Scientists have retrieved the oldest human genetic data set from an 800,000-year-old tooth, shedding light on the branching points in the human family tree. The findings support the idea that Homo antecessor was a sister group to modern humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans.
A cloud-based supply chain management system for emergency response has been developed by Purdue University researchers. The system allows for real-time tracking of supplies and aid, enabling better targeting of assistance to those most in need. This innovation aims to improve outcomes for individuals impacted by natural disasters.
A new study funded by PCORI aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in preventing COVID-19 infections in healthcare workers. The study will use the PCORnet network to quickly and efficiently conduct the research, providing insights that can inform prevention strategies for this high-risk population.
A University of Helsinki study reveals significant differences in fearfulness among urban and rural dog populations. Socialisation in puppyhood, activity levels, and breed-specific factors all contribute to fearfulness in dogs.
A team of researchers discovered pristinely preserved forest soil from the Cretaceous, including plant pollen and spores, in West Antarctica. The soil confirms that the region was home to temperate, swampy rainforests with an annual mean temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, much warmer than today's South Pole.
Researchers developed an onboard algorithm to estimate air density, providing critical real-time data for steering during entry, descent, and landing stages. The algorithm uses data from sensors and prior knowledge to improve accuracy and certainty of landings.
A significant, sustained global investment in treating children with cancer could save 11 million lives. The potential return on investment is a triple gain of almost $2 trillion to the global economy. The Lancet Oncology Commission report analyzed the benefits of investing $594 billion in interventions such as primary care and treatment.
A team of scientists reports that most of Earth's carbon was hidden in the core during its formative years, with laboratory experiments mimicking the conditions of the planet's formation. The findings suggest that a significant amount of carbon likely exists in the core, influencing chemical and dynamic activities.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that elephants with higher cortisol levels also had higher heterophil to lymphocyte ratios, indicating a positive correlation between biological measures of stress. Additionally, elevated stress was linked to weight loss in Asian elephants.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered that fetal surgery to correct congenital spinal cord defects is more effective at healing neurological structure than surgery after birth. The procedure led to improved brain structure and anatomy in three patients with myelomeningocele.
Experts emphasize the importance of using accessible technology, maintaining short lecture lengths, and adapting exams to online platforms. Online instructors also share strategies for building rapport with students from a distance, including regular email communication and conversational teaching styles.
A PCORI-funded registry will engage healthcare workers, while a randomized clinical trial will examine HCQ's effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 infections and limiting virus spread. The study aims to provide insights quickly to those who need it most.
A recent study published in the ASAIO Journal reports on the management and outcomes of eight COVID-19 patients treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in China. The study highlights the potential benefits of ECMO in supporting critically ill COVID-19 patients, allowing their lungs to heal and recover.
A new study found that babies and young children with brain tumours tend to have better outcomes due to specific genetic weaknesses that can be targeted by existing drugs. Clinical trials are set to open to test the benefit of these precision medicines, offering a potential first-line treatment for infant brain tumours.
Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County discovered that female phorid flies feed on crushed invasive snails, a behavior previously only observed in social insects like ants. The study found that species of other snail genera failed to attract the flies, hinting at a peculiar interaction worth further study.
Researchers found that dynamic illumination, like water caustics in coral reefs, can increase attack latency for fish. This delay can be maximized in shallow water with fine scale and sharp water caustics.
Researchers propose that the evolution of large paranasal sinuses in cave bears led to a trade-off between sinus development and skull strength. This compromise may have limited their ability to adapt to changing environments and ultimately contributed to their extinction.
The Surviving Sepsis Campaign COVID-19 panel has released comprehensive guidelines for intensive care unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19, including infection control, laboratory diagnosis, and ventilator support. The guidelines were developed in just three weeks by a team of 36 experts from around the world.
A study led by Marius Roesti of the University of Bern found that predation by large fish is stronger in temperate zones than near the equator, contradicting the biotic interactions hypothesis. The researchers analyzed over 900 million predator attacks and found that fish species richness peaks at the equator.
A new study by Stanford researchers finds that long-term warming and decreased autumn precipitation are increasing the risk of extreme fire weather conditions in California. The risk has more than doubled over the past four decades, with human-caused global warming making these conditions more likely.
The US Navy is funding AnalySwift's SwiftComp software to improve the durability analysis of composite flexbeams in helicopters. This will reduce redesign time and cost, enabling more accurate predictions and saving millions of dollars.
A new study reveals that fish on Caribbean coral reefs harbor unique gut microbial communities, with some microbes living broadly in the ocean while others are resident to specific species. The researchers found 59 dominant types of microbes in five fish species.
A Phase II trial found patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who showed active T-cell responses in their tumors experienced prolonged survival after ipilimumab treatment. Researchers identified biomarkers associated with improved responses, including higher T-cell density and interferon-γ signaling.
A recent study on fungal diseases in Åland found that roadsides are a primary source of powdery mildew fungi, which can spread efficiently through the air. The researchers used advanced statistical methods to identify complex mechanisms in nature and shed light on how diseases transmit and evolve.
A new analysis of over 26,000 movies produced in the US from 1911 to 2010 reveals a sharp decline in female representation among actors, directors, and producers during the Studio System era. Female producers and directors may help further the careers of other women in the industry.
A new study published by Oxford University Press USA found that mat Pilates training significantly reduces arterial stiffness and blood pressure in young obese women with elevated blood pressure. The study, which included 12 weeks of mat Pilates training, also found a decrease in body fatness.
Researchers analyzed a century of data to find that female representation in the film industry hit an all-time low during the Golden Age. The study found that women's roles were consistently below 50% across job types and genres, with a sharp drop in the 1920s.
Researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering and School of Global Health document human movements around medical facilities and public transportation systems. The data will be used to generate 3D surface vectors for disease transmission models.
Rice University researchers are receiving $3 million to upgrade sensors for the Large Hadron Collider. The upgrades will enable the collider to discover even deeper truths about elemental matter. The research team is responsible for designing and managing the installation of next-generation sensors in the Compact Muon Solenoid.
A new study outlines steps needed for marine ecosystems to recover from damage by 2050, citing examples of recovery following conservation interventions.
A UMass Lowell-led team discovered that a symmetry in atomic nuclei is not as fundamental as previously believed, opening up new avenues for understanding the universe. The researchers created over 400 strontium-73 nuclei and compared them to bromine-73 nuclei, finding that they behaved differently.
A new study reveals that human activity led to Europe's forests being replaced with agricultural landscapes during the Bronze Age, contrary to previous assumptions about the Neolithic period. The research suggests that the Yamnaya steppe peoples' rapid expansion had a greater impact on vegetation than the earlier Neolithic farmer migra...
A new study reveals that China's water use has been decelerating since the 1970s, thanks to the adoption of water-conserving technologies. The study found that irrigation and industrial water recycling drove this reduction, offsetting the increase in water use driven by economic growth.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have direct spectroscopic evidence for a pair density wave coexisting with superconductivity, revealing modulating energy gap structures and pairing of electrons. This finding may help understand the complex phase diagram of high-Tc cuprate superconductors.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a novel predisposition gene, ELP1, in the SHH subgroup of pediatric medulloblastoma, affecting 40% of cases. The study found that patients with this mutation tend to do well on therapy and may benefit from tailored treatment in the future.
Researchers from the University of Córdoba have developed a methodology to assess restaurant food waste and select the best valorization path. The study identifies that food waste can be turned into various valuable products, including biodiesel, electricity, and bioplastic, which could help industries within the circular economy.
Researchers at Nagoya University's ITbM discovered two new compounds that target specific components of the circadian clock. KL101 and TH301 lengthen the period of the circadian clock and are expected to provide a promising foundation for treating obesity.
Researchers found fossil traces of a temperate rainforest in Antarctica dating back 90 million years, revealing a warmer climate than previously thought. The discovery suggests that the continent had an exceptionally warm climate during the Cretaceous period, with annual mean air temperatures similar to modern-day Hobart, Australia.
A Rutgers University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy can help alleviate depression and improve quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease. The treatment was individually tailored to target negative thoughts and behaviors, resulting in improved mental health status for 40% of participants.
A recent study found that image-and-text health warning labels on alcoholic drinks and energy-dense snacks can significantly reduce consumption. Labels depicting bowel cancer were associated with the highest level of negative emotions, while those on high-density snacks were judged more acceptable.
Researchers have identified a hereditary genetic defect that disrupts protein production in children with medulloblastoma, a common malignant brain tumor. The study found that 40% of children and young people with this subtype of medulloblastoma have a congenital genetic predisposition for the disease.
During the COVID-19 outbreak in China, cancer patients underwent enhanced care measures to minimize SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk. These measures included strict infection control protocols and isolation procedures.
Researchers discovered that cormorants have adapted their ears for excellent underwater hearing, surprising given they spend most of their time on land. The ear structure's modifications enable the birds to detect sound pressure in both air and water with similar sensitivity.
A three-million-year-old brain imprint reveals that Australopithecus afarensis infants may have relied on caregivers for a prolonged period. The study found no evidence of human-like brain reorganization, but suggested protracted brain growth similar to modern humans.
A U-shaped relationship was found between egg consumption and the risks of incident CVD and total death among general Chinese. Consumption of 3-6 eggs/week was associated with the lowest risk. Higher or lower egg intake was linked to increased cardiovascular disease and mortality risks, respectively.
Researchers developed a machine learning system that can automatically detect and label 2D materials in microscope images, reducing the time required for their development. The system was trained using labeled examples and achieved accuracy in under 200 milliseconds, enabling faster testing of new electronic devices.
The Duke Clinical Research Institute is leading a $50 million study to evaluate hydroxychloroquine as a preventive drug for COVID-19 in healthcare workers. The study, called HERO, aims to assess the impact of the novel coronavirus on healthcare workers' health and examine whether hydroxychloroquine can prevent infections.
An international team of scientists has proposed a method to design climate-resilient energy systems. The study found that urban areas are expected to hold more than two-thirds of the world's population by 2050, and distributed energy systems will play a vital role in climate change adaptation and mitigation.
A new study found profound long-term changes in plankton communities, which are the base of the marine food web. Changes in sea surface temperature have led to a significant reorganisation of plankton populations, with some species increasing in abundance while others decrease.
Artifacts at Waim show fixed domestic space and symbolic cultural practices, suggesting regional Neolithic Era began 1000 years before Eurasian counterparts. Radiocarbon dating confirms age of stone carvings and ground stone pestle fragments.
Carnegie Mellon University researchers have created a method to build accurate 3D reconstructions of faces from smartphone videos, outperforming other camera-based processes with sub-millimeter accuracy. The digital face might be used in gaming, virtual or augmented reality, animation, biometric identification, and medical procedures.
The PREDICT Project has received a 6-month extension from the US Agency for International Development to provide emergency support for COVID-19 outbreak response, including early detection of SARS CoV-2. The project will also investigate the animal source of SARS CoV-2 using data and samples collected over 10 years.
A recent study published in Cardiovascular Research found that exercise has a profound impact on metabolism, leading to dramatic changes in metabolites related to energy production and waste elimination. The research also identified a specific metabolite called DMGV that may predict who does not benefit from exercise.
A comprehensive analysis of 121 randomised trials found that most diets result in modest weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors over six months. However, the benefits often disappear at 12 months, except for the Mediterranean diet which saw a small reduction in LDL cholesterol.
A new study reveals that American robins are migrating earlier by about five days each decade, likely due to shifting snow conditions. The birds' flight schedules are being fine-tuned by environmental cues such as snow conditions and when food becomes available.
Researchers developed a new approach to detecting lung cancer using nanoparticles that can interact with enzymes linked to the disease. The sensors were tested in mice and found to accurately detect tumors at an early stage, reducing false positives.
A study published in Nature reveals that the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) plays a key role in the spread of pathological tau proteins between neurons. By inhibiting LRP1 expression, researchers were able to reduce tau spread in mice, offering new hope for potential treatments.
Researchers have discovered that certain plant materials can help store more carbon in soils and reduce erosion. Using two-step experiments with biomass crops, they found that miscanthus and willow performed better than sorghum in storing long-term carbon, making sustainable farming on peatlands possible.
The global nuclear medicine community has shared approaches to containing the spread of COVID-19, including triage, reduced elective studies, improved hygiene practices, and rotation of medical personnel. These measures aim to minimize patient contact and optimize distance to reduce the risk of transmission.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers finds that it is possible to bring industrial greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2070 through the use of promising technologies such as electrification, hydrogen, and energy efficiency. Governments can accelerate research and development and incentivize new technology deployment through pol...
Research highlights increased cardiovascular disease risk among people with HIV worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study explores how geographic location and income level influence the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors, shedding light on potential differences between lower- and higher-income countries.
An international team of experts has released 54 recommendations for caring for ICU patients with COVID-19, including guidelines on infection control, ventilation support, and therapy. The guidelines were developed in just three weeks and provide critical guidance for frontline clinicians, allied health professionals, and policy makers.
A study published in Neurology found that phone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly improves depression, anxiety, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease. After three months of weekly sessions, participants showed a significant reduction in depression symptoms and maintained improvements six months later.
A landmark study published in Nature outlines a roadmap for rebuilding marine life to full abundance by 2050. The research identifies nine key components and six complementary interventions that can accelerate recovery within two to three decades, provided climate change is tackled.
A recent study supports the idea that modern humans and Neanderthals had multiple encounters, resulting in Neanderthal DNA being woven into the modern human genome. The research found that people in Eurasia today have genetic material linked to Neanderthals from different regions, including Siberia and Croatia.
Researchers discovered evidence of a 90-million-year-old rainforest near the South Pole, suggesting average temperatures were around 12 degrees Celsius. The finding challenges climate models and suggests higher carbon dioxide levels during the mid-Cretaceous period.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed a fatty acid-based platform for biological drug delivery, demonstrating high absorption rates in mice models. The study published in Science Advances may pave the way for oral delivery of more biological drugs, including those used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers identified a protein responsible for transporting iron into bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Inhibiting this transport process could lead to new drug targets and novel treatments.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have successfully created 3D cultured tissue that mimics liver fibrosis, a key characteristic of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The cells were collected from liver tissues of NASH model mice and showed characteristics similar to those of NASH liver tissues.
A new study published in Science Advances used CT-scanning technology to view fossil skulls of Australopithecus afarensis and shed light on the evolution of brain organization and growth. The research reveals that while Lucy's species had an ape-like brain structure, the brain took longer to reach adult size.
New research reveals that ancient hominins had a mosaic of ape and human features. The study resolves a question about whether these species had prolonged childhood, which allowed for cognitive and social skill acquisition.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that whole orchard recycling can sequester 5 tons of carbon per hectare, increase water-use efficiency by 20 percent and boost crop yields by 19 percent. This practice also builds soil nutrients and water retention, mitigating climate change.
A mindfulness app training program reduced physician anxiety by 57% and emotional exhaustion by 20%, suggesting its potential to treat burnout as well. The study's findings support the use of digital therapeutics like apps-based treatments for low-cost, widely disseminated interventions.
A new graphene-based actuator swarm can enable programmable 3D deformation, expanding capabilities of smart devices. The swarm integrates SU-8 pattern arrays with GO to achieve active and programmable deformation under moisture actuation.
A genetic defect in 15% of children with medulloblastoma leads to disrupted protein production and metabolism, increasing the risk of cancer. The study identifies a new hereditary cause of medulloblastoma, which could lead to more effective treatment options for affected families.
The Columbia University-led team will design, build and test key electronic components for the ATLAS system to enhance its capabilities. The high-luminosity LHC upgrade is expected to increase collisions by a factor of 10, enabling scientists to collect data more efficiently and analyze new particles.
A new study found that Vermont has conserved 33% of its highest priority targeted lands, with 87% of those acres also considered critical for wildlife habitats and corridors. However, lower elevation targets and riparian areas remain underprotected, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts to achieve a sustainable future.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that physical forces alone can activate genes in human cells, leading to increased gene expression. The researchers discovered that histone proteins play a key role in determining which genes are responsive to stretching forces.
A newly discovered sandgrouse fossil from six to nine million-year-old rocks in western China sheds light on the arid habitats near the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The fossil, named Linxiavis inaquosus, provides key insights into the evolution of sandgrouse and their adaptation to dry environments.
Dopamine released deep within the brain influences both nearby and distant brain regions, with significant effects found in the motor cortex and insular cortex. High dopamine concentrations promote longer periods of neuronal activity, suggesting a key function in learning and reward processing.
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully reconstructed the human segmentation clock using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a key focus of embryonic development research. The study reveals novel genetic components and oscillation patterns of the clock, which controls the formation of organs and tissues.
A recent study found that physical activity is beneficial for mental well-being in middle-aged women, regardless of menopausal status. Menopausal women experience more depressive symptoms than peri- or premenopausal women, but being physically active may help to mitigate this negative impact.
A Phase II study found that 93% of patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma responded to CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy KTE-X19, with 67% achieving a complete response. The estimated progression-free survival and overall survival were 61% and 83%, respectively.
Researchers have developed a new method to reconstruct formation paleo-pressure in sedimentary basins by integrating various paleo-pressure calculation methods. The study focuses on three case studies: Sinian strata in the Sichuan Basin, Ordovician strata in the Tarim Basin, and Permian strata in the Sulige Gas Field in the Ordos Basin.
The new method uses a combination of undulators and TRIBs to switch the helicity of X-ray pulses, enabling faster XMCD experiments with intervals as short as 1 microsecond. This breakthrough could lead to improved imaging techniques for magnetic data storage devices.
The American Gastroenterological Association has issued new COVID-19 guidelines recommending enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) for gastrointestinal procedures, including the use of N95 masks and double gloves. The guidelines aim to minimize the risk of infection transmission among healthcare workers and patients.
Scientists have created a stable perovskite LED with an efficiency of 17.3%, significantly surpassing previous results. The breakthrough composite thin film, made by embedding a perovskite into an organic molecule matrix, has enabled the development of long-lasting LEDs.
New CT scoring criteria evaluate the progression of COVID-19 pneumonia by assessing both lobe involvement and changes in CT findings. The criteria suggest earlier diagnosis and treatment lead to shorter disease resolution times.
At high altitudes, the researchers observed increased foam production from soda eruptions caused by Mentos candies. However, this effect cannot be explained solely by gas laws. The team suggests that a unique balance between bubble size and number of bubble sites on the candy may contribute to excellent fountains.
A new clinical test uses sustainable harvesting of horseshoe crab amebocytes to save human lives and spare at-risk population. The method enables fast, affordable, and precise tests on specially treated human blood.
Researchers have identified a rare juvenile Homo naledi fossil, providing insights into the evolution of human development. The partial skeleton is estimated to be around 8-11 years old at death, displaying a unique mix of maturity patterns seen in modern humans and earlier hominins.
Scientists have mapped the genome of the German shepherd, providing a reference for future studies of diseases that afflict this breed. The completed genome will enable early detection and development of breeding programs to reduce genetic diseases like hip dysplasia.
A new study found that coercive measures like seclusion and mechanical restraint are commonly used in Finnish psychiatric care, with an average duration of nearly three days for seclusion. The use of coercive measures is more common than previously thought, highlighting the need for accurate data collection.
Researchers at Chiba University created a new type of helicoidal supramolecular polymer that changes its chemical structure in response to temperature. The polymer was formed by mixing two different monomers and exhibits a unique thermal response, collapsing rapidly at 45-50°C.
Researchers successfully produced high-purity Eucommia elastomer with a molecular weight distribution controllable through a threshing technology, achieving cost reduction by up to 87.5% compared to petroleum-based TPI production.
Researchers at Shinshu University School of Medicine have developed a non-invasive method to predict intracranial pressure (ICP) by measuring the brain's natural resonance frequency (NRF). The NRF is strongly correlated with ICP, allowing for accurate predictions without inserting a catheter or sensor inside the skull.