Researchers found that isoflurane weakens the transmission of electrical signals between neurons, particularly at higher frequency impulses. The anesthetic preferentially blocks these high frequency signals, while having minimal effect on low frequency impulses that control life-supporting functions.
Analysis of Proterozoic basement granite in southern Colorado suggests that the Great Unconformity did not form solely due to glacial erosion during Snowball Earth glaciations. Instead, its formation may be linked to varying times and locations.
The $2.5 million project aims to create compact electronic power systems for military installations, utilizing gallium nitride devices for efficient energy storage and discharging. Machine learning will be used to predict the lifespan of GaN devices and circuits.
Researchers found that genomic changes occurred quickly, with river variants increasing in frequency by 2.5% over a single generation. This study demonstrates rapid evolution in non-microorganisms, potentially aiding organisms to cope with human-induced environmental changes.
The Phase III EMBRACA trial found talazoparib improved patient-reported quality-of-life measures and had a tolerable safety profile in patients with metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer and BRCA1/2 mutations. However, the study did not demonstrate a statistically significant overall survival benefit due to subsequent treatments.
Scientists from UNSW Sydney report new measurements of light emitted from a quasar 13 billion light years away, reaffirming past studies on tiny variations in the fine structure constant. The findings suggest that one of nature's laws may not be constant, challenging the Grand Unifying Theory.
Researchers have successfully created plants that produce their own visible luminescence through the insertion of DNA from mushrooms. The plants glow brightly and continuously throughout their lifecycle, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional lighting sources.
Scientists discovered a common molecular pathway in women who experience preterm labor and are developing new treatments using FDA-approved drugs. The research found that combined administration of nebivolol and N6022 can almost completely halt contractions, improving birth outcomes.
Researchers have developed a fast and low-cost diagnostic test using inkjet-printed antibodies, potentially reducing coronavirus testing wait times to 30 minutes. The D4 assay tool has shown promise in detecting SARS-Cov-2 antigens with high accuracy, making it a promising solution for point-of-care diagnosis.
A team of researchers from UTA is collaborating with DFW Airport to improve storm water management strategies and runway operations. They are developing an advanced flood warning system that can mitigate potential issues before they happen.
Researchers at TU Wien found that incorporated hydrogen atoms change the electrical behavior of nickelates, making them more difficult to produce. Calculations using supercomputers revealed the critical temperature range for superconductivity in these materials.
The special issue discusses the uneasy dilemma of saving lives now versus preserving them for the future, drawing parallels with previous pandemics. Research papers examine the role of globalisation, technological shifts, and income inequality, highlighting the need for micro- and meso-institutions to find ways out of the crisis.
Taking antibiotics with opioids may exacerbate addiction by altering brain responses to opioids, according to research on rats depleted of their gut microbiome. The study found that a weakened microbiome intensified opioid intoxication while reducing withdrawal effects.
Researchers monitor 171 Oregon gray whales using drones and find a compelling relationship between whales' body condition and changing ocean conditions. The study suggests that changes in ocean conditions may be causing skinny whales, with poor upwelling limiting prey availability.
A NUS-led team has developed an artificial intelligence platform called IDentif.AI to rapidly identify optimal drug combination therapies for infectious diseases. The platform uses machine learning to examine billions of possible combinations and doses, resulting in unprecedented speed and accuracy in discovering new treatments.
Researchers at UT Dallas have developed a promising method for remotely stimulating activity in deep brain regions using gold nanoparticles and lasers. The approach has the potential to improve tests for viruses, including influenza and COVID-19, by increasing sensitivity and reducing healthcare costs.
A new hereditary disease, FACAS, has been discovered that causes a cold-induced urticarial rash in patients exposed to temperatures below 15°C. The researchers found that the disorder is caused by a previously unknown mutation in the 'Factor 12' gene.
Systematic reviews evaluate cognitive tests for Alzheimer's disease, biomarkers for neuropathologic Alzheimer disease, and prescription drugs for cognitive dysfunction. The findings suggest that certain brief cognitive tests are highly sensitive for distinguishing clinical Alzheimer-type dementia from normal cognition.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a new population of immune cells called ductal macrophages that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy breast tissue by clearing away dying milk-producing cells. This discovery could lead to new insights into treating breast cancer.
A study found that increasing tree canopy to 30% of land area could prevent over 400 premature adult deaths per year, representing 3% of the city's annual mortality. Increasing green spaces can also bring significant economic benefits, estimated at almost $4 billion annually.
Poor Amazonians struggle to catch enough fish during massive seasonal floods, leading to widespread malnutrition and lifelong health consequences. Researchers found that families often go without food for days or eat smaller portions.
Patients receiving 177Lu-DOTATATE radiation therapy may experience travel delays at U.S. ports of entry due to residual radiation activity; carrying a travel card with treatment information can help alleviate this issue.
A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has developed an iron-based thermoelectric material that can convert waste heat into electricity. The material, which is mostly iron and relatively inexpensive, has shown promise in powering small devices such as remote sensors and wearable devices.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new understanding of asthma medicines through x-ray CT scanning, revealing the microstructure of individual particles. This innovation could lead to improved asthma medications and better quality control.
VoroCrust generates accurate digital representations of complex objects using Voronoi-cell meshes that conform to models without needing manual fixes. This software could save scientists hours of work and improve the efficiency of simulations for aerospace and other industries.
Nursing research plays a critical role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing reliable epidemiological data, effective treatments, and vaccines. The research helps advance supportive work environments that save patient lives and promote recovery.
The Stanford study develops a calculation of the risk that shaking triggered by a given project will be felt in surrounding communities. The authors propose setting yellow-light thresholds approximately two magnitude units below the red light to reduce nuisance-level shaking.
A new photocatalytic water-splitting strategy has been developed to hydrogenate aryl chlorides in a sustainable manner. The approach utilizes water as a safe and readily available hydrogen donor, replacing flammable gases and reducing risks associated with conventional dechlorination methods.
A new tool measures quality of life in people with dementia by assessing five key domains: physical health, mood, memory, living situation, and ability to do fun activities. The tool reveals that living situation is the most important contributor to quality of life, followed by the ability to engage in fun activities.
Scientists have identified a novel mechanism that facilitates high oxide-ion conductivity in a new class of layered perovskites. The discovery, made by Prof. Masatomo Yashima and colleagues from Tokyo Institute of Technology, opens up possibilities for designing novel oxide-ion conductors.
A new children's book introduces genetics to youngsters of primary school age through a rhyming narrative, explaining DNA and the role of nature and nurture in making each person unique. The book aims to engage young children with science, building on research that shows teaching genetics before evolution improves pupil understanding.
Researchers found that people are hesitant to use single sign-on services for sensitive apps like relationship and financial apps, citing concerns about data leakage and privacy. Participants preferred to use their email address or create a new account to access these apps.
Researchers at Penn State developed a public-speaking tutor on Amazon Alexa, which helps users recognize and modify negative thinking behaviors. The study found that the tutor eased pre-speech anxiety in participants.
A study published in CHI 2020 found that users are influenced by contextual cues to disclose personal information, including social security numbers and phone numbers. The researchers identified 12 heuristics, or mental shortcuts, that trigger this behavior, such as the bandwagon heuristic and authority cue.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that providing users with the option to adjust privacy and content settings on Amazon Alexa does not necessarily increase their trust in the platform. In fact, for power users, it can have an unfavorable effect. However, customizing content increased trust among sensitive users.
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo has identified a promising technological alternative to solvents used in batteries. Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes offer significant advantages over conventional methods, including being nontoxic and cheaper. However, challenges such as hygroscopicity and corrosion need to...
A pregnant woman shares her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the emotional toll of isolation and uncertainty on her mental health. She also discusses how healthcare providers can better support pregnant patients during this time, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.
Engineers are developing a rapid test kit for identifying body fluids at crime scenes, which will improve the speed and accuracy of investigations. The disposable tool can detect multiple types of body fluid protein biomarkers from small samples.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a catalyst that enables the production of ammonia at just 50°C, using half the energy required by existing techniques. This breakthrough has significant implications for sustainable agricultural food production and reduces carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use.
Researchers assessed 1062 Mediterranean marine protected areas and found that 95% lack regulations to reduce human impacts on biodiversity. Effective levels of protection represent only 0.23% of the region.
Researchers have accurately described the interaction energy among three water molecules for the first time. The study uses advanced spectroscopy and quantum calculations to analyze the intermolecular vibrations of water trimers.
A team of researchers from Brown and Rice University has developed a means of performing link discovery with terahertz radiation, enabling ultra-fast wireless data transmission. The approach uses a device called a leaky waveguide to exploit the properties of terahertz waves and track client devices in real-time.
Researchers found that combining tightly woven cotton with two layers of polyester-spandex chiffon or natural silk can effectively filter out aerosol particles, similar to N95 masks. The effectiveness of the mask depends on a proper fit, as a 1% gap reduces filtering efficiency by half or more.
Researchers found a link between higher blood levels of NETs and a more severe disease course in patients with COVID-19. NETs, a product of neutrophil cell death, may be relevant to understanding the inflammatory storm triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers investigated whether watching the 'Joker' movie would lead to increased prejudice towards people with mental illness. The study found no significant association between watching the film and changes in prejudice levels.
Researchers develop biocompatible ion-driven soft transistors that can perform real-time neurologically relevant computation. A mixed-conducting particulate composite enables the creation of electronic components out of a single material, allowing for non-invasive recording and processing of brain activity.
Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Zurich have found a significant decline in food plants for insects in the canton of Zurich over the past 100 years. This has resulted in a decrease in the abundance of species visited by bees, bumblebees, wasps, butterflies, hoverflies, flies, and beetles.
Researchers have created a new antibody test to measure COVID-19 infection and immunity. The test detects the presence of antiviral antibodies, allowing individuals who are potentially immune to be identified and care for patients with minimal risk.
A recent study examines how social isolation and stress contribute to child abuse during the pandemic. The research also identifies strategies for reducing these risks and promoting children's well-being.
The Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled a breathtaking portrait of a firestorm of starbirth in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. This iconic image, nicknamed the 'Cosmic Reef,' showcases the telescope's enduring legacy and transformative impact on modern astronomy.
Researchers have developed brain cell models of neurons and astrocytes to better understand the mechanisms of Sanfilippo C syndrome. The studies show that these cell models can reproduce the main features of the disease, allowing for the assessment of potential therapies.
Researchers from TUM have identified a substance that worm larvae use to modulate the host's immune response, activating anti-inflammatory pathways and reducing inflammatory mediators. This active molecule shows promise as a new treatment for chronic airway inflammation in allergic asthma.
A new catalyst has been developed that can convert ethane into ethylene with improved efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The discovery could have a significant economic impact on the plastics industry and energy extraction operations.
Researchers at Heidelberg University have successfully constructed the symmetries of quantum electrodynamics using ultracold atoms. The findings could lead to the development of large-scale quantum devices capable of simulating complex physical phenomena.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new lead-free chalcogenide perovskite that could provide a safer and more effective option for solar cells. The compound, barium zirconium sulfide (BaZrS3), is highly resistant to moisture and sunlight, making it an attractive alternative to traditional materials.
Researchers from DZD and Boston Children's Hospital highlight the importance of body weight and metabolic health in understanding COVID-19 severity. Studies suggest that obesity may increase the risk of severe illness, independent of cardiometabolic diseases.
A team of scientists has developed a system utilizing image analysis and artificial intelligence to analyze the shape of large numbers of seeds from a single image. The trained model detected and segmented individual seeds with high accuracy and analyzed seeds of other crops, accelerating crop breeding and analysis.
Rice University has secured a $2.45 million NIH grant to develop CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for sickle cell disease treatment. The study aims to address the risks and mechanisms of gene editing in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.
A team of researchers argues that social distancing is at odds with human nature, which naturally seeks social contact in times of danger. This contradiction poses a significant challenge to public health and policy-making.
Researchers at EPFL's lab have developed a method to generate soliton collisions in optical microresonators, allowing for the study of complex soliton interactions. By controlling the speed mismatch between two laser-driven solitons, they can induce binding or crossing behaviors, revealing important physics of the system.