A study found that gene retention depends on functional and structural entanglement, which measures interdependency between gene structure and function. This suggests that some gene duplicates are retained due to the limitations of their protein products.
The researchers aim to create a machine-learning solution that combines pure data-driven reinforcement learning algorithms with domain knowledge. Their technique, Dino-RL, is designed to dynamically adjust to quickly detect and fix network problems without human intervention.
A survey of British Halal meat-eaters found that many would consider switching to stunned meat if assured it complies with Islamic slaughter rules. The study's results suggest the UK may adopt a New Zealand-style model for halal meat production, which addresses animal welfare concerns and provides consumer reassurance.
A Swiss-German research team found that first-year students from academic households exhibit higher stress levels due to the fear of jeopardizing family social status. Hair cortisol analysis revealed no differences in subjective stress perception between academic and non-academic families.
Researchers at GW University are investigating changes in the ventral tegmental area of the brain during chronic stress, a common contributor to depression and anxiety disorders. The study aims to understand how stress affects the reward circuitry and identify potential treatments.
A novel and extremely efficient synthesis method has been developed for bioactive natural compounds with potential anti-cancer properties. The new method allows easier access to these substances, enabling further investigations into their biological activity and potential therapeutic applications.
The National Emergency Stockpile System (NESS) in Canada struggles with expired supplies and ineffective inventory management, hindering timely procurement of PPE during the pandemic. Integrating NESS with commercial supply as a prime vendor is proposed as a potential solution to address these challenges.
A recent study published in the Disability and Health Journal found that individuals with IDD living in residential group homes are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including case rates, case-fatality rate, and mortality rate. The study examined data from New York State and found significant disparities in these outcomes c...
Scientists successfully deliver healthy mitochondrial complexes to liver cells in rats, offering a new approach for treating liver diseases. The method, which uses a protein coating to target mitochondria to the liver, shows promise for addressing a significant gap in current treatments.
A 16-year analysis reveals that periods of regulatory uncertainty increase electricity price volatility, regardless of renewable energy's intermittent nature. The study highlights the impact of policy changes and economic crises on market prices.
Researchers have developed a new technique using V-shaped graphene-metal film structures to study the properties of individual organic molecules and nanolayers. The approach relies on plasmon localization, which enables the team to focus on the sample and register a response from several molecules or even a single large molecule like DNA.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that workers who have greater control over their work and personal lives can create a buffer to manage after-hours work stress. This includes using technological boundary tactics such as turning off work email alerts on smartphones.
Paper wasps use social eavesdropping to learn about the fighting ability of potential rivals, allowing them to rapidly assess and avoid opponents. This complex behavior is surprising given their relatively small brains, highlighting the importance of social environment in shaping sophisticated behaviors.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that cancer survivors tend to overestimate the quality of their diets. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,300 cancer survivors and compared it to a control group, revealing that those who overrated their diet quality had poorer overall health.
Chronic diseases account for 50-75% of global health care costs, with current delivery models poorly constructed to manage these conditions. Healthcare systems must develop strategies to care for severely ill patients while continuing treatment for those with chronic disease.
A large-scale assessment of long-term survival and reintervention after aortic ViV found that smaller failed bioprostheses were associated with lower survival rates. The type of transcatheter valve used also influenced the need for reintervention, with EBEV being a significant risk factor.
A new study successfully demonstrates the synthesis of ultrathin amorphous boron nitride films with extremely low dielectric constants, high breakdown voltages, and superior metal barrier properties. These materials have great potential as interconnect insulators in next-generation electronic circuits.
A new study by University of Vaasa researchers highlights the importance of strategic social media use in creating customer engagement value. The study identifies four distinct social media marketing strategies: social commerce, content, monitoring, and CRM, which can foster collaborative conversations and enhance customer relationships.
Scientists have developed an alternative approach to traditional immunohistochemistry, leveraging RNA sequencing to analyze tumor samples. The new method reveals correlations between specific biomarker genes and cancer diagnosis outcomes.
Scientists discovered that oxygen plasma can enhance electrochemical performance of electrodes in supercapacitors, outperforming nitrogen. This breakthrough could contribute to the development of new generation supercapacitors with improved electrochemical characteristics.
A new study has identified environmental factors contributing to childhood obesity, including exposure to smoking and air pollution. Areas with higher walkability were found to have lower BMI levels in children.
Researchers have found rising CO2 levels in Arctic Ocean water, with some areas showing slower increases. The study combined data from multiple cruises, providing a consistent dataset for future research.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that far-UVC light can safely kill more than 99.9% of seasonal coronaviruses present in airborne droplets. Continuous exposure to far-UVC light could greatly reduce the level of airborne virus in indoor environments occupied by people.
A major review of COVID-19 scientific literature confirms a cough and fever as the most common symptoms, with fatigue, loss of smell, and difficulty breathing also reported. The study analyzed data from over 24,000 patients across nine countries, ratifying the World Health Organisation's initial symptom list.
Researchers found that Adélie penguins in Antarctica prefer less sea ice due to its impact on their foraging habits. With less sea ice, they can dive more easily, reducing competition for prey and increasing their krill catch.
A landmark Australian study found even low levels of PM2.5, fine particulate matter in air pollution, increase risk of death from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. For every 1 ug/m3 increase, there is a 2% increased risk of early death, threatening WHO safety standards.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified over 40 genes expressed in the vLGN and discovered six new neuron subtypes, each with unique molecules and clustered in tightly packed striped layers. The study provides a more precise tool kit to understand the function of the vLGN and its downstream connections.
The Data Assembly aims to inform policymakers on responsible data re-use for COVID-19, balancing benefits and costs. The project explores public concerns and perspectives on data governance.
Bayram Saparov, a University of Oklahoma assistant professor, has been awarded a five-year Department of Energy Early Career Research Award to develop more efficient solar panels and LEDs. The award aims to bolster the nation's scientific workforce and support exceptional researchers in their early career years.
A new analysis of Twitter posts by members of the US Congress reveals rapid politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic, with polarization increasing over time. The study found that Democrats sent significantly more tweets about COVID-19 than Republicans, and their tweets were more likely to discuss public health and safety.
A new microscopy technique called Pulsed Force Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (PF-KPFM) has been developed, allowing for less than 10 nanometer measurements of work function and surface potential in a single-pass AFM scan. This breakthrough enables the characterization of the electrical properties of nanomaterials at the nanoscale.
A low-cost, easy-to-use emergency ventilator for COVID-19 patients has been developed at the University of California San Diego. The UCSD MADVent Mark V can be assembled in just 15 minutes and is designed to be safe and easy to use for healthcare workers with limited experience.
A new study suggests that challenges simulating clouds are causing some climate models to be more sensitive to carbon dioxide, potentially leading to a warmer future. The updated models have shown a greater range of responses than previous generations, with some models showing higher sensitivity and others lower.
A new study from Tohoku University and the University of Cambridge has created a polymers-based device that mimics brain neural cells. The research used a combination of PSS-Na and PEDOT:PSS polymers, resulting in a significant increase in response time.
A large clinical trial, CKD-FIX, found that allopurinol does not prevent worsening of kidney disease. The study showed no difference in kidney function decline between the treatment and placebo groups.
AI systems can learn to recognize abnormalities, but often lack transparency and make 'lazy' diagnoses. Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center developed an approach to improve sensitivity and transparency in AI diagnosis, achieving a 11.2% increase in diabetic retinopathy detection
During the COVID-19 pandemic, managing patients with severe mental illness requires careful consideration of infection control and medication adherence. The article provides guidance on best practices for treatment and care of these patients, highlighting strategies to minimize risks while maintaining effective management.
Research identifies highly motivated, altruistic individuals as key players in online health communities, supporting the management of long-term conditions. These superusers face difficulties but demonstrate autonomy and a desire to help others, highlighting their importance in healthcare.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that hospital visits, release from prison, and patterns of medication use can predict both fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses. The researchers used linked databases to analyze over 2.29 million records and identified groups at highest risk.
A recent study found that nearly all nursing home residents with life-limiting conditions were taking statins, despite unclear guidelines for this age group. The researchers concluded that continuing statin therapy in these patients may be unnecessary due to potential side effects and a lack of proven benefits.
Researchers at Kobe University have developed an exon-skipping therapy using antisense oligonucleotides to treat Alport Syndrome, a genetic kidney disease. The treatment was found to be effective in reducing urinary protein levels and suppressing kidney failure in model mice with severe mutations.
A new study reveals that humans have a stereo sense of smell, using binaral disparity to guide navigation. Results from psychophysical testing showed a moderate binaral disparity biases perceived direction towards the higher-concentration side, reminiscent of stereo vision.
A study of 140 WNBA players reveals their hearts are larger and thicker than most women, due to physical conditioning and height. The research provides a normative dataset for female athletes, enabling better identification of cardiac problems.
A recent editorial highlights the critical role of school nurses in reopening schools safely during the pandemic. The experts emphasize that school nurses will take on key roles in advising and planning for COVID-19 prevention strategies.
Researchers found evidence that there are significantly fewer of the single-celled algae that produce harmful toxins in an area more than 45 feet around an eelgrass bed. Eelgrass wards off toxin-producing algae, providing a natural defense for marine species and shellfish harvests.
Researchers simulate exoplanet conditions to study the boundary between water and rock, finding a new transitional phase that challenges current models of distant worlds. This discovery could inform our understanding of life evolving on these planets.
The study reveals that protein SCAF1 regulates mitochondrial energy production by optimizing the assembly of ETC complexes. In its absence, energy efficiency is reduced and physical activity capacity is impaired.
A new method using environmental DNA (eDNA) detection can efficiently monitor captive animals for pathogens, reducing the need for huge sample sizes and costly processes. eDNA sampling from tank water is more efficient than testing individual samples, according to Washington State University researcher Jesse Brunner.
A study found that middle-aged women are more likely to have changes in the brain related to Alzheimer's disease, even when controlling for age and other factors. The researchers suggest that hormonal changes during menopause may play a role in this increased risk.
A new study reveals that traditional predictions of species movement due to climate change may be inaccurate. Broad diets were found to be a crucial factor in the establishment and persistence of tropical fish in cooler areas.
A new study finds that high deductible health plans are widening the racial health gap among black and white cancer survivors. Black cancer survivors on these plans face significant cost-related barriers to care, including skipping medication or delaying refills.
During an unusually ice-free season, Adélie penguins in East Antarctica covered more ground while swimming for prey, resulting in shorter dives and increased foraging success. This led to faster chick growth and increased body mass in adult males and females.
Researchers have developed a new code, XGC-S, that can simulate the behavior of plasma in stellarators more accurately than before. This advancement aims to improve the design of fusion devices, which could provide a virtually inexhaustible supply of safe and clean power.
Hospital staff members in the COVID-19 pandemic develop essential qualities such as compassion, empathy, and resilience. These qualities are critical for providing high-quality patient care during the crisis.
Scientists at The University of Manchester have developed an energy-efficient and highly versatile membrane coating using chemically modified molybdenum disulphide, offering a game-changer for the water filtration sector.
Researchers have created a device that can suspend two chemically distinct droplets in mid-air and mix them without physical contact. The technique uses acoustic levitation, which allows scientists to study various types of chemical reactions without the influence of containers or handling.
Researchers found that statin use was associated with a lower death rate and mechanical ventilation incidence in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Statins were also linked to improved immune responses and reduced inflammation.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to transform alcohol into amino acids, the building blocks of life. This breakthrough enables the creation of new, unnatural amino acids that can be used to build complex molecules targeting various diseases.
Scientists have visualized every moment of ultrafast chemical bonding, revealing two separate stages and molecular vibrations. The breakthrough study uses femtosecond x-ray scattering to track atomic positions in real-time, improving upon previous methods.
Astronomers detect exoplanet AU Mic b, about the size of Neptune, using NASA's TESS and Spitzer space telescopes. The discovery provides a unique laboratory to study planetary formation and atmospheric interactions with a young star.