A new commentary proposes six broad actions for governments to improve their responses to COVID-19 and future health crises. The scorecard includes 19 statements that can be rated 1-5 to rate government response and assess pandemic readiness, aiming to restore public faith in healthcare systems.
George Mason University's Dieter Bilitza has been awarded funding to work with the Space Physics Data Facility and NASA on advancing strategic science goals through data acquisition and archival services. He will focus on ITM data sets, ensuring useful products are generated for independent community use.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses major challenges to scientists from underrepresented groups, including women and minority communities. The international appeal emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in science to overcome these challenges. The authors recommend improved gender equality measures, targeted fun...
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that self-collected nasal swab samples yielded results as accurate as those collected by healthcare workers, paving the way for widespread at-home testing. The study also explored how long infected individuals remain contagious and provided insights into viral shedding patterns.
Researchers at Hollings Cancer Center found a strong association between elevated AGEs in the body and breast cancer risk, particularly among women consuming high-AGE diets. The study's results suggest that reducing AGE intake through healthier food choices and physical activity may help lower cancer risk.
Emerging evidence suggests COVID-19 may trigger new-onset diabetes in healthy people and exacerbate pre-existing conditions. The Global Registry aims to understand the relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes, informing treatment strategies.
A study found that female great tits can reduce their body temperature at night when fed supplemental food during winter, increasing survival chances. In contrast, male great tits do not exhibit a similar response, suggesting males prioritize access to food.
During lockdown, people slept longer and more regularly due to flexible working hours, but reported a deterioration in perceived sleep quality. Physical activity outdoors may help counteract this negative impact.
The Corrona Psoriasis Registry presents studies on real-world prescribing patterns, biologic drug effects, and COVID-19 outcomes. Longitudinal studies also report improvements in quality of life and work productivity for patients treated with biologics.
The project aims to develop a computationally efficient model of viral spread to better understand the effectiveness of disease mitigation strategies. Funding from the CDC enabled the development of this model to support H-2A farm worker health and safety.
A study of 2,766 people in Geneva found that only 10.8% had been infected with Covid-19, with children under 9 and the elderly having a lower seroprevalence. Protective measures contributed to the decline of the pandemic.
The study successfully minimizes thermal conductivity by designing and fabricating an optimal nanostructure-multilayer material through materials informatics. The researchers created a superlattice structure that maximizes wave interference of lattice vibrations to regulate thermal conductivity at near room temperature.
The report offers tools for cities to update local policy and code to meet the transportation realities of today, focusing on regulation of the built environment and new travel modes. Cities can use community goals to guide how new technologies are regulated.
A new University of Wyoming study reveals that drought reduces the availability of key food resources by shortening the duration of spring green-up, altering the progression of the "green wave" across the landscape. As a result, the benefits of migration for mule deer and other migratory herbivores are likely to decrease.
Scientists have identified a key mechanism in X chromosome inactivation that may lead to treatments for rare congenital disorders and certain cancers. By understanding how this mechanism works, researchers hope to develop novel medicines for diseases like Rett syndrome.
Researchers have developed a 3D model of the human heart to study heart attacks and drug toxicity. The model uses induced pluripotent stem cells to recreate the physiological conditions that occur during a heart attack, providing insights into how cells respond in the short term and long-term damage.
Igor Mazin creates a quantitative, material-dependent theory for exceptional resilience in Ising superconductors, inspiring new experimental studies and potential applications in quantum computing. Funding of $450,000 from the US Department of the Navy supports this research until April 2023.
A Delphi procedure was used to develop a scale for measuring social interdependence in collaborative learning, incorporating international stakeholders' opinions. The study aims to improve active learning practices in medical education by fostering mutual reciprocal interdependence.
A new study finds that elastomeric masks can reduce the need for N95 masks by nearly 95% in healthcare settings. The reusable masks are found to be as effective as N95 masks in providing protection from airborne infectious substances.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which blood vessels' inner liner grows in response to transient increases in blood pressure. This process may lead to therapeutics that cut off tumors or help rebuild damaged vessels. The study's findings have implications for combating tumor growth and disease.
Researchers found that strong photosynthesis in SAV beds increases pH and generates high carbonate levels, which are then transported downstream to neutralize acidic waters. The study suggests that SAV beds play a key role in combating ocean acidification.
Scientists at HZB have successfully produced functional light-emitting diodes using a metal halide perovskite material. The new printing process enables the creation of printed LEDs with significantly better optical and electronic characteristics compared to traditional additive manufacturing processes.
A new genetic risk score has been found to be effective in diagnosing type 1 diabetes in Indians, even in its current form based on European data. Genetic differences between Indian and European populations suggest that the test could be further improved to enhance outcomes.
Researchers are assessing the quality of a new satellite fire product using aircraft campaign data to support NOAA's next-generation wildfire forecasting system. The goal is to improve model-ready fire emission data for the CAM-CMAQ wildfire forecasting system.
A 50-year drying period in north central India reversed after 1999. Natural variability, including the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), contributed to changes in rainfall. The study supports robust handling of IPO in climate models for accurate projections.
A method for self-assembling nanostructures with gamma-modified peptide nucleic acid (γPNA) has been developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers. The process enables the formation of complex, all-PNA nanostructures in organic solvent solutions, holding promise for nanofabrication and nanosensing.
A survey study found that US adults aged 18-44 experienced a decline in the frequency of sexual activity and an increase in the number of sexual partners. The study suggests factors associated with these changes include demographic characteristics, relationship status, and socio-economic status.
Tropical Depression Nuri formed after passing over Luzon, Philippines and moved into the South China Sea. The storm is forecast to make landfall southwest of Hong Kong, China on June 14 with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots.
A conservation biologist reflects on losing species like saiga antelopes and Huemel deer, highlighting the complexities of conservation. She shares her hope for success stories in protected areas like Yellowstone National Park and the importance of focusing on rare species.
Researchers have found evidence of the earliest use of bow-and-arrow technologies in the tropical rainforests of Sri Lanka, dating back to ~48,000 years ago. This discovery challenges traditional assumptions about human innovation and cultural development in extreme environments.
Researchers found that parasite infection was strongly associated with the overall composition of the microbiome, which could accurately predict a person's country and lifestyle. The study also discovered that the presence of four soil-transmitted gut parasites tended to co-occur at a higher rate than chance.
Hemant Purohit is working on a project that examines the use of big data analytics in disaster response, particularly for social media monitoring. The goal is to understand how humans and AI systems collaborate and improve information processing.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba and RIKEN in Japan have identified specific cells in the mouse brain that can trigger a hibernation-like state when activated. This discovery has significant implications for potential human hibernation applications, including medical uses such as emergency transport or critical care situations.
Ozone pollution in China's most populated and industrialized city clusters poses a great challenge due to diverse precursors. Long-term research is necessary to accurately determine main sources of ozone and inform effective control strategies.
A new species of bacteria, Stieleria maiorica, produces stieleriacines, which act as signalling molecules to control the composition of marine biofilms. This allows planctomycetes to outcompete other bacteria for resources.
A new study found that Indonesia's national anti-poverty program reduced deforestation by 30% through cash transfers. The program provided poor households with conditional cash transfers, which helped reduce forest cover loss and protect biodiverse primary forests.
A case series of five MS patients with favorable outcomes after developing COVID-19 while taking teriflunomide reveals potential benefits of the drug in preventing excessive immune responses. The study suggests that teriflunomide may not need to be discontinued in patients with MS who develop an active COVID-19 infection.
Researchers observe exotic heavy N+ ion transfer channel in a charged Van der Waals cluster, leading to novel scenarios such as NAr+ formation. The study sheds light on microdynamics of biological systems and potential importance in understanding cancer therapy by heavy ion irradiation.
Children in social care have poorer mental health and school performance, but trust school staff and perform better after individual assessments. School-based interventions can help these children do better, with improved intelligence, literacy, and mathematical skills, according to a new study.
Four Lehigh University researchers have been awarded grants from the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program to support projects in biomedicine, energy, and consumer goods. The recipients will collaborate with industry partners to develop new technologies and processes that foster innovation and develop a 21st-century workforce.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new signaling pathway that can regulate beige fat thermogenesis independently of adrenergic signaling. This discovery opens a new direction for approaching metabolic disorders and could potentially provide a treatment option for patients with catecholamine resistance.
Satellite measurements revealed a 48% drop in nitrogen dioxide densities over China following government announcements of the first reported COVID-19 case and lockdowns. This significant reduction is attributed to a substantial decrease in fossil fuel consumption, with an additional 21% drop compared to 2015-2019.
Scientists used mass spectrometry and statistical measures to analyze plant metabolites in response to herbivore attack. The results show that plants regulate their metabolism directionally to produce effective defenses, supporting the theory of optimal defense.
Researchers found that hybrids become more productive as genetic distance between parents increases, contradicting previous contradictory studies. The team's study provides clarity to the issue, enabling rational selection of crossing partners for breeding new hybrid varieties.
Researchers at Duke University developed an AI tool called PULSE that can turn low-quality images of faces into highly detailed, computer-generated portraits. The system can create realistic-looking images from noisy, poor-quality input, and has been shown to outperform other scaling methods in a rating test.
A study by University of Seville experts found an important decrease in total metal concentrations and a shift towards less toxic forms in the River Guadiamar sediment. The research suggests that measures taken after the disaster have improved water quality, but ongoing monitoring is necessary to maintain this progress.
A new platform enables researchers to track changes in the SARS-CoV-2 virus' genetic structure, providing insights for vaccine design and combating the pandemic. The tool, developed by UHN AI scientist Dr. Bo Wang, analyzes nasal swab samples and compares them to global data, generating results in under 15 minutes.
A new study by MIT professors finds that state-level R&D tax credits significantly spur high-quality new-firm growth, while investment tax credits have a slightly negative economic impact on innovative activity. The study's authors suggest that the former supports ambitious startup firms, fostering entrepreneurship and business dynamism.
A new modeling study evaluates COVID-19 epidemics in lower-income countries and finds that even with reduced risk due to younger populations, limited healthcare capacity and inter-generational contact increase overall risk. Mitigation strategies are crucial to prevent health system overburdening.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that applying intense optical fields to electrons in metals can change their electronic properties. This 'dressing' effect allows for potential applications in conventional electronics, quantum computing, and entirely new areas of research.
A recent study found a strong relationship between social media use and prejudice against Chinese Americans, with women experiencing higher levels of realistic and symbolic threats. The study also revealed surprising political affiliations, with Democrats scoring higher than Republicans in perceiving Chinese Americans as a threat.
Researchers found that interleukin-2 is critically important to driving resistance to dexamethasone in HLH. Blocking interleukin-2's effect can re-sensitize T cells to dexamethasone, making the combination of dexamethasone and ruxolitinib a promising treatment for HLH.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed an AI algorithm that uses data from continuous glucose monitors and wireless insulin pens to provide guidance on adjustments. The algorithm, paired with a smartphone app called DailyDose, generated recommendations in agreement with physicians 67.9% of the time.
Scientists at the University of Southampton are developing a rapid bedside test to diagnose neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome in premature babies. The test uses photonic technology and fingerprint spectroscopies, offering compact and versatile diagnostic capabilities.
A study led by the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology found that ancient DNA documents population changes across eastern and southern Africa from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. Genomic analysis revealed complex interactions between hunter-gatherers, pastoralists, and farmers, with varying integration of diverse ancestries.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that silicone molecules from breast implants can initiate processes leading to cell death in human cells. The researchers used cultured cells and observed similarities with programmed cell death, which may have implications for the health effects of silicone breast implants.
Researchers found the wintering grounds of Bewick's swans shifted east by nearly 13km per year, changing their migratory patterns. The shifts suggest the species can adapt to climate change, but conservation efforts need to consider species dynamics in relation to climate change.
A new study found that people who feel more threatened by COVID-19 and have high levels of emotionality and conscientiousness are most likely to stockpile toilet paper. The study, which surveyed 1,029 adults from 35 countries, also found that older people and Americans were more likely to stockpile toilet paper.
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health experts call for policymakers to prioritize young people's social development and wellbeing during the pandemic. Research suggests that reduced face-to-face interaction with peers may have detrimental effects on brain development, mental health, and self-esteem in adolescence.
Researchers at NC State University developed DORIS, a new approach to DNA data storage that enables users to read or modify files without destroying them. This allows for increased information density and easier scalability.
Dr. Xiaoquan Zhao received funding from the Food and Drug Administration to support youth tobacco education campaigns. He will serve as a consultant to the FDA Center for Tobacco Products to evaluate evidence-based public health communication and marketing interventions.
Researchers at University of Münster and Leibniz University Hannover found that a mysterious 2017 radioactive cloud in Europe originated from civilian nuclear activities. The cloud contained high levels of ruthenium-106, which is commonly used in nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Scientists at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a biomaterial that promotes an immune response to encourage repair and lowers the risk of inflammation in damaged bone tissue. The technology is designed to deliver microRNA silencers, increasing cells responsible for bone repair.
A new study found that high levels of emotionality and conscientiousness are indicators for stockpiling behavior. The survey of 1,029 adults from 35 countries revealed a strong link between perceived threat posed by the pandemic and toilet paper consumption.
A Kazan University research team has developed a novel nanoformulation using biocompatible halloysite nanotubes and bacterial pigment prodigiosin, which selectively disrupts cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
Reed beetles form symbiotic relationships with bacteria that provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes to support larval development. Adult beetles also rely on these microbes for pectin breakdown, which enables them to access nutrient-rich plant sources.
The tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis can survive for a longer period of time when combined with other bacteria in the air. This is because larger aerosol particles from mycobacterial clusters are produced together with components of dead cells, making them more viable in the air.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have uncovered a previously unknown subset of T cells that may control allergic immune reactions and asthma. These cells, which express an 'interferon response signature,' may dampen the activation of helper T cells and reduce inflammation.
Analysis suggests that up to 45 percent of COVID-19 cases are caused by asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the virus for extended periods. This highlights the need for expansive testing and contact tracing to mitigate the spread of the disease.
A new study aims to enhance cord blood transplant success rates using a small molecule cell adhesion activator. The treatment has shown promise in preclinical studies and may provide a safer alternative to current methods.
Recent research suggests that nitrogen in permafrost soils could be a major contributor to climate change, with potentially significant consequences. Scientists are studying the decomposition of organic matter and its impact on nitrogen availability, which could lead to high N2O emissions.
A new machine learning model, BE-Hive, accurately predicts the outcomes of using different base editors to correct genetic mutations. The model discovered new properties and capabilities of base editors, allowing researchers to design novel tools with improved efficiency.
Researchers at George Washington University discovered that GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus are excitatory during development, rather than suppressive. This finding could lead to more targeted therapies for infantile seizure disorders.
A randomised clinical trial has shown that a chemotherapy combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel is more effective and better tolerated than previously recommended treatments for patients with advanced anal cancer. The study found that these patients lived seven months longer overall, experiencing less treatment side effects.
UCI researchers have discovered a protein responsible for genetic changes in various cancers and identified potential targets for effective therapy. By monitoring RNA hotspots, the team found that targeting the APOBEC3A protein's activity could disrupt cancer cell vulnerabilities.
A Texas A&M University study found that wearing a face mask can prevent person-to-person spread of the virus, with over 66,000 infections prevented in New York City. The researchers also noted that airborne transmission via respiratory aerosols is the dominant route for COVID-19 spread.
Researchers have identified 76 types of aquaporins in tobacco, a model plant species closely related to major crops like tomato and potato. This discovery sheds light on the functional roles of aquaporins in plants, which could lead to improved crop productivity and resilience.