Researchers create a thin coating of hexagonal boron nitride to improve efficiency in desalination technology. The coating allows for exponential improvements in freshwater production, making it a key ingredient in a cost-effective solution for treating hypersaline water.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed drones that can deploy sensor-containing darts onto trees and collect data on forest ecosystems. The drones can also perch on tree branches like birds to collect data themselves, acting as mobile sensors.
Researchers found a subset of COVID-19 patients who cleared the disease quickly and sustained virus-specific antibody production, indicating a more effective immune response. These 'sustainers' had shorter symptoms and differences in memory T cell populations and B cells.
Researchers analyzed wild olive oil from the Medes islands and found it has excellent sensorial and physicochemical properties, similar to commercial varieties. The study also promotes local cultivation and conservation of wild olive trees.
A review of academic studies found that nearly 20% of COVID-19 patients exhibit only gastrointestinal symptoms. Radiologists should be aware of signs such as bowel inflammation and air within the bowel wall, which could indicate advanced disease or COVID-19 infection.
Researchers tracked the dispersion of large, medium, and small airborne cough droplets under different wind speeds and environmental conditions. They found that evaporated droplets can travel further due to increased viral loading, posing a higher risk of infection when inhaled deep into the lung.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered two previously unknown fungus species using a novel method based on DNA analysis of soil samples. These fungi are thought to play a key role in the ecosystem, but their exact function remains unclear.
Scientists create nanoscale silicon resonators for logic gates of light pulses, potentially leading to faster and all-optical computer switches. This breakthrough could bridge the gap between electronic and optical signals in computing.
A new study by the University of Kent found that English practices with expanded sizes have not achieved better access to care or provided a better overall experience. The proportion of patients saying they can see their preferred GP fell by 10% in expanded practices compared to 7% in unchanged practices.
A collaboration between genome researchers mapped out the virus dispersal, confirming Europe's central role in global spread. The study suggests travel restrictions were too little and too late, with most disease spread via Europe, not directly from China.
Entomology 2020 features over 30 years of entomological research, including topics like invasive species, vector-borne disease, and pollinator protection. The virtual meeting offers on-demand sessions and live streams from November 11-25.
Scientists developed an AI tool called DeepFRET that analyzes protein motion and interaction, speeding up research and making it accessible to more labs. The tool's accuracy exceeds 95%, outperforming human operators and requiring minimal human input.
A pan-European project recruits young people aged 16-22 to use an app designed to learn about emotions, develop resilience, and build well-being. The app's data helps researchers understand mood, emotion, and mental health in young people.
Researchers aim to explore the link between gut microbes and metabolites in childhood celiac disease pathogenesis. The study will analyze pediatric celiac disease samples and compare them to healthy matched controls, shedding light on environmental triggers of the chronic disease.
A retrospective surveillance study of over 10,000 plasma samples found that more than 1.7 million New Yorkers have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, indicating the virus was present in the city before the first confirmed case. The infection fatality rate is close to 1 percent, ten times deadlier than the flu.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that combining an online weight loss program with a phone- and email-based population health management program resulted in greater weight loss over 12 months. Participants who received the combined intervention lost an average of 6.9 pounds, while those in the usual care group lost only 2....
Researchers found that recent population fragmentation has resulted in a significant decrease in genetic diversity among lions, with males responsible for the movement of genes. However, compared to other mammalian species, lion genetic diversity remains high across all populations.
A newly discovered 220-million-year-old cynodont, Kataigidodon venetus, has been found in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park. The discovery provides insight into the early evolution of mammals and their closest relatives.
The 7th COINS Symposium aims to realize 'in-body hospitals' by 2045, with a focus on innovative medicines and treatments. The symposium features keynote speakers discussing the latest trends and medicine development.
The fossil fuel divestment movement has failed to reverse the trend of capital flowing into carbon-intensive industries due to its binary distinction between fossil and non-fossil companies. A more nuanced campaign focusing on low-carbon (re-)investment, modeled after credit ratings for climate change, is proposed as a solution.
Researchers found a relationship between zebra finch gut microbiome characteristics and cognitive performance, identifying potentially critical bacteria affecting learning and memory. The study provides evidence for the 'microbiota-gut-brain axis' in songbirds, raising questions about the generality of this system across species.
Researchers discovered that goby fins possess fingertip-like touch sensitivity, allowing fish to detect surface details. The study reveals that the fish's fins are capable of encoding texture patterns, mirroring human primate finger pads.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $6 million grant to enhance the success of regional dairy businesses in Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. The project aims to provide educational opportunities for producers to manage financial risk and develop value-added products.
Researchers at UCL and King's College London developed a novel earwax sampling technique to measure cortisol levels, which appear more stable than traditional methods. The new device can be used at home without clinical supervision, facilitating medical check-ups while maintaining social distancing.
Certain molecules bind to ice surfaces, halting further growth and acting as natural antifreeze agents. Researchers developed a computational method to model ice binding, which has applications in cryopreservation and climate modeling.
Researchers have discovered a new high-pressure mineral in the lunar meteorite Oued Awlitis 001, which is composed of calcium, aluminum, and silicon atoms. The newly found mineral donwilhelmsite forms at depths of 460-700 kilometers and has relevance for understanding subducted terrestrial sediments
A team led by Prof. Christoph Brabec has developed a system to increase the efficiency of organic solar cells. By using luminescent acceptor molecules, they achieved an impressive 12.6% efficiency record in a recent study published in Nature Energy.
Researchers found extensive lung damage and unique characteristics in COVID-19 patients, including fibrotic material and abnormal cell fusion. The study suggests the persistence of these 'abnormal cells' may explain long COVID symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
Researchers studied the use of plastic in nest construction by leaf-cutter bees and found it could change the environment of their nests. They suggest using natural fibers instead to avoid harmful effects on the insects.
The study predicts extreme weather conditions on K2-141b, including supersonic winds and rocky rains, which can be detected from hundreds of light years away with next-generation telescopes. The team also found that two-thirds of the exoplanet faces perpetual daylight, leading to frigid temperatures on the night side.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a new protein nanobioreactor that can improve hydrogen production efficiency by up to 550%. The bioreactor uses bacterial protein cages and enzymes to produce clean energy. The study offers a promising solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.
A UConn researcher has identified a suite of genes and regulatory elements critical to normal heart development using genome science technology. The study found over 100,000 regulatory sequences active during human heart development, including more than 13,000 that had never been annotated as active before.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 does not replicate in the human cornea, while Zika virus can infect corneal tissue. The study suggests COVID-19 patients with compromised immune systems may still be at risk of eye symptoms due to secondary inflammation.
The University of Kansas has formed a new research team to participate in the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, exploring unique opportunities for physics research. The team will study the initial state of QCD matter and probe quantum entanglement with a novel technique.
Researchers are exploring three approaches using the Wolbachia bacterium to control the buffalo fly population and prevent its spread southwards. The methods include artificially infecting adult flies or pupae, releasing sterile males into overwintering areas, and blocking transmission of nematodes closely related to Stephanofilaria.
Researchers used EEG to study how music affects the brain's reward system, finding increased activity in regions involved in emotional processing, movement control, and auditory processing. Chills induced by favorite songs release dopamine, triggering a physiological response that indicates greater cortical connectivity.
Dr. Donna D. Zhang's research focuses on harnessing nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 to prevent or treat arsenic-induced diseases. She aims to identify new pharmaceuticals to address adverse health effects resulting from arsenic exposure.
A study found that reducing nitrogen levels can harm plant biodiversity by displacing species adapted to low nutrients. Researchers advocate for an EU Phosphate Directive to address this issue and protect threatened plant species.
African American men with low-risk prostate cancer treated under active surveillance have a higher risk of disease progression and mortality compared to non-African American patients. The study's findings suggest that racial disparities exist in the clinical outcomes of prostate cancer treatment with active surveillance.
A new study overturns the classic theory that single-celled organisms can only evolve to become multicellular life forms if doing so increases their overall productivity. The model suggests that cell specialization can be favored even if it reduces group productivity, contradicting the prevailing view.
Researchers discovered that squid jet propulsion can be more efficient when considering turbulent flow conditions, revealing clues about how squids maneuver within these environments. The study found symmetry-breaking instability of vortices around the jetter, which affects thrust production and efficiency.
A recent study by UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country reveals that women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety, with similar mental health statuses, receiving more psychotropic drugs. The research highlights the need for policy intervention to address gender inequalities in mental health.
A volcanic province in the Indian Ocean was the world's most continuously active supervolcanoes, erupting for 30 million years, fueled by a constantly moving magma conveyor belt. This allowed for an enormous accumulation of volcanic rocks, equivalent to filling up 184,000 Olympic-size swimming pools with lava every year.
Scientists have developed transparent soil substitutes that allow researchers to observe the complex interactions of soil microbes. Using these substitutes, researchers found that soil bacteria rely on fungi to survive dry periods, highlighting the crucial role of fungi in maintaining soil health.
Researchers design theragrippers, tiny star-shaped devices that latch onto intestinal mucosa and release drugs. The devices stay in the intestine for a desired duration, solving a long-sought goal in medicine.
Researchers assessed CEACAM5 expression in breast cancer subtypes using immunohistochemistry, finding a high correlation between primary tumor and lymph node status. Expression of CEACAM5 also predicted different clinical outcomes depending on molecular subtypes, suggesting its potential role as a clinically relevant marker.
A new study shows that families with a terminally ill parent need tourism programs that provide emotional and psychological benefits. Social tourism helps these families create lasting memories and find comfort during difficult times.
A Rutgers study found that telehealth reliance highlighted digital divides among vulnerable populations, while financial challenges and staff shortages impacted service delivery. Behavioral health care staffs were concerned about clients' basic needs and social isolation, as well as their own safety risks amidst the pandemic.
Coralline red algae have formed a calcareous skeleton to support coral reefs for at least 150 million years. However, their role was only proven through the analysis of over 700 fossilised reefs from the Earth's history.
Researchers found that tocotrienols extracted from palm oil activate Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increase the antioxidant-related hepatoprotective mechanism in mice liver cells. The study also showed that the effect is dose-dependent and functionally relevant.
A new treatment method increases the body's own degradation of protein building blocks, reducing all types of aggregates. The method uses somatostatin fused to a brain transport protein, allowing it to enter the brain and target the smallest, most toxic aggregates.
Researchers propose a new framework to study coexistence in multi-species systems, showing that global dynamics can be predicted from pairwise interactions. The model uses time-scale separation and replicator equations to capture the essence of competition between multiple strategies.
Scientists from Chalmers University of Technology investigate the role of nearest neighbors in nanoparticles' activity. They isolated copper particles and monitored their behavior in a nanotube, finding that oxidation state can be dynamically affected by neighboring particles during reactions.
Researchers at Peking University have discovered a simple rule explaining how fish save energy by interacting with vortices shed by neighbors. The study was conducted using high-fidelity robotic fish and verified in real fish, suggesting the universal adoption of this mechanism in biological systems.
A genetic association study found that TERT and DSP gene variants, associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis risk, are linked to microscopic polyangiitis and myeloperoxidase-ANCA positive vasculitis. These variants may be novel susceptibility genes for both conditions.
Researchers have found that some plant viruses can hijack the plant's defence system, using a viral protein to block gene silencing and promote its own replication. However, studying naturally resistant plants and employing modern breeding techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 may help regain control over the virus.
A new study demonstrates that pooling treatment recommendations from multiple prescribers using the 'wisdom of crowds' concept can improve decisions on antibiotic prescribing and reduce overuse. Using international survey data, researchers found that groups of three or more prescribers showed significant benefits in guideline compliance.
Researchers found clear morphological and genetic differences between the four populations of Gentoo penguins, which are currently split into two subspecies. The new classification, proposed by scientists at the University of Bath, aims to aid in their conservation by making it easier to monitor any decline in numbers.
Researchers found that Trop-2 expression is a predictive biomarker for sacituzumab govitecan efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer. Increasing Trop-2 expression improved SG efficacy in mice with HRR-proficient tumors, suggesting a potential clinical benefit for patients with high Trop-2 levels.
A new brain imaging technology, BrainPhys, has been developed to support optimal neuronal function and viability in live imaging experiments. This breakthrough could lead to better personalised medicine for brain disorders such as Parkinson's, brain cancer, and childhood dementia.