A new study suggests that increasing energy supply within injured spinal cord nerves could promote axon regrowth and restore motor functions. Researchers found that enhancing mitochondrial transport helped remove damaged mitochondria from injured axons, replenishing undamaged ones to rescue the energy crisis.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a comprehensive statistical framework to predict the evolution of floods in extreme situations like hurricanes. The algorithm considers underground drainage channels to provide an accurate representation of how floods propagate, enabling timelier emergency response.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers discovered that female swamp wallabies are permanently pregnant throughout their lives due to two uteri, allowing for continuous embryonic development. This unique reproductive strategy enables females to return to oestrus in late pregnancy and conceive new embryos.
SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020
A new CRISPR gene drive system, TARE, has been developed that can delay resistance and spread to regional populations. By targeting a essential gene, the drive disables one copy while leaving another intact, allowing it to spread through a population over time.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study warns that coastal erosion and rising sea levels will accelerate due to climate change, threatening the world's sandy beaches. Effective climate action could prevent 40% of erosion, but societies will still need to adapt and protect these ecosystems.
SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study found that elevated nutrients and modest water temperature increases negatively affect coral larvae's first few days of life. The research revealed that nutrient imbalances can seriously impact coral larvae, but certain larvae types are more resistant to environmental stressors.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCoral Reefs·DateMar 3, 2020
A team of researchers developed a standardized survey tool to collect data on rural households. The Rural Household Multi-Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) includes over 30,000 interviews from 33 countries and provides insights into smallholder farming practices, climate change, and social inclusion.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Data·DateMar 3, 2020
A study found that drug prices in the US increased 159% in inflation-adjusted list prices, but only 60% in net prices, which account for manufacturer discounts. Net prices rose 3.5 times faster than general inflation.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers identified subpopulations of leukemia cells present at diagnosis that have distinct characteristics, leading to relapse in children and adults. These findings provide new avenues for overcoming resistance and improving treatment approaches.
SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 3, 2020
Experiments on a simple model for granular cliffs reveal the mechanism by which these cliffs collapse and create large, tsunami-like waves known as impulse waves. The shape of the granular particles and pile height-to-width ratio were found to be critical in determining the types of waves produced.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers developed a new technique to map three-dimensional forces between cells and their surroundings, shedding light on tissue formation, wound healing, and tumor spread. The method uses traction force microscopy and enables the analysis of multicellular clusters in unprecedented detail.
SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers aims to improve the quality of YouTube videos on chronic health care conditions. The study suggests that specific guidelines should be developed for creating engaging and relevant content for patients with varying levels of health literacy.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers found that prebiotic dietary fiber can influence gut bacteria and produce bioactive molecules that may modulate stress physiology and sleep. The study used mass spectrometry to analyze rats' fecal samples and found that those on the prebiotic diet had a different metabolome, including higher levels of fatty acids and sugars.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2020
A study by Binghamton University researchers found that hospitals can reduce readmission rates by collaborating with certified home healthcare agencies and implementing house-call programs. Facilities with interdisciplinary case-management teams also showed lower readmission rates when an advanced-practice registered nurse was included.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalProfessional Case Management·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers found corals exhibiting dynamic survival responses akin to the last big extinction event, including increased deep-water residing and solitary colonies. This study highlights how human-driven climate change is rapidly increasing stressors on coral communities, threatening 75% of species with extinction.
SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2020
A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has developed a screening checklist to help diagnose degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats. The checklist, called the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist, asks owners six questions about their cat's behavior and can be completed quickly by owners.
SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 3, 2020
Recent advances in bioengineering and computational modeling have enabled researchers to study complex biological processes with molecular-level detail. Multidisciplinary work on proteins and modeling highlights challenges as the field develops high-resolution, high-throughput organs on a chip.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers analyzed 6,267 individuals to infer African group contributions to North-, South-American and Caribbean populations, finding enrichment of West-African ancestry in northern latitudes and South/East African ancestry in southern South-America.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers successfully separate and observe single-molecule magnets (SMMs) on a magnetically neutral silica substrate using transmission electron microscopy. This breakthrough enables the development of auto-associative memories and multi-criterion optimization systems, mirroring the human brain.
SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNanomaterials·DateMar 3, 2020
A study by MIT scholars finds economics citations in psychology journals have doubled since 2000, while public health papers cite economics work twice as often as 10 years ago. The proportion of empirical economics papers cited in top journals has risen by 20 percentage points since 1990.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Economic Literature·DateMar 3, 2020
Most patients with COVID-19 pneumonia have ground-glass opacities (86.1%) or mixed GGO and consolidation (64.4%), according to a multi-center study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The lesions are often peripheral, bilateral, lower lung predominant, and multifocal.
SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 3, 2020
A molecule found in oranges, called nobiletin, has been shown to drastically reduce obesity in mice by reducing insulin resistance and blood fats. Researchers are now exploring its potential as a treatment for human obesity and related diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors, adapting to temperature changes in just a few minutes. The device uses phase-changing materials and thermoelectric alloys to insulate the wearer's body heat, keeping them comfortable.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 3, 2020
Preliminary research suggests that improved sleep patterns can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Regular bedtimes and consistent sleep duration can also lead to healthier body weights.
Researchers found that captive wild boars developed greater muscle force than their natural counterparts, transforming them into 'bodybuilders'. This study provides a new methodology for archaeologists to analyze domestication processes and could aid in reintroducing captive-bred animals into the wild.
SourceCNRS·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 3, 2020
A new vapour product called iSwitch has been shown to have significantly fewer and lower levels of certain toxicants compared to cigarette smoke. The study found that the iSwitch vapour contained no or extremely low levels of analytes, even when used at high power settings.
SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateMar 3, 2020
A study published in Radiology analyzed chest CT images and X-rays of 14 teenagers with EVALI, revealing characteristic ground-glass opacity and subpleural sparing. The findings suggest that CT imaging is crucial for early diagnosis and timely management of the condition in pediatric patients
SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 3, 2020
Scientists used computer simulations to study the interaction between actin and cell membranes, revealing that calcium ions play a key role in binding. The results provide new insights into the fundamental process of actin binding to membrane lipids.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine discovered that boosting energy levels in damaged nerve fibers can promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Deleting a protein anchor in the mitochondria also improved motor functions.
SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers estimated that it costs $2.6 billion to develop and commercialize a single new drug or biologic between 2009 and 2018. The study used publicly available data on research and development expenditures for these medicines.
Researchers discovered that a Mx protein, called MxB, helps cells fight viral infections by supporting mitochondrial function and integrity. The study provides new insights into the role of MxB in cellular defense against viral infections.
SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers analyzed ancient teeth and rib bones to reveal significant dietary diversification at the onset of Mongolia's earliest empires. Millet-based foods increased in consumption, suggesting imperial support for agricultural efforts.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2020
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science develop a new quantum algorithm to analyze complex networks, finding that fractal properties play a crucial role in determining optimal computational time. The researchers propose a new scaling hypothesis to gain more insight into different fractal geometries.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a new way to identify patients likely to return to the hospital, aiming to reduce future readmissions. The study found three distinct trajectories of readmission progression and identified high-risk patient groups, enabling early intervention and targeted care.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers analyzed travel data from 1984, 1997, and 2012 to find a significant increase in households with every member out-of-home (HEMO) rates, driven by changes in household composition. The study provides insights into the impact of HEMO rates on failed deliveries and potential solutions for efficient redelivery systems.
SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers at Washington State University developed microwave-assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) to reduce salt in processed foods while maintaining flavor. The new method resulted in up to a 50% reduction in salt content without affecting the taste intensity of other ingredients.
SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMar 3, 2020
Ex-tropical cyclone Esther has moved over Northern Territory, generating a flood watch and widespread rainfall totals. Satellite imagery provided by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite shows the remnants of the storm have blanketed the region.
A team of researchers at Michigan State University has developed a new method using optical tweezers to observe telomerase activity in unprecedented precision. This breakthrough aims to help find more effective and safe cancer treatments by targeting the telomerase enzyme.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 3, 2020
Scientists have demonstrated tunable coherent phonon dynamics in nanomechanical resonators, enabling new possibilities for information storage and processing. The work shows high cooperativity and large coupling strength between non-neighbouring phonon modes.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020
A study by NUS found that between 1996 and 2016, over 60% of Myanmar's mangroves were converted to agricultural use, posing a threat to the country's coastal ecosystem. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation measures to protect this critical habitat.
SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study assesses road tunnel fire safety mechanisms, finding that increased awareness and education can significantly reduce human life risks. The research highlights the importance of educating commuters on emergency protocols and evacuation procedures in response to a tunnel fire.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems Part A Civil Engineering·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers are examining the outcomes of neonates who undergo treatment at Children's Specialized Hospital for withdrawal from prenatal exposure to opioids. The study aims to understand the factors that influence the severity of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and responses to treatment protocols.
Researchers have identified a link between L-serine and memory problems in Alzheimer's disease. Supplying this amino acid as a nutritional supplement restored spatial memory affected early in mouse models.
Researchers have discovered that skyrmions and antiskyrmions can coexist in the same material, enabling a more reliable racetrack memory device. This breakthrough allows for advanced data storage capabilities with improved performance and reduced energy consumption.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2020
Over 100 medical and scientific organisations pledge to end weight stigma, citing evidence that stigma causes physical and psychological harm. The group calls for policies to prevent weight-based discrimination in healthcare, education, and the workplace.
SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study links maternal depression during pregnancy to lower immunoglobulin A levels in infants, linking them to higher risks of infection, asthma, and depression later in life. The research found that even mild depressive symptoms had a significant impact on the infant's immune system.
SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers developed a deep-learning algorithm to predict future market values of crops, which could help indebted farmers determine where and when to sell their crops. The system aims to maximize farmer profits, potentially leading to fewer suicides in India and worldwide.
The new E3SM model can capture complex climate-generating behavior with high resolution, simulating regional climate and built infrastructure. It will help predict how changes in climate and water cycling respond to increasing CO2.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateMar 3, 2020
A new tool, designed for both planning and operation phases, aims to optimize evacuation routes and supply logistics in near-real time. Researchers focus on noncombatant evacuation operations in the Republic of Korea, but it can be applied to various scenarios.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Defense Analytics and Logistics·DateMar 3, 2020
A team of researchers led by Dr. Matthew Knope found that ecologically diverse animal groups are more resistant to extinction and dominate the modern ocean's biodiversity. The study analyzed fossil and living marine animals over 500 million years, showing a link between diversity and resistance to mass extinctions.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that pregnant women with depression are more than 3 times more likely to use cannabis. The study, based on nationally representative data, also revealed that depression increases vulnerability to cannabis use even among those who perceive substantial risk.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 3, 2020
Visceral fat generates high levels of interleukin-1 beta, over-activating microglia and promoting chronic inflammation. This leads to impaired cognitive function, including difficulties with navigation and learning and memory.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 3, 2020
A research project at the University of Córdoba and San Luis University in Argentina successfully manufactured new lithium batteries from used cell phones. The team recovered graphite material, eliminating impurities and reorganizing its structure for new use, making up a quarter of the total weight of a lithium battery.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalChemSusChem·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers have used X-ray analysis to study lignin, a byproduct of paper production, and its potential as a sustainable raw material for manufacturing bioplastics. The study reveals that different lignin fractions can be engineered to have varying properties, such as hardness or softness, making them suitable for specific applications.
SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateMar 3, 2020
Only 19.8% of Americans have rapid access to endovascular thrombectomy for stroke treatment, highlighting a significant unmet need in stroke care. Researchers evaluated two strategies to optimize access and found that the bypassing model could improve access by 16.7%, making it an optimal solution for resource-strapped areas.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalStroke·DateMar 3, 2020
Researchers propose that rocks colliding inside a fault zone during an earthquake produce high-frequency vibrations, which could help explain puzzling seismic patterns and predict quake damage. The new explanation suggests smoother faults with rounded internal structures may produce less damaging quakes.
SourceBrown University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 3, 2020
The pharmaceutical and health product industry spent approximately $3.8 billion on lobbying and campaign contributions in the US from 1999 to 2018. This observational study used federal- and state-level data to track the industry's spending over two decades.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 3, 2020
A recent study found that disclaimers on some false news stories can make people more willing to believe other false stories. In contrast, placing 'Verified' tags on true stories eliminates the problem. The study's findings suggest a solution for social media platforms to improve their labeling systems.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalManagement Science·DateMar 3, 2020
A new study published in Cell Reports reveals that astrocytes in the brain change form after a balanced meal, triggering the feeling of satiety. The study found that this plasticity could be altered for obese subjects, potentially leading to new treatments for weight management.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found that re-initiating oral food intake after enteral nutrition alters the composition of both oral and gut microbiota. This alteration was associated with improved balance and function in the microbiome, particularly in fatty acid metabolism.
SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMar 3, 2020