Researchers from Cardiff University have identified specific conditions along the ocean floor where tectonic plates creep past each other instead of generating catastrophic earthquakes. This discovery could help scientists better understand stress at fault lines and improve earthquake forecasting.
Scientists have captured new images of Phobos using NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, providing insight into the moon's surface temperature variations and composition. The images suggest a relatively uniform surface made of fine-grained materials, mostly basaltic in origin.
Researchers successfully decoded ancient DNA extracted from the animal skins on which the Dead Sea Scrolls were written, discerning important historical connections. The study sheds new light on the Dead Sea Scrolls, providing a rare glimpse into the world of Second Temple Judaism.
A new study found that antibiotic-destroying genes are widespread in bacteria in soil and on people, threatening public health. A chemical compound has been developed to shield tetracyclines from destruction, restoring their effectiveness against resistant bacteria.
The study analyzed data from 2,158 patients who received favipiravir for COVID-19 and found correlations between treatment and improved clinical outcomes. The observational study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of favipiravir in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Researchers have discovered a possible physical trace of short-term memory, known as an engram, in the brain's synapses. The study found that vesicles containing neurotransmitters are stored at the pre-synaptic terminal after a granule cell fires, inducing plasticity and strengthening communication between neurons.
The new guidelines provide a standardized protocol for imaging distal radius and tibia sites, as well as recommendations on reporting results. The guidelines aim to facilitate the comparison of results across studies by minimizing technical variation in scan acquisition and analysis.
A group of American College of Physicians (ACP) leaders suggest using the organization's 'New Vision' policy paper to guide U.S. health care reform during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper aims to improve access to care, reduce per capita health care costs, and simplify the healthcare system.
The journal's editorial board selected three papers for best paper awards, showcasing innovative work in interdisciplinary applications, theoretical innovation, and photo-optical instrumentation design. The honorees include a paper on deep-learning-based object detection for monitoring underwater ecosystems and marine debris.
Researchers identified a gene responsible for eye loss in cavefish, revealing its connection to a human vascular disease. The gene, cystathionine beta-synthase 'a' (cbsa), prevents blood flow to developing eyes, leading to withered eyes in blind fish.
A joint research team has identified dopamine D2 receptors in cholinergic interneurons as a key factor in susceptibility to cocaine addiction. The study found that DRD2 overexpression and reduced cell activation in ChINs contribute to the development of cocaine addiction.
Researchers found that rats used an unexpected strategy of adapting their behavior based on previous trial outcomes, rather than relying on a fixed optimal rule. This strategy allowed them to quickly adjust to changing environments and learn from mistakes.
Researchers found that terahertz radiation can disrupt protein filaments in both aqueous solutions and living cells, but does not kill the cells. This discovery has implications for potential applications in cancer treatment, as well as safety concerns.
A study found that great gray owl populations in California and Oregon have lower genetic diversity due to range discontinuity, leaving them susceptible to diseases and environmental stressors. The researchers propose that conservation efforts may be necessary to protect these vulnerable populations.
Scientists develop a general technique for identifying pivotal components, which can tip the scales in group decision-making. The approach is applied to various systems, including voting, Twitter and financial markets.
Researchers created a new method to map metabolic pathways in microbes, unlocking routes for new vaccines and antimicrobials. The study reveals new insights into the metabolic function of M. agalactiae and M. pneumoniae, two common bacteria that infect livestock and humans respectively.
The Penrose tool enables users to create diagrams by typing mathematical expressions, empowering anyone to translate abstract ideas into beautiful illustrations. Researchers developed a special programming language that mathematicians can easily learn, allowing for high-quality visualizations.
A Stanford team has developed an inexpensive optical technique to simultaneously record neural activity across the entire top surface of a mouse's cerebral cortex. This allows for comprehensive measurement of neural activity and could lead to breakthroughs in understanding decision-making, motor control, and sensory perception.
Research from Curtin University analyzed ancient DNA to understand the causes of animal extinctions during the Ice Age. The study found that while plant diversity recovered as climate warmed, large animal diversity did not recover, suggesting human hunting was a major factor in megafauna extinction.
A study reveals that fat cells' immune response amplifies inflammation, driving obesity-related disease. Type I Interferons produced by fat cells trigger a vicious cycle of inflammation, which can worsen metabolic issues and increase the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes and COVID-19.
A new surfactant-free method produces up to 100 microcapsules per second, ideal for pharmaceutical or skin care applications. The technique involves creating tiny channels and injecting immiscible liquids, which are then polymerized and solidified to trap the liquid core.
Extracellular vesicles play a key role in the pathology of malaria vivax by promoting parasite adhesion to human spleen fibroblasts. The study found that EVs induce the expression of ICAM-1 on fibroblast surfaces, serving as an anchor for parasite-infected red blood cell adherence.
A genetic study reveals that COVID-19 and SARS viruses have stable RNA fragments with stem-and-loop structures, which may enhance virus survival. Researchers used a new technique called Fate-seq to analyze the stability of these sequences in human cells.
A national poll of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 reveals that most were capable home cooks before COVID-19, with those who cooked at home most often rating their diets as excellent. However, solo diners reported less healthy diets and relied more on fast food, highlighting the need for support during the pandemic.
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that around 47% of sensitivity differences between individuals can be attributed to genetic factors. The research used data from the Twins Early Development Study and involved over 2,800 twins, including identical and non-identical pairs.
A new computer simulation theory suggests that supermassive black holes form from gas clouds enriched with heavy elements, explaining the large number observed in galaxies today. The simulations showed that a massive star can form 10,000 times more massive than the Sun, which will continue to grow and evolve into a giant black hole.
A new study found that middle-aged and older LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to use substances like cannabis and opioids than their heterosexual counterparts. The researchers suggest that prevention and harm reduction efforts should be targeted towards this community, highlighting the need for addressing stigma and discrimination.
Researchers have found large clones of skin cells caused by UV exposure can be targeted to reduce skin cancers. This study suggests that stopping these clones may help win the battle against skin cancer.
Researchers observed an accreting neutron star entering an outburst phase, studying its structure and material movement. The observation revealed a 12-day process, contradicting previous theories of two- to three-day timescales.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have created fully functional mini livers using skin cells from human volunteers. The lab-made organs were then transplanted into rats, with results showing they survived for four days and functioned like a normal liver.
Scientists at UCL have discovered sets of regulatory genes responsible for maintaining healthy hearing in fruit flies. They found that manipulating these genes could prevent age-related hearing loss in humans, and have already started a follow-up drug discovery project to fast-track novel treatments.
Scientists developed a new method to add deuterium to benzene, improving drug efficacy. Forest research found forests worldwide are dying due to environmental changes. The ITER project began assembling the world's largest fusion reactor, while Oak Ridge National Laboratory improved cancer treatment through isotope separation.
Nowzari's research uses network systems expertise to model how people's movement affects virus spread, providing a more nuanced approach than existing lumped population models. His goal is to help inform policy and business decisions by highlighting the impact of networking effects.
Scientists create magneto-plasmonic nanoantennas with hybrid high-order multi-polar dark modes, enabling unprecedented control of light polarization. The resulting amplification enhances the magneto-optical activity, overcoming previous limitations and opening new avenues for nanophotonic applications.
A study of nearly 1.7 million women found that benzodiazepine use before conception is associated with a 50% higher risk of ectopic pregnancies. This increases the risk of complications and infertility, highlighting the need for more research on safe treatment options.
Researchers find that repositioning the spleen during surgery can lead to physical changes and altered immune responses, suggesting a key role of mesothelial cells in modulating inflammation. The study suggests that breaking connections between these cells and the spleen may have consequences for immune function.
A new Northwestern Medicine study shows that a pill taking proactively to prevent mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis could be a game-changer for those with food or drug allergies. The pill uses BTK inhibitors to block allergic reactions by inhibiting the Bruton's tyrosine kinase enzyme, which is found inside cells and mast cells.
Researchers developed a new 3D imaging technique called harmonic optical tomography, which uses holographic information to generate 3D images of biological samples. This technique has the potential to assist with cancer and disease diagnoses by providing critical information on tissue structure and collagen fiber orientation.
A study by University of Córdoba researchers questions the Neanderthal origin of Spanish rock art in the Nerja Cave. They propose a new method for dating Paleolithic art that considers multiple measuring systems, potentially leading to a revised timeline for human artistic development.
A new study published in eLife finds that the number and types of immune cells in mouse lungs increase rapidly after birth, helping them adapt to breathing and protect against infections. This discovery may lead to new therapies to preserve or enhance lung development in infants and young children.
Researchers have successfully detected gamma rays from the Crab Nebula using a next-generation telescope, shedding new light on supernovae and dark matter. The prototype Schwarzschild-Couder Telescope promises to enhance imaging detail over larger field of view across the sky.
A study by evolutionary psychologists at the University of Texas at Austin identified universal qualities like intelligence, honesty, and bravery that increase a person's social value. The findings also revealed cultural differences in what influences social status, with certain traits being more valuable in some societies than others.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg are developing a new storage concept that balances power density with affordability, recyclability and ease of use. The 'Plug-In' project aims to create a scalable and intelligent battery system for decentralized electrification in rural areas.
Researchers found that rare lefty garden snails have shells formed by a developmental accident rather than inheritance. Dr Angus Davison's appeal for help finding a mate for Jeremy led to the discovery of over 40 lefty snails, which were then bred together to test the genetics behind this condition.
Scientists have improved a technique called RACE-Seq to better understand the functions of individual cells in environmental samples. The new protocol increases genome coverage from around 20% to over 50%, allowing researchers to analyze the genetic and functional links between cells and their environments.
Nutrition experts urge a 'Moonshot' approach to strengthen federal nutrition research and policy, citing dire state of Americans' health and significant potential for new discoveries. The proposed strengthening of federal nutrition research aims to generate new discoveries to improve health, reduce healthcare costs and create jobs.
Researchers found that removing just the top 26 meters of a platform results in an average loss of only 10% of fish biomass, while completely removing it leads to a 95% reduction. Partial removal supports significantly more fish biomass than complete removal.
A new easy-to-use smart optical film technology has been developed, enabling smart windows to switch between transparent and opaque states. The film demonstrates high speed and performance, allowing for fast switching and uniform tinting while securing durability, stability, and safety.
A study found that satisfied breast cancer survivors have lower psychological stress and inflammation, which can promote overall health. The research suggests that fostering healthy relationships is crucial for breast cancer patients' well-being during a stressful time.
Researchers have created a variable color sheet using elastomer nanosheets that change color in response to strain, achieving reversible wavelength control of transmitted light. The developed sheets utilize surface plasmon to produce extraordinary optical transmission and can be used for flexible displays and sensors.
Researchers warn that a violent Philippine volcanic eruption could lead to an El Niño event, intense polar vortex, and Eurasian warming. The Taal volcano's ongoing eruption has the potential to produce hazardous consequences for the Earth's climate.
Cynthia Dwork has received the Knuth Prize for her groundbreaking work on cryptography in network environments, privacy, and foundational contributions to theoretical computer science. Her research transformed several fields, including distributed systems, data privacy, and fairness in algorithmic decision making.
Scientists have created a sensor that can detect carbon dioxide on a simple piece of paper, with potential applications in industries and smart buildings. The paper-based sensor changes colors based on CO2 levels, providing a cheap and efficient solution for carbon dioxide detection.
A Texas A&M team is developing a microfluidic device called PRESCIENT to rapidly identify antibodies that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection. The device has been successfully tested with the hepatitis virus and can conduct hundreds of tests per second.
Former child soldiers in Sierra Leone who were accepted by their families and communities experienced improved emotional and social well-being. The longitudinal study of over 500 former child soldiers found that stigma was a significant barrier to their recovery, with some experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress dis...
A recent study published in the British Journal of Haematology investigated COVID-19 infection outcomes in blood cancer patients, finding that most recovered despite weakened immune systems. Age and co-existing health conditions were significant factors in determining patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a more effective neutrophil depletion model that outperforms existing methods. This improvement enables scientists to study the role of neutrophils in various diseases, including COVID-19, with greater accuracy and precision.
Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have developed a highly efficient and controllable method to assemble single nanoparticles directly into pre-patterned templates using electrophoretic deposition. The technique has been applied to various materials, including gold nanocrystals, semiconductor quantum dots,...
Research suggests that bees specializing in allogrooming exhibit stronger immune systems, which may enable them to withstand higher infection risks. Allogroomer bees occupy central positions in the colony's social network, benefiting a large number of bees.
An international team of researchers has developed a new type of molecular circuit switch that can operate as both a diode and a memory element. The breakthrough device is just 2 nanometers thick and requires low drive voltage, opening up the possibility for ultra-high-density computing within our lifetime.