The nTIDE June 2020 Jobs Report reveals a modest improvement in employment-to-population ratios for working-age individuals with and without disabilities. Despite this positive trend, the ongoing pandemic poses concerns that longer closures could lead to permanent job loss and exit from the labor force.
Perovskite solar cells, discovered almost 200 years ago, hold potential to undercut fossil fuels with lower manufacturing costs and improved efficiency. The discovery has sparked a new wave of research into improving the stability and commercial viability of these materials.
A specific change in the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus virus genome, D614G, makes a small but effective change in the virus's 'Spike' protein, increasing its infectivity in cell culture. The variant has become the prevalent form globally, with tracking data showing its emergence in every geographic level.
A new study suggests that misfolded protein build-up in the gut may contribute to Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice, potentially leading to a new treatment approach targeting the gut. The researchers found that beta amyloid proteins injected into the gut traveled to the nervous system and brain, causing cognitive impairments.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found a flexible material made of tiny carbon nanotubes that can heat or cool the wearer on demand. The material has a combination of thermal, electrical, and physical properties that make it an appealing candidate for next-generation smart fabrics.
A recent observational study found that COVID-19 patients have a higher risk of ischemic stroke than those with influenza. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, analyzed data from two New York hospitals and revealed significant differences between the two groups.
Repeated blood tests measuring liver damage biomarker FIB-4 identify people at high risk of severe liver disease. The study found that increased FIB-4 scores between testing occasions can predict future liver cirrhosis, with almost half of affected individuals identifiable.
A recent report of two children's deaths in a gene therapy trial for X-linked myotubular myopathy has sparked concerns over the safety of gene therapy vectors. The editorial emphasizes the need for iterative development and cooperation among scientists to ensure safe and effective treatments for rare genetic diseases.
Patient and public involvement is crucial in COVID-19 policy-making, say experts. Decades of advocacy have shown that patient communities provide valuable information on the pandemic's effects, highlighting the need for a comprehensive public health response.
Residents in high-hit US counties reduced daily trips by 35-65% before states implemented stay-at-home orders, slowing virus spread. Social distancing played a crucial role in reducing case growth rates and mitigating the pandemic.
A new online resource has been proven to alleviate parents' anxiety and encourage healthy eating habits in young children. The Child Feeding Guide, developed by experts at Aston University and Loughborough University, helps mums change their approach to feeding and reduces self-reported anxiety by nearly 20%.
Researchers developed a software tool to determine strategies that prevent surges in the virus without taking a huge toll on the economy. The tool factors in population density, demographics, climate, and transportation statistics to provide alternative scenarios to closing all shops and businesses.
Researchers at Hokkaido University found that inflammatory changes in tumors caused by chemotherapy trigger drug resistance in blood vessels, resulting in poorer cancer outcomes. The team also discovered a treatment strategy involving the combination of an ABCB1 inhibitor and anticancer drugs to overcome this resistance.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a computational model that understands how material nanostructure affects conductivity. The goal is to inform the development of new energy storage devices for various electronics.
Research found that students who frequently missed school from kindergarten to eighth grade were less likely to vote, reported greater economic difficulties, and had poorer educational outcomes. Early absenteeism was linked to disengagement and consequences beyond education.
The CABI-led Fall Armyworm Research Collaboration Portal aims to reduce duplication of research, share results rapidly and encourage global teamwork. The platform enables sharing of research data, insights and outputs to help fight the devastating crop pest.
A study found that conservation messaging is lacking in mainstream wildlife-based tourism operations, failing to provide information on wildlife conservation and opportunities for tourist action. The researchers propose a toolbox of ideas to improve conservation messaging using five principles: promote positive messaging, provide actio...
Recent COVID-19 policy shifts have made it possible for more people to access addiction care via telemedicine, specifically video chats and telephone calls. Key treatments like medications, psychotherapy, and peer group support can now be delivered remotely, but sustaining this approach will require continued changes.
Research on air pollution's impact on ILD reveals associations between pollutant exposure and increased risk of developing the disease. Epigenetic methods hold promise for understanding this relationship, but more study is needed to quantify effects.
Scientists have developed a method to culture human pancreatic slices for nearly two weeks, allowing them to study the regeneration of insulin-producing beta cells. The discovery has important therapeutic implications for treating diabetes.
Researchers have proposed a new class of hydrated eutectic electrolytes to improve the performance of aqueous zinc batteries. The study reveals that these electrolytes provide better stability and low-temperature operation, paving the way for long-life rechargeable batteries.
Researchers tracked guineafowl movement using X-ray technology to study foot patterns below ground. They found that despite varying substrates, the birds' foot movement remained consistent, suggesting fossilized dinosaur tracks could be from the same species.
Researchers propose STyLuS*, a new approach to solving complex robot control problems, by growing 'trees' in the search space to find optimal solutions. This method reduces memory requirements and processing power needed for large-scale robotic tasks.
A new study found widespread use of products made from vulnerable species like sun bears, Asiatic bears, and serows in northern Laos. The demand for these products poses a significant threat to their populations, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to reduce unsustainable harvests.
New research from San Diego State University reveals that spring snowmelt in the Arctic triggers fresh carbon dioxide production at higher rates than previously assumed. The study found that cold thaw accounts for nearly half of carbon emissions, offsetting summer uptake by vegetation.
A new study sheds light on the molecular factors that render entorhinal brain cells uniquely sensitive to degeneration. Researchers found that a suite of genes is likely involved in making these neurons easy targets for degeneration, with PTBP1 playing a major role.
Researchers analyzed weekly changes in US deaths due to COVID-19 and found a significant increase, indicating an estimated 1.8 million excess deaths between March 2020 and May 30, 2020. The study used data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Vital Statistics System.
Researchers found that a low-dose combination of four inhibitors is more effective in treating NSCLC with EGFR mutation. The therapy, called MLD, inhibits the action of multiple proteins in the same signaling pathway, blocking cell proliferation and tumor growth.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 antibody tests found significant methodological weaknesses, including high bias risk and limited study populations. The review suggests that existing point-of-care tests should not be used for COVID-19 diagnosis due to low sensitivity and specificity.
A new radiomics model can identify early stage lung cancer patients at high risk for poor survival outcomes and require aggressive follow-up or adjuvant therapy. The model uses two radiomic features to stratify patients into three risk groups, which may have more aggressive cancer despite early detection.
A new study reveals that the common asthma drug salbutamol may offer potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. It is effective at reducing the accumulation of insoluble fibres of the tau protein, which are found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists identified specific brain regions linked to humans' sense of agency, finding that brain activity involved in planning and motor monitoring is crucial. By altering this network with transcranial magnetic stimulation, researchers were able to reduce participants' sense of control over their actions.
Researchers found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act is associated with improved breast cancer stage at diagnosis. The study also revealed disparities in insurance status, age, and race/ethnicity among patients before and after the expansion.
Researchers found that GPS-guided tractors can reduce overlap and gaps in field coverage by up to 6% and 16%, respectively, leading to increased crop production and environmental benefits. This technology has the potential to be adopted by small farms, which currently lag behind larger producers in terms of technology adoption.
Researchers from the University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station have unlocked a mystery surrounding unique aquatic insects in the Flathead watershed. Subterranean stoneflies have been found to survive in low-oxygen environments, and their DNA has revealed a possible mechanism for this adaptation.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that flame sterilization introduces carbon dioxide into shake flasks, significantly affecting cell growth. Excess CO2 concentrations increased by up to 70% in certain microbes, while others showed minimal impact.
Research by Florida Atlantic University professors shows that telehealth is an important tool for rural hospitals in treating COVID-19. The study found that telehealth capabilities are more common in larger hospitals and those with economies of scale, but smaller facilities need support to expand access.
A recent study investigated mental health symptoms among the general population in China during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey found high rates of depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for mental health support during pandemics. The study's results provide valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in China.
Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that Ultra Music Festival was stressful for toadfish, causing a significant stress response and elevated cortisol levels. The study showed a 4-5 fold increase in blood cortisol levels in toadfish during the festival.
A novel microbiome-based diagnostic tool has been developed to quickly and inexpensively identify liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients. The non-invasive method analyzes patient stool samples and achieves an accuracy of over 90% in diagnosing cirrhosis, with potential implications for improving treatment outcomes.
A national research and development center will focus on weaving topics into the full curriculum, using real-world examples that are engaging and directly relevant to students of this age. The center aims to develop and test interventions that leverage transdisciplinary approaches to improve instruction for English Learners.
Researchers created jellyfish-bots that can outswim real-life counterparts and exhibit powerful movement. The new technique uses pre-stressed polymers to make soft robots more efficient, enabling faster speeds and improved performance.
Astronomers at the University of Warwick have discovered a Neptune-sized gas giant with an exposed core, allowing for the first time to peer inside a planet. The core is believed to be 'failed' or stripped of its gaseous atmosphere, offering insights into planet formation and composition.
A case series reports neurological symptoms and radiographic findings associated with COVID-19 infection in children. The study presents clinical findings from four children who experienced neurological symptoms, highlighting the potential impact of COVID-19 on pediatric neurology.
An experiment by PLOS found that adding a second entrance to an ant's nest reduces their ability to find and distinguish between food sources of varying value. This reduction in efficiency occurs due to increased competition among the ants, leading to decreased overall foraging success.
Researchers from CityU have developed a novel detection method called CARPID to identify binding proteins of specific RNAs in living cells. The method uses CRISPR/dCasRx system and biotin-labelling technology to detect RNA-protein interactions, showing high specificity and applicability for lncRNAs of different lengths.
Researchers have identified a protein PPARα that regulates bile acid metabolism and suppresses the growth of cholangiocarcinoma in mice. The study provides new insights into liver cancer development and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers from UCL and international collaborators propose a detector using nano-scale diamond crystals to measure mid-frequency gravitational waves. The device would be 4000 times smaller than current detectors, enabling the study of black hole collisions and exploring nonclassical gravity.
Experts discuss the need and implementation of telemedicine for patients with substance use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the benefits and challenges of using telehealth to address this critical health issue.
A new ultra-rapid insulin formulation, UFAL, reached peak activity in pigs with diabetes twice as fast as Humalog, a commercially available option. This could lead to faster quality-of-life improvements for diabetic patients by allowing quicker blood sugar level management during mealtimes.
A new study found higher metal concentrations in the Moon's craters, which could change our understanding of its formation. The researchers used radar to image and characterize fine dust at the bottom of craters, revealing a potentially richer subsurface.
A recent study challenges previous theoretical predictions on justified defection, a mechanism that ensures benefits are returned to cooperative individuals. Researchers found that people have a neutral attitude toward justified defection, unlike cooperation with a bad person, which is viewed as good.
Researchers have developed a new laser-based microscope that can resolve the distribution of electrons in crystal lattices with unprecedented resolution. The technique, known as Light Picoscopy, uses powerful laser pulses to drive electrons into fast motion, allowing them to emit radiation that reveals their position within the crystal.
Researchers found that in-person and remote assessments of jugular venous pressure often agreed, correlating with right atrial pressure measurements. The study's results could enable more frequent checks and reduce trips to the doctor's office for heart failure patients.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed three types of mouse cells into induced hair cell-like cells, offering a potential solution for identifying causes and treatments of hearing loss. The new cells possess characteristics similar to naturally occurring hair cells and are vulnerable to an antibiotic known to cause hearing loss.
A Cornell University-led team of researchers found that traditional chemical insecticides work best against the invasive Allium leafminer on allium crops. Synthetic insecticides like dinotefuran and cyantraniliprole reduced damage by up to 89% and eradicated the insect in some cases.
New radar findings suggest the Moon's subsurface is richer in metals like iron and titanium than previously believed. The research uses dielectric properties to locate metal oxides in lunar soil, revealing a steady increase in concentration with crater size.
Researchers discovered widespread expression of immune genes in structural cells, which contribute to the response to pathogens. The study highlights that structural cells are not only essential building blocks but also play a key role in defending against infections.
A new study found that specific infant sleep problems can signal mental disorders in adolescents, including psychotic experiences and borderline personality disorder. The research analyzed data from over 7,000 participants and found associations between irregular sleep routines and shorter nighttime sleep.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute identified a novel drug that can protect the brain during and after a stroke. The study shows that injured neurons can remain viable if prevented from following biochemical pathways leading to cell death.