Researchers analyzed over 2,300 fossil bones and found over 400 marks left by insects and snails, shedding light on paleo diversity and climate of the Jurassic period. The high number of insect traces suggests that dinosaur carcasses remained unburied for an extended period, providing valuable insights into prehistoric stench.
A new study by NSF International and Novateur Ventures found significant variability in the accuracy of available COVID-19 antibody tests. The study identified 13 top-performing tests with high sensitivity and specificity, emphasizing the need for ongoing independent evaluations of commercialized tests.
Dr. Christopher Basler's five-year grant aims to understand how Ebola and Marburg viruses evade immune responses, leading to new treatment approaches. The study will focus on filovirus-host interactions related to gene expression and translation.
A surface coating developed by Virginia Tech professor William Ducker has been shown to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, by 99.9% in one hour when applied to glass or stainless steel surfaces.
Research suggests that brief reading and writing exercises can alleviate concerns about sense of belonging, leading to increased continuous enrollment among socially disadvantaged students at broad-access institutions. These interventions may also help build up the resources and skills needed for college success.
Researchers have found that curium's outer electrons can be altered by shortening the distance between it and surrounding lighter atoms under high pressure. This discovery has potential applications in controlling chemical separation used in nuclear recycling and designing resilient materials for long-term storage of radioactive elements.
USC researchers created SpolinBot, an improv agent programmed with yes-and research collection data to build a witty and engaging chatbot. The chatbot can refine its responses to take users on a safe or funny journey, generating multiple response options to continue the conversation.
A recent study by Durham University found that rugby players continue to suffer from injuries after retirement, with back pain and joint pain being common complaints. The study also revealed that concussion is the most common injury among rugby players, with a significant association with long-term impact.
A new survey by Northwestern University finds that the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on scientists with young children, leading to reduced work hours and potential career consequences. The study reveals broad discrepancies in the pandemic's impact on scientists, particularly women and those in laboratory sciences.
Researchers identify key genes driving bone cancer spread to lungs and develop a gene therapy approach that stops the spread in mice. The breakthrough could lead to 'kinder' treatments for children with bone cancer, saving lives.
Researchers found patients in multidisciplinary clinics experienced greater symptom relief and improved wellbeing compared to standard care. Multidisciplinary clinics showed a 84% improvement rate, while standard care had a 57% improvement rate.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that poor work-life balance is associated with poor general health, particularly among women. The researchers analyzed data from 32,275 working adults across 30 countries and found that workers who reported poor work-life balance were twice as likely to report poor health.
Scientists combine piezoelectric aluminium nitride with ultralow-loss silicon nitride integrated photonics to create a hybrid circuit for on-chip acousto-optic modulation. The technology enables wideband actuation with ultralow electrical power, opening up new possibilities for precision-demanding applications.
Researchers used RNA editing to correct a genetic error causing Rett Syndrome, repairing half of the normal protein in three types of neurons. The approach shows promise for treating the disorder, which affects 350,000 individuals worldwide.
A new UK study examines how COVID-19 affects working-class women's workload, exploring the additional pressures at work and home. The research aims to identify policy solutions to protect these women from financial hardship and health risks.
A Rutgers researcher has found that a weakened immune system, rather than HIV itself, contributes to the prevalence of dental cavities in children. The study, published in Scientific Reports, sampled nearly 300 children and found that those with normal immunity levels had lower cavity rates, regardless of HIV status
A Japanese research group led by Professor Shiki Yagai has successfully created polycatenanes, self-assembled molecule rings that can be observed under a microscope. By using atomic force microscopy, they confirmed the structure of poly[22]catenane made up of as many as 22 connected rings, reaching up to 500 nm in length.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have developed a cobalt-free high-energy lithium-ion battery with improved energy density and reduced cycle life. The new cathode is anchored by 89% nickel, manganese, and aluminum, increasing energy storage and potentially boosting electric vehicle range.
Scientists predict a 54% increase in rainfall variability in California by the end of this century due to climate change. The study found that extreme weather patterns will become more frequent and intense, with significant impacts on agriculture, flood control, and water management.
A nationwide study of over 2,000 adults with COVID-19 found that 35% died within 28 days of ICU admission. Factors independently associated with death included older age, male sex, and hospital bed capacity.
Two new species of parasite have been discovered in crabs, which could potentially harm commercially important crustaceans. The researchers' findings suggest that the shore crab's habitat may influence the presence and prevalence of pathogens.
A new catalyst has been developed that efficiently and reliably converts carbon dioxide from seawater into carbon monoxide, a critical step in producing liquid hydrocarbons. This breakthrough could enable Navy ships to produce fuel directly from seawater, eliminating the need for periodic refueling.
Research reveals that many caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (ADRD) lack guidance on firearm safety, despite high rates of accidental shootings. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to address firearm safety in the context of ADRD, providing routine counseling and access to resources.
Researchers discovered that flies turn their bodies before flipping their heads during take-off from an upside-down position. The insect achieves this rapid reorientation within six wing beats at speeds of up to 30 revolutions per second.
Researchers discovered that a protein called Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) suppresses immune responses to cancer. Blocking NRP1 improves the immune system's ability to remember tumors, leading to better protection against recurrence and improved response to immunotherapy.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new strategy for producing ammonia using lanthanum and nickel as catalysts. The new catalyst relies on nitrogen vacancies to split N2 molecules into H2, which is then converted into NH3.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a new type of cell, known as PRIME cells, whose presence in the bloodstream increases before a flare-up, allowing for potential early warnings. The discovery may hold key to understanding rheumatoid arthritis root causes and developing therapies to prevent flares.
A single-center observational study at Cedars-Sinai found that 23 out of 27 COVID-19 patients treated with tocilizumab experienced significant drops in body temperature and C-reactive protein levels. The medication was shown to reduce inflammation, oxygen requirements, blood pressure support, and risk of death.
A tracking study of 56 tiger sharks reveals that older sharks travel faster and swim into deeper habitats than juvenile sharks. The analysis also shows that core habitats of tiger sharks overlap with locations designated as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern.
Researchers at MIT watched as a supermassive black hole's corona was abruptly destroyed, causing its brightness to drop by a factor of 10,000 in under a year. The corona eventually rebuilt itself, sparking hopes for understanding how black holes' coronas are heated and powered.
A veteran NAU planetary scientist collaborates with UAE and US teams to develop Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer (EMIRS), providing a unique view of Martian atmosphere. The Emirates Mars Mission 'Hope' orbiter arrives at Mars in February 2021, collecting images and data for two years.
University of Minnesota researchers successfully 3D printed a functioning centimeter-scale human heart pump using real human cells. The discovery allows for studying heart function and disease at the cell and molecular level, creating a valuable tool for tracking blood movement and testing treatments.
A study of global tweets reveals that fear over COVID-19 has given way to anger, driven by xenophobia and isolation fatigue. Joy, gratitude, hope, and happiness also emerge, suggesting a sense of pride and community spirit.
Sylvester researchers have identified a potential protein target, STING, that may help mitigate graft versus host disease in stem cell transplants. In preclinical models, inhibiting the STING pathway reduced symptoms of GVHD.
Research at SNMMI 2020 Annual Meeting found super-agers have lower tau and amyloid pathology associated with neurodegeneration. This enables them to maintain their cognitive skills even at advanced ages. The study suggests a potential pathway for successful aging and developing novel treatments to tackle age-related diseases.
Tropical Depression 06E has opened up into a trough with minimal concentrations of water vapor detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The system is dissipating due to the loss of closed circulation and interaction with cooler waters.
A Rutgers University-led study found that geoengineering's benefits for apple production in northern India are limited and may backfire if stopped abruptly. The research suggests that global warming would reduce apple production due to the winter chill period, and adaptation efforts would only partially succeed.
A new study by George Mason University found that the flavored cigarette ban in 2009 significantly reduced smoking among youth (ages 12-17 years) by 43%. Young adults aged 18-25 years saw a reduction of 27%. The study suggests that comprehensive flavor bans on tobacco and nicotine products could be effective.
A new study reveals fibre-catching devices can significantly reduce microplastic particles in wastewater, with some devices reducing fibres by up to 78%. The research suggests that designing garments to last longer and shedding less fibres is crucial for long-term environmental benefits.
Researchers found that CAR T cells targeting the HER2 protein on cancer cells led to a sustained tumor response. The child's immune system was recruited to act against the tumor, suggesting a potential novel approach to fighting difficult-to-treat cancers.
A review of available evidence suggests that prediabetes is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease in both the general population and patients with a history of heart disease. Screening and proper management of prediabetes may contribute to primary and secondary prevention of CVD.
Most dietary guidelines are not compatible with global health and environmental targets, finds an analysis published by The BMJ. Reforming national dietary guidelines could prevent deaths from chronic diseases and cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study.
The National Lung Matrix Trial, the world's largest precision medicine clinical trial for NSCLC, matches treatments to genetic changes in cancer. It found that targeted therapy is challenging due to genomic complexity and the need for more sophisticated models.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a key brain region, the cerebellum's Rcrus1, which regulates repetitive and inflexible behaviors in individuals with autism. Inhibiting activity in this region improved social behaviors, while stimulation restored social functions, offering potential new therapies for ASD.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that only 30% of US pediatricians fully implement recommended practices for preventing peanut allergy, with common barriers including lack of clinic time and parental fear. The 2017 guidelines aim to introduce peanut-containing foods at 4-6 months to reduce prevalence.
A study published in JAMA found that after universal masking was implemented at Mass General Brigham, the rate of COVID-19 infection among health care workers dropped significantly. The positivity rate decreased linearly from 15% to 11% after the policy was implemented.
Researchers at Lund University developed a novel surgical technique combining with smart nanoparticles to target lung tumors. The approach has shown promise in animal models, allowing for selective tumor targeting and reduced side effects.
A meta-analysis of 62 studies and 44,000 participants reveals that eight specific types of early life stress are associated with an increased risk of developing depression in youth. These include emotional abuse, poverty, and death of a family member, while others like sexual abuse and physical abuse show stronger links to the condition.
Researchers developed a hybrid solar energy converter that generates both electricity and thermal energy with high efficiency and low cost, enabling zero-net-energy development and greenhouse-gas-free operations. The system demonstrated 85.1% efficiency and is projected to have a system levelized cost of 3 cents per kilowatt hour.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a new model for positioning tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) to improve cellular phone and internet networks. The study shows that TUAVs can outperform free-flying UAVs in most scenarios with longer tethers.
Researchers from OIST Graduate University explored how ocean currents impact plankton diversity, finding that currents create barriers that limit dispersal and force coexistence of species. The study used mathematical models and metagenomics to uncover the mystery behind high plankton diversity in oceans.
European manufacturers are emerging as sustainable successors to combustion engines, with the European Commission investing heavily in initiatives to establish new factories and mining operations across the region. The goal is to create hundreds of thousands of jobs while reducing the carbon footprint of production.
A study using chemical analysis reveals that the Hyksos rulers of Ancient Egypt were a multi-cultural group who rose to power from within. The research found that a large percentage of the population in the ancient capital city were non-locals who immigrated from various places, contradicting the common story of a sudden invasion.
Researchers found that roflumilast cream significantly improved psoriasis signs and symptoms in as early as two weeks, with clear skin, itch reduction, and burden of disease improvement. The treatment showed promise for patients with plaque psoriasis lacking suitable options.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between natural gas flaring and an increased risk of preterm birth. Exposure to high levels of flaring was linked to a 50% higher odds of preterm birth compared to no exposure, with women living near flaring sites facing the greatest risks.
A three-year study found that a reading-and-writing exercise about social belonging increased the persistence and performance of Black, Latinx, Native American, and first-generation students. The intervention boosted retention by 10% and improved grade-point averages among these students.
Researchers say that five to 10 days of physical inactivity can lead to muscle loss and chronic diseases. Older adults who walk fewer than 1,500 steps a day can lose up to 4 percent of their muscle tissue in just two weeks.
A recent report highlights the growing importance of digital health for young people, who are using apps and online tools to track their health from a very young age. The study suggests that schools need to educate young people about digital health as part of the health curriculum to mitigate risks and promote healthy lifestyles.
A new study found that older women who eat more fish may counteract the negative effects of air pollution on their brains. The research discovered a link between higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and greater brain volumes, particularly in white matter and the hippocampus.
A new paper from the University of Portsmouth argues that excessive pricing due to COVID-19 can be prevented by enforcing EU competition law and applying price controls. The research suggests that imposing fines may not be effective in addressing price gouging, as companies may continue to raise prices in the future.