A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to soap and clean water, increasing their risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. The study highlights the need for long-term solutions to protect against the virus and its devastating impact on public health.
Researchers have created a chemical recycling process that breaks down real consumer plastics into a new product, a biodegradable solvent called methyl lactate. The method has been tested on various types of bioplastics and shown to produce high quantities of the green solvent, regardless of sample characteristics.
A new study led by the Yale School of Public Health found that the coronavirus pandemic is likely to have profound short- and long-term consequences for physical and mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations. The research showed that exposures common to the current pandemic are strongly associated with posttraumatic stress...
The HEROS study will examine the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 symptom development among children with allergic conditions versus those without. The study aims to fill knowledge gaps on how the novel coronavirus affects young populations.
Researchers have developed a new imaging analysis pipeline called LaMDA, which enables machine learning and complex analyses on high-dimensional microscopy data. This can reveal and predict T-cellular states, providing valuable insights for drug testing, vaccine development, and expanding knowledge of T-cell biology.
A new soil moisture product has been developed for mainland China, utilizing a dual-pass data assimilation system that auto-calibrates model parameters. The product provides gridded soil moisture data with a spatial resolution of 0.25° over China, showing consistent patterns with precipitation and evaporation.
A genetically modified malaria vaccine has been found to be safe and elicit a defense response against malaria infection in humans. The vaccine, developed with the American company Sanaria Inc., targets the liver stage of the disease and was administered to 67 volunteers, showing promising results.
A team of researchers identified the evolutionary 'missing link' in hemoglobin evolution, revealing that complexity can emerge through simple mechanisms. The study found that just two mutations triggered the emergence of modern hemoglobin's structure and function over 400 million years ago.
A randomized clinical trial found that pro-male gender bias negatively affects women's surgical skills and career development in general surgery training programs. The study contributes to understanding the factors contributing to women's underrepresentation in surgery.
A new study found that ketogenic diets significantly changed the proportions of common gut microbial phyla in human participants, with a particular decrease in Bifidobacteria. In mouse experiments, ketone bodies directly impacted the gut microbiome, reducing Th17 immune cells and promoting anti-inflammatory effects.
Brazilian researchers found Zika virus can infect multiple regions of the placenta, highlighting the need to collect and store samples properly. Diagnostic tests must consider these regions to ensure accurate results.
Researchers have developed a new method to stabilize liposomes using nanobowls, which improves the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells. The nanobowl-stabilized liposomes showed reduced leakage and increased efficacy in treating metastatic breast tumors in mice.
Researchers found that tree pollen fragments remain airborne for up to 11 hours after spring rains, posing a risk to allergy sufferers. The study advises people to stay indoors during and after rain events, especially thunderstorms, to minimize respiratory impacts.
Researchers are studying COVID-19's effects on the brain, including stroke, anosmia, and seizures. They hope to find better treatments for patients at risk of developing cognitive problems.
A new analysis found that fewer people with COVID-19 suffer from stroke compared to previous reports. However, strokes in patients with the virus tend to be more severe and have poorer outcomes.
Jan Kubanek's new procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to alter brain state, treating mental disorders and neurological conditions. The non-invasive treatment shows promise in targeting individual neural circuits for personalized therapy.
NASA satellites provided critical imagery of Typhoon Amphan as it approached a landfall in northeastern India. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicated strong storms with potential for heavy rainfall.
A study by University of Tsukuba researchers has identified a key molecule Crz that regulates body size adjustment during the larval stage in Drosophila. The study found that Crz neurons physically contact PTTH-producing neurons, controlling basal ecdysteroid biosynthesis and enabling proper development.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that the variety of tomato is more important than storage conditions on its flavor. The research team analyzed flavour-related attributes in new tomato strains and discovered no significant differences between refrigerated and room temperature storage options.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a new marker for allergic diseases, sialic acid on IgE antibodies, which may improve diagnoses. The team also found that removing sialic acid from IgE enhances allergic reactions in animal models, paving the way for novel treatment strategies.
A new study by the University of Rochester and University of Toronto found that couples who accurately perceive appeasement emotions, such as embarrassment, have better relationships. In contrast, couples where either partner feels negative emotions, regardless of whether those emotions are accurately perceived, have poorer relationships.
The FDA approved a phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose Octagam 10% therapy in COVID-19 patients with severe disease progression. The study aims to determine if IVIG can slow or stop respiratory deterioration in these patients.
Research found substituting prolonged sedentary time with sleep was associated with lower stress and improved mood. Light physical activity, such as walking around the home office, also provided benefits for up to a year, including improved mood and lower BMI.
A study of 34,000 biologic-treated patients found an increased melanoma risk compared to 135,000 conventional therapy patients. The results suggest a potential association between long-term use of biologics for inflammatory diseases and the development of melanoma.
Researchers found that divergent flowering times caused nearly complete reproductive isolation between two wild rice species. The change of flowering time of the new species O. nivara is an adaptation to shifted environments.
Researchers from the University of Warsaw developed a method to grow transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers with excellent optical properties on atomically flat boron nitride substrates. The technique, using molecular beam epitaxy, overcomes previous limitations and allows for large-scale production of high-quality monolayers.
A Texas A&M-led study analyzed ocean floor sediment cores to reveal the relationship between deep ocean oxygenation and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels over the past 50,000 years. The research found that enhanced storage of respired carbon in the deep ocean occurred during periods of low atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Experts warn that increased alcohol harm during lockdown will have long-term consequences for individuals, families, and communities. The UK's recovery from COVID-19 requires addressing the nation's addiction crisis, which costs the NHS over £3.5bn annually.
A new study found that China's countrywide ban on traffic mobility during the pandemic greatly limited automobile emissions and sharply reduced severe air pollution. This led to an estimated 12,125 avoided premature deaths compared to lives lost from the pandemic, with two-thirds of these being from cardiovascular diseases.
New research finds that virus infection rates in lobsters are related to their habitat, with seagrass meadows showing a protective effect against the spread of disease. The study's findings support efforts to safeguard Caribbean spiny lobster populations and boost understanding of viral dynamics.
Research identified potentially treatable genetic mutations in prostate cancer patients who did not respond to PSMA-targeted therapy. Targeted next-generation gene sequencing found mutations in six out of seven patients, including alterations in DNA damage-repair genes such as TP53, ATM, and CHEK2.
A blood test detecting neurofilament light chain can predict which people with multiple sclerosis will experience worsening symptoms and disability over the next year. The study found that individuals with high levels of this biomarker were more likely to develop significant disability and secondary progressive MS.
A new study by ISGlobal found that heat is now more lethal than cold for people with respiratory diseases in Spain, particularly women and older adults. The study analyzed data on over 1.3 million deaths between 1980 and 2016 and found a significant decline in temperature-attributable mortality during the colder months.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing difficulties for individuals with autism, including communication barriers, sensory issues, and stress. Researchers recommend healthcare providers train staff to recognize signs of autism and adapt care strategies to ensure safe and optimal treatment.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that molecular testing rates for lung cancer are less than 50% in most countries. The most frequent barrier to testing was cost, followed by quality/standards and access.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in targeting non-cancerous senescent cells to slow down liver tumor growth. The study, led by Celeste Simon, found that these cells play a crucial role in promoting tumor progression and can be selectively targeted using senolytics.
The COVID Recession has hit workers with disabilities harder, with a 20% decrease in employed working-age people with disabilities compared to those without. Temporary layoff rates are also higher among workers with disabilities, affecting their ability to return to work as the pandemic diminishes.
IntelliCare, a free mobile app, significantly reduces anxiety and depression in individuals struggling with the pandemic. The app offers targeted content, exercises, and strategies to help users manage stress and improve mental health.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that socioeconomic status independently affects cognitive ability and brain structure during adolescence. The study showed that environmental factors have a stronger impact on brain development than genes.
Researchers propose that cosmic rays influenced the evolution of DNA-based life on Earth, promoting one form of molecular handedness over its mirror image. This idea suggests a connection between fundamental physics and the origin of life, with potential experiments to test their hypothesis.
A study from Carnegie Mellon University and Columbia Business School found that women entrepreneurs are more motivated by social impact than money, while men are more driven by financial gains. The research also revealed that individuals from altruistic cultures are more likely to respond to messages focused on social impact.
A phase 2 trial found that adding durvalumab to chemotherapy significantly improved median overall survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients, with response rates and tolerability seen as well-tolerated. The combination is considered suitable for further investigation in a randomized phase 3 study.
Researchers found that spiracle fluttering in insects enhances oxygen diffusion, reducing water loss during respiration. This unique breathing mechanism allows for efficient oxygen uptake, benefiting the insect's survival.
Children of parents with a degree perform better in maths at age 11, with a gap that doesn't widen through secondary school. The study highlights the importance of parental education in supporting maths attainment, and recommends strategies to improve parental education as a way to increase child achievement.
Novel feeds made from microalgae, insect protein and oils could partially substitute fishmeal and oil in aquaculture feeds without negative impacts on efficiency or omega-3 profiles. This study predicts future aquaculture production growth between 37-98% depending on consumer preferences.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a paper-based device to measure lithium ion concentration in blood, which can help treat bipolar disorder patients. The device is user-friendly, low-cost, and comparable in detection ability to conventional instruments.
The study successfully captured images of the sodium pump in action, documenting molecular changes necessary for sodium transport. The findings have implications for advancing optogenetics and improving experiments in neurobiology.
High blood pressure during and after exercise is associated with a higher risk of hypertension, preclinical cardiovascular disease, and death in middle-aged to older adults. Regular physical activity and monitoring blood pressure numbers can help lower this risk.
Researchers at MIT have identified a potential new treatment for Fragile X syndrome, a disorder causing intellectual disability and autism, using a small-molecule compound that reverses behavioral and cellular features. The compound targets the GSK3 alpha enzyme, which may also be effective against other diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers propose a molecular mechanism that causes COVID-19's most destructive complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), through a massive release of proinflammatory cytokines triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus's entry into human cells via ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 enzyme.
A recent study assesses fire aerosol impacts on global ecosystem productivity, finding cooling and drying effects on land surfaces. Fire aerosols decreased gross primary productivity in most vegetated areas, with some exceptions like the Amazon region.
New computer model simulations suggest that Neanderthals' rapid decline was due to competition with Homo sapiens for resources. The model, which considers climate change and interbreeding, shows that Homo sapiens had a significant advantage in exploiting existing food resources.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a novel technique to generate high-quality single photons, paving the way for large-scale quantum photonics. The breakthrough enables the creation of scalable quantum photonics devices, which can solve complex problems beyond current supercomputers.
Researchers develop a laser-based technique using OCT to capture detailed 3D reconstructions of impressionist paintings, enabling enhanced viewing experiences and conservation efforts. The technology also allows for the creation of digital 3D models that can be interacted with to examine brushstrokes and other details.
A recent study published in Social Media + Society found that social media discourse on Facebook can normalize hatred and dehumanization of certain groups. The researchers identified three stages of conflict escalation: threat, distortion, and rigidification, which can lead to the erosion of empathy and human connection.
Nathaniel Gabor's lab is developing a new microscopy technique to study bacterial growth in light and examine the physics of light harvesting. The project aims to gain precise control of optical excitation at the single cell level, potentially upending the current state of knowledge on light sensing in biosystems.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges for cancer patients receiving immune-engaging treatments, according to a recent study. The authors highlight the need for healthcare providers to balance the benefits of these treatments with the increased risk of severe illness during the pandemic.
Researchers at UNM demonstrated that legal cannabis hemp oil reduced mechanical pain sensitivity by 10-fold in mice with chronic post-operative neuropathic pain. The study's findings suggest that hemp oil can be an effective treatment for chronic pain, offering a natural and relatively safe alternative to conventional drugs.
A study published in The BMJ found a small increased risk of musculoskeletal malformations in babies born to mothers who took fluconazole during the first trimester, but no association with oral clefts or heart defects. The risk was higher for women taking higher doses.
Researchers have identified 75 new technologies that can transform global food production to meet growing demands while protecting the environment. These solutions include artificial intelligence, micro-algae production, vertical farming, and other innovative approaches.