Paleontologists used a new approach to estimate sexual variation in dinosaur fossils, finding patterns in size differences between males and females. The study suggests that using effect size statistics can produce accurate estimates of sexual dimorphism even with limited fossil data.
A team of researchers has identified a key gene, POPOVICH, responsible for the development of nectar spurs in Aquilegia. The study used a spurless species to pinpoint the gene and found that it promotes cell divisions in the regions where the spur develops.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhaled nitric oxide therapy improved cardiopulmonary function and decreased inflammation in six pregnant patients with severe COVID-19. The treatment resulted in rapid resolution of viral infection within 22 days, with no adverse side effects.
Typhoon Bavi, a large storm in the Yellow Sea, was captured by NASA's EPIC camera aboard DSCOVR satellite on August 25, 2020. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 100 knots and was moving northwards.
Researchers at Monash University developed a machine-learning algorithm that can characterise graphene properties and quality without bias in under 14 minutes. This technology will help manufacturers boost the quality and reliability of their graphene supply, saving time and money.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that vitamin C consumption is linked to higher skeletal muscle mass in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 13,000 participants, found that those with the highest amounts of vitamin C had the greatest estimated skeletal muscle mass.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a novel membrane protein YeeE that enables bacteria to uptake thiosulfate from the environment. This unique mechanism provides a sophisticated method for sulfur synthesis, potentially lowering production costs in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method using thin mesh covering, called exclusion netting, to control spotted wing drosophila infestation in New York berry crops. The technique has shown significant benefits, including reduced pesticide use and lower costs, with minimal SWD incidence.
The UC Davis-led AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems aims to optimize crop yields, minimize resource consumption, and improve food safety through AI technologies. The institute will foster collaborations across academia, industry, and government to develop open-source solutions and promote education, outreach, and diversity.
A recent UNC-Chapel Hill study reveals that individuals with obesity are at a greatly increased risk for hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and death from COVID-19. Obesity is associated with numerous underlying health conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes, which can impair immune function.
Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that over a third of virtual rave attendees and 33.7% of virtual happy hour attendees used illegal drugs, while alcohol was used by the majority of participants.
A new study has identified major gaps in the international ozone treaty, which must be addressed to avert stronger climate change and serious risks to human health. The treaty's loopholes include unaccounted for CFC and HFC emissions, leakages from old air conditioners, and emissions of nitrous oxide from agriculture.
A large meta-analysis of 20 studies found that long naps (over 60 minutes) are associated with a 30% greater risk of all-cause death and 34% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Napping can also increase the risk of death in women and older participants.
The study found that youth using the artificial pancreas system had significant improvements in blood glucose control, including a 7% improvement during the daytime and a 26% improvement at night. The technology improved overall time-in-range by nearly 11%, translating to more hours per day in a healthy range.
A recent study reveals the hierarchical representation of color in the brain, from cone-activation signals to isotropic hue representation. The study found that different areas of the cortex process color information in a progressive manner.
A UC Davis Health study found that nonfatal firearm injuries in California decreased by 38% over an 11-year period, primarily due to a drop in firearm assaults. However, the lethality of those and other firearm injuries increased, with a higher proportion of self-inflicted injuries being deadlier.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have created a novel alkaline hydrogel suitable for wound healing via a method requiring no special equipment. The gel forms in minutes and has high water content, making it ideal for wound dressing and promoting the growth of new cells.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers describes an effective gene therapy for Krabbe disease in dogs, which has shown promising results with no significant symptoms after four years. The treatment approach, using the AAV9 vector, has also been found to positively affect both central and peripheral nervous systems.
Researchers identified areas of the brain that regulate efforts to deal with fatigue, which could lead to new strategies for healthy individuals and therapies for those with depression, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. The study used MRI scans and computer modeling to analyze brain activity and behavior in participants.
Researchers found that donors without fractures had more flexible collagen and mineral nanostructure than those with fractures. The study suggests that flexibility at the nanoscale could be an important predictor of future bone fractures, highlighting the need for new treatments targeting nanoscale bone health.
Researchers found that opioid use during pregnancy can negatively affect the placenta's structure, reducing cells that produce essential by-products for normal brain development. The study also identified specific genetic expression differences between female and male placentas in response to maternal oxycodone exposure.
A new study analyzing nationwide U.S. county-level data and individual-level voter records from Washington and Utah found that mandatory vote-by-mail modestly increases voter turnout by 1.8-2.9% without favoring either party. The effect on Democratic shares of the vote was not statistically significant, with a minor increase of 0.7%.
The study reveals that chitin oligosaccharides trigger cytosolic calcium oscillations, which propagate across the whole plant and synchronize cell responses. This synchronized signal affects transcription of defense-related genes, allowing plants to mount a uniform defense response.
A new study found that robotic support pets for older adults and people with dementia acquire bacteria over time, posing a risk of illness. However, a simple cleaning procedure involving anti-bacterial products and wipes can effectively reduce microbial loads to safe levels.
The White House, NSF, and DOE announced over $1 billion in awards for the establishment of 12 new AI and QIS research institutes. These institutes will spur cutting-edge innovation, support regional economic growth, and advance American leadership in emerging technologies.
Researchers developed a novel framework and model to analyze drivers of water theft and deterrents. The study found that social attitudes, institutions, and future supply uncertainty contribute to water theft, highlighting the need for stronger deterrents.
Research published in Open Heart found a significant reduction in cardiology services during the COVID-19 lockdown, including a 40% decrease in heart attack diagnoses at one center in Scotland. This shift was attributed to virtual outpatient clinics, redeployed staff, and rescheduled non-urgent procedures.
Researchers have reconstructed a ciliate mitoribosome using cryo-EM, identifying nine novel proteins encoded in the mitochondrial genome and challenging existing views on mitochondrial translation evolution. The discovery provides new insights into mitochondria's structural and functional complexity.
Researchers developed a blood test predicting psychosis development risk with 93% accuracy. The test identifies early changes in the immune system involved in inflammation.
Researchers have identified six molecules that can be used as biomarkers to predict how severely ill a patient with COVID-19 will become. Additionally, they discovered a new mechanism causing life-threatening blood clots in COVID-19 patients and potential ways to treat them.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina have found that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can completely prevent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by Staphylococcal enterotoxin. The study suggests a possible treatment for ARDS caused by COVID-19.
Researchers developed a saliva test to diagnose heart attacks, showing strong agreement with blood tests. The test provides results in 10 minutes, compared to at least one hour for standard blood tests, and has the potential to save lives.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University created a combination molecule featuring GLP-1 and FGF21 that controls blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss in mice for up to a week after a single injection. The slow-release ELP linker ensures stable drug release over time.
Researchers found Anoxychlamydiales, a group of Chlamydiae living without oxygen, with hydrogen-producing genes. These genes were likely exchanged with eukaryotes during the evolution of complex life, providing insight into the origins of eukaryotic cellular complexity.
Researchers at KAUST have developed an approach to detect rare gene mutations in a pool of cells, which is crucial for early cancer detection and evaluating CRISPR/Cas9 editing outcomes. The technique, called IDMseq, accurately detects single mutations and analyzes large DNA deletions with high accuracy and sensitivity.
A new study reveals a potential link between brain inflammation and fatigue in multiple sclerosis, using PET imaging to identify specific brain regions correlated with fatigue scores. The findings open new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic research into the debilitating symptom.
Research from the University of Iowa reveals that parents who use road crossings as teachable moments can significantly improve their child's ability to cross streets safely. Children who received constructive advice, especially on identifying safe gaps in traffic ahead of time, showed improved skills and reduced risk of injury.
New studies demonstrate significant reductions in ALT, hepatic fat, and liver damage biomarkers for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The treatments target lipid metabolism and show potential to address type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A large European study found that using the MELD-Na score could increase high-risk patient transplants and reduce 90-day waiting-list mortality. The MELD-Na score includes serum sodium, which is a significant predictor of mortality in patients on liver transplant lists.
A study published in JCI Insight has identified a potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with tesamorelin reducing liver fat and fibrosis progression. The drug appears to increase expression of genes associated with burning of fat in the mitochondria, which may prevent fibrosis.
A recent study published in Science has proven that repeated and abrupt climate changes during the last ice age occurred simultaneously in South America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Greenland. The researchers used stalactite measurements from caves and ice core samples to determine the timing of these events.
Researchers from Arizona State University have made significant progress in understanding TRPV1's thermosensing mechanism. The study provides a framework for distinguishing specific activation mechanisms that can be targeted to develop new non-addictive pain therapies.
Astronomers have provided clear evidence for the formation of an accretion disk around a supermassive black hole during a tidal disruption event. The new findings support theoretical predictions and provide unprecedented insights into these unusual events.
A Commentary in AIDS Patient Care and STDs finds COVID-19 and HIV diagnoses decreasing as white population increases in US counties. Systemic racism is a key factor contributing to disparities in health outcomes among communities of color.
A recent study found that FoMO is linked to loneliness, low self-esteem, and low self-compassion, not social media use. Researchers suggest addressing negative self-perceptions by practicing self-compassion and focusing on real connections.
A new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution has found that native desert bighorn sheep populations in landscapes with minimal human disturbance are less likely to be vulnerable to climate change. The researchers analyzed genetic data from over 1,600 individuals across 62 populations in the American Southwest.
Research reveals that HIV studies are often designed with an unrepresentative population, leading to a lack of effective solutions for diverse groups. The study's findings highlight the need for more inclusive research methods to address health inequalities and improve patient outcomes.
A team of Italian scientists analyzed the effect of lifting lockdowns on COVID-19 transmission in Italy. They found that most regions remained close to a baseline scenario for one-and-a-half months after lockdown relaxation, highlighting the importance of controlled case isolation interventions to prevent rebounding epidemics.
Researchers found that a mutation in a tRNA gene can disrupt brain function and behavior, leading to imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. This imbalance has been implicated in numerous neurological diseases, including epilepsies and autism spectrum disorders.
A new analysis found that cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) incidence has increased three times higher than previously reported in the US. CVT is most common in younger women, but recent findings suggest increases in men and older women, with a notable disparity in Black people compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed polymer materials that combine self-healing with strength and recyclability. The materials were produced using planetary ball-milling, a method that efficiently mixed host and guest polymers, resulting in tough, self-healable, and recyclable supramolecular materials.
A new fossil discovery has provided critical evidence for the evolution of the mammalian middle ear, revealing the first unequivocal evidence of the five auditory bones from an extinct group. The findings have narrowed the morphological gap between ancient and modern mammals.
A clinical trial found that a new artificial pancreas system improved blood glucose control in children aged 6-13, achieving 7% daytime improvement and 26% nighttime control. The technology replaces traditional testing and insulin delivery, providing greater convenience and safety.
Scientists at Tohoku University have developed a novel heat treatment technique that induces a 2D gradient rejuvenation state in bulk metallic glasses, resulting in improved ductility and tailored hardening. The technique enables the formation of a complete shear plane, blocking shear band propagation and increasing critical shear stress.
Researchers have reconstructed the ancestral relationships of the hillstream loach family tree, detailing unusual pelvic adaptations that enable some members to crawl or walk on land. The study found three dominant variations of pelvic anatomy that explain different degrees of land-walking behavior among the fishes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed an improved type of PROTAC that enhances intracellular accumulation and functions, not only as a degrader but also as an inhibitor of the target protein. The study's findings suggest the possibility of applying this strategy to improve PROTACs for clinical applications.
NASA satellites have been providing forecasters with data on major Hurricane Laura's temperature, rainfall capability, storm structure and extent. Cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit are generating heavy rainfall.
A University of Washington study found that rental ads in Seattle's predominantly white neighborhoods often emphasize 'vintage charm' and history, while neighborhoods with more people of color focus on safety and security. The study suggests that these linguistic patterns can influence housing choices and perpetuate racial segregation.
The Quantum Systems Accelerator will harness quantum information science for discoveries that benefit the world and accelerate commercialization. The center will co-design solutions needed to build working quantum systems outperforming today's computers.
Research published in Stroke and Vascular Neurology found that US hospital admissions for stroke and mini-stroke decreased by nearly a third during the height of the pandemic. This decline may have led to poorer patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for patients to seek medical care during the crisis.