A high fructose diet in pregnant women can alter the metabolism of their offspring, researchers found. The study, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, showed that fructose intake before and during pregnancy led to significant changes in maternal metabolic function and milk composition.
A city-wide school influenza vaccine intervention was associated with a decrease in influenza-associated hospitalizations and school absences. The study found that SLIV programs increased vaccination coverage and reduced influenza across communities.
Researchers developed a new instrument to measure tiny light-evoked deformations in individual rods and cones, offering potential for earlier detection of retinal diseases. The system combines high-speed OCT imaging with adaptive optics technology to capture photoreceptor responses, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that mother bats adjust their vocalizations to provide positive feedback to their pups during vocal practice, while male bats transmit the social group's vocal signature. This complex parent-offspring communication may be a key feature of bat language development.
Researchers found extremely high levels of ACE2 in the olfactory epithelium, a region responsible for detecting smells. This area is thought to be where COVID-19 gains entry into the body, explaining why some patients lose their sense of smell without other symptoms.
A machine learning model has uncovered distinct statistical features marking the formative stage of slow-slip ruptures, allowing geophysicists to understand the timing of devastating faster quakes. The research suggests that slow-slip rupture may be predictable, providing an easier way to study fundamental physics.
A recent study challenges the notion that birds evolved rapidly following the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. Instead, researchers found that bird skull evolution actually slowed down compared to non-avian dinosaurs. This slower pace of evolution is attributed to adaptations in beak shape and size.
A Baylor University study found that people experiencing threats to their existence are more likely to experience miracles. The study analyzed data from a Pew Research Center survey of 15,400 respondents from 16 countries and found no relationship between education level and the likelihood of experiencing a miracle.
A new study found that Covid-19 patients experience a more profound loss of smell and taste compared to those with a bad cold or flu. This is because Covid-19 affects the central nervous system, whereas other respiratory infections tend to affect the upper respiratory tract.
A 12-week study by Oregon State University researchers found that taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement with zinc and high amounts of vitamin C reduced the severity and duration of illness symptoms in older adults. The supplement improved vitamin C and zinc levels in the blood, which are important for immune function.
Army researchers have developed a new material that can autonomously heal in air and underwater, enabling massive reconfigurability in future military platforms. The material has a dynamic bond that allows it to be 3-D printed and recycled, and introduces unique shape memory behavior.
A National Institutes of Health study has found that women trying to conceive who use opioids are more likely to experience lower chances of achieving pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy. Opioid use was associated with a 29% lower chance of becoming pregnant within a given monthly cycle.
Researchers developed a new imaging modality for in-development retinal organoids using D-FFOCT, which offers high spatial and temporal resolutions. The technique allows for the creation of highly contrasted images of almost transparent samples without labels, enabling long-term study of sample development.
A new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that smartphones can detect changes in gait patterns associated with alcohol intoxication. The research suggests that real-time information about alcohol consumption could be used to reduce harm, prevent drinking and driving, or alert a sponsor for someone in tr...
Research finds that bacteria in unicellular organisms become more infectious when they must switch host cells, thanks to changes in gene expression. This adaptation allows them to survive outside the host cell and maintain infectivity.
David Wetz at UTA is working with the Navy to study dielectric insulation properties of epoxy and additively manufactured materials. The goal is to improve their insulation properties in compact high-voltage systems, potentially reducing overall system size and weight.
Researchers have identified a new enzymatic reaction involving carbohydrates in plant cell walls, which is essential for their structure and function. This discovery contributes to our understanding of how plant cell walls can be formed, structured, and re-modelled.
A team of Russian researchers has developed a new design for the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) in vanadium redox flow batteries, reducing experimental costs and increasing power. The new design simplifies the laboratory testing process, making it more accessible to new research groups.
Researchers successfully synthesized a pristine diamane film using high-pressure compression, demonstrating its semiconducting properties and potential applications in electronic devices. The film has an energy gap of 2.8 eV, which is higher than that of gapless graphene.
Researchers discovered that a rare COVID-19 related illness in children, known as PIMS-TS, causes severe inflammation and alters the immune system. The study found increased levels of cytokines and reduced white blood cells in affected children, but these changes gradually returned to normal after recovery.
A new tool, FairCo, was developed to improve the fairness of online rankings by giving equally relevant choices roughly equal exposure and avoiding preferential treatment for high-ranked items. This can correct unfairness in existing algorithms and curtail personal choice.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed a gene editing approach to remove latent herpes simplex virus 1, achieving a 92% reduction in the virus's presence. The method targets infected cells and nerve pathways, showing promise for a potential cure for the infection.
A team of scientists used THz pulses to study the intermolecular motion of liquid water, revealing a hydrogen bond harmonic oscillator model and polarizability anisotropy on sub-picosecond scales. The results provide insights into the transient structure of liquid water and its interaction with solvent molecules.
A study published by University of Huddersfield researchers found that dexamethasone significantly reduced COVID-19 patient deaths by 41% compared to those without corticosteroids. The research highlights the importance of evidence-based practice and the need for further investment in scientific research.
A new scientific method has been approved for measuring flavanols and procyanidins in cocoa powders, cocoa liquors, chocolates, and cocoa extracts. The method, developed by Mars Edge, employs hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and enables consistent product labeling.
A nationwide study on COVID-19 and infant feeding is exploring whether breast milk can protect babies from the virus. Researchers will collect biological samples, interview participants, and compare outcomes between breastfed and non-breastfed babies to inform policy recommendations.
Research from the University of California, Davis and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai found that airborne dust can carry influenza virus capable of infecting animals, contrary to the long-held assumption that respiratory droplets are the primary means of transmission.
A new study found that vitamin D supplementation is associated with a decrease in Megamonas bacteria and C. difficile colonization in infants, suggesting potential benefits for childhood health.
A new study reveals that differentiation of a single gene changes behavior in a wild songbird, determining whether the bird displays more or less aggression. The research identifies a specific estrogen receptor as driving this behavior, showing how genomic divergence can lead to behavioral divergence in a vertebrate.
A Singapore breast surgical unit developed strategies to balance COVID-19 battle with breast cancer care, emphasizing multidisciplinary teamwork and patient stratification. Prompt adaptation to restricted resources and balancing risks are crucial in providing optimal patient care.
A critical EPA insecticide study on chlorpyrifos was found to have been based on incomplete data, leading to an incorrect safe exposure limit. Researchers argue that this oversight had significant public health implications and potentially allowed approvals for unsafe uses of the chemical.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new 3D-printed runway mat using Phase Transforming Cellular Material (PXCM) geometry. The technology aims to create a robust and self-healing mat that can withstand stresses of repeated aircraft take-offs and landings, reducing the need for frequent repairs.
Infants as young as 12 months old encode and remember objects differently depending on whether an object is named as a member of a category or as a unique individual. Research found that applying distinct names to each object enhances infants' encoding of distinctions among the individual objects, leading to better recognition memory.
Researchers at Penn State expand gene-editing technology for use in vertebrates like mice, fish, and birds with new funding. The ReMOT Control tool builds on CRISPR/Cas9, enabling efficient delivery of gene-editing cargo to targeted regions of DNA.
Biomedical scientists have discovered that diethylcarbamazine directly targets parasitic worms with a temporary paralysis, allowing the host's body to flush out the parasites. This breakthrough could lead to better predictability of resistance development and more effective treatment outcomes for patients.
A study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that sensory characteristics, such as flavor and heat treatment, and habit are key drivers for long-term milk consumption among children. Increasing milk availability in schools and making it more appealing to children can encourage healthy lifelong consumption.
A group of physicists has proposed a 'table-top' device that could measure gravity waves and determine if gravity is a quantum phenomenon. The device uses a tiny diamond in quantum superposition to detect gravitational waves and create an interference pattern.
Researchers found that Hawaiian tiger cowries are voracious predators of alien sponges, eating half their body weight weekly. The study suggests that cowries could help control invasive species, saving the state time and money.
Researchers report that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as chronic pain. Studies highlight the importance of addressing dysfunctional coping mechanisms and supporting patients' social connections to improve outcomes.
Researchers created a map of global mangrove habitat changes between 2000 and 2016, revealing that human causes like farming and aquaculture led to more rapid losses than natural causes. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing both human and natural threats in conservation efforts.
Scientists have created a novel artificial material made of thin layers of nickelates, which can accurately control electronic properties and develop energy-efficient devices. By refining the layers to eight atoms, the entire sample behaves like a single material with one large jump in conductivity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have studied the combustion velocity of a nontoxic salt-based propellant called FAM-110A. The findings indicate that the propellant has a Goldilocks zone where its burn rate is neither too high nor too low, making it suitable for rocket engine design.
Researchers developed a 'Cold Tube' technology that uses radiant cooling to keep people comfortable in hot environments. This method can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to air conditioning, making it an attractive alternative for mitigating climate change.
A new study led by University of Illinois astronomer Brian Fields explores the possibility that astronomical events were responsible for an extinction event 359 million years ago. Researchers found evidence suggesting long-lasting ozone-depletion, which could be caused by killer cosmic rays from nearby supernovae.
Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have shown that shielding stem cells with a novel biomaterial can significantly enhance the healing process in rodents after heart attacks. The study demonstrated that shielded stem cells resulted in 2.5 times greater heart function recovery compared to non-shielded cells ...
Researchers discovered that removing copper from blood can destroy some deadly cancers resistant to immunotherapy. High levels of copper in cancer cells increase expression of PD-L1, a protein that hides cancer cells from the immune system.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are working on a new generation of lithium-ion battery materials, including manganese-rich compounds and spinel-type structures. These materials have the potential to improve energy density, safety, and cost-effectiveness, enabling widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
A North Carolina State University study found that the number of robocalls isn't increasing, and answering a robocall has no effect on receiving additional calls. The researchers also identified and tracked thousands of robocall campaigns using audio analysis.
A high-protein diet with a calorie-reduced intake was found to decrease liver fat by around 40% in obese individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study suggests that the positive effect of the high-protein diet is due to suppressed uptake, storage, and synthesis of fat in the liver.
Researchers studied captive African elephant trunk usage during feeding, finding varied strategies for manipulating different food types. The study revealed a correlation between food item shape and grasping strategy, allowing efficient feeding and increased food intake.
Researchers studied three swan species and found all were most frequently aggressive to their own kind, suggesting similar individuals compete for resources. The findings provide insight into how swan behavior affects other waterbirds over winter and highlight the importance of understanding bird competition.
Researchers develop a non-toxic Cs2Ag0.6Na0.4In0.85Bi0.15Cl6 double perovskite scintillator for high-performance X-ray imaging with low doses, enabling high-resolution images in medical and industrial applications.
Researchers discovered that cooperative species can maximize their fitness at suboptimal temperatures by working together, but this cooperation comes with a cost: increased vulnerability to habitat destruction. The study used the Asian burying beetle as a model organism and found that cooperative groups had an optimal breeding temperat...
Researchers found that adolescents who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity had stronger hips at age 25, while time spent in light intensity activity was less clear. The study suggests that supporting young people to remain active could benefit future bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Four low-cost air quality monitors provided actionable information during wildfire events, with correlations to reference monitors being 'phenomenally good.' However, the devices required adjustments and checks to use their numbers, with an estimated adjustment factor of 0.48 for PurpleAir PA-II monitors.
Research suggests that dogs are still a major threat to giant pandas in Chinese nature reserves, with 40% of habitats within range of roaming dogs. Implementing dog-control measures, such as licensing and neutering, is crucial for the bears' survival.
A new study has found that measuring the ratio of two proteins in deceased donor urine can identify kidneys with a higher probability for successful transplantation and long-term survival. The researchers believe this biomarker could help reduce the number of discarded kidneys and increase the organ donation pool.
The USPSTF recommends behavioral counseling to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for all sexually active adolescents and adults at increased risk. STIs have risen across the US, with 20 million new cases annually, leading to serious health complications if untreated.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that nearly half of breast cancer survivors in the US experienced delays in care due to COVID-19. The most commonly reported delay was for routine follow-up visits, with other common delays including chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Scientists create hierarchical assembly of dye molecules in a host-guest hybrid metal-organic framework to achieve up to three-wavelength single-mode polarized lasing. The resulting three-color single-mode lasing has a large wavelength coverage of ~186 nm and a low threshold of ~1.72 mJ/cm2.