A new study reveals that Sonic hedgehog plays a crucial role in establishing flight feather identity in birds, similar to how it specifies digit identities. By using chicken embryos, researchers found that Shh is required for wing development and defines a set of genes involved in this process.
A new patented process using ligand-assisted chromatography enables the efficient and environmentally friendly purification of critical rare earth metals. The technology, developed by Purdue University, has successfully shown to separate the metals without devastating environmental effects.
Researchers discovered that sea-ice changes are the most probable cause for the cooling of surface waters in the Southern Ocean. Simulations show that stronger winds propelled sea ice into the open ocean, enhancing freshwater transport and creating a stratified seawater layer with reduced heat exchange.
A recent study used fiber optic cables to capture seismic signatures of the Rose Parade, capturing the vibrations of marching bands and floats. The technique, called distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), revealed distinct signals from the parade, including harmonic frequencies corresponding to even-stepping marching bands.
Researchers from SMART have discovered a new defence mechanism found in some bacteria that uses phosphorothioates to protect their DNA. This discovery enables scientists to tackle existing challenges in bacterial resistance to antibiotics and has huge implications for phage therapy.
Researchers at the University of Johannesburg found that high-temperature heat-treatment can significantly improve fly ash geopolymer concrete's resistance to extreme alkali attack. The findings show that the material maintains about 50% residual strength after being immersed in an extreme alkali medium.
A study by UC Davis found that cold air rises in the tropics due to water vapor's lightness, forming clouds and thunderstorms. This buoyancy effect helps regulate tropical climates and reduces climate warming.
A new study by an international team from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science confirms that Arctic Alaskan hadrosaurs belong to the genus Edmontosaurus, a previously recognized duck-billed dinosaur. The finding reveals that Edmontosaurus had a huge geographical distribution spanning approximately 60 degrees of latitude in North Amer...
A recent trial demonstrated that an intensified antithrombotic regimen comprising rivaroxaban and aspirin reduces major adverse limb events by 46% compared to aspirin alone. The review highlights the need for better evidence on antithrombotic treatment in peripheral vascular interventions.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that men and women aged 40-79 who engage in moderate physical activity are 25-27% less likely to have frequent hospital admissions. This translates to a potential annual savings of £247 per person for the NHS, amounting to 7% of UK health expenditure.
University of Virginia researchers are pioneering a new approach using focused ultrasound to deliver treatments directly into the brain. The technology, which can selectively open the blood-brain barrier, has shown promising results in treating conditions like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and brain tumors.
A new study found that children's lack of digital health literacy can lead to misinterpretation of nutrition information and adoption of adult recommendations. Researchers recruited 25 children aged 9-11 who struggled to find credible sources and accurately determine portion sizes.
Scientists found a correlation between pack hunting and dietary diversity, which is rare in animals that hunt in groups. The study suggests raptors likely only hunted solo or with limited cooperation.
A new study found that childhood obesity increases the risk of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood, due to persistent effects of obesity over many years. Lowering weight in adulthood may reduce these long-term adverse effects.
Warm spells in UK winters are occurring more often and for longer periods than ever before. The analysis of historical temperature data shows that week-long warm intervals now consistently exceed 13 degrees C, a threshold that was previously rare and typically occurred every 5 years.
Researchers demonstrate laser-propulsion of graphene sails in microgravity, accelerating prototypes up to 1 m/s². The scalable design minimizes sail mass, paving the way for human lifespans to reach other star systems.
Scientists have demonstrated a technique to visualize the dynamic migration mechanism of ions in solid-phase using chemical transmission electron microscopy. The study reveals a 'migration bridge' between neighboring nanowires and offers critical insights into ion migration kinetics on nanoscale systems.
A new thermodynamic model predicts the minimum energy requirements for microbial communities to live, providing evidence that experimental data can be used to estimate energy requirements of microbial pathways. The study also introduces a generalisable platform for modelling biochemical conversions mediated by microbes.
A study of 161 Japanese adults with Alzheimer's disease found that day service users experienced significant improvements in cognitive function over six months. The Mini-Mental State Examination scores showed notable enhancements in orientation, attention, memory, language, and visual-spatial skills.
A newly developed inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate protected macaques from infection and neutralized multiple virus strains without ADE risk. Clinical trials with the PiCoVacc are expected to begin later this year.
A recent analysis of published studies found that many cancer survivors lack awareness of financial toxicity and are unprepared for its impacts. Despite coping mechanisms, they still have unmet needs for managing financial toxicity.
A new membrane-based technique recovers ammonia from urine while removing it as a pollutant from waste streams. This innovation uses moderate temperatures and recycle the ammonia for reuse in fertilizer, providing a more sustainable approach to nitrogen production.
A new study suggests that increased rainfall in tropical regions will enhance soil respiration and decrease soil carbon stocks, leading to further intensification of global warming. This process could release significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that protects against the Coxsackie B virus, which may play a role in triggering type 1 diabetes. The vaccine was shown to be highly immunogenic and protective in animal models and non-human primates.
Researchers have successfully reengineered the Photosystem I complex to produce biohydrogen, a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The innovation could lead to the creation of low-cost, renewable energy platforms using sunlight and water.
A study of over 4 million children found that those relying on urgent care centers for more than a third of their outpatient needs had fewer visits to primary care providers, potentially missing preventative services like vaccinations. This may lead to concerning health impacts down the road if regular primary care is displaced.
A training programme for GPs has led to a 30-fold increase in domestic violence referrals and a 27% increase in new identifications. The IRIS programme adapts electronic medical records and provides a referral pathway to specialist services, making healthcare respond adequately to DVA.
A study of 4532 men found that those on androgen-deprivation therapies had a four-fold reduced risk of COVID-19 infections compared to those not on ADT. The researchers suggest that even non-prostate cancer patients at high risk could take ADT for prevention.
A new analysis of reef restoration projects in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary found that staghorn coral colonies survived for two years after outplanting, but declined over time. Large numbers of colonies need to be outplanted to ensure long-term survival.
A face-aging mobile app reduced UV exposure awareness in Brazilian teens, increasing sunscreen use and protective behaviors.
NAFLD affects 5.7% of adults in the US, progressing to cirrhosis in 39% over 8 years, with risk factors including cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.
Researchers evaluated teens with normal weight and those with obesity, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure to assess carotid artery health. Teens with these conditions were found to have thicker and stiffer arteries, increasing the risk of early heart attacks and strokes.
A new study of children under two found that parents who use an autonomy support approach can minimize behavioral problems during toddlerhood. The flexible method, which emphasizes the child taking the lead, was shown to be effective for easy babies who adapt easily to new experiences.
Researchers found that human brains replay neural firing patterns experienced while awake during sleep, supporting the idea of memory consolidation. The study used intracortical microelectrode arrays to record neuronal activity in two participants playing a sequence-copying game before and after sleep.
A new study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that early government intervention was crucial in limiting the spread of COVID-19 cases in Hunan province, China. The research team used a modified SIR model to compare infection trends between Hunan and Italy, finding that early measures reduced infection rates by up to 70%.
Cognitive neuroscientists are using computers to illuminate human emotions, overturning old ideas about emotion structure. Facial expression recognition across cultures reveals only four cross-cultural expressions, while digital agents can now generate nuanced, culturally sensitive expressions.
Researchers developed a new conjugated drug, Nav-Gal, that selectively removes senescent cells, minimizing harm to healthy cells and reducing toxicity. The use of this compound in combination with chemotherapy may be a promising strategy for treating cancer.
The NUS team created a soft and thin sensor that monitors bladder volume continuously, while an actuator equipped with a shape memory alloy spring clears the bladder. The device can effectively empty between 70 to 100 per cent of the bladder, comparable to current intermittent catheterisation treatment.
Researchers identified close to 200 recurrent genetic mutations in the virus, suggesting it may be adapting and evolving to its human hosts. The study found a large proportion of global genetic diversity is concentrated in hardest-hit countries, indicating extensive global transmission from early on.
A new tumour sampling method, representative sequencing, accurately detects genetic alterations in tumours by collecting data from a well-mixed representation of the whole tumour. This method has been shown to be more consistent and accurate than current methods, with implications for personalized cancer treatment.
Researchers developed a smart quantum technology that reduces light source identification measurements from millions to under hundred using AI. This enables quicker and less damaging light exposure in applications like microscopy and cryptography.
A new model of regulation considers industry capability and uncertainty about new technologies' payoff to motivate greentech development. The study found that regulations taking firm capabilities into account are more effective than those ignoring voluntary adoption levels.
Researchers found that blacks were more likely to engage in political listening overall, but struggled to truly listen when discussing controversial race issues. Blacks reported it would be harder to listen to their white partners' views on topics like police treatment of blacks and Confederate flags.
A study of 2,800 people aged 50 and older found that low intake of flavonoid-rich foods was linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Consuming more berries, apples, and tea may help prevent the condition, with even small amounts providing benefits.
Scientists have developed an all-fiber optical wavelength converter using few-layer gallium selenide (GaSe) nanoflakes, enhancing efficiency by over four orders of magnitude compared to traditional microfibers. The converter can operate in a wide wavelength range, covering C, L telecom bands and the O band, with minimal power consumption.
The yellow-legged gull's annual lifecycle is adapted to human activities for food, with its eating pattern changing throughout the year. This opportunistic species can modify its habitat use to manage limitations, such as physiological restrictions and fluctuations in food availability.
The AAVCOVID vaccine program uses adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to deliver genetic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike antigen, inducing an immune response. The vaccine is currently in preclinical development with plans for clinical testing later this year.
Researchers found that consuming potato protein isolate increased the rate at which muscles made new protein in young women, highlighting its potential as a plant-based alternative for supporting muscle maintenance. The study suggests that current dietary recommendations may be inadequate to support muscle growth and development.
A new study shows that financial incentives can increase the number of emergency department physicians trained to prescribe buprenorphine, a potentially life-saving medication for opioid overdose. By offering reimbursement and a $750 incentive, 89% of physicians were fully trained in six weeks.
Laws punishing pregnant drug abusers are ineffective in reducing substance use during pregnancy, instead decreasing treatment admissions by 29% and referrals to healthcare professionals by 18%. The study found no significant reduction in babies born with withdrawal symptoms or exposed to narcotics.
Researchers developed a liquid metal lattice material that can regain its shape after heating, with potential applications in NASA space missions and private space-faring companies. The material absorbs energy when crushed and can be reused, making it a promising solution for satellite design and future lunar or Martian settlements.
Researchers have identified interleukin-4 as a key player in promoting harmful blood-vessel growth in age-related macular degeneration. Elevated levels of the protein were found in patients with AMD and mice with an AMD-like condition, highlighting its potential role as a target for new treatments.
Researchers compare whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI to FDG PET and find significant agreement in tracking tumor response to therapy, raising the possibility of using DW MRI as a replacement for CT scanning.
This study evaluated pedestrian walking speed patterns in Palestine, finding males walk faster than females, while younger pedestrians are also quicker. The research used data from 4,301 pedestrians at six locations, concluding that unsignalized crosswalks don't offer significant benefits.
A team of researchers has discovered that neural networks relevant to memory and learning are over-activated and connectivity is poor in mice with Down syndrome. Chronic treatment with epigallocatechin gallate improves memory deficits. The study identifies biomarkers in brain rhythms that can predict memory deficits.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a methodology to trace SARS-CoV-2 virus through sewage and wastewater systems. This could provide better estimates of how widespread the virus is and help track existing and future outbreaks.
Small and medium-sized businesses can increase their political and economic clout by forming strong shared identities and pooling resources to jointly develop market categories. Collective action among peer firms is key to achieving this, with trade associations playing a crucial role in facilitating coordination and regulation.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry has reported a high level of hazardous drinking and potential alcohol-use disorders among Pacific Islander young adults in the US. The study found that 56% of participants screened positive for hazardous drinking, with 49% experiencing active alcohol-use disorders, rat...
A recent study found that genetic variations in a brain-cleansing water channel affect the depth of non-rapid-eye-movement sleep in humans. The study, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that these variations may influence how the body copes with sleep loss and potentially link to Alzheimer's disease progression.
An observational study investigated the association between ACEI and ARB use and COVID-19 positivity. The study found a significant correlation between ACEI/ARB use and increased likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19. The authors suggest that future studies should explore potential mechanisms underlying this association.