Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a photo-responsive nanoparticle-based treatment to alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis. The nanoparticles can detect and remove lesions associated with the disorder, offering a promising new approach to treating the condition.
A new study finds that using bedroom air filters can significantly improve breathing in asthmatic children. Consistent daily use of filters for two weeks reduced airway resistance, lung inflammation, and increased airway elasticity. The findings suggest that the filters may help prevent asthma flare-ups without costly medications.
Researchers at Yokohama National University have identified spent coffee grounds as a viable new source of cellulose nanofibers, which can be used to produce biodegradable plastic products. The extracted fibers displayed uniformity and integration with polymer resin, demonstrating their potential as a wood substitute.
A scoping review found that many popular fertility and pregnancy planning apps lack accuracy, particularly in predicting fertile windows and preventing unplanned pregnancies. The studies suggest that these apps should be developed with the involvement of fertility specialists to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
The Asian hornet's rapid invasion of Europe has estimated economic costs of €11.9M annually for France, €9.0M for Italy, and €8.6M for the UK by 2025. The cost of nest destruction is expected to reach €23M if the invasive species continues to spread at a similar rate.
Researchers examined the oral mycobiome, discovering 139 species of fungi that live in human dental plaque, with nine strongly associated with healthy teeth. These beneficial fungi may produce compounds like xylitol, which inhibits cavity-causing bacteria.
Scientists found pressure-induced amorphization and reversible structural transformations in sulfur dioxide under extreme conditions. The researchers discovered a phase transition from molecular to polymeric amorphous forms of SO2, shedding light on a poorly understood phenomenon in condensed matter physics.
Magnetoacoustic waves have been directly observed and found to travel long distances with larger amplitudes than expected. The findings open up new avenues for manipulation of these waves at room temperature, making them suitable for carrying information or driving small motors.
A secondary analysis of UK data found a significant long-term association between early childhood video game use and increased risk of obesity in teenagers. Regular bedtimes and physical activity were also linked to lower body weight, suggesting potential protective effects against excessive gaming.
Researchers from Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a potential early biomarker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is linked to the regulation of liver fat metabolism and fibrosis. The protein NREP was found to decrease in levels as NAFLD progressed, suggesting its role as an early indicator of the disease.
Researchers found that both surgical and cotton masks failed to filter SARS-CoV-2 from coughs of patients with COVID-19. The study suggests that the use of face masks may not be effective in preventing the spread of the virus.
A study analyzing Pew's National Survey of Latinos found that both documented and undocumented immigrants expressed high fear of deportation. Latino US citizens also reported increased anxiety about deportation since the 2016 US presidential election, despite lower initial levels.
A large randomized clinical trial investigated whether anti-viral drugs used to treat HIV would relieve the symptoms of COVID-19, showing promise for further study. The trial found patients who received lopinavir-ritonavir improved faster and experienced shorter times to clinical improvement, with acceptable safety levels.
Vegetation growth in the Third Pole, driven by CO2 fertilization globally and global warming locally, may slow rapid local warming. This 'greening' phenomenon also has remote impacts on Asian climate.
A large European study of over 100,000 adults found that a combination of healthy lifestyle factors, including low smoking and moderate physical activity, were linked to the longest periods without chronic diseases. The study's results provide new insights into the importance of healthy habits in preventing chronic disease.
Bird species that exhibit novel foraging behaviors have reduced risk of extinction, according to a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The researchers found that the more innovative a species is, the lower its risk of extinction, with some species able to adapt to habitat destruction by finding new food sources.
A new mathematical model, developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Princeton University, uses information theory to improve epidemiological predictions. The model takes into account the evolutionary changes of both disease and information, allowing for more accurate predictions of epidemic spread.
Researchers found that 40% of asymptomatic people between 40-50 years old accumulated fatty plaques in their arteries at a rapid rate. The study shows a direct link between classical cardiovascular risk factors and disease progression.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed critical pathologies in global systems, including overpopulation, globalization, and hyperconnectivity. These systemic conditions increase the risk of catastrophic failure, making it essential to address them through paradigmatic transformations.
A new therapy targeting Gaucher disease has been discovered using nanovesicles, which can selectively target brain tissue and deliver enzyme replacement therapy without harming healthy cells. This approach shows promise in treating other neurologic conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder exhibit differences in attention regulation, which may be attributed to altered locus coeruleus activity. This study found that participants with autism displayed atypically smaller pupil dilations during a distraction task, indicating dysregulation in the brainstem.
A new study from WashU Medicine found that captive apes' gut microbiomes are more similar to those of people who eat non-Western diets than their wild counterparts. The research also identified novel antibiotic resistance genes in wild apes and humans, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species.
Researchers found sets of cells in the hippocampus activated during similar types of experiences, such as trying new foods or visiting a restaurant. These 'lap-encoding cells' are distinct from memory cells that store specific locations and may help the brain interpret novel situations and learn new information.
A one-week course of higher-intensity radiation is recommended to treat bowel cancer patients, reducing side effects and risks associated with COVID-19. Surgery can be safely delayed by up to 12 weeks, allowing for reduced hospital appointments and maintaining social distancing rules.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered genes for cellular metabolic cycles in the genomes of giant viruses, challenging traditional views on viral life. These genes suggest that giant viruses can alter their hosts' metabolism, shifting nutrient balances and influencing aquatic biogeochemistry.
A new measure of patient frailty could improve accuracy, fairness, and equity in Medicare value-based payment models. Researchers found that incorporating this measure into cost prediction improved performance, especially among frail patients.
Research suggests settlers arrived in East Polynesia around 200 years before previous estimates, coinciding with a dry period driven by climate change. Human settlement of the region helped answer key questions about why people made hazardous journeys east.
A pilot study suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is safe and effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life for adults with autism and depression. The treatment showed promising results, with 70% of participants experiencing a decrease in depressive symptoms.
Charismatic invasive species are more likely to be introduced and establish themselves due to social acceptance. This can lead to one-sided gaps in knowledge and wrongly prioritized protective measures, affecting both ecosystems and invasive species welfare.
Researchers discovered a novel pathway that boosts brown fat cell's heat-generating capacity without increasing fat accumulation. This finding suggests that activating this pathway may benefit people with obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic diseases.
A new sticker has been developed to indicate whether cold-chain food products have gone bad. The sticker changes color when exposed to room temperature, allowing users to determine if their food is spoiled. Its low manufacturing cost and flexibility make it suitable for widespread use in the fresh food delivery market.
Researchers have found a connection between the size and structure of galaxies and dark matter halos, using observations of faint galaxies around the Milky Way. They also discovered more evidence for the existence of Large Magellanic Cloud satellite galaxies, predicting an additional 150 or more very faint satellites awaiting discovery.
Researchers found that the European Union Trading System (EU ETS) prevented approximately 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted between 2008 and 2016. Low carbon prices were associated with a decrease in demand for emission permits, but still resulted in significant emission reductions.
New analysis of data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft reveals that auroral electric currents are likely responsible for heating Saturn's upper atmosphere. The study provides the most complete mapping yet of temperature and density in a gas giant's upper atmosphere, shedding light on how heat circulates in the region.
A study conducted in northwestern São Paulo found that nearly a third of the population under 40 lacked immunity against measles, with only 1% over 50 showing similar results. Vaccination remains essential in preventing transmission and controlling outbreaks.
Researchers at the IPC PAS and WUT have developed a new, solvent-free drug encapsulation method that uses a pre-assembled metal complex incorporating the drug molecule. This approach could dramatically improve the efficiency of drug encapsulation in MOF materials and open the way to formulating vast arrays of 'drug@MOF' composites.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University developed a synthetic molecule that targets and corrects a mutated gene causing Usher syndrome in mice. The technique may be used to deliver drug therapy through amniotic fluid to the fetus, potentially treating and preventing several types of congenital hearing and balance disorders.
A new modelling study published in The Lancet Public Health finds that school closures to reduce COVID-19 transmission may lead to increased childcare needs among healthcare workers, potentially compromising the system's response. Researchers estimate that up to 15% of health-care workers may need additional childcare, with certain occ...
A study has uncovered a mechanism explaining how genetic mutations lead to nephrotic syndrome, a rare genetic kidney disorder. The researchers found that disruptions in the recycling of cell membranes cause abnormal kidney cell structure and function.
A study of Middle Triassic lacustrine sediments found that both lake and peat-forming forest ecosystems took up to 10 million years to recover after the EPME. The restoration of complex lacustrine ecosystems coincided with the termination of the coal gap, a period of no coals deposited worldwide.
Researchers R. Christian Jones and Benoit Van Aken will collect samples at six sites to track pollutants such as sediment and E. coli during wet weather events. The study aims to provide city officials with data on pollutant levels within 30 days of sample collection.
The availability of Austrian SARS-CoV-2 genomes has shed light on the virus' evolutionary trajectory in the human population. Initial analysis revealed an average of 6 mutations differing from the Wuhan reference genome, suggesting positive selection pressure and evolution within the human population.
A comprehensive study reveals that spin canting, a slight nudge on magnetic moments, provokes substantial changes in the electronic band structure of CaMnBi2. The research establishes a direct link between magnetism and electronic-band topology, opening doors to exploring new properties and possibilities.
Scientists have discovered a unique symbiosis between deep-sea worms and methanotrophic bacteria that harnesses methane as a carbon source. The worms absorb the energy from methane by slowly digesting the bacteria, effectively becoming methanotrophs themselves.
A new family of molecules with high affinity to join imidazoline I2 receptors has been discovered, improving cognitive skills and biomarkers in murine models. The study presents a novel structure-activity relation for these receptors.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield urge caution on wearing face masks, warning of potential skin damage through sweating and friction. Experts recommend keeping skin clean, well-hydrated, and moisturized to prevent pressure ulcers and infections.
Researchers predict that northern peatlands will remain carbon sinks until the end of this century, but their sink capacity will be substantially reduced after 2050. The modeling study aimed to address these concerns and highlighted the importance of peatlands in the global carbon cycle.
A new study found that only international trade has a net positive effect on global food systems sustainability, while population growth, urbanization, and lifestyle change have negative impacts. The study suggests that policymakers need better tools to measure and monitor food system dynamics to make them more sustainable.
Monash University researchers have identified an anti-parasitic drug, Ivermectin, as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The study found that a single dose of the drug can stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus from growing in cell culture within 48 hours.
EMBL scientists examined the molecular causes of a rare hereditary disease of the spine and ribs, revealing that errors in the segmentation clock can cause disorders. The researchers created a lab system to study this process, demonstrating that specific gene mutations, such as DLL3, are responsible for the condition.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that activating the anterior insula restored prosocial behaviors in animals with opioid addiction, a potential breakthrough in treating social behavioral deficits. The study used chemogenetic methods to selectively activate the brain region involved in both prosocial and addictive behaviors.
A retrospective observational study of ophthalmologists' experiences with familial amyloid polyneuropathies (FAP) reveals the challenges of treating this rare disease, particularly in maintaining eyesight despite liver transplants. The study aims to share knowledge and best practices with other researchers and doctors worldwide.
Researchers have identified a novel temperature sensing mechanism in plants using the phytochrome B protein, which triggers plant growth and controls flowering time. The study reveals that specific photobodies disappear selectively at different temperatures, suggesting individual sensors for specific temperature ranges.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a tiny unit that can both transmit and receive optical signals using perovskite diodes. This innovation has the potential to simplify and shrink optoelectronic systems, particularly in applications requiring low weight, flexibility, or large surfaces.
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that the plant had likely accumulated antibiotics from contaminated soil, not produced by nature.
A new study at CNIC discovers a molecular mechanism regulating macrophages, key immune sentinels. The research may lead to cancer treatments and tissue repair by targeting these cells.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have discovered a natural product, manzamine A, that exhibits anti-cancer properties in cervical cancer cells. The compound stops cell growth and causes some cells to die, with potential applications for treatment and development.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 patients in Munich and found high viral replication and shedding in the throat during symptoms. This suggests individuals with COVID-19 are infectious very early on, potentially before they show symptoms.
Tropical Cyclone Irondro is intensifying in the Southern Indian Ocean, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing its organized storm structure and developing cloud-filled eye. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts maximum sustained winds near 75 knots by April 4.
A larger thigh circumference may be associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease in people with obesity. Thigh circumference could potentially be used as an indicator for earlier detection and prevention of high blood pressure and related complications.