling reassured and valued by the service.
Researchers have detected ranavirus infection in wild bullfrog tadpoles in Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest, linked to declining amphibian populations worldwide. The virus may have spread from frog farms, highlighting the dual threat of invasive species and pathogens.
Scientists at Harvard confirmed a 23-year-old theory of superconductors by studying ultra-thin bismuth-based materials. The confirmation offered a quantitative description of the anomalous reverse Hall effect, shedding light on the behavior of magnetic vortices in high-temperature superconductors.
Conduct disorder is a highly impairing psychiatric disorder that requires improved diagnosis and treatment. The condition is associated with a seven times greater health burden than ADHD and is linked to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse in children. Correct diagnosis and management can improve patient well-being and life chances.
Researchers have proposed a gait-based identification method for elderly users using wearable devices, improving the accuracy of authentication for older adults. The method uses a gait template synthesis algorithm and arbitration-based score-level fusion to alleviate intra-subject gait fluctuation.
Researchers developed a new vaccine, NOMV-FHbp, which induced higher levels of protective antibodies than licensed vaccines against five of six bacterial strains. The vaccine has the potential to extend coverage to infants and toddlers, who are at high risk of developing meningococcal disease.
A new prototype by Stanford University tackles presbyopia by using eye-tracking sensors and fluid-filled lenses that adapt to changing focus needs. The technology has shown promising results in tests with 56 people, outperforming traditional progressive lenses.
A new study found that low social engagement in elderly men and women is associated with greater cognitive decline over three years, particularly among those with high levels of brain amyloid-β. Researchers say social engagement may be an important marker of resilience or vulnerability in older adults at risk of cognitive impairment.
Scientists at UNIGE and Swansea University develop gold nanoparticles that activate B lymphocytes without harming them, leading to potential breakthroughs in vaccine development and cancer treatment. The use of these nanoparticles improves the efficacy of pharmaceutical products while reducing side effects.
Researchers at Lund University discovered a link between protein DDX3X and MITF gene, which plays a crucial role in melanoma cell aggressiveness. The study's findings suggest that DDX3X levels can predict disease prognosis.
A study of over 3,000 US counties found 412 high-risk areas with high opioid overdose mortality and low treatment capacity. Strategies to increase primary care clinician capacity and employment opportunities in these counties are recommended.
A new study reveals that lichens, organisms made of fungi and algae, seized the opportunity to evolve and diversify rapidly after the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. The research found that some lichens grew sophisticated structures similar to plant leaves, filling the niches left vacant by extinct plants.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a neurotoxin produced by bacteria that kills Anopheles mosquitoes, which spread malaria. The discovery could lead to the development of a chemical-free insecticide and reduce the risk of resistance.
Scientists have found that a group of brain cells regulate both food intake and energy expenditure, leading to a new possibility for effective weight-loss medication. The discovery could enable a doubly effective assault against obesity.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study dynamic nanomaterials, allowing them to witness their formation and growth in real-time. This breakthrough enables better understanding of metal-organic nanotubes' properties and potential applications.
Researchers developed a new technique to visualise the distribution of TB drugs in human macrophages at high resolution. The study found that bedaquiline accumulates in lipid droplets inside host cells, forming a reservoir that supplies the drug to Mtb over time.
Researchers at NJIT are conducting the largest-ever simulation of the Deepwater Horizon spill in a 600-ft.-long saltwater wave tank. The experiment aims to study the effects of dispersants on oil droplet formation and trajectory.
The study found that African Americans are excluded from CT scans at a rate of 68%, compared to 32% of whites, due to conservative guidelines. Modifying the minimum smoking history and age thresholds could increase eligibility and reduce disparities.
A new Illinois study finds that Western environmental systems and regulations in Africa are not working as intended, leading to conflict between small-scale miners and multinational corporations. The researchers argue that domestic-level 'translators' have become part of the global system of governance, leading to a lack of translation...
A mother's workplace exposure to solvents may increase her child's risk of autism, according to a recent study. Mothers with autistic children were found to be more frequently exposed to solvents than those whose children weren't on the spectrum.
Visceral leishmaniasis, transmitted by sand flies, can be prevented if diagnosed and treated early. Women in endemic regions face barriers to seeking care, leading to delayed treatment and increased mortality.
Researchers developed a new method to create OER catalysts with rich defects, enhancing their intrinsic activity and promoting mass transfer. This breakthrough provides a new direction for large-scale preparation and application of efficient OER catalysts.
A laboratory study by RMIT University found that goat milk formula contains naturally occurring oligosaccharides with prebiotic and anti-infection properties. These compounds promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit harmful bacteria in the gut, which could protect infants against gastrointestinal infections.
A study by University of Edinburgh scientists reveals that a protein called clusterin builds up in vital parts of neurons, disrupting brain cell connections and contributing to dementia symptoms. The findings shed light on the causes of Alzheimer's disease and will help accelerate the search for a treatment.
Researchers have successfully mimicked the ultrastructure of wood using 3D-printing technology, enabling the creation of sustainable green products. The new process allows for precise control over cellulose nanofibril arrangement, replicating desirable properties of natural wood.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine highlights the potential for emergency departments to reduce low-value imaging tests and associated costs. By analyzing data from a statewide quality network, researchers estimate that implementing benchmark standards could avoid $3.8 million in annual spending on unnecessary care.
A Duke University study identifies over 100 human genes co-opted by malaria parasites during the silent earlier stages of infection. This finding could lead to new treatments and prevent the disease from spreading.
The University of Texas at Arlington's team, led by Associate Professor Yan Wan, excelled in the 2019 Swarm and Search AI Challenge. They developed algorithms for multiple UAVs to map wildfires efficiently. The technology can provide real-time information and forecasts to firefighters.
A new study suggests people stop gathering evidence earlier when it supports their desired conclusion than when it opposes it. This bias is driven by a tendency to weight favorable evidence more heavily than opposing evidence, leading individuals to prematurely conclude in favor of their preconceived notion.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that the HERV-W envelope protein drives CNS microglial cells to damage myelinated axons in MS patients. Clinical trials have shown promising results with temelimab, an ENV-neutralising antibody that blocks the retrovirus's activity.
A new study in mice reveals that diet-induced obesity re-wires the brain's natural brakes on food intake, leading to pathological eating behaviors. The research identifies a specific class of cells that normally suppress feeding to prevent overeating, but are altered in obese mice, promoting excessive food consumption.
Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum created underwater plasmas using optical spectroscopy and modelling, producing extreme conditions that briefly surpass the sun's temperature. The resulting plasma breaks down water molecules into their components, releasing oxygen crucial for regenerating catalytic surfaces.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered how plants create networks of air channels to transport carbon dioxide, revealing a major step forward in understanding leaf structure and function. The study also shows that humans have bred wheat plants with fewer pores on their leaves, making them more water-efficient.
Increasing Klotho levels improves neurological deficits and prolongs life span in an experimental ALS model. Brain immune cells also play a crucial role in protecting the brain against inflammation and motor neuron loss.
Researchers analyzed RNA sequence data from human stem cells as they developed into cardiomyocytes, identifying hundreds of genes associated with varying expression. These 'shooting star' differences may explain complex diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Scientists have created functional neural networks derived from cerebral organoids, which can mimic the development of the human brain. The study provides a new tool for understanding brain function and may lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery, modeling neuropsychiatric disorders, and regenerative medicine.
A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet improved brain function and memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The modified Atkins diet showed small but measurable improvements on standardized tests of memory compared to a low-fat diet.
Researchers from Aarhus University have determined the first structures of a lipid-flippase using cryo-electron microscopy. This breakthrough provides new insights into how cells work and stay healthy, and can eventually lead to increased understanding of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A team of astronomers successfully confirmed the distance to a galaxy hosting an intense radio burst that flashed only once, lasting a thousandth of a second. The Gemini South telescope played a crucial role in verifying that the burst occurred 4 billion years ago.
The study found that naloxone dispensing significantly increased in states with legal mandates for coprescription, up to a 7.75-fold increase compared to states without such mandates. Naloxone prescriptions per 100,000 patients ranged from 6 to 111, depending on the state.
Tropical Storm Alvin has strengthened into a strong tropical storm just over 500 miles from Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Satellite imagery reveals improved convective structure and organized clouds around the low-level center.
Osaka University researchers discovered a key regulatory mechanism in the development of normal pluripotent embryonic cells using the Hippo pathway. They found that TEAD and YAP proteins support pluripotency in blastocysts by activating cell competition, leading to elimination of low-potential cells.
Researchers have localized a non-repeating fast radio burst (FRB) to a medium-sized galaxy over 4 billion light years away. The findings show that the burst source and host galaxy are distinct from those of the only other localized FRB, offering insights into the properties of these enigmatic events.
A new AI framework developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can now use medical scans and health records to personalize the dose of radiation therapy used to treat cancer patients. The framework has been shown to reduce treatment failure probability to less than 5 percent.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has received a $500,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to conduct research related to the nation's changing demographics through its Mellon Humanities Pathways Program. The program aims to diversify higher education institutions and prepare students for careers in academia.
Researchers Xinhe Bao and Omar M. Yaghi received the award for their significant contributions to nanoscience research, including new catalytic materials and reticular chemistry. Their work has led to discoveries in metal-organic frameworks and applications in carbon capture and water harvesting.
In a world first, an Australian-led team of astronomers has determined the exact location of a powerful one-off burst of cosmic radio waves using CSIRO's ASKAP radio telescope in Western Australia. The galaxy from which the burst originated was imaged by three of the world's largest optical telescopes and published in the journal Science.
Researchers discovered that lung macrophages in mice act as 'Trojan horses' carrying fungal spores into the bloodstream. The study sheds light on why certain strains of a fungus are deadly while others are harmless.
Finnish researchers compiled guidelines for international use of music to support spoken language development in hearing-impaired children. Music, particularly singing, benefits the brain and perception of speech and prosody in these children.
A Rutgers University study uses artificial intelligence to control a robotic arm that efficiently packs boxes, saving businesses time and money. The system develops software and algorithms for robust motion and real-time monitoring to detect failures.
A new study by McGill's Goodman Cancer Research Centre uncovers novel microRNA polycistron functions and their impact on cancer. Researchers discovered a mysterious step in microRNA biogenesis that occurs in cell nuclei, shedding light on the role of microRNAs in cancer.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that DNA single strands can be highly sensitive to mutation by gene-editing enzymes. Many mutations occur in genes unrelated to cancer development, highlighting the need to distinguish between 'driver' and 'passenger' mutations.
Researchers found that ATL-mediated membrane tethering plays a critical role in maintaining cargo mobility and COPII formation in the ER. In ATL-deleted cells, cargo packaging into COPII vesicles was significantly reduced, highlighting the importance of ATL in regulating membrane trafficking.
A study led by Georgia State University researchers found that fecal miRNA can serve as a tool to assess gut microbiota healthiness and provide early clues to intestinal inflammation in mice. The findings offer new hope for diagnosing chronic gut conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.