A new study found that extreme hurricane rainfall events in the Caribbean are five times more likely in a warmer world, but meeting Paris Agreement goals could reduce this risk by up to half. The research highlights the urgent need to tackle global warming and recommends targeting resilience funding towards the most at-risk areas.
Novel agents targeting viral production and immune response show promising results in early clinical trials. Four studies presented at DILC 2020 evaluated the strategy of disrupting viral protein synthesis using RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotides, with two combining NRTIs with novel therapies achieving significant HBsAg re...
Researchers identified a new cellular protection pathway that targets a common vulnerability in several pandemic viruses, including Ebola and SARS-CoV-2. The study found that the MHC class II transactivator CIITA induces resistance by activating CD74, which disrupts viral entry into cells.
Neighbourhoods with high walkability and bikeability scores are associated with higher collision risks, despite being deemed safe for walking and biking. Researchers identified hotspots in the downtown core and areas like Strathcona and Mount Pleasant as high-risk zones for cyclists.
Austrian researchers identified drug-like compounds that could block a key coronavirus protein called PLpro, found in all coronaviruses. These compounds previously developed to fight SARS showed promise in halting the growth of COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) in laboratory testing.
A new study warns that unregulated AI can be detrimental to sustainable development, particularly in developing nations. AI's misuse by big tech can lead to biases, corruption, and job displacement, highlighting the need for proactive regulatory measures.
Researchers find significant decline in coral skeleton density due to ocean acidification on the Great Barrier Reef and South China Sea. This effect will likely accelerate as ocean acidity increases over the next several decades.
A new wearable gas sensor has been developed to detect nitrogen dioxide at low concentrations, with improved sensitivity compared to conventional designs. The sensor combines laser-induced graphene foam material with molybdenum disulfide and reduced-graphene oxide nanocomposites, enabling real-time environmental monitoring applications.
A new study found that teen drivers and older adults are more likely to drive vehicles with fewer critical safety characteristics, putting them at higher risk of injury. Drivers from lower-income neighborhoods were also less likely to drive newer, safer cars.
A retrospective analysis found that Black pediatric patients are less likely to receive proton therapy, which may lead to increased side effects and long-term health disparities. The study calls for addressing barriers to access and promoting equitable distribution of this high-cost treatment.
Global methane concentrations have risen due to increased anthropogenic emissions from the fossil fuel sector and agriculture. Key findings indicate a significant role of methane in climate change, with rapid emission reductions offering substantial benefits.
A recent study revealed that the human gut microbiome is linked to multiple diseases and traits, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atopy, and BMI. The research used genetic data to estimate microbiome composition in a large cohort of unrelated individuals, finding associations between eleven bacteria and 28 health outcomes.
Researchers have identified three forms of disease progression for acute decompensated liver cirrhosis, including a high-risk variant that leads to severe organ failure and death. The study provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of ACLF and lays the groundwork for developing preventive therapies.
Researchers found that elite HIV controllers have viral reservoirs located in inactive regions of the genome, known as gene deserts, which are incapable of reactivating. This unique characteristic may hold the key to achieving a functional cure for HIV by targeting active viral reservoirs.
Researchers at West Virginia University aim to understand zinc's role in neuronal communication, using animal models and sensors to track activity. They hope to uncover the inner workings of the auditory cortex and develop new treatments for conditions like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at ITMO University have developed a metasurface that enables simultaneous power transfer at various frequencies, allowing users to charge devices from different manufacturers with different power transfer standards.
A new meta-analysis of published studies on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment finds no mortality benefit, while combining it with azithromycin is associated with a 27% increased risk. The study supports current clinical recommendations against using these drugs for COVID-19 patients.
A team led by Huimin Zhao at the University of Illinois has received a five-year, $20 million NSF grant to develop new AI tools for molecule synthesis. The institute aims to accelerate automated chemical synthesis and advance the discovery and manufacture of novel materials and bioactive compounds.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding dispersion's impact on entangled photon systems, allowing for more reliable communication networks. This discovery could enable faster data transmission rates and secure secret sharing.
A new AI app aims to improve the diets and nutrition of adolescent girls in urban settings in Ghana and Vietnam. The app will use machine learning to analyze users' food consumption, provide personalized dietary advice, and encourage healthy eating habits.
Soil enzymes play a crucial role in chemical reactions, cellular metabolism, and organic matter decomposition. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium reduce enzyme activity by 3-3.5 times, particularly affecting carbon and sulfur cycles.
A new study finds that 50-70% of Antarctic ice shelves are at risk of rapid disintegration due to hydrofracturing, which could lead to significant sea-level rise. The research suggests that existing cracks in the shelves could provide routes for disintegration, and that warming temperatures could accelerate this process.
Effective solutions to climate change threaten coral reefs require prioritization challenges, weighing quality versus quantity, and species selection. Coordinated interventions combined with best-practice management are necessary to sustain the reef's resilience.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have developed a novel cell-based therapy using 'HUMBLE' cells, genetically modified human white fat cells that mimic heat-generating brown fat cells. Transplanted into mice with type 2 diabetes, these cells improved insulin sensitivity and glucose clearance, reducing weight gain and related chronic...
Hurricane Laura is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, with NASA capturing powerful images of the storm from space. The eye of the hurricane was located near latitude 26.4 degrees north and longitude 91.4 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 115 mph.
Tribal behavior on social media widened the gulf between Remain and Leave voters in the UK's Brexit debate, with frequent use of derogatory terms and language. The study suggests that social media platforms' business model can exacerbate this polarization, making it challenging to create a more even-handed discussion.
A UMass Amherst health informatician has received a $2.4 million grant to develop a mobile health system using finger-worn sensors to monitor and encourage movement in stroke survivors' weak upper limbs. The goal is to provide individually tailored data and visualization tools to motivate patients and inform clinicians.
A new study found that labiaplasty significantly improves physical symptoms such as tugging and pain during exercise, while also boosting self-esteem and intimacy. The procedure reduces visible signs of excess vaginal tissue, leading to improved quality of life for women.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a lab-on-a-chip device that can measure toxic lead in sediments and water samples within minutes. This affordable technology has the potential to enable municipalities, schools, and homeowners to quickly test their water supplies for contamination.
Research released at ESC Congress 2020 links depression or anxiety in adolescence to a 20% increased risk of heart attacks by middle age. A mental disorder in adolescence is associated with poorer stress resilience and lower physical fitness, contributing to the risk.
Plant researchers have identified the calcium channel responsible for stomatal closing, a crucial defense mechanism against pathogens. This discovery has the potential to engineer pathogen-resistant crops by allowing plants to 'close their gates' when threatened.
Santa Fe Institute researchers Artemy Kolchinsky and David Wolpert present a new framework for understanding the relationship between energy and computation in Turing machines. They derive relationships between algorithmic information and energy, showing that computations with more compressible outputs require more energy.
A study found that following the Eatwell Guide diet in the UK can reduce mortality risk by 7% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. The diet recommends consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, wholegrain carbohydrates, and lean proteins.
The University of Oklahoma is leading a $100 million NSF AI Institute to advance trustworthy AI in weather, climate, and coastal oceanography. Researchers will develop accurate predictions and improve societal resilience to climate change.
Researchers discovered that neutralizing antibodies provide protection from SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in a group of sailors who tested positive for these antibodies before embarking on a voyage. The high percentage of infected crew members highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing reinfections.
The Cambridge-developed DNA vaccine candidate, DIOS-CoVax2, targets key regions of the virus to produce beneficial anti-viral responses. The vaccine aims to protect against SARS-CoV-2 and other related coronaviruses, with a potential for widespread use and low-cost manufacturing.
A recent study found that men who used smartphones and tablets in the evening had poorer sperm quality, with lower sperm concentration, motility, and progressive motility. Additionally, longer sleep duration was associated with higher sperm total and greater progressive motility.
The NSF has awarded a $20 million grant to create an AI Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions, a cross-discipline collaboration between 20 physicists and seven AI experts from top universities. The institute will explore the use of AI in fundamental physics and apply physics principles to improve AI methods.
Research found occupational exposures to pollutants, including burning wood and vehicle exhaust, were associated with abnormal heart function and structure. Long-term exposure to these pollutants may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially among low-income occupations.
A team from Pennsylvania State University analyzed the root systems of various beans and legumes to identify beneficial characteristics for breeding. They found that roots can balance nutrient exploration in topsoil and subsoil, leading to improved crop resilience under stress.
A study shows that friends who swap bodies experience changes in their self-perception and memory, highlighting the connection between our mental and physical selves. Participants who fully embraced their friend's body performed better on memory tests than those who felt disconnected from their own body.
The new microscopic robots are controlled by flashing laser pulses and can walk thanks to a simple circuit made from silicon photovoltaics. The researchers explored ways to enhance the robots with more complicated electronics and onboard computation, potentially leading to swarms of tiny robots crawling through human tissue and blood.
Researchers from the University of Leeds have developed a telephone screening and referral service to identify COVID-19 survivors who need ongoing support. The service aims to provide timely specialist rehabilitation and ensure people return to their normal lives as quickly as possible.
The Phase I/II LIBRETTO-001 trial found that selpercatinib achieved durable objective responses in the majority of participants with RET gene fusions, including an ORR of 85% in previously untreated patients. The study also showed promising results in patients with brain metastases and thyroid cancers.
The University of Illinois will lead two of seven new national artificial intelligence institutes, one focusing on agricultural resilience and the other on molecular discovery. The institutes aim to advance AI research in computer vision, machine learning, and automation to address major agricultural challenges.
Carnegie Mellon University has received a $500,000 planning grant to develop AI research and interdisciplinary collaborations in astrophysics, subatomic physics, and biophysics. The university aims to promote cross-disciplinary interactions and encourage new collaborations to advance fundamental fields.
A recent study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that nearly 90% of shoulder replacement implants last more than ten years. Patients reported continued benefits from the operation, with a sustained positive effect on their lives for at least a decade.
Geographer Professor Jonathan Everts criticizes the lack of clarity in dashboard data compilation and its impact on understanding regional differences. He highlights the need for a more differentiated approach to indicators and dashboards during pandemics, considering social inequalities and long-term consequences.
Dr. Christopher Basler receives $100,000 grant to study enzymes critical for SARS-CoV-2 replication and explore small molecule inhibitors as potential COVID-19 treatments. Early data suggests these drugs could be effective in slowing SARS-CoV-2 growth.
Researchers found that summit success rates doubled to two-thirds of climbers reaching the top, while death rates remained at around 1% since 1990. Improved weather forecasting and safer climbing techniques may contribute to the increased success rate.
The University of Texas at Austin has been selected to lead the NSF AI Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning, aiming to develop new classes of algorithms for more sophisticated AI technologies. The institute will focus on addressing challenges such as noise and diffuseness in modern datasets.
Fecal microbial transplant has been shown to reduce cravings for alcohol and improve psychosocial quality of life in patients with cirrhosis and AUD. Altering the gut-brain axis through microbiota manipulation may alleviate AUD symptoms, while changes in gut microbiota also affect hepatocarcinogenesis.
A new study from Lund University reveals a significant link between cognitive impairment and increased risk of rehospitalization and death in heart failure patients. The study, which examined 281 patients, shows that those with impaired cognitive function are more likely to experience poor outcomes.
Researchers developed a boron-doped anisotropic Sm(Fe0.8Co0.2)12 thin film with exceptional magnetic properties. The compound showed a large coercivity of 1.2 T and a remanent magnetization of 1.5 T, outperforming previously studied Sm(Fe0.8Co0.2)12 compounds.
A team of researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used new computational methods to link characteristic presentations of childhood epilepsies with specific genetic variants. They analyzed clinical information and large-scale genomic data, finding associations between 11 genetic causes and specific symptoms.
Researchers developed new predictive models to identify patients at highest risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. The models used clinical parameters and identified specific clusters of patients with elevated or impaired liver function, suggesting more personalized HCC sur...
Women with Alzheimer's live longer and experience less severe symptoms due to the protective effects of their second X chromosome. The study found that women carrying a specific variant of the KDM6A gene have twice the dose of protective proteins, giving them greater protection against the disease.
A new study reveals a protein called OSCA1.3 forms a channel that triggers calcium entry into plant cells, triggering the closure of stomata as a defense response to pathogens. This finding is crucial for understanding plant immune mechanisms and could lead to more resilient crops.
New research found that pasta consumption in both children and adults is associated with a better diet quality and better nutrient intakes. Pasta-eaters showed a beneficial weight-related outcome, particularly in adult females, with reduced waist circumference, body weight, and body mass index.
Researchers have identified a metabolic vulnerability in cells that may represent a therapeutic target for treating small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT). A new treatment agent has been shown to starve cancer cells by eliminating arginine, an amino acid necessary for protein production.