Researchers unveiled new methods to decode climate system behavior, develop recyclable composites, and explore alternative energy sources. These advancements aim to improve climate predictions, provide cost-effective adaptation strategies, and promote sustainable practices.
Researchers from the University of Göttingen found that using palm oil from first rotation plantations leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, there is potential for carbon savings in plantations established on degraded land or by introducing longer rotation cycles or new oil palm varieties.
A comprehensive analysis by Northwestern University and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that data center energy use has remained roughly flat over the past decade, despite increasing demand for data. The researchers made strategic policy recommendations to manage future growth in energy use.
A detailed molecular atlas of skin cells has been created, revealing over 50 different cell types and new variations of cell types. The study uncovers how cells are coordinated during hair growth and rest, providing vital knowledge on the flexibility of the skin.
A new framework guides the management of terrestrial invasive species in South Africa, prioritizing targets in control efforts. The approach combines big data and citizen science, focusing on poorer municipalities most impacted by invasive weeds.
Research shows that cancer clinical trials inadequately report treatment efficacy and adverse effects specific to older adults. A new study has developed templates to address this issue, providing a framework for more accurate assessment of senior cancer patients.
Researchers from the University of Lincoln will investigate the impact, risks, and cost of stress in the construction industry. The study aims to identify types and causes of occupational stress, which is estimated to cost British industry £5 billion annually.
Researchers have developed a new technique to detect point mutations relevant to human health, providing accurate early diagnosis and guiding therapy. The method, called SNIPRs, can be applied in living cells and offers a rapid, highly accurate, and inexpensive means of identifying mutations.
A University of Barcelona team conducted a pioneer citizen science study to analyze microplastic pollution in the coasts of Barcelona, gathering scientific samples from unexplored areas. The study revealed an average microplastic concentration of about 112,000 units per km2, similar to those found in the open sea.
Researchers at the 2020 APS March Meeting in Denver are exploring the physics of the brain, including brain connectivity networks, the organization of the brain's wiring probability, and the shaping of the cerebellum. Music therapy is also being investigated for its potential benefits for patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers have designed a new approach to power system operation that uses multiple microgrids to provide electricity to smaller areas, reducing the risk of power outages. By conserving energy and using locally available generating reserves, these islanded systems can keep the lights on for longer periods.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified vimentin as a crucial component in the protein-management system of neural stem cells. The study found that vimentin brings proteasomes to clumps of damaged proteins, allowing for their efficient clearance and enabling neural stem cells to function properly.
A study found that volunteer-based outreach programs, such as door-to-door canvassing in Liberia, can effectively spread valuable information and change public practices during epidemics. The program improved health outcomes, increased public trust in government institutions, and led to more people following control measures.
Researchers have discovered that remdesivir blocks the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme required for viral replication. This finding supports the use of this drug as an experimental treatment for COVID-19 and could lead to the design of more effective future drugs.
Researchers at KAUST have discovered a way to boost the efficiency of long-lived inverted perovskite solar cells, achieving record-certified efficiency of 22.3 percent. The innovative approach involves adding long-chain alkylamine ligands during production, which enhances stability and reduces boundary defects.
A new study by West Virginia University researcher Nancy Lan Guo found that printer toner nanoparticles can change genetic and metabolic profiles, increasing disease risk. The study used rat models and found significant genomic changes linked to cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic disorders.
Canadian researchers have created a sustainable biodiesel production method that utilizes sewage sludge and glycerol, lowering the cost of production by over 90% compared to traditional methods.
Researchers outline hands-on guidelines to utilize machine learning in studying active matter, emphasizing data preprocessing and physics-informed models. The field offers advantages in acquiring high-quality data and tracking system dynamics over long time scales.
A team of researchers created a small, self-powered sensor cube that monitors multiple water quality characteristics, including pH, temperature, salinity, and ammonia levels, to help prevent fish deaths due to pollution.
A major new study found that daily book reading by children improves their academic performance, with an average increase of 0.22 points on school tests. The study also discovered no significant benefits from reading newspapers, comics, or magazines.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that serving wine in larger glass sizes (370ml) led to increased wine sales, while reducing the size to 250ml resulted in lower sales. The researchers suggest that the perception of a 'standard' glass size plays a significant role in influencing drinking habits.
Researchers developed a handheld 3D bioprinter to treat volumetric muscle loss, allowing for direct scaffold deposition into defect sites. The bioprinter prints gelatin-based hydrogels that mimic native tissue properties and adhere precisely to surrounding tissues.
Adults with low fruit and vegetable consumption have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Body fat levels are also significantly linked, with total body fat increasing by 70% or more elevating the risk.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a new imaging method to visualize the enteric nervous system, a key part of the human colon, in three dimensions. This allows doctors to gain new insight into cells that control bowel function and may help understand disorders of the colon.
Scientists have discovered the earliest known example of an animal evolving to lose body parts it no longer needed. Facivermis, a worm-like creature from the Cambrian period, evolved to lose its lower limbs due to its tube-dwelling lifestyle anchored on the sea floor.
A team of McGill University researchers has created an artificial pancreas system that significantly improves glucose control, enhancing quality of life for individuals with type 1 diabetes. The system, which combines insulin and pramlintide, has shown promising results in minimizing glucose highs and lows.
Researchers used gene-editing tools to introduce the Parkinson's mutation into marmoset monkey stem cells, creating a primate model for studying disease progression and testing therapies. The edited cells exhibited characteristics of Parkinson's, such as abnormal cellular chemistry and reduced connections with neighboring neurons.
A North Carolina State University study of 32 US states from 1990-2015 found that corporate tax incentives typically leave states worse off. The exceptions were job creation tax credits and job training grants, which generated significant tax revenue.
A nine-year observational study found that Universal Credit's roll-out was associated with a 6.6% increase in psychological distress among unemployed recipients, affecting all social groups equally. The study suggests that the welfare reform may exacerbate pressures on mental health and social care services.
Researchers developed a process that reduces computational protein design work by using 3D structural models to project novel combinations of molecular blocks. This approach could ease the development of new medications and materials.
Researchers found remdesivir works by mimicking natural building blocks for RNA synthesis, preventing viral replication. The study provides important insight into the mechanism of action of the drug and its potential effectiveness against COVID-19.
Researchers from the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo have made a groundbreaking discovery by directly splitting one photon into three. The achievement uses the spontaneous parametric down-conversion method and creates a non-Gaussian state of light, a critical ingredient for gaining a quantum advantage.
The Korea Institute of Energy Research has successfully developed a lightweight and flexible CIGS thin-film solar cell on polymer substrate with an efficiency of 20.4%, surpassing the existing highest efficiency of 20.8%. The researchers introduced a new low-temperature film formation technology to enhance device efficiencies.
The American Physical Society's March Meeting explores the challenges women face in physics, including data on bachelor's and doctoral degrees, faculty positions, and career advancement. Programs like Women Supporting Women in the Sciences provide resources and support to empower women in STEM careers.
Researchers from the University of Bonn analyzed a 15-20 million year old Anolis lizard forefoot preserved in Dominican Republic amber. Despite initial appearance, the bone showed significant chemical transformation and decomposition.
A targeted therapy drug, everolimus, has been shown to extend progression-free survival for advanced head and neck cancer patients. Patients with TP53 mutations experienced a significant survival benefit, indicating potential as a treatment option for high-risk patients.
A UC Riverside-led study found that brains treated with certain drugs within days of an injury have a reduced risk of developing epilepsy later in life. The development of epilepsy is linked to an immune system receptor, TLR4, which increases excitability in the hippocampus.
A mother's gut microbiota can influence her offspring's energy homeostasis and metabolism. Research using mouse models suggests that targeting the maternal microbiota could be a preemptive strategy to protect against metabolic diseases.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a method to increase the potency of hematopoietic stem cells, which could improve bone marrow transplants. By manipulating lysosomal activity, they enhanced the potency of these stem cells by over 90-fold.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that 75% of female loggerhead sea turtles on Sanibel Island mated singly and stored sufficient sperm for multiple clutches. This suggests that females may not benefit from mating with multiple males to increase opportunities for advantageous traits.
A new data analysis tool has been developed to study the formation of zebrafish stripes, enabling scientists to objectively test ideas about how patterns are formed. The algorithm uses topological data analysis to quantify attributes of shapes and patterns, providing a more objective approach to understanding developmental processes.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an AI model that can accurately determine the type of lower back pain by analyzing clinical notes in electronic medical records. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options, reduced opioid prescriptions, and more accurate billing and therapy recommendations.
A study has described the pathology of SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, for the first time in its early phase. The research reveals edema, proteinaceous exudate, and inflammatory cellular infiltration in patients with COVID-19 pneumonina.
Researchers at CNIO propose a novel approach using CDK4/6 inhibitors after chemotherapy to prevent tumor cells from resisting treatments. This strategy shows promising results in preventing tumor growth and death in mice with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, suggesting new avenues for improving cancer treatment.
Researchers found that a specific gene is switched off in alpine plants, allowing them to grow hairs and protect against UV sunlight. The discovery could aid the production of useful chemicals and provide insights into plant evolution.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases shows that treating opioid use disorder with medications within 30 days of discharge from the hospital due to injection drug use-related endocarditis improves health outcomes. Those who received medication had a reduced risk of overdose and rehospitalization within a year.
Researchers estimated significant water conservation and financial savings by switching from running water to an alcohol-based scrub for pre-surgery hand washing. The study suggests this change could lead to substantial reductions in water usage and associated costs.
The German Network for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (de.NBI) has secured continued funding of up to 5.3 million euros until the end of 2021. The network, coordinated by Bielefeld University, offers researchers a powerful IT infrastructure and services to analyze large data sets.
A new study published in JAMA found that Fast Breast MRI detected significantly more breast cancers than digital breast tomosynthesis (3-D mammography) in average-risk women with dense breast tissue. The study showed that Fast Breast MRI was almost two and a half times more effective at detecting breast cancers in these women.
BU's PREP program supports recent bachelor's degree recipients from underrepresented groups in biomedical sciences, providing research experience and mentorship to advance their PhD training or career prospects. The five-year grant will foster diverse talent pipeline for STEM education.
An international team of researchers has identified genes related to cardiorespiratory function during acute periodic breathing, a condition that occurs in most humans at high altitudes. The study found that genetic variants affecting the response to insufficient oxygen impact the coordination between heart and lung functions.
A new clinical trial suggests that immunotherapy given before surgery for oral cavity cancers can elicit an immune response that shrinks tumors. Most patients (52%) experienced a clinical reduction of their primary tumor after immunotherapy, and four patients had more than 90% pathologic response.
A compound called Naphthyridine-Azaquinolone (NA) has been found to reverse the length of DNA repeat expansions that cause Huntington's disease in a mouse model and cells from individuals affected by the disease. The study suggests NA could be a potential drug therapy for individuals who inherit the disease.
Researchers developed an octopus-inspired soft robotic arm that can grip a wide range of objects, from eggs to iPhones. The device uses a flexible, tapered design and vacuum-based biomimetic suckers to attach to objects of various shapes and textures.
A new study has found that the loss of RNA editing in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The research, published in Molecular Brain, replicated this process in mice and discovered it led to the loss of synapses, a key feature of the disease.
Risk factors for transmission of coronavirus include flu-like symptoms, recent travel to China, and close contact with someone infected. Public health concerns highlighted by the outbreak include economic and social risks, misinformation, and anxiety-driven public behavior change.
Tyson Raper has made significant contributions to cotton profitability through his research on high-residue cover crops and nutrient rate optimization. His work evaluating crop heat units for modern cotton varieties is also being recognized with the Cotton Researcher of the Year award.
A new study reveals that properly designed and maintained green space can reduce violent crime and gun violence. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 papers to identify patterns that inform public policy and urban design. The findings suggest that greening interventions at the urban level can significantly reduce violent crime.
A study reveals biofluorescence is widespread among amphibians, including salamanders and frogs, which may aid in finding each other and avoiding predators. The phenomenon's mechanisms are linked to the presence of fluorescent proteins and compounds in skin, secretions, and bones.
A recent study found that bumblebee queens' ability to reproduce and survive is hindered by a lack of sugar in their diets. Queens' fat bodies fail to produce essential enzymes required for metabolism and detoxification from pesticides, leading to reduced lifespans and population decline.