The 2019 Blavatnik National Laureates are Heather J. Lynch from Stony Brook University, a theoretical physicist from University of Colorado Boulder, and a chemical biologist from Harvard University. They were recognized for their innovative work in predicting penguin colony population growth and collapse due to climate change.
A robotic gripper developed by researchers at UC Davis and Carnegie Mellon University can 'taste' for specific chemicals using engineered bacteria. The device is a proof-of-concept for biologically-based soft robotics and has potential applications in repair, energy generation, and biosensing.
Researchers developed a controlled microfluidic crystallization device to improve screening of drug substances and scale up stable crystallization. The device can simulate industrial conditions and screen various APIs, including anti-inflammatory drugs, with higher efficiency.
AIXTRON's Neutron system enables roll-to-roll graphene production under ambient conditions, bringing costs down by two orders of magnitude. The CCS 2D system targets semiconductor applications, offering large-scale production of graphene on insulating wafers.
Researchers analyzed DNA from two 120,000-year-old European Neandertals, finding they shared a stable ancestry with late Neanderthals. The study suggests these early Neandertals may have migrated east and replaced some Siberian populations, providing new insights into their history.
A new study shows that at least three Caribbean coral species can survive and grow under severe ocean acidification conditions, despite lower skeleton density. Slow-growing dome-shaped corals outperformed fast-growing branching corals in the experiment.
Researchers found that snails can store and recall two unrelated memories but struggle with similar ones. They discovered an overlapping mechanism causing proactive interference, leading to the loss of older memories. Practicing interweaving and learning different topics can help retain more information.
Florida Atlantic University has received a $1.5 million grant to educate and train veteran nursing students in primary care services for rural veterans. The project, CAPE-V, aims to create a culturally diverse group of veteran students who are primary care oriented and willing to work with underserved populations.
Research reveals that agroforestry is a major carbon sink, but its contribution is often overlooked in international climate agreements. Scientists call for improved accounting and visibility of agroforestry practices to support climate change mitigation targets.
Scientists have identified a novel pathway allowing subcutaneously administered antibodies to bypass the immune system's traditional route. This breakthrough discovery enables targeted delivery of antibodies to the draining lymph node, potentially revolutionizing treatments for inflammatory diseases and cancers.
A new study aims to identify genes that are unique to African Americans and contribute to hereditary breast cancer. The research will analyze large datasets of over 18,500 African American women, including those with diagnosed and cancer-free individuals.
A Rutgers-led team has created a new way to unprint paper using pulses of intense xenon light, eliminating the need for conventional recycling. This method can erase multiple toner colors without damaging the paper, reducing energy costs and pollution.
Researchers at HZDR have developed nanowires with tunable shells, enabling them to operate over a wide energy range. This breakthrough increases the potential of nanowires for various applications, including LEDs and solar cells.
A new study published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine found that implementing permit-only access to Half Dome cable handrails did not result in a significant reduction in hiker safety or search and rescue activity. In fact, the number of incidents and fatalities remained similar before and after the restrictions were implemented.
The investigation highlights a previously unidentified risk of drench application for imidacloprid. The authors recommend minimizing exposure to animals consuming fallen seeds and encouraging integrated pest management instead.
A nationwide cohort study reveals that pregnant women with migraines face a higher risk of miscarriage, cesarean sections, and low birth weight babies. Migraine medication may help mitigate some complications.
A two-year social marketing campaign in California significantly encouraged more people to seek care for symptoms of mental distress. Exposure to the campaign increased recognition of mental illness and advocacy for those affected.
A large-scale study reveals fundamental gene activity networks controlling organ development in mammals, with original patterns dating back over 200 million years. The researchers also identified a surprising number of RNA genes involved in organ development.
Researchers reviewed 50 testosterone-boosting supplements and found that only a few had data to support their claims. Many supplements contained high doses of vitamins and minerals without any proven effects on testosterone levels. The study recommends more regulation around these supplements to protect consumers.
Rockefeller scientists have found that an animal's education relies on both what experiences it acquires and when it acquires them. Studying fruit flies, researchers showed that a single odor can become either appealing or disgusting depending on the timing of its encounter relative to a reward.
A large UK study found that middle and older adults who became more active had a lower risk of death, regardless of past activity levels. Meeting minimum public health recommendations could prevent nearly half of all-cause deaths linked to physical inactivity.
A Purdue University researcher has developed a computer model that analyzes what happens during an active shooter situation, providing valuable information for schools and other organizations. The model focuses on the library at Columbine High School and suggests that running from the situation is often linked to the best outcomes.
A recent study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that watching TV for long periods increases cardiovascular disease risk. In contrast, working hours have little effect on the risk. The study also suggests exercising regularly can offset this increased risk and mitigate its effects.
A new study published in Evolutionary Applications suggests that Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) and Devil Facial Tumour 2 (DFT2) are confined to the Channel region of Tasmania. The research credits the cooperation of local residents for identifying the geographic footprint of DFT2.
A two-year update of a comparative trial on mass drug administration against scabies shows the infection rate remains significantly low, with a 89% decline in prevalence. The treatment used ivermectin, an oral anti-parasitic drug, and its effect was found to be long-lasting.
Scientists discover that UDP-glucose accelerates SNAI1 mRNA decay, impairing lung cancer metastasis. The study also uncovers how UDP-glucose converts to UDP-glucuronic acid, enhancing SNAI1 mRNA stability and promoting tumor cell migration.
Researchers at RIT and RRHS have developed a non-invasive infrared imaging technology to detect breast cancer tumors hidden behind dense tissues. The technology takes 20 minutes to produce images that are more sensitive than current methods.
Significant reductions in pollution and mortality rates have been achieved in the UK over the past 40 years due to effective policies. Emissions of PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and non-methane volatile organic compounds all reduced substantially between 1970 and 2010.
A new assessment reveals that older adults' independence is the most significant factor in their vulnerability to extreme heat. The study found that individuals with limited financial and physical assets are more susceptible to temperature extremes, highlighting the need for tailored support strategies.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology have manipulated ferromagnetic material properties on an electrical field oscillation scale, preserving quantum mechanical wave nature. This breakthrough accelerates technological miniaturization and opens new perspectives for applications in magnetism and electron spin.
Researchers have created a mechanical oscillator that can produce entangled radiation, which could serve as a link between quantum computers and optical fibers. This device has practical value in transferring information between quantum computers.
Researchers have identified two distinct allelic variants, Jek1 and Jek3, within the Jekyll gene in barley, which has significant implications for understanding speciation and cellular processes.
Researchers have discovered a universal pattern in the fossil record, showing that extreme events of diversification and extinction occur more frequently than expected. The study used superstatistics to describe fluctuations within clades, finding effective adaptive strategies and valleys of uninhabited space.
NYU Tandon Professor Jin Kim Montclare has been awarded $400,000 by the Army Research Office for her work on bio-engineering proteins to develop wet adhesion in sealants and medical adhesives. Her team aims to create responsive biological adhesives that can interface with non-living materials.
Researchers sequenced biopsies from pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and found that they harbored T cells specific to many neoepitopes. The patients' T cells responded to a significant proportion of these neoepitopes, forming hierarchies in their responses.
Children who control their tics exhibit fewer and less significant problems when followed up after a year. Researchers identified factors predicting problematic tics at the one-year mark, including anxiety disorder history, vocal tic frequency, and autism spectrum behaviors.
Researchers at Harvard University have invented a soft ring oscillator that enables soft robots to roll, undulate, sort and swallow. The invention uses pressurized air to create movement, allowing the robots to perform complex movements without electronic components.
The 2015 Gorkha earthquake's rupture length was likely controlled by spatial variations in the Main Himalayan Thrust, according to a new study led by Prof. BAI Ling from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research. The researchers used seismic waveforms and waveform modeling to determine source parameters and velocity structures.
A recent study found that most students feel it's their right to use technology as they see fit, but also want instructors to motivate them not to. Instructors saw technology as both useful and distracting, with 68% bothered by phone use in the classroom.
Researchers have discovered evidence of Neanderthals using adhesive on their stone tools, known as hafting, in two Italian caves. The discovery suggests that Neanderthals were capable of crafting more complex tools and may have even built fires to warm the resin.
A new study proposes a novel, non-invasive test for assessing gut function that may help screen and monitor treatment of gut diseases. The test measures the concentration of gut bacterial products in patient's blood and stool, detecting gut leakage and its potential impact on IBD and other intestinal diseases.
A collaborative study by Connecticut researchers shows that food insecurity is linked to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes in Latinos. The study found that households with food-insecure individuals had higher levels of inflammation, stress hormones, and insulin resistance compared to those who were food secure.
A team of researchers, led by a former war refugee, used ecological niche modeling to predict the future geographic distribution of the endangered White-breasted Guineafowl in response to climate change. The study found that the bird's range is more stable than expected, but coastal areas are threatened by sea-level rise and erosion.
A new study shows that social robots can lead to more positive emotions in sick children. The robotic teddy bear, Huggable, improved various patient outcomes compared to traditional interventions.
The introduction of new female external catheter technology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island significantly reduced CAUTIs by 51.7%, while also decreasing the number of Foley days. This innovation provides a safer alternative to indwelling catheters, reducing the risk of infection.
The UNA Europa alliance, consisting of seven leading European universities, has received a €5M grant to launch a European university ecosystem. The project will focus on innovative education and research collaboration, with an aim to address societal challenges.
The distinctive scent of soft pretzels is attributed to two key odorants: 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. These compounds contribute to the caramel-like and roasty popcorn-like smells of pretzels.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a system that predicts lightning and thunderstorms using artificial intelligence and satellite images. The system achieves an accuracy of 96% for predicting flashes within the next 15 minutes, and aims to reduce false alarms by training on additional features.
A new protocol implemented at Montgomery Hospital resulted in a 25-hour reduction in patients' time on broad spectrum antibiotics, saving $322,508 over four months. The interdisciplinary approach combined comprehensive blood culture identification testing with pharmacist recommendations to optimize antibiotic use.
The site, occupied between 71,000 and 54,000 years ago, reveals repeated use of an open-air settlement, challenging previous assumptions about short-lived settlements. Researchers found evidence of general activities, including tool-making, resource provisioning, and on-site consumption, indicating a stable settlement system.
A study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that younger age and higher intelligence are associated with greater cognitive recovery after TBI. Cognitive reserve also plays a significant role in the recovery process, suggesting that rehabilitation strategies should take these factors into account.
Around half of hospital patients in Vietnam carry multiresistant intestinal bacteria, posing a significant risk to treatment and transmission. The study highlights the need for forceful measures to reduce infection spread through improved hygiene practices and follow-up care.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that repeat ER users in states with Medicaid expansion shifted their use of the ED toward more severe conditions requiring hospitalization. The study also found a similar increase for illnesses not easily avoided by outpatient care.
Scientists have identified specific cellular features that enable certain motor neurons to resist ALS, such as the ability to discard damaged proteins and withstand cellular stress. The findings offer a breakthrough in understanding neurodegeneration and potentially developing treatments to make all neurons ALS-resistant.
Researchers model how octopus arms make decisions, finding a bottom-up decision mechanism that coordinates actions without brain input. The study sheds light on the diversity of cognition in the world and the universe.
New research finds that viewing pornography at work is linked to increased shirking of work and lying. The study suggests that this negative behavior is caused by a propensity to dehumanize others, leading to potential issues with sexual harassment and hostile work environments.
Researchers developed a urine test called 'PUR' that can diagnose aggressive prostate cancer and predict treatment needs up to five years earlier than standard methods. The test identified men who are up to eight times less likely to require treatment within five years of diagnosis.
A study by archaeologists at the University of Helsinki reveals that copper in ancient Finnish jewellery originated from southern Europe, particularly Greece and Bulgaria. The findings demonstrate extensive exchange networks between continental Europe and Finland across the Baltic Sea.
Researchers found PRRT to be safe and effective for patients with grade 3 neuroendocrine neoplasms, with a median progression-free survival rate of 9.6 months and overall survival rate of 19.9 months. Patients with low Ki-67 index responded more favorably to PRRT.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the behavior of strongly interacting electrons using machine learning techniques, discovering a new state called Vestigial Nematic State. The technique uses artificial neural networks to recognize different forms of electronic matter and reveals symmetries of complex image-arrays fro...