A new study reveals that marine animal diversity has remained fairly constant over the past 540 million years, with regional-scale patterns dominating geological time. The research challenges previous estimates of increasing biodiversity over the last 200 million years.
The study found that respondents from the South and mid-South reported above-average levels of food insecurity, while the Midwest and Northeast were lower. In the U.S., nearly half of all respondents report food insecurity in the wake of the pandemic.
Recent reports show a strong association between elevated D-dimer levels and poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19. Microvascular thrombotic processes may play a role in respiratory failure, suggesting a new severe infectious lung disease with no proven therapies.
Three major African cities show significant reductions in visibility since the 1970s, with Nairobi experiencing the greatest loss, due to increased particulate matter emissions from vehicles and energy generation. PM pollution levels have also increased by 182% in Nairobi, 162% in Kenya, and 62% in Uganda.
Researchers found that cool temperatures reduce the appeal of sweetness by activating other sensory cells via protein rhodopsin 6, which is typically associated with light detection. This suppresses communication between sweet-sensing taste neurons and the brain, leading to reduced feeding behavior in fruit flies.
A study by Michigan State University examines the complex relationships between small-scale fishing activities, including pre- and post-harvest interactions, to understand the impact on fishers' livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of trust and collaborative relationships in shaping these dynamics.
Researchers found that telehealth services using videoconferences can save travel time, equip families with strategies to promote independence, and reduce costs for non-pharmacologic interventions. The study provides evidence-based information and skills to support people with dementia and their care partners.
A nationwide trial tests video counseling to help cancer patients quit smoking, addressing a significant public health concern. The study aims to provide evidence for tobacco treatment as standard care in community hospitals and clinics.
Researchers from Uppsala University discovered that hot magma from inside the Earth is forcing its way into a giant reservoir, keeping the Andean supervolcano alive. The study provides new insights into how large volcanoes work and could help increase chances of survival in case of a future eruption.
Researchers found that cover-crop biomass and carbon to nitrogen ratios significantly influenced weed suppression, with certain mixtures producing more effective control. Cover crops also promoted greater crop yields when used as a sole weed control measure.
Research team finds that high-altitude adaptations in the Himalayas may lower risk for hypertension and diabetes-associated anemia. The study, led by Katherine Wander of Binghamton University, found that a Tibetan-descended population living in Southwest China had lower rates of these conditions compared to low-altitude Han populations.
A tropical treefall created a 2.5-acre gap that attracted hundreds of hummingbird species, doubling the diversity and presence of these birds in the area. The researchers documented 16 unique individuals of one species, the snowy-bellied hummingbird, within just one year after the treefall.
The University of Stirling has received £1.2 million to study global sustainability, with a focus on resolving conflicts between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The project will use hydropower as a model system to identify and mitigate issues caused by competing objectives.
Research finds that children physically respond when parents hide their emotions, making them less warm and engaged with each other. The study suggests that parents should give themselves permission to feel emotional to better problem-solve and honor their child's feelings.
The largest study to date has found that global insect populations are declining on land by an average of 0.92% per year, resulting in a 24% decrease over 30 years. However, freshwater insects have shown an average annual increase of 1.08%, corresponding to a 38% increase over 30 years.
A USC-led team of scientists has discovered the precise shape of the melanocortin 4 receptor, a key player in human metabolism. The findings could lead to more effective therapies for obesity and other metabolic diseases, which affect millions worldwide.
The Arecibo Observatory is tracking a near-Earth asteroid called 1998 OR2, which has unique topographic features that resemble a face mask. The asteroid's size and rotation period have been confirmed through observations, and monitoring its trajectory will help improve impact-risk mitigation technologies.
Researchers found that a common soil fungus can promote plant growth and boost defense responses in corn plants, suppressing pest growth. This discovery could be an valuable ally for organic corn growers facing challenges with insect control.
Researchers have identified goblet and ciliated cells in the nose as likely initial infection points for COVID-19 coronavirus. The study found that these cells express key entry proteins used by the virus to infect cells, making them highly accessible to the virus.
The Academic Emergency Medicine journal is making its latest COVID-19 research freely available in an easy-to-navigate online collection. New research will be added to the collection as soon as it is accepted and available.
A new study investigates the biogeophysical impacts of forestation on European climate, revealing that a continent covered in trees would generate up to one degree of extra seasonal heating in winter. The research used a multi-model ensemble approach and compared two ideal scenarios: a forested Europe and a grassland-covered Europe.
A new software platform is being developed to produce searchable digital atlases of whole organs at the cellular level, offering a Google Maps-style tool for high-resolution 3D images. This platform will allow researchers to easily search normal and diseased organs to track change over time.
Researchers are developing innovative solutions to increase crop production under climate change conditions, including improving photosynthesis and making crops more resistant to drought. The goal is to double cereal production by 2050 to ensure global food security.
A study found that age-related hearing loss damages the brain's hippocampus, a key memory organ. The findings suggest that progressive hearing impairment impairs memory formation by altering neurotransmitter receptors.
A new targeted drug, adavosertib, has demonstrated strong activity against uterine serous carcinoma (USC), a hard-to-treat form of the disease. In nearly one-third of patients, tumors shrank in response to the treatment.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a novel source imaging technology using high-density EEG to map underlying brain networks. This breakthrough can accurately estimate the size and scope of active areas within the brain, as well as interactions between functionally related regions.
A meta-analysis of 166 long-term surveys across 1,676 sites worldwide reveals highly spatially variable global insect population trends, showing an average 9% per decade decline in terrestrial insects. In contrast, freshwater insect abundance increases by 11% per decade, possibly due to successful clean water efforts.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University have created a novel amperometric sensor to detect sterically hindered phenols, including synthetic phenolic antioxidants. The sensor uses electropolymerized carminic acid as the sensitive layer and has been successfully tested on linseed oils, confirming high accuracy of antioxidant detection.
Scientists developed a novel RT-LAMP assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA, achieving sensitivity comparable to RT-qPCR. The method can be run in decentralized facilities, providing faster test services for more people and overcoming limitations of centralized testing.
Researchers analyzed the genomes of over 27,000 Icelanders to create a new image of Neanderthals, finding that they had children with Denisovans before meeting Homo Sapiens. The study reveals significant fragments of Denisovan genes in Icelandic DNA, challenging previous assumptions about hybridization and genetic transfer.
A global review highlights broad patterns of environmental pollution's impact on Indigenous groups, primarily through consumption of polluted water and food. Innovative strategies by Indigenous communities aim to limit and abate pollution.
Researchers discovered the walls and artifacts of Fort San Antón de Carlos, a Spanish fort built in 1566 on present-day Mound Key. The fort is an early example of tabby architecture and confirms the location of the Calusa capital.
Bayreuth geneticists have discovered a natural protective mechanism that leads to the programmed death of potentially diseased cells. The separase enzyme plays a central role in this process and can be re-purposed to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
A decision analytical model describes key features of imported COVID-19 cases in Wenzhou, China, highlighting the city's high number of infections and severe outbreak. The study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of COVID-19 in a region with unique characteristics.
Researchers at MIT developed a new automated AI system that reduces the energy required for training and running neural networks. The system, called a 'once-for-all' network, trains one large neural network comprising many pretrained subnetworks, reducing carbon emissions by low triple digits.
A study examined the association between renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and COVID-19 severity, finding no significant link to increased risk of death or severe illness. However, some studies suggest that these medications may exacerbate respiratory symptoms in patients with underlying hypertension.
Researchers found that birds and non-avian dinosaurs had similar brain sizes before the mass extinction, but after, some bird families evolved large-brained birds by shrinking body size. Parrots and corvids, including crows, showed exceptional cognitive capacity and rapid brain evolution.
The study presents a comprehensive view of tectonic stresses acting on North America, offering regional clues about subsurface behavior. The findings have implications for understanding and mitigating induced seismicity, particularly in areas targeted for energy exploration.
Researchers developed a CRISPR/Cas9 protocol that allows genetic modification of whiteflies, which can lead to novel control strategies. The technique enables the deletion of genes in whiteflies, allowing scientists to investigate genetic control strategies for this devastating pest.
Microalgae in coral cells may compensate with other metals when iron is limited, potentially affecting vital biological functions. Research found that different species of microalgae acquire other trace metals in unique quantities, which could have cascading effects on coral health.
Scientists at Forschungsverbund Berlin found that anti-oxidative enzymes, particularly SOD2, contribute to the unusual longevity of the corpus luteum in lynxes. This discovery provides important insights into lynx reproduction and may support conservation breeding programs.
Research reveals North Atlantic right whales are in poorer body condition than Southern right whales, affecting reproduction and growth rates. The study suggests lethal vessel strikes, entanglement, and food scarcity contribute to their decline.
Researchers have developed a genome-editing technique that can eliminate up to 70% of contaminating proteins in recombinant-protein drugs, making them cheaper and purer. The technology uses CRISPR-Cas mediated gene editing to reduce purification demands and improve drug quality.
Researchers at Temple University Health System discover a protein called B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) produced in sepsis, which lowers blood pressure. Inhibition of JNK and BNP activity reverses cardiovascular damage and improves survival rates in mice with sepsis.
Current regulatory standards for coastal waters have not kept pace with scientific understanding of hypoxia and acidification, putting important fisheries worldwide at risk. Aging policies fail to account for the combined effects of low dissolved oxygen and pH levels on marine life.
Researchers from IKBFU and the University of Oviedo tested a new Preisach model for analyzing magnetic interactions in ferromagnetic microwires. The study found that real-life conditions can affect the applicability of the method, highlighting its limitations.
Researchers have devised a faster and less memory-intensive method for constructing pan-genome subgraphs, allowing scientists to create visualizations on different scales rapidly. The new method enables the analysis of specific genome parts in a more efficient manner.
New research on the structure of HIV has revealed a promising novel drug target that can prevent further infection by targeting the genetic code. This discovery offers hope for more effective treatments and potentially fewer side effects for HIV patients.
Researchers discovered that marine bacteria process a key chemical called dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in
Researchers analyzed satellite imagery and found river delta deposits in Jezero crater that formed over time scales promoting habitability and preservation of evidence. The study suggests ancient life could have existed near the Martian surface, with potential implications for understanding life evolution on Earth.
Breeding methodologies can increase fructan levels in winter wheat cultivars without reducing genetic diversity. Researchers successfully developed wheat cultivars with increased fructan levels using recurrent genomic selection, providing a proof-of-concept for improving nutritionally enhanced crops.
A zero-emissions Boston could avoid nearly 200 deaths each year, with significant reductions in cardiovascular and respiratory illness across the region. The city's climate policies would also save $1.7 billion in Suffolk County and $2.4 billion for the entire 75-square-mile zone.
A recent study found pediatric cancer trial enrollment decreased from 40-70% in the 1990s to 19.9% in the current study. This decline is partly attributed to improved treatments for common childhood cancers, shifting focus to rarer and higher-risk cancers.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University have developed a way to detect and quantify wheat proteins that trigger intestinal inflammation and chronic ailments. This breakthrough has resulted in a reference map of wheat proteins across diverse varieties and an innovative technique to measure specific proteins.
Rice University researchers have won a National Science Foundation RAPID grant to upgrade their wastewater-treatment technology. They aim to develop a system that can selectively adsorb viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and disable them using photocatalytic disinfection.
A new, $50 smartphone-based testing device can detect viral and bacterial pathogens in under 30 minutes, providing a rapid solution for pandemic testing. The device uses a small cartridge containing reagents that break open the pathogen's outer shell to gain access to its RNA.
The authors present five criteria of quality for evaluating research during the pandemic. Researchers and stakeholders must evaluate studies based on importance, rigor, analytical integrity, transparency, and feasibility to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
A new AI model has been developed to classify colorectal polyps on histology slides with high accuracy, performing as well as practicing pathologists. The model was trained on a dataset from 24 different institutions and evaluated on an external dataset, demonstrating its generalizability.
A new study finds that COVID-19 pandemic could lead to $654 billion in direct medical costs and strain on healthcare resources. Reducing infections through herd immunity strategies or social distancing measures can significantly cut these costs.
Researchers successfully rebuilt bridge between experimental neuroscience and artificial intelligence learning algorithms by demonstrating a new accelerated brain-inspired learning mechanism. This mechanism outperformed commonly-used machine learning algorithms in handwritten digit recognition tasks with small datasets.
Researchers have developed a way to incorporate electronic sensors into stretchy fabrics, allowing for the creation of shirts or other garments that can monitor vital signs. The sensor-embedded garments are machine washable, customizable, and can be worn by people who need to track their physical data.
A new study by UC Davis finds that California cannabis safety testing costs growers around 10% of the average wholesale price, mainly due to rejected product disposal. Higher testing costs translate into higher prices for the licensed market, posing a risk to unlicensed alternatives.
A combination of immunotherapy agents encourages immune cells to consume tumors and alert others to attack, boosting survival for glioblastoma patients. The therapy, tested in a mouse model, successfully shrank tumors and extended life, with 55% of animals surviving over the course of the study.
Scientists have developed a multi-functional graphene-based nanomedicine that targets cancer cells with enhanced anticancer activity. The material, which combines three types of molecules for improved tumor targeting and drug delivery, shows promise for future biomedical applications.
A new investigation at Flinders University seeks to understand why bacterial infections predispose individuals to severe COVID-19. The research aims to connect respiratory tract bacterial colonization with COVID-19 outcomes in the community.
Researchers tracked Venus' atmospheric clouds and winds using Akatsuki data to estimate forces sustaining super-rotation. Thermal tides from solar heating near the equator are found to provide required angular momentum
The European garden spider's population density in Switzerland has dropped alarmingly, with a decline of 140 times compared to the previous average value. This suggests an insect meltdown is affecting ecosystems, leading to impoverished conditions and potential collapse.
A 'do it yourself' breathing circuit using readily available intensive care accessories can ventilate two critically ill patients at once, but its use is fraught with ethical issues and unclear pros outweigh cons. Clinicians should only consider this approach as a last resort due to the need for close patient matching and potential harm.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to monitor the novel coronavirus in wastewater, offering a new approach to tracking disease outbreaks and identifying hotspots. This technique uses reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) to detect viral RNA genomes in wastewater samples.
Researchers have identified cathepsin S as a key player in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma's ability to evade the immune system. Inhibiting this protein reduces tumor growth by increasing the activity of immune cells that kill cancer cells.
Researchers at UAB will screen the Scripps Calibr repurposed library of compounds to determine if any licensed drugs have activity against Sars-Cov-2. The goal is to identify potential medicines through collaborations with leading virology labs and testing in cellular and animal models.
Researchers at Drexel University's C. & J. Nyheim Plasma Institute are modifying an air sterilization system to combat COVID-19. The technology uses cold plasma to neutralize or remove viral particles from the air, with a successful prototype already proven effective against anthrax spores.
A new study reveals a dramatic decrease in cold-water plankton during the 20th century, replaced by warmer subtropical species. The change is linked to shifting ocean circulation patterns, driven by freshwater input from melting ice and climate change.
A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that daily multivitamins with high doses of vitamin C and vitamin D can help fight off infections. The researchers recommend taking 200mg or more of vitamin C and 2,000 international units of vitamin D to support immune function.
The University of Montana has received a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to identify and advance a COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Researchers have implemented alternative work schedules, social distancing measures, and telecommuting to ensure safety while working on the project.
Regular dietary counselling from infancy leads to improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk factors, such as lower serum cholesterol levels and better insulin sensitivity. The intervention group continued to have a heart-healthy diet even after the counselling ended.
Researchers at KAIST found that neuropeptide somatostatin improves visual processing and cognitive functions by reducing excitatory inputs to parvalbumin-positive interneurons. The study provides a new insight into the therapeutics of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from IKBFU, Moscow, and Kiev investigate the effects of deuterium on adipose tissue differentiation in an in vitro model. They found that varying deuterium concentrations can influence the formation of brown/beige or white adipocytes.
A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science proposes a novel solution to the qubit accessibility problem in quantum computing. They design a modified superconducting micro-architecture that simplifies the wiring system by arranging qubits in a 2D bi-linear array, reducing crosstalk and increasing efficiency.
Scientists studied fossil vertebrae of a giant teenage shark, discovering it grew to 4-7m and lived 30 years. This rare find suggests ptychodontid sharks may have faced environmental changes that led to their demise.
Goblet cells in nasal passages highly express ACE2 receptor, allowing COVID-19 virus to enter airway cells. Researchers suggest these cells may serve as viral reservoir, helping to disseminate the disease.
A recent study from Tampere University found that direct gaze during video calls elicits similar psychophysiological responses as in-person eye contact. The researchers measured skin conductance and facial muscle activation to investigate the effects of eye contact in various situations.
A new study published in INFORMS journal Marketing Science found that cost transparency boosts sales by 21%, increasing consumer trust and willingness to purchase. Voluntary disclosure of production costs has a significant impact on sales, even when prices are unexpectedly low or high.
A new study by Flinders University highlights the need for better support systems for PTSD partners of veterans and emergency workers. Partners reported feeling invisible in their recovery, with their contributions to trauma management often overlooked.
Researchers Vera Tiesler and Guilhem Olivier examine the techniques and devices used in human heart extractions, shedding light on the relationship between ritual violence and cosmological interpretations. Their study reveals three distinct extraction methods and provides a framework for analyzing sacrificial rituals in other ancient s...
A study by New York University researchers found that children who hold positive views of women are also likely to have negative ones, with girls' benevolent sexism decreasing with age but not boys', while both sexes' hostile sexism decreases with age.
A new study confirms that ethambutol, a key TB drug, targets specific proteins in the bacteria. Researchers used cryogenic electron microscopy and x-ray imaging to show how the drug binds to and inactivates these proteins, producing crucial components of the TB cell wall.
Researchers at RIT have developed the first three-dimensional model to show where microplastic pollution is collecting in Lake Erie. The study found that plastic particles accumulate more heavily on the eastern shore of the lake, with different types of plastics concentrated in different areas.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $440,000 grant to Rochester Institute of Technology researchers to develop the Einstein Toolkit for simulating black holes, neutron stars, and other astrophysical phenomena. The toolkit will be scaled up to handle exascale-level resources on large supercomputers.
Researchers at UTEP have created a nanohybrid vehicle that can selectively deliver polyphenol ellagic acid into the brain to mitigate neurodegenerative disorders. The vehicle reduces cytotoxicity while enhancing anti-oxidant properties, allowing for extended drug release.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new class of X-ray detectors based on layered perovskites, which are 100 times more sensitive than conventional detectors. The detector can detect X-rays over a broad energy range, making it suitable for various applications such as medical imaging and airport security.
The University of Saskatchewan's VIDO-InterVac has been awarded $23 million to fast-track COVID-19 vaccine development. The funding will support pre-clinical testing and two phases of clinical trials, with the goal of making a safe and effective vaccine available as early as next spring.
The commentary piece reviews eight behavioral pitfalls that challenge sound judgment during the pandemic, such as personal embarrassment and neglect of competing risks. Awareness of these issues might help maintain behavior changes needed to fight the pandemic.
Ethicists from Carnegie Mellon and McGill universities recommend prioritizing rigorous research approaches, such as master protocols, to ensure high-quality clinical trials. They argue that crises like the COVID-19 pandemic heighten the responsibility of key actors in the research enterprise to uphold scientific standards.
Astronomers have improved a mathematical model to accurately gauge the temperatures of planets from solar systems hundreds of light-years away. This new model allows scientists to gather data on an exoplanet's molecular chemistry, gaining insight into the cosmos' planetary beginnings.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that geodesic measurements from 3D photographs predicted sleep apnea with high accuracy. The algorithm's accuracy was 89%, outperforming traditional linear measurements alone, and identified key facial features such as neck width and lower jaw retrusion as indicators.
A survey of US cancer survivors and their spouses found that nearly half stay in their jobs due to concerns about losing health insurance. The study suggests that maintaining employment is crucial for accessing post-treatment care and managing long-term health needs.
A team of doctors and engineers created biocompatible electrodes for compression stockings to stimulate muscles while bedridden. The technology aims to retain muscle mass in intensive-care patients, potentially reducing recovery time.
A new study finds that children who are perceived as 'fun' to be around experience increased popularity and likability among their classmates. The researchers discovered that this characteristic uniquely contributes to a child's social status, promoting creativity, reducing rejection, and increasing the salience of rewards.
Researchers unveil the structure of a key protein in human metabolism, which could lead to better obesity treatments. The study found that calcium ions play a crucial role in the protein's function, opening new paths for developing targeted pharmaceuticals.
A new approach uses European Space Agency Sentinel-2 satellites to detect patches of floating plastics in marine environments, distinguishing them from other materials with 86% accuracy. The method successfully classified different types of plastics and natural materials across four coastal areas.
Researchers discovered that helper proteins Swi5-Sfr1 and Rad51-related helpers collaborate to activate Rad51 in DNA repair. Mutations in Swi5-Sfr1 compromised activation, but yeast cells lacking Rad51-related helpers still repaired DNA, suggesting a compensatory role.
Researchers sequence and dissect the structure of the extrachromosomal DNA replicon underlying glyphosate resistance in Palmer amaranth. The eccDNA replicon contains 59 genes, including the EPSPS gene, which shows higher expression after glyphosate treatment.
Scientists studied 36 bat species from the western Indian Ocean and Africa, finding that different groups of bats had their own unique coronavirus strains. The research sheds light on how coronaviruses evolved and can help prevent future outbreaks.
Researchers warn that current regulations do not consider the combined effects of dissolved oxygen and acidification on aquatic life, which can be more severe than individual stressors. Revising water quality criteria could help improve coastal ecosystems.
The discovery of ancient frog fossils in Antarctica provides insight into a warm and temperate climate before the continent's separation. The 40-million-year-old fossils found on Seymour Island suggest that the Antarctic Peninsula may have had forests similar to those in modern-day South America.
The Kem Kem Group, a region famous for its Jurassic-era fossils, is reviewed in this comprehensive monograph. The study describes the paleoenvironments and fauna of the area, including massive theropod dinosaurs and sail-backed Spinosaurus.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University and Johns Hopkins University found that coordinated attention, specifically patterns of email communication, is linked to better performance in groups. Groups that sent emails in bursts had greater success capitalizing on available resources.
Hyperdiploid B-ALL, the most common subtype of pediatric leukemia, arises from a malfunctioning Condensin complex, Aurora B kinase, and mitotic checkpoint in cell division. Researchers have unveiled the molecular mechanisms underlying HyperD-ALL origin and progression.
Researchers at DKFZ successfully blocked a receptor that stimulates tumor growth and metastasis with an antibody, slowing down cancer progression. The study found that the antibody reduced metastases in treated mice without affecting blood vessel formation.
A new diagnostic strategy has been developed by Brazilian researchers to detect biomarkers of early-stage multiple sclerosis. The method uses a nanobiosensor that can accurately identify specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
A new study found that very low doses of Avastin are effective in preventing blindness in preterm infants. The treatment was tested on 59 preterm infants with type 1 ROP and showed success in improving vision with minimal side effects.
A team of researchers has restored sensation to a paralyzed man's hand using a brain-computer interface (BCI) system, enabling him to detect objects by touch and experience enhanced control. The BCI system enhances neural signals that are too small for conscious perception, resulting in greatly improved motor function.
Researchers found that astrocytes lacking the NFIA gene had defective shapes, altered functions, and impaired ability to detect neurotransmitters. This led to defects in learning and memory, providing evidence that astrocytes control neuronal circuits mediating these processes.
Researchers found that atmospheric tidal waves formed from solar heating on the planet's dayside and cooling on its nightside maintain Venus' super-rotation. The study also reveals a dual circulation system that transports heat across the globe.
Researchers have developed a new oral polio vaccine that uses genetic wizardry to prevent the virus from evolving into a deadly form. The vaccine showed promise in a Phase 1 clinical trial, with participants generating plentiful antibodies against the poliovirus and no paralysis in mice.