Researchers outline robots' potential roles in clinical care, logistics, and reconnaissance to combat COVID-19. They suggest robots for disinfection, delivery, and monitoring compliance with quarantines.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers from OIST discovered that as exciton density increased, exciton-exciton annihilation shifted from 1D to 2D due to phosphorene's anisotropic properties. Temperature also played a role, with exciton annihilation reverting to 1D at lower temperatures.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers identified a novel mutation in the S6K1 enzyme that affects protein synthesis and is associated with altered cognitive abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder. The study found that this mutation changes the course of normal neural development and memory forming capacity.
SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory·DateMar 25, 2020
A large study published in Neurology found that taking a low-dose aspirin daily does not reduce the risk of thinking and memory problems caused by mild cognitive impairment or probable Alzheimer's disease. The study involved 19,114 participants and was supported by various funding sources.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 25, 2020
A team of researchers from Universities of Bonn and Ulm has investigated how a cell's proteasome can be programmed to degrade proteins that fuel cancer cell growth. By customizing molecular hybrids called PROTACs, they successfully targeted a protein essential for tumor cells to multiply.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalChemical Science·DateMar 25, 2020
A pair of new studies indicate parents are more reluctant to have opioids prescribed for their children than doctors, citing fears of addiction and side-effects. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of treating children's pain while acknowledging the unknown risks of opioid treatment.
SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCMAJ Open·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers Amandine Aftalion and Emmanuel Trélat found that shorter straights and larger radii can improve running performance. Their mathematical model predicts that these track designs could potentially break long-standing records, with improvements of up to 4 hundredth of a second.
SourceCNRS·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 25, 2020
Research from a global team of scientists found that diverse rock types at New Zealand's largest fault contribute to varying earthquake types. Slow slip events and tsunami-generating tremors are linked to the unique properties of each rock type.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 25, 2020
A high-salt diet can significantly weaken the immune system by reducing the function of granulocytes, a type of immune cell that attacks bacteria. This is according to a new study published in Science Translational Medicine, which found that mice fed a high-salt diet suffered from more severe bacterial infections.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 25, 2020
A recent study by Rafael C. Bernardi at the University of Illinois uses computational tools to explain the mechanism behind streptavidin and biotin binding, which varies depending on the lab's conditions. The analysis shows that the tethering geometry significantly influences the unbinding mechanics.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 25, 2020
The Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) has secured a grant to develop data collection techniques for assessing the scale of challenge in safely dealing with sewage waste. On-site sanitation, such as pit latrines, is used by 3.1 billion people worldwide, but few countries keep data on waste treatment, posing major health risks.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers have developed highly selective ligands to label opioid receptors, shedding light on their behavior in living cells. The study reveals that most opioid receptors exist as individual entities, but a small proportion forms pairs, which may contribute to the receptor's function.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 25, 2020
The researchers have developed a computational model of a human cell that simulates its behavior for up to 15 minutes, revealing the effects of spatial organization on genetic processes. The study provides new insights into how genes are regulated and developed, and how diseases such as cancer are formed.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 25, 2020
A new mathematical model developed by Princeton and Carnegie Mellon researchers improves epidemic tracking by accounting for disease mutations. The model provides critical insights into the effects of countermeasures, such as quarantines, on epidemic spread.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2020
A recent study published in Ophthalmology found no virus detected in the tears of infected patients with COVID-19, suggesting a low risk of transmission through this route. The study's authors hope their findings will guide further research into preventing virus transmission through more significant routes.
SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers warn of 'exaggerated' AI study claims, highlighting poor quality evidence and methodological flaws in studies. The majority of deep learning medical imaging studies have high bias and lack transparency, fueling hype for rapid implementation.
Researchers at Stanford University created an ankle exoskeleton that assists running with powered assistance. Powered mode reduces the energy cost of running by 15%, making it 25% easier than running without assistance, while spring-like mode has limited benefits due to increased energy demand.
SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers found reduced glucose metabolism in the brain stem and primary auditory cortex of patients with asymmetric hearing loss. Long duration of hearing impairment was associated with higher glucose metabolism on the contralateral side.
SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 25, 2020
The NETTER-2 study is a Phase III clinical trial evaluating Lutathera's efficacy and safety in treating Grade 2 and 3 advanced GEP-NETs. The primary objective is to prolong Progression Free Survival in patients with high proliferation rate tumors.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that lung cancer clinical trials funded by the pharmaceutical industry demonstrate no more bias compared to studies funded by other sources. The analysis, led by Dr. Pedro Aguiar, assessed 477 studies and found that pharmaceutical-backed trials had stronger evidence, ev...
SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers developed a theoretical framework to estimate metal ultimate strength without fit parameters. The new model was able to accurately predict the strengths of nearly 20 different metals.
SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 2020
A new study reveals the extent to which high-yielding rice varieties favored in the Green Revolution have evolved into weedy populations worldwide, outcompeting cultivated varieties. The scientists found that over a third of Asian weed strains originated from elite cultivars developed during this era.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 25, 2020
A statistical analysis predicts that a highly purified fish oil therapy could prevent thousands of cardiovascular events each year. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and showed a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events for patients with elevated triglyceride levels.
A new Cornell University study found that students with more video game experience learned better using VR than those with little experience, with males showing greater advantage. The study suggests that either prior video game experience or gender may impact the success of VR-based learning.
Scientists discovered a novel transport protein in TB bacteria that imports vitamin B12 and bleomycin with a large water-filled cavity. This non-selective transporter may be common in bacteria and human cells, offering new insights into tuberculosis physiology and potential treatment strategies.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2020
A team of researchers suggests using a drug commonly used for blood clots, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), to help Covid-19 patients with severe respiratory distress. The approach is based on emerging data from China and Italy showing a disorder of blood clotting contributing to respiratory failure.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateMar 25, 2020
A new decontamination method developed by OSU and NC State University uses hydrogel beads containing bacteria and a slow-release food source to transform toxic contaminants into harmless compounds. The system has functioned continuously for over 300 days without maintenance, removing more than 99% of contaminants from groundwater.
The development of agricultural microbiome metadata standards aims to standardize recording and sharing practices, enabling researchers to integrate data across studies. By establishing a shared consensus on what needs to be reported about microbiome samples, the long-term value of microbiome data can increase.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateMar 25, 2020
A recent observational study of 416 patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, reveals that cardiac injury is a common condition among hospitalized patients and significantly associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. The findings highlight the importance of cardiac care for COVID-19 patients in need.
A recent study found that only half of all surfaces in an animal hospital were adequately cleaned during a 5.5-week period, with human-touch surfaces being the least likely to be disinfected. The researchers recommend creating checklists and educating staff on proper cleaning practices to protect animal and human health.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Small Animal Practice·DateMar 25, 2020
Gero's AI platform identifies 9 potential COVID-19 treatments among existing drugs, including Niclosamide and Nitazoxanide. The list enables urgent clinical trials to begin in weeks.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that hotter temperatures increase the probability of reporting bad mental health in the US. People are willing to pay several dollars to avoid each additional hot day in terms of its impact on self-reported mental health.
A new study suggests that snake venom did not evolve primarily as a defense mechanism, but rather to overpower and kill prey. Researchers surveyed nearly 400 people who work with snakes and found that only a minority of bites cause immediate pain, implying that the venom's composition has not been optimized for defensive purposes.
Scientists have identified a crucial protein called SKP1 that drives a key transition step in male meiosis, the process resulting in sperm production. Without this protein, meiosis cannot proceed, and defects can occur, leading to male infertility, pregnancy loss, or birth defects.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers found that incineration and landfilling of municipal solid waste releases bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes into the air, posing a risk to human health. The study suggests that these systems could be a reservoir of resistant genes, which can spread to nearby residents through airborne transmission.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 25, 2020
A study using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology has identified potential treatments for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy by targeting genes involved in hypoxia signaling. The research found that knocking out key genes can desensitize cells to DUX4 toxicity, preventing cell death and improving muscle function.
SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers argue that robots can help combat COVID-19 by performing 'dull, dirty and dangerous' jobs such as disinfection and temperature checking. The use of robots in pandemic response could reduce human exposure to pathogens and be essential for future epidemics.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Robotics·DateMar 25, 2020
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that people who balance living in the moment with planning for the future are better equipped to handle daily stress. The researchers discovered that a combination of proactive coping and high mindfulness significantly reduces the impact of daily stressors on negative moods.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers found higher levels of pharmaceutical industry-related substances in wastewater from a manufacturing site compared to domestic wastewater treatment plants. The team detected 25 compounds, including antidepressants and opioids, in treated water samples from both facilities, with peak levels in the industrial wastewater sample.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 25, 2020
An international team of scientists has identified the conditions that lead to slow motion earthquakes by drilling down to 1km deep in water depths off New Zealand. The study revealed a unique mix of different rock types and topography that causes slow slip events, which can trigger larger earthquakes and tsunamis.
SourceCardiff University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 25, 2020
A new stem cell delivery system using mussel adhesive protein has been developed to efficiently deliver mesenchymal stem cells to damaged cardiac muscular tissues. The system enables prolonged transplantation and promotes rapid integration of transplanted stem cells into surrounding tissues.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers estimated SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in cancer patients at a Wuhan hospital, revealing potential risks and health concerns. The study found that SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurred among cancer patients, emphasizing the need for enhanced precautions.
The new dataset, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed 15,506 instances of social scientists' testimony and found that economists testified more than four times as often as political scientists and over 10 times as often as sociologists. Economists also represented think tanks, while anthropologists had the lowest rate of testimony.
Research shows that bats rely on listening to their fellow bats' echolocation calls when hunting over insect-poor farmland. In contrast, they hunt individually in forest areas with more abundant prey. The study highlights the importance of population density for successful joint hunting and potential extinction threats
SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalOikos·DateMar 25, 2020
Research found that regular screening and access to new treatments have significantly reduced new hepatitis C infections among HIV-positive men in London and Brighton. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 men at risk of hepatitis C and showed a decline in new cases, with the lowest recorded since 2008.
SourceImperial College London·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center developed a combination therapy that reprograms effector T cells into persistent central memory T cells capable of self-renewal and effective cancer cell killing. This approach addresses the persistence challenge in cellular therapies, increasing their effectiveness.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers at EPFL have created a nanoscale device that generates extremely high-power signals in just a few picoseconds, producing high-power THz waves. This technology has the potential to revolutionize security and medical imaging systems, as well as faster wireless communications.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2020
A global consortium of researchers found that travel restrictions were most useful during the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak and again as local transmission became established. Provinces that acted early to contain imported cases fared best in preventing outbreaks.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that teeth contain annual layers, or cementum bands, that record an individual's life experiences, including reproduction and menopause. The research uses microscopic examination to reveal connections between tooth formation and other life stages.
SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers estimate that extending school and workplace closures in Wuhan until April would delay a second wave of cases until later in the year, relieving pressure on health services. Physical distancing measures are likely to be most effective if staggered return to work commences at the beginning of April.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers found that osimertinib, commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, showed benefits for patients with metastatic brain cancers, with 64% experiencing a measurable response and 90% disease control in the central nervous system.
SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 25, 2020
Over 2000 renewable energy facilities are built in biodiverse areas, posing a significant threat to plant and animal species globally. The research team urges governments and industries to reconsider locations and prioritize biodiversity conservation.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 25, 2020
A genetic disorder affecting Airedale Terriers has been discovered and found to be associated with a surfactant deficiency in their lungs. The study identifies the LAMP3 gene as a candidate gene for this disease and suggests a potential link to human newborn respiratory issues.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers have developed new technologies to compress 3D camera files and automate focus and exposure settings, making them easier to use. The innovations enable users to obtain high-quality images with minimal training requirements.
SourcePurdue University·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 25, 2020
Researchers at Columbia University have used Electromechanical Wave Imaging (EWI) to localize cardiac arrhythmias more accurately than 12-lead ECGs alone, providing 3D visualization for easier anatomical location. The technique achieved a correct prediction rate of 96% compared to 71% for ECG.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 25, 2020
A new study finds that acupuncture can reduce the frequency of migraine days and attacks, with manual acupuncture showing greater benefits than sham or usual care. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in migraine episodes, making it an effective alternative to drugs for patients who prefer not to use them.
A recent study published in Immunity identified the protein Rbm7 as a key player in the development of tissue fibrosis. The researchers found that Rbm7 induces cell death after tissue injury, leading to the recruitment of immune cells that form scar tissue.
A study by Oregon State University found that culturally tailored diabetes education programs for Latinos result in significantly higher completion rates compared to non-Latinos. The programs are linguistically and culturally adapted to address specific values and beliefs related to diabetes, leading to improved health outcomes.
SourceOregon State University·JournalInnovation in Aging·DateMar 25, 2020
A new study reveals that female wild mammals live 18.6% longer than their male counterparts, contrary to the human lifespan difference of 7.8%. This phenomenon is likely due to differences in energy allocation and physiological characteristics between sexes.
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2020
A study published in Neuro-Oncology Advances suggests that chemotherapy can be effective against diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a devastating childhood brain cancer. Researchers found that the medicine reaches DIPG tissue in good quantities, offering new hope for treatment.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNeuro-Oncology Advances·DateMar 25, 2020