A new study finds that targeting the delta opioid receptor can provide sustained relief from chronic inflammatory pain. Researchers used nanoparticles to deliver a painkiller to the receptors, avoiding side effects and improving effectiveness.
A new photonic film inspired by fluffs on the longicorn beetle can reflect up to 95% of incoming solar radiation and emit infrared energy, achieving up to 5.1° C of passive cooling in direct sunlight. The film's efficiency is a breakthrough for efficient passive radiative cooling applications.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using a new scalable manufacturing method to create customizable types of nanocarbons directly on flexible materials. This process enables patterning functional nanocarbons needed for emerging flexible-device applications in healthcare, energy, and consumer electronics.
A new study from University of Kansas psychologists identifies difficulty getting to sleep and worrying prior to bedtime as significant predictors of post-trauma nightmare occurrences. The research aims to help survivors reduce or avoid nightmares using these findings in a clinical setting.
The Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging will continue to follow and document risk factors for cognitive and brain aging in 1,600 male twins. The study aims to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers at IST Austria found that hormone Auxin and pressure play a crucial role in plant wound healing. By manipulating Auxin levels and cellular pressure, the team identified these governing processes as key to understanding how plants regenerate and survive in challenging environments.
Researchers at NIST developed a benchmark to detect large genetic mutations, which can be challenging to identify. The new method enables laboratories to measure their accuracy in detecting these mutations, reducing false detections and improving disease diagnosis.
Dr. Ramachandran is exploring unique signatures from cell-free DNA to identify abnormal gene patterns associated with certain stages or types of cancers. His long-term goal is to use this knowledge to understand tumor processes without biopsies, identifying cancer biomarkers.
The COVID-19 pandemic is jeopardizing access to outdoor environmental and science education for millions of K-12 students, with potentially catastrophic consequences. The loss of these programs will disproportionately affect historically marginalized groups, exacerbating existing disparities in education.
A new study analyzing human portraits from 15th to 20th century European paintings found a widespread 'forward bias' in spatial composition, with more open space in front of depicted subjects than behind them. This bias increased over time, particularly after cultural norms favoring centering loosened.
Research at the University of Guelph found that parents under stress are less likely to monitor and limit their children's screen time. Mothers who reported high levels of parenting stress were more likely to use devices in front of their kids, while fathers experiencing similar stress were more likely to enforce rules.
Researchers found that individuals born small for gestational age have a lower IQ throughout development, but differences can narrow by adulthood. Additional factors like socioeconomic status and parent-infant relationship also influence cognitive performance.
Researchers investigate the link between a genetic variant and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in African Americans during COVID-19. They recommend careful monitoring and research into potential treatments to protect at-risk individuals.
New research reveals that guinea pigs were originally domesticated in the Andes region of Peru around AD500, and later introduced to the Caribbean through trade networks. The study used ancient DNA analysis to clarify the origins of guinea pigs found on islands in the Caribbean, contradicting previous theories.
Researchers reveal noncyclic 3D structure of water clusters begin to exist with pentamers at low finite temperatures. A new method using infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemical studies confirms the formation of a noncyclic 3D structure beginning with pentamers.
Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown substructure in healthy bone tissue using new X-ray techniques, revealing deviations in the orientation of nanocrystals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding bone diseases and developing new biomaterials.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that weaker or irregular circadian rhythms in daily rest and activity cycles are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease later on. Disruptions in the brain's internal clock may be an early warning sign of neurodegenerative disease processes.
Researchers have identified pairs of highly potent individual antibodies that can simultaneously bind SARS-CoV-2's spike protein, increasing chances against 'virus escape mutants'. The double-antibody approach aims to minimize odds of virus escape and deliver optimal antiviral potency.
The Arctic Ocean's capacity to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere has decreased due to rapid warming and sea-ice loss. This reduction will have significant implications for climate change, with the Canada Basin predicted to become a minimal carbon sink by 2030.
A survey study in England found that e-cigarettes are perceived as at least as harmful to health as regular cigarettes, potentially deterring smokers from switching. The study aimed to address the growing concern of misperceptions about e-cigarette safety.
A study developed a morphodynamic model to understand canyon formation, considering factors like abrasion and sediment contribution. The model predicts that canyons form with shallow slopes above the headwall, which migrates upstream over time.
An international study has characterized genes in ancient DNA from isolated Indonesian villagers, revealing potential immune-boosting properties. The research, led by TGen, aims to better understand how genetics drives disease-risk across diverse populations and could lead to new treatments for infectious diseases.
Scientists have developed a high-resolution model of protein strings typical for diabetes, revealing a strong similarity to those found in Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest an increased risk of contracting diabetes in Alzheimer's patients and vice versa.
Physicists have created a focusing component that converts light into electromagnetic waves, compressing it to 60% of the initial wavelength. This breakthrough allows for densely packing optical components in photonic and plasmonic devices, potentially bypassing fundamental limitations of traditional lenses.
Researchers discovered a correlation between needle or sting length and diameter to ensure strength and elasticity in pointed objects. The study's findings have the potential to optimize syringe needle design and reduce material consumption in nail production.
Researchers found that neurons in a specific brain region can switch between reference frames depending on the task, allowing for more efficient information transfer. This flexibility could be used in neural prosthetics and therapies to treat brain disorders.
Scientists have identified a substance called Neuropeptide Y (Npy) in the kidney's filtering unit, which sends harmful signals causing proteinuria. Blocking this pathway with medical intervention may lead to new treatments for chronic kidney disease.
Low physical function and muscle mass after hip fracture increase the risk of accelerated bone deterioration in older patients. Substantial decrements in physical function, muscle strength occur after hip fracture, markedly increasing the risk for subsequent fractures.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new family of nanocars that can move in the nanoworld with high speed and control. The nanocars are made up of dipole molecules, which will enable applications such as transporting reactants or drugs.
A University of Birmingham team has created a hands-on educational tool using Jenga to explain lithium-ion battery operation and characteristics. The game helps students visualize electrochemistry and redox reactions, demonstrating the importance of rate of charge and performance over time.
Silq allows programmers to utilize quantum computers' potential better than existing languages, with more compact and faster code. The language also automatically identifies and erases unnecessary values through uncomputation, improving the reliability of quantum calculations.
Scientists study cockroach movements to understand how animals overcome energy barriers in tricky terrain. By mimicking cockroaches' 'jittering' legs, researchers create robots that can transition between movements with ease.
A study published in JAMA Neurology reports successful delivery of micro-dystrophin to patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), resulting in functional improvements. The therapy showed robust gene expression and localization, as well as improved muscle function measured by North Star Ambulatory Assessment scores.
NASA monitored Tropical Storm Nuri's landfall in southern China, using Terra satellite images to track its progression. The storm dissipated after making landfall, with maximum sustained winds near 25 knots.
Researchers found that extreme rainfall events from STCs can occur over inland areas far from coastlines due to amplification of local terrain and large-scale forcing. The study suggests further investigation into asymmetrical distribution of STP, differences between STP and landfalling precipitation, and comparisons with other datasets.
A new study suggests that plasma exchange can rejuvenate tissues and reverse signs of aging in mice by diluting old blood plasma. The technique shows promise for improving health in older people and treating age-associated diseases. Researchers are now finalizing clinical trials to explore its potential in humans.
A nationwide study by University of South Florida professors reveals that blacks are five times more likely and Latinos four times more likely to fear police brutality than whites. This disparity affects the emotional toll on minorities, leading to psychological and physical health consequences.
A new international consensus statement outlines the best way to identify people at risk of developing common and devastating heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The guidelines focus on accurate risk assessment to enable earlier diagnosis and intervention with lifestyle changes or medi...
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have successfully measured the current-voltage curve of graphene nanoribbons suspended between two electrodes. The study reveals that a critical bias voltage triggers an abrupt change in electrical conductance for zigzag GNRs, opening new possibilities for switching devi...
Pollen tubes grow up to three millimeters a day, guided by an electrical circuit powered by proton pumps. The discovery may hold valuable insights into human nerve cell growth and recovery from nerve damage.
Researchers at University of Cambridge developed a context-aware AI system that reduces the 'communication gap' by up to 96% for nonverbal people with motor disabilities, enabling faster conversation rates.
Researchers call for policy reforms, expanded nursing scopes of practice, and optimized contributions to meet global public health needs. The editorial emphasizes the urgent need for widespread investment in nursing to contain and manage future crises.
Scientists have developed peptides that can remodel the gut microbiome, reducing cholesterol levels and inhibiting atherosclerosis in mice. The treatment significantly slowed the growth of undesirable gut bacteria and reduced atherosclerotic plaques by 40%.
Researchers found that individuals with stronger connections between frontal cortex and striatum in two distinct brain networks were more resilient to drug addiction. These brain circuits are involved in goal-directed behavior and habit regulation, suggesting potential strategies for preventing or treating addiction.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can accurately diagnose frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and predict disease severity. The test measures neurofilament light chain levels in the blood, which are associated with FTLD progression, clinical phenotype, and prognosis.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new rapid-prototyping system to accelerate the design of biological systems, reducing production time from months to weeks. The iPROBE platform leverages cell-free synthetic biology and computational design algorithms to discover optimal biosynthetic pathways for sustainable chemicals.
The University of Arkansas will lead a statewide computing-cloud called the Arkansas Research Platform to integrate existing high-performance computer resources. Researchers from nine institutions will focus on three major areas of data science: managing complex data sets, securing data privacy, and developing machine learning models.
Researchers found that skeletal muscles release interleukin-15, which helps to settle and activate T-cell precursors. This enables the immune system to fight chronic infections over long periods. Regular training may strengthen the immune system by increasing muscle mass.
A new Australian-developed treatment decision model, dubbed AUS-rule, has allowed more young cancer patients to recover from mild infections at home. The rule considers platelet and white cell counts and chemotherapy intensity to guide doctors in deciding whether patients can be treated and supported at home.
Two genes, MTG8 and MTG16, regulate stem cell differentiation in the small intestine, supporting its fast replacement process. This discovery could help understand how the body maintains a healthy gut and inform research on stem cell differentiation outside of the small intestine.
A study estimates that 22% of the world population, around 1.7 billion, have at least one underlying health condition increasing their risk of severe COVID-19 if infected. The share is highest in countries with ageing populations, African countries with high HIV/AIDS prevalence, and small island nations with high diabetes prevalence.
City of Hope scientists have developed two potent small molecules, CS1 and CS2, which inhibit the FTO protein and suppress tumor growth in various cancers. The compounds demonstrate significant anti-tumor effects and improved overall survival in mice with acute myeloid leukemia and breast cancer.
Research shows that just one 60-minute bout of exercise can shift the muscle clocks of mice by around an hour, influencing circadian rhythms. This discovery highlights the potential of exercise as a treatment for conditions like heart disease, where disrupted body clocks are a contributing factor.
A recent study found that climate change can increase the functional diversity of stream microbes, leading to more efficient decomposition and nutrient cycling. In Eurasia, this could result in a 30% growth in functional gene diversity and changes in composition by 2060-2080.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that among symptomatic pregnant women, 7.9% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while asymptomatic women had a 1.5% test positivity rate. The study suggests universal testing can provide insight into community prevalence and inform public health decisions.
Research found that adhering to four healthy eating patterns reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 14-21%, regardless of racial or ethnic group, and is effective across various subgroups. The study supports current dietary guidelines emphasizing flexible, individualized healthy eating patterns.
A complete time-calibrated phylogeny for European butterflies has been published, providing a tool for evolutionary and ecological research. The study offers insights into the ancestral relationships and history of divergence for all 496 species.
A University of Michigan study found that organic carbon in thawing permafrost soils can be converted to carbon dioxide by sunlight, known as photomineralization. This process could contribute an additional 14% of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing global warming by 0.3-0.4°C.
A new study found that older adults with low vitamin K levels had a higher risk of death over 13 years compared to those with adequate vitamin K levels. The research suggests that vitamin K may have protective health benefits as we age, particularly in reducing the risk of death.
Researchers have successfully developed a biohybrid artificial synapse that can communicate with living cells using electrochemistry. The device mimics the learning process of biological synapses and has potential applications in brain-inspired computers and medical devices.