The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of agricultural technologies to ensure food supply security. Roboticized farms, vertical farming, and gene-edited foods are being used to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens among workers and minimize reliance on human labor.
A team led by Pitt professor Katherine Hornbostel is developing a hybrid plant that captures more carbon than it produces, making it carbon negative. The system integrates natural gas with two carbon capture technologies to achieve high CO2 removal rates during both normal operations and off-peak hours.
A study found that some healthy individuals have immune cells capable of recognizing SARS-CoV-2 due to prior infections with 'common cold' coronaviruses. Cross-reactive T-helper cells may provide a protective effect, but could also lead to misdirected immune responses.
Researchers found that certain microRNAs can decrease the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 enzymes, which are crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells. This discovery could lead to new approaches for fighting the virus.
A team of scientists used positron beams to study radiation damage in iron films, revealing new insights into defect formation. The research provides critical data on the nature of defects and improves understanding of radiation effects in materials used in nuclear reactors and other extreme environments.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program aims to educate journalists about aging issues and disseminate information on scientific findings, policy debates, and innovations. The new cohort will participate in online educational sessions and deliver two projects based on current aging research.
A RAND Corporation study found that telemedicine services can extend care for underserved populations, particularly in rural areas. The study examined the experiences of nine community health centers in California and found a significant increase in telemedicine volume over time.
A new 'lab-on-a-chip' technology has been developed to monitor swimming pools more affordably and reliably, improving water safety for Australians. The sensor can accurately measure chlorine and pH levels, reducing the risk of infection from incorrect pool chemistry.
Research reveals complexity of tree and urban zone responses to extreme heating events. Tree transpiration plays a significant role in exacerbating the urban heat island effect.
Scientists have found that quantum particles can carry unlimited information about interacted objects, enabling precise measurements. Researchers developed a new technique using quasi-probabilities to improve metrology, leading to potential breakthroughs in super-precise microscopes and quantum computers.
A position paper from the European Society of Cardiology highlights the cardiovascular risks of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents. The authors call for stricter regulations on marketing and sales, as well as education campaigns to raise awareness about the negative effects of vaping.
Researchers investigated the dynamics of the Earth's transition zone, a boundary layer between ~410 and ~660 km depth. They found that deformation mechanisms shift from dislocation creep to pure climb creep at geological stresses, influencing the Earth's geochemical evolution.
Research found that five scientific fields (particle physics, atomic physics, cell biology, neuroscience, and molecular chemistry) account for more than half of Nobel Prizes awarded between 1995 and 2017. Additionally, many papers in these fields received less citation compared to other publications.
A six-week course of a PCSK9 inhibitor improved coronary artery function in people living with HIV or high cholesterol, increasing area and blood flow. The study suggests a potential way to limit cardiovascular disease risk in these populations by improving blood vessel function.
A new study reveals that almost two-thirds of first confirmed COVID-19 cases outside China had travel links to Italy, China, or Iran. The research suggests that travel from these countries may have seeded additional outbreaks globally before the pandemic was characterized.
Researchers analyzed mask-wearing and face-touching behavior in public areas before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing changes in global populations. The study found that people were more likely to touch their faces when wearing masks or in crowded spaces.
A new paper reveals the mechanism behind sorbent materials' ability to capture and release carbon dioxide from the air. The study's findings could lead to smarter design of sorbent materials at the heart of all carbon removal systems.
Researchers created a personal cooling fabric that efficiently transfers heat away from the body while allowing sweat to evaporate. The new material, made from nanofibrous membranes coated with boron nitride nanosheets, has high thermal conductivity and potential uses in solar energy collection and electronic device management.
Researchers found that combining pan-Bcl-2 inhibitors with cancer treatments can cause healthy cells to die, leading to reproductive and developmental defects. The study highlights the need for awareness about adverse effects of certain drugs like navitoclax.
A Stanford-led paper explores the unprecedented socioeconomic disruption caused by COVID-19, hypothesizing outcomes for Earth systems and outlining research priorities. The study aims to better understand the impacts of human activity on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, and the global economy.
A Potential Tropical Cyclone (PTC) 9 has developed in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to several islands. The National Hurricane Center has issued multiple warnings and watches, with a high formation chance of 90%.
Using a quantum computer, researchers simulated time travel into the past, damaging one qubit. However, when all qubits returned to the present, they appeared largely unaltered, suggesting self-healing in reality. The study challenges traditional views of chaos and disorder in complex systems.
A recent study found that less than 20% of ecological research is computationally reproducible, highlighting the need for improved sharing of code and data. The study's lead author calls for a drastic increase in code availability to address this issue.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that RGGI successfully reduced PM2.5 emissions and improved children's health between 2009-2014, avoiding 537 asthma cases, 112 preterm births, 98 ASD cases, and 56 low birthweight cases. The initiative also generated economic savings of $191-$350 million.
Australian researchers have developed a phage cocktail therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in diabetic foot ulcers. The treatment has shown promising results, effectively decreasing bacterial load and improving wound healing.
Scientists used dynamic in-situ x-ray diffraction to observe how a crystalline sponge changed shape as it lost water molecules. The study found that one water molecule leaves quickly, causing the crystal lattice to compress and twist, while the other two molecules leave together.
Researchers found that adjusting planter depth and downforce according to environmental conditions can improve crop emergence and yield. Studies showed that larger seeds produce a slight increase in emergence, while hill-drop planting overcomes inadequate field conditions.
Lehigh University's Energy Research Center receives $750,000 from the DOE to improve power plant efficiency and develop a technology to measure toxic heavy metals in power plant wastewater. The project aims to optimize operating efficiency, system reliability, and emission reductions.
Tropical Storm Douglas has weakened significantly due to strong wind shear, which has pushed the storm's clouds away from its center. The lack of deep convection in the storm is a clear indication of weakening.
A new material combines recycled concrete aggregate and rubber in a mix precisely optimised to meet road engineering safety standards. The blend is more flexible than standard materials, making roads less prone to cracking and delivering both environmental and engineering benefits.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham and international partners have developed a technique to miniaturize sensing devices using cold atoms and optical metasurfaces. The resulting devices are significantly smaller, with potential applications in various industries.
African carder bees have been spotted in Western Australia for the first time, according to Curtin University research. The invasive species was previously recorded in Queensland and has since spread throughout eastern Australia, raising concerns about its potential impact on native ecosystems.
A new study using data from 123 studies worldwide found that smaller habitats lead to more species extinctions when compared to larger habitats. The researchers developed a way to develop more realistic biodiversity forecasting models by accounting for ecosystem decay.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a way to enhance superconductivity in materials by layering molybdenum sulfide with molybdenum carbide, increasing conductivity by 50% to 6 Kelvin. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy transmission and storage.
Researchers identified mechanism of competition between distinct mitochondrial genomes in the same cell, which depends on impact on cell metabolism. The study found that factors like gene function, drugs, and dietary changes influence preference for specific mtDNA variants.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new method to fabricate perovskites as single-crystal thin films, resulting in flexible single-crystal films with controlled area, thickness, and composition. These single-crystal films showed greater efficiency and enhanced stability than polycrystalline counterparts.
A new study suggests that COVID-19 may cause deadly blood clots in pregnant women and those taking estrogen, highlighting the need for anticoagulation therapy or discontinuation of estrogen medicines. Research is underway to understand how the coronavirus causes blood clots, which could inform prevention strategies.
Researchers have matched seismic signals with aurora displays in Alaska, offering a new way to study magnetic fluctuations. By combining data from all-sky cameras and seismometers, scientists can better understand the link between solar winds and the Earth's magnetic field.
Researchers developed a coaxial cable-inspired needle-electrode for multichannel and local-differential recordings of neuronal activity. This innovation achieved high-quality neuronal signal acquisition with a high signal-to-noise ratio, while reducing tissue damage compared to conventional electrodes.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have mapped and analyzed the atomic structure of the Cmr-β complex, a type III-B CRISPR-Cas system. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind this complex's immune response against phages and its potential therapeutic applications in fighting antibiotic resistance.
Grassroots knowledge from Indigenous people can help map and monitor ecological changes, improving scientific studies and managing ecosystems. The study reveals negative trends, such as increased invasive species and changes in wild animal health, highlighting the importance of Indigenous and local knowledge for global-scale monitoring.
A study by University of California, Davis found that wealthier US communities became the least mobile, while poorer areas increased mobility, exacerbating the pandemic's impact. The research highlights the need for targeted emergency relief packages to address lower-income regions' unique challenges.
A team of scientists identified a gene mutation that causes distal arthrogryposis (DA), a condition characterized by joint deformities and muscle loss. The MYLPF gene plays a crucial role in normal muscle development and function, and its mutations can lead to reduced muscle strength and degeneration.
Hongwei Xin, UT AgResearch Dean, is recognized for his global leadership skills in animal production environment, welfare, and sustainability. He has published over 600 refereed journal articles and has worked on various initiatives to facilitate linkages between academics, research, and economic development.
A new study suggests electric fans and self-dousing with water could effectively cool people at home during extreme heat. Researchers found that up to 65% of the US population could stay cool on all summer days using this strategy.
A novel cell therapy using patient T cells has shown preliminary effectiveness in treating relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma. The treatment, which is safer than existing CAR T cells, improved survival rates and objective clinical responses in patients with active disease.
A new study found that while overall US cardiac death rates declined between 1999 and 2017, the pace of decline slowed significantly since 2011. County-level disparities in premature cardiac deaths have grown, with out-of-hospital deaths increasing and socioeconomic factors playing a key role.
A novel function of spermine synthase (SMS) has been identified as facilitating colorectal cancer growth, with excessive accumulation of spermidine having harmful effects on cell viability. Combined inhibition of SMS and MYC signaling induces cancer cell death and tumor regression.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a hybrid inverter platform that connects local energy resources to the utility power grid, enabling autonomous, distributed energy systems. The platform can interact with various control systems and support real-time monitoring for better system stability.
Researchers have developed biphilic surfaces that significantly improve defrosting efficiency on heat exchangers. The unique surface design enables the removal of frost and slush from superhydrophobic regions before complete melting, reducing cleaning time and energy consumption.
The study reanalyzed fossils of Pisanosaurus and dated rocks from the Ischigualasto Formation, finding that Ornithiscians and Saurischians first appeared and diverged around the same time. The researchers also found that the period over which the formation was deposited overlaps with the Chinle Formation in North America.
A previously unrecognized ocean current was discovered transporting water to the Faroe Bank Channel Overflow in the North Atlantic Ocean. The research team identified a new path for cold and dense water flowing at depth, which led to this exciting finding.
The article provides recommendations from a National Academies of Sciences report on reopening elementary and secondary schools, emphasizing partnerships with public health officials and transparent communication. The report aims to minimize risks and maximize benefits for students, staff, and communities.
Researchers develop microrecycling strategy to convert e-waste into a strong, protective coating for metal. The new material combines copper and silica compounds to form a durable hybrid layer that increases steel hardness by 125%.
Most of Stonehenge's sarsen megaliths originate from West Woods, Wiltshire, according to a new analysis. The study used advanced techniques to determine the stones' chemical composition, revealing a common origin for the massive boulders.
Researchers studied the decline of Arctic sea ice in 2018, finding it was three times higher than the initial loss during the satellite era. The study links this decline to global atmospheric processes and warns of catastrophic impacts on air temperatures and ocean circulation if the trend continues.
Astronomers have found a strange dismembered star cluster at the galaxy's edge, with lower quantities of heavier elements than other globular clusters. The discovery poses significant problems for current ideas on globular cluster origins.
MIT researchers develop an on-off system that allows for low-error quantum computations and rapid sharing of quantum information between processors. The system uses 'giant atoms' made from superconducting qubits, enabling high-fidelity operations and interconnection between processors.
Researchers at CNIC and IIS Princesa discover that sodium ions regulate mitochondrial function, increasing reactive oxygen species production in early stages of hypoxia. This finding could lead to new treatments for diseases related to hypoxia, such as stroke and heart attack.
A pilot study of a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and home-based exercise program showed encouraging results in reducing shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. Participants reported decreased pain levels, with three describing their pain as 'much improved', after the treatment.