A University of Washington team is developing a model to simulate the impact of various interventions on population health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The model will generate policy recommendations that could help lower infections in King County.
Swansea University researchers have captured the moments a fluid reacts like a solid through a new method of fluid observation under pressurised conditions. The study looks at fluids with a solid-like response to stress, called Discontinuous Shear Thickening (DST), and offers a novel visual indication for future theoretical models.
Researchers at UMD have identified a critical role for the molecule ACC in plant reproduction and pollination, activating proteins similar to those involved in nervous system responses in humans and animals. This finding could rewrite textbooks and lead to new research on improving plant health and crop yield.
Scientists at Soochow University successfully alter the rate-determining step of electrochemical ammonia synthesis using cobalt single clusters, achieving outstanding yield rates and Faradaic efficiency. The new strategy reduces energy loss and cuts fundamental costs for sustainable NRR systems.
A study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that past discriminatory housing practices may be impacting maternal and infant health today. Neighborhoods with worse HOLC ratings had significantly more adverse birth outcomes, including premature births and low birth weight babies.
Researchers at KIST and KAIST developed a technology to fabricate liquid crystals with multiple layers, which can exhibit diverse optical characteristics. This new material may potentially replace color shifting ink in preventing forgery of bank notes and ID cards.
Scientists have discovered that auroral beads are caused by turbulence in the plasma surrounding Earth, which precedes substorms and triggers auroras. The new models provide a broader picture of the near-space environment, helping researchers better understand swirling structures seen in auroras.
A study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus challenges a decades-old hypothesis on adaptation in the inner ear's sensory cells. The researchers found that adaptation does not involve a mechanical change in the hair bundle, contrary to existing models.
A UC Davis Health study found that children with autism born to mothers who had immune conditions during their pregnancy are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems. Maternal immune conditions, such as asthma, were associated with increased behavioral and emotional problems in male offspring.
Researchers at Institute for Basic Science have identified new subsets of gut connective cells crucial for lymphatic growth and fat digestion. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that impair lacteal regeneration and reveal a link between intestinal environment and cell interactions.
A targeted therapy called rucaparib has been successfully used to treat men with advanced prostate cancer who have mutated BRCA1/BRCA2 genes. The treatment resulted in a 41% objective response rate and improvements in prostate-specific antigen levels for over half of the patients.
Tumors in ovarian cancer interact with platelets through broken blood vessel barriers, enabling metastasis. Organ-on-a-chip technology allows researchers to study this interaction and explore potential treatments.
Research published in Science Advances by a University of Saskatchewan-led team reveals an explosion of ancient life on the ocean floor nearly 540 million years ago. The study found evidence of animals actively engineering their ecosystem, constructing diverse burrows that may have laid the foundation for greater diversity in marine life.
A team of researchers from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research analyzed the COVID-19 pandemic to identify lessons for mitigating climate change. They propose a 'Climate Corona Contract' that unites younger and older generations to address the climate emergency.
Researchers at the University of Chicago used computational analysis to identify ebselen as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The study found that ebselen can decrease Mpro's activity in two different ways, making it a promising lead for developing new therapeutic strategies against the virus.
A new data synthesis finds that nearly 3000 volcanoes have erupted over the last 2.6 million years, many associated with subsurface signatures of currently active magma within the shallow crust. The research reveals new details about the complex and time-evolving patterns of rising magma in the region.
Researchers found that two common genetic variations in the KIF3A gene impair skin barrier function, leading to increased water loss and development of atopic dermatitis. Genetic testing could help identify infants at risk, potentially preventing eczema and related allergic diseases.
Researchers are developing a new type of geosynthetic clay liner to manage toxic landfill leachates. The liner, composed of bentonite and polymer, has shown promise in maintaining low hydraulic conductivity when exposed to aggressive leachates.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that weight changes between early adulthood and midlife are crucial in determining a person's risk of early death. Participants whose BMI decreased from obese to overweight range had half the risk of dying compared to those who remained obese throughout their lives.
Researchers found evidence of humans using grass bedding and ash layers to create comfortable areas for sleeping and working over 200,000 years ago. The study suggests that people used fire, ash, and medicinal plants to maintain clean and pest-free camps.
A new method was developed to study fast Coronal Mass Ejections and predict the most extreme space weather events. These events can cause strong geomagnetic storms that affect space and Earth-based engineering systems.
Researchers develop new machine learning methods to predict polymeric carbon nitride compounds suitable for sustainable photocatalytic water splitting. This process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen without using rare earths or expensive metals.
A Montana State University researcher contributed to a novel project that sequenced the genome of the tuatara, a reptile referred to as a 'living fossil.' The study reveals ancient features of amniote evolution and provides insights into human genetic lineage.
Research findings suggest poor hygiene is a significant risk factor for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria colonization. The study also highlights the importance of improving sanitation and hygiene practices to reduce the spread of AMR infections.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that pregnant women face significant challenges accessing opioid treatment, including limited provider availability and high out-of-pocket costs. The study calls for policymakers to intervene and establish systems for timely access to life-saving medications.
A study finds that exchange and correlation effects significantly impact the electron mobility of Na3Bi, leading to unexpectedly fast conduction electrons. The research uses a scanning-tunnelling microscope technique to map the electronic structure in the material.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals a significant decline in US bird biodiversity related to neonicotinoid use, particularly affecting grassland birds. The research found a 2.2% decline in grassland bird populations for every 100 kg increase in neonicotinoid usage per county.
A recent study analyzed data from over 77,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients to understand the impact of pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities or risk factors on clinical outcomes. The results show that these patients are more likely to develop cardiovascular complications and die from COVID-19 infection.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that some commercially available serological tests only detect N-protein antibodies, which may not indicate immunity to reinfection. S-RBD antibody detection is considered a better indicator of protection against COVID-19 reinfection.
The project aims to improve Next Generation Science Standards by developing a technological ecosystem that enables students to create, test, and compare their own ideas about science. The funding will focus on sixth- and seventh-grade science, but the results will be adaptable to other age groups.
Researchers developed a new family of polymers that can self-heal, have shape memory, and are recyclable. The materials can be fine-tuned to achieve softness like rubber or strength like load-bearing plastics, making them suitable for realistic prosthetics, soft robotics, and military applications.
The study introduces a new type of composite membrane with a polystyrene surface layer that increases its resistance to aggressive media. The developed dynamic membranes show high separation efficiency for emulsions and can be reused by replacing the contaminated surface layer, making them suitable for liquid waste treatment.
Eduardo Lopez Atencio and his collaborators are analyzing agent search methods in a constrained network environment to help the US Army workforce stay focused on strategic goals. This analysis will be applied to forecast workforce behaviors across an extended planning horizon.
A new study reveals that European migratory bird populations are most affected by changes in climate on breeding grounds, while land cover changes have a greater impact on their migration routes. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple factors in conservation efforts to mitigate population declines.
The American Chemical Society's 'Talented 12' program recognizes early-career researchers tackling difficult global challenges. This year's class includes innovators in chemistry, biobased building blocks, and faster reagents. They will be featured in this week's issue of CEN.
Tropical Storm Josephine is being affected by southwesterly wind shear, which is pushing clouds and precipitation to the northeast of its center. This wind shear is expected to continue, potentially affecting the storm's trajectory and weakening it over the next couple of days.
A two-year study found that fungal spores of Colletotrichum fioriniae, the cause of bitter rot disease, reside symbiotically within apple leaves. The research suggests that the fungus is a leaf endophyte, with most spores coming from forest samples, and has important implications for fruit tree management.
A team of Harvard researchers found that image-processing circuits in the primary visual cortex are more active when animals move, suggesting a complex relationship between vision and movement. The study's results offer new insights into how neural activity works in sensory regions of the brain.
A German-Argentinean doctoral program has borne its first fruits with a joint publication in the renowned journal Plant Physiology. Dr. Regina Mencia's research on increasing plant resistance to pathogens via the salicylic acid pathway has shown promising results.
A new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology has reconstructed a tuberculosis genome from the calcified lungs of a 17th-century bishop, supporting the idea that TB emerged within the last 6,000 years. The discovery sheds light on the origins of TB and challenges the prevailing assumption about its global distribution.
Scientists have identified a small molecule that successfully inhibits influenza A, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 in tissue culture and mice by blocking the interaction of AP2M1 with viral proteins. This finding suggests a possible broad-spectrum antiviral therapy to treat various viruses.
A recent study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found no association between the number of in-person health care visits and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant patients. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 women who delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that necessary in-person care can be safely performed.
A three-year intervention in southern Mozambique averted almost 40,000 malaria cases and reduced disease transmission by 85%. Despite this drastic reduction, the study finds that disease transmission was not interrupted, highlighting the need for new strategies to achieve elimination.
Scientists are using a High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) and iSHELL/IRTF to observe the newly discovered planet AU Mic, aiming to disentangle its radial velocity signal from stellar activity. This will allow for precise calculations of the planet's orbital parameters and mass.
A new mathematical procedure minimizes the sign problem in quantum Monte Carlo method, reducing computational time for solid-state systems. This approach enables faster development of materials with special spin properties.
Researchers identified ebselen's binding activity to SARS-CoV-2 main protease, suggesting its potential as a treatment. The distant binding site may provide an alternative target for repurposed drugs.
The study completes the genome assembly of F. oxysporum f.sp. lini, a highly destructive fungal parasite infecting flax. This milestone contributes to the development of resistant crop varieties and aids in eliminating plant disease outbreaks.
Researchers at University of Jyväskylä and University of Ottawa developed a novel magnetic compound with pancake bond, improving magnetic properties at elevated temperatures. The design strategy paves the way for new single-molecule magnets with potential applications in spintronics and quantum computers.
NASA-NOAA satellite imagery reveals the development of Tropical Storm Josephine, which formed from Tropical Depression 11. The storm is expected to continue moving west-northwest and strengthen over the next 48 hours.
A new study published in Radiology found an alarming rise in intimate partner violence (IPV) during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant increase in physical injuries and severe signs of abuse. The study suggests that victims may have delayed seeking care due to fear of COVID-19.
The 'Madsen' wheat cultivar exhibits excellent resistance to various diseases and stresses, contributing to its widespread success in the Pacific Northwest. Its impact has been felt globally, with researchers using it as a parent in breeding programs to protect wheat crops from numerous threats.
Researchers have developed a framework to reconcile discrepancies in ancient sea surface temperature estimates and climate model results. By accounting for location-biased paleoclimate data, scientists can better reconstruct global climate conditions in the past and improve predictions of future climate scenarios.
Researchers found that primates have evolved larger, more variable larynges with faster adaptation rates compared to carnivores. This difference is linked to vocal communication systems, suggesting a key role for the larynx in primate behavior.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that cover crop roots play a crucial role in increasing soil organic carbon levels and promoting biodiversity. The study found that diverse mixtures of cover crops resulted in increased root biomass and improved soil carbon inputs.
Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered a new species of mud-shrimp, Strianassa lerayi anker, and a highly mobile clam, in Panama's Coiba National Park. The discovery is part of a larger project to better understand the role of microbes in shaping tropical ecosystems.
A new federal rule leaves millions of miles of unconnected US streams and acres of wetlands unprotected, potentially undermining decades of taxpayer investment in improving water quality. The move risks higher floods, loss of biodiversity, and threats to drinking water and recreational fishing.
A study found that 11.4% of second-opinion radiology reports were ignored by clinicians, with sonography and pediatrics having the highest rates. The cost of these ignored reports could be substantial, estimated at €53,700 or approximately $63,427.
Xin Ning, a Penn State aerospace engineer, has received a National Science Foundation grant to develop a stretchable sensor and foldable field hospital to aid in the COVID-19 pandemic. The wearable sensor will monitor vital signs while being flexible and wire-free.
Researchers found that household contacts had a 1 in 10 chance of infection, while asymptomatic patients were less likely to infect close contacts. Patients with severe disease were more likely to spread COVID-19 to their close contacts.
Elida has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone due to the absence of strong thunderstorms. The National Hurricane Center notes that without warm sea surface temperatures, organized deep convection will not return, making this the final advisory on Elida.