Researchers found toxic levels of mercury and blue-green algae in ancient Maya reservoirs, suggesting droughts may have contributed to the city's abandonment. The pollutants made the water toxic to drink, even if boiled, highlighting the importance of understanding environmental factors in ancient civilizations.
Dr. Jeffrey A. Towbin, a researcher at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, has received a NIH research project grant to identify modifier genes in cardiomyopathy. The study aims to understand how different genetic backgrounds affect the expression of myopalladin, a gene linked to the severity of cardiomyopathy.
Researchers analyzed volcanic tuff in European Russia's continental formation, determining the precise age of upper layers at 253.95 million years. This discovery allows for direct comparison of fauna associations and thaw lengths in European Russia during late Permian.
A new study reveals strong links between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 transmission. Analysis of air pollution, COVID-19 cases, and fatality rates in London demonstrates a connection between increased levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) and higher risk of viral transmission.
A recent study found that the Maryland Wind Energy Area, where an offshore wind farm is planned, serves as a crucial migration corridor for Atlantic sturgeon and striped bass. The development of wind turbines in this area could create habitat around which fish linger, potentially disrupting their migrations.
Researchers analyzed cores from the Basque Mud Patch to determine sedimentation rates and detect environmental contamination. The study found that metals and contaminants accumulate at an approximate rate of one millimeter per year, highlighting human activity's impact on the coastal area.
A new £20M research program will enhance UK's space weather monitoring capability, enabling faster and more accurate predictions of solar superstorms and severe space weather events. The University of Birmingham leads the effort, developing data modeling technology to underpin the work.
Researchers developed a new calcium indicator that accumulates only in neuron bodies, reducing crosstalk and improving signal accuracy. This breakthrough allows for more precise monitoring of individual neurons and their roles in brain functions.
Researchers have developed a reagent for selective and safe coating of the liver sinusoidal walls to control clearance of gene therapy drugs. The coating agent improved gene transfer efficacy by 2-4 times to the myocardium and skeletal muscles, and 10 times to colorectal cancer, reducing medical costs and adverse effects.
A Finnish-Brazilian team uncovered evidence of a pre-colonial civilization in the Amazon that domesticated plants for food and used the environment sustainably. The research found that Indigenous peoples protected and cared for trees, including Brazilian nut and palm trees, to maintain their ecosystem.
A study by the University of Exeter found that managers who thought gender bias no longer existed were more likely to recommend higher salaries for men and undervalue female staff. The research suggests that holding this belief constitutes a critical risk factor for perpetuating issues of gender bias.
Researchers developed a machine learning predictive model to predict nephrotoxicity risk in testicular cancer patients using Danish patient data. The model correctly predicted 67% of high-risk patients and 92% of low-risk patients who did not develop nephrotoxicity.
The LumAConM project aims to improve concrete diagnostics with a new, simple and cost-effective method enabling detailed assessments of concrete structures. Researchers use optical-chemical sensor technology to detect corrosion damage and assess service life.
Three species of pink flamingos evolved to live in shallow lakes and breed during seasonal blooms of algae and zooplankton before the inland lakes dried up due to climate change.
A recent study by the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has identified a previously under-recognized form of dementia, quadruple misfolded proteins (QMP), linked to TDP-43 proteinopathy. The study found that about 20% of participants with dementia had QMP, resulting in the most severe dementia cases.
Russian scientists have discovered four new steroid substances extracted from starfish that target human breast cancer and colorectal carcinoma cells. These non-typical derivatives of polar steroids may also help nerve cells survive distress, suggesting potential applications in Alzheimer's disease prevention.
The ApoE4 variant prevents the recycling of sortilin, a receptor that supplies neurons with essential fatty acids. This disruption leads to reduced lipid uptake and increased inflammation in brain cells, making them susceptible to cell death.
Researchers propose a kinetic misalignment scenario that strengthens the axion/dark matter equivalence. This novel concept answers key questions and provides new avenues for detection efforts.
A novel, portable device called iCoagLab has been developed to measure blood clotting ability in minutes, reducing time and accuracy of traditional tests. The test was compared to a conventional test on 270 patients and found to be as sensitive at detecting bleeding risk with higher accuracy.
A new study shows that genomic mutation testing using the Idylla automated system can reduce wait times for test results from 15 days to just 5 days. This allows patients to begin treatment for colorectal cancer sooner.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered strong oscillations in conductivity that signal quantum interference over vast distances. The findings require macroscopic quantum coherence and are only possible with ultra-pure materials like delafossites.
A team of geochemists at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has solved the mystery of Earth's vanishing crust by discovering a distinct chemical fingerprint for subducted crust. They found that about 5-6% of the Earth's mantle is made of recycled crust, contradicting prevailing theories on crust formation rates.
A scalable connectivity-aware solution is being developed by George Mason University researcher Sai Manoj Pudukotai Dinakarrao to confine the spread of COVID-19 and future epidemics. The solution aims to address epidemic model uncertainties and provide a cognitive approach for diverse demographics.
A pilot program trained Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to prescribe Medication for Opioid Use Disorders, increasing availability of services by 10-fold in two rural counties. The project led to the expansion of Medication-Assisted Treatment into 17 counties, addressing a critical need in Colorado's opioid crisis.
A new analysis of 16 years of health data reveals that long-term exposure to fine particles leads to increased mortality rates among the elderly. If current EPA standards were lowered, over 140,000 lives might have been saved within a decade.
A new study found that moving together in time with music increases social closeness between individuals, regardless of their cultural familiarity with the music. The study showed that people who enjoy the music they move to experience stronger social bonds than those who do not.
Researchers have developed a function-based sequencing technique using optical tweezers to analyze individual bacteria cells, enabling direct genome sequencing and antibiotic resistance testing from a single cell. This breakthrough technology supports rapid antibiotic selection and more precise treatment of bacterial infections.
Researchers at Duke University have created a cartilage-mimicking gel that is strong and durable, matching the properties of natural cartilage. The gel has been tested to withstand heavy loads and repeated stress without losing its shape or deteriorating over time.
A new method allows for the creation of a complex network of microchannels in an extracellular matrix that resembles human tissues. Human endothelial cells were successfully cultured on the surface of the microchannel to form a tube mimicking blood vessels, achieving pulsatile flow under conditions of perfusion and stretch.
Researchers provide new understanding of co-aggregation process between proinflammatory S100A9 protein and Aβ42 peptide in Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals that S100A9 amyloids coat the surface of Aβ42 amyloids, reducing secondary nucleation sites and enhancing cellular toxicity.
Researchers found that ancestors of distinctive Australian pollinating bees likely originated in tropical Asian countries, islands in the south-west Pacific or greater Oceania region. This study aims to better understand the origin and radiation of insects and other animals, helping environmental management during changing climates.
Families facing COVID-19 disruptions struggle with precarious lives, anxieties, and accelerated routines. To cope, they employ 'grounding' and 'aerial' activities, balancing daily needs with creative expressions of love and support.
Scientists have accurately measured the density of liquid iron under conditions similar to those at Earth's outer core. The findings suggest that pure iron is about 8% more dense than the Earth's outer core, indicating the presence of other light elements.
Researchers develop a reproducible method to decontaminate N95 respirators using microwave-generated steam, achieving nearly complete sterilization after 3 minutes. This approach utilizes universally accessible materials and does not compromise filtration or fit, making it suitable for hospitals facing shortages.
A clinical trial found that reducing uric acid levels with the medication allopurinol did not slow the progression of kidney disease in people with type 1 diabetes. Despite a significant drop in uric acid levels, participants showed no improvement in their kidney function.
The study found a significant drop in EMS calls, but a corresponding doubling in EMS-attended deaths, highlighting the severity of non-COVID-19 emergencies during the pandemic. The trend persists despite easing pandemic restrictions, indicating ongoing concerns about accessing healthcare.
A new non-invasive ultrasound therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in improving heart condition and clinical status of patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. The therapy, developed by Cardiawave, widens the aortic valve opening using high-intensity ultrasounds, eliminating the need for invasive treatment.
The discovery of Mukupirna nambensis, a big-boned marsupial, sheds light on the evolution of wombat burrowing behavior. The fossil, dating back to the late Oligocene period, reveals adaptations indicative of digging behavior but also suggests that early wombats may not have been capable of true burrowing.
Astronomers have spotted evidence of a light-producing scenario during a black hole merger, with the flare likely resulting from the reaction of gas to the merging black holes. The event, observed by ZTF and other telescopes, provides insights into the behavior of supermassive black holes.
A new study from Peter Reddien's Lab at Whitehead Institute has identified muscle cells that serve as guideposts to help regrow axons from the eyes to the brain in regenerative flatworms. The discovery sheds light on neural circuit regeneration in adults and could have implications for understanding human brain or nerve damage.
Scientists have identified a microRNA in obese mouse mothers that increases the odds of liver cancer in their offspring and throughout future generations. The study found that maternal obesity causes susceptibility to liver cancer in offspring, with the severity increasing over generations.
A study published in Current Biology found that dolphins can learn new foraging skills by observing and imitating their peers, not just their mothers. The researchers identified over 1,000 individual dolphins performing the behavior, which spreads primarily within social networks.
A new radiotracer, 68Ga-DOTA-JR11, has shown excellent imaging performance in detecting liver metastases and providing important information to guide treatment. The study found that 68Ga-DOTA-JR11 performed better than 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in detecting liver lesions, with a higher tumor-to-background ratio.
A multidisciplinary team is investigating the effects of COVID-19 on caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in northern Arizona. The study aims to identify how healthcare resources have changed during the pandemic and support needs of caregivers.
Researchers at UT Austin are developing a new sensor that can differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu, informing treatment decisions and infection control measures. The dual test is more convenient for patients and saves time for medical personnel, potentially reducing costs and workload.
Researchers at Princeton University developed an automated system using Doppler radar to spot oncoming traffic and pedestrians around corners. The system allows cars to see objects out of line of sight, improving automotive safety.
Scientists have identified a specific protein mutation in E. coli that increases bacterial virulence, leading to increased resistance to antibiotics and antibacterial substances. The mutation affects the lipopolysaccharide transporter, causing the bacteria to produce more outer membrane vesicles and become more deadly.
A case series of 20 children and adolescents with new-onset acral inflammatory lesions was reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study presents unique insights into the dermatological manifestations of the pandemic.
Researchers have detected a system of super-Earths orbiting the nearby star Gliese 887, a red dwarf with conditions suitable for liquid water and potentially hosting life. The newly discovered planets are large enough to be rocky worlds and could retain their atmospheres due to the star's low activity.
Researchers identified microRNAs associated with epilepsy and designed drug-like molecules to target them, finding three that stopped seizures in preclinical tests. The study aims to develop novel treatments for people whose seizures cannot be controlled by current medications.
The increasing use of machine learning systems in public policy raises concerns about accountability, bias, and transparency. Explaining complex algorithms can reveal conflicting aims and implicit trade-offs in policy decisions.
A new study reveals that the enzyme SAMHD1 protects B-ALL cells from nelarabine's anti-cancer effects, but not T-ALL cells. This discovery has crucial implications for leukaemia treatment, offering a potential biomarker to tailor therapy to individual patient needs.
Researchers are investigating re-purposing of approved drugs to treat COVID-19 patients, evaluating highly promising therapeutics, and gathering information on effective interventions. The projects will help prepare for future outbreaks by analyzing best practices from across Canada.
Researchers visualize DNA replication in single human cells, revealing a non-random selection mechanism for replication activation on CTCF-organized chromatin structures. The study provides critical insights into the role of local epigenetic environment in coordinating genome duplication.
A Rutgers study found that confronting white individuals about biased statements can lead to a reduction in multiple types of prejudice. The research suggests that confrontation can prompt white men and women to recognize and regulate their own biases towards various groups.
Researchers identified important molecules to study and manipulate specific glial cells integral to synapses. This discovery provides a highly specific glial 'bar code', identifying vital cell subtype and enabling targeted therapy development for neuromuscular diseases such as ALS and SMA.
A remote at-sea science expedition has completed a first look at the deep waters of the Coral Sea, discovering new corals and possible species never before seen. The team mapped over 35,500 square kilometers of seafloor, creating detailed maps that will be available for scientific research and management.
Researchers apply temperature swing solvent extraction technique to attain energy-efficient ZLD, a major advance for global water management. The process extracts water from high-salinity brines without boiling, using low-polarity solvent and moderate temperatures.
Thylacosmilus atrox, a marsupial from Argentina, was previously thought to be a fierce predator like Smilodon. However, new research reveals it was likely a scavenger, using its canines to open carcasses and possibly its tongue to extract innards. Its skull and teeth show distinct differences from those of placental saber-toothed cats.
The journal Public Policy & Aging Report highlights how aging is reshaping politics with policy progress and stagnation, changing cultural views on aging. It offers insight into major trends, generational divides, and the impact of aging on the economy.