Researchers at UMass Amherst have created an 'Air-gen' device that harnesses natural protein to generate clean energy from atmospheric water vapor, offering a promising alternative to traditional renewable energy sources. The non-polluting technology has significant advantages over solar and wind power, and can even be used indoors.
A study examining nonprofit hospital finances found that those with higher net income provided more charity care, while lower-income hospitals offered less. The analysis suggests a correlation between financial status and charitable healthcare services.
New research reveals rising sudden cardiac death rates among women, with the disorder often being their first sign of heart disease. The study highlights the importance of identifying novel risk factors and diagnostics to reduce this risk.
A new study verified multi-system forecasts for major stratospheric sudden warmings (MSSWs), showing that all four systems can be judged skilled for five-day forecasts when averaged across available MSSWs. Longer lead times present challenges, with some systems skillful but others not.
New research reveals that Mediterranean-type climates experience rapid decreases in rainfall when greenhouse gases rise, impacting water resources. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions can interrupt these effects, benefiting regions reliant on winter rainfall.
A study found that people exposed to vaccine content on social media were more likely to be misinformed about vaccines than those exposed to it on traditional media. Up to 20% of respondents were at least somewhat misinformed, with common claims including the link between vaccines and autism.
The U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense have jointly issued new guidelines for assessment and treatment of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea in military personnel and veterans. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the recommended treatment, while positive airway pressure therapy is suggested for sleep apnea.
Researchers at University of Helsinki identified tropomodulin as a key player in maintaining the balance between protrusive and contractile actin-filament machineries. The protein's depletion leads to severe problems in cell shape and force production, associated with various cancers.
Scientists created a detailed map of breast cancer, showing how genetic changes affect the physical tumour landscape. This technique could provide doctors with an unparalleled wealth of information about each patient's tumour upon diagnosis.
A two-degree Centigrade increase in global average temperature could lead to catastrophic consequences for the planet. The study found that countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia face major deviations from precipitation norms, with southern areas expected to experience more frequent droughts and heatwaves.
Brazilian researchers found a correlation between salivary uric acid levels and body fat percentages in teenagers, suggesting a reliable biomarker for early detection of chronic diseases. The study identified the level of uric acid in saliva as a good predictor of body fat percentage.
Researchers found elevated risks of skin cancer, gastrointestinal and blood side effects, as well as liver test abnormalities and cirrhosis in participants taking low-dose methotrexate. The study provides a detailed side-effect profile that may inform more informed prescribing practices.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a new approach to detect crystallization signs without fluorescent labeling or tracking. They used particle image diffusometry to analyze microscopy movie data, revealing the collective motion of molecular clusters before nucleation.
Researchers found that around one-third of orphan genes result from divergence, suggesting de novo emergence is more frequent than thought. Emerging genes carry potential to be important, as artificially expressed sequences showed increased growth rates in baker's yeast cells.
Scientists have developed a new method using zinc isotope analysis to determine the diet of fossil vertebrates. The study found that the ratio of special zinc isotopes in dental enamel can identify whether an animal was a herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore.
A University of Kent study found that cultivated foods offer chimpanzees in West Africa more energetic benefits than wild foods. The research suggests that nutritionally dense crops provide primates with essential nutrients for survival.
Scientists have developed a new technique to analyze signaling molecules in individual cancer cells, revealing complex communication networks that contribute to tumor growth and treatment resistance. The technique, tested on bowel cancer cells, detected 28 key signaling molecules across six cell types in over 1 million cells.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that longer sitting times were associated with higher levels of heart disease risk among overweight and obese post-menopausal women. The study revealed a strong negative link between sitting time and insulin resistance, particularly among Hispanic women.
Researchers developed a pancreatic tumor model that condenses cancer development to just two weeks, allowing them to observe trends in cell growth and invasion. The study found that cancer cells from different mutations become more invasive when they grow together, which challenges the current understanding of disease progression.
Eating a Mediterranean diet for a year boosts beneficial gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and may help curb frailty and cognitive decline in older people. The diet is associated with increased diversity of the microbiome, improved brain function, and reduced harmful inflammatory chemicals.
A study published in PNAS reveals that Antarctic sea-ice played a crucial role in past climate transitions, storing extra carbon in the deep ocean and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Sea ice formation increases storage of carbon in the deep ocean, leading to a 30 ppm drawdown of atmospheric CO2.
Research by Carnegie Institution scientists suggests that aerosol pollution can delay climate change effects, benefiting tropical countries but harming high-latitude developed nations. The cooling effect outweighs its limited economic benefits, with public health concerns taking precedence.
A comprehensive analysis of UK biodiversity over 45 years reveals concerning declines in terrestrial non-insect invertebrates, but strong recoveries in freshwater insects. Overall occupancy of invertebrates increased by 11%, with freshwater insects surpassing 1970 levels after a 47% decline.
A study found that bisphenol S, a BPA substitute, causes changes in gene expression and neurotransmitter levels in the mouse placenta, similar to BPA. The findings suggest that BPS may be toxic to humans, despite some differences in human and mouse placentas
Researchers discovered functional diversity in TRPA1 receptors among mosquito species, affecting thermal sensitivity and citronella repellent efficacy. This study highlights the importance of considering species-specific traits for effective mosquito control.
A comprehensive review of published evidence links 24 genetic variants to a heightened risk of developing endometrial cancer. Women with most or all of these variants may be twice or three times more likely to develop the disease.
Researchers discovered that potato plants are most susceptible to infection during the first three weeks of the growing season, leading to reduced tuber yield and quality. This age-related resistance mechanism suggests that management programs should focus on early stages of potato development to protect crops.
A recent study published in BMJ Case Reports highlights the serious complications of measles, including hepatitis, appendicitis, and viral meningitis. The authors report on three cases of adults treated for measles, highlighting the need for urgent efforts to ensure global coverage with two-dose measles vaccines.
Researchers discovered a vulnerability in LTE that enables attackers to impersonate mobile phone users, booking fee-based services and accessing sensitive information.
Researchers at UCL have developed a new mass spectrometry platform to measure communication signals in millions of single cells from bowel cancer mini-tumours. This breakthrough enables the study of how cancer cells interact with healthy cells and the immune system, leading to new personalized cancer treatments.
A study found that a high diversity of fish in the Rupununi region of Guyana indicates healthy forest ecosystems. Protecting this area can help preserve rivers and biodiversity across the Amazon.
Researchers have found that natural antioxidant L-ergothioneine can relieve some clinical symptoms of Pre-eclampsia in rats, including reduced blood pressure and fetal growth restriction. Further study is needed to validate its safety and efficacy in humans.
Scientists propose a new design that replaces traditional high-n materials with tunable nanolaminate layers to achieve improved performance parameters. The new coating enables larger bandwidth, higher LIDT, and smaller transmission ripples compared to traditional designs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that combining TAK228 and trametinib may be more effective than either drug alone in decreasing pediatric low-grade glioma growth. The combination therapy also suppressed activity in key cell signaling pathways, reducing tumor growth and increasing survival in mice.
Female marmot offspring born to older mothers exhibit greater annual and lifetime reproductive success compared to those born to younger mothers. In contrast, low-elevation environments exacerbate the decline in reproductive success of female offspring born to older mothers.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the subtalar joint, revealing its mechanics and potential for improved design of joint replacements. The study used standing CT scans and digital volume correlation to analyze the joint's motion under full weight-bearing.
A new study from UC Davis warns that extreme weather risk is too often ignored in financial markets, putting investors at risk of severe losses. The research highlights the need for better climate risk assessment and pricing to mitigate potential economic consequences.
A new study proposes a methodology for identifying effective hedging strategies based on weather derivatives to protect ski tourism operators' profits despite climate change. The research uses historical snowfall and temperature data to design useful weather derivatives payoff contracts.
A study of 139,000 older Australians found strong links between certain food groups, such as fruit, vegetables, and protein-rich foods, and reduced memory loss and comorbid heart disease. Age-specific dietary guidelines may be necessary to prevent cognitive impairment in older populations.
Researchers developed AB569, a combination of acidified nitrite and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which killed Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The agent was found to be nontoxic to human cells at bactericidal concentrations, suggesting a potential therapeutic agent for ...
Scientists found that at least 30% of oceanic dimethyl sulfide is transformed into hydroperoxymethyl thioformate (HPMTF), a previously unknown atmospheric compound. This discovery suggests reevaluation of marine sulfur's impact on cloud formation and climate.
Researchers identified Merkel cell polyomavirus in 7 out of 18 patients with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer. The study suggests that most MCC cases in India are likely caused by UV-linked damages, while some may be virus-positive, offering new targets for therapy and diagnosis.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a way to apply genetic sequencing technologies to identify plant pathogens, down to the strain level. This new approach uses an Oxford Nanopore Sequencing MinION device and computer algorithms to quickly and precisely diagnose diseases in crops.
The University of Guam and CNMI officials exchanged expertise and challenges in watershed management, identifying gaps in resources and encouraging collaboration. The NSF INCLUDES program funded the workshops, which aimed to promote sustainable living and conserve unique biodiversity in the Marianas.
Researchers discovered that the dinosaur footprints on a cave ceiling were made by two plant-eating dinosaurs that walked bipedally along an ancient lake shore. The discovery was made possible by access to high-resolution photographs and detailed notebooks of the tracks, which had been stored in a Sydney cupboard under the stairs.
Northwestern University researchers Julius Lucks and Sera Young present innovative solutions for monitoring water quality and addressing household water insecurity. The Household Water Insecurity Experiences Scale (HWISE.org) measures experiences of household-level water access and use globally.
Researchers warn that relying solely on facial expressions to detect emotions can lead to incorrect conclusions and potentially harm individuals. Facial color, body posture, and context are also crucial in accurately detecting emotions.
Social media pages can become memorials when someone dies, but digital ownership and access are unclear. Faheem Hussain explores these issues in his research, highlighting the need for global solutions to ensure data management is inclusive and secure.
A new Australian technology developed by Flinders University and Clean Earth Technologies can absorb pollutants, including mercury and oil spills. The solution uses a polymer made from sulfur and plant oil to capture toxic substances in water, reducing environmental harm.
A study found that HPV vaccination rates dropped significantly after the government's suspension of proactive recommendations, leading to potential 5,000 additional deaths. Restoring high-level political support and proactive recommendations could prevent most of this damage.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have found a way to manipulate laser light using inexpensive crystals, known as perovskites. The discovery could help drive down costs in various industries by offering an alternative to expensive Faraday rotators.
A study of 1,800 patients found that only about half of their medical orders regarding ICU admissions were consistent with their actual care near the end of life. The researchers also discovered that the likelihood of care being consistent with treatment-limiting orders varied depending on the type of chronic illness.
Researchers at University of Queensland found certain immune cells linked to distinct MND features, including impaired swallowing, speech, and breathing. The study suggests immune-blocking drugs could be personalized to treat each patient's unique disease symptoms and stages.
A team of archaeologists has discovered the oldest known Australian example of a communal type of Irish settlement, uncovering a large and vibrant clachan settlement hidden beneath an empty farm paddock. The discovery highlights the sustainable way of life maintained by over 500 Irish migrants who created a community in marginal land.
Researchers have successfully solved the structure of Parkinson's disease-related protein LRRK2 inside cells using a pioneering technique. The study reveals that pathogenic LRRK2 forms exquisitely-organized double-helices around microtubules, suggesting a potential target for therapies.
A recent study published in PNAS found that fires have a significant impact on plant survival and distribution, often exceeding the effects of climate change. The research highlights the importance of considering other environmental factors, such as human land use practices, in understanding biodiversity.
A new study found that only 40% of psychological assessment tools used in courts are favorably rated by experts. Lawyers rarely challenge these conclusions, and when they do, only one-third succeed. The study examined over 360 tools and 372 legal cases across the US.
Researchers developed SABER, a method to multiplex imaging of specific molecules, allowing visualization of rare and low-abundance molecules. The technique enables detection of multiple proteins, DNAs, or RNAs in a single tissue sample, advancing basic biology, biomarker discovery, and clinical diagnostics.
Future factories will require new skills and organizational structures that prioritize human collaboration with robots. Research explores the psychological effects of working alongside large industrial robots and developing tools to enhance robot design.
Researchers have engineered immune cells to target solid tumors using a new cancer immunotherapies approach. They found that T cells can be reprogrammed to turn on tumor cells when exposed to high concentrations of transforming growth factor beta, a protein that suppresses the activity of T cells in the tumor environment.