A study found that Australians prefer pets from threatened species, invasive species, and popular US imports, posing a risk to native populations. The trade of these animals is often unregulated, making it difficult to track demand and assess the public's interest in owning exotic pets.
Researchers discovered that hadrosaurs and other dinosaurs have a unique trabecular bone structure capable of supporting large weights, different from mammals and birds. This adaptation allowed them to carry massive loads without excessive skeletal weight.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have invented a new type of surgical glue that can join blood vessels and close wounds faster, reducing surgery time by 25%. The glue, named CaproGlu, is activated by UV light and forms a strong bond with biocompatible material.
For the first time, researchers have measured the global magnetic field of the solar corona. By applying magneto-seismology to observations from Coronal Multi-channel Polarimeter (CoMP), they mapped the magnetic field in the global corona using wave propagation speed and density data.
A new study by the Lifespan Brain Institute found that people are more concerned about others than themselves when reporting their COVID-19 related concerns. Respondents with higher resilience scores had lower COVID-19-related worries, as well as reduced rates of anxiety and depression.
A new study found that Arctic tundra spring phenology has shifted due to a warmer climate, with delays in the start of growing seasons observed at high-latitude regions. The study used multiple remote sensing indices and ground observations from 2000 to 2018 to analyze spatial and temporal variations.
Researchers found a statistically significant relationship between morbid obesity and COVID-19 cases and deaths in the US. Morbid obesity rates are positively correlated with COVID-19 death rates, explaining 9% of the variation.
Dr Michael R. McClung received the IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his significant contributions to osteoporosis research, guideline development, and clinical education. He has been recognized internationally for his work in bone density testing, therapy development, and clinical guidelines.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that trauma-exposed adolescents with moderately elevated acyl-ghrelin hormone levels are almost eight times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also suggests that lower acyl-ghrelin levels may reduce the risk and severity of subsequent PTSD.
A CU student collaborated with three research teams to study perovskite nanocrystals, which have numerous applications. The team discovered a phase transition that affects the material's optical properties and has relevance to applications already in use.
Researchers used two-photon imaging to study the activity of layer 6 neurons in mice, finding three distinct populations that reacted differently to visual stimulation. These neurons complement each other to regulate information flow from sensory organs to the cortex, influencing our ability to focus or lose attention.
A new study reveals pulse-like increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide during glacial and early interglacial periods, linked to changes in the AMOC. The results suggest similar jumps could occur in the future if global warming impacts Atlantic Ocean circulation.
A Cedars-Sinai study found that robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer is associated with improved health outcomes, including better long-term survival rates and reduced risks of positive surgical margins. The procedure's increased use since FDA approval in 2009 was linked to these benefits.
This study estimated the number of African American students who would have graduated from closed historically Black medical schools between 1910 and 1954. The researchers used data from the 1910 Flexner report to make their projections.
Researchers at the University of Bern used a new measurement technology to analyze Antarctic ice cores and found that CO2 concentration rose rapidly during interglacial periods, even when ocean circulation was disturbed. This challenges the assumption of stable climate conditions during previous interglacials.
US public plant breeding programs are facing significant declines in personnel hours, budget shortfalls, and retirements of program leaders. This erosion of capacity poses a risk to US food security, natural resource resilience, and public health if not addressed with stable funding and expertise.
Daily surveillance of emerging COVID-19 hotspots reveals smaller but more numerous clusters nationwide. The study uses innovative space-time statistics to detect geographic areas with elevated risk of contracting the virus.
A Chapman University study discovered that primary cilia have extracellular vesicle-like characteristics, playing a crucial role in cardiovascular function and genetic diseases. The research found that defects in these proteins lead to various organ system disorders, including heart looping and kidney cysts.
A new study reveals that over 20% of US nursing homes still report severe staff and PPE shortages six months into the COVID-19 pandemic. The nursing home database indicates that facilities with high Medicaid rates and lower quality ratings are more likely to experience shortages.
MDC researchers are using neuromuscular organoids to investigate how ALS mutations cause motor neuron death. They will sequence the organoid tissue samples to understand RNA activity in space and time, aiming to identify potential interventions or treatment targets for the incurable disease.
A new study published in Science sheds light on a cellular process in diabetic retinopathy, which could lead to the development of a treatment for this serious complication of diabetes. The research reveals that blood vessels apply molecular brakes to stop abnormal vascular proliferation.
Researchers are conducting a large-scale study to understand the biological factors driving tooth decay in preschool-aged children in Yuma, Ariz., and on the island of Hawai'i. The study aims to discover interventions to eliminate bacteria contributing to childhood tooth decay.
A new surgical technique developed by a Yale-led research team improves blood flow in surgically made blood vessels used in dialysis, resulting in longer-lasting and more robust fistulas. The RADAR procedure also reduces complications compared to the standard technique.
A study of Finnish parents reveals a link between vaccine scepticism, low trust in medical doctors, and defiance. The research also found that individuals who defy rules and recommendations are more likely to use alternative medicine.
Researchers have discovered a series of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein structures that are thought to be highly relevant to the onset of Parkinson's disease. These unique structures were found in the presence of phospholipids, which play an essential role in living cells, and take on a striking variety of shapes.
Researchers propose a fast and catalyst-free cross-linking strategy for constructing mechanically strengthened and biofunctional hydrogels. The new method uses o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and N-nucleophiles to form stable linkages, reducing toxicity issues associated with traditional methods.
A new THC Rapid Field Test Kit developed by Purdue University and Hemp Synergistics allows law enforcement to distinguish hemp from marijuana in under five minutes, accurately measuring THC levels. This tool is expected to lower forensic laboratory submissions of suspected marijuana cases by 50%.
Researchers discovered that small highly branched polymers can mimic modern biological protein enzyme function, potentially aiding in the origins of life. These simple catalytic structures may have played a key role in jumpstarting life on early Earth.
Dr Basil Masri was awarded the IOF Medal of Achievement in 2020 for his significant contributions to understanding and managing osteoporosis. He has also made notable achievements in developing registries and tools, such as the Jordanian Hip Fracture registry and FRAX tool.
A new study reveals that abrupt climate warming events in Greenland during the last glacial period were synchronous with other rapid climate changes across the globe. The findings suggest that Arctic warming events triggered rapid climate change on a global scale.
Scientists studied 23-million-year-old leaves from a New Zealand deposit and found that high CO2 levels spurred plant growth, mirroring modern climate change. The study sheds light on how plants may respond to rising CO2 levels, with implications for global ecosystems.
Three ancient Egyptian animals, a snake, bird, and cat, have been digitally unwrapped using high-resolution 3D scans. The scans revealed the animals' ages, possible causes of death, and conditions they were kept in, providing new insights into animal mummification, religion, and human-animal relationships in ancient Egypt.
A study published in The Lancet found that community health workers can significantly reduce maternal, fetal, and newborn deaths by improving access to care. Researchers recommend expanding the workforce and improving healthcare standards to reach more women.
The discovery of a fossilized ichthyosaur with a smaller marine reptile in its stomach provides direct evidence of megapredation during the Triassic period. The prey was likely a thalattosaur, a group of marine reptiles that were more lizard-like in appearance than ichthyosaurs.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that marriage to a spouse with a history of parental alcohol misuse increases the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder. The research suggests that it's not the spouse's genetic makeup but rather their upbringing by an AUD-affected parent that influences this risk.
Scientists present research on negative side effects of opioids influenced by the immune system, a new type of immunotherapy extending survival in mouse models of breast cancer, detectable micro- and nanoplastics in human tissues, interactions between ocean microbes and pollution influencing climate, bio-based communication networks co...
A new AI system has been developed to detect cryptocurrency miners hijacking supercomputers for illicit mining. The system compares programs based on graphs, identifying malicious codes and preventing computing power theft.
Hurricane Genevieve's size and strength were revealed through NASA's wide-angle photos, showing a clear eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm's wind field expanded, affecting the Baja California peninsula with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and large ocean swells.
Research from Edith Cowan University found that consuming higher amounts of cruciferous vegetables daily can lower the risk of extensive calcification on the aorta, a key marker for structural blood vessel disease. Vitamin K may play a role in inhibiting this calcification process.
The study introduces a novel method for synthesizing organophilic carbon nanodots using natural organic molecules in plant leaves, resulting in CNDs with multi-band emission. The CNDs were successfully dispersed in acetone and ethanol and used as a ratiometric and colorimetric sensor for curcumin detection.
Researchers found high levels of ACE2 receptors in sustentacular cells lining the nose, which may be a key entry point for SARS-CoV-2. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies and help explain why some people with COVID-19 lose their sense of smell.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered a molecule that can activate the STING protein to help patients fight cancer. The optimized STING-activator, SR-717, dramatically suppressed tumor growth and boosted immune cells in an animal model of aggressive melanoma.
The metabolic enzyme IL4I1 promotes tumor cell spread and suppresses the immune system, making it a promising target for cancer therapy. The study's findings may provide important information for the development of new immunotherapy concepts.
A University of Gothenburg study shows that units outside emergency healthcare are willing to assist in a crisis, including hotels, schools, and veterinary clinics. The 'flexible surge capacity' (FSC) system aims to scale up emergency care during surges in patient numbers.
Researchers discovered a four-meter-long thalattosaur fossil in the stomach of an ichthyosaur, providing direct evidence that these giant marine reptiles consumed large animals. The find suggests that megapredation was more common than previously thought, contradicting the idea that ichthyosaurs fed on small prey like cephalopods.
A study analyzing the February 2020 lockdown in China found a significant drop in nitrogen oxides, a gas associated with smog, of 50% compared to expected levels. However, aerosol particle amounts and cloud properties showed no dramatic changes, suggesting negligible climate-related impacts.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully produced stable, well-shaped microstructures from silica aerogel using a 3D printer. The printed structures exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties, making them ideal for thermally insulating small electronic components and shie...
Researchers found that air pollution contributed to a pre-diabetic state similar to eating an unhealthy diet, with effects reversible upon cessation. Living in densely polluted environments may be added as a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases.
Lung cancer incidence rates have decreased in both Black and white men and women since the 1990s, with steeper declines in Black populations. Historically higher smoking rates in Black adults have disappeared, leading to a reversal of the racial gap in lung cancer incidence among young adults.
Researchers at Stanford University have created nanostructures that can slow down and redirect light, allowing for new technologies such as quantum computing, virtual reality, and biosensing. These 'high-Q' resonators have demonstrated quality factors up to 2,500, enabling applications like detecting COVID-19 antigens and antibodies.
A study by University of Melbourne researchers has confirmed that rapid warming events in the Arctic during the Last Glacial Period were synchronised with temperature increases across continental Europe and changes in rainfall regions. The findings, published in Science, provide important information for testing numerical models used t...
Scientists developed four serological assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and two for neutralizing antibodies, showing that antibody responses appear 5-6 days after symptoms, with neutralizing activity after 7-14 days. The assays were highly sensitive and specific, with varying levels of availability depending on equipment.
A study found that a specific genetic variation associated with communal behavior in non-human animals also affects human romantic relationship dynamics. Individuals with this variation reported higher levels of affection, fewer negative feelings, and improved relationship adjustment.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that generic public health messages are more effective than tailored advice in shifting dietary habits. Participants who received generic information selected food baskets with less total fat and spent 34% less on unhealthy items compared to those who received no information.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a graphene-based Hall-effect sensor that can operate over a greater temperature range than previous sensors. The device can detect miniscule changes in magnetic fields, even within a larger magnetic background, making it ideal for various technological applications.
A new study by ARUP Laboratories and University of Utah Health found that self-collected saliva and deep nasal swabs are equally effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. This discovery has important implications for patients and providers, offering a less invasive testing option.
A study by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research recommends controlling indoor air humidity to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Low humidity can cause virus droplets to dry out faster, allowing them to travel further and be inhaled by healthy people.
Scientists have developed a new genetic approach to improve biological nitrogen fixation in soybeans by leveraging wild ancestors' genetic diversity. They found that specific genes interact with beneficial microbes to alter the number of nodules a root system forms.
Researchers have identified master regulator genes that causally regulate key biological processes underlying asthma. These genes provide a novel path forward for uncovering mechanisms and developing novel therapies for asthma. The study also identified nasal gene signatures for mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma.
A new study by UCL researchers found that contract tracing apps are unlikely to be effective without large-scale uptake and adherence to quarantine advice. The review analyzed 15 relevant studies and suggests that automated contact tracing methods would still need to be used within an integrated public health response.