A team of scientists developed a machine learning algorithm that identifies children with juvenile arthritis with nearly 90% accuracy from a simple blood test. The new findings pave the way for improving diagnosis and predicting which patients respond best to different treatment options.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a novel biosensor that can isolate and target leukemic stem cells, the most malignant of all leukemic cells. The sensor uses genetic encoding to identify and characterize these cells, which have high regenerative potential and escape targeted therapies.
A study found that a significant number of patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion had previously undiagnosed low bone density, with 44% diagnosed with osteopenia and 15% with osteoporosis. This discovery could lead to changes in surgical planning and treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes.
David Julian McClements, a renowned expert in nanotechnology, has won the Nicolas Appert Award for his work on functional foods and omega-3 fatty acids. Hang Xiao, a Clydesdale Scholar, received the Babcock-Hart Award for his research on dietary components that prevent chronic diseases.
Researchers have found a way to improve LiCoO2 cathode performance in Li-ion batteries by decorating it with BaTiO3 nanodots. The team discovered that the BTO dots create a special interface for Li ions to circulate easily, leading to improved stability and discharge capacity.
A novel machine-learning model uses artificial neural networks to analyze protein sequence data, providing detailed information on protein structure, function and evolutionary features. The model can be used to design new proteins with desired functions and predict the future sequence evolution of proteins in living organisms.
Researchers suggest that impacts on the side of the head cause vibrations in a structure connected to the corpus callosum, potentially leading to concussion symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed possible damage to the corpus callosum in athletes with concussions.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a novel 3D printer that uses patterns of visible and ultraviolet light to dictate which monomers are polymerized, yielding multi-material parts. Researchers can now control the material properties by designing digital images that guide the light direction.
The European Commission has awarded €1 million in funding to the LifeTime initiative, a six-year research project that will integrate single-cell methods, personalized organoids, and machine learning to understand human cells when diseases develop. The goal is to fundamentally improve patient care and set the basis for precision medicine.
Research by the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and international team of scientists shows that twisted magnetic fields have a limited number of possible evolutions, leading to the formation of a torus shape. The helicity of the twist constrains the outward expansion of plasma, resulting in a self-organized structure.
New insights into Earth's core chemical make-up were gained through extreme laboratory experiments, revealing the presence of silicon alongside iron and nickel. The discovery supports existing theories on planet formation driven by meteorite interactions, shedding light on the Earth's 4.5 billion-year-old history.
A new experimental drug, 673A, targets and annihilates stem-like ovarian cancer cells that cause recurrence. The treatment, combined with chemotherapy, resulted in significantly greater survival rates in a mouse model of ovarian cancer.
A team of researchers has developed an individual-based computer model to assess the dispersal potential of juvenile little owls from Germany to suitable habitats in northern Switzerland. Key findings include inter-individual and sexual behavioral differences among juvenile little owls, with females tending to move more directionally.
Human cells can now travel more than five times faster than previously documented by slingshotting themselves forward, according to University of Michigan researchers. This new method of cell movement could be involved in the spread of cancer and potentially harnessed for tissue repair therapies.
A new study published in The Lancet found that most deaths among children aged 5-14 in these countries are caused by preventable or treatable conditions. The researchers called for a broader set of interventions to reduce deaths, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Lancet report highlights the alarming rise in adolescent disease burden worldwide, with an additional 250 million adolescents living in multi-burden countries. The prevalence of obesity, anaemia, and child marriage has increased significantly between 1990 and 2016, posing a major threat to their health and wellbeing.
Researchers use fMRI to compare brain activity in humans and robots during conversation. Human dialogue activates key brain structures involved in social bonding, unlike robot interactions.
SourceCNRS·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 12, 2019
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that physical activity can significantly reduce mortality risk in older adults with cognitive frailty. The research, which followed 3,677 participants for 14 years, revealed that being physically active lowered the risk by 36% compared to inactive individuals.
A nationally representative study found that teenagers and young adults are more likely to use fruit- and candy-flavored e-cigarettes than their adult counterparts. The study also revealed that adolescent vapers were more likely to experiment with multiple flavor types, which may be a key factor in their vaping habits.
A double-blind controlled trial of TNS found significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and associated improvements in brain functioning. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, suggests that TNS has great potential as an additional option for managing ADHD.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 12, 2019
Researchers at UVA have discovered a new potential contributor to age-related hearing loss: the cuticular plate, a foundation for hair cells. Genetic predisposition can weaken this plate over time, leading to progressive hearing loss.
FSU researchers have uncovered a novel protein degradation pathway that may lead to better understanding of muscular dystrophy and other diseases. The study, led by FSU graduate student Bailey Koch, found that an enzyme responsible for breaking down a key protein linked to these conditions is essential to cellular processes.
Purdue University engineers have created a way to secure communication signals within the human body, using low-frequency carrier-less transmission to prevent interception. This technology enables covert communication channels, making it difficult for hackers to access sensitive information.
A new paper proposes that miniaturization is a central tendency in hominin technologies going back at least 2.6 million years. The researchers argue that tiny stone flakes were like disposable razor blades or paperclips, pervasive and easily replaced.
A global team of scientists has mapped a newborn's life development in unprecedented detail, revealing thousands of changes over the first week. This breakthrough study could transform our understanding of health and disease in babies, and inform the development of optimized protective measures, including vaccines.
The University of Texas at San Antonio's Biomedical Engineering Research for Active military and Veterans (BRAVe) program aims to engage and retain undergraduate students in research projects, including tissue regeneration and non-invasive recovery. The program, funded by a $352,414 NSF award, will pair participants with faculty mentor...
A new species of frog, Astrobatrachus kurichiyana, has been discovered in the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India, revealing a window into the region's deep history. The Starry Dwarf Frog shares ancestry with two existing subfamilies but exhibits divergent characteristics.
Researchers discover gene TIA1 helps the brain keep fearful memories in check, reducing PTSD-like behavior in female mice. The study highlights key role of TIA1 in essential biological processes and offers promising new target for combating PTSD.
A longitudinal study by psychologists at the University of Jena found that proximity to emotionally important people is crucial for creating a strong regional identity. The research suggests that moving away from such social contacts can lead to dissatisfaction and a loss of sense of belonging.
A study published in the Journal of Arthroplasty found that intravenous and oral acetaminophen work equally well to manage post-surgery pain after hip replacement. The researchers tested both forms as part of a multimodal analgesia protocol, with patients showing low pain scores and minimal side effects.
A new study found that non-contrast MRI is just as effective as contrast-enhanced MRI for monitoring disease progression in MS patients. The study used image subtraction techniques to detect newly occurring lesions with high sensitivity.
Researchers tested large-area perovskite solar cells in near space at an altitude of 35 km, demonstrating their ability to retain power conversion efficiency despite extreme conditions. The study found that a device based on FA0.81MA0.10Cs0.04PbI2.55Br0.40 retained 95.19% of its initial efficiency.
The article discusses the importance of diversity in science, highlighting how underrepresented groups' voices are enriching scientific knowledge. Scientists from diverse backgrounds challenge existing perspectives on race, sex, and gender, promoting a more complete understanding of human and nonhuman diversity.
Researchers found a fine haze of cosmic dust over Mercury's orbit, forming a ring some 9.3 million miles wide. They also identified the likely source of dust at Venus' orbit: a group of never-before-detected asteroids co-orbiting with the planet.
A team of international scientists used big data analysis to study how neurons communicate with each other in the brain, identifying patterns related to memory and discovering major proteins responsible for changes observed in neurons.
New research maps the distribution of destructive human activities impacting threatened birds, mammals, and amphibians globally. The study identifies hotspots of human impact, including South East Asia and South America, where tropical forests are rich in biodiversity.
Researchers use photoacoustic imaging to detect placental ischemia in pregnant rats, revealing early signs of preeclampsia. The non-invasive procedure poses little risk to the fetus and may lead to better treatment outcomes.
A pilot study published in PNAS detects early-stage liver cancer in HBV carriers with high accuracy, using cell-free DNA and protein biomarkers. The HCCscreen assay achieves a 17% positive predictive value, 100% sensitivity, and 94% specificity.
Researchers Korbut observed crowds in metro-mobs to understand how they move and coordinate actions, finding that individuals follow free space minimization rules and rely on others' movements for direction. The study highlights the importance of speed control, stopping signals, and joining methods in mob organization.
Biomedical engineers at Columbia University have demonstrated that neurofeedback can modify an individual's arousal state to improve performance in sensory-motor tasks. The study used brain-computer interface technology to reduce participants' arousal levels, leading to improved task completion rates and duration.
A new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients living near the hospital after joint replacement surgery are less likely to seek follow-up care in person, but instead call their surgeon with questions. This efficient use of healthcare resources is ideal, as it reduces expensive ER visits.
A comprehensive assessment of US democracy during the Trump presidency finds substantial areas of agreement among experts and citizens about critical democratic principles. However, there are concerns about the erosion of democratic norms, particularly regarding checks and balances and institutional resilience.
Researchers have pioneered a technique to analyze tiny amounts of newborn blood, providing the most detailed accounting to date. The study establishes a common developmental pathway for the first week of a newborn's life, offering insights into newborn health and the impact of vaccines.
Scientists have discovered that deleting the gene encoding ASCT2, a transporter enzyme responsible for bringing amino acids into cells, prolongs survival of mice with aggressive leukemia. The study found that ASCT2 is required for leukemia development and progression but dispensable for normal blood cell development.
A recent analysis found that giving the steroid betamethasone to pregnant women at risk of late-preterm delivery results in lower hospital stays for infants. The study estimated costs for over 1,400 mother-infant pairs and found that the average cost for those who received the drug was $4,681, compared to $5,379 for those who did not.
The researchers developed site-dependent +U correction parameters using self-consistent first principles calculations, which improves the structure of stoichiometric SrMnO3 and provides a more accurate description of defective systems. This approach can lead to lower computational cost and more precise predictions of defect energetics.
Scientists have observed that asteroid Bennu's rotation period is getting shorter by about 1 second every 100 years, a change that could lead to dramatic changes in the space rock. This acceleration is likely due to the YORP effect, which causes asteroids to spin faster or slower as sunlight hits them.
Researchers at UNH have developed a new hydrogel that deactivates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) responsible for corneal melting by removing zinc ions. This localized treatment avoids side effects common with existing MMP inhibitors, paving the way for a potential contact lens therapy.
A recent review paper by San Francisco State University Professor Jonathon Stillman examines the potential impacts of future heat waves on humans and wildlife. The study suggests that extreme heat events could become more frequent and intense, posing significant threats to human mortality and wildlife populations.
Researchers discovered a 'snapping organ' in planthopper bugs that enables them to produce fast, rhythmic motions of their abdomen to attract mates. The mechanism involves the release of stored elastic energy, allowing the bugs to communicate effectively despite their small size.
A recent study by WVU researchers found that stroke patients' microbiomes may still be out of balance a month after the stroke has passed. The team discovered changes in the structure of their guts, including less prominent beneficial bacteria and increased inflammation.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that air pollution is responsible for an estimated 8.8 million extra deaths globally, with Europe accounting for nearly 800,000 excess deaths annually. In Europe, air pollution causes an estimated 790,000 extra deaths and between 40-80% are due to cardiovascular diseases.
A study published in Physical Review Letters demonstrates that algorithms based on deep neural networks can better understand quantum physics phenomena. Researchers found a way to harness AI to enhance understanding of quantum behavior, potentially revolutionizing various aspects of life.
A new MRI method measures iron content to monitor recovery from stroke-related damage and track neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra. Higher iron levels are associated with worse long-term outcomes and potential therapies may slow or stop degeneration.
An international research team developed a new technique to analyze vast amounts of data from tiny amounts of newborn blood, revealing molecular changes in the first week of life. The study provides a common developmental pathway for this period, enabling further understanding of newborn health and vaccine impact.
A comprehensive review of marine mammal noise exposure has yielded new policy recommendations for regulatory agencies worldwide. The panel's report provides guidelines to avoid harm and includes species-specific criteria for noise exposure, based on the latest scientific knowledge.
A €7 million Parkinson's research project, PD-MitoQUANT, will be coordinated by RCSI to deepen understanding of the disease and develop new treatments. The project aims to increase knowledge of how cells in the brain become damaged in Parkinson's, with a focus on mitochondria.
The starry dwarf frog is the sole member of an ancient lineage classified as Astrobatrachinae. Its unique constellation-like markings and bright orange underbelly make it a fascinating discovery, providing insights into its deep evolutionary history.
Researchers have discovered that growing grasses alongside blueberry plants corrects iron deficiency, leading to increased antioxidant content and improved berry quantity. Intercropping with grass species has been shown to provide a natural source of iron chelators, comparable to synthetic treatments.
The opioid crisis is expanding globally, with Norway, Sweden, and Denmark reporting a surge in prescription opioid prescriptions for chronic non-cancer pain. The study highlights the need to curtail the use of strong painkillers like oxycodone, which can lead to overdose deaths.