A physics professor and first-year physics major demonstrate how the center-of-mass of a nearly empty shampoo bottle affects its stability when placed on a tilted surface. The study reveals that the altitude of the center of mass is a nonlinear function of the liquid level, with lower levels resulting in higher altitudes.
SourceLehigh University·JournalThe Physics Teacher·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers developed a programming tool to analyze genome data and build accurate models of demographic history for plants, animals, and people. The software predicts population history with high likelihood, including mass extinctions, migrations, and growth periods.
SourceITMO University·JournalGigaScience·DateMar 2, 2020
A new study finds that the Affordable Care Act has reduced racial and ethnic gaps in access to health insurance, but significant disparities remain. The analysis shows that Black and Hispanic Americans are still less likely to have health coverage and more likely to avoid care due to cost, compared to non-Hispanic whites.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers found that women chairs of clinical departments earned an average of $70,000 to $80,000 less per year than their male counterparts. Despite controlling for factors such as productivity, specialization, and years on the job, the disparity remained.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 2, 2020
A crowd-sourced study found that people who floss regularly have lower microbial diversity in their mouths than non-flossers, and adults with recent dental visits have less of the periodontal disease-causing oral pathogen. The study also uncovered a possible link between childhood obesity and periodontal disease.
SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2020
The USPSTF now recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in adults aged 18-79, following a decade of rising cases linked to increased injection drug use. This updated guidance aims to reduce deaths from HCV, which exceeds those of other reportable infectious diseases.
The researcher will employ real-world materials to study the effect of surface roughness on dynamic behavior of hypersonic shock-wave interactions in a Mach 7 Ludwieg Tube facility. The goal is to aid in the design of next-generation Air Force flight systems, overcoming technical challenges such as extreme heat and pressure loads.
SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers at Lehigh University found that the 'Monday effect' negatively impacts supply chain performance, resulting in longer times between ordering and shipping, and more errors in order fulfillment. Technology solutions such as automated order processing systems can improve Monday performance by up to 90%.
SourceLehigh University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMar 2, 2020
Larvae of horseradish flea beetles use glucosinolates to fend off predators, but pupae lack this chemical protection. The beetle's mustard oil bomb is crucial for defense, particularly in larvae that store glucosinolates.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateMar 2, 2020
Child access prevention laws, enacted in half of US states, reduced firearm fatalities in children under 15 by 13% compared to states with no regulations. States with the most restrictive laws had a 59% reduction, preventing an estimated 4,000 deaths.
SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 2, 2020
A study found that urban flower strips attract a significant number of city bee species, with one-year-old strips supporting over a quarter of the total bee fauna. The findings suggest that these greenery interventions provide essential support for pollinators and can serve as effective conservation measures.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateMar 2, 2020
A new pain management program implemented in a Texas healthcare system reduced longer-term opioid prescriptions by two-thirds, from over five days to fewer than five days. The program used physician education, monitoring, and incentives to shift prescribing patterns.
SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 2, 2020
Insects can perform numerical estimation and compare sets of objects, recognizing larger quantities. Researchers found a simple model for neural networks to learn numerical cognition tasks using a single neuron.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournaliScience·DateMar 2, 2020
Research in China suggests a strong association between avian influenza and the country's live poultry trade network. Movement of virus lineages was often associated with major evolutionary divergences and was much more likely to occur within regional trade communities.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2020
A study led by the University of Southampton found that a new drug, GKT137831, can break down the barrier preventing lymphocytes from attacking cancer cells. This approach may significantly improve the success rate of cancer immunotherapy treatment for many patients.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers used X-ray free-electron lasers to study the structural changes in polycrystalline gold thin films during laser-induced melting. The findings suggest that melting occurs preferentially at grain boundaries, resulting in a non-uniform process.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2020
A new machine-learning computer model accurately predicts damaging radiation storms caused by the Van Allen belts two days prior to the storm. The PreMevE 2.0 model improves forecasts by incorporating upstream solar wind speeds and can be applied to predict more energetic electrons.
SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalSpace Weather·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers used mathematical models to simulate social interactions and found that people's decisions can be influenced by others' indecisiveness. The study's findings could inform strategies to combat misinformation on the internet and provide insights into how people make choices in real-world scenarios.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateMar 2, 2020
A Montana State University research team, led by Lindsey Albertson and Geoffrey Poole, is exploring the impact of caddisfly larvae on stream ecosystems. The study aims to understand how caddisflies influence nutrient processing and microbial communities in streams.
Researchers at Hiroshima University found a positive correlation between happy emotional states and productivity among factory workers in Laos. The study used wearable biometric devices to track employees' emotional states over three working days, revealing that only happy emotions were related to productivity.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalSustainability·DateMar 2, 2020
Geologists have determined that the early Earth was a 'water world' with submerged continents based on oxygen isotope data from ancient ocean crust in Australia. This finding has significant implications for the origin of life on Earth and its possible existence elsewhere.
SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 2, 2020
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends integrating AI into sleep medicine to improve diagnoses, predict disease outcomes, and personalize treatments. AI can automate sleep scoring, derive meaningful insights from sleep data, and optimize treatments for patients.
SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMar 2, 2020
US counties with more wetlands experienced significantly less property damage from hurricanes and tropical storms over a recent 20-year period. Coastal wetlands serve as natural levees, reducing property damage by up to $430 million in Florida since 1996.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2020
A recent study from the University of Washington found that a natural aptitude for learning languages is a stronger predictor of learning to program than basic math knowledge. Participants who excelled in programming tasks tended to have strong problem-solving and language abilities, suggesting that coding involves learning a second la...
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers found that a protein called FRX1 functions in an amyloid form in healthy brains, contradicting the idea that only diseased brains store amyloids. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2020
A new study found that individuals with irregular sleep patterns experienced a two-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those with regular sleep patterns. This suggests that healthy sleep isn't just about quantity, but also about variability, and can have an important effect on heart health.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 2, 2020
The researchers developed a system of miniaturized organs that can detect harmful effects of drugs before they are prescribed to patients. The miniature organs, created using biofabrication techniques, mimic human tissues and organs, enabling the detection of toxicity in drugs approved for human use.
SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalBiofabrication·DateMar 2, 2020
Scientists at Rice University found that low-salinity brine can create emulsion droplets in crude oil, enhancing oil recovery. The research also revealed the wettability of rock determines how easily it releases oil.
SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2020
A new study by New York University researchers found that the Affordable Care Act has had a significant impact on reducing financial barriers to healthcare, with 19.3 million people gaining coverage since its implementation in 2010. The law's market reforms have also led to measurable gains in the financial well-being of poor Americans.
SourceNew York University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers discovered that pre-immunization with common childhood vaccines can boost anti-tumor efficacy when combined with a hybrid viral platform called PeptiCRAd.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers use machine learning to accelerate analysis of buried interfaces and edges in materials, creating stronger, more energy-efficient materials. The technique pairs atom probe tomography with machine learning to extract composition profiles and compare them to actual ground truth.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2020
A study on the BEF-China experiment found that directed species loss in high-diversity ecosystems leads to significant reductions in forest productivity. The researchers simulated both random and directed species extinction scenarios and analyzed the data, revealing that diversity alone does not protect against losses.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 2, 2020
A new model by Catalina Chaparro-Pedraza and André de Roos shows how small environmental changes can induce slow evolutionary changes in species, leading to delayed regime shifts. This research has implications for understanding complex systems beyond ecosystems, including financial markets.
SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 2, 2020
A specific brain wave type shared by humans and sheep may help researchers study human brain disorders. Researchers monitored a sheep's sleep changes during the progression of a brain disease, potentially leading to a sleep-based diagnosis in humans.
SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMar 2, 2020
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that all women with a breast cancer diagnosis under the age of 66 be offered germline genetic testing. This approach would identify 98% of women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, while avoiding testing of 20% of all breast cancers.
SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers highlight tensions between staff and athletes when data collection encroaches on autonomy, while also exploring the benefits of performance monitoring. The study suggests that designers can improve interfaces to support athlete self-reflection and communication with staff.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateMar 2, 2020
A study of over 6,000 newborn babies found that longer pregnancies are associated with chemical DNA changes in thousands of genes. These epigenetic modifications may influence fetal organ development and potentially affect the health of premature birth children.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have created an underwater smart glue prototype that can be activated and deactivated using electricity. The team, led by Bruce Lee, used electrical current to turn off the adhesion of a catechol-containing material, achieving this in just seven seconds.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers found that pumping oxygen-rich surface water into the depths of lakes, estuaries, and coastal ocean waters could alleviate dangerous dead zones. The downwelling method was shown to be three to 100 times more efficient than other technological techniques.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 2, 2020
A new study finds that irregular sleep patterns, such as no regular bedtime and wake-up schedule or varying amounts of sleep each night, may represent a novel and independent heart disease risk factor. Older adults with these patterns are nearly twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 2, 2020
A blood test measuring phosphorylated tau 181 (pTau181) shows promise in detecting Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The test's accuracy surpasses existing methods, offering a potential solution for early diagnosis and treatment.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers from McGill University found that widespread use of Roundup herbicide can trigger loss of biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to pollution and climate change. The study discovered that some ecosystems adapt by evolving resistance to the herbicide, but this comes at a cost of plankton diversity.
SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 2, 2020
Low-energy and high energy states in a layered superconducting material are found to be correlated. The study uses multidimensional spectroscopy to probe quantum coherence, producing coherent excitations lasting up to 500 femtoseconds.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers use blue light intensity methods to analyze tree rings, recreating summer air temperature in the Eastern United States over 300-500 years. The project aims to understand longer-term climate trends and contribute to developing better general circulation models.
Cannabinoids can interact with various drugs, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Regular marijuana use may also affect the clearance of other medications. Understanding these interactions is crucial for patients and physicians.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 2, 2020
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that the Adelaide Fringe festival plays a crucial role in building the state's social capital, helping to combat 'brain drain'. The festival achieves this through placemaking, regeneration of urban spaces, and creating vibrant experiences for residents and visitors.
Researchers found that swamp wallabies ovulate and mate while still pregnant, suggesting continuous pregnancy throughout their lives. This unique reproductive strategy challenges the traditional view of marsupial reproduction and may have implications for our understanding of female fertility.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2020
Researchers analyzed recorded bird songs and found a relationship between sound frequency and body size, suggesting a biomechanics-based method for predicting bird sizes. The study also confirmed the correlation using museum specimens.
SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 2, 2020
A preliminary study found that blue light therapy can decrease depression and other concussion symptoms in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury. Participants who received blue light therapy showed significant improvements in depression scores and other symptoms compared to those receiving a placebo.
A study by Eleni Linos found significant pay disparities among clinical department chairs at state medical schools, with men earning higher salaries than women. The researchers investigated 29 state medical schools across 12 states and identified key factors contributing to these differences.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 2, 2020
A study of 2 million patients found a strong association between repeat antibiotic prescriptions and increased risk of hospital admissions for new infections. The researchers suggest that overuse of antibiotics may lead to an imbalance of gut bacteria, making patients more susceptible to infections.
SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 1, 2020
A study found that NLX-112 reduced dyskinesia and improved movement symptoms in marmosets with Parkinson's-like symptoms. The results suggest that the drug has potential as a future treatment for people with Parkinson's, offering hope for those affected by debilitating movement problems.
SourceParkinson's UK·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateMar 1, 2020
Using Euclid's algorithm as an example, Dr. Lamport showed how a precise mathematical formula can be used to specify an algorithm, making it more efficient and easier to debug. By using math instead of code, developers can reduce the size of their programs by up to ten times and make debugging easier.
Astronomers have discovered a rare opportunity to study the evolution of a planetary system, with the DS Tuc binary system providing insights into how planets form without being heavily impacted by external forces. The findings suggest that the planet DS Tuc Ab formed through relatively calm processes.
A study found that older adults who experience excessive daytime sleepiness are at increased risk of developing diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and discovered a significant link between daytime sleepiness and the development of these conditions.
A new study developed by SMU Assistant Professor Richard Crowley uses machine learning to analyze topic patterns in company filings to predict intentional accounting misreporting. The researchers found that certain topics, such as revenue and income figures, were more commonly used by companies that had engaged in misreporting.
SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateMar 1, 2020
New research on cancer cells' interaction with their environment reveals the importance of physical cues in guiding cell migration. A novel optical tweezer-based tool probes mechanical cues to study tumor behavior.
Researchers have developed a system that uses virtual reality and 3D motion capture to provide guidance for physiotherapy exercises. The study found that participants could accurately follow the movements of a virtual avatar when it was accompanied by realistic footstep sounds, but struggled with visual information alone.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2020
Researchers have created a highly stable artificial protein called SUWA, which can withstand temperatures of up to 122°C without denaturing. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in nanotechnology and synthetic biology.
SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 28, 2020
Researchers found that the MLO gene, which causes many crops to be susceptible to powdery mildew, also facilitates colonization by symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi in plants. This suggests that the primary role of MLO is in colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which has been appropriated by powdery mildew pathogens.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 28, 2020