A team of researchers found six existing antiviral drugs that worked against COVID-19 in laboratory tests, with a combination of nelfinavir and amodiaquine showing the highest synergy. However, using blood plasma from recovered patients to treat severely ill patients may only work if the donor has recently recovered from COVID-19.
A study reveals that smooth muscle cells near necrotic cores of atherosclerotic plaques produce complement protein C3, stimulating macrophage activation and driving clonal expansion. The cells' ability to evade immune surveillance is restored by inhibiting CD47, suggesting these cells as viable therapeutic targets.
Researchers propose interventions from behavioral science perspectives to empower users in online environments, such as nudging and boosting, to make informed decisions. The study identifies the need for more transparent algorithms and context-based feedback to counter echo chambers and promote critical thinking.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a software system called CICERO that enables better detection of gene fusions in cancers. The system distinguishes fusion events by comparing the cells' RNA sequence with the human genome, identifying potential cancer-causing fusions.
Researchers have successfully used magnetic targeting to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating silicosis. The study found that MSCs treated with magnets showed significant reductions in lung damage and improvements in pulmonary function compared to non-magnetized MSCs.
Researchers found that newborn particles interacting with powerful electromagnetic fields produce pulsars' unique beams of radio waves. The discovery could improve pulsar timing arrays and shed light on fast radio bursts.
A study by universities of Bonn and Nijmegen found that BCG vaccination enhances immune response to multiple infections, including TB and Covid-19. The vaccine's effect is attributed to trained immunity, which allows innate immune cells to become more efficient independently of reinfection.
A £19,000 government grant will fund a project to educate the public about posting sensitive personal information on social media. The initiative aims to teach individuals how to secure their Personal Identifiable Information (PII) and make informed choices about their online presence.
A recent study found that an anomalous anticyclone over Northeast Asia contributed nearly half to the magnitude of extreme heat events in 2018. The researchers also discovered that such anomalies have become more common and severe in recent decades.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis finds that electrostatic discharge during Martian dust storms generates highly reactive chlorine compounds, driving the surface-to-atmosphere cycle of chlorine. The ongoing chlorine cycle may impact the detection of biomarkers on Mars.
A new heart box method has shown clear signs of improvement in preserving and transporting donated hearts, reducing the risk of complications. The method enables longer preservation times, which could lead to more opportunities for transplants, including international flights.
A recent study found that even low-risk drinking within Canada's guidelines can lead to hospitalization and death. Moderate drinkers are not insulated from harm, particularly men who experience harm at all drinking levels. The study suggests that guideline limits should be lowered to match those in the Netherlands.
Researchers investigate medication use in older adults, finding that certain hypertension medications may reduce dementia risk and improve stroke outcomes. A deprescribing program also shows promise in reducing falls risk, with primary care providers accepting over 90% of recommendations.
A house call model using interventional radiology treatments in patients' homes improved access to care, reducing emergency department use by 77% and hospital readmissions by 50%. The model provides specialized care to elderly homebound patients with chronic illnesses, preventing complications and delaying urgent visits.
Researchers found a causal link between prolonged loneliness and increased likelihood of smoking behavior, including starting to smoke, smoking more cigarettes, and decreasing chances of quitting. The study used Mendelian randomization, a novel research method, to explore the relationship between loneliness and substance abuse.
A new study led by Liliana Dávalos explores how coronaviruses interact with goblet cells in bats, which may hold the key to understanding why some bats are resistant to these viruses. The research aims to compare the differences between bat and human nasal tissues, with potential implications for preventing future pandemics.
Researchers at Temple University Health System will explore whether clavulanic acid can help patients recover from cocaine use disorder. The study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the brain and observe changes in glutamate levels.
A global study found a 20% increase in cardiovascular events and death among middle-aged participants with four or more depressive symptoms. Depression is now considered an important risk factor for heart disease and early death alongside traditional factors like smoking and high blood pressure.
A new CSU study investigates how novice STEM teachers are responding to COVID-19 disruptions, exploring whether they leave the profession or adapt to new instructional strategies. The researchers aim to gather information on the characteristics of the system and support novice teachers to stay in the profession.
Researchers summarize the processes involved in forming porphyry copper deposits, including dehydration, magma ascent, assimilation, storage, and homogenization. The study highlights ongoing challenges, such as tectonic control on geochemical characteristics and metal pre-enrichment mechanisms.
New research by Brown physicists reveals that impurities can disrupt the order of a system and cause melting to begin before predicted by theory. The findings provide insight into the solid-liquid transition, which remains poorly understood despite being familiar phenomenon.
Researchers found that early genetic restoration of the SHANK3 gene rescued behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder, including social interaction and repetitive grooming. The study suggests that genetic intervention in SHANK3-related ASD may be most effective earlier in development.
A new Irish study challenges claims that high blood levels of folate increase the risk of poor cognition in older adults. The study found no evidence of adverse effects, while higher folate levels were associated with better cognitive function in older adults.
A 50-million-year-old insect fossil found in British Columbia provides crucial insights into the global movement of animals across deep time. The discovery suggests a previously unknown Canada-Australia connection, with modern relatives of the insect found exclusively in Australia.
A multilevel intervention program improved HPV vaccination series initiation and completion rates among adolescent patients. The program educated pediatric and family medicine providers about the importance of HPV vaccines, along with healthcare system changes that started the HPV vaccine series before age 11.
A novel treatment for advanced mesothelioma has been shown to be safe and effective, with a 70.3% disease control rate and median overall survival rate of 8.5 months. The transarterial chemoperfusion treatment may improve the quality of life for patients who have few treatment options.
New research investigates how viruses trick cells into forming lipid rafts, allowing them to enter and infect the human body. The study suggests that understanding this process could lead to innovative approaches to fight viral infections.
A new Boston University study finds that inflation has reduced American alcohol tax rates by 70% since 1933, with the average tax rate now lower than its 1933 value. The study suggests that revamped taxes could provide governments with much-needed revenue without harming industries.
Scientists develop novel 3D-spiral circuit design for faster and more energy-efficient machine learning training. The design reduces interconnecting wiring needs and enhances algorithm accuracy up to 90%. This innovation may enable the next generation of energy-efficient AI devices.
Researchers used in situ observations and simulations to understand the composition and sources of aerosols in the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL). They found that part of the aerosols were transported from the Earth surface and upper troposphere, influencing the ATAL's formation.
A study by University of Queensland researchers found that maternal depression is linked to higher risks of behavioral problems and poor development in children. The study suggests that reducing depressive symptoms at any stage can improve outcomes for both mothers and children.
KAUST scientists create first water-stable, n-type semiconducting polymer doped with ammonium salt, enabling stable conversion of ionic signals into electronic signals. The innovation has potential applications in glucose sensors, enzymatic fuel cells and monitoring ion channel activity.
A new study led by Dr Melyssa Roy found that later bedtimes for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old aren't directly linked to an increased risk of obesity. The study revealed that these children slept for a longer duration, which may limit eating opportunities and reduce overall caloric intake.
Researchers are collecting DNA data from popular home genetic-testing kits to identify key genes involved in the body's response to Covid-19. The study, called Coronagenes, aims to understand why some people become ill while others remain symptom-free.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed new MRI techniques to more precisely target brain structures linked to Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. These methods, including diffusion tractography, aim to reduce adverse effects associated with previous treatments.
Researchers developed a framework using graph theory to optimize digital communication networks, finding cliques within them for efficient data transmission and improvement in throughput by up to 30%. This approach has far-reaching implications for future networks, including the internet of things with larger volumes of data.
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.