Researchers uncover fossil specimens of ancient walruses in Orange County, revealing five distinct species, including two new species without tusks. The study provides insights into the dental and tusk evolution of walruses, suggesting that feeding ecology played a key role in the origin and early evolution of tusks.
A team of researchers from The University of Tokyo used electron spectroscopy and computer simulations to study the internal atomic structure of aluminosilicate glass. They found intricate structures that have not yet been analyzed by scientists, including complex coordination networks among aluminum atoms within phase-separated regions.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that targeting the BCAP protein could help control overactive immune responses and promote tissue repair in inflammatory diseases. The researchers suggest that modulating BCAP activity could be used to dampen inflammation and accelerate response against tumors.
Baikal seals have evolved to consume an abundance of amphipods due to their specialized teeth and foraging strategy. This study reveals the seals' high foraging rates make tiny endemic amphipods a profitable component of their diet.
A global study found that macronutrient supplies are associated with lower mortality rates across different age groups. The researchers discovered that the optimal diet composition for reducing mortality risk varies significantly depending on age, with specific ratios of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates recommended for each life stage.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have developed new molecules derived from cannabidiol, which induce the expression of heme oxygenase 1 and activate NRF2 to exhibit dual antioxidant activity. This mechanism has great potential for treating skin diseases like atopic dermatitis and epidermolysis bullosa.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London used Mendelian Randomization to investigate cardiovascular risk factors and COVID-19 infection. Individuals with high BMI and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are at increased risk of getting COVID-19, according to the study.
An international team has received a 10 million euro grant to investigate the evolution of human quantification. The QUANTA project will analyze quantification as a bio-cultural phenomenon, combining insights from anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, and cognitive science.
Research finds that chronic alcohol exposure compromises brain immune cells, fueling anxiety and excessive drinking in mice. Boosting IL-10 signaling reverses aberrant effects, reducing anxiety-like behaviors and motivation to drink. This study provides a new framework for therapeutic intervention, targeting anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
A new study suggests that corporate fraud cases are associated with a 2.3% increase in local financially motivated crimes, including robbery and theft. The effect is strongest in smaller cities with fewer job opportunities and higher income inequality.
Scientists have developed a method to balance the charge in optoelectronic devices using selective electrostatic doping of 2D materials. The technique, which involves controlling the voltage in a precise manner, enables the creation of powerful energy devices with improved characteristics.
Researchers found widespread contamination of English rivers with neurotoxic pesticides fipronil and imidacloprid, exceeding accepted safe limits. The use of pet flea products is a likely source of the contamination, posing a high risk to aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers developed a new photodiode that can detect circularly polarized light without a filter, enabling higher sensitivity and miniaturization. This technology has the potential to reveal previously unidentified information about object surfaces, including stress intensity and distribution.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created self-powered quantum sensors that can run for over a year with just a small initial energy input. The sensors use a fundamental law of physics to generate power, allowing them to measure ambient motion and other phenomena without batteries.
A study found that low choline levels in pregnant Black American women are associated with higher levels of stress and a greater risk of premature birth. Women with lower choline levels were more likely to deliver prematurely, which can increase the risk of later mental health problems for their children.
A global survey of over 22,000 researchers reveals concerns about the long-term impact of COVID-19 on funding, with 47% anticipating reduced funding in their area. The study highlights the need for a more holistic approach to problem-solving and investing in resilience.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published a new ALS guideline establishing a patient-focused approach to manage the disease. The guideline provides recommendations on communication, disease-modifying therapies, multidisciplinary care, and caregiver support.
A study of 1038 mother-child pairs found that cumulative early life risk factors cumulatively predict increased indicators of adiposity and metabolic risk markers. Children with more risk factors had a higher risk of overweight or obesity and metabolic risk in early adolescence.
A remote monitoring tool has been developed to predict geological movement and groundwater flow in old coalfields. The tool uses satellite radar imagery to capture millimetre-scale measurements of changes in terrain height, allowing for the monitoring and forecasting of groundwater levels and changes in geological conditions.
A one-month treatment of dual anti-platelet therapy is safe and as effective as a longer duration of therapy at preventing cardiac events in patients one year after stent placement. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of two durations of dual anti-platelet therapy in patients who had drug-eluting stent placement or polyme...
Researchers at Penn State discovered that biochars made from cotton gin waste and guayule bagasse can adsorb pharmaceutical compounds, including sulfapyridine, docusate, and erythromycin. The study found that temperature increases during the pyrolysis process enhanced the biochar's capacity to adsorb contaminants.
The Red Sea climate modeling system provides high-resolution analyses of the region's oceanic and atmospheric processes, revealing connections with global climate patterns. The system helps predict extreme events like oil spills and informs environmental policymaking, renewable energy projects, and flood protection.
The SCORED and SOLOIST trials demonstrate the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease or recent worsening heart failure. These trials show significant reductions in cardiovascular events, including deaths, hospitalizations, and strokes.
Researchers have developed an antibody fragment that reduces Aú peptide and tau protein levels, alleviating cognitive decline and neuroinflammation in advanced Alzheimer's disease models. This breakthrough therapy shows promise as a potential treatment for the devastating disease.
Researchers have developed a sensitive optical method to detect formaldehyde in exhaled breath, which could lead to an inexpensive and fast way to screen for lung and breast cancer. The new approach uses multipass spectroscopy with optical fringe quenching technique, allowing detection of formaldehyde at low concentrations.
Mislabeling seafood products in the US results in 190,000-250,000 tons of environmentally damaged products being sold annually. Collaborative approaches are needed to reduce seafood mislabeling and its negative impacts on marine population health and fishery management.
Researchers develop a new approach to treating lung metastasis by delivering chemokine CXCL10 via red blood cells, stimulating the immune system to attack tumors. Treatment with erythrocyte-anchored systemic immunotherapy (EASI) halts tumor growth and induces an immune response in mice.
Researchers create cheat-detection system for massively multiplayer online games, eliminating need for decrypted data. The approach can identify cheating patterns in real-time and take action to protect fair play.
A peptide called PACAP has been identified as a key player in the regulation of compulsive alcohol drinking. The protein acts on the Brain Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis to exert its effects, which are characterized by anxiety-like behavior and spontaneous compulsive alcohol drinking.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered that several hepatitis C drugs can effectively bind and inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The study provides promising results for potential repurposing candidates to treat COVID-19, paving the way for further research and clinical trials.
Researchers analyzed zircon crystals from a Martian meteorite, discovering ages ranging from 4.485 to 1.548 billion years, suggesting heavy bombardment and volcanic activity on Mars. The findings imply a previously unrecognized primitive mantle reservoir and significant implications for Mars' tectonic history.
Researchers found a vaccine created to prevent melanoma recurrence is about twice as effective when patients receive two immune-boosting components, Flt3L and poly-ICLC. This combination nearly doubled the vaccine's efficacy in promoting antibodies and T cells that can later fight melanoma.
Adults with healthy sleep patterns had a 42% lower risk of heart failure compared to those with unhealthy sleep patterns, according to the study. The researchers analyzed data from 408,802 UK Biobank participants and found that healthier sleep habits were independently associated with reduced risk of heart failure.
A study found that dairy cows exposed to contaminated water carried more pathogens with antimicrobial-resistance genes, which can tolerate various antibiotics. The research highlights a threat to human health and supports the World Health Organization's declaration of antimicrobial resistance as a global public health threat.
New research suggests that T. gondii infection alters human behavior by lowering norepinephrine levels, which control stress response and neuroinflammation. This finding may contribute to the development of antipsychotic treatments for schizophrenia and other neurological disorders.
Researchers have successfully developed a new class of hybrid glass materials that combine the properties of organometallic networks with those of conventional glasses. These materials exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as impact and fracture toughness, and can be tailored for specific applications.
A research team from MedUni Vienna found that around half of children with a migration background have no clinically relevant language acquisition impairment, but rather sociolinguistic factors such as limited input in their mother tongue. The 'Vienna Model' incorporates native speakers to facilitate more accurate diagnosis.
A University of Michigan-led research team found that toxic mercury pollution from fish carcasses reaches the deepest ocean trenches, including the Mariana Trench. The study suggests that most of this mercury comes from human activities, posing a threat to seafood safety and human health.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among hospitalized US veterans with COVID-19, with nearly half not fully recovering their kidney function. The burden of death from AKI is disproportionately borne by Black veterans.
Researchers found that masks have minimal effects on lung function, even in healthy individuals, and do not increase the risk of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The study suggests that wearing a mask can be uncomfortable but does not impact cardiopulmonary function.
Researchers compared neuronal networks to galaxy distributions, finding similarities in complexity and self-organization. The study suggests that diverse physical processes can create comparable structures despite vastly different scales.
Researchers found that people with Type 2 diabetes still have a 21% higher risk for cardiovascular disease and 31% higher risk for heart failure hospitalization. Optimizing five key cardiovascular risk factors can help reduce this impact, according to the American Heart Association.
A removable, nontoxic coating has been developed to clean desalination membranes, providing a safer alternative to harmful chemicals. The coating remains stable in salty water and can be easily removed and replaced, increasing membrane efficiency by up to two-fold.
A study analyzed autism diagnoses in California from 1992 to 2018, revealing a non-uniform increase in incidence rates across sociodemographic groups. The results showed that more children of Black and Asian mothers, as well as those from low socioeconomic status, were diagnosed with autism.
A new study has created the first high-resolution seismic images of a rocky tectonic plate within Earth's mantle transition zone. The research provides evidence that the slab hasn't completely mixed with the surrounding mantle, shedding light on the processes that shaped Earth's surface over billions of years.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen uncover crucial role of RRP7A gene in brain development and formation of primary cilia, which play a key role in controlling neural cell proliferation. The study sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying primary microcephaly, a rare congenital disorder characterized by reduced brain size.
Recent measurements reveal a surprise increase in dense water sinking near Antarctica, following 50 years of decline. Changes in bottom water formation can impact global climate and deep ocean ecosystems. The study documents an increase in supply of bottom water to the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
A study published in Ecological Indicators found that acoustic surveys in Okinawa, Japan are hindered by the loud cicadas, masking the sounds of native animals. This highlights the need to consider ambient conditions when using this technique for biodiversity assessment.
A recent UCL-led study found that UK teenagers are increasingly dieting to lose weight, with girls being more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The research also showed that boys are becoming more likely to try to gain weight, and both sexes are overestimating their weight.
Researchers have identified key genes that help corals respond to low oxygen levels, but found variability in sensitivity among species. This discovery may inform novel diagnostics and breeding efforts for improving reef resilience.
Brown professor Rose McDermott and Penn State University's Peter K. Hatemi argue that the use of computers, social media, and other digital tools in field experiments can cause harm to individuals and societies. They call for updated ethical standards to address potential risks in large-scale experiments.
A team at HZB explores compositions of CsPb(BrxI1?x)3 for their potential to improve the stability and efficiency of solar cells. The study reveals tunable optical band gaps between 1.73 and 2.37 eV, making these mixtures suitable for multi-junction solar cell applications.
A Rutgers study found that nursing staff had the highest rate of COVID-19 infections among health care workers. Health care workers with direct patient contact and those caring for multiple patients with suspected or confirmed cases were more likely to test positive.
A new study by CSIRO and partners found that most COVID-19 genome data lacks relevant patient information, hindering the fight against the virus. The researchers developed a standardised data collection template to capture critical patient data, enabling scientists and clinicians to build a more complete picture of COVID-19's impact on...
Researchers led by Kyushu University have developed a new method to explore key phenomena associated with multiphase fluid flow in porous materials, overcoming the limitation of viscous coupling effects. The new approach combines pore network modeling and lattice Boltzmann simulations, allowing for accurate capture of viscous coupling ...
Researchers have discovered the three-dimensional structure of Nef-CD4 and AP-2, providing a basis for developing anti-HIV therapies. This finding highlights Nef's crucial role in subverting human cells' defense mechanisms, enabling HIV replication and disease progression.
A study of ancient star orbits reveals unexpected patterns, contradicting previous assumptions about the Galaxy's metal-poor stars. The research, conducted by a team of astronomers, found that some of these stars orbit in previously unpredicted paths, similar to the Sun's path within the disk.
African and German partners are developing intelligent 'microgrids' based on renewable energy to provide uninterrupted power supply for rural communities. The project aims to equip local specialists with practical knowledge, enabling autonomous use of socio-technological infrastructure.
Major measles outbreaks will occur globally in 2021 due to widespread vaccination delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency worsen measles severity, leading to increased deaths and blindness.
A study modeled the effects of solar geoengineering and rising greenhouse gas concentrations on subtropical stratocumulus clouds. The results suggest that solar geoengineering alone may not be sufficient to prevent strong warming from direct CO2 effects.