Australian and US researchers used advanced computational methods to detect different structures of RNA, which until now could not be distinguished. The team discovered that changes in RNA structure influenced how the virus behaved, including which proteins it produced.
Holonyak Lab faculty members receive NSF RAPID grants to shorten COVID-19 testing time. A point-of-care device using nasal fluid samples aims to detect COVID-19 within 10 minutes, while a new method combines capturing intact viruses with DNA nanostructures for immediate counting.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that regularly attending religious services is associated with a lower risk of deaths from despair, including suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol poisoning. The study showed significant associations between service attendance and reduced risk for both women and men.
The college will continue to investigate the emergence and spread of coronaviruses using a multidisciplinary approach incorporating environmental, social, behavioral, and cultural factors. This research aims to better understand coronavirus epidemiology and develop public health responses to lower infection risk.
A new study discovered that tumor markers for various cancers also predict heart failure severity and mortality in patients with heart failure. The study found strong correlations between cancer markers and known heart failure indicators, suggesting a relationship between cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a mechanism to produce optical gain in 2D semiconductor materials, enabling the creation of low-power nanolasers. This breakthrough could lead to game-changing applications in supercomputing and data centers.
Research on the Great Barrier Reef found severe coral loss is associated with increased biomass and productivity of large, long-living herbivorous fish. However, decreased recycling of this biomass could leave the ecosystem vulnerable to crashing.
The study estimates peak ICU bed needs in US cities for a COVID-19 outbreak similar to Wuhan, China. It projects an average of 40% increase in ICU bed usage during peak surge periods.
Researchers demonstrated optical polarization and reading of electronic spin color centers in boron nitride. The study proposes a microscopic model of the center, a boron vacancy in a negative charge state, and shows potential for vander Waals materials in atomic-scale quantum technologies.
A research team has identified a powerful self-corrective mechanism within synapses that slows down disease progression in animal models of ALS. This mechanism is activated by neurodegeneration and acts to keep the synapse between nerve and muscle working correctly, even though the disease process has already begun to nibble away at it.
Researchers at the University of Jyvaskyla and Xiamen University have discovered a novel method for creating functional macroscopic crystalline materials. The material exhibits highly anisotropic electrical conductivity, with significant differences in behavior along its polymer direction versus perpendicular directions. Theoretical mo...
Anesthesiologists in Israel used 3D printing and virtual reality to create a personalized airway plan for a 7-year-old girl undergoing lung surgery. The plan reduced trial and error during the operation, allowing for a successful outcome.
Researchers studied desert soil pores and found they determine water distribution and control a key resource in arid environments. The study's findings suggest that soil texture affects pore formation and reforming after disturbance, highlighting the importance of understanding these soils.
A recent analysis of published studies found PTSD is a global issue affecting nurses, with varying prevalence rates. Workplace factors such as exposure and organization support, as well as relationships at work and home, were identified as contributing to PTSD symptoms.
A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that one-third of Scandinavian women have used emergency contraceptive pills at least once. The study identified higher education, smoking, and age at first intercourse as factors associated with ECP use.
A study published in Neurology found that yoga reduced headache frequency by 48% and pain intensity in people with episodic migraine. The yoga group experienced fewer headaches, less pain, and decreased need for medications compared to the medication-only group.
A research team has developed a microbial strain capable of producing succinic acid with the highest production efficiency to date. The strain, isolated from a Korean cow's rumen, was engineered through systems metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering to produce 134 g per liter of succinic acid.
New research reveals rideshare platforms are more likely to cancel rides for minority riders, who face a 3% cancellation rate compared to 8% for Caucasians. Drivers also show biased behavior towards LGBT supporters, with no decrease in bias during peak demand times.
Scientists have discovered that Thermus thermophilus can produce two types of type IV pili: one specialized for movement and the other for genetic exchange. This finding could lead to the development of new antimicrobial drugs targeting specific mechanisms.
A 3D brain-like tissue model has demonstrated a possible causal relationship between sporadic Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus I infection. The model allowed researchers to observe the formation of amyloid plaques, neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation in response to HSV-1 infection.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory found that electrolyzer materials exhibit dynamic stability on an atomic scale, allowing for better oxygen production. This discovery will guide the design of new materials for electrochemical fuel production.
Structural biologists successfully modeled the novel coronavirus' vital proteins, which could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs. Advances in technology and expertise from similar coronaviruses enabled rapid progress in determining protein structures.
Research finds that statin drugs may modulate disrupted gut microbiota and inflammation in obesity, with improved Bact2 enterotype composition in treated individuals compared to non-treated counterparts. Statin therapy may also have anti-inflammatory effects via improvement of an aberrant gut microbiota.
Research reveals that small chromosomes have a higher rate of DNA double-strand breaks to ensure proper recombination and segregation. This 'boost' helps explain how small chromosomes punch above their weight, ensuring recombination on every chromosome.
A new special issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology highlights major advances in IBD treatment. The issue provides comprehensive updates on algorithmic treatments to reduce morbidity and emphasizes the importance of treating beyond symptom relief.
A Stanford-led study analyzing 95 million traffic stop records found that black drivers are less likely to be stopped at night, while officers search cars of blacks and Hispanics more often than whites. The researchers used a massive database to identify systematic bias in police stops and searches.
A study found that loss of p16 expression is associated with shortened overall survival in esophageal cancer patients, while high Ki67 labeling index is an independent prognosticator of poor survival. Rare homozygous 9p21 deletions can lead to complete loss of p16 expression.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm using Probabilistic Generative Modelling to classify underwater environments from simulated sonar measurements. The technique achieved an average accuracy of 93% and has potential applications for climate change monitoring and sustainability of human activities in fragile environments.
A study of 1,556 Korean adolescents found that those who used e-cigarettes for longer periods reported being influenced by the belief they were less harmful than cigarettes. Frequent users were also more likely to have higher weekly allowances and be exposed to second-hand smoke at home.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona discovered a direct link between the rurality of an environment and improved mental well-being in older adults. The study found that individuals living in rural areas had significantly better levels of mental well-being compared to those residing in urban o...
A study published in Hepatology reveals that Annexin A6 is essential for liver regeneration after a transplant or hepatic surgery. The protein helps maintain glucose homeostasis, allowing the liver to recover and restore its functions.
Researchers have isolated and characterized an antibody that can bind to SARS-CoV-2 and neutralize the virus, providing a potential antiviral drug candidate. The antibody targets a conserved epitope on the spike protein of the virus.
Targeting the brain's control of breathing may help improve breathing in patients with respiratory disorders like COVID-19. Researchers found that reducing neural inflammation can minimize lung injury effects.
A new cybersecurity study found that people are more likely to fall for phishing scams because they underestimate their own risk and overestimate others', despite having access to base rate information. This self-enhancement bias can lead to a false sense of security and increase vulnerability to online attacks.
A new research study investigated how service robots in hotels could help redefine leadership and boost the hospitality industry. The results showed that while service robots increase efficiency, they also pose challenges like high costs and skill deficits.
A study found that healthcare workers who regularly attend religious services have a significantly lower risk of death by suicide, compared to those who do not. The association suggests that spiritual practices may play an important role in mitigating mental health risks among this vulnerable population.
Among highly educated Black and Hispanic individuals, the protective effect of education against heart disease was weaker compared to non-Hispanic and White individuals. Education does not seem to be an equalizer for health outcomes, as it is linked to social stratification in the US.
Researchers at Luxembourg Institute of Health discovered a mechanism to control regulatory T cells, which can either trigger autoimmune diseases or boost anti-cancer responses. A specially designed diet with reduced serine and glycine levels suppressed severe autoimmunity in mice.
Researchers found that adding venetoclax to hormone therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors can kill senescent cancer cells, potentially prolonging cancer response to therapy. The findings have underpinned a phase 1 clinical trial in Melbourne combining the treatments.
Researchers are launching a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. The trial aims to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression, potentially saving lives.
The combination of atovaquone and azithromycin has been previously studied in other infectious conditions and may represent a well-tolerated option for patients infected with COVID-19. The study will analyze interval nasopharyngeal swabs and genomic sequencing to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 virus.
Researchers have identified a potential novel way to treat snakebite, with the oral administration of DMPS providing protection against venom and enhancing its effect when used with conventional antivenom. Early treatment with DMPS could save lives and limbs in rural settings where healthcare access is limited.
The research team successfully simulated the non-equilibrium phase transition of Rydberg atoms, revealing previously unobserved optical response and time-domain spectral properties. The findings are predicted by the forest fire model, offering a new approach to study the basic physics of many-body dynamics.
A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that posting edited photos on Instagram increases weight and shape concerns in college students. Digitally editing pictures before posting also contributed to greater anxiety and urges to restrict food intake and exercise compared to not posting photos.
Scientists have discovered a 200-million-year-old fossil showing a squid-like creature attacking its prey, including a herring-like fish. The fossil, dated to the Sinemurian period, suggests a violent predation event that ultimately led to the death and preservation of both animals.
Healthcare professionals outside general practice often neglect recommending long-acting reversible contraception like IUDs or implants for young women without children. Despite their proven safety and effectiveness, these superior options are underutilized compared to oral contraceptive pills.
A research team has created a system that uses light-reactive photo switches to control the formation and degradation of DNA building blocks. This allows for the creation of self-assembling structures with adaptable properties, opening up new possibilities for developing synthetic materials inspired by living organisms.
A new multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial platform is proposed to evaluate potential therapies for Parkinson's disease, potentially accelerating the search for a cure. This approach has already been successful in other diseases, such as prostate and renal cancer, and could speed up trials by eliminating unsuccessful treatments early.
A national-level study found that converting high-value research hardware to free and open-source designs can save Finland millions of Euros annually. The study suggests this approach could strengthen the country's atomic layer deposition and nano-scale imaging research excellence.
A new computational method, Souporcell, can accurately separate single-cell RNA sequencing data from multiple individuals without prior genome information. This enables researchers to study the effects of genetic variants on gene expression during infection or response to drugs.
A comprehensive analysis of studies on cognitive therapy and psychosocial interventions found moderate to high effectiveness in reducing anxiety in school-aged children with autism. The interventions showed statistically significant benefits compared to treatment-as-usual.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found detectable levels of DDT and other banned organochlorine pesticides in the blood of over 60% of Detroit-area black women. The chemicals were linked to tobacco, alcohol, and water consumption, posing hormonal and metabolic issues.
A study found that US adults with inflammatory bowel disease tend to eat more junk food, such as French fries, cheese, and cookies, which may contribute to their condition. The research also revealed that these foods can increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
A study at Harvard Medical School found that administering CoQ10 reverses damage to germinative cells caused by BPA exposure. The antioxidants reduced oxidative stress and cell death rates in worms exposed to BPA, suggesting a potential strategy for reversing BPA-induced fertility issues.
Researchers at KIST have developed a large-scale stretchable and transparent electrode using wavy silver nanowire networks. The technology overcomes previous limitations, enabling stable stretching and maintaining transparency and conductivity.
Marketing experts argue that current regulations do not effectively prevent potentially misleading claims about infant formula, which may carry health risks for vulnerable populations. The proposed solution includes premarket approval for changes to formula composition and higher scientific substantiation standards for claims.
Researchers at Lund University have used synchrotron light to create high-resolution 3D images of nerve fibers in diabetes. The study reveals that damaged nerve fibers grow back in a spiral pattern, leading to regenerative clusters. Understanding this process could lead to new treatment principles for diabetes-related nerve damage.
A large-scale study has identified 301 distinct genetic links to type 2 diabetes among 433,540 East Asian individuals. The findings provide insight into the biological basis of the chronic metabolic disorder and highlight the importance of studying different ancestries.
A large-scale genome-wide study has identified 301 distinct genetic signals associated with type 2 diabetes in East Asians. The research highlights the importance of studying different ancestries and expands the number of genetic variants linked to the disease, providing new insights into its pathophysiology.
An undergraduate course curriculum combined music, filmmaking, and reflective writing to help students connect with people living with dementia. More than half of the students continued engaging with participants after the course, highlighting the potential of arts and music courses in shaping perceptions about dementia.