Granular energy technologies offer lower-cost and modular solutions for rapid low-carbon energy transition. Policy support can help accelerate this shift while larger technologies continue to develop.
A recent study has revealed that cardiac myosin, a prevalent protein in the heart, can cause blood to thicken or clot during a heart attack, worsening damage to heart tissue. Researchers are now working on creating a therapeutic compound to target this protein's procoagulant activity.
A study found that nonvegetarians are most motivated by health concerns, while those committed to vegetarianism cite environmental or animal rights motives. This disparity poses a challenge for advocacy efforts, as targeting specific groups based on their motivations could lead to increased adoption rates.
The article provides a COVID-19 surge preparedness checklist for emergency departments, created using a translational science approach. The checklist aims to reconfigure Emergency Departments to meet the surge of patients and improve resilience of healthcare systems.
A new trial drug, APN01, has been found to effectively block the SARS-CoV-2 virus from infecting its hosts, holding promise as a treatment for COVID-19. The study provides valuable insights into the key aspects of the novel coronavirus and its interactions with cells.
A new study found that starving pancreatic cancer cells of cysteine leads to their death by ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. The compound was shown to be effective in mice with pancreatic cancer and may lead to new treatments for this deadly disease.
Research investigated cover crop biomass production and soil properties in the eastern Great Plains. Early-planted cover crops had minimal effects on soil properties after 4 years, with low biomass production.
Active turbulence in active nematic fluids follows distinct universal scaling laws, independent of fluid properties. The study reveals that energy is dissipated at each scale, contrasting with classic turbulence.
A recent study found that THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, impairs female fertility by decreasing embryo development and quality. The research suggests that females exposed to THC have lower rates of viable pregnancies and are more likely to experience infertility.
Researchers found that stroke survivors who engaged in light physical activity reported fewer physical limitations than their more sedentary peers. Light physical activity was associated with improved performance on routine physical tasks and daily activities.
A recent study reveals that climate disasters increase the risk of armed conflicts in vulnerable countries, where large populations, political exclusion, and low development create instability. The research combines statistical analysis with regional case studies to demonstrate the link between disaster occurrence and conflict onsets.
A new study proposes a method to extend polygenic scores for individuals with multiple ancestral origins, improving personalized medicine for recently admixed populations. The approach combines knowledge from homogeneous populations to create a model suitable for diverse genetic backgrounds.
A team of scientists and engineers from 10 universities created a web portal (N95decon.org) providing best practices for decontaminating and reusing N95 masks. The website synthesizes scientific literature on mask decontamination methods, including heat, UV-C light, and hydrogen peroxide vapors.
A new study found that human-induced environmental stressors reduce coral reef populations' genetic diversity, compromising reef resilience. The research identified an adaptive response by corals to watershed discharges containing sediment and pollutants, leading to closer genetic relationships between nearshore corals.
Researchers at Université de Montreal tailored a PARP inhibitor to increase its capacity to kill cancer cells, resolving a long-standing puzzle over differences between effective treatments. The new design principles could also be applied to other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
Researchers unveil 2 million-year-old Homo erectus skull, shedding light on three co-existing human ancestors in Africa. The discovery confirms African origin of Homo erectus and provides insights into childhood growth and development.
Researchers found that whooping crane conservation efforts may inadvertently put the species at risk due to large flock formation. The birds gather in proportionally larger groups as they lose their habitat, increasing the potential impact of disease outbreaks or extreme weather events on a substantial portion of the population.
A novel point-of-care testing device that detects COVID-19 through genetic material may provide early diagnosis and control the spread of the disease. The device's potential benefits include a turnaround time of under 45 minutes, making it an urgent solution for capacity enhancement in testing COVID-19.
Research published in Thorax journal found a heightened risk of lung cancer in people with COPD who have never smoked. The risk is comparable to that of smokers without chronic lung disease, suggesting early detection may reduce treatment complications.
A Swedish cohort study found that breast density, microcalcifications, and masses have a significant genetic component, with heritability estimates of 58%, 23%, and 13% respectively. The study also identified positive associations between these traits and genetic predisposition to breast cancer.
A new study finds that smaller scale, low-cost technologies like solar panels and electric bikes are better suited for accelerating decarbonization. These 'granular' alternatives outperform larger scale technologies in terms of cost, innovation, and accessibility.
Researchers have found that excess minerals in these rocks originate from feeder conduits, where magma interacts with cold sidewalls and crystallises. This approach has great promise for solving petrological problems of magmatic complexes.
Researchers develop AI-based computer models to calculate an individual patient's risk of requiring a ventilator or intensive care. The models will analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, including electronic health records and test results.
Researchers found that robotic turtles with small size and slow movements disturb fish minimally, promoting better fish welfare and efficiency. This technology can provide online updates and monitoring without human intervention, leading to quicker responses and lower mortality rates.
Scientists have created an equation to predict glacier movement over soft beds, which could improve forecasts of glacier speed and sea-level rise. The new 'slip law' accounts for the motion of ice resting on deformable ground underneath fast-moving parts of ice sheets.
A new study found that implementing a national household energy strategy in Cameroon to increase adoption of LPG for clean cooking could avert 28,000 premature deaths. The strategy is expected to reduce global temperatures and mitigate climate change.
A new pterosaur species has been discovered in Morocco, belonging to the tapejarid group and characterized by its large crest and broad wingspan. The discovery is significant as it marks the first time a pterosaur has been found on African soil.
Eleven Kazan University projects have received funding from the Russian Science Foundation, with a focus on medical research and development of new technologies. The funded projects include studies on antimicrobial substances, protein synthesis, and cancer treatment.
A recent study published in Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical reveals the extent of connections between the small intestine and the entire brain. Half of the neurons transmitting signals from the gut to the brain also send motor signals, enabling cross-talk within the same neuron.
The TU Graz pollen measurement system uses machine learning algorithms to analyze pollen samples automatically, reducing the need for manual evaluation. The system is simple, lightweight, energy-saving, and can be implemented at low cost, making it a game-changer for pollination services.
Researchers have created an all-organic proton battery with the ability to charge in seconds and retain capacity down to -24°C. The battery uses quinones as active material and an acidic aqueous solution as electrolyte, providing a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional batteries
The journal has announced its most frequently cited papers from 2018-19, which will be freely accessible. These papers focus on various aspects of musculoskeletal research, including bone metabolism, osteoimmunology, and gut-muscle axis.
Researchers identified genes ABTB1 and GRB10 as influential in nutrient-sensing pathways, associated with performance on memory tasks. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can delay memory decline, but genetic variations affect their effectiveness.
A new vaccine candidate, PittCoVacc, has generated a surge of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 within two weeks of injection. The vaccine follows a more established approach, using lab-made viral protein pieces to build immunity, and is delivered through a novel microneedle array that can be manufactured at scale.
Two studies from Boston University School of Public Health found that patients with higher BMIs were up to 158% more likely to use prescription opioids long-term. Osteoarthritis, other joint disorders, and back pain accounted for most opioid prescriptions linked to obesity.
A new study reveals that Toxoplasma gondii parasite alters the behavior of microglia, leading to a loss of inhibitory signaling in the brain. This can result in seizures, personality changes, and vision problems, similar to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers at NIH found that a single amino acid change in the NLGN4 gene can drive the difference in male and female cases of autism. The study suggests that this mutation may result in autism-related symptoms, including intellectual deficits, due to the inability of the Y-chromosome version of the protein to compensate.
Researchers have developed a machine-learning based algorithm for quantitatively characterizing materials with features as small as nanometers. The tool can detect faults and cracks, predict lifetimes under different stresses and strains, and track the evolution of microstructures in real time.
Researchers have created a preliminary design for giant kinetic umbrellas to provide shade during fair weather and form a flood barrier in advance of storms. The proposed structures, made of reinforced concrete, would be able to withstand acute storm surges with stability at 75% of their deployed height.
Researchers have developed a risk-stratification tool to identify patients with low-risk penicillin allergies in the MICU. Direct oral challenge with amoxicillin has been shown to remove up to 60% of all penicillin allergies without symptoms of an allergic reaction.
A new treatment, SPACE, has been found to be as efficacious as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders. The study enrolled 124 children with existing clinical anxiety disorders and randomly assigned them to receive either SPACE or CBT.
A team of scientists at UC Santa Barbara has discovered that multiple opsin proteins function as taste receptors, enabling the detection of subtle chemical signals. This finding raises questions about the original role of opsin proteins in ancient organisms and may extend to mammals, including humans.
A new study by Professor Cary Wu finds that women are underrepresented as commentators on published research, hindering scholarly exchange between men and women. The study reveals gendered patterns in academic commenting, which could exacerbate the marginalization of women in the scientific community.
Princeton researchers are investigating how anxiety influences the sharing of accurate COVID-19 information. They will create online networks to examine how conversational interactions impact knowledge transmission and anxiety levels.
The Position Paper provides recommendations for clinicians treating patients with chronic liver diseases during the pandemic, including prioritizing outpatient care and reducing direct exposure to COVID-19. The paper aims to support clinicians in providing best possible care despite limited healthcare resources.
A new study published in Science has found that Homo erectus ancestors are older than previously thought, with fossils dating back to 2.04-1.95 million years ago in South Africa. This challenges the long-held theory of Africa's origin as the homeland of modern humans.
Patients with diabetes mellitus and endocrine disorders are at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. Medical teams need to take extra precautions when treating these patients and consider adjusting their medication regimes as needed.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and UBC found that a genetically modified variant of ACE2 reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral growth by a factor of 1,000 to 5,000 in cell cultures. The study suggests the potential for a novel drug treatment to help patients with early-stage COVID-19.
A fossil trove from Southern Gondwana has shed light on the ecology of ancient Australia and New Zealand, preserving the oldest known animals and plants. The findings include rare 'frozen behaviour' of long-legged flies, oldest known fossil ants, and first Australian fossils of a tiny insect species.
The study finds that Homo and Paranthropus fossils in the region date back to 2.04-1.95 million years, providing new insights into the transition of species in southern Africa during this period. The findings suggest a shift from endemic species like Australopithecus going extinct, while new migrants like Homo and Paranthropus moved in.
Researchers discovered a community of bacteria as dense as the human gut living in tiny clay-filled cracks in solid rock millions of years old. The bacteria's presence suggests that life can thrive in conditions similar to those on Mars, where nutrient availability may be limited.
The essay offers guidance on how to ethically allocate scarce health goods and services during the Covid-19 pandemic. The authors recommend a 'World War II-style mobilization' to project urgently needed resources and ensure fair distribution of scarce resources, prioritizing marginalized populations.
Researchers attach backpacks with sensors to tiny animals like vampire bats, enabling precise mapping of their social networks and flight trajectories. The system conserves energy and provides robust results for studying animal behavior and conservation.
A new study found that nicotinamide inhibits aggressive cell transformations and reverses the development of fibrous membranes in the retina, potentially treating fibrotic eye diseases. The compound also promotes the transition from mesenchymal to epithelial cells, helping to preserve their original identity.
Researchers unveil a new slip law to describe glaciers sliding on soft, deformable material, improving models of fast-flowing, marine-terminating glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland. This development enhances the understanding of glacier movement and parameterization for better sea-level rise estimations.
Scientists have developed a catalyst that converts nitrate into nitrite without high temperatures or acidity, addressing water pollution concerns. The catalyst's mechanism mimics natural enzymes, offering a promising solution for detoxifying nitrate in mild environments.
A team of researchers from the University of Washington School Medicine has created artificial proteins that function as molecular logic gates, allowing for the programming of complex biological systems. This breakthrough has implications for future medicines and synthetic biology, particularly in the development of cell-based therapies.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute describe different emotional facial expressions in mice, linking them to specific brain regions and emotions. The discovery enables the investigation of emotional mechanisms and their relationship with neuronal activity.
A new wireless biologging network enables high-resolution tracking of small animals, even in closed habitats. The system allows for fully automated tracking and proximity-sensing at high spatial and temporal resolution.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze mouse facial expressions and identified specific facial expressions correlated with emotional descriptors. The study may assist in moving towards a universal definition of emotions across species.