Four Lehigh University researchers have been awarded grants from the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program to support projects in biomedicine, energy, and consumer goods. The recipients will collaborate with industry partners to develop new technologies and processes that foster innovation and develop a 21st-century workforce.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new signaling pathway that can regulate beige fat thermogenesis independently of adrenergic signaling. This discovery opens a new direction for approaching metabolic disorders and could potentially provide a treatment option for patients with catecholamine resistance.
Satellite measurements revealed a 48% drop in nitrogen dioxide densities over China following government announcements of the first reported COVID-19 case and lockdowns. This significant reduction is attributed to a substantial decrease in fossil fuel consumption, with an additional 21% drop compared to 2015-2019.
Scientists used mass spectrometry and statistical measures to analyze plant metabolites in response to herbivore attack. The results show that plants regulate their metabolism directionally to produce effective defenses, supporting the theory of optimal defense.
Researchers found that hybrids become more productive as genetic distance between parents increases, contradicting previous contradictory studies. The team's study provides clarity to the issue, enabling rational selection of crossing partners for breeding new hybrid varieties.
Researchers at Duke University developed an AI tool called PULSE that can turn low-quality images of faces into highly detailed, computer-generated portraits. The system can create realistic-looking images from noisy, poor-quality input, and has been shown to outperform other scaling methods in a rating test.
A study by University of Seville experts found an important decrease in total metal concentrations and a shift towards less toxic forms in the River Guadiamar sediment. The research suggests that measures taken after the disaster have improved water quality, but ongoing monitoring is necessary to maintain this progress.
A new platform enables researchers to track changes in the SARS-CoV-2 virus' genetic structure, providing insights for vaccine design and combating the pandemic. The tool, developed by UHN AI scientist Dr. Bo Wang, analyzes nasal swab samples and compares them to global data, generating results in under 15 minutes.
A new study by MIT professors finds that state-level R&D tax credits significantly spur high-quality new-firm growth, while investment tax credits have a slightly negative economic impact on innovative activity. The study's authors suggest that the former supports ambitious startup firms, fostering entrepreneurship and business dynamism.
A new modeling study evaluates COVID-19 epidemics in lower-income countries and finds that even with reduced risk due to younger populations, limited healthcare capacity and inter-generational contact increase overall risk. Mitigation strategies are crucial to prevent health system overburdening.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that applying intense optical fields to electrons in metals can change their electronic properties. This 'dressing' effect allows for potential applications in conventional electronics, quantum computing, and entirely new areas of research.
A recent study found a strong relationship between social media use and prejudice against Chinese Americans, with women experiencing higher levels of realistic and symbolic threats. The study also revealed surprising political affiliations, with Democrats scoring higher than Republicans in perceiving Chinese Americans as a threat.
Researchers found that interleukin-2 is critically important to driving resistance to dexamethasone in HLH. Blocking interleukin-2's effect can re-sensitize T cells to dexamethasone, making the combination of dexamethasone and ruxolitinib a promising treatment for HLH.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed an AI algorithm that uses data from continuous glucose monitors and wireless insulin pens to provide guidance on adjustments. The algorithm, paired with a smartphone app called DailyDose, generated recommendations in agreement with physicians 67.9% of the time.
Scientists at the University of Southampton are developing a rapid bedside test to diagnose neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome in premature babies. The test uses photonic technology and fingerprint spectroscopies, offering compact and versatile diagnostic capabilities.
A study led by the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology found that ancient DNA documents population changes across eastern and southern Africa from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. Genomic analysis revealed complex interactions between hunter-gatherers, pastoralists, and farmers, with varying integration of diverse ancestries.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that silicone molecules from breast implants can initiate processes leading to cell death in human cells. The researchers used cultured cells and observed similarities with programmed cell death, which may have implications for the health effects of silicone breast implants.
Researchers found the wintering grounds of Bewick's swans shifted east by nearly 13km per year, changing their migratory patterns. The shifts suggest the species can adapt to climate change, but conservation efforts need to consider species dynamics in relation to climate change.
A new study found that people who feel more threatened by COVID-19 and have high levels of emotionality and conscientiousness are most likely to stockpile toilet paper. The study, which surveyed 1,029 adults from 35 countries, also found that older people and Americans were more likely to stockpile toilet paper.
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health experts call for policymakers to prioritize young people's social development and wellbeing during the pandemic. Research suggests that reduced face-to-face interaction with peers may have detrimental effects on brain development, mental health, and self-esteem in adolescence.
Researchers at NC State University developed DORIS, a new approach to DNA data storage that enables users to read or modify files without destroying them. This allows for increased information density and easier scalability.
Dr. Xiaoquan Zhao received funding from the Food and Drug Administration to support youth tobacco education campaigns. He will serve as a consultant to the FDA Center for Tobacco Products to evaluate evidence-based public health communication and marketing interventions.
Researchers at University of Münster and Leibniz University Hannover found that a mysterious 2017 radioactive cloud in Europe originated from civilian nuclear activities. The cloud contained high levels of ruthenium-106, which is commonly used in nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Scientists at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a biomaterial that promotes an immune response to encourage repair and lowers the risk of inflammation in damaged bone tissue. The technology is designed to deliver microRNA silencers, increasing cells responsible for bone repair.
A new study found that high levels of emotionality and conscientiousness are indicators for stockpiling behavior. The survey of 1,029 adults from 35 countries revealed a strong link between perceived threat posed by the pandemic and toilet paper consumption.
A Kazan University research team has developed a novel nanoformulation using biocompatible halloysite nanotubes and bacterial pigment prodigiosin, which selectively disrupts cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
Reed beetles form symbiotic relationships with bacteria that provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes to support larval development. Adult beetles also rely on these microbes for pectin breakdown, which enables them to access nutrient-rich plant sources.
The tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis can survive for a longer period of time when combined with other bacteria in the air. This is because larger aerosol particles from mycobacterial clusters are produced together with components of dead cells, making them more viable in the air.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have uncovered a previously unknown subset of T cells that may control allergic immune reactions and asthma. These cells, which express an 'interferon response signature,' may dampen the activation of helper T cells and reduce inflammation.
Analysis suggests that up to 45 percent of COVID-19 cases are caused by asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the virus for extended periods. This highlights the need for expansive testing and contact tracing to mitigate the spread of the disease.
A new study aims to enhance cord blood transplant success rates using a small molecule cell adhesion activator. The treatment has shown promise in preclinical studies and may provide a safer alternative to current methods.
Recent research suggests that nitrogen in permafrost soils could be a major contributor to climate change, with potentially significant consequences. Scientists are studying the decomposition of organic matter and its impact on nitrogen availability, which could lead to high N2O emissions.
A new machine learning model, BE-Hive, accurately predicts the outcomes of using different base editors to correct genetic mutations. The model discovered new properties and capabilities of base editors, allowing researchers to design novel tools with improved efficiency.
Researchers at George Washington University discovered that GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus are excitatory during development, rather than suppressive. This finding could lead to more targeted therapies for infantile seizure disorders.
A randomised clinical trial has shown that a chemotherapy combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel is more effective and better tolerated than previously recommended treatments for patients with advanced anal cancer. The study found that these patients lived seven months longer overall, experiencing less treatment side effects.
UCI researchers have discovered a protein responsible for genetic changes in various cancers and identified potential targets for effective therapy. By monitoring RNA hotspots, the team found that targeting the APOBEC3A protein's activity could disrupt cancer cell vulnerabilities.
A Texas A&M University study found that wearing a face mask can prevent person-to-person spread of the virus, with over 66,000 infections prevented in New York City. The researchers also noted that airborne transmission via respiratory aerosols is the dominant route for COVID-19 spread.
Researchers have identified 76 types of aquaporins in tobacco, a model plant species closely related to major crops like tomato and potato. This discovery sheds light on the functional roles of aquaporins in plants, which could lead to improved crop productivity and resilience.
A study from the University of Illinois found that reducing speed limits in São Paulo, Brazil, dramatically reduced fatal accidents and increased travel times only minimally. The policy resulted in an estimated 1,889 averted accidents and 104 averted fatalities, with 86% of benefits going to low-income residents.
Researchers have created a new map revealing the Earth's mantle at a depth of 3,000 kilometers by analyzing thousands of seismic waves collected over 30 years. The map shows hot and dense regions below Hawaii and French Polynesia.
A new study suggests that disease outbreaks, civil unrest, and war can lead to large-scale movements of people. The researchers used theoretical modeling to show how small changes in individual decision-making can trigger significant population resettlement.
Research highlights the importance of soil biodiversity in achieving sustainability goals, including nutrient cycling, food production, and pollution remediation. Soil health is crucial for regulating climate and supporting human well-being, with traditional agricultural practices already leveraging its benefits.
Researchers at the University of Bath suggest that the shift to online consultations is helping patients with chronic pain access vital support during the pandemic. The study highlights the potential benefits of telemedicine in delivering services for patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and persistent he...
RCSI researchers have found a potential new way to promote blood clotting that could be used to treat the most common genetic bleeding disorder, Von Willebrand Disease. A modified molecule has been shown to extend the life of the clotting protein within the body's circulation, significantly increasing its half-life fivefold.
A team of Kyoto University researchers has discovered an intimate connection between methylation and the body's circadian rhythms, linking ancient mechanisms in bacteria to humans. Disruption of methylation can cause various pathologies, including cancer, and inhibiting it in mice and human cells disrupted their body clocks.
The study found that siblings of infants who died suddenly and unexpectedly are at a 10-fold increased risk of suffering a similar death, with rates nearly 4 times higher than the general population. Modifiable risk factors for SUDI include smoking, mental health issues, unsafe sleeping, and child abuse/neglect.
Researchers create microfluidic lab-on-a-chip that uses sound waves to manipulate and transport droplets, overcoming surface absorption issue. The device enables on-site diagnostics or laboratory research with minimal energy and complex setup.
A new analysis confirms SARS-CoV-2 RBD as a specific target for antibody tests, with over 95% of patients developing antibodies within nine days. This suggests that RBD-based antigens could be used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 recovery rates and inform pandemic policies.
The nickel-based catalyst precursor proved effective for in-situ conversion of asphaltenes, reducing the content of resins and asphaltenes. The catalyst also reduced viscosity by destroying carbon-heteroatom bonds and interacting with aromatic rings.
A new review reveals COVID-19 poses a global threat to the nervous system, causing neurological manifestations in about half of hospitalized patients. These symptoms include headaches, seizures, and muscle pain, and may appear before fever or cough.
A team led by Christos Papadimitriou proposes a new computational system, the Assembly Calculus, that encompasses operations on assemblies of neurons involved in cognitive processes. The system is consistent with recent experimental results and has been demonstrated to be plausibly realizable at the level of neurons and synapses.
A new AI-driven system called ModGraProDep has been developed to predict cancer survival and risk. This innovative tool uses probabilistic modeling and machine learning to provide personalized predictions for patients, enabling more effective treatment planning and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at MIT suggest that making pavements stiffer could improve truck fuel efficiency by reducing deflection and wear on the road. Adding synthetic fibers or adjusting aggregate sizing can increase stiffness, while switching to concrete pavements offers more durable solutions with equal or lower costs.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine honored three trainee investigators for their exceptional sleep research. Kent Werner, MD, PhD, received the top prize, while Michael R. Goldstein, PhD, and Samira Naime, MD, were awarded honorable mentions for their work on sleep disturbances and gender parity in medicine.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that fish oil creates an antidepressant response when tested in patient-derived adult stem cell models. Researchers found that the treatment works through a different mechanism than prescription antidepressants.
A new study finds that sea otter recovery generates significant economic benefits, including increased tourism and carbon capture, which outweigh the losses to commercial fisheries by up to $46 million annually. However, the costs of recovery are not evenly distributed, with Indigenous communities experiencing disproportionate impacts.
A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry has identified coal-tar-sealant as the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Great Lakes tributaries. The research highlights the need for further analysis to determine the potential effects of PAHs on aquatic life in these areas.
A recent study found that regular physical activity can help maintain or improve frailty in older adults. The research suggests that individuals who engage in low-to-moderate energy activities on a regular basis tend to be less physically, psychologically, and socially frail compared to those with lower levels of activity.
A new study in Scientific Reports reveals that medieval European plague victims were infected with both the plague and a disease related to syphilis, called yaws. This discovery challenges the prevailing theory that syphilis originated in the New World and instead suggests that yaws may have contributed to the outbreak in Europe.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a new communication protocol that offers ultimate privacy protection by adding artificial noise to information about the crypto key. This allows for security guarantees even in cases where devices are unknown entities, overcoming a significant obstacle to experimental implementation.