The webinar, titled 'The first carnival of the animals: Causes and consequences of the diversification of Early Palaeozoic marine life', will be presented by leading palaeontologists Professor David Harper and Professor Renbin Zhan. It will examine how major biotic events such as the Cambrian Explosion influenced life on Earth.
A new technique realizes PT symmetry in a single spatial resonator by manipulating polarization-dependent response, enabling effective suppression of sidemodes and stable single-mode lasing. The proposed polarimetric PT symmetry concept opens avenues for non-Hermitian photonic systems with various optical parameters.
Researchers found sequence variants that influence how people perceive and describe fish, licorice, and cinnamon odors. The study identified three genes, including TAAR5, which affects perception of fish odor containing trimethylamine, as well as common olfactory gene variants influencing licorice and cinnamon sensitivity.
Pollinator monitoring schemes offer high-quality scientific data at a much lower cost than traditional research projects. The UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme provides world-leading evidence to better understand the status of pollinators and inform conservation efforts.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking genetic discovery that sheds light on the cause of rare nerve disorders, including Rett syndrome. The study found two new mutations in the KIF1A gene to be responsible for these conditions.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients can retain antibodies in their saliva and blood for at least three months. The study used saliva and blood samples from over 100 patients to measure antibody levels, showing that IgG antibodies bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are detectable for 115 days.
A new study has identified regions in the banyan fig's genome that promote the development of its aerial roots and enhance its ability to signal its wasp pollinator. The researchers also discovered a sex-determining region in a related fig tree, Ficus hispida, which produces distinct male and female trees with no aerial roots.
The FDA has issued guidance on clinical trials for cancer drug development during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance highlights regulatory challenges and lessons learned from recent experiences. By providing this support, the FDA aims to facilitate oncology drug development in a challenging environment.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a protein called DUSP4 that may help prevent or treat epilepsy. Boosting levels of DUSP4 could potentially block the spread of epileptic centers in the brain and reduce seizure activity.
A new USC study found that individuals' behavior in response to the pandemic closely correlates with their trusted mass media outlets. Those who trusted left-leaning CNN reported more positive behaviors like wearing masks, while those who trusted right-leaning Fox News exhibited riskier behaviors.
The new paper reveals that redesigning New York City's summons form and sending text message reminders reduced failure to appear rates by 13% and 21%, respectively. The findings suggest that many defendants who fail to appear are not intentionally skipping court, but are effectively unaware of court information.
A new article offers practical guidance on avoiding ableist language in autism research, which can lead to stigmatization and exclusion of autistic individuals. The authors aim to reduce misunderstanding and improve communication by providing researchers with tools to use more inclusive language.
This study reveals that hypoxic exosomes promote sphere formation and stem-like phenotype in EWS cells by delivering enriched miR-210. The knockdown of HIF-1α led to decreased exosomal miR-210 levels, while inhibition of miR-210 attenuated sphere formation.
An international team of researchers confirms human-sourced nitrous oxide emissions are responsible for the 20% increase since the Industrial Revolution. The study finds that agriculture is a significant contributor to these emissions, making it challenging to mitigate their impacts and meet international climate goals.
The article highlights the importance of crabs in Oman's ecology and economy, with Barr Al Hikman nature reserve being a crucial nursery ground for numerous crab species. The research shows that millions of crabs inhabit the reserve, providing food for hundreds of thousands of birds.
A large international study of COVID-19 patients found that pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes can increase a patient's risk of dying from the virus. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that these chronic conditions are a warning sign for a higher risk of death.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new method to pinpoint cracks in metals long before they cause disasters. By testing metals at a microscopic scale, they can rapidly inflict repetitive loads and track damage progression into cracks.
Researchers trained kindergarten teachers to assess 185,000 kindergarteners' health and development, revealing 30% of poor children were vulnerable in one or more domains, with Black children at highest risk. The study highlights the value of micro-level understanding of child-developmental inequities to develop targeted supports.
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has provided detailed insights into the composition and structure of asteroid Bennu, a 'rubble pile' of carbon-rich material. Researchers have discovered that Bennu's surface has undergone complex evolution due to space weathering processes and that carbonate minerals are widespread across most of its surface.
Researchers demonstrate fully controllable local-field interferences in nanoantennas, enabling the creation of dynamically tunable Fano lineshapes with nearly vanishing Fano dips. The spectral dispersion can exhibit low-background and strong suppression of local-field intensity at Fano dips.
A mathematical model reveals human spaceflight reduces exercise tolerance and ages astronauts' hearts, with features similar to accelerated aging. Understanding 0G configuration is crucial for ensuring astronaut health in future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Researchers have developed an engineered electrode material that enables high-capacity Lithium-ion batteries with fast-charging capabilities. The material, combining black phosphorus and graphite, shows improved stability and efficiency, restoring 80% of its full capacity in under 10 minutes.
Researchers found that IgG antibodies remain stable for up to 105 days after symptom onset in COVID-19 patients, while IgA and IgM antibodies decay rapidly. Saliva can be used as an alternative biofluid for antibody testing due to detectable levels of spike protein-specific antibodies.
The world's largest informal settlement fire experiment found that fires can spread at an alarming rate, destroying homes in just five minutes. The study, published in Fire Technology, used advanced instrumentation and analysis to simulate the spread of flames through densely-packed settlements.
The study aims to examine the effectiveness of combining antiviral remdesivir with a highly concentrated solution of antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2. The treatment is being tested in hospitalized adults with COVID-19 in various countries, with the goal of reducing the risk of serious illness and death.
Researchers discovered that biofilms can generate large structural deformations on soft materials, compromising host physiology and potentially promoting a new mode of infection.
Research shows that Impala's mixed feeding strategy makes them abundant despite non-migratory nature, rivaling migratory grazers like wildebeest. This adaptation helps them thrive in savannas with seasonal food availability changes.
The OSIRIS-REx mission has published findings on asteroid Bennu's surface, including widespread carbon-bearing materials, bright carbonate veins, weak boulders, and a heterogeneous mass distribution. These discoveries suggest that asteroids like Bennu may have brought organic molecules to Earth billions of years ago.
Research shows COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes have similar immune responses to the SARS-CoV-2 'spike' protein. Higher blood glucose levels are strongly associated with increased mortality in both groups.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have identified molecular differences in brain neurons that may support drug development for psychiatric disorders. The study focused on the mRNA set of two types of cortical neurons, revealing cell surface proteins that can be targeted to treat certain conditions.
A review of COVID-19 policy changes found that pandemic restrictions widened existing gaps in access to abortion services across Europe. Enforced innovations such as telemedicine and home provision of abortion services could reverse this trend and promote long-lasting change for essential health services.
Plant proteins exhibit polarity, forming heads and tails in a stack of coins-like arrangement. This patterning is critical for cell orientation and coordination in plant growth. Researchers found that even isolated cells can become polarized, orienting their growth and guiding collective development.
A recent study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use is not a substitute for non-medical opioids among adults with opioid use disorder. The research examined 13,271 days of observation and found that opioid use remained prevalent on days when cannabis was used.
A team of researchers from the University of Münster has created a groundbreaking viral expression model that can simulate and analyze various viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. The model uses stem cells to mimic the mechanisms of action of viruses, allowing for precise investigation of disease progression and potential treatments.
A study of 2.2 million tweets found coordinated efforts by foreign actors on Twitter to interfere in the US presidential election, mirroring Russia's tactics from earlier meddling. Researchers recommend detecting and responding to these efforts before an election, and publicizing the threat to protect Americans from online manipulation.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new magnetic material and recording process that can vastly increase data capacity. The process relies on high-frequency millimeter waves, allowing for more stable magnetic particles and higher storage densities.
Researchers Jussi Lindgren and Jukka Liukkonen propose an objective interpretation of quantum mechanics that eliminates the role of consciousness in measuring outcomes. Their study suggests a fixed correlation between location and momentum, implying reality is independent of measurement.
Researchers have developed metaFlye, a new assembler for decoding microbial genomes from diverse environmental samples. The tool allows for the assembly of metagenomes, providing insights into the types and quantities of organisms present, their interactions, and substances synthesized.
A newly developed prodrug has been shown to selectively target and destroy glioblastoma cells, improving outcomes when combined with standard therapies. In a mouse model study, the drug extended survival by more than a factor of three and was curative in nature.
A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed a technology that allows for the rapid harvesting of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell sheets using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) nanotopography. This breakthrough reduces the harvest time from one week to just two days, making it possible ...
A study by economist Amelie Schiprowski found that regular caseworker interaction is crucial for reintegration, reducing unemployment spells by an average of five percent. The quality of support also plays a significant role, with less productive caseworkers having no negative impact on unemployment duration.
The deep-sea food web is significantly disrupted by deep-seabed mining, especially the microbial part of the carbon cycle. Microbes are found to be more than one-third less active in cycling carbon.
A Siberian Federal University team analyzed international trade data to determine Russia's most competitive forest products. The regions in north-west Russia excel in paper and cellulose production, while Siberia and the Far East have significant advantages in raw wood and timber exports.
Researchers at CNIO successfully applied CRISPR technology to eliminate fusion genes causing tumors, leading to the death of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. This breakthrough approach could lead to the development of targeted cancer therapies.
Researchers observed black imported fire ants using sand to draw liquid food out of containers when faced with drowning risk. The ants' tool-making skill reduced drowning risk and provided a larger space for collecting sugar water.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin found that male and female Sulawesi Babblers have evolved to attain different sizes on small islands, reducing competition by feeding on scarce resources. This discovery provides new insights into the importance of sexual dimorphism in island ecosystems.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that laser stimulation inhibits sclerostin expression in bone without causing inflammation, providing a new treatment possibility for osteoporosis. This method may aid the development of laser-based therapies to promote bone regeneration.
A new radioimmunotherapy has proven effective in reversing resistance to the most commonly used lymphoma drug, rituximab. In a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma mouse model, the treatment substantially increased rituximab binding and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity, resulting in significant tumor growth delay.
Researchers discovered a new approach to control chemical reaction reactivity using a single gold electrode, which can behave like multiple functional groups by switching applied voltage. This 'electro-inductive effect' enables in-situ tuning of electronic property and reactivity in the middle of a reaction.
Severe COVID-19 cases linked to hyperactivated T cells in lungs, suggesting brake mechanism failure. Protein Foxp3 inhibition may lead to new treatment options.
Researchers from Cornell University and North Carolina State University are developing 'microcleaners' - self-propelled biomaterials that can capture and decompose microplastics in waterways. The project aims to design inexpensive, non-toxic microsystems to collect and break down microplastic particles.
The Vaccination Game, developed by University of Oxford researchers, challenges players to deploy limited doses of a virtual vaccine to control the spread of a disease modelled on influenza. By replaying the game, players can improve their strategy and save more lives.
The University of Guam is surveying and monitoring invasive pests of solanaceous crops, including Tuta absoluta, a moth that can destroy entire crops, and Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2, a bacterial wilt that infects through the roots. The work aims to prepare the island for management if these pests arrive.
A new solar panel design using checkerboard lines can absorb up to 125% more light, leading to the creation of thinner, lighter, and more flexible panels. This breakthrough could enable a rapid expansion of photovoltaics and greatly reduce carbon footprint.
A broadband graphene detector has been created to reveal the polarization of terahertz radiation. The device relies on plasma wave interference and has potential applications in next-generation information transmission systems and medical diagnostics.
A study published in The BMJ found that high-intensity training intervals twice a week improved physical and mental quality of life in people over 70. Fitness levels were maintained throughout the five-year period, with a notable drop in mortality rates compared to moderate exercise.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have discovered lactate, a metabolite elevated during exercise and diseases, acts as a signal to activate magnesium ions. This finding is expected to lead to the development of novel therapies for cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders like diabetes, and other conditions.
A Brazilian research team developed a model to describe the spatial and temporal evolution of epidemic diseases. The SIR model predicts that contagion occurs discontinuously but follows a fractal pattern, which can help plan more effective social isolation programs with less socio-economic impact.
Hurricane Delta showed enhanced convection near its center, but was obscured by a central dense overcast. The storm strengthened with maximum sustained winds reaching near 105 mph, and NASA provides data to tropical cyclone meteorologists for forecast purposes.
Researchers designed a compact UV camera capable of recording photons in the ultraviolet range in real time, achieving an imaging speed of 0.5 trillion frames per second. The system uses compressed ultrafast photography to capture unparalleled resolution with just one click.