A promising new study by University of Melbourne researchers suggests that wearing hearing aids may delay cognitive decline in older adults. The study found significant improvements in executive function, working memory, and quality of life for participants aged 62-82 years with hearing loss.
Scientists investigate microorganisms in the twilight zone of the ocean and find they can degrade recalcitrant organic compounds. The study provides insight into the ocean's carbon cycle and may help predict microbes' role in regulating it.
A study by Northwestern University found that people with better cardiovascular health in their 20s are more likely to have higher scores on thinking and memory tests, even after adjusting for education level. The researchers also found an association between better cardiovascular health and improved cerebral autoregulation.
A large-scale malaria vaccine study by the World Health Organization has been criticized for failing to obtain informed consent from parents whose children are taking part in the study. The WHO claims that a 'pilot introduction' and not a research activity, but experts argue that this violates international ethical standards.
A novel blood test using gold nanoparticles detects cancer-derived extracellular vesicles, enabling earlier diagnosis and better treatment tracking. The technology has been successfully tested on melanoma patients and shows promise as a potential complement to existing cancer imaging technologies.
A study using motion capture technology assessed the benefits of an exercise programme designed to reduce falls in older people. The programme aimed to build strength and increase mobility, resulting in improved joint angles and reduced fall risk. Participants showed increased confidence and ability to perform physical activities.
Researchers compared serum levels of poly- and perfluorinated substances (PFAS) in female firefighters and female office workers, finding higher levels of three compounds in firefighters. Firefighters had modestly higher levels of PFNA, PFUnDA, and PFHxS, with those using firefighting foam having even higher concentrations.
Researchers successfully reproduced key ALS symptoms in zebrafish using optogenetic TDP-43, a human protein that forms aggregates upon blue light exposure. The study reveals motor neurons may be damaged before TDP-43 aggregation, suggesting new avenues for ALS treatment.
University of Queensland researchers have discovered 23 metal compounds with antibacterial and antifungal activity, selectively killing bacteria like MRSA but not human cells. The findings offer promise for outwitting bacterial resistance, as the new compounds may use different mechanisms than existing antibiotics.
Etesami aims to develop a platform that simulates human behavior in dynamic social networks like Facebook or Twitter. By analyzing data from these simulations, his team plans to build a richer model to predict and control the spread of false news.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered a link between cognitive impairment and lasting inflammation after intensive care. Elevated blood levels of HMGB1 protein were found in patients with post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which can cause impairments in memory, attention, and problem-solving for years.
A University of Vaasa researcher highlights the need for retailers to adopt creative solutions to reduce bread waste. By managing potential food waste, implementing marketing strategies, and engaging with staff, stores can minimize hazardous waste and meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Nur Yazdani's new tool helps stakeholders design home slab elevations to protect against future storms, reducing economic losses and casualties. The software will be tested in four Texas counties and includes outreach education for homeowners.
Researchers analyzed a massive corpus of spontaneous speech from French-English bilinguals, discovering that pronunciation is not a reliable indicator of linguistic proficiency. Contrary to stereotypes, many speakers often pronounce borrowed words in English-style, even when code-switching into their native language.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have determined the neutron charge radius from lightest atomic nuclei using a more direct methodology, differing significantly from previous calculations. The new result corrects the previously assumed value for the size of a neutron.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has successfully used a new atrial fibrillation device, achieving 100% pulmonary vein isolation without nerve injuries or serious side effects. The PFA technology uses pulsed electric fields to interrupt pathways and triggers in the heart, potentially becoming the standard tool for resolv...
A study published in the journal Brain found that nearly 40% of schizophrenia patients had brains similar to those of healthy people, highlighting a potential new subtype. The discovery could lead to more personalized treatment options by accounting for these differences.
A new study published in NDT found that elderly patients (older than 75 years) who received kidney transplants from similarly aged donors remained dialysis-free for the rest of their lives. The study's results suggest that transplantation is beneficial for this age group, with excellent graft survival rates.
A Curtin University-led study found that Ross Sea killer whales, also known as Type C, have a unique call repertoire comprising burst-pulse sounds and whistles to convey information about their environment. The research analyzed data from over 392 encounters with the species.
The researchers created disc-shaped magnets about 2 millimeters in diameter, called ferrobots, which can move and manipulate droplets of fluid with precision. These robots could transform various biotech-related industries, including medical diagnostics, drug development, genomics, and the synthesis of chemicals and materials.
Researchers used novel method to access space between protons and neutrons, capturing snapshots of correlations to study nuclear matter. They found that leading theories on interactions describe the strong nuclear force at short distances, with a tensor interaction at close range and a scalar interaction at smaller scales.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that poor cleaning prior to sterilization using vaporized hydrogen peroxide can lead to failure rates of up to 76 percent. Effective cleaning and removal of visible soil and microbial contaminants are crucial for optimal sterilization.
Researchers created a gene catalog called VIRGO, comprising nearly 1 million genes from the human vagina. This comprehensive resource facilitates deeper understanding of the vaginal microbiome's function and potential treatments for gynecologic conditions.
Research on dunes in northern China reveals that neighboring dunes can remain in different states despite similar climate conditions, complicating efforts to stabilize the dunes. The study found that changes are not always smooth and uniform, with some dunes remaining active while others become stabilized by vegetation.
The Gemini Observatory has captured an exquisite image of the planetary nebula CVMP 1, also known as a celestial hourglass. This object is formed when a massive star undergoes a catastrophic explosion, leaving behind a hot core that energizes the ejected gases, causing them to glow and form the striking hourglass shape.
Scientists at Michigan State University discovered new bile acids produced by microbes in the gut, which expand our understanding of mammalian bile and its connection to gastrointestinal diseases. These novel acids are particularly abundant in people suffering from conditions like Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis.
A new observational study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that drinking 12 ounces of sugary drinks more than once per day is linked to lower levels of HDL-C and higher levels of triglycerides. The study also found that regularly consuming sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of cardiovascular di...
Researchers have identified a new class of RNA caps in bacteria that play a crucial role in stress response and degradation under starvation conditions. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation.
Researchers developed a new material technology to create high-efficiency perovskite solar cells using eco-friendly organic materials dissolved in peppermint oil or walnut aroma. The new polymers overcame the instability issue of conventional perovskite solar cells, maintaining 88% efficiency after 30 days.
The study demonstrates that MLN4924 treatment induces DNA damage and accumulates cells in S phase, enhancing sensitivity when combined with cisplatin. In vivo results show reduced tumor growth in a NOD-SCID mouse xenograft model treated with MLN4924 alone or in combination with cisplatin.
Researchers analyzed 98 historic specimens to find that different plumage patches evolved independently through time, with face and head patches evolving for mate recognition and back and wing patches for camouflage. This 'mosaic evolution' explains the lorikeets' dazzling color diversity while avoiding predators.
Researchers have developed compounds that can block the replication of similar coronaviruses and other disease-causing viruses. The compounds target a shared protein-cutting enzyme essential for viral replication, showing strong activity against some viruses like MERS-CoV.
A US tax code rule expands a credit for companies capturing and storing CO2, driving demand for carbon capture technology. The 45Q rule rewards companies that reduce their CO2 emissions, spurring investment in pipelines and mature technologies.
Researchers developed a new MOF co-catalyst that selectively produces branched aldehydes, which are difficult to achieve with existing catalysts. The study demonstrates the potential of MOFs to enhance selectivity in various catalytic reactions.
A new study led by UC Berkeley researchers found that San Francisco women firefighters are exposed to higher levels of toxic PFAS chemicals than office workers. The study aims to document the risks faced by women firefighters and ensure they receive necessary protections for cancer prevention and compensation.
A UK clinical trial has found an effective intervention to increase hepatitis C testing and treatment in primary care. The HepCATT study increased HCV testing by 59% and treatment assessments by five times in intervention practices compared to control.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that adults increasingly prefer sweet e-cigarette flavors over traditional tobacco flavors. The study suggests that restrictions on flavored e-liquids may drive long-term users to seek illicit sources, posing health risks.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a non-psychoactive cannabinoid called CBG that shows promising antibacterial activity against drug-resistant MRSA. The study found that CBG prevents the ability of bacteria to form biofilms and destroys preformed biofilms, targeting the cell membrane of the bacteria.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have found that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can selectively separate gases like propane and propene under real-world conditions. The study reveals that water does not significantly impact the material's performance, contrary to previous theories.
Astronomers at the University of Cambridge discovered a potentially habitable exoplanet, K2-18b, which is 2.6 times the radius and 8.6 times the mass of Earth. The planet's hydrogen-rich atmosphere may allow for liquid water to exist beneath its surface.
A team of researchers has solved the mystery surrounding dinosaur footprints on a cave ceiling in Central Queensland, finding evidence of two plant-eating dinosaurs walking bipedally. The discovery was made possible by accessing previously unknown research material and high-resolution photographs stored by a local dentist's family.
A new UNLV study found that drivers of expensive cars are least likely to stop for crossing pedestrians. The cost of the car was a significant predictor of driver yielding, with motorists overall yielding less frequently for men and people of color.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation affecting cellular oxygen sensing and a patient's limited exercise capacity. The von Hippel-Lindau gene is fundamental for cells to survive in low-oxygen conditions, and its impaired functionality limits the patient's exercise capacity compared to those without the mutation.
Scientists at UCF created functional nanomaterials for highly sensitive biomarker detection. The new method could enable high-performance technologies in various areas, including better diagnostic tools and test strip technology.
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing a new power plant technology that can reduce emissions and improve grid resilience. The technology uses supercritical CO2 to generate electricity, making it an attractive option for storm-prone regions.
A team of researchers from the University of Warwick has found an explanation for experimental observations that some water droplets bounce. The fate of a drop is determined by the height of a tiny air cushion created during collision, which can reach nanometres in scale.
A new study suggests that investigational drug IW-3718 can reduce the severity of heartburn symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when combined with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The study, conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, found significant r...
Researchers describe five new cases of KAT6A syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, language impairment, and cardiovascular malformations. The study reveals novel symptoms such as cryptorchidism, syndactyly, and trigonocephaly, expanding the clinical phenotype of patients.
Researchers have discovered quasi-1D surface superconductivity in TaIrTe4, a type II Weyl semimetal. This finding offers a novel platform for exploring topological superconductors and may contribute to the development of topological quantum computation.
Researchers developed a simple self-charging battery using ferroelectric glass electrolyte within an electrochemical cell. The technology enables batteries to self-charge without losing energy, increasing autonomy and output power.
A new device called SEPSTAT can absorb trace contaminants from water and preserve them in a dry state, allowing for easy mail-in testing. This technology has the potential to improve water quality monitoring, particularly in resource-constrained regions.
New research shows that seagulls are more likely to peck at food that has been handled by humans. This suggests they use human actions when deciding what to eat. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, also found that gulls' preference for food is not just based on the sight of food.
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have pinpointed immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells as an unexpected source of the inflammatory protein GM-CSF in rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery may indicate potential new therapeutic targets for reducing joint inflammation in this autoimmune disease.
A new study by researchers at University of California San Diego identified a strong link between heatwave exposure and increased risk of preterm delivery. The study found that longer duration heatwaves were associated with the highest risk of preterm birth, while ambient humidity also played a role in exacerbating the issue.
Researchers developed a low-cost preservative that extends the shelf life of freeze-dried cellular machinery to two weeks at room temperature. This breakthrough enables cell-free biotechnology applications in bio-manufacturing, point-of-care diagnostics, and educational platforms.
A recent study published in Obesity Reviews reveals that obesity can lead to premature aging, causing DNA damage, weakened immune systems, and increased risk of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's. Researchers argue that obesity should be considered a form of premature aging.
Researchers at USF Health discovered how a large human non-protein coding gene regulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process crucial for placental implantation and fetal growth. Activating this microRNA cluster inhibited EMT, while reduced expression led to increased invasion and tumor-like behavior.
A study by Stanford University School of Medicine investigators found that patients with ulcerative colitis have depleted levels of secondary bile acids and Ruminococcaceae bacteria in their intestines. These findings suggest that supplementing or restoring these missing metabolites may effectively treat intestinal inflammation.
A study published in JAMA found abbreviated breast MRI to be more effective than digital breast tomosynthesis in detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts. The test detected significantly more cancers and showed promise as a new screening tool for these patients.
Parametric oscillators can be made to resonate when driven by high and low frequencies, a discovery that could improve our understanding of nonlinear systems in various fields. This is achieved through the tuning of the high-frequency driving force to match the low frequency, causing the system to exhibit resonance.