A new study analyzing nationwide U.S. county-level data and individual-level voter records from Washington and Utah found that mandatory vote-by-mail modestly increases voter turnout by 1.8-2.9% without favoring either party. The effect on Democratic shares of the vote was not statistically significant, with a minor increase of 0.7%.
The study reveals that chitin oligosaccharides trigger cytosolic calcium oscillations, which propagate across the whole plant and synchronize cell responses. This synchronized signal affects transcription of defense-related genes, allowing plants to mount a uniform defense response.
A new study found that robotic support pets for older adults and people with dementia acquire bacteria over time, posing a risk of illness. However, a simple cleaning procedure involving anti-bacterial products and wipes can effectively reduce microbial loads to safe levels.
The White House, NSF, and DOE announced over $1 billion in awards for the establishment of 12 new AI and QIS research institutes. These institutes will spur cutting-edge innovation, support regional economic growth, and advance American leadership in emerging technologies.
Researchers developed a novel framework and model to analyze drivers of water theft and deterrents. The study found that social attitudes, institutions, and future supply uncertainty contribute to water theft, highlighting the need for stronger deterrents.
Research published in Open Heart found a significant reduction in cardiology services during the COVID-19 lockdown, including a 40% decrease in heart attack diagnoses at one center in Scotland. This shift was attributed to virtual outpatient clinics, redeployed staff, and rescheduled non-urgent procedures.
Researchers have reconstructed a ciliate mitoribosome using cryo-EM, identifying nine novel proteins encoded in the mitochondrial genome and challenging existing views on mitochondrial translation evolution. The discovery provides new insights into mitochondria's structural and functional complexity.
Researchers developed a blood test predicting psychosis development risk with 93% accuracy. The test identifies early changes in the immune system involved in inflammation.
Researchers have identified six molecules that can be used as biomarkers to predict how severely ill a patient with COVID-19 will become. Additionally, they discovered a new mechanism causing life-threatening blood clots in COVID-19 patients and potential ways to treat them.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina have found that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can completely prevent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by Staphylococcal enterotoxin. The study suggests a possible treatment for ARDS caused by COVID-19.
Researchers developed a saliva test to diagnose heart attacks, showing strong agreement with blood tests. The test provides results in 10 minutes, compared to at least one hour for standard blood tests, and has the potential to save lives.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University created a combination molecule featuring GLP-1 and FGF21 that controls blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss in mice for up to a week after a single injection. The slow-release ELP linker ensures stable drug release over time.
Researchers found Anoxychlamydiales, a group of Chlamydiae living without oxygen, with hydrogen-producing genes. These genes were likely exchanged with eukaryotes during the evolution of complex life, providing insight into the origins of eukaryotic cellular complexity.
Researchers at KAUST have developed an approach to detect rare gene mutations in a pool of cells, which is crucial for early cancer detection and evaluating CRISPR/Cas9 editing outcomes. The technique, called IDMseq, accurately detects single mutations and analyzes large DNA deletions with high accuracy and sensitivity.
A new study reveals a potential link between brain inflammation and fatigue in multiple sclerosis, using PET imaging to identify specific brain regions correlated with fatigue scores. The findings open new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic research into the debilitating symptom.
Research from the University of Iowa reveals that parents who use road crossings as teachable moments can significantly improve their child's ability to cross streets safely. Children who received constructive advice, especially on identifying safe gaps in traffic ahead of time, showed improved skills and reduced risk of injury.
New studies demonstrate significant reductions in ALT, hepatic fat, and liver damage biomarkers for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The treatments target lipid metabolism and show potential to address type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A large European study found that using the MELD-Na score could increase high-risk patient transplants and reduce 90-day waiting-list mortality. The MELD-Na score includes serum sodium, which is a significant predictor of mortality in patients on liver transplant lists.
A study published in JCI Insight has identified a potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with tesamorelin reducing liver fat and fibrosis progression. The drug appears to increase expression of genes associated with burning of fat in the mitochondria, which may prevent fibrosis.
A recent study published in Science has proven that repeated and abrupt climate changes during the last ice age occurred simultaneously in South America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Greenland. The researchers used stalactite measurements from caves and ice core samples to determine the timing of these events.
Researchers from Arizona State University have made significant progress in understanding TRPV1's thermosensing mechanism. The study provides a framework for distinguishing specific activation mechanisms that can be targeted to develop new non-addictive pain therapies.
Astronomers have provided clear evidence for the formation of an accretion disk around a supermassive black hole during a tidal disruption event. The new findings support theoretical predictions and provide unprecedented insights into these unusual events.
A Commentary in AIDS Patient Care and STDs finds COVID-19 and HIV diagnoses decreasing as white population increases in US counties. Systemic racism is a key factor contributing to disparities in health outcomes among communities of color.
A recent study found that FoMO is linked to loneliness, low self-esteem, and low self-compassion, not social media use. Researchers suggest addressing negative self-perceptions by practicing self-compassion and focusing on real connections.
A new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution has found that native desert bighorn sheep populations in landscapes with minimal human disturbance are less likely to be vulnerable to climate change. The researchers analyzed genetic data from over 1,600 individuals across 62 populations in the American Southwest.
Research reveals that HIV studies are often designed with an unrepresentative population, leading to a lack of effective solutions for diverse groups. The study's findings highlight the need for more inclusive research methods to address health inequalities and improve patient outcomes.
A team of Italian scientists analyzed the effect of lifting lockdowns on COVID-19 transmission in Italy. They found that most regions remained close to a baseline scenario for one-and-a-half months after lockdown relaxation, highlighting the importance of controlled case isolation interventions to prevent rebounding epidemics.
Researchers found that a mutation in a tRNA gene can disrupt brain function and behavior, leading to imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. This imbalance has been implicated in numerous neurological diseases, including epilepsies and autism spectrum disorders.
A new analysis found that cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) incidence has increased three times higher than previously reported in the US. CVT is most common in younger women, but recent findings suggest increases in men and older women, with a notable disparity in Black people compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed polymer materials that combine self-healing with strength and recyclability. The materials were produced using planetary ball-milling, a method that efficiently mixed host and guest polymers, resulting in tough, self-healable, and recyclable supramolecular materials.
A new fossil discovery has provided critical evidence for the evolution of the mammalian middle ear, revealing the first unequivocal evidence of the five auditory bones from an extinct group. The findings have narrowed the morphological gap between ancient and modern mammals.
A clinical trial found that a new artificial pancreas system improved blood glucose control in children aged 6-13, achieving 7% daytime improvement and 26% nighttime control. The technology replaces traditional testing and insulin delivery, providing greater convenience and safety.
Scientists at Tohoku University have developed a novel heat treatment technique that induces a 2D gradient rejuvenation state in bulk metallic glasses, resulting in improved ductility and tailored hardening. The technique enables the formation of a complete shear plane, blocking shear band propagation and increasing critical shear stress.
Researchers have reconstructed the ancestral relationships of the hillstream loach family tree, detailing unusual pelvic adaptations that enable some members to crawl or walk on land. The study found three dominant variations of pelvic anatomy that explain different degrees of land-walking behavior among the fishes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed an improved type of PROTAC that enhances intracellular accumulation and functions, not only as a degrader but also as an inhibitor of the target protein. The study's findings suggest the possibility of applying this strategy to improve PROTACs for clinical applications.
NASA satellites have been providing forecasters with data on major Hurricane Laura's temperature, rainfall capability, storm structure and extent. Cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit are generating heavy rainfall.
A University of Washington study found that rental ads in Seattle's predominantly white neighborhoods often emphasize 'vintage charm' and history, while neighborhoods with more people of color focus on safety and security. The study suggests that these linguistic patterns can influence housing choices and perpetuate racial segregation.
The Quantum Systems Accelerator will harness quantum information science for discoveries that benefit the world and accelerate commercialization. The center will co-design solutions needed to build working quantum systems outperforming today's computers.
Research published in Stroke and Vascular Neurology found that US hospital admissions for stroke and mini-stroke decreased by nearly a third during the height of the pandemic. This decline may have led to poorer patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for patients to seek medical care during the crisis.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology developed ultrathin organic solar cells using inkjet printing, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 4.73 percent and paving the way for flexible, lightweight energy harvesting in various applications.
Researchers create temporary synthetic coating that can be adapted to deliver drugs, aid in digestion, or prevent nutrient absorption. The coating, made from dopamine molecules, can improve lactose digestion efficiency up to 20-fold and potentially treat conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Researchers have developed a synthetic gut lining that can target the small intestine, delivering drugs and influencing nutrient absorption. The system has shown potential in treating lactose intolerance, diabetes, obesity, and tropical diseases like schistosomiasis.
A new study suggests that a COVID-19 vaccine needs to be at least 80% effective to achieve a complete 'return to normal' and prevent an epidemic. Social vulnerability is also linked to increased COVID-19 infection, with specific factors varying among regions and counties.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science use a special approach to detect acetonitrile in a low-density region of the Sagittarius molecular cloud. They analyze radio wave absorption patterns to infer the presence of this complex organic molecule, shedding light on its distribution and potential role in the origin of life.
Auralee Edelen's work uses machine learning to streamline particle accelerator operations, while Wai Ling Wu explores mysteries in astrophysics and cosmology. The Panofsky Fellowship provides funding for five years of research.
A recent study found that only 80 primate studies investigated the effectiveness of conservation interventions, highlighting a severe lack of evidence for effective conservation. The authors propose several actions to improve the evidence base, including increasing resources for intervention-effectiveness testing and publication.
A study of 2,500 Finnish children aged 2-6 years found that negative experiences of early childhood education and care were mainly related to interaction with peers, play, rules, and restrictions. Children's positive experiences were associated with their own activities, such as play and excursions.
Research found that cancer cells losing 'stickiness' allows them to move freely, but dense environments can still hold them back. This contradicts previous understanding of cell movement in cancer development.
Researchers found that climate change and coastal development will reduce suitable nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles by 10%, while green turtles will see a 7% decrease along the US East Coast. Leatherback turtles face minimal changes in suitable habitat availability.
A new therapeutic approach to treating Alzheimer's disease has been discovered by researchers at the University of Kentucky, using an antibody to target inflammation and promote microglia to clear amyloid deposits in the brain. The study found that this approach leads to reduced amyloid deposition and improved cognition.
The study examined SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates among hospitalized children with no COVID-19 symptoms. Researchers found that approximately 21% of these patients tested positive for the virus.
A global study of over 320,000 patients found that hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin increases cardiovascular risks, including mortality, in the short and long term. The combination therapy was associated with a 65% relative increase in cardiovascular-related mortality compared to sulfasalazine.
A revised code upgrade has improved the calculation of forces acting on magnetically confined plasma in fusion energy experiments. The new software, SPEC, enables researchers to determine the boundary of plasma in stellarators more easily, allowing for a better design and performance.
A new study from Boston Medical Center highlights the benefits of using health technology to engage African American and Black women earlier in preconception care. The online system Gabby increases the rate of maintaining and acting on identified preconception care risks by 16 percent, with results maintained after 12 months.
In adult fruit flies, accumulating extra genome copies in brain cells may help prevent cell death caused by DNA damage. This novel anti-aging defence could also shed light on human age-related brain diseases.
Researchers at Stony Brook University have determined the near-atomic resolution structure of the activated Arp2/3 complex, providing insights into its role in biology and disease. The discovery may lead to a better understanding of diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and bacterial infections.
A new study finds that loose networks benefit men in uncertain work environments, while tight networks favor women. This difference in networking structure contributes to wage disparities between men and women in high-risk occupations.
Researchers have used single-cell RNA sequencing to profile transcriptome-level changes in response to DNA damage across individual cancer cells. The study found three distinct groups of genes activated in response to chemotherapy, revealing new insights into why some cancer cells survive while others die.
A study of over 86,000 Japanese couples found that wives with similar cardiovascular disease risk factors as their husbands are more likely to suffer from the same disorders. The researchers emphasize the importance of considering spouses' health in medical treatment and recommending family-based interventions.
A study found that people who catastrophize about their pain are less likely to be physically active later in the day, leading to a cycle of sedentary behavior and worsened pain. This psychological factor may explain why patients with chronic pain avoid physical activities despite its importance for pain management.