A study published in JAMA Network Open found that reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes decreases addictiveness, particularly among those with mental illness and socioeconomic disadvantage. The research suggests that lower nicotine content could lead to policy changes benefiting all smokers, especially the most vulnerable.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel microfluidic approach to purify CAR-T cells, reducing dead cells by over 70% and increasing cell viability by 20%. This method could significantly benefit patients by lowering manufacturing costs and side effects associated with CAR T cell therapy.
Researchers at the University of Leeds and the Met Office have developed a predictive tool to identify regions at increased risk of tornadoes on UK cold fronts. The tool uses wind fields ahead and behind the cold front to compute a percentage probability that tornadoes will occur.
Researchers developed microscopic tracking devices to study cellular forces in mammalian cells, showing how development starts and potentially leading to understanding of aging and disease. The tiny devices measure forces exerted within the cell interior, providing unprecedented views into cellular behavior.
A global registry of psoriasis and COVID-19 patients found that over 90% of patients taking immune system drugs survived the pandemic. The risk factors for severe outcomes were similar to those in the general population, with older, male patients and those with certain health conditions being more likely to require hospital admission.
Researchers developed a novel epigenomic approach to detect pancreatic cancer in its early stages using blood draws, identifying distinctive patterns in thousands of genes that serve as biomarkers. This technology has the potential to lead to more timely treatment and improved patient survival.
A recent breakthrough identifies neuropilin-1 as a key factor in SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect human cells. The study reveals that targeting this interaction could lead to the development of effective anti-viral therapies, potentially curbing the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found that tattooed skin has reduced sweat rates, which can lead to increased risk of overheating. The study suggests that the tattooing process damages eccrine sweat glands, potentially causing long-term complications.
Primary care doctors are taking safety measures to protect patients, including appointment-only offices, clear protocols posted online or over the phone, and staggered in-person visits. Patients can also take precautions such as calling labs before scheduling appointments and wearing masks during visits.
Researchers found that a modified bentonite complex can remove 17α-ethinylestradiol and other pharmaceutical organic micropollutants from wastewater environments. The study demonstrates an effective and cost-efficient method for removing synthetic estrogen from bodies of water.
A study by UCL and Dokuz Eylul University found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is associated with beliefs on the origin of the novel coronavirus. In Turkey, 54% more people believed the virus was human-made, leading to higher vaccine hesitancy rates.
A UMD-led study finds that fear and anxiety reflect overlapping brain circuits, challenging long-held scientific accounts. The research suggests that both 'fear' and 'anxiety' are constructed in the brain using a massively overlapping set of neural building blocks.
The VOYAGER PAD trial found that drug-coated devices do not increase mortality risk in patients with peripheral artery disease. Rivaroxaban use consistently reduced ischemic limb and cardiovascular outcomes regardless of device type.
Cities are crucial actors in tackling food waste, launching effective policies and initiatives to address it. A new framework for assessing urban food waste policies and initiatives has been presented, highlighting the importance of integrated management and multi-actorial collaboration.
Temple researchers developed and validated predictive criteria to identify COVID-19 patients at risk of developing a cytokine storm, which can lead to life-threatening organ damage. The six criteria relate to inflammation, cell death, tissue damage, and electrolyte imbalance, and were validated in two cohorts of patients.
Three new trans-Atlantic research teams will tackle neuroblastomas, Ewing sarcoma and other difficult-to-treat cancers in children. They aim to develop precision radiotherapy, re-engineer T-cells for immunotherapies and target cancer-causing gene mutations.
Researchers found that newborns lack mature brain circuitry for emotionally attaching to visual stimuli. However, connections develop within a few months after birth. The study's findings have important clinical implications for disorders like autism and anxiety.
Scientists at the University of Technology Sydney have developed a highly sensitive saliva test for SARS-CoV-2 virus antigens, detecting presence in under 15 minutes. The test aims to identify contagious individuals before symptoms appear, enhancing contact tracing and disease management.
Researchers found evidence that thinning of the lithosphere is generating heat needed to initiate process of stabilizing continental crust. This challenges previous understanding of mountain building and suggests a new mechanism for continent stability.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Lactobacillus reuteri, a commonly used probiotic, can exacerbate multiple sclerosis in mouse models. The research suggests that gut microbiome balance is crucial in chronic diseases and that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment may not be effective.
Non-invasive ventilation use increased nine-fold between 2000 and 2017, but data on its effectiveness for cancer and dementia patients is lacking. The therapy may prolong suffering for patients near the end of life.
Researchers investigate the specific challenges faced by BAME business owners during COVID-19, finding that adaptability and evolution were crucial for survival. BAME-owned retail businesses that adapted to social distancing and new technologies fared better than those that didn't.
Rutgers researchers identified 16 gene markers that collaborate to cause metastatic prostate cancer, enabling the prediction of high-risk patients. These markers can help inform personalized therapy and improve outcomes for those with advanced disease.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the complex relationship between the virus and cardiovascular health. Researchers discuss the emergence of a new cardiometabolic syndrome composed of abnormal adiposity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.
A study published in Cambridge University Press found a significant link between symptoms of depression and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection among adults in Soweto. Those with childhood trauma or existing poverty were more likely to experience increased depressive symptoms.
A new study by Tokyo Institute of Technology researchers shows that simple environmental reactions can form reactive thioesters similar to those used in modern biology. The reaction uses a thioacid and sulfur-containing thiol compounds, and may have served as a starting point for the evolution of more complex biochemistry.
Researchers found that one third of human liver NK cells can remember viruses and respond specifically to them, making them an interesting target for prophylactic use in the fight against infections. This subset of NK cells exhibits a unique gene expression profile and could be used for specific vaccination strategies.
A study of over 1.6 million chess moves reveals a hump-shaped curve in performance over the lifespan, peaking at 35 years old. Performance has improved significantly over the past 125 years, especially for younger players and those with increased experience.
A joint research team has solved the puzzle of non-Fermi liquid behaviour in interacting electrons systems through quantum many-body computation and analytical calculations. The findings provide a protocol for establishing new paradigms in quantum metals, with potential applications in solving the energy crisis.
Researchers have discovered a neuroprotective treatment that can reverse cognitive impairment caused by chronic traumatic brain injury. The brief pharmacologic treatment, known as P7C3-A20, restored normal cognitive function in mice and stopped chronic neurodegeneration.
Researchers found that several nasal and oral rinses had a strong ability to neutralize human coronavirus, suggesting these products could reduce virus spread by COVID-19-positive individuals. The 1% baby shampoo solution inactivated over 99.9% of the virus after a two-minute contact time.
A NUS study found that poor outdoor air quality in China drives consumers to use food delivery services, resulting in increased plastic waste from packaging. The study revealed a strong causal link between air pollution and plastic waste, with a 100 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 levels raising food delivery consumption by 7.2%.
Researchers found that increasing funding in public health, housing, parks, and recreation can reduce infant deaths. Modest increases in annual funding were associated with small improvements in infant mortality rates, especially for mothers under 20 years old.
A team from UTEP has been awarded a $1.5 million NSF grant to develop strategies for seniors to learn and adopt technology, addressing social isolation due to age-related barriers. The project aims to create informed approaches to increase meaningful social connectedness among seniors, promoting their health and welfare.
A University of Pittsburgh professor is utilizing optimization techniques to find effective solutions for mitigating forest fires. The project aims to predict when and where fuel treatment methods should be implemented to best control wildfires.
A new engine technology decreases NOx and soot levels by 92% and 88%, respectively, and CO2 emissions by 15%. The dual-fuel parallel hybrid combustion system is more efficient than purely electrical vehicles, with optimised battery use reducing fuel consumption by 13%.
Bank voles produce mating plugs that promote the transport of their own sperm while partially obstructing rival males' ejaculates. Large plugs facilitate the transport of each male's own sperm, increasing the chances of fertilization.
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new AI-based method for analyzing gene activity in tissues using graph neural networks. This approach enables the detection of new cell types and intra- or intercellular functions without prior knowledge of expected cell types, greatly expanding our understanding of cellular behavior.
Researchers compared two popular autism interventions and found that more intensive treatment did not lead to better results. The study, led by UC Davis Health, suggests that therapists can adapt their approaches to meet individual child needs.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that American infants relaxed when played unfamiliar and foreign-language lullabies. The researchers discovered universal elements of songs that produced relaxation effects independently of experience, supporting the idea that there is something universal about lullabies.
Researchers have discovered that cancer cells use their nucleus to sense environmental compression and trigger responses to evade overcrowded areas. The study proposes a new mechanism by which tumor cells cope with the lack of space and compressive stresses, involving the unfolded and stretched nuclear membranes.
Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology develop a new method for controlling the edges of two-dimensional materials, resulting in extremely sharp and atomically precise patterns. This breakthrough enables the creation of perfect edges in 2D materials, opening up new possibilities for nanoscience and technology.
Researchers have identified volatile organic compounds used for olfactory navigation by homing pigeons, generating regional olfactory maps that can be used as a compass to return home from unfamiliar sites. The study provides evidence for the existence of suitable regional chemical gradients in the air.
Scientists have discovered a novel electroactive bacterium, Desulfuromonas acetexigens, that preferentially grows on modified electrodes, producing higher current densities than existing species. This breakthrough could enable energy-neutral wastewater treatment using microbial electrolysis cells.
The ONR robotics program has deployed a decontamination robot using short-wave ultraviolet (UVC) light to combat Covid-19. The robot's mechanical arm can reposition UVC lamps over surfaces, reducing human exposure and enabling autonomous disinfection.
A new study found that light pollution draws mule deer to artificial lighting, making them more active at night, while cougars exploit dark spots to hunt successfully. The research combined satellite data with GPS location information from hundreds of animals, providing the largest dataset on cougar-mule deer interactions.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that news reports place disproportionate emphasis on fatal and multiple shootings, while underreporting common victims. The researchers believe this could affect public perception of gun violence and shape policy decisions.
A multidisciplinary team has successfully visualized superficial white matter in living human brains using high-field MRI. The study reveals that this region contains significant amounts of iron, necessary for myelination, which can occur throughout lifespan but is predominant during development.
Scientists at the University of Córdoba studied new solar tracking strategies to maximize electric production. They proposed a tracking strategy that uses backtracking to avoid casting shadows among panels, resulting in an annual increase of 2% more energy production.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a self-calibration method to remove contamination from gravitational lensing signals, allowing for more accurate measurements of key cosmological parameters. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding dark energy and the structure of the universe.
A new study from Rice University shows that biochar can help farmers save money by retaining water in sandy soils, with potential irrigation savings of over 50%. The research provides formulas for farmers to estimate water-holding capacity and irrigation cost savings.
Researchers have found a surprising solution to stabilize mixed-halide perovskites, a crucial material for efficient solar photovoltaics. Increasing the intensity of light can undo the disruption caused by lower intensities, allowing researchers to control the material's bandgap and improve device efficiency.
A University of Minnesota-led research network seeks to address diversity gaps in biology education by incorporating diverse perspectives and student experiences from non-traditional institutions. The EDU-STEM network, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to improve learning outcomes for underrepresented STEM students.
The study analyzed historical data to estimate mortality rates and transmission dynamics of plague epidemics. Climatic changes and human population density increased the growth rate of plague outbreaks, suggesting indirect flea-driven transmission.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that sanctuary policies protect immigrants and reduce deportations, but have no measurable impact on crime rates. Sanctuary policies prevented about 22,300 deportations nationwide between 2013 and 2015.
A specific region of messenger RNAs plays a crucial role in brain cell function. The study reveals an unusual EXAR (EXon-Activated Rescue) mechanism that secures this process, using ELAV and FNE proteins to determine neuronal transcript signatures.
Professor Mills Kelly receives the prestigious award for his contributions to digital teaching methods and innovative approaches. The Gutenberg Teaching Council recognized him for his work on digitizing history teaching with his book 'Teaching History in the Digital Age'.
A team of scientists has developed a first-of-its-kind catalyst that can process polyolefin plastics and produce fuels, solvents, and lubricating oils. The process uses nanoparticle technology and mimics the natural processes by which enzymes break apart macromolecules.
A titan triggerfish was observed catching a Red Sea ghost crab in shallow water without beaching itself. This unique behavior highlights the fish's ability to learn and adapt its feeding strategy.
Researchers developed a new mathematical framework that leverages uncertainty and expert knowledge to create more accurate and efficient computer models. This method provides guarantees on model performance and can lead to breakthroughs in renewable energy, battery technology, and other fields.