The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social isolation and distress among cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of human connection in their care. Clinicians can support these patients by fostering connections through non-clinical interventions.
Research by Professor Ami Citri and PhD student Anna Terem at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that the claustrum plays a significant role in creating associations between rewards and contexts. The study used conditioned-place preference tests on lab mice to demonstrate the claustrum's involvement in incentive salience.
A global survey of 371 coral reefs found that reef sharks are virtually absent from many ecosystems due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices. However, countries with strong governance and conservation efforts, such as Australia and the Bahamas, show promising results.
Dolphins under age 10 form close bonds with peers to develop essential skills and social savvy, reflecting future reproductive strategies. Males and females have distinct social behaviors, with males prioritizing friendly interactions and females focusing on foraging and preparing for motherhood.
Researchers at Penn Nursing and Drexel University explore how Black men articulate factors that facilitate or hinder their help-seeking for psychological symptoms after injury. The study found that severe posttraumatic symptoms create pathways to help-seeking, while financial worry and discrimination combine in a pathway toward help-se...
A new imaging technique, DEEP-Clear, developed by MDI Biological Laboratory scientist Prayag Murawala enables unprecedented insight into subcellular structures and tissues. The method expands the range of animal models that can be studied, processes that can be explored, and biological questions that can be addressed.
A new study suggests that mammalian immune cells may be less effective at detecting and responding to microorganisms from other planets, potentially posing a threat to space missions. The researchers tested the immune response of mice to peptides containing amino acids rare on Earth but common on meteorites.
A new NIH study demonstrates that kidney transplantation between people with HIV can be done safely and effectively. The study found excellent graft survival rates, comparable to those of recipients receiving kidneys from HIV-negative donors, without significant differences in infection or adverse events rates.
University of Queensland researchers have linked improvements in zebrafish's hunting skills to the development of sensory coding in their brains. The study shows that changes in neural circuitry lead to refinements in behavior and even predict individual fish's hunting success.
Research reveals that passionate and gritty players outperform others in football, with a strong correlation between player feelings and coach perceptions. While positive mindset is also important, it's not enough to guarantee success without passion and grit.
A new study models a 78% reduction in global plastic pollution by 2040 with immediate and coordinated action. However, even this best-case scenario predicts 710 million metric tons of plastic will still reach the environment.
A new optical coherence tomography (OCT) instrument has been developed to image the curved layers of the cornea with cell-level detail, enabling improved monitoring of eye diseases and general health conditions. The device provides a large viewing area, allowing for more precise counting of cells and nerves.
Researchers have developed a mouse model of pancreatic cancer that replicates two subtypes of the disease, classifying them as classical PDAC and basal PDAC. The study reveals key genes driving the aggressive nature of basal PDAC, offering potential targets for therapy.
Research finds that without immediate action, plastic flow will nearly triple by 2040, but solutions are available to reduce it by more than 80%. The study identifies measures such as reducing production and consumption, recycling, and expanding waste collection rates to achieve this goal.
A group of doctors and data scientists propose creating clinical departments devoted to artificial intelligence to harness its power in transforming patient care. The plan aims to address issues such as inconsistent implementation, poor data quality, and overdependence on AI, and would bring together diverse expertise for faster benefits.
A recent study found that over 40% of hospitalizations among older adults with dementia were for potentially preventable conditions, such as pneumonia and heart failure. The study's lead author emphasized the importance of addressing sepsis and implementing patient-centered programs to improve outpatient care.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the complex interactions between different brain areas using both electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This approach reveals linked dynamics between EEG- and fMRI-derived connectomes, providing insights into neural communication. The findings s...
A new study found the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Mexican Americans has doubled in recent years, while stabilizing for other racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Researchers also developed a gene therapy that can alleviate obstructive sleep apnea by stimulating the nerve that contracts muscles in the tongue.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a 50% global reduction in human-caused seismic noise, with the most pronounced effects seen in densely populated areas. This 'anthropause' phenomenon has provided a unique opportunity for researchers to better distinguish between human and natural seismic noise.
A new study published in Molecular Ecology reveals that the genes responsible for protecting frogs may actually be leading to their demise in the face of the invasive chytridiomycosis disease. Researchers found that frogs that died from the disease had higher expression of immune system genes than those that survived.
Scientists discovered extinct strains of smallpox in Viking skeletons, proving the killer disease plagued humanity for at least 1400 years. The ancient strains were genetically different from modern smallpox, and their presence pushes back the confirmed existence of smallpox by a thousand years.
Researchers have identified 38 excipient molecules that interact with human enzymes and receptors, highlighting the potential for previously unappreciated effects on health. The study emphasizes the need for further investigation to establish whether these substances may contribute to unwanted side effects in human patients.
The Peterborough Integrated Renewables Infrastructure (PIRI) project aims to deliver a significant drop in CO2 emissions by 2030 while cutting energy bills by up to a quarter. The project combines a next-generation heat network, electricity network, and electric vehicle infrastructure under one smart holistic scheme.
Researchers found playing a simple conversation game increased African Americans' participation in end-of-life care planning, including discussing preferences with family members and completing advanced directives. The study suggests the game is a valuable tool to address disparities in end-of-life care for African Americans.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS create device that can shape near-field light into various forms using waveguide reflectors. The resulting shapes can be used for ultra-high-resolution microscopy, particle manipulation and sensing applications.
Researchers found that venomous rattlesnakes are slightly more vulnerable to threats in colder temperatures, but not significantly so. The snakes were able to strike quickly even at low temperatures, suggesting they may be using a mechanism beyond muscle contraction.
A new study led by Penn State finds that LCCBs can cause vascular remodeling, reducing blood flow and increasing pressure. This damage can lead to an increased risk of heart failure in patients taking the medication.
A new study analyzing five hundred years of floods in Europe reveals that the continent is experiencing one of its most flood-rich periods in recent history. The research found that the last three decades have been among the most significant regarding frequency and magnitude of floods, with a shift towards more frequent summer floods.
A study published in Science found that a large mutation called a 'supermutation' affects the coloration of North American stick insects, transforming continuous variation into discrete color morphs. This discovery provides insights into how genetic variation is packaged into biological diversity, such as morphs and species.
Researchers discovered that garden peas can form highly stable amyloid protein aggregates, which may aid in seed longevity. Vicilin and its domains were found to co-localize with amyloid-specific dye in pea seeds.
Researchers from Texas A&M University designed a single device called PINE that improves energy delivery between home solar-power systems and the electrical grid. The device regulates grid voltage, integrates solar energy, and manages energy flow, making homes less dependent on the external power grid during blackouts.
Scientists charted SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Brazil, revealing that non-pharmaceutical interventions were insufficient to control the spread. The study found over 100 internationally-sourced virus introductions from Europe and estimates that more than 75% of Brazilian strains fell under three clades introduced during a specific period.
Researchers create simulation scenarios using ontologies to test autonomous driving systems, uncovering weaknesses and developing adaptive compensation methods to ensure system reliability and safety. The approach enables the detection of critical test cases that may not be feasible in real-world testing.
Researchers developed a non-invasive tracking strategy using CRISPR/Cas9 editing to insert the sodium/iodide symporter gene into iPSCs. This allows long-term monitoring of cardiomyocytes after implantation, paving the way for preclinical and clinical development of cardiac cell therapies.
A new technology dubbed MorphEUS enables rapid screening of drug candidates against Mycobcterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the bacterium that causes TB. It uses high throughput imaging and machine learning to uncover patterns in how antibacterials kill, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment development.
A diagnostic startup, Amplified Sciences LLC, is seeing growing interest and support for its innovations in detecting debilitating diseases. The company has received $1.1 million in seed funding and has been accepted into the National Institutes of Health's Applicant Assistance Program.
Researchers identified 134 previously unknown activities for 38 approved excipients, demonstrating direct activity against biologically relevant molecules. Several excipients exhibit evidence predictive of tissue-level toxicity, including thimerosal and cetylpyridinium.
A new study reveals significant increases in premenopausal breast cancer rates globally, particularly in higher-income nations like Canada. The study also finds that postmenopausal breast cancer is increasing more rapidly in lower-income countries, often due to adopting Western lifestyles and lack of early screening.
A new study suggests that hotels can increase tourists' intentions to visit once the crisis ends by humanizing their brand and creating an emotional attachment. This approach emphasizes shared emotional responses to risks, rather than focusing on cognitive, rational aspects of risk perceptions.
Researchers estimate a median 21% yield reduction for impacted corn and soybean crops, resulting in minimum economic costs of $587 million USD. The actual cost range is estimated at $0-$1.76 billion USD due to potential land area expansion.
GlycoNet funds 11 collaborative research projects across Canadian institutions to develop new treatments, diagnostic tools and therapies for challenging diseases. The projects aim to improve patient care, accelerate medical innovation and mitigate healthcare burden in Canada.
A team of researchers has identified a crucial ion channel protein in mast cells that regulates calcium levels, which are essential for the activation of many types of immune cells. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers from UConn and Wesleyan University found high levels of mercury in the Still River, exceeding EPA guidance levels for weekly consumption. The study suggests that legacy mercury pollution is persisting in the environment and impacting the food web, with bioavailable forms posing a significant health risk to humans and wildlife.
A recent study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that lung ultrasound was highly sensitive for detecting COVID-19 abnormalities, with B-lines, thickened pleural line, and pulmonary consolidation being the most commonly observed features.
Researchers found that some desert mosses in the Mojave Desert grow under translucent quartz pebbles, using them as natural sunshades to retain moisture and reduce heat. This unique adaptation allows these mosses to thrive in extremely dry conditions.
A recent research development introduces a pioneering theory of three-pattern decomposition of global atmospheric circulation. This new system improves the accuracy of climate prediction by unifying atmospheric motions in different latitudes. The theory has been praised as an original and innovative achievement with international level.
Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a new method to significantly increase the operation range and stability of optical tweezers. This technology uses dielectric particles to form a photonic jet, which acts as a trap or tweezers, allowing for more precise control over micron-sized objects.
A new study shows that IUDs significantly reduce menstrual symptoms in adolescents with disabilities, including heavy bleeding and cramping. The research found that 65% of young women reported less bleeding and 95% kept their IUD after one year.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found a significant decline in emergent medical, surgical, and obstetric hospitalizations during the early phase of COVID-19. The study reported a 35% decrease in weekly hospitalizations overall and a 45% decrease in hospitalizations not related to COVID-19.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that phage therapy could be a game-changer in treating complex bacterial infections in prosthetic joints. The treatment has shown promising results in patients with biofilm-related infections, which are notoriously difficult to eradicate with antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have successfully redesigned a key protein from the coronavirus, enabling faster and more stable vaccine production. The new design, called HexaPro, produces up to 10 times more protein than an earlier version, potentially reducing vaccine doses or speeding up production.
Researchers at Drexel University have discovered a new MXene material that can absorb electromagnetic interference rather than just deflecting it. The material, titanium carbonitride, is up to 3-5 times more effective at blocking EMI than copper foil, offering a sustainable solution for containing electromagnetic pollution.
Researchers discovered a shared skeletal structure between African and American crocodiles, suggesting a close evolutionary relationship. This finding proposes that crocodiles migrated from Africa to America, reaching the Americas via Australasia around 7 million years ago.
A new native Hawaiian land snail species has been discovered after a decade-long survey of the islands. The discovery brings a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, with scientists describing a small candy-striped snail that shows pronounced variation in coloring and is less than two-tenths of an inch long.
A study discovered that some people in Europe and South America carry a Neandertal variant of an ion channel gene, leading to increased pain sensitivity. The gene's variant is associated with a lower pain threshold compared to the modern human version.
Researchers found that patients treated with radioactive iodine and surgery for hyperthyroidism have a higher risk of dying from solid cancer compared to those treated with anti-thyroid drugs. The study suggests that the long-term effects of these treatments on cancer mortality rates are significant.
A study by Portland State University researchers reveals that the presence of cyclists does not significantly slow down cars on low speed, low volume urban roads without bicycle lanes. The 1 mph differential in speed caused by cyclists was found to be negligible from a practical perspective.
The latest Hubble image of Saturn reveals small atmospheric storms in the planet's northern hemisphere, with pronounced banding visible. The ringed planet's atmosphere is mostly hydrogen and helium, with seasonal changes due to increased sunlight also producing a reddish haze.
Researchers found that blocking IL-17A increases the presence of other inflammatory molecules produced by Th17 cells, immune cells involved in neuroinflammation. The study suggests a combination approach involving both IL-17A and IL-24 may be more effective in treating autoimmune disorders of the nervous system.
The new CGBE1 tool enables efficient induction of C-to-G mutations while minimizing unwanted changes, offering potential for treating disease-associated genetic mutations. Co-authors envision CGBE1 as useful for research applications, enabling introduction of specific C-to-G mutations.