Researchers found elevated total mercury concentrations in dragonfly larvae from various national parks, with higher levels in rivers and streams. The study suggests that these insects can be used to predict mercury levels in other species, enabling early warning systems for environmental hazards.
Researchers found that fat-burning neurons in mice can grow and increase their ability to burn energy when given the hormone leptin. This discovery could lead to new treatments for obesity by targeting these neurons.
A recent study has identified trehalulose, a rare sugar in native stingless bee honey, as having a low glycaemic index and not causing tooth decay. This discovery strengthens the market for stingless bee honey and creates new opportunities for its use in food products.
Researchers detected novel fluoroethers in 85% of participants' blood, representing 24% of total PFAS, and showed faster excretion rates compared to legacy PFAS. The study aimed to understand the effects of these chemicals on human health.
Researchers developed antioxidant-rich powders from blueberry and persimmon waste, which showed beneficial effects on gut bacterial growth. The findings suggest that these powders could be used to boost carotenoids and anthocyanins in food formulations, potentially promoting human health.
Scientists discovered a new species of giant pigeon in Tonga, Tongoenas burleyi, which was hunted to extinction within a century after human arrival. The bird's size and dietary habits suggest it played a crucial role in dispersing seeds for fruit-bearing trees.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients who smoke or vape are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, as well as cerebrovascular-neurological dysfunction. The study suggests that the virus can affect the brain and lead to ischemic strokes in smokers.
The NIH's RADx initiative aims to increase daily COVID-19 testing capacity to 6 million by December 2020. The program focuses on expanding low-complexity point-of-care molecular diagnostics with rapid results for underserved populations.
A new study found that access to the food stamp program lowers repeat physician visits by over 14% due to improved immune response. This reduction in healthcare utilization results in significant savings for individuals and the federal government, with estimates suggesting $9 per person in cost savings.
Research suggests that having more flowers and a more diverse bee community could reduce the spread of bee parasites. The study found that when bee communities are at their most diverse, the proportion of infected bees is lowest, and when flowers are at their most abundant, fewer are likely to act as transmission hubs.
Researchers found that expanding access to methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone in prisons and jails can significantly reduce overdose deaths by 31.6% in certain circumstances. The study suggests that continuity of care is key to maximizing public health impact.
A new membrane distillation process that uses solar heat to produce drinking water from seawater or wastewater has been developed. The technology can double the production of drinking water compared to existing methods, making it a promising solution for isolated areas without access to potable water.
Colorado State University researchers have received a $3.5 million US Department of Energy grant to develop advanced combustion strategies for direct-injection large propane engines. The project aims to improve the energy efficiency of propane engines, making it a more viable alternative to diesel.
A combined analysis of six studies found that consuming chocolate more than once a week was associated with an 8% decreased risk of coronary artery disease. The researchers attributed the potential benefit to flavonoids and other heart-healthy nutrients in chocolate.
Researchers created an inexpensive smart stir bar that can automatically measure and transmit data on a solution's properties to a smartphone or computer. This device uses open-source software and low-cost components to detect parameters such as color, electrical conductivity, and viscosity.
Researchers have isolated potent neutralizing antibodies from COVID-19 patients that can provide significant protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These antibodies could be used to treat patients early in infection or prevent infection in elderly individuals.
A new open-source computer model is being developed to simulate production and quantify the environmental effects of management decisions on dairy farms. The Ruminant Farms Systems Model project aims to address limitations of current farm management models and provide tools for economic and environmentally balanced decision-making.
A new Northwestern University study in mice found ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers do not increase COVID-19 severity or fatality risk. The research dispels concerns about these widely used drugs in patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Journal of Cereal Science found that buckwheat enhances the production of SIRT1, a protein linked to increased life expectancy. The experiment involved adding 30% buckwheat to rats' diets, resulting in higher SIRT1 levels without weight loss.
A team of engineers has designed a 26 gram ornithopter that can hover, dart, glide, brake, and dive like a swift, making it more versatile and safer than quadcopter drones. The drone's ability to fly in cluttered environments and stop quickly from fast speeds avoids collisions.
Researchers at Purdue University developed self-powered wearable devices that can monitor cardiovascular health using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and transform mechanical energy into power. These devices have the potential to be non-invasive, personalized, and cost-effective for detecting common heart diseases.
Research has found that cancer patients diagnosed over 24 months ago are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 infection. Patients from Asian ethnicity or receiving palliative treatment were also at a higher risk of death from COVID-19.
Physician-scientists use a comprehensive genomic analysis tool to determine the best treatment plan for each individual patient. The study suggests that mutations in the TERT gene can predict a patient's response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
A recent study published in Papers in Applied Geography found that just a few negative online reviews can determine early on how many reviews a restaurant receives long-term. The study also discovered that restaurants with a smaller number of reviews had a higher likelihood of low ratings, while those with more reviews were more likely...
Scientists have developed a wireless, optical cochlear implant that uses LED lights to restore hearing in deaf rats and gerbils. The device generates more selective signals than prior designs, offering improvements over current electrode-based implants.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that people often hold negative stereotypes about Black men based on what they're wearing. Despite formal attire reducing some biases, it does not eliminate them entirely. The study suggests that awareness and resistance to stereotypes are key to overcoming racist assumptions.
A research team discovered that certain sections of bacterial genetic material are doubled or multiplied, giving bacteria new capabilities to influence the immune system and adapt to changing environments. This process is crucial for pathogens to develop and evolve in their battle against the human immune system.
A Simon Fraser University professor's research analyzes CSR impact in forestry, mining, and textiles industries, finding few initiatives translate to improvements for local communities. He advocates for global pressure, transparent reporting, and harmonized labels to promote sustainable production and reduce conflicts.
A new Ohio State University study found that people can't completely ignore how someone looks or sounds, even when told to do so. This has implications for racial stereotyping, as participants were more careful to avoid showing bias when evaluating accents, but not when judging physical attractiveness.
A new UNLV study provides a 13,000-year climate history from stalagmite specimens, showing that Nevada was even hotter and drier in the past than it is today. The research warns of potential permanent aridity in the region due to human-induced Arctic and tropical Pacific warming.
A major international research project shows that flooding characteristics in recent decades are unlike those of previous centuries. Historical data analysis identified nine flood-rich periods and associated regions, with a shift in the timing and relationship between floods and air temperatures.
Monash researchers have developed a drug that can prevent blood clots from forming, which are the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. The drug has shown promising results in animal models and human cells, suggesting it could be a game-changer in cardiovascular disease treatment.
A new University of Toronto study found that individuals with suboptimal mental health died on average 4.7 months earlier than those in excellent mental health. The study, which followed 12,424 adult Canadians from 1994 to 2011, also identified key factors associated with premature mortality.
Researchers have made new discoveries about the disruption of condensates in Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder. The study found that MeCP2's condensate-forming ability is disrupted in Rett syndrome and suggests that therapies targeting condensates associated with the protein may be promising.
Researchers at UConn Health have developed a non-invasive biomarker panel for diagnosing and monitoring infant urinary tract obstruction. The panel of five proteins can detect UPJO in infants and toddlers, reducing the need for expensive and invasive tests.
A team of researchers developed a technique to identify malicious internet accounts and track online foreign misinformation campaigns in real time. They found that their model was effective in identifying posts and accounts that were part of a foreign influence campaign, including those by accounts that had never been used before.
A new study published in Nature shows that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated 700 kilometers inland during an interglacial warm period 400,000 years ago. This retreat contributed to a 3-4 meter increase in global sea level rise, with the Wilkes Basin playing a significant role.
A color-multiplexed holography system has been developed to record 3D information of objects illuminated by a white-light lamp and self-luminous specimens as a single multicolor hologram. The system acquires color 3D information with only a single-shot exposure and no color filter array.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified a new RNA-binding protein that regulates plant immune responses, enabling rapid on and off signals to fight pathogens. The discovery provides insights into the complex mechanisms of plant defense and paves the way for improved disease resistance and food security.
A new international study has found evidence of stone tools dating back at least 30,000 years to the first human immigration to America. The discovery was made in a Mexican mountain cave and pushes the estimated arrival time back by approximately 15,000 years.
A new study published by the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics found that ibuprofen does not hinder bone fracture healing in children. Six weeks after surgery, 92% of patients taking ibuprofen had healed fractures, compared to 82% in the control group.
An observational study examines COVID-19 death risk factors in Ontario, Canada's long-term care facilities, identifying key associations with mortality among residents. The study reveals that several factors contribute to increased risk of death from COVID-19 in these settings.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that improving subjective well-being through online and in-person interventions had positive effects on self-reported physical health. Participants who received the intervention reported increasing levels of happiness and fewer sick days compared to control participants.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that female prosecutors in Sweden are 16 percentage points more likely to investigate police assault claims than their male counterparts. This difference was observed despite the prosecutors being randomly assigned to cases and having similar characteristics.
The NIST researchers developed a portable laser-based system to test the effectiveness of different wavelengths of UV light against various microorganisms. The study found that narrower wavebands were more effective in inactivating germs, with some unexpected results.
A RAND Corporation report highlights shortcomings in treating veterans with co-occurring disorders, emphasizing the need for standardized evidence-based treatments and regular evaluations. The study recommends incorporating veterans' preferences into care decisions and exploring telehealth options during the pandemic.
International analysis narrows range of climate's sensitivity to CO2, suggesting a likely warming of 2.3-4.5°C with doubled atmospheric carbon dioxide. The study, commissioned by the World Climate Research Programme, uses temperature records, paleoclimate data, and detailed models to converge on the best estimate of climate sensitivity.
Researchers at UTSW Medical Center have identified BBOX1 enzyme as a viable target for triple negative breast cancer treatment. Overexpressing BBOX1 causes TNBC cells to proliferate, while eliminating it stops tumor growth.
A new quantum sensing technique developed by researchers at the University of Maryland uses diamonds to visualize electrical currents in graphene. The technique provides detailed images of current flow, shedding light on the intricate behavior of electrons in this material.
A diagnostic study compared the effectiveness of self-collected midnasal swabs and clinician-collected nasopharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that unsupervised midnasal swabs were comparable to clinician-collected nasopharyngeal swabs.
Climate change is fueling the rapid expansion of invasive species like the Asian shore crab into previously unknown habitats. This study finds that climate warming can predict the speed and extent of these invasions by examining the early developmental stages of larvae, which are often more vulnerable to environmental fluctuations.
Chemists at MIT have developed a way to modify thermoset plastics with a chemical linker that makes them easier to break down after use, retaining mechanical strength. They successfully produced a degradable version of pDCPD and reused the powder to form new material.
Research reveals that Middle Eastern Americans are often perceived as non-white, yet this perception can lead to increased discrimination against them. The study highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the experiences of Middle Eastern Americans.
Georgia State University researchers have received a $200,000 grant to develop a COVID-19 test tool that detects SARS-CoV-2 using electrochemistry. The technology offers several benefits, including fast turnaround time and decreased false negative outcomes.
Researchers have uncovered how immune cells use chemical signals to navigate to the lymph nodes, where they help combat harmful bacteria and viruses. This discovery may pave the way for new treatments and a better understanding of why the immune system sometimes fails.
The first commission focuses on scaling sustainable behaviour change, addressing challenges in identifying high-impact projects and understanding the relation between individual behavior and system change. The results will be published Open Access in the Global Sustainability journal, freely available worldwide.
Researchers have developed a technique to control and visualize cell function expression at a high level, enabling minimally invasive surgery to living cells. This innovation aims to solve the mystery of life by manipulating cellular functions and visualizing biomolecules.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have created a novel memory device that exceeds previous performance while offering promising prospects for integration with silicon electronics. The device uses asymmetric metal and semi-metallic graphene materials to achieve record-breaking speed and efficiency.
Researchers discovered brain-resident immune cells that play a crucial role in normal brain development and are essential for the regulation of brain functions. The findings suggest a connection between gut bacteria, white blood cells, and neurological diseases.
Researchers developed a machine learning system that can detect social media posts involved in coordinated political influence campaigns based on their content features. The system uses word count, webpage links, and posting time as digital fingerprints to identify suspicious activity.