A recent storm in Argentina produced hailstones up to 9.3 inches across, potentially setting a new world record. Researchers suggest classifying such large hailstones as 'gargantuan' and emphasize the need for more awareness and data collection to better understand these extreme events.
A college social belonging exercise has long-term benefits for black students' career satisfaction, well-being, and community involvement. The intervention helped students understand that worries about belonging are common and can be addressed through support from professors and friends.
The E1912 trial showed that the ibrutinib-rituximab combination provided better leukemia control, prolonged life, and had fewer side effects compared to standard care in untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The FDA approval is based on data from the phase 3 trial developed by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a rapid-release gas treatment to clean ambulances in under 20 minutes, reducing the turnaround time from 45 minutes. The solution uses a new gas treatment that can remove Covid-19 contamination from surfaces and air, eliminating human cleaning intervention.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method for upcycling polyurethane foams, turning them into higher-value rubbers and hard plastics. This process removes air from the foam to create durable plastics or soft films, paving the way for recycling of polyurethane foam waste in various applications.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have created disc-shaped particles that control macrophage behavior to slow tumor growth and metastasis in mice. The 'backpacks' keep macrophages in their tumor-killing state for up to five days, reducing the size of tumors and metastatic nodules.
The recent 18th International Congress of Myriapodology brought together top experts to present the latest findings on myriapod diversity, distribution, and biology. The research highlights the lack of dedicated funding for threatened species conservation and urges for the establishment of a Myriapoda Specialist Group.
A recent study found that advancing age is not a barrier to effective cancer treatment for older adults. The PREOP risk score tool helps guide treatment decisions by assessing factors such as nutritional status and physical condition.
A new study found that Canadian patients can wait significantly longer for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures, with wait times varying greatly across provinces. The study highlights the need for improved access to TAVR care and calls for policy makers to re-evaluate funding mechanisms.
Researchers linked two llama antibodies to create a new antibody that binds tightly to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, blocking viruses from infecting cells. The team aims to conduct preclinical studies and eventually test the treatment in humans to develop a potential COVID-19 therapy.
Researchers at Penn State are developing microwave plasma technology to produce hydrogen and graphene from natural gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The technology enables rapid heating of gas and can be powered by renewable electricity, making it a promising solution for the hydrogen economy.
The discovery of Adalatherium, a bizarre mammal from Madagascar, sheds light on the evolution of mammals during the time of dinosaurs. Its unique characteristics and preserved 3D structure offer valuable insights into the geography and fauna of the region.
A HKU-led study accurately tracks COVID-19 spread using population flow data, identifying high-risk locales through a risk assessment model. The researchers combined population flow data with confirmed cases to explain 96% of the spread's distribution and intensity across China.
Deep-sea mining disturbs seabed ecosystems, affecting microorganisms and their biogeochemical functions for extended periods. The study found that even after 26 years, disturbance effects persisted, highlighting the need for sustainable technologies to avoid removing densely populated surface layers.
Researchers are studying salt deposits as a long-term disposal solution for high-level nuclear waste, which can create heat and radioactivity. The US Department of Energy is conducting thermal testing underground to test the safety and efficacy of salt formations in containing radionuclides.
A new subtype of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has been proposed based on the presence of a genetic mutation, known as SF3B1. This subtype is characterized by ineffective production of red blood cells and may benefit from treatment with luspatercept.
A randomized trial of remdesivir suggests the antiviral drug is not associated with significant clinical benefits for treating COVID-19. Patients treated with remdesivir within 10 days of symptom onset showed faster recovery compared to those given placebo, but results were not statistically significant.
Researchers have identified specific proteins in bones that can help estimate the post-mortem submerged interval, which is challenging due to various environmental factors. The study found that certain proteins decrease or modify over time, providing potential biomarkers for estimating the length of time a body has been underwater.
Researchers identified IL-8 and IL-33 as key biomarkers for predicting pollen-specific nasal symptoms. These biomarkers also enable the prediction of symptom severity before the start of the pollen season.
A new study led by University of Kentucky researcher Sidney Whiteheart aims to understand how platelets function in hemostasis and during immune responses. The research may lead to therapies to regulate platelet activation and lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with HIV1/AIDS or COVID-19.
A fast and sensitive antibody test for SARS-CoV-2 has been developed by researchers at the American Chemical Society. The test can accurately diagnose COVID-19 cases and monitor patient recovery in just 10 minutes.
A new model for respiratory infection treatment is being developed using mathematical modeling to predict and treat patients at risk of extreme lung inflammation. The University of Pittsburgh's Jason Shoemaker received a $547K NSF CAREER Award to create computational models of the immune response to seasonal influenza viruses.
Researchers at KIST have developed a stretchable lithium-ion battery with an accordion-like micro-honeycomb structure, allowing for high energy storage capacity and long-term stability. The battery's stretchable properties enable new applications in wearable and body-implantable devices.
A new study found that media outlets prioritize popular brands over misconduct, with liberal media reporting more frequently than conservative media. Media partnerships with offending companies also lead to reduced reporting of CSI events.
Scientists have successfully matched unique whistles to individual bottlenose dolphins in Western Australia's Swan River. The study's findings could revolutionize dolphin tracking and conservation by relying on acoustic recordings rather than visual surveys.
A recent study by the University of Córdoba has pinpointed the origin of a group of trees growing in Africa to 50 million years ago. The research, which used molecular clock and phylogenetic methods, found that these legume plants diversified in response to climate changes and can be found in various parts of Africa and Madagascar.
Researchers found a positive correlation between viral RNA load and organ damage in COVID-19 patients. Higher viral loads were associated with increased inflammatory factors and longer recovery times.
A meta-analysis of existing data from 4,968 pregnant women found that artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were significantly more effective than quinine in treating malaria. ACTs had better tolerability, with a lower risk of side effects, making them a safer option for pregnant women.
A Phase III clinical trial is assessing whether tocilizumab can reduce out-of-control inflammation and improve health outcomes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The study aims to determine if the drug reduces mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, and ICU admissions.
International researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton of Adalatherium, a 66-million-year-old mammal that lived among dinosaurs and massive crocodiles. The finding sheds light on the evolutionary history of gondwanatherians, an extinct group of mammals known from isolated teeth and jaw fragments.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends considering PFO closure for some people under age 60 who have had a stroke without other possible causes identified, to reduce the risk of future strokes better than medication alone. The procedure can safely be performed for those with no other higher risk cause of stroke.
A new study reveals that a key protein in controlling high blood pressure behaves differently in males and females. In female mice, the protein Kv2.1 contracts blood vessels, while in male mice, it dilates them. This difference has significant implications for developing tailored treatment strategies for hypertension in men and women.
Researchers propose increasing investment in sustainable energy systems to decarbonize industry. The COVID-19 pandemic presents opportunities for low-interest rates and public spending to support the clean energy transition. Structural change is necessary to address climate change.
A University of Queensland study reveals that people with mental disorders are significantly more likely to develop other health conditions. Women with anxiety disorders have a 50% increased risk of heart conditions or stroke over 15 years, and men with substance use disorders have a 400% increased risk of gut or liver disorders.
A new guidance statement has been developed by a team from the Society of Vascular & Interventional Neurology (SVIN) to improve ways to treat acute large vessel occlusion strokes during the COVID-19 crisis. The recommendations aim to minimize exposure to healthcare workers while providing optimal care to patients.
Researchers analyze fossil teeth from Timor and Alor islands to study ecological adaptations of earliest Homo sapiens. The study shows that humans relied on coastal resources initially, but then adapted to tropical forest environments around 20,000 years ago.
NASA scientists have developed a new seismometer system called SUBLIME to measure moonquakes and map the Moon's interior. The system will alert astronauts to seismic events and provide an early-warning system, with the long-term goal of establishing a network of seismic stations.
A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that men with a history of obesity in their late teens are more at risk of developing blood clots (venous thromboembolism) in adulthood. The risk increases progressively, with severe obesity associated with a nearly fivefold higher risk.
A new nanoparticle-based technique allows researchers to capture mechanical properties of living cells in real-time, revealing key findings on how cancer cells stiffen as they form tumors. This breakthrough has promising applications in disease diagnosis and treatment.
New research from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that women are more likely to be promoted in the IT industry due to their perceived helpfulness and trustworthiness. However, women who take training courses are more likely to be promoted than men, suggesting a potential strategy for advancing female careers.
Akanocure Pharmaceuticals Inc. has received a $750,000 Small Business Innovation Research Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation to develop chemical tools and platforms to produce valuable chemical building blocks.
Researchers at Northwestern University created a gentler hair dye process using synthetic melanin, with conditions similar to or milder than those used for commercially available dyes. The natural-looking colors persisted for at least 18 washes, posing less damage and health risks compared to traditional methods.
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the reliability of global pharmaceutical supply chains, with over 80% of chemicals used in drugs sourced from Asia. As inventories of backup supplies dwindle, nations are considering rebalancing their reliance on foreign countries for life-saving ingredients.
Researchers at KU Leuven discovered that Neuromedin U allows the brain to recall negative memories and learn from past experiences. The protein acts as a signalling molecule enabling neurons to communicate with each other, leading to the association of unpleasant stimuli with future avoidance.
Researchers have developed a way to recycle conventional polyurethane (PU) foams into rubber and hard plastic using a twin-screw extrusion process. This new method improves the mixing and air removal in recycled foams, producing high-quality products without the need for toxic starting materials.
A Norwegian study found that women who experience complications during their first full-term pregnancy are more likely to deliver preterm in subsequent pregnancies. The researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 women and discovered a significant link between term complications and increased preterm risk.
A new study reveals how APOE4 triggers leaks in the brain's plumbing system, allowing toxic substances to seep into areas responsible for memory encoding and cognitive functions. The damage is linked to future problems in learning and memory, even when Alzheimer's signature sticky plaques have not appeared.
A study estimates that 14.4 million workers face weekly and 26.7 million monthly exposure to infections in the workplace, highlighting the need for improved protective measures.
A study found that artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were significantly more effective than quinine in treating malaria in pregnant women. ACTs, such as artemether-lumefantrine, showed better tolerability and efficacy compared to quinine, with lower recurrence rates of malaria after treatment.
Researchers at ETRI developed a 400-Gbps transmitting/receiving optical engine that can provide stable and improved data transfer speeds for data centers. The technology enables real-time high-definition video streaming for 100,000 viewers simultaneously.
The FDA has approved encorafenib in combination with cetuximab for patients with advanced BRAF-mutated colorectal cancer. This new treatment is the result of DNA-guided personalized cancer treatment research by the SU2C-Dutch Cancer Society team.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine announced the winners of its 2020 High School Video Contest, which aimed to educate teenagers about the importance of healthy sleep. The first-place winner received $1,000, while the second-place winner got $500 and a Teen Choice Award winner received $250.
A study by University of Queensland found that developers face challenges in finding enough land to offset biodiversity impacts, limiting global conservation goals. The research highlights the limitations of existing offset policies and the need for governments to account for land availability constraints.
A new study published in Nature found that a simple 'sniff test' can accurately diagnose and predict the recovery of severely brain-injured patients. The test measures the response to different smells, with minimally conscious patients showing significant changes in breathing patterns.
Researchers found areas with high selenium levels had higher COVID-19 cure rates, while those with low levels had higher death rates. Selenium status was significantly associated with COVID-19 outcome, particularly in provinces outside of Hubei.
During the pandemic, time spent in parks and outdoor spaces decreased by nearly a third, while travel by public transport dropped by more than half. Experts recommend incorporating physical activity into daily routines and promoting healthy movement behaviors among children.
Researchers have engineered a strain of bacteria called Clostridium thermocellum to degrade PET more efficiently than current industry bio-methods. The heat-friendly microbes can break down PET and plant-based fibers in hot, oxygen-free environments, offering a promising solution for plastic waste management.
Researchers found that patients with type 2 diabetes have blood vessels resistant to insulin, leading to elevated oxidative stress and vessel dysfunction. A new therapy combining insulin treatment with DPP4 inhibitors shows promise in reversing damaging vascular effects.
UMass Amherst scientists used computational techniques to study amyloid fibril growth and brain pathology, revealing that earlier forms of the protein are toxic. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of the process, highlighting the importance of energy landscapes in disease progression.
Researchers say COVID-19 restrictions can be used to increase access to clinical trials for rural populations, who face significant health disparities and limited internet access. By using digital technology and community partnerships, researchers can include more people in studies and promote rural health equity.