Researchers found SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in COVID-19 patients and 2 uninfected controls, supporting the development of protective virus-specific T cells. The study suggests that these T cells can increase over time, especially for those with severe respiratory symptoms.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have engineered peptides that bind selectively to polysialic acid on cells, potentially providing a barrier against viruses. The findings suggest these peptides could be used to treat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer.
The global burden of thyroid cancer has increased significantly between 1990 and 2017, with a notable rise in younger age groups. The study found that the incidence rate varied greatly across different regions and socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers studied patterns in phylogenetic trees to understand how evolution and ecology interact. They found that ecological processes create a fractal structure in tree topology, leading to unbalanced branching.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease, where Aβ protein assemblies disrupt the neuronal membrane, leading to cell death. The study provides insight into the atomic structure of these assemblies and proposes targeting membrane pores to prevent neurotoxicity.
Fires have spread across Angola and DRC in June 2020, with 61,661 alerts in Angola and 102,738 in DRC, according to Global Forest Watch. This 'slash and burn' agriculture practice has been used for over 12,000 years, clearing fields and returning nutrients to the soil.
The world's population aged 60 years and older is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, with significant disparities in health conditions across the globe. The IIASA study reveals constant prevalence rates of severe activity limitations in low- and middle-income countries for the next 30 years.
Nobuo Sato has been awarded a five-year grant from the Department of Energy to develop the FemtoAnalyzer, a tool that will help nuclear physicists image the three-dimensional internal structure of protons and neutrons. The project aims to produce unprecedented resolution in understanding the building blocks of matter.
A new study warns of rising invasive species threats due to increased pathways and trade, causing significant environmental losses and economic damage. The research highlights the need for urgent action to prevent, detect, and control invaders at local and global levels.
Researchers reviewed the manufacturing methods and applications of hybrid materials made from cellulose nanocrystals. These materials exhibit excellent mechanical, thermal, and physico-chemical properties, making them suitable for various applications, including sensors, catalytic converters, and medical devices.
Marina Domracheva and Sofya Kulikova discovered a new method to analyze perceived similarity of food products using electroencephalography signals. They found that the power of gamma oscillations can reflect similarities in a cross-modal approach, providing a useful tool for neuromarketing studies.
Researchers discovered that self-replicating molecules can act as catalysts, speeding up ring formation and exhibiting a primitive form of metabolism. The system uses light energy to power growth, bringing artificial life one step closer.
The Childhood Solid Tumor Network data portal on St. Jude Cloud provides comprehensive data for studying pediatric solid tumors, accelerating discoveries and novel therapies. The portal offers interactive tools for analyzing genomic sequences, epigenetic data, and preclinical pharmacokinetic reports.
Liang Zhao at George Mason University has been awarded a $102,873 NSF CAREER Award to develop transformative frameworks for spatial network generative modeling. The project aims to learn complex generation processes from massive datasets and create more interpretable models.
The Suomi NPP satellite analyzed the expansive Saharan dust plume, which extended over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean and impacted air quality in North and South America. The aerosol particles have significant effects on human health, weather, and climate, including cooling or warming the earth.
A study by UOC researchers found that sexist views within families can impact academic decisions, with girls more likely to confront sexism and seek help, while boys tend to avoid it. The study also highlights the importance of educating both boys and girls on equality and dealing with sexism.
Researchers at the University of Surrey warn that many economies are experiencing prolonged periods of instability and slow growth due to 'secular stagnation'. The team's analysis suggests that the COVID-19 crisis may result in one of the weakest and most unstable recoveries in recorded history.
Researchers from UNIGE developed a computational model that reproduces the brain's mechanism for analyzing spoken language. The model uses predictive coding to optimize perception by constantly trying to predict sensory signals. It has successfully recognized thousands of syllables in hundreds of sentences, validating the idea that neu...
A multi-institutional research team found that humans and non-human primates can represent recursive sequences, suggesting a universal cognitive ability. The study's findings dispel the long-held belief that only humans possess this capacity.
A Brazilian biotech startup is developing a low-cost, high-performance COVID-19 diagnostic test using only locally sourced inputs. The test uses a cell-free protein synthesis technology to accelerate and optimize protein production processes.
Researchers have developed a novel approach for chiral drug synthesis in living systems, utilizing neutrophil-directed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation. This method enables site-selective synthesis of enantiomers, which is crucial for controlling the pharmacological activity of chiral drugs like Ibuprofen.
Researchers successfully tested an automated device for Parkinson's disease stage discrimination in individuals who cannot walk without support. The study concludes that automation can be achieved, offering improved accuracy and increased accessibility for patients with gait disorders.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new molecule that can be used to create high-quality indium nitride, enabling its use in high-frequency electronics. The indium triazenide molecule allows for epitaxial growth of indium nitride on silicon carbide substrates, producing extremely pure material.
The discovery of Po?niua??ena, the second-most distant quasar, sheds light on the formation of massive black holes and galaxies in the young universe. The quasar's existence challenges current theories, requiring a new mechanism to explain its massive size formed so early in the universe's history.
Researchers report a lower incidence of COVID-19 among HIV-positive patients receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) therapy. Further investigation is warranted to understand the findings' implications for HIV preexposure prophylaxis and randomized trials.
Researchers linked long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution with premature death among older Americans, suggesting current US standards are insufficient. Strengthening standards could lead to a 6%-7% decrease in mortality risk and save thousands of lives.
A group of researchers developed an IO hybrid adsorbent to remove heavy metal Cadmium(II) from wastewater using the SI-ATRP method. The adsorbent showed high adsorption capacity and regeneration efficiency, making it a potential candidate for water pollution remediation.
A large systematic review of children with COVID-19 from 26 countries found that most cases had mild symptoms, with 19% having no symptoms. Laboratory findings showed abnormal inflammatory markers, but severe cases were rare, with only seven deaths reported.
Researchers used a statistical method to remove weather influences from air pollution data in Saxony, finding that traffic density is the most important factor. Adjusted for weather, NOx concentrations decreased by an average of 10 micrograms per cubic meter between 2015 and 2018.
Researchers identified Rhus glabra, a smooth sumac plant, as the first non-tobacco plant found in an archeological pipe. The discovery sheds light on ancient plant mixtures used by Native American tribes for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
Michael E. Wolf-Branigin, a Professor of Social Work at George Mason University, has been awarded a Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program grant valued at $267,675. The funding supports the development of social work students for long-lasting careers in child welfare.
Researchers confirmed the need to include three-nucleon interactions in electromagnetic transitions, using state-of-the-art gamma-ray detectors and femtosecond lifetimes measurements. The experiment found significant differences in lifetime predictions between two-body and three-body nuclear interactions.
Using highly novel techniques, researchers observed upper ocean currents of approximately 0.1-10 km in size, critical for controlling heat and carbon movement between the ocean and atmosphere. These findings contribute to improving our understanding of small-scale ocean and climate processes with impacts globally.
Tropical Storm Boris formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite providing visible imagery. The storm strengthened to maximum strength before weakening back into a depression over the next 12 hours.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified a novel protein complex, NWC, involved in regulating Aurora B localization to ensure correct chromosome separation. The study found that NWC functions in mitotic chromosome stability by allowing Aurora B to accumulate at centromeres.
Researchers from Wayne State University are developing a COVID-19 risk-prediction system to assess infection risk at different levels, including individually and at large-event levels. The system, CORPUS, will use edge intelligence and machine learning to predict risk based on various data inputs.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a more sustainable and greener method for producing composite boards by utilizing non-food-based biomass such as wood chips or rice straw. The new process reduces the use of formaldehyde-based resin binders, posing significant health hazards in consumer products.
Long-term use of muscle relaxants has increased dramatically since 2005, particularly among older adults, who are prescribed these drugs at a rate nearly three times that of their proportion in the US population. This trend is concerning, as it can lead to dangerous interactions with opioids and other serious side effects.
A study published in Circulation Research found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas cookers can lower blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Blood levels of nitrite also increased after exposure, suggesting a possible mechanism linking air pollution to cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that cooking with gas may have a beneficial e...
Researchers at UMBC develop independent vector analysis (IVA) for common subspace extraction (CS) to analyze fMRI data, identifying subgroups of schizophrenia patients with significant clinical significance. The method preserves nuances in data while rendering statistically significant groupings.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids developed a new intermetallic compound Al2Pt as a precursor for oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst material. The compound's reduced density of states and polar chemical bonding provide inherent OER activity, increasing stability under harsh oxidative conditions.
Dr. Ying-Tsong Lin, the 12th person in history to visit Challenger Deep, is an acoustic scientist studying sound propagation in the ocean. His research aims to improve acoustic communication and geo-location at extreme depths.
Researchers suggest live attenuated vaccines like MMR can activate immune cells to combat sepsis and lung inflammation associated with COVID-19. A proposed preventive measure could offer a 'no harm, no foul' benefit for vaccinated adults if infected.
The Stephen S. Fuller Institute is updating Arlington County's affordable housing master plan using the latest available data from the American Community Survey. The researchers will analyze housing needs, affordability, and population forecasts to provide a comprehensive set of statistics for county officials.
This observational study investigates COVID-19 outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis, identifying factors associated with disease severity. The research highlights the importance of understanding the intersection of these two conditions to develop effective treatment strategies.
Developing new techniques to improve atomic force microscopy has reduced the noise associated with the technique. By utilizing a piezo component to maintain zero deflection, researchers can record IR signals with improved precision and image smaller sample volumes, like cell membranes.
The Rochester Institute of Technology is developing a low-cost spectral imaging system to help libraries and museums uncover obscured text on historical documents. The system aims to make imaging capability more accessible to curators, archivists, and librarians, enabling them to get more out of their collections.
A new study reveals a nest of exceptionally small non-avian theropod egg fossils in Japan, providing insights into Early Cretaceous ecosystems. The Kamitaki Egg Quarry yielded over 1300 fossil eggs, mostly belonging to the newly discovered Himeoolithus murakamii genus.
Researchers have expanded the lion species' family tree through genetic analysis, revealing two main branches and shedding light on subspecies relationships. The study suggests that cave lions diverged from modern lions around 500,000 years ago, with some populations showing minimal interbreeding.
Spin-gapless semiconductors (SGSs) bridge zero-gap materials and half-metals, exhibiting fully spin-polarized electrons and holes. Dirac type SGSs show extremely high electron mobility, enabling dissipationless edge states for ultra-fast electronics.
The Federal Communications Commission awarded UVA Health a $767,139 grant to expand its use of telehealth for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will support remote patient monitoring, virtual urgent care, and videoconferencing to reduce exposure for patients and care providers.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to implant atoms precisely into ultra-thin crystals, yielding Janus structures with different chemical compositions. This technique may improve the abilities of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to separate charge and catalyze chemical reactions.
A large study analyzing living patients found an association between repeated head impacts and later-life symptoms of depression and cognitive decline. The study revealed that exposure to repetitive head impacts had a stronger effect on depression symptoms than traumatic brain injury alone.
George Mason University Associate Professor Cristiana Stan will collaborate with the US Department of Energy on a climate modeling project. She will provide program expertise in E3SM, a state-of-the-science Earth system model addressing energy sector challenges.
A new study finds that SNAP work requirements lead to a 21% drop in program participation among adults aged 18-49. Black adults experience a significantly higher loss of food assistance benefits compared to white adults, with disabled individuals also facing significant declines.
The Finnish model combines research, collaboration, and consultation with children to provide free hobby services as part of the school day, focusing on well-being and accessibility. The initiative has shown promising results in strengthening cultural capital and promoting active participation in society.
Researchers found toxic levels of mercury and blue-green algae in ancient Maya reservoirs, suggesting droughts may have contributed to the city's abandonment. The pollutants made the water toxic to drink, even if boiled, highlighting the importance of understanding environmental factors in ancient civilizations.
Dr. Jeffrey A. Towbin, a researcher at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, has received a NIH research project grant to identify modifier genes in cardiomyopathy. The study aims to understand how different genetic backgrounds affect the expression of myopalladin, a gene linked to the severity of cardiomyopathy.
Researchers analyzed volcanic tuff in European Russia's continental formation, determining the precise age of upper layers at 253.95 million years. This discovery allows for direct comparison of fauna associations and thaw lengths in European Russia during late Permian.
A new study reveals strong links between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 transmission. Analysis of air pollution, COVID-19 cases, and fatality rates in London demonstrates a connection between increased levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) and higher risk of viral transmission.
A recent study found that the Maryland Wind Energy Area, where an offshore wind farm is planned, serves as a crucial migration corridor for Atlantic sturgeon and striped bass. The development of wind turbines in this area could create habitat around which fish linger, potentially disrupting their migrations.
Researchers analyzed cores from the Basque Mud Patch to determine sedimentation rates and detect environmental contamination. The study found that metals and contaminants accumulate at an approximate rate of one millimeter per year, highlighting human activity's impact on the coastal area.
A new £20M research program will enhance UK's space weather monitoring capability, enabling faster and more accurate predictions of solar superstorms and severe space weather events. The University of Birmingham leads the effort, developing data modeling technology to underpin the work.
Researchers developed a new calcium indicator that accumulates only in neuron bodies, reducing crosstalk and improving signal accuracy. This breakthrough allows for more precise monitoring of individual neurons and their roles in brain functions.
Researchers have developed a reagent for selective and safe coating of the liver sinusoidal walls to control clearance of gene therapy drugs. The coating agent improved gene transfer efficacy by 2-4 times to the myocardium and skeletal muscles, and 10 times to colorectal cancer, reducing medical costs and adverse effects.
A Finnish-Brazilian team uncovered evidence of a pre-colonial civilization in the Amazon that domesticated plants for food and used the environment sustainably. The research found that Indigenous peoples protected and cared for trees, including Brazilian nut and palm trees, to maintain their ecosystem.
A study by the University of Exeter found that managers who thought gender bias no longer existed were more likely to recommend higher salaries for men and undervalue female staff. The research suggests that holding this belief constitutes a critical risk factor for perpetuating issues of gender bias.
Researchers developed a machine learning predictive model to predict nephrotoxicity risk in testicular cancer patients using Danish patient data. The model correctly predicted 67% of high-risk patients and 92% of low-risk patients who did not develop nephrotoxicity.
The LumAConM project aims to improve concrete diagnostics with a new, simple and cost-effective method enabling detailed assessments of concrete structures. Researchers use optical-chemical sensor technology to detect corrosion damage and assess service life.
Three species of pink flamingos evolved to live in shallow lakes and breed during seasonal blooms of algae and zooplankton before the inland lakes dried up due to climate change.
A recent study by the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has identified a previously under-recognized form of dementia, quadruple misfolded proteins (QMP), linked to TDP-43 proteinopathy. The study found that about 20% of participants with dementia had QMP, resulting in the most severe dementia cases.
Russian scientists have discovered four new steroid substances extracted from starfish that target human breast cancer and colorectal carcinoma cells. These non-typical derivatives of polar steroids may also help nerve cells survive distress, suggesting potential applications in Alzheimer's disease prevention.
The ApoE4 variant prevents the recycling of sortilin, a receptor that supplies neurons with essential fatty acids. This disruption leads to reduced lipid uptake and increased inflammation in brain cells, making them susceptible to cell death.
Researchers propose a kinetic misalignment scenario that strengthens the axion/dark matter equivalence. This novel concept answers key questions and provides new avenues for detection efforts.
A novel, portable device called iCoagLab has been developed to measure blood clotting ability in minutes, reducing time and accuracy of traditional tests. The test was compared to a conventional test on 270 patients and found to be as sensitive at detecting bleeding risk with higher accuracy.
A new study shows that genomic mutation testing using the Idylla automated system can reduce wait times for test results from 15 days to just 5 days. This allows patients to begin treatment for colorectal cancer sooner.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered strong oscillations in conductivity that signal quantum interference over vast distances. The findings require macroscopic quantum coherence and are only possible with ultra-pure materials like delafossites.
A team of geochemists at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has solved the mystery of Earth's vanishing crust by discovering a distinct chemical fingerprint for subducted crust. They found that about 5-6% of the Earth's mantle is made of recycled crust, contradicting prevailing theories on crust formation rates.
A scalable connectivity-aware solution is being developed by George Mason University researcher Sai Manoj Pudukotai Dinakarrao to confine the spread of COVID-19 and future epidemics. The solution aims to address epidemic model uncertainties and provide a cognitive approach for diverse demographics.
A pilot program trained Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to prescribe Medication for Opioid Use Disorders, increasing availability of services by 10-fold in two rural counties. The project led to the expansion of Medication-Assisted Treatment into 17 counties, addressing a critical need in Colorado's opioid crisis.
A new analysis of 16 years of health data reveals that long-term exposure to fine particles leads to increased mortality rates among the elderly. If current EPA standards were lowered, over 140,000 lives might have been saved within a decade.
A new study found that moving together in time with music increases social closeness between individuals, regardless of their cultural familiarity with the music. The study showed that people who enjoy the music they move to experience stronger social bonds than those who do not.
Researchers have developed a function-based sequencing technique using optical tweezers to analyze individual bacteria cells, enabling direct genome sequencing and antibiotic resistance testing from a single cell. This breakthrough technology supports rapid antibiotic selection and more precise treatment of bacterial infections.
Researchers at Duke University have created a cartilage-mimicking gel that is strong and durable, matching the properties of natural cartilage. The gel has been tested to withstand heavy loads and repeated stress without losing its shape or deteriorating over time.
A new method allows for the creation of a complex network of microchannels in an extracellular matrix that resembles human tissues. Human endothelial cells were successfully cultured on the surface of the microchannel to form a tube mimicking blood vessels, achieving pulsatile flow under conditions of perfusion and stretch.
Researchers provide new understanding of co-aggregation process between proinflammatory S100A9 protein and Aβ42 peptide in Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals that S100A9 amyloids coat the surface of Aβ42 amyloids, reducing secondary nucleation sites and enhancing cellular toxicity.
Researchers found that ancestors of distinctive Australian pollinating bees likely originated in tropical Asian countries, islands in the south-west Pacific or greater Oceania region. This study aims to better understand the origin and radiation of insects and other animals, helping environmental management during changing climates.
Families facing COVID-19 disruptions struggle with precarious lives, anxieties, and accelerated routines. To cope, they employ 'grounding' and 'aerial' activities, balancing daily needs with creative expressions of love and support.
Scientists have accurately measured the density of liquid iron under conditions similar to those at Earth's outer core. The findings suggest that pure iron is about 8% more dense than the Earth's outer core, indicating the presence of other light elements.