The platypus fur exhibits biofluorescence under UV light, similar to other mammals like opossums and flying squirrels. Researchers discovered this phenomenon using museum specimens and propose it could aid these nocturnal animals in spotting each other.
A team of researchers tested the effectiveness of different fabrics at filtering ultrafine particles, comparable to coughing or heavy breathing. Most fabrics commonly used for non-clinical face masks were found to be effective, with N95 masks being highly effective.
Researchers developed two analytical models to evaluate retro-reflective materials' reflection directional characteristics, achieving more accurate results than traditional methods. The study aims to mitigate urban heat islands and reduce building energy consumption.
Researchers have developed a tunable copolymer electrode that can capture and destroy perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances present in water using electrochemical reactions. The process results in a high-energy efficiency and can remove PFAS contaminants from drinking water and natural bodies of water.
Engineers at Monash University developed a portable and cheap diagnostic that measures fibrinogen concentration in blood. This simple test can diagnose hypofibrinogenemia in critically bleeding patients anywhere in the world, reducing treatment time by up to five times.
Researchers developed a model that shows CAM-like metabolism can save more than 50% of water while maintaining 80% productivity in temperate climates. The study also identified an alternative CAM cycle involving mitochondrial enzyme ICDH, which can add up to 11% of total water savings.
A new analysis found that some COVID-19 patients experience persistent skin-related symptoms long after recovery. Researchers evaluated almost 1,000 cases and identified a previously unreported subset of patients with long-standing skin symptoms from COVID-19.
The Hayabusa2 mission's artificial impact crater on asteroid Ryugu revealed significant boulder movements and seismic shaking, up to 40m from the center. The study provides valuable insights into asteroids' resurfacing processes and can be used as a benchmark for numerical simulations.
A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that brainstem neurons play a crucial role in controlling both normal behaviour and misbehaviour in mice. The researchers discovered that faulty gene regulation can lead to behavioural abnormalities such as hyperactivity and attention deficit. The study provides new insights into the d...
Scientists at IST Austria identified a molecular compass that perceives auxin concentration and allows cells to synchronize their behavior for coordinated vein formation and regeneration. This phenomenon also applies to wound healing, enabling the growth of more mechanically resistant plants.
Researchers developed a new technique, CRISPR-LICHT, allowing for the analysis of hundreds of genes in human tissue using cerebral organoids. The method identified a specific mechanism controlling brain size and pinpointed microcephaly genes, shedding light on a genetic disorder.
A recent survey by Research!America found that 78% of Americans prioritize improving the nation's public health system, while 71% are willing to pay $1 more per week in taxes for an emergency fund. The survey also revealed strong bipartisan support for addressing health disparities and research into new treatments.
Researchers at Harvard University discovered a unique sensor system in octopus suction cups that allows them to detect and 'taste' molecules on objects, enabling the animals to identify prey. This novel chemotactile receptor system may also facilitate complex behaviors in octopuses and other cephalopods.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new method to convert plastic waste into high-quality graphene, offering a potential solution to the global plastic waste crisis. The flash graphene process eliminates much of the expense associated with recycling plastic, making it an economically viable alternative.
A study by University of California - San Francisco researchers found that over a three-year period, more than a dozen ICE detention centers experienced large, repeated outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, including influenza, chickenpox, and mumps. The Centers reported nearly half of the infections occurred in two facilities.
Red foxes show dietary specialization, with country foxes having a broader diet than urban conspecifics. Urban foxes primarily feed on discarded food, indicating an abundant food supply.
A breakthrough discovery has revealed a new pathway for the development of allergy treatments by identifying the release of neuropeptide Substance P by sensory neurons upon detection of allergens. This finding suggests that interrupting this pathway could potentially stop allergic immune responses.
Researchers measured streetlight contribution to urban lighting for the first time using smart city technology and satellite imagery. The study found that only around 20% of nighttime light emissions come from streetlights.
A new rapid diagnostic system for sepsis is being developed at Penn State and Stanford University, which can identify fungal and bacterial pathogens within two hours. The five-year grant will allow researchers to bypass current blood culture steps and directly test pathogen susceptibility to antibiotics.
The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in treating atrial fibrillation has led to a substantial reduction in stroke cases, resulting in cost savings for the NHS. Analysis shows that prescribing DOACs increased by £733m from 2011 to 2017, but reduced stroke cases by 11%.
A new technique allows reliable atomic-resolution images of hybrid photoactive perovskite thin films, unlocking insights into their atomic makeup and properties. The breakthrough enables researchers to study grain boundaries and crystal defects with unprecedented precision.
A new model simulates COVID-19 spread through neighborhoods, revealing varying risk levels, peak infection times, and prolonged hospital strain. Denser areas tend to reach peak infections earlier, while less dense ones may experience longer outbreaks.
Harshita Kumari, a UC pharmacy faculty member, has received a research grant to study the properties of eco-friendly surfactants. The project aims to characterize these molecules in terms of their sustainability and environmental safety compared to leading benchmark products.
Scientists have discovered a new role for the cancer-fighting gene p53 in preventing retrotransposons from hopping around the human genome, potentially leading to new ways of detecting or treating cancers. The study found that cells without functional p53 had higher rates of retrotransposon movement and multiplication.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a predictive model for an energy harvesting device that can convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. The model helps optimize the device to generate more power, paving the way for its potential use in wireless sensors and actuators.
A study by researchers at Penn State found that mulch bags labeled as 'cypress' often contain less than claimed, with some bags containing no cypress at all. The investigation used a new method to sort and estimate species mix in the mulch, revealing significant discrepancies between advertised content and actual composition.
Researchers from Arizona State University have recovered ancient Denisovan mitochondrial DNA from Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau, dating back to around 100,000 years ago. The discovery suggests that Denisovans may have interbred with modern humans in northeast central Asia, influencing genetic adaptations to high altitude.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have discovered a link between people's attachment styles and their trust in artificial intelligence. Attachment anxiety is associated with reduced trust, while enhanced attachment security increases trust. The study suggests that reminding individuals of their secure relationships can boost tr...
Researchers at VCUarts and Massey Cancer Center developed a digital life review therapy, 'VoicingHan,' which improved symptoms and spiritual well-being in patients. The project was recognized for its innovative approach to palliative care.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of long-term Denisovan occupation of high-altitude caves in Tibet and Mongolia, dating back up to 45,000 years. The findings suggest that Denisovan admixture contributed to the high-altitude adaptations of modern humans colonizing the Tibetan Plateau.
The inaugural awards promote translational opportunities and therapeutics development at Harvard and affiliated hospitals. Five research projects targeting diverse conditions, including type 1 diabetes and severe asthma, will each receive $1 million over two years to advance their efforts.
Researchers developed a tool to measure the quality of care in kinship settings, addressing the lack of standardized screening tools. The 36-item scale assesses five key criteria, including caregiver capacity and neighborhood support.
Scientists have found nanometre-sized areas of varying local density in amorphous silicon thin films. These regions, known as densely ordered domains, contain hardly any hydrogen and can contribute to the stability of the material.
HSE Faculty of Chemistry scientists discovered a new anti-cancer molecule, diphenylisoxazole, which is easily synthesized using available compounds. The molecule inhibits tubulin polymerization and shows effectiveness on both sea urchin embryos and human cancer cells.
A new multi-scale approach reveals that fracturing and erosion at the surface set the pace of oxidation in deep underground rocks. The team found that microorganisms can form on pyrite, but geologic processes slow the reaction, preventing acid accumulation.
The study aims to enroll non-pregnant adults older than 18 and will investigate the safety, immune response, and efficacy of the vaccine. UH Cleveland Medical Center is part of the NIAID-supported COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN) and has extensive knowledge in vaccine research.
A recent study by Bocconi University and Princeton suggests that Twitter disadvantaged Donald Trump in the 2016 US presidential election by making independent voters less likely to vote for him. The study found no effect of Twitter on Republican elections, with a shift towards higher approval of Hillary Clinton among independents.
A team of KAUST engineers has untangled the roles of water, hydrophobicity, and environmental factors in water electrification. They found that hydrophobic surfaces carry a negative surface charge, which attracts positive ions and repels negative ions from water.
Researchers have developed a lightweight molecule-based magnet with unprecedented magnetic properties, exhibiting a 'memory effect' at elevated temperatures. The compound contains abundant metal chromium and inexpensive organic molecules, making it a promising alternative to current inorganic commercial magnets.
Researchers used lower-cost domestic drones to detect Chironex fleckeri jellyfish in waters off northern Australia. The drones achieved significantly high detection rates, even under varying weather conditions. This innovative approach aims to improve beach safety and reduce the risk of jellyfish stings.
The 2020 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) has been shifted to a distributed format due to the cancellation of the original event in Vilnius. The competition will take place from Dec. 7-15 and is open to teams of five school students or university undergraduates representing various countries.
The updated guidelines recommend a combination of non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical interventions to manage knee osteoarthritis. Education, structured exercise, and weight loss are emphasized as core treatments, while topical NSAIDs are advised as first-line treatments for persistent pain.
Purdue University engineers have developed a microfluidic device that allows scientists to test drugs on multiple tumor cell subtypes, revealing new insights into drug resistance. The technology mimics the behavior of pancreatic cancer cells within a tumor, enabling researchers to identify effective treatment strategies.
Researchers found that cavefish exhibit reduced response probability, slower latency, and altered kinematics compared to surface fish. The study provides insight into the evolution of escape behaviors in Mexican cavefish and highlights the importance of ecological differences in shaping neural circuits.
Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that even protected biodiversity hotspots are losing significant areas to agriculture and urban sprawl. Over a quarter century, the world's most biologically diverse places lost an area three times the size of Sweden.
A new study sheds light on human responses to climate change in ancient Turkey, revealing local evidence of resilience and flourishing societies despite changes in the region. The research provides a significant new dataset that helps address questions about societal responses to proposed climate change.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers Harsh Taneja and Angela Xiao Wu found that corporations use 'nudging' techniques to influence online attention, often in hidden ways. The researchers analyzed clickstream data from a million people and identified common clusters of websites that reflect corporate ownership, partnerships...
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new face mask concept that aims to deactivate viruses in respiratory droplets, making the wearer less infectious. The masks feature anti-viral chemicals like phosphoric acid and copper salt that alter escaped droplets, reducing viral spread.
A researcher at Northern Arizona University is developing AI-powered drones that can monitor themselves and each other in different scenarios. The project aims to enable autonomous drones to respond to environmental and behavioral factors, improving their performance in various applications such as traffic control and surveillance.
Researchers found that patients with higher SARS-CoV-2 loads at hospital admission were more likely to require mechanical ventilation or die. The study suggests using viral load as a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia.
A Phase II clinical trial found that LY-CoV555, a monoclonal antibody, lowered viral load and reduced hospitalization rates in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The treatment was effective across all demographic groups, including high-risk patients.
SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins can cause inflammation on endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier, making it 'leaky' and disrupting neural networks. This could lead to neuroinvasion and neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.
Astronomers detect tiny free-floating planet with timescale of just 42 minutes, shedding light on turbulent past of young planetary systems. The discovery demonstrates that low-mass free-floating planets can be detected and characterized using ground-based telescopes.
Researchers found that the rate of myocarditis caused by COVID-19 is between 1.4% and 7.2%, significantly lower than previously reported rates. This finding should inform clinical colleagues about interpreting blood tests and heart radiology studies.
Researchers discovered that ogre-faced spiders can detect both low- and high-frequency sounds using hairs and joint receptors on their legs. The spiders use these sensory systems to hunt flying insects by performing a choreographed backwards strike, which may be aided by directional hearing.
A University of Cincinnati cardiologist is developing a smartphone app to deliver targeted COVID-19 information and education to Black communities. The app aims to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on African Americans, with input from focus groups in three states.
Dr. Thea James has been recognized with the inaugural Dr. Thea James Social Emergency Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award, created in her honor. The award recognizes her outstanding contribution to advancing social emergency medicine and improving health equity through her work.
A global team of researchers found a record-setting smoke cloud from Australian wildfires that measured 1,000 kilometers across and remained intact for three months. The team's findings provide critical information on the impact of wildfires on the Earth's atmosphere, which is expected to increase due to climate change.
A new study by University of Barcelona reveals that alterations in dopaminergic receptors D1R and D2R in the hippocampal area of the brain cause memory deficits and psychotic behaviour in mice with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient antipsychotic drugs.
A recent study published in Cell reveals that CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing can lead to undesirable outcomes, including the elimination of entire chromosomes or large sections in human embryos. The research warns against premature clinical application of this technology until further development and testing are conducted.