Scientists have created ultra-thin optical devices known as metasurfaces integrated into off-the-shelf contact lenses to correct deuteranomaly, a form of red-green color blindness. The new customizable contact lens can restore lost color contrast and improve color perception up to a factor of 10.
University of Michigan researchers create a way to tame temperamental nerve endings, separate thick nerve bundles into smaller fibers, and amplify signals to enable precise control. The approach involves tiny muscle grafts and machine learning algorithms, allowing for intuitive prosthetic control with no learning required.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020
The Whillans Subglacial Lake, located in West Antarctica, contains a pool of dissolved organic carbon that can be produced in 4.8 to 11.9 years. This nutrient-rich environment provides essential energy and sources for life in the ice-covered regions of the Southern Ocean.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateMar 4, 2020
A study by University of Colorado Denver found that affirmative action's legal semantics have redefined diversity priorities to benefit white students. This shift is reflected in initiatives like 'Inclusive Excellence,' which treats students of color as responsible for diversity, rather than promoting true inclusivity.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalRace Ethnicity and Education·DateMar 4, 2020
Patients new to rheumatology care and those in rural community health systems were more likely to quit smoking, while seropositive patients faced greater challenges. Healthcare teams supporting tobacco cessation play a crucial role in helping these patients overcome their addiction.
SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateMar 4, 2020
A University of Missouri researcher has created a new approach to reducing problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. The flexible intervention technique emphasizes momentary check-ins, allowing parents and caregivers more flexibility to implement the strategy. This can help minimize self-inflicted harm and social sti...
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCurrent Developmental Disorders Reports·DateMar 4, 2020
A new testing method combining systematic biopsy with MRI-targeted biopsy leads to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes for prostate cancer patients. The study found that combined biopsy provided more accurate diagnoses than MRI-targeted biopsies alone, reducing the risk of overtreatment and undertreatment.
SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020
A recent study funded by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found a potential link between partner bereavement and skin cancer. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced the loss of a partner had a decreased risk of being diagnosed with melanoma, but an increased risk of dying after diagnosis.
SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateMar 4, 2020
Researchers have identified a new fluorescent compound in scorpion exoskeletons that could help guard against parasitic infections. The compound, a phthalate ester, was found to have antifungal and anti-parasitic properties, suggesting a potential defense mechanism for scorpions.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateMar 4, 2020
A new method helps scientists determine how vulnerable rivers are to drought conditions by analyzing streamflow data, identifying faster and slower components of runoff and their impact on river sensitivity.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateMar 4, 2020
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory fabricate and test a superconducting nanowire device capable of detecting low-energy photons and operating in extreme magnetic fields. The device, made from niobium nitride, operates near absolute zero and has the potential to revolutionize nuclear physics experiments.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment·DateMar 3, 2020
Genomic analysis confirms two distinct phylogenetic species in red pandas, with different evolutionary histories and geographical distributions. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect this endangered species, including pedigree construction and interbreeding avoidance for captive individuals.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2020
A recent study has found that the five-year survival rate for adolescents and young adults with certain types of cancer has improved substantially over the past three decades. Leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma have seen significant declines in mortality rates, with improvements ranging from 20-30 percentage points between 1975 and 2005.
SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers successfully combined graphene with tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells to achieve efficiencies of up to 26.3%, almost doubling the efficiency of pure silicon. This new approach enables large-area solar panels with reduced production costs.
A study found that heterogametic males (XY) die sooner than females in most species, supporting the unguarded X hypothesis. In contrast, the difference is smaller for female heterogametic species, suggesting other factors may be at play.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 3, 2020
A new Yale study suggests that consuming low-calorie sweeteners with carbohydrates impairs metabolism. The research challenges the 'uncoupling hypothesis' and instead finds that sucralose can cause problematic metabolic responses when paired with carbs.
SourceYale University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers developed a rod-shaped DNA motor that rolls at speeds up to 100 nanometers per minute, breaking previous records. The motor uses RNA fuel and can travel the length of a human stem cell in two or three hours.
SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 3, 2020
A study comparing the financial performance of large pharmaceutical companies and S&P 500 Index companies found that pharmaceutical firms consistently generated higher profits over the 18-year period. The analysis used data from annual financial reports and controlled for various factors such as market size and industry structure.
Researchers from NJIT and NASA will conduct experiments on colloidal particles at the International Space Station to advance materials engineering. The ACE-T-Ellipsoids investigation aims to learn how periodic arrangement is formed, revealing hidden interrelations between processes driving particle arrangement.
SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateMar 3, 2020
A team tracked a black hole's ejecting material using e-MERLIN and other telescopes over months, gaining insight into how black holes feed energy into their environment. The observations revealed ejections moving at near-light speed, with implications for understanding the role of black holes in galaxy growth.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers identified a protein and signaling pathway that may contribute to sudden cardiac deaths in patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). The study found that loss of integrin β1D prevents proper calcium control, leading to arrhythmias.
SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCirculation·DateMar 3, 2020
Scientists have successfully manipulated individual atoms to exhibit collective behavior, a crucial step towards creating room-temperature superconductors. The study uses atomic manipulation to place cobalt atoms on copper surfaces in a perfectly ordered pattern, demonstrating the potential for higher temperatures.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2020
A study by Bentley University reveals large pharmaceutical companies have higher profitability margins compared to other S&P 500 companies and technology firms. The research estimates cumulative revenues of $11.5 trillion and net income of $1.9 trillion over a 18-year period.
This study estimated annual health care spending in the US by payer and health condition, including low back pain, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. The analysis revealed significant variations in spending across different payers and health conditions.
Researchers identified how Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis promote skin inflammation and barrier damage in Netherton syndrome. The study provides a detailed genomic description of the skin microbiome and offers a potential new treatment target by targeting the microbiome.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 3, 2020
The IKBFU scientists have developed a new method for producing diamond x-ray micro lenses, which can withstand high temperatures and radiation loads. The lenses are made using an electron-ion microscope and have exceeded expectations, enabling the study of nanostructures and protein crystals with greater detail.
SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 3, 2020
OCU400, a novel gene therapy product candidate, demonstrates efficacy in rescuing photoreceptors from degeneration by resetting retinal homeostasis. The treatment has the potential to be broadly effective across genetically diverse IRDs, offering hope for millions of people worldwide affected by inherited retinal degenerations.
The University of Tennessee Extension is launching a new effort to address the opioid crisis in rural Tennessee through the PROMPT TN program. The project aims to develop opioid-specific resources and train community members to prevent addiction, focusing on underlying causes and risk factors.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers at University of California, Irvine discovered that cancer cells use a process called macropinocytosis to obtain nutrients from dead cell material within tumors. This mechanism enables tumor cells to resist chemotherapy and other treatments, making it a promising target for new therapies.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers found that inhibiting IDO1 protein helps radiation destroy tumor cells while preserving healthy tissue. Combining radiation with the inhibitor increased cell death within tumors and improved protection of healthy tissue.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers found that brain cells generate a 'new song' with the same beat for each breath, adapting to changing rhythms throughout the day. The discovery could lead to new approaches to treating breathing disorders and may even help combat opioid-related deaths.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateMar 3, 2020
A study by the University of Turku found that four damselfly species can catch and eat hundreds of thousands of insects during a summer, with chironomids being their favorite food. This has significant implications for understanding natural food web functions and the impact of predation on insect populations.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 3, 2020
A leading health psychologist argues that negative attitudes towards weight gain affect patient treatment quality. Research shows that obesity is a complex condition with multiple causes, and using positive language can help promote understanding.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 3, 2020
A new AADR survey found that 79% of respondents did not experience sexual harassment at conferences, but women and frequent attendees were more likely to report incidents. The majority of reported harassment was of a non-sexual nature, such as put-downs or condescension.
SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 3, 2020
A team of researchers developed a fully packaged ultrathin arrayed camera inspired by the Xenos peckii eye, achieving high contrast clear images and super-resolution capabilities. The camera's unique configuration suppresses optical noise, resulting in improved image quality.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 3, 2020
A study published in eLife has identified two strategies used by cancer to survive treatment with immunotherapies, including one that disables energy production in cancer-killing T-cells. Researchers found that some human cancer cells release molecules that inhibit the activity of energy-producing mitochondria in T-cells.
German and Canadian psychologists have developed a predictive model for relationship longevity, identifying key features that indicate a successful or unsuccessful partnership. Couples who start with similar needs and maintain individual independence tend to stay together longest, while those with differing happiness levels are more li...
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study found improvements in five-year survival rates for all cancers in young adults, with some cancer types showing little to no improvement since the 1970s. Treatment advances have led to steady improvements in estimated survival rates among adolescents and young adults.
A new species of quail-sized fossil bird from 44 million year old sediments in Utah has strong links with other extinct species from Namibia and Uzbekistan. The fossil fills a nearly 15 million-year gap in the galliform lineage in North America, revealing flexibility in the ecology and diet of early paraortygid birds.
SourceMidwestern University·JournalDiversity·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that caesarean delivery had a small link to asthma but no association with eczema or lung function. The research suggests parents need not worry about caesarean birth impacting their child's risk of allergies.
SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers have developed high-resolution images of 'invisible' cell pores, shedding light on their role in regulating water flow and molecule passage. The discovery could lead to new classes of drugs targeting these pores.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a process to protect enzymes from plasma treatment, allowing for stable biocatalytic reactions with precise hydrogen peroxide dosing. This method improves the efficiency of traditional enzyme catalysis by reducing energy consumption and waste.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemSusChem·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study finds that obesity promotes the virulence of the influenza virus by impairing interferon defense responses and allowing for viral diversity. This correlation may explain why yearly influenza vaccines are needed, as obese individuals shed more virus and have delayed antiviral responses.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers discovered 46 drugs that block bacterial competence, preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance in mice and human lung cells. These 'anti-evolution drugs' could be combined with antibiotics to extend their lifespan.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 3, 2020
A new cell-based test developed by Stemina Biomarker Discovery accurately predicts the potential of drugs and chemicals to cause birth defects in humans. The devTOXqP test uses human embryonic stem cells to detect developmental toxicity with an accuracy of 82%, highlighting a promising alternative to animal testing.
SourceBioscribe·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020
35 coral species on Turks and Caicos Islands remained resilient during a severe global bleaching event. Corals that experienced bleaching quickly recovered, with some appearing healthier in 2017 than in 2014.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers at University of Kent found that men can detect the scent of axillary sweat from sexually aroused women, which increases their sexual motivation. The study suggests that chemical signals released by women can elicit a stronger overall signal that enhances human communication.
SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers compared oxytocin administration methods to improve treatment for social difficulties. The study found that nasal delivery using a nebuliser reached specific brain areas more effectively than standard nasal spray or intravenous injection.
SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2020
Over a 12-year period, list and net prices for branded US drugs increased significantly. Discounts on these medications sometimes mitigated this rise in costs.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo, Adolfo Lutz Institute, and Oxford University have published the complete genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil. The study reveals differences between the genomes of viruses isolated from two Brazilian patients, suggesting internal transmission is occurring in European countries.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study reveals that crustaceans like shrimps and lobsters have a similar brain structure to insects, called mushroom bodies, which are essential for learning and memory. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that these structures are unique to insects.
A new tool forecasts how marine microbes will adapt to warming seas, revealing two strategies: rapid short-term success and long-term evolution. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and their role in regulating carbon cycles.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020
Adnan was honored for his groundbreaking research in traumatic brain injury and multiscale mechanics, which has led to significant advances in the field. He is recognized as one of the best in the field, accorded by ASME to less than 3% of those in the field.
Researchers discover potential superbug-killing compound AB569 that targets priority pathogens and additional bacteria causing foodborne illness. The compound has shown promising results in treating a wide range of infections, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers at Skoltech and Jilin University created superconducting compounds of hydrogen and praseodymium, overcoming the challenge of low-temperature superconductors. The new compounds exhibit zero electrical resistance at -264 °C, paving the way for high-temperature superconductors.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers found that oxytocin levels are increased in groups experiencing conflict and influences the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to a desire for revenge when attacked by an outside group. The study suggests that this process may contribute to conflict contagion among entire groups.
Purdue University researchers have developed a new adhesive system that uses sacrificial bonds to make materials more resistant to stress and cracking. The technique, inspired by nature's adhesives in sea creatures, may be applied to various industries such as electronics, vehicles, and construction.
SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 3, 2020
While the number of treatments for rare diseases affecting children has grown, nearly 7,000 conditions still lack treatment options. Federal incentives are being used more often to expand use of existing drugs rather than creating new ones.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers have discovered a neuron-like electrical switching mechanism in solid-state material β'-CuxV2O5, enabling the creation of circuitry that functions like the human brain. The team's findings showcase the potential for neuromorphic computing to improve energy efficiency and address global computing demands.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalMatter·DateMar 3, 2020
The Biophysical Society has selected 31 students for their outstanding presentations at the 64th Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony. The winners were recognized for their contributions to bioenergetics, biopolymers, and other scientific disciplines.