Researchers created a neural network that autonomously finds solutions well-adapted to quantum advantage demonstrations, aiding in developing new efficient quantum computers. This breakthrough enables the prediction of quantum advantages in complex networks, which is crucial for creating cost-effective and reliable quantum devices.
SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateFeb 4, 2020
A DNA study of over 10,000 people has identified naturally occurring gene variants that reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by impairing tyrosine phosphatase activity and cell survival. The findings suggest PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signalling pathway as a key target for therapeutic drugs.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalAnnals of Human Genetics·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which cells respond to environmental stresses, including high temperature, dryness and high salination. The study found that a cytoplasmic sensor enhances MAP kinase phosphorylation, leading to a more accurate and robust response than previously thought possible.
SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020
A study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that people with conflicts of interest were more likely to provide positive testaments about psychiatric drug treatments. The authors recommend stricter management or prohibition of COIs to promote transparency and validity in the approval process.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020
Scientists have made an important discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that drugs targeting the IL-17 molecule may not need to get across the blood-brain-barrier to be effective in treating MS.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new study predicts the Len Small levee will continue to fail even if repaired due to erosion and increased precipitation. The levee's failure has caused severe damage to homes and businesses, and agricultural land degradation.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalOpen Journal of Soil Science·DateFeb 4, 2020
US sales of toddler milks more than doubled from 2006 to 2015, driven by increased TV advertising spending and lower prices. This surge in sales occurred despite health experts' recommendations that parents not serve toddler milks, citing added sugars and lack of nutritional benefits.
SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateFeb 4, 2020
Rice University engineers developed a deep learning system that uses capsule neural networks to predict extreme weather events, such as heat waves and winter storms, with high accuracy. The system achieves 85% accuracy in five-day forecasts by identifying patterns in pressure systems and regional areas.
SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateFeb 4, 2020
Scientists at the University of Freiburg created nanoparticles with polysaccharides, which allow them to pass through the kidneys and be excreted in urine. This breakthrough enables the combination of tumor accumulation and kidney clearance in a single nanoparticle, paving the way for safer nanomedicine administration.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new study found that caregivers' self-care strategies are crucial in managing stress and improving family needs for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Caregivers who report greater confidence in their ability to use self-care also experience reduced parental distress and higher parenting satisfaction.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new technique uses seismic waves from distant earthquakes to image the subterranean structure of Cleveland volcano. The study, published in Scientific Reports, resolved the architecture of the lower and middle crust for the first time, providing crucial information for emergency planning and saving human lives.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2020
In Mediterranean Protected Areas, red coral colonies (Corallium rubrum) have recovered partially, with health levels comparable to those of the 1980s. The study highlights the effectiveness of marine protections and underscores the need for urgent protection measures in Mediterranean biodiversity hotspots.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that sand dunes interact with and repel each other as they move, with turbulent swirls controlling the distance between them. The study used a unique experimental facility to observe long-term behavior, challenging existing theories on dune interaction.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers find wooden pallets have a slightly lower carbon footprint than plastic pallets on both one-trip and 100,000-trip basis. Heat-treated wooden pallets incur a 20-30% lower carbon footprint than methyl bromide-fumigated ones.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have proposed five quality measures for medical billing, including itemized bills, price transparency, and service quality. The measures aim to reduce financial toxicity and promote transparency, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare costs.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 4, 2020
The EU-funded IN-FET project develops novel nanodevices to treat neurological diseases like epilepsy and Parkinson's by modulating nerve cell activity. The project uses ion-based technology to correct hyper-excitability in brain cells, offering a natural approach to treating these conditions.
SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers at the Technical University of Berlin introduce a new method to synthesize α-amanitin, a highly selective inhibitor of RNA polymerase II. This synthetic route allows for large-scale production and could lead to cancer treatment advancements.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers at Princeton University have found a link between microbes and cancer in threatened Santa Catalina foxes, with ear mites and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius playing a key role. The study shows that a shift in the microbiome allows antibiotic-resistant infection to take hold, leading to chronic inflammation and tumor growth.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed biodegradable hydrogels that create a fertile environment for bone stem cells to grow and proliferate. The study found that the space created by degrading hydrogels enables stem cells to thrive, remodel their local environment, and form intricate cellular networks.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers have successfully isolated kidney stem cells from urine, expressing markers similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and renal stem cell markers. The isolated cells can differentiate into various kidney cell types, including proximal- and distal-tubules and podocytes.
SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2020
The University of Massachusetts Amherst will conduct a 12-year study on the socioeconomic impacts of casino gambling in Massachusetts, with a focus on employment and public health effects. The study aims to identify populations at higher risk of problem gambling and inform prevention and treatment programs.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateFeb 4, 2020
A Danish registry study found a significant association between neurological disorders, including dementia and Parkinson's disease, and increased risk of suicide. The study analyzed nearly 40 years of data for 7.3 million people, revealing that those with neurological conditions were more likely to die by suicide.
A new study suggests that human cooperativity is an outcome of competition between cultural groups. Researchers found that culturally different groups compete, leading to the spread of traits that give groups a competitive edge, including cooperation.
SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020
A recent study analyzed the antimicrobial resistance genes in the mouth and gut microbiome, finding distinct resistome profiles with varying levels of diversity. The researchers' findings suggest that expanding human resistome studies to other body areas is crucial for understanding the spread of antibiotic resistance.
SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers found an 85% greater snow depth in burned areas compared to non-burned areas. Severe wildfires can lead to increased flood potential, loss of nutrients, and erosion for downstream communities.
SourceBrigham Young University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers used travel data to estimate that the virus was introduced to at least 128 cities in China before the Wuhan quarantine began. The study suggests that early travel during the Spring Festival season seeded cases far beyond the Wuhan region.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new study found that over half of US opioid prescriptions for dental procedures exceeded the recommended 3-day supply, with nearly 1/3 of patients receiving more powerful opioids than needed. The study suggests that improving guidelines and education for dentists can help reduce overprescription.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers found a new long non-coding RNA, PRECSIT, that regulates the growth and invasion of squamous cell carcinoma in skin. PRECSIT's expression is linked to the tumor suppressor gene p53, promoting cancer progression via STAT3 signaling.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 4, 2020
A team of Yale researchers has discovered a way to reverse type-2 diabetes and liver fibrosis in mice, highlighting the potential for targeting TET3 protein. The studies, published in Cell Reports and Nature Communications, also suggest that TET3 plays a role in fibrosis development and may be a key target for treatment.
SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new study found that Medicaid expansion significantly reduced uninsured rates among low-income residents in the Diabetes Belt. The increase in insurance coverage helped address access to care issues, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life for those affected by diabetes.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers at Oxford University Press USA have identified new ways to prevent skin scarring after injuries. The study suggests that pressure therapy, silicone treatment, and early laser intervention can reduce scar formation and improve therapeutic response. These findings offer promising hope for patients with hypertrophic scars.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBurns & Trauma·DateFeb 4, 2020
A team of chemical engineers has developed a new way to produce medicines and chemicals on demand using portable biofactories embedded in water-based gels. The approach could help people in remote villages or on military missions access critical medicines and daily use chemicals.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020
Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study the structure of long ribonucleic acids, which are crucial for cellular regulation. The technique involves marking specific locations on the RNA with artificial flags and measuring their distances using a molecular ruler.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new imaging system, Flyception2, has recorded ultra-precise brain activities in flies during various stages of mating, including courtship. The study reveals surprising findings about brain nerve cells' activity patterns, with P1 neurons inactive during copulation and mAL neurons switched on.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020
Research from Binghamton University found that publicly sharing goals only affects those who care about public perception. Immediate feedback and high incentives are crucial for goal persistence after a failure. People who don't value public reputation aren't affected by the public or private nature of a goal.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Consumer Behaviour·DateFeb 4, 2020
Research from the University of Warwick found that shorter sleep duration is associated with increased depression and anxiety in children. The study examined brain structure and cognitive performance in 11,000 children aged 9-11, revealing lower brain volume in areas involved in emotional regulation.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers at Michigan State University developed a new method to detect protein density in blood plasma using magnetic levitation. This technique could lead to improved disease diagnosis and treatment by identifying distinct patterns of proteins associated with various health conditions, such as opioid abuse and multiple sclerosis.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers aim to create a less expensive and efficient natural gas storage system using super-absorbent materials, enabling smaller tanks for vehicles.
A new species of thalattosaur, Gunakadeit joseeae, has been discovered in Southeast Alaska, providing insights into the marine reptile's family tree. The fossil, which is the most complete thalattosaur ever found in North America, dates back over 200 million years.
SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2020
ITMO University researchers have developed a DNA-based nanorobot that can detect and destroy pathogenic RNA strands in cancer cells. The nanorobot, which costs $20 to produce, uses deoxyribozymes to cleave bonds in an RNA strand, effectively blocking the production of harmful proteins and killing cancer cells.
SourceITMO University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new study found that peace of mind plays a significant role in parents' attitude towards vaccines, with reassurance from knowledge of benefits and healthcare providers influencing decisions. The research suggests that decision makers should consider these benefits when making funding decisions.
SourceMeningitis Research Foundation·JournalVaccine·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a complex system of filaments and liquid droplet dynamics that enables the repair of damaged DNA in cell nuclei. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about DNA damage and highlights the value of cross-disciplinary research.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new study found that general anesthesia in cesarean delivery is associated with a 54% increase in the odds of severe postpartum depression requiring hospitalization. Women who received regional anesthesia had a lower risk of developing suicidal thoughts or self-inflicted injury.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers found niche mutations to have higher mortality than EGFR, but similar mortality to KRAS mutations. Next-generation sequencing helps identify a large panel of mutations for precise treatment selection.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateFeb 4, 2020
A survey of 1,923 NC State students found that nearly 10% experienced homelessness and over 14% struggled with food insecurity in the previous 30 days. The study highlights the need for institutions to address these challenges and provide support services for students facing housing and food insecurity.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of College Student Development·DateFeb 4, 2020
A study on co-creation in research reveals the benefits of collaborative models, including improved communication dynamics and decision-making techniques. Practical tools for managing cross-disciplinary research projects have been developed to address the challenges of complexity and diversity.
SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020
A study by University of Arizona researcher Terrence Hill found that gun ownership is not associated with improved happiness or better sleep. Gun owners were more likely to be married, which was driving their reported happiness. However, a separate study on sleep disturbance showed no difference between gun owners and non-gun owners.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new handheld 3D skin printer has been developed to accelerate wound healing of large, severe burns. The device deposits sheets of skin using 'bio ink' made from mesenchymal stem cells, which promotes skin regeneration and reduces scarring.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalBiofabrication·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers describe key chest CT imaging findings in Wuhan coronavirus patients, highlighting bilateral ground-glass and consolidative pulmonary opacities. The study's findings suggest that lung cavitation, discrete nodules, and lymphadenopathy are characteristically absent in cases of 2019-nCoV.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new study suggests that roughly half of opioid prescriptions written by dentists in the US exceed federal guidelines for pain management. Dental procedures like extractions can lead to significant pain, and researchers found that some dentists are overprescribing opioids as a result.
SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers found that Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin induces CLDN4 nuclear translocation, enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and invasive ability in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. The complex of YAP1, CLDN4, and zona occludens-2 was formed by CPE treatment, suppressing YAP1 phosphorylation and activating it.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers from Kazan Federal University have developed a new reagent to combat hydrate formation in Arctic oil production, reducing environmental harm. The chitosan-graft-Polyacrylamide reagent slows down hydrate formation and ensures safe transportation of products in optimal temperature ranges.
SourceKazan Federal University·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers discovered that zebrafish heart muscle cells switch from fatty acids to sugars for energy, enabling regeneration. This metabolic shift is crucial for heart regeneration and may hold potential for human heart regeneration after a heart attack.
Researchers have identified a new treatment target for preventing acute kidney injury, which affects up to 10% of hospitalized patients. High levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) are linked to the risk of acute kidney injury, and reducing suPAR levels may help prevent damage to healthy kidneys.
SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new study finds that zoos with large, iconic animals like rhinos and tigers tend to have higher attendance and contribute more to conservation funding. However, the research also suggests that zoos can increase conservation impact by diversifying their species collections.
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020
New research shows that feeding bluebirds can significantly impact parasitic nest flies and improve nestling survival. The study found that supplementing birds with food reduces the parasite load and improves antibody levels, which help kill the parasites. The timing of feeding is also crucial, with early feeding benefiting young birds...
SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateFeb 4, 2020
Scientists at DESY used an advanced X-ray combination technique to trace nanocarriers for tuberculosis drugs within cells with high precision. The method also revealed the calcium content in human bone, benefiting osteoporosis research.
SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2020
A Tufts University team won a grand prize in the NSF Idea Machine Competition with their project 'From Thinking to Inventing,' focusing on what machines can invent and how. They aim to create resilient robots that can creatively solve problems, addressing pressing issues like climate change and wealth inequality.
A new study found that protecting large animals and plants can reduce wild animal biomass by 44% and soil fertility by 92%, highlighting their fundamental role in ecosystem integrity. Larger organisms transport nutrients, promoting productivity and ecological services.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020
A new study reveals a never-before described natural process in soil that converts nitrogen gases into nitrates through the action of visible and ultraviolet radiation. This finding is crucial for understanding the nitrogen cycle in soil, which affects global sustainability, productivity, and air quality.
SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 4, 2020