A nationwide analysis found Southwestern US correctional facilities' drinking water contains average arsenic concentrations twice as high as other community systems. This puts inmates at risk for chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
Two studies provide new insights into antibody testing and RNA testing for SARS-CoV-2. Researchers found that antibody tests are highly accurate, but repeat testing is necessary to confirm infection status. The gold standard rt-PCR test can detect current infection, but false positives can occur.
A new technique that synchronises the clocks of computers in under a billionth of a second can eliminate one of the hurdles for the deployment of all-optical networks, potentially leading to more efficient data centers. This method, called clock phase caching, can reduce the time to recover the clock and increase performance of optical...
A new class of precision medicine targeting cancer's ability to repair its DNA has shown promising results, with half of patients experiencing tumor growth halt. The drug works by stopping cancers from repairing DNA damage and is particularly effective when combined with chemotherapy.
Researchers have created a catalyst that can break carbon-fluorine bonds via hydrodefluorination, a process known as C-F bond breaking. The innovation has potential applications in remediating fluorinated compounds and could lead to cleaner, more efficient chemical processes.
Researchers suggest that radioactive elements uniquely distributed after the Moon-forming collision led to the near and far sides' differences. The unique composition of KREEP rocks, linked to radioactively unstable elements, provides a key explanation for the Moon's asymmetry.
A new 3D-printed membrane designed by Pitt ChemE professor Lei Li has the potential to efficiently separate oil and water. The membrane's unique surface topography and pore size will enable effective separation of oil-water emulsions, converting oily wastewater into purified water.
A study found that Universal Credit's single payment between partners can lead to financial difficulties, particularly for women. The research calls for policy changes to provide financial independence for both partners in modern relationships.
The researchers developed new synthesis methods for polyheterocyclic compounds containing triazolo and tetrazolo moieties. These compounds were found to act as inhibitors for the Tankyrase I enzyme, showing potential in cancer treatment
A simulation model suggests that all tax designs would generate substantial health gains and lower health costs in the US. The tiered sugar content tax could generate the largest health gains and cost savings, particularly among younger adults, blacks, and Hispanics.
A new study finds that poorly designed tree-planting campaigns could lead to more biodiversity loss and little climate change benefit. Strong subsidy restrictions are crucial to avoid these negative impacts.
A new study found that seasonal growth and destruction of sea ice in the Southern Ocean enhances marine life present in the sea around Antarctica, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. The researchers analyzed data from a period when atmospheric carbon dioxide levels plateaued at 240 ppm 14,600 years ago.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that Pluto and other large Kuiper belt objects began with liquid oceans that have been slowly freezing over time. The 'hot start' scenario is supported by observations, which indicate expansion features on Pluto's surface rather than compression features.
A surge in flu-like infections in the US in March suggests more than 8.7 million new COVID-19 cases occurred, with 80% remaining unidentified. Surveillance networks for influenza-like disease offer a tool to estimate COVID-19 prevalence, which has been hard to pin down.
The SeaBee project will develop a national centre for state-of-the-art environmental research, mapping, and monitoring of Norway's coasts using drones, machine learning, and novel cloud storage solutions. This will enable better understanding and management of the country's coastal environment.
Recent studies examined the association between recreational marijuana legalization and changes in traffic fatality rates. The research found a significant decrease in traffic fatalities after states legalized cannabis use.
A new study found that seasonal growth and destruction of sea ice enhances marine life, drawing down carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the deep ocean. This process could provide a critical resource for developing future climate change models.
A theoretical model suggests that slowing Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation leads to reduced northward nutrient transport, suppressing Subarctic Atlantic Ocean biological productivity. This finding may improve marine biogeochemistry projections for the next century.
Researchers have discovered how XPG binds to and reshapes damaged DNA, illuminating its role in maintaining genetic stability. The protein's unique 'sculpting' activity allows it to bend DNA, recruiting proteins to fix damage, and may help prevent cancer by supporting homologous recombination.
Researchers explore direct reprogramming as an alternative to cell therapy-based strategies for cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction. They identify microRNAs and biomaterials like electrospun scaffolds and nanoparticles as potential non-viral vectors for safe delivery of genetic reprogramming.
Researchers have developed bioactive factors-imprinted scaffold vehicles to promote bone healing by improving the stability and half-life of exogenous biofactors. The vehicles were used in various forms, including rigid bone graft substitutes, soft sponge-like scaffolds, and injectable vehicles, to enhance bone repair.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that a constantly changing environment enables some species to invade new areas and adapt to their new homes by maintaining genetic diversity. The researchers studied the copepod Eurytemora affinis, which invaded the Great Lakes and other freshwater lakes.
Research finds nanoplastics can accumulate in plants, depending on surface charge, impacting ecological effects and agricultural sustainability. Plant growth is reduced, with positively charged particles causing more harm than negatively charged ones, according to a new study.
The study reveals that medieval glass production in Spain predates Islamic influence by more than 50 years. Glass fragments from the Rabad of Šaqunda date back to the 8th century and show evidence of local lead production using nearby ore deposits.
Scientists discovered that Neurospora crassa, a type of bread mould, actively mutates its own DNA to fight virus-like infections. The fungus uses a process called Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP) to rapidly degrade transposable elements, but this comes at a cost of considerable collateral damage.
A nationwide study of over 2,000 Americans found that social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to an overall increase in loneliness. Instead, people reported feeling more supported by others and a sense of community, which may have limited increases in loneliness.
The EMBL survey found that 77% of institutes were fully shut down, causing researchers to lose part of their ongoing experiments. Despite challenges, many scientists adapted to remote work and even increased manuscript submissions.
A new University of Otago study found that mating with sterile males early in life increases female growth but reduces lifespan. Mating with fertile males later in life has the opposite effect, increasing reproductive output. The findings suggest long-term consequences of social interactions between males and females.
A new super-resolution microscope reveals unprecedented detail of the centriole's twist, a nanoscale structure important for cell division. The technology could be used to study other cellular structures like mitochondria or viruses.
A case series examines community containment measures in China to restrict COVID-19 spread, highlighting mixed results with some areas achieving success while others struggled. The study reveals the importance of coordinated public health efforts and rapid response times in controlling outbreaks.
A recent study published in Sports Medicine - Open reveals that professional soccer players experience asymptomatic cartilage and meniscus damages in their knee joints, regardless of age or career duration. The dominant leg's condition is identical to the non-dominant one, with certain tissue changes more common in experienced athletes.
Researchers at UVA Health System are pioneering a new technique using focused ultrasound to destroy cancer cells without generating heat. The approach, tested on cell samples in lab dishes, shows promise against glioblastoma and other difficult-to-treat cancers.
A new study on palm oil agriculture in Borneo found that protected forest areas within oil palm plantations store up to 20% more carbon than those with no protection. These areas also boost rainforest biodiversity by conserving endangered species such as hornbill birds and dipterocarp trees.
A novel method for 3D printing components used in neutron instruments has been licensed to ExOne Company. The collaboration will help develop patent-pending techniques to create lightweight, metal-infused composites ideal for neutron scattering applications.
A recent study found that protected areas in Finland do not harbor higher densities of large carnivores than unprotected lands, with wolverine populations declining within some areas. However, the study also suggests that protected areas can support seasonal habitats and prey for these mobile species.
Research on brain-damaged patients with distorted perception reveals neural processing can occur despite lack of awareness. The study's findings have significant implications for theories of human visual awareness and suggest a reevaluation of the relationship between complex cognitive processing and awareness.
A recent study found that certain genes are associated with the pathogens that infect chronic wounds and hinder the healing process. The research showed that patients with more diverse wound microbiomes healed faster.
Scientists have caught BAM guard towers red-handed, revealing their role in bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This discovery provides unprecedented insight into the mechanism of bacteria, offering a new angle for targeting BAM during antibiotic treatment.
A large retrospective cohort study found that flu vaccination was associated with a small increased risk for subdeltoid bursitis. Researchers suggest education and training on proper injection technique could prevent this adverse event.
A study published in National Science Review found that COVID-19 lockdowns in China led to a sharp reduction in transportation emissions, but this was offset by an increase in secondary particle formation due to enhanced atmospheric oxidizing capacity. The study suggests that coordinated control of various primary emissions is necessar...
Researchers have created a metal-like quantum gas by exciting electrons in ultracold rubidium atoms, allowing for ultrafast simulation of many-body electron dynamics. The exotic phase has the potential to enhance our understanding of physical properties like superconductivity and magnetism.
Dr. Gosain's lab aims to establish a causative relationship between dysbiosis and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis, identifying key drivers of the disease and potential therapeutic targets.
The COVID-19 pandemic may slow down the transition to cleaner technologies due to reduced investments in clean energy innovation. This could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, governments can respond by incorporating green components into stimulus packages and investing in renewable energy.
A team of scientists and historians found evidence connecting an ancient period of extreme cold in Rome with a massive eruption of Alaska's Okmok volcano in 43 BCE. The study used ice core samples to link the eruption to the caldera-forming event, which had significant impacts on climate and history.
A team of scientists at Aalto University has successfully created a Bose-Einstein condensate that behaves as if it were one particle, but makes the elusive state of matter in just 100 femtoseconds. The breakthrough could lead to new areas of fundamental research and applications with these condensates.
A recent study found that seasonal sea ice growth and destruction increased biological productivity in the Southern Ocean, extracting carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the deep ocean. This process helps explain a long-standing question about a 1,900-year pause in CO2 growth during the Antarctic Cold Reversal.
Researchers identified six domains of nonbiological factors that contribute to mortality risk, including health behaviors, psychological characteristics, and socioeconomic conditions. The study highlights the importance of behavioral, psychological, and social factors in mortality risk assessments.
Researchers discovered that gold nanorods can catalyze the degradation of organic micropollutants like bisphenol A and perfluorooctanoic acid. When exposed to sunlight, these nanorods produce free radicals that break down pollutants, making them a promising low-cost water purification method.
A massive volcanic eruption in 43 BCE, linked to the Okmok volcano in Alaska, may have contributed to the unusual climate events that coincided with the fall of the Roman Republic. The eruption produced two years of prolonged cooling and increased precipitation, likely exacerbating crop failures, famine, and disease.
A global initiative is investigating how animals are responding to reduced levels of human activity during the Covid-19 pandemic, revealing insights into human-wildlife interactions. The study aims to improve understanding of space sharing on a crowded planet with benefits for both wildlife and humans.
A novel pretreatment strategy has been developed to resolve the issue of silicon anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The technology enables simple and safe processing for large-scale production, resulting in high initial battery efficiency and increased energy density.
The #HealthyRecovery initiative calls on G20 Presidents and Prime Ministers to support projects enabling ecological restoration for improved air quality and soil health. Experts warn that global environmental and climate crises compromise human health and long-term survival.
A study reveals that long-tailed tits employ learned vocal cues to distinguish between close kin and non-kin, thereby avoiding incest. This unique strategy helps the birds maintain genetic diversity and is crucial for their reproductive success.
A CHOP study demonstrates that remote continuous EEG monitoring can detect seizures in at-risk neonates, impacting clinical care and guiding treatment decisions. The study showed that seizures occurred in about one-quarter of the records, with CEEG impacting outcomes in three-quarters of cases.
Scientists at City of Hope and TGen found that circulating immune cell dynamics can inform how patients respond to immunotherapy. The study's findings highlight an important predator-prey relationship between immune cells and tumor response.
A study by Dr. Jiangen Zhou et al. found that fish farming significantly changes microbial communities and decreases nitrogen levels, offering a potential solution to reduce nitrate pollution in ponds.
A UBC study analyzed survey data from 13,611 adults in the US to identify social and behavioral factors closely linked to mortality. The top 10 factors included smoking, divorce, alcohol abuse, recent financial difficulties, and history of unemployment.
A study by researchers from Princeton University found that simple digital-media literacy outreach can help people distinguish between mainstream and false news headlines. The intervention improved accuracy by 26.5% in the US and 17.5% in India, with effects lasting several weeks.
A University of Kansas undergraduate majoring in ecology & evolutionary biology, Rachel Smith, has published a description of 18 new species of aquatic water beetles from the genus Chasmogenus. The research involved fieldwork and lab work to identify key differences in DNA evidence and internal anatomy.
Researchers have discovered a way to soften a cell's nucleus, allowing it to move through dense connective tissues and promote injury repair. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutics for healing dense connective tissues with poor natural repair capacity.