A new catalyst has been developed that can convert ethane into ethylene with improved efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The discovery could have a significant economic impact on the plastics industry and energy extraction operations.
Researchers at Heidelberg University have successfully constructed the symmetries of quantum electrodynamics using ultracold atoms. The findings could lead to the development of large-scale quantum devices capable of simulating complex physical phenomena.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new lead-free chalcogenide perovskite that could provide a safer and more effective option for solar cells. The compound, barium zirconium sulfide (BaZrS3), is highly resistant to moisture and sunlight, making it an attractive alternative to traditional materials.
Researchers from DZD and Boston Children's Hospital highlight the importance of body weight and metabolic health in understanding COVID-19 severity. Studies suggest that obesity may increase the risk of severe illness, independent of cardiometabolic diseases.
A team of scientists has developed a system utilizing image analysis and artificial intelligence to analyze the shape of large numbers of seeds from a single image. The trained model detected and segmented individual seeds with high accuracy and analyzed seeds of other crops, accelerating crop breeding and analysis.
Rice University has secured a $2.45 million NIH grant to develop CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for sickle cell disease treatment. The study aims to address the risks and mechanisms of gene editing in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.
A team of researchers argues that social distancing is at odds with human nature, which naturally seeks social contact in times of danger. This contradiction poses a significant challenge to public health and policy-making.
Researchers at EPFL's lab have developed a method to generate soliton collisions in optical microresonators, allowing for the study of complex soliton interactions. By controlling the speed mismatch between two laser-driven solitons, they can induce binding or crossing behaviors, revealing important physics of the system.
Researchers discovered that hepatitis C virus interacts with the immune system through the interferon-stimulated gene C19orf66, disrupting viral replication machinery and inhibiting its ability to replicate. The study found increased production of C19orf66 in hepatitis C patients, suggesting a potential antiviral effect.
A survey of Michigan nursing homes reveals significant improvements in pandemic preparedness since the last study in 2007. Nearly all nursing homes now have a plan in place, staff trained on response protocols and communication lines established with hospitals and public health departments.
Researchers achieved a novel quantum state of magnons at room temperature, defying theory. The condensate behaves in a repulsive manner, keeping it stable and relevant for future information technologies.
A long-term study found that brain insulin sensitivity determines both body weight and the distribution of fat in the body. Participants with high insulin sensitivity in the brain experienced a significant reduction in visceral fat and weight, which was maintained over nine years.
A predictive computer model can identify patients at risk for attempting suicide from patterns in their electronic health records, with an average accuracy of 2.1 years ahead of time.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of telemedicine in neurology, enabling patients with chronic conditions to receive timely care. The shift highlighted the importance of telehealth services for managing complex neurological disorders.
Historical examples of sustainable and unsustainable fishing practices reveal common 'recipes for failure' that offer warnings for modern-day ocean management. Successful societies achieved balance between economic growth, social equity, and sustainability by managing resources fairly and responding to change.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a novel method to mix immiscible metals at the nanoscale, creating a range of bimetallic materials. This breakthrough enables the rapid synthesis of copper-based alloys with uniform structure and morphology.
A recent study reveals that passion is significantly more important for men's success than in women, who exhibit stronger correlations between factors. Women's achievement is tied to the intertwined factors of passion, grit and positive mindset.
A new commentary paper highlights the urgent need to address environmental degradation using big data and technological advances. The study shows that despite increased computing speeds and data storage, the planet is still facing serious declines in forest cover and tidal flats.
Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center describe ventilator triage policies developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American College of Physicians Ethics Committee also warns against using universal do-not-resuscitate orders and life-years approaches to ration resources, citing ethical concerns.
T. Mills Kelly received funding from the Corporation for Digital Scholarship to support collaborative storage for Zotero. The project will cover server software development and user support for Omeka, a free, open-source content management system.
A randomized clinical trial investigates the safety and efficacy of two chloroquine diphosphate dosages in patients with severe COVID-19. The study suggests that high-dose chloroquine diphosphate may be effective in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers found that syphilis bacteria alter a single gene, called tprK, which provides instructions for a protein on its surface. This change allows the bacterium to evade the immune system and resist eradication, contributing to its ability to hide in the body for decades.
A novel protein, thrombospondin-1 (Thbs1), plays a crucial role in mechanotransduction in blood vessel walls, enabling cells to adapt to changing mechanical forces. The absence of Thbs1 can lead to weakened blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers mapped and measured fault roughness using high-resolution seismic data, finding that rougher surfaces are stronger and more resistant to earthquake slip. The study's findings may help explain why certain earthquakes are stronger than others.
Researchers have fabricated organic heterostructures with enormous structural diversity and novel optical/electronical properties using polymorphism. These structures exhibit multiple output channels, structure-dependent optical signals, and good optical waveguide performance.
Researchers found that FDA-approved drugs Betaxolol and Pravastatin can increase muscle strength in mouse models of DMD by stimulating utrophin production. This approach could lead to novel therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, potentially offering advantages over traditional gene replacement methods.
A recent study investigated the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on children's mental health in Hubei province, China. The results show that a significant number of children experienced depression and anxiety during this period.
This study reviews possible clinical strategies for defeating coronavirus, including the use of vaccines, broad-spectrum antivirals like remdesivir, and gene therapy. The authors propose these approaches as promising alternatives to develop effective treatments against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses.
Magnamed will supply 6,500 mechanical ventilators to hospitals in Brazil by August to help meet growing demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company partnered with several leading Brazilian and multinational corporations to achieve this goal.
Researchers have discovered two new phenomena - interspecies radiative transition and breakdown of dipole selection rule - in the transport of radiation in atoms and molecules under high-energy-density physics conditions. This finding enhances understanding of HEDP and could lead to insights into how stars evolve in the universe.
Researchers analyzed fossil vertebrates from the Kem Kem Group, revealing a diverse array of predators, including flying reptiles, crocodile-like hunters, and giant fish. The study provides insights into Africa's Age of Dinosaurs and sheds light on the Sahara's ancient past.
Enzyme structure varies depending on whether it's measured in a test tube or a living cell, according to researchers at the University of Bonn. This fundamental principle has implications for drug research and studies involving biomolecules.
A protein sensor called MICU1 restricts sugar and fat conversion in cells during starvation, but could be fine-tuned to promote more conversion in people with metabolic conditions. This discovery offers a potential solution for cardiovascular- and metabolic syndrome-related diseases.
A new study suggests that interventions targeting biological, social, environmental and mental health obstacles are most effective in helping individuals overcome non-medical drug use. For alcohol addiction, simple interventions focusing on alcohol use yield the best results.
A new study finds that climate-driven transformations render marine reserves ineffective in protecting biodiversity and fish biomass. Marine reserves still protect some species, but conservation efforts require re-evaluation. Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate other pressures.
A new study finds that mountain-dwelling species may move to higher elevations to escape human pressure, which could reduce their extinction risk. The research suggests that these high-elevation areas tend to have more intact land for species due to reduced human activity.
Researchers have discovered the first pulsar in Globular Cluster M92 using FAST telescope. The pulsar, PSR J1717+4307A, is an eclipsing binary millisecond pulsar in a circular orbit with a companion star. This discovery provides insights into pulsars and their role in probing dense stellar cores.
The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health will focus on health and climate equity with $247,858 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Funding began in May 2020 and concluded in April 2021.
A new adsorbent material developed using PET waste bottles can remove 100% of antibiotics from water in under 90 minutes, with high reusability and stability. The material uses a high-purity organic ligand extracted from PET waste, which is a cost-effective alternative to existing methods.
A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center found that people relying on conservative media or social media were more likely to be misinformed about COVID-19 prevention and conspiracy theories. Mainstream broadcast and print media usage correlated with higher levels of correct information.
Researchers discovered the minimal value of viscosity, governed by the Planck constant and proton-to-electron mass ratio, using an equation that relates it to these physical constants. This finding has practical implications for developing new fluids with low viscosity.
Researchers at Florida State University have created a hollow nanostructure for metal halide perovskites, which shows potential for more efficient photon-related technologies. The new structure exhibits pronounced quantum size effects and is the first to display negative curvature.
Researchers found significant differences in mineral deposits on aortic valves between men and women with stenosis. The study highlights the importance of considering diversity in research to improve science.
The study reveals that the Levänluhta population relied on a diverse range of livelihoods, including terrestrial, marine, and freshwater food sources. This diversity allowed them to survive a severe climate disaster in the 540s AD.
A new study reveals that marine animal diversity has remained fairly constant over the past 540 million years, with regional-scale patterns dominating geological time. The research challenges previous estimates of increasing biodiversity over the last 200 million years.
The study found that respondents from the South and mid-South reported above-average levels of food insecurity, while the Midwest and Northeast were lower. In the U.S., nearly half of all respondents report food insecurity in the wake of the pandemic.
Recent reports show a strong association between elevated D-dimer levels and poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19. Microvascular thrombotic processes may play a role in respiratory failure, suggesting a new severe infectious lung disease with no proven therapies.
Three major African cities show significant reductions in visibility since the 1970s, with Nairobi experiencing the greatest loss, due to increased particulate matter emissions from vehicles and energy generation. PM pollution levels have also increased by 182% in Nairobi, 162% in Kenya, and 62% in Uganda.
Researchers found that cool temperatures reduce the appeal of sweetness by activating other sensory cells via protein rhodopsin 6, which is typically associated with light detection. This suppresses communication between sweet-sensing taste neurons and the brain, leading to reduced feeding behavior in fruit flies.
A study by Michigan State University examines the complex relationships between small-scale fishing activities, including pre- and post-harvest interactions, to understand the impact on fishers' livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of trust and collaborative relationships in shaping these dynamics.
Researchers found that telehealth services using videoconferences can save travel time, equip families with strategies to promote independence, and reduce costs for non-pharmacologic interventions. The study provides evidence-based information and skills to support people with dementia and their care partners.
A nationwide trial tests video counseling to help cancer patients quit smoking, addressing a significant public health concern. The study aims to provide evidence for tobacco treatment as standard care in community hospitals and clinics.
Researchers from Uppsala University discovered that hot magma from inside the Earth is forcing its way into a giant reservoir, keeping the Andean supervolcano alive. The study provides new insights into how large volcanoes work and could help increase chances of survival in case of a future eruption.
Researchers found that cover-crop biomass and carbon to nitrogen ratios significantly influenced weed suppression, with certain mixtures producing more effective control. Cover crops also promoted greater crop yields when used as a sole weed control measure.
Research team finds that high-altitude adaptations in the Himalayas may lower risk for hypertension and diabetes-associated anemia. The study, led by Katherine Wander of Binghamton University, found that a Tibetan-descended population living in Southwest China had lower rates of these conditions compared to low-altitude Han populations.
A tropical treefall created a 2.5-acre gap that attracted hundreds of hummingbird species, doubling the diversity and presence of these birds in the area. The researchers documented 16 unique individuals of one species, the snowy-bellied hummingbird, within just one year after the treefall.
The University of Stirling has received £1.2 million to study global sustainability, with a focus on resolving conflicts between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The project will use hydropower as a model system to identify and mitigate issues caused by competing objectives.
Research finds that children physically respond when parents hide their emotions, making them less warm and engaged with each other. The study suggests that parents should give themselves permission to feel emotional to better problem-solve and honor their child's feelings.
The largest study to date has found that global insect populations are declining on land by an average of 0.92% per year, resulting in a 24% decrease over 30 years. However, freshwater insects have shown an average annual increase of 1.08%, corresponding to a 38% increase over 30 years.
A USC-led team of scientists has discovered the precise shape of the melanocortin 4 receptor, a key player in human metabolism. The findings could lead to more effective therapies for obesity and other metabolic diseases, which affect millions worldwide.