A new study reveals that serum albumin binds with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used to treat severe COVID-19, but low albumin levels or diabetes can interfere with this binding, reducing the drug's effectiveness. The researchers suggest doctors may need to adjust dosing for certain patient groups.
An international time trends analysis reveals that foreign disinformation social media campaigns are strongly associated with a decline in global vaccination rates. The study found a cumulative drop of 12 percentage points across the decade, with a 15% increase in negative tweets about vaccination.
A new research study reveals weaknesses in risk-based regulation, making it impossible for regulators to have a unified understanding of the risks posed by discharge from hospital. This leaves patients vulnerable to physical harm and dignity loss.
Researchers from NC State and Cornell are developing a self-sustaining system that utilizes microplastics to capture and break down more microplastics. The system involves creating microcleaning particles that stick to microplastics, which are then broken down by microorganisms, producing chemicals with commercial value.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg found that COVID-19 patients with brain impairment had elevated immune activation markers, but no viral presence in cerebrospinal fluid. This suggests that the patient's immune response may be the underlying cause of neural damage.
A University of Washington study reveals certain human actions increase survival chances in devastating events. Researchers suggest simple behavioral changes, such as being aware of local hazards and moving to a higher floor, can save more lives than expensive engineering solutions.
A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that spirituality is a significant component of wisdom, correlated positively with age and sex. The researchers used a self-report-based measure of wisdom and spirituality, finding that both components were associated with better mental health and well-being.
Researchers developed a vaccine targeting KRAS gene mutations in lung, bowel and pancreatic cancers. In mice studies, vaccinated animals showed improved survival rates compared to unvaccinated ones.
A multidisciplinary team at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a novel treatment strategy for a young woman with an immune system defect. The treatment involved boosting her weakened neutrophils with growth factors, which restored their function and improved control of pathogens.
A new method transforms waste polyethylene into long-chain alkylaromatic compounds without high temperatures or pressures. The process could pave the way for a circular plastics economy and make non-fossil-based plastics more economically attractive.
Researchers developed a more efficient way to produce fucosyltransferase VI (FTVI) enzyme, which enhances the homing ability of cord blood stem cells. This breakthrough could improve the effectiveness of cord blood transplants for treating various life-threatening conditions.
Researchers from FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science are developing new theory and methods to curate training data sets for AI learning and screen real-time operational data for safe field deployment. The project aims to identify faulty, unusual and irregular information for AI operations.
Researchers from Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation and University of Michigan have created a portable 'lab on a chip' that can identify COVID-19 antibodies in human blood in just 15 minutes, significantly faster than current methods.
A researcher created a computer model that can distinguish high academic achievers from lower ones based on their social media posts. The model achieved an accuracy of 93.7% in predicting PISA scores, indicating students' academic aptitude.
A Purdue University scientist is working on a technique that uses LED light to determine if certain chemotherapy options will work for specific patients. The method, which was published in Scientific Reports, shows promise for improving personalized medicine and reducing side effects.
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity needs a 'safety net' of multiple ambitious goals to curb nature's decline. The new goals should consider diverse facets of biodiversity and be developed holistically to advance multiple targets simultaneously.
A UCSF-CHOP study found that patients under 25 with pediatric cancer were more likely to remain on private insurance for longer durations compared to their older peers. Brief disruptions in insurance have been associated with harmful health consequences, highlighting the importance of the ACA's dependent coverage provision.
A new study found that COVID-19-related anxiety and stress are associated with negative body image, particularly thinner ideals for women and muscularity for men. This association may contribute to eating disorders, as body dissatisfaction can trigger serious mental health issues.
Researchers have developed a new polymer that can be applied to textile fibers, turning them into flexible solar collectors. These solar concentrators can capture a wider spectrum of light and offer an immense benefit for portable devices.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois created a new take on deep reinforcement learning using the game Capture the Flag, helping robots evaluate their next move and adapt to unexpected situations. By breaking down tasks into sub-tasks, they improved adaptation and reduced complexity in updates.
Researchers found a distinct DNA methylation signature in cord blood of newborns with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), spanning regions linked to early fetal neurodevelopment. The findings may hold clues for early diagnosis and intervention.
A study by UC Riverside found that women MMA athletes prefer hypermasculine partners to compensate for feelings of feminine insecurity, prioritizing masculinity over athletic success.
A new $2 million grant from NCI SeroNet will enhance representation of Black and Hispanic people in SARS-CoV-2 immunology research through narrative storytelling. Researchers aim to overcome barriers to participation by connecting with community members personally and motivating them to volunteer.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients taking daily low-dose aspirin had lower risk of ICU admission, ventilation, and dying from the virus. The study found a 44% reduction in mechanical ventilator use, 43% decrease in ICU admission, and 47% decrease in hospital death compared to those not taking aspirin.
The G-VERSITY project develops scientifically sound measures to promote gender diversity in working life, including workshops, guidelines, and training materials. The project also aims to improve career prospects for young researchers through a collaborative European network.
The ancient Maya created a water filtration system nearly 2,000 years ago, using crystalline quartz and zeolite to remove harmful microbes and toxins from drinking water. This innovative system would still be effective today.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant financial risks to independent oncology practices. Experts propose various strategies to promote stability and survival in these vulnerable entities.
Recent research shows that chimpanzees, like humans, increasingly prioritize mutual and equitable friendships with others as they get older. Younger adults tend to form lopsided relationships, while older chimpanzees focus on maintaining smaller, fulfilling networks of close friends.
A new study at Boston Medical Center found that the common treatment bevacizumab for diabetic macular edema is less effective for Black patients compared to white and Hispanic individuals. This disparity underscores the importance of increasing diversity in clinical trials to develop treatments tailored to all patient groups.
Researchers explore potential link between COVID-19 and Parkinson's disease, citing three case studies with improved symptoms after treatment. The study suggests that severe inflammation, blood clots, and neurotropic effects of SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to Parkinson's onset.
A study by University of Kent researchers found that individuals who feel a system or authority is unresponsive to their demands are more likely to support hacker activity. This support can be seen as a means to express anger and frustration towards the organization, even if it involves disruptive actions.
A study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging demonstrates the safety of performing MRI exams in patients with non-MR compatible cardiac devices, including those who are pacemaker-dependent or have abandoned leads. The results showed no adverse events and improved diagnosis and treatment plans for patients.
Researchers discovered that Yi and Ambopteryx, two small dinosaur species from Late Jurassic China, evolved the ability to glide but were poorly capable of powered flight. They relied on gliding as an escape mechanism to stay out of danger while struggling to compete with other tree-dwelling dinosaurs and early birds.
A study published in Immunity explores polyreactive broadly neutralizing antibodies and their role against influenza viruses. The researchers found that these antibodies are commonly polyreactive and preferentially induced by novel and pandemic-level influenza viruses.
Researchers found that elderly Japanese men and women who produce equol display lower levels of white matter lesions in the brain. Equol production was associated with reduced white matter lesion volumes, but not amyloid-beta deposits.
Researchers will investigate acupuncture's effectiveness in managing pain in emergency departments across the US, with a goal of reducing opioid prescriptions. The three-year study involves 150 participants and aims to provide evidence for non-pharmacologic pain management methods.
A new robotic device called TruST helps children with cerebral palsy improve their trunk and reaching control, allowing them to sit stably and perform daily activities without assistance. After a two-year pilot study, four children aged 6-14 showed significant postural and reaching control improvements.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that grafted plants with epigenetically modified rootstock exhibit increased vigor, productivity, and resilience compared to parental plants. The technique uses gene expression manipulation rather than genetic modification, sidestepping controversy surrounding GMOs.
Researchers observed 21 male chimpanzees for 78,000 hours to see if they too prefer small circles of meaningful friendships. The study shows that older chimps have more mutual friendships and spend more time grooming those individuals, similar to humans.
The study shows that a switching strategy between two losing strategies can lead to a winning outcome, alleviating suffering and preserving health and well-being. Three different switching rules are proposed, offering novel solutions to curb the spread of COVID-19 and future epidemics.
Research reveals thymoquinone's ability to induce apoptosis and DNA damage in 5-Fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent. The compound targets CSCs enriched from both sensitive and resistant cell lines, suggesting a promising effect on chemoresistant cells.
The new technique allows for simultaneous acquisition of images at different depths using a standard microscope, improving biological imaging applications. It utilizes a z-splitter prism to divide detected light, producing multiple high-resolution images on the same sensor without overlap.
Researchers have identified certain features of a patient's tumor that can predict whether axillary lymph node dissection is necessary, sparing women from disabling arm swelling. A UCLA study found over 40% of women with lymph node involvement at diagnosis have only 1-3 positive nodes at surgery.
The discovery confirms that African crocodiles of the genus Crocodylus inhabited Europe during the late Miocene, with fossils found in Italy and Spain. The remains suggest a dispersal from Africa to Europe via sea, supported by modern crocodile behavior and anatomical similarities with other extinct species.
A new study shows that COVID-19 death rates have dropped in New York due to a shift towards younger, healthier patients and improved healthcare practices. The study found that patients with chronic conditions were less likely to be hospitalized, and those who were treated earlier received better care.
Researchers used roundworms to uncover a DNA damage mechanism in sperm, which can lead to male infertility caused by high temperatures. The study provides insight into how temperature affects sperm development and suggests a potential molecular basis for heat stress-induced fertility issues.
A team of Canadian virologists identified a critical role played by the RTN3 protein in the progression of Hepatitis C virus infection. This discovery could lead to better treatments and potentially effective vaccines for the disease, which affects over 130 million people worldwide.
Researchers at UCSB have developed a low-energy, one-pot catalytic method to upcycle polyethylene plastic into high-value alkylaromatic molecules. This process creates valuable molecules from waste plastic, making recycling more practical and environmentally beneficial.
Physicists at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a new method for delivering multiple laser beams precisely to the right locations in a stable manner, allowing for delicate quantum operations on trapped atoms. The approach enables high-fidelity logic gates and scalability for large quantum computers.
Glomerular diseases significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, affecting blood cleaning units in the kidneys. A study analyzing 2000-2012 data found a 2.5-times higher risk compared to the general population.
A study led by University of Zurich researchers found that the HLA-DR15 gene variant plays a significant role in developing multiple sclerosis. People with this genetic predisposition can develop an immune response against their own brain tissue if infected with certain viruses or bacteria, leading to the disease.
Researchers created an experimental AI platform called DrugCell that matches tumors to the best drug combinations. The system was trained on over 500,000 cell line/drug pairings and validated in laboratory experiments, showing promise for precision cancer therapy.
A multidisciplinary team has demonstrated the ability to reproduce the nanostructures that help cicada wings repel water, using a simplified version of nanoimprinting lithography and commercial nail polish. The new technique produces replicas with an average of 94.4% pillar height and 106% of the original wing's pillar diameter.
Researchers propose a holistic approach to conservation, aiming for no net biodiversity loss between 2020 and 2030 and a 20% gain by 2050. The new targets need to prioritize ecosystems, species, genetic diversity, and nature's contributions to people.
A Rochester Institute of Technology scientist is exploring phase separation in bacterial chromatin with a $559,000 NSF grant. The project aims to understand how this process enables bacterial cells to compartmentalize functions and control biomolecular structures.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a new precision cancer drug for blood cancers that targets enzymes modifying proteins for cell signalling. The treatment, PCLX-001, has shown promising results in killing various types of cancer cells while leaving non-cancerous cells unharmed.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Georgia Tech used supercomputers to model the formation of the first stars, known as Population III or Pop III stars. Their simulations showed that these ancient stars forged heavier elements, such as carbon, which seeded the next generation of stars.
A new technique developed at Scripps Research isolates tumor-reactive immune cells in just one day, offering a platform for personalized cancer treatments. The method, called FucoID, detects and tags the surface of sought-after immune cells using an enzyme, enabling their detection with fluorescent probes.
Researchers at UW-Madison develop a method to control the growth of twisting, microscopic spirals of two-dimensional materials. By utilizing screw dislocations and curved surfaces, they create new properties that can be exploited to study quantum physics on the nanoscale.
Professor Emeritus Hirofumi Akagi received the 2020 EPE Gaston Maggetto Medal for his research on power electronics. He is also the second Japanese recipient of this award, following Eisuke Masada in 2018.