A new study found that cancer drug treatment registrations in the UK increased by June 2020, following 'rapid' NHS guidance. The initial decrease in April was largely reversed by May and June, with a significant increase in neoadjuvant breast cancer therapy registrations.
A study published at the University of Exeter Medical School has discovered specialized nerve cells called speed-sensitive cells in the brain's entorhinal cortex that malfunction in Alzheimer's disease. This malfunction disrupts the brain's map, leading to spatial navigation difficulties.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that acute aircraft noise exposure at night can increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality. The study analyzed 24,886 cardiovascular deaths and found a significant association between night-time airplane noise levels and increased mortality risk.
Researchers use single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze kidney cells' gene expression, enabling the reconstruction of their spatial arrangement and functional information. The algorithm succeeds in completing a 3D puzzle, providing new insights into kidney disease.
A new review from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care examines COVID-19 intensive care treatment allocation in Italy. The review concludes that using age alone to determine who receives ICU treatment is not fair, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach considering comorbidity and functional status.
Researchers found that serotonin release in these areas increases waiting time, particularly when reward timing is uncertain. A computational model explains the mice's behavior by predicting reward delivery timing and estimating probability.
A recent study sequenced genomes of 150 individual coral colonies to understand the evolution and survival of the Great Barrier Reef. The researchers discovered genes that rapidly evolved to endure changing conditions, including a set of genes that developed over the past 10,000 years.
Researchers found that multiple forms of a viral protein increase the virus's competitive advantage and replication rate. The study suggests that this may be why foot-and-mouth disease is so successful in infecting its hosts.
A new study recommends protecting first-time borrowers from long-term debt by introducing psychometric tests to assess age, experience, and personality traits. The study argues that lenders should have a duty of care and control access to credit more carefully for young people and those with impulsive tendencies.
Researchers study the role of memristors in neuromorphic computing to mimic biological brain architectures. Memristor devices can memorize current to reduce device size and increase processing speed.
The Imagining Futures project examines how cultural heritage and archives can enhance peace and prevent future conflict. The initiative will connect creators and institutions worldwide to co-create a new narrative, activating pasts and promoting co-existing memories.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new sensing method using deep learning and a structure-aware temporal bilateral filter. The system can track complex motions with higher accuracy, enabling applications such as tracking small animal movements, fluid flow, and virtual reality finger movements.
Researchers have created a durable e-skin using hydrogel and MXene materials, enabling real-time sensing of temperature, touch, and pressure. The material can withstand up to 28 times its original size without losing functionality.
A highly unusual case of a right-handed patient performing unconscious 'mirror-writing' with her left hand while in the midst of having epileptic seizures was reported by doctors. The study, published at Euroanaesthesia, suggests that mirror writing may occur in patients with epilepsy affecting one limb.
Translocation of desert tortoises with high genomic variability leads to higher survival rates than those with lower genetic diversity. The study suggests that targeting individuals based on overall genetic diversity may improve conservation outcomes.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are urging increased HIV testing in Europe to combat late diagnoses. More than 136,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2019, with 53% of those diagnosed at a late stage of the infection.
ETRI's 1μm pixel pitch panel and 360° tabletop hologram system has won the I-zone Best Prototype Award at Display Week 2020, showcasing a significant advancement in display technology. The system allows for large viewing angles and is the first to receive this award from a South Korean developer.
A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology identified key 'water neurons' in the subfornical organ that stimulate water intake when dehydrated. They also found CCK-producing excitatory neurons that activate GABAergic interneurons to suppress thirst under sodium-depleted conditions.
A new study proposes a cost-benefit analysis to guide the management of non-indigenous species in the Mediterranean, highlighting their potential benefits. The research suggests policy reforms for sustainable fisheries management, while also promoting commercial over-fishing and NIS-specific licences.
The study led from the University of Turku discovered phosphorus and fluorine in solid dust particles collected from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This finding suggests that comets may have delivered life-necessary elements to the young Earth.
Research suggests Neanderthals used power 'squeeze' grips to hold tools, which provided greater stability and leverage. This finding contrasts with the preferred precision grip of modern humans, highlighting differences in thumb anatomy and tool use behaviors.
New research reveals that Rho protein 'hitchhikes' on RNA polymerase for the duration of transcription, cooperating with other proteins to eventually coax the enzyme through structural changes. This process refutes traditional understanding of how Rho stops gene expression.
A new study found that climate-driven increases in carbon capture lead to earlier leaf senescence in temperate trees. This challenges the long-held expectation that warmer temperatures would cause leaves to stay on trees longer and slow down climate change.
A survey of 1,500 UK adults found that 64% would be likely to have a COVID-19 vaccination. The study identified factors associated with likelihood of acceptance, including previous flu vaccination and positive vaccination beliefs.
The Leipzig Catalogue of Vascular Plants (LCVP) is the largest and most comprehensive list of scientific names for all known plant species. With over 1.3 million entries, it vastly expands global knowledge of plant diversity and provides a reliable reference for researchers worldwide.
The University of Surrey's new hybrid X-ray detector architecture offers improved accuracy for cancer therapy, with higher sensitivity than traditional detectors. The device also boasts industry-standard low dark currents and fast response characteristics, making it a promising technology for various applications.
Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have developed a new gene therapy approach that successfully protected the visual function of mice with dysfunctional mitochondria. The treatment also improved mitochondrial performance in human cells with OPA1 gene mutations, offering hope for treating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that keyhole wasps at Brisbane Airport were responsible for fully blocking replica pitot probes, which measure airspeed. The researchers emphasize the importance of developing risk-mitigating strategies to address this issue and highlight the potential consequences of not doing so.
Recent consecutive years of record high temperatures and droughts are unprecedented in over 250 years, according to researchers. The combination of heatwaves and soil moisture loss accelerates more heatwaves, threatening the region's ecosystem.
A new study using tree-ring data found that inner East Asia experienced a unique and unprecedented rise in heatwave-drought events over the last two decades. The findings suggest a positive feedback loop between declining soil moisture and increasing surface warming, potentially leading to more frequent and severe events.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have analyzed satellite imagery to study vegetation trends in arid regions, finding a clear trend of declining vegetation growth in developing countries, while wealthier nations experience increased growth. This uneven impact may lead to food shortages and climate refugees.
Research reveals German media outlets use eight frames to undermine legitimate climate change protests, reducing protesters' self-agency and marginalizing their voice. Despite this, the idea of intergenerational justice and children's rights has become established on the agenda.
The GOSAT-2 satellite has revealed unprecedented global concentrations of CO2, CH4, and CO. The full physics method used for the retrieval results shows column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of these three gas species. The data show high CO concentrations in regions with fossil fuel use and forest fires.
A UCLA study published in Science found that desert tortoises with higher genetic variation had higher survival rates after relocation. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 79 surviving and 87 deceased tortoises and found that survivors averaged 23% greater heterozygosity than those that perished.
Researchers combine machine learning with cell engineering to create living medicines that selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal tissue unscathed. By analyzing massive databases of proteins, they assemble a catalog of combinations that can precisely target tumors, overcoming the limitations of current treatments.
A new co-governance model aims to save species such as salmon and southern resident killer whales from extinction through a $381 million conservation plan. The study highlights the importance of urban biodiversity conservation and investment in strategies like habitat restoration and public land management.
Scientists have developed a new method for analyzing the structure of skin using T-rays, which can help diagnose and treat conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The technique measures the refractive index of skin to determine hydration levels, providing valuable information on skin thickness and properties.
Researchers have discovered that synthetic microswimmers can change direction and swim back towards the source of light after being exposed, mimicking biological organisms. The behavior is triggered by Brownian motion, which sets in when the particles are no longer illuminated.
The Borexino experiment has successfully measured neutrinos from the sun's second fusion process, the Carbon Nitrogen Oxygen cycle (CNO cycle), confirming theoretical predictions. The findings provide evidence on the metallicity of the sun and have implications for understanding the properties of stars.
Researchers from the University of Queensland are exploring traditional Chinese medicine to develop more effective strategies for conservation. The study aims to make this ancient practice more accessible and culturally nuanced for conservationists.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed a new method to disinfect air in hospitals and long-term care facilities using far-ultraviolet C lighting, increasing disinfection rates by 50-85%. The technology is safer than traditional UVC lighting and could provide an alternative solution to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
A study on vulturine guineafowl found that democratic decision-making allows subordinate birds to lead the group away from dominant-controlled food patches, forcing dominants to abandon their rich resources. This mechanism helps maintain a balance of power in the group, ensuring all members can access essential resources.
Researchers at SUTD demonstrate high-resolution 3D waveguides guiding light in a spiral and air-bridge configuration, achieving low loss and high bandwidth. The 3D fabrication enables error-free optical transmission at high speeds and showcases the devices' suitability as low-loss waveguides.
Researchers discovered that tiny bubbles or pores form during the printing process due to fluctuations in the keyhole's depth. By controlling the machines' speed and power, companies can avoid this problem and improve printing processes.
A new antivenom strategy has been developed to combat deadly snake bites, which are a major public health issue in low-income countries. The potential treatment is a peptide that can neutralize venom from 75% of all venomous snakes and is cheaper and more portable than traditional antibody-based treatment.
Researchers at ETH Zurich identified a self-regulating mechanism that limits the productive period of trees, leading to earlier leaf fall. Global warming previously expected to delay senescence, but photosynthesis in spring and summer actually accelerates it.
Researchers found that massive planets can wipe out spiral structures in young protoplanetary discs. This suggests that planets may form rapidly and early in the disc's lifecycle, requiring scientists to reassess formation times.
Researchers identified six chronotypes: highly active, daytime sleepy, daytime active, moderately active, morning, and evening. A large-scale study tested 2,000 participants, showing that 95% identified with one of the types.
Researchers found that nearly all insulation materials, except aerogels, were associated with chest infections. Insulators are also at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to asbestos.
Researchers in Quebec have developed a first-of-its-kind cold-health watch and warning system to predict health risks associated with cold waves. The system considers temperature thresholds that trigger alerts for healthcare professionals, taking into account delays between exposure and observed health impacts.
Algorithms can adopt collusive pricing rules without human intervention, posing a threat to consumers. A multidisciplinary policy design is proposed to investigate AI pricing algorithms for collusion in controlled environments.
Advanced practice providers (APPs) have lower productivity compared to emergency department physicians, but no apparent impact on patient satisfaction and safety metrics. The study suggests that APPs can be effectively integrated into EDs with staffing models accounting for their lower productivity.
Researchers found that bank-affiliated funds provided significant financial support to their parent banks during times of crisis, particularly for riskier banks. This support allowed banks to ease financial constraints and facilitate credit access to Spanish businesses.
Analysis of audio recordings from infants' homes reveals that certain types of vocal interactions are associated with larger infant vocabularies. Infants tend to have a greater vocabulary if they produce speech-like babbling sounds and receive adult responses incorporating similar sounds.
A research team from RUDN University created an algorithm to help large groups of people make optimal decisions quickly. They applied it to a real-life example, where the outbreak of COVID-19 required the administration and sellers to agree on compensation amounts within just three steps.
A new approach to guiding heart bypass surgery is being tested on patients for the first time, using non-invasive CT scans. The FAST TRACK CABG study aims to simplify treatment for coronary artery disease patients.
A study by Liudmila Shafirova, Daniel Cassany, and Carme Bach examines the creation and sharing of fanfiction, highlighting how fans develop transcultural literacies through amateur translation of a Russian novel into English. The research reveals the importance of online spaces for social practice and language learning.
A new University of Rochester meta-analysis suggests that being psychologically flexible is a critical factor in maintaining happy family and romantic relationships. Higher levels of flexibility are linked to adaptive parenting strategies, lower child distress, and greater relationship satisfaction.
A novel CAR T-cell therapy has shown promising early results in children with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. The treatment induced rapid reduction in tumor size, but effects were transient. Researchers are optimistic about the potential of this immunotherapy as a future treatment for solid cancers in children.
A study of over 1 million children found that those born early had a higher risk of hospital admissions throughout childhood. The risk declined with age, but remained elevated until age 10, especially for those born at 38 and 39 weeks' gestation.