A new study tests the effectiveness of different types of masks in preventing the spread of droplets that contain SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. The findings suggest that professional-grade N95 masks, surgical or polypropylene masks, and handmade cotton masks may block much of the spray produced when wearers speak.
Research highlights the link between Alport syndrome genotype and treatment effectiveness with ACE inhibitors and RAS blockers, showing varied responses to treatment depending on mutation type and age of progression to end-stage kidney disease.
A new DOE grant will support research on developing efficient electrochemical systems for renewable energy generation and storage. Dr. Eranda Nikolla's project aims to design catalytically active sites in non-stoichiometric, mixed metal oxides for oxygen reduction and evolution.
Researchers developed a custom smartwatch that analyzes sweat to track medication levels in real-time. This wearable technology can help personalize treatment approaches by tailoring ideal drugs and dosages to individual needs.
Researchers used a Skoltech supercomputer to perform sensitivity analysis on soil parameters for crop yield prediction. They found that certain input factors, such as fertilizer usage, significantly impacted crop yields.
Researchers discover that Pseudomonas and Burkholderia use Type VI Secretion Systems to compete for dominance in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. As Pseudomonas adapts, it loses its competitive edge, allowing Burkholderia to establish infection.
A new study finds that transitioning to renewable energy in Europe can reduce land requirements by prioritizing offshore wind power and large solar parks. The study suggests that these alternatives can achieve a fully renewable electricity supply while minimizing additional costs.
A simple, low-cost device tests mask effectiveness in blocking droplet emissions during normal wear. The study found that N95 masks without valves and surgical/polypropylene masks perform well, while hand-made cotton face coverings provide good coverage, but bandanas and neck fleeces offer little protection.
A global team of researchers has verified the checklist of vascular plants in New Guinea and surrounding islands, revealing a staggering 13,634 species. This finding confirms New Guinea as the world's richest island for plants, with 68% of its flora found only on the island.
Researchers discuss direct conversion of N2 into organic compounds via N-C bond formation, with potential applications in sustainable systems. The review highlights the challenges and limitations of current methods, but also outlines promising future research directions.
Experts have developed a platform for self-testing AI medical services, allowing for automated validation and improvement. The platform provides an opportunity to fine-tune algorithms with unlimited access to data instances, minimizing human factor manipulation.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a novel mechanism to regulate ATXN1 levels, reducing protein accumulation and improving SCA1 symptoms. Gene therapy targeting the cerebellum showed promising results by lowering ATXN1 levels and enhancing motor coordination in animal models.
Researchers found that effective complaint handling strengthens relationships between companies and customers in certain industries and for customers with specific expectations. Companies should tailor their strategies to the unique needs of their customer base to maximize economic benefits from complaint management.
A machine learning technique has been developed to identify potential tungsten deposits in SW England. The research applies multiple datasets to predict areas where tungsten mineralization is more likely to occur, revealing new insights for UK mineral exploration and potentially other metals globally.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that common but invisible words like 'a', 'the', and 'it' follow a consistent pattern across most storylines, regardless of genre or format. The research team identified three stages: staging, plot progression, and cognitive tension, which reflect how humans optimally process information.
Researchers at the University of Illinois trained light-sensitive neurons using timed pulses of light during early cell development, leading to improved connections, responsivity, and gene expression. The early training resulted in long-lasting improvements, whereas cells trained later had transient responses.
Researchers found that current battery technology is too expensive for seasonal storage, but alternative technologies like hydrogen storage can provide cost-effective solutions. The study's findings may help policy makers develop more efficient renewable energy systems.
A pilot study found that Australian men who participated in a sports-themed weight loss program increased physical activity and lost more weight compared to those in the control group. The program, which included 12 weekly sessions, was deemed feasible and cost-effective.
A new study has revealed that the long-necked reptile Tanystropheus was a surprisingly adaptable creature, living in water and hunting underwater. The researchers reconstructed its skull in unprecedented detail, showing adaptations for life in water, including long teeth for catching prey.
Researchers found that Viburnum tinus plants' blue fruits owe their color to fat in their cellular structure, a first in nature. The combination of bright blue color and high nutritional content makes the fruits an irresistible treat for birds.
A new approach to deep brain stimulation using light-sensitive proteins and harmless viruses could provide a minimally invasive treatment option for brain disorders. The technique has shown promise in reducing symptoms of Parkinson's disease by targeting non-neuronal brain cells.
A new strategy using organic nanoparticles evaluates PTT efficiency on tumors in real time, enabling doctors to adjust treatment plans promptly. The approach is based on the correlation between PTT efficiency, Casp3 activity, and near-infrared fluorescence intensity.
A new study found that children's pester power significantly influences their family's dietary intake and parenting practices. The research suggests that children's influence on their homes may be an underdeveloped potential target for future interventions.
Researchers discover a novel mechanism of structural color in Viburnum tinus fruits, using lipid nanostructures to reflect blue light. The striking blue color may also serve as a signal to birds indicating the fruit's nutritional value.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and JCAP develop new technique to map out nanoscale changes in bismuth vanadate, leading to improved oxygen production and reduced degradation. The study provides insight into the material's properties and their impact on water-splitting reactions.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that nondeceptive placebos can reduce self-reported emotional distress and brain activity related to emotional events. The study showed a significant reduction in brain markers of emotional distress within just a couple of seconds, suggesting genuine psychobiological effects.
Researchers have developed a new type of laser beam that doesn't follow long-held principles about how light refracts and travels. The beams, known as spacetime wave packets, can be arranged to behave in the usual manner, not changing speed at all, or even speeding up in denser materials.
Researchers have developed a fully implantable wireless medical device called stentrode that enables paralyzed patients to perform daily activities independently. The study showed significant improvement in motor functions, allowing patients to control devices and regain autonomy.
A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that the BCG vaccine is safe and does not increase the risk of COVID-19 symptoms. The research also suggests a cautiously positive picture, with lower numbers of sick people and extreme fatigue among vaccinated individuals during the pandemic.
The pandemic is accelerating the implementation of urban changes, such as bicycle infrastructure and street calming projects. Cities are also exploring new uses for public spaces, like rooftop gardens, to promote wellbeing and community interaction.
Researchers confirm special trap-jaw predation mechanism in ancient hell ants, providing new insights into their evolution. The study reveals an extinct early burst adaptive radiation triggered by innovation in mouthpart movement.
A new study finds that providers participating in an intervention with education and resources are more likely to adhere to national chronic opioid therapy guidelines compared to those who do not take part. The intervention includes access to a nurse care manager, addiction specialists, and monitoring of prescription usage.
Researchers found that reducing caesarean section rates among first-time mothers can result in substantial economic savings, with net present values of €1.1million and £9.8million per annual cohort. Improving vaginal births after c-sections also yields significant benefits, with net present values of €3.5M and £23.0M per annual cohort.
A new study finds that dedicated clinics for treating influenza can limit disease spread and hospitalizations. By opening these clinics during peak prevalence periods, the number of infections can be reduced by 0.4-1.5% and peak prevalence can be flattened by 0.07-0.32%.
Researchers at UArizona aim to reduce devastating effects of acute ischemic stroke by developing therapeutic treatments for acute stroke using statins. The study focuses on delivering statins to the brain, where their neuroprotective properties may save damaged tissue.
A large proportion of UK healthcare workers may have already been infected with Covid-19, with many experiencing mild symptoms such as anosmia. The study found that nearly two-thirds of participants reported losing their sense of smell or taste between mid-February and mid-April.
A new CT scanning method developed by researchers from Aarhus University and University of Leicester has shown how the chest and abdominal region of a deceased person move during simulated heart massage. This detailed information can help clarify important physiological mechanisms and improve resuscitation techniques.
Two new studies reveal significant racial disparities in stroke patients with COVID-19, with African American patients facing higher mortality rates and poorer post-procedure management. The research highlights the need for further investigation into these disparities to reduce negative outcomes and improve patient care.
Researchers at KIT and Jilin University developed lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. LLTO enables higher energy density, power density, and charging rate while improving safety and cycle life.
The American Society of Hematology has released new clinical practice guidelines for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older adults. The guidelines aim to provide personalized care by addressing patients' goals and wishes throughout their disease course.
A study published in The Lancet found that plaster casts are as effective as surgery in healing scaphoid waist fractures in the wrist. Patients who received a plaster cast showed similar outcomes to those who underwent surgery, with no significant difference in pain, function, or complications.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UCSF developed a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve to improve language learning. Participants showed significant improvements in distinguishing Mandarin tones, with some reaching peak performance twice as quickly as control participants.
Post-theatrical release piracy is connected to higher ticket sales due to increased word-of-mouth advertising. Movie studios should focus on preventing pirated copies from leaking online before release.
Scientists at NTU Singapore developed a synthetic peptide, CSM5-K5, that makes multidrug-resistant bacteria sensitive to antibiotics when used with traditional antibiotics. The peptide also kills resistant bacteria on its own, offering hope for combination treatment strategies.
A new study reveals racial disparities in high-cost proton radiotherapy for childhood cancer treatment, with Black and low-income children facing barriers to access. The research highlights the urgent need for equitable healthcare policies to ensure all children receive quality cancer care regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.
Researchers employed a gendered ecosystem services approach with Lozi communities to identify locally relevant strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The study found that agroecological intensification, such as multiple cropping and agroforestry, can restore and maintain ecosystem services in cultivated lands while reduci...
A recent study by Washington State University criminologist Kathryn DuBois found that women from small towns are most at risk of intimate partner violence, with a 27% higher likelihood of being victims compared to urban areas and 42% more likely than suburban women.
Researchers investigate how genetics influence rumen microbiome in cattle, seeking to identify host genomic markers for heritability. The study aims to manipulate microbiomes to enhance agricultural production and develop more sustainable cow-calf systems.
A team of researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a guide to help oncologists navigate difficult conversations with patients due to the pandemic. The guide provides three core communication strategies and examples of language that can be used to respond empathetically, addressing concerns around risk, delays, and changes in treatment.
Researchers have discovered a 99-million-year-old fossil of an ancient 'hell ant' that shows how it hunted its prey with deadly precision. The fossil, which is one of the oldest and most well-preserved ever found, reveals the mechanism behind the hell ant's unique mouthparts and headgear.
Researchers identified five blood biomarkers associated with increased odds of clinical deterioration and death in COVID-19 patients. Elevated levels of these biomarkers were linked to inflammation and bleeding disorders, increasing the risk of ICU admission, ventilatory support, and mortality.
A new method, nanoproteomics, captures and measures various forms of cardiac troponin I, a biomarker of heart damage. This effective test could one day provide doctors with a better ability to diagnose heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Researchers develop a new class of materials that can seamlessly transfer a compound's bright fluorescence to a solid state, overcoming a long-standing barrier. The breakthrough has potential applications in solar energy harvesting, bioimaging, and lasers.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who experience a sudden drop in systolic blood pressure when standing up may be at higher risk of developing dementia years later. The study also showed that controlling these blood pressure drops could be a promising way to help preserve people's thinking and memory skills as they age.
A Marshall University researcher has been awarded a $444,000 grant to investigate the role of sodium pump signaling in fat cells and its potential as a treatment for uremic cardiomyopathy. The study aims to reveal more about oxidative stress and its impact on disease progression.
The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant's stored contaminated wastewater contains multiple radioactive isotopes with varying levels of risk. These include tritium, a relatively short-lived isotope, and other isotopes like carbon-14, cobalt-60, and strontium-90, which pose more complex hazards to humans and the environment.
A new alpha-radioimmunotherapy has proven effective in preventing tumor growth and increasing survival in multiple myeloma tumor-bearing mice. The therapy targets CD38 protein on tumoral cells and reduces unwanted radiation exposure on normal tissues.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that surgical delays for very early stage breast cancer patients did not impact overall survival. In fact, increased time to surgery was associated with a small increase in pathological upstaging, but no significant difference in survival rates.
Researchers challenge previous understanding of viscous bubble behavior, concluding that surface tension and dynamic stress are key drivers of bubble collapse. In viscous liquids, bubbles exhibit structural instability characterized by radial wrinkles around the periphery, a phenomenon previously attributed to gravity.
A new study found that HIV screening every three months compared to annually improves clinical outcomes and is cost-effective among high-risk YMSM in the US. The study also suggests that more frequent screening could lead to improved life expectancy and reduced HIV transmission among these men.