The Subsea Systems Institute will focus on developing new technologies and practices to improve the safety and sustainability of the offshore industry. The institute's research emphasis targets harsh marine environments while reducing costs, allowing offshore production to continue even when energy prices are low.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that genetic variants of the ROBO1 gene in young children are associated with grey matter volume in the right parietal cortex, predicting mathematical test scores. The research suggests that genetic variability may shape mathematical ability by influencing early brain development.
A new radiolabeled molecule, [18F]3F4AP, shows promising results in detecting and characterizing brain injury. The tracer binds to potassium channels exposed in demyelinated neurons, making it a potential tool for imaging multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions.
A new study found that malaria-preventive drugs can dramatically reduce infections in school children by half, leading to improved learning and reduced anemia. The analysis included 15,000 schoolchildren across seven African countries and showed a significant association between preventive treatment and better health outcomes.
A new report argues that better access to home health services through Medicare could reduce exposure to COVID-19 and improve care for seniors. The report recommends expanding telehealth coverage, bolstering the home health workforce, and enhancing quality oversight.
A new study by Washington State University researchers found that improving sleep after trauma exposure can improve function and alleviate PTSD symptoms. The study used optogenetic stimulation to increase REM sleep in rats, leading to improved memory extinction and reduced freezing behavior. This suggests that manipulating sleep immedi...
Renowned scientist Sir Peter Ratcliffe emphasizes the importance of passion-driven research in science, contrasting it with the expectation to solely focus on COVID-19. He draws from his own research on hypoxia and its role in various human diseases, highlighting the potential of this field for drug discovery and treatment.
Researchers found that rural individuals with Alzheimer's disease had lower healthcare use and shorter survival rates compared to urban counterparts. The study also highlighted disparities in care access, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these gaps.
Doxycycline, an antibiotic, confers protection against sepsis by inhibiting mitochondrial protein production, reducing cell damage and promoting tissue repair. The study opens new possibilities for therapies targeting disease tolerance mechanisms to combat infections and diseases like sepsis.
Researchers at Duke University developed lab-grown mini-lungs that mimic human lung air sacs, allowing for the study of SARS-CoV-2 infection and lung damage. The model enables high-throughput science to screen for new drug candidates and identify self-defense chemicals.
A recent study in northern Uganda found that bushmeat hunters and women who cook the meat are aware of the potential for zoonotic diseases, but their practices are often driven by financial gain rather than precaution. The survey also revealed that many hunters disguise primate meat to avoid detection, posing a risk to public health.
A new patient-reported outcome measure, SONG-HD Fatigue, has been validated to assess fatigue in patients receiving long-term dialysis treatments. The instrument calculates average fatigue over a period of 1 week, gauging tiredness, energy, and impact on life participation.
A team of MIT researchers has designed a skin-like device that can measure small facial movements in patients with ALS, allowing them to communicate through a variety of sentiments. The wearable sensor is thin, camouflaged, and easy to use, achieving an accuracy rate of about 75% in distinguishing between different movements.
Researchers found that eccentric exercise on the opposing arm can prevent muscle damage and build strength in the unaffected limb. The study involved 30 participants with one arm immobilised for four weeks, showing significant improvements in strength and minimal muscle loss.
The authors argue that the rapidly developing research on SARS-CoV-2 transmission provides a solid foundation for interpreting new information. The established knowledge of viral spread across various contexts and spatial scales, including household, residential, and community settings, remains well-established.
A study found that herpes simplex virus type 1 infection can cause impaired neuronal differentiation and abnormal brain structure in the human fetus, contributing to long-term neurological problems. The research also identified HSV-1-infected microglia promoting inflammation and suggesting new therapeutic avenues for targeting viral re...
Researchers consider indirect protection strategies due to potential ineffectiveness in elderly and comorbid individuals. Indirect effects are harder to measure than direct effects, highlighting the need for evidence on vaccine impact before approval or soon after.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new method to design polymers with specific properties, such as degradable plastic bags or super-strong aircraft materials. By combining modeling and machine learning, they created a large database of hypothetical polymers and trained a neural network to predict their properties.
A UBC study identified over 633 exploited transboundary fish species worldwide, with catches and revenues severely underestimated. The catch from these fisheries had been heavily skewed towards a few countries, including China, the USA, Russia, Peru, and Japan.
Researchers have developed a portable DNA sequencing technology to detect tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, allowing for rapid and reliable monitoring of high-grade gliomas. This approach overcomes traditional barriers to diagnosing and treating pediatric brain cancer, offering a non-invasive alternative to invasive surgeries.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that COVID-19 patients with vertebral fractures are twice as likely to die from the disease. The researchers found a significant association between vertebral fractures and severe disease outcomes, including increased need for ventilators.
Researchers used a novel MRI-based approach to study the interaction between patients and clinicians, finding that mirroring in facial expressions and brain activity can affect the patient-clinician bond and treatment. This study suggests that the clinical encounter has a measurable impact on the brain, emotions, and clinical outcomes.
A new study suggests that gut bacteria are partially responsible for metabolic changes leading to weight gain in women after chemotherapy treatment. The research found that the pre-treatment microbiome of patients who gained weight was different from those who did not, and fecal transplantation resulted in glucose intolerance in germ-f...
A study using next generation genetic sequencing tracks mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, aiding diagnostic testing accuracy and tracking its history. The study found variations in the virus' genetic sequence but none affected current tests, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring.
A recent analysis reveals gaps in existing studies on preventing child violence, emphasizing the need for more quantitative and qualitative research. The study suggests expanding research to different regions and analyzing specific forms of violence.
Researchers used spider web architecture to create deformable and reliable electronics for seamless 3D interface. The technology enables a large field of view and wide-angle antireflection, useful for biomedical and military imaging purposes.
A new study analyzes Germany's bilateral energy partnerships, which are a key instrument of the country's 'soft power' strategy. The partnerships aim to promote climate-friendly technologies and solutions abroad, reflecting Germany's domestic consensus on its energy transition.
Scientists at Flinders University have created a new type of nanogenerator that can capture power from environmental vibrations, enabling the development of wireless charging systems and implantable energy harvesting devices. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy.
Researchers developed a new method to test potential cancer drugs in mice, allowing them to evaluate multiple genetic variants of the same cancer. This approach could accelerate the development of better treatments by increasing the number of tumour models tested with fewer animals.
A study found that Americans significantly reduced visits to grocery stores and pharmacies during COVID-19 lockdowns, but not to parks and beaches. In densely populated areas, these reductions were even more pronounced, suggesting better access to services may be a factor.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that administering a low dose of ketamine to healthy individuals does not alter their ability to tolerate simulated major blood loss. This study provides valuable insights for medical personnel when choosing pain medication for serious injuries with accompanying blood loss.
Researchers have found that the Earth's mantle has a different composition to its upper layer, contradicting long-held assumptions. Lab experiments and seismic wave analysis suggest that silicon is present in the lower mantle, not the core.
Researchers found that cold temperatures increase vitamin A levels, stimulating the conversion of white into brown adipose tissue and enhancing fat burning. This 'fat transformation' is a potential approach for novel obesity therapeutics.
The University of Central Florida has received a $7.5 million grant to continue its work in relationship counseling, specifically targeting couples in the Orlando area. The new funding will expand Project Harmony, a successful program that helps couples improve communication and manage conflict.
Researchers from GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH produce the hitherto unknown nucleus mendelevium-244, an odd-odd nucleus consisting of 101 protons and 143 neutrons. The study reveals puzzling short-lived fission activity in this nucleus.
The First Book of Breathing, an ancient Egyptian funerary text, was analyzed based on papyrus FMNH 31324. The composition was created through a careful exegetical process involving the selection and interweaving of Book of the Dead spells.
A new gene therapy using a novel light-sensing protein has restored significant retinal function and vision in blind mice. The therapy involves attaching the MCO1 opsin to retina bipolar cells using gene therapy, allowing treated mice to navigate mazes and detect changes in motion faster than untreated mice.
Research in Colorado's mountain forests found that wildfires accelerate climate-driven species changes by compounding regional warming trends. In contrast, canopy loss due to beetles resulted in slight cooling, suggesting a type of forest resilience.
Researchers have identified silent ancient DNA elements in our genome that, when reactivated, stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. The discovery of ADAR1, an enzyme used by cancer cells to evade detection, opens up a new field of cancer therapies.
A University of Córdoba study found that chronic school bullying victims experience deteriorated peer relationships, decreased social status, and loss of friendships. Maintaining quality friendships can act as a protective factor against bullying.
Researchers at Tokyo Tech and Carnegie Mellon University developed a new human motion capture system called MonoEye, which uses a single ultra-wide fisheye camera mounted on the user's chest. The system can capture 3D body pose, head pose, and camera pose in real-time using deep neural networks.
A new mathematical approach could significantly reduce COVID-19 testing costs by up to 20 times, according to a study. The hypercube algorithm allows for simultaneous testing of multiple samples, making it easier to spot outbreaks early on and identify positive cases.
A team of engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder has designed a robot inspired by pufferfish to improve drone safety. The PufferBot features an inflatable airbag that can expand in size to prevent dangerous collisions between people and machines.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that spectral CT with electron density imaging can improve the assessment of lung lesion extent in patients with COVID-19. The results showed that lesion extent was easier to ascertain on electron density images, and ground-glass opacities were more conspicuous.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tocilizumab does not reduce the need for breathing assistance with mechanical ventilation or prevent death in moderately ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The treatment was tested on 243 patients with high levels of inflammation and pneumonia, fever, or low ...
A study found that premature infants who experienced fewer needle pokes had better thalamus growth, a structure involved in pain perception. Infants with longer use of central lines had larger thalamus volumes and improved cognitive and motor skills at age five.
Two new research projects will explore the use of drones for medical delivery purposes in the UK, aiming to facilitate faster and more efficient movements of medical items. The projects, funded by Innovate UK, will focus on creating standard operational procedures for drone-enabled delivery operations.
A large American study found that pregnant mothers with low thyroid hormone levels are more likely to have children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study of 329,157 children showed that Hispanic children born to hypothyroid mothers were at highest risk.
A team of researchers in Japan has created the most detailed and complete record yet of Earth's last magnetic reversal. The study reveals that the geomagnetic field became unstable at least 10,000 years prior to the magnetic direction change 773,000 years ago, and the full reversal process took at least 20,000 years.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new 'photonic wavefront sensor' using AI and machine learning to correct atmospheric distortion, allowing for direct imaging of exoplanets from Earth. This innovation could revolutionize the study of exoplanets and their potential for life.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool that can detect cancer cells in small blood samples and connect them to their original tumor. This method has shown significant correlations between circulating tumor cells and tumor expression levels, allowing for targeted therapeutic agents to be used more accurately.
A new international study by Monash University reveals that Antarctica's ice loss is expected to continue unabated for a long time, even if climate change is brought under control. The study found that rapid ice loss rates in the recent geological past were similar to those observed in rapidly changing parts of Antarctica today.
Genome sequencing reveals a gradual decline in African ancestry across hundreds of miles as bees approach climate barriers. The study suggests that climate is the primary factor limiting the spread of Africanized bees, with colder winters posing a survival challenge.
Researchers have developed a portable device that accurately measures capsaicin concentrations in chili peppers, ranging from 0.37 to 90 μM. This innovation allows for safe consumption of spicy food and has potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
The diabolical ironclad beetle's super-toughness lies in its armorlike elytra and connective suture, which distribute force evenly throughout the body. Engineers are developing new materials inspired by this strategy to make machinery safer and longer-lasting.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers reveals that common terns in the Great Lakes region are contaminated with legacy pollutants like PCBs, PBDEs and DDT metabolites. The chemicals were found in birds of all ages, including chicks and adults, as well as emerald shiners, a primary food source for the terns.
Scientists have discovered that a tiny amount of molten rock, less than 0.7% by volume, is present in the asthenosphere under all oceanic plates, reducing the viscosity and 'decoupling' them from the underlying mantle. This research improves our understanding of plate tectonics and how it drives plate movement.
Research suggests that impaired tryptophan metabolism may contribute to celiac disease inflammation. A high-tryptophan diet and specific bacteria or drugs can alleviate symptoms in mice with the disease.
A new wrist-worn camera system enables accurate 3D hand pose estimation, outperforming previous work by 20%. The system's accuracy reaches 75% in detecting different grasp types and can be used for smart device control, virtual mice, and keyboards.
Current Covid-19 vaccine trials are not designed to detect a reduction in serious outcomes such as hospitalisations, intensive care use, or deaths. The trials evaluate mild disease and may not provide evidence of vaccine effectiveness in preventing severe illness or transmission.