A study examines Electoral College bias in US presidential elections and finds the system may not exhibit long-term partisan bias. The analysis suggests that the 2020 Electoral College bias is likely to tilt Republican but to a lesser extent than in 2016, depending on popular vote results.
Researchers have discovered microplastics in groundwater, which can contaminate drinking water sources and harm ecosystems. The presence of microplastics in groundwater has been linked to increased toxicity and bioaccumulation, posing a significant risk to human health and the environment.
A real-time tracking system reveals a 15% increase in suspected opioid overdose deaths and a 29% rise in naloxone rescue attempts by EMS since March, coinciding with the pandemic's peak. The System for Opioid Overdose Surveillance (SOS) helps first responders target their efforts and provides critical data for public health authorities.
A recent study investigated approach for return to play in athletes of various age groups after recovering from COVID-19. The findings highlight the importance of gradual resumption of physical activity and stress testing to ensure safety.
Scientists at KAUST create a straightforward method for depositing silicon oxide onto silicon wafers using plasma processing in carbon dioxide gas. This technique resolves the problem of 'dangling bonds' and generates stable oxide films suitable for solar cells.
A University of Colorado Denver study found significant differences in rhetoric between male and female candidates, particularly in discussing economic issues. Female candidates were more likely to focus on education, environment, and gun violence on their campaign websites, as well as discuss taxes and worker wages on social media. Th...
Research suggests that genetic predisposition to increased weight is causally protective for breast and prostate cancer. Heavier women are less likely to develop breast cancer due to additional differences between groups, while heavier men are less likely to develop prostate cancer, particularly when exposed to carcinogenic substances.
A study presented at the 2020 GSA Annual Meeting reveals that floating gardens can have a positive impact on water quality. The research found modest but definitive improvement in nutrient levels, including a 1% decrease in nitrate levels downstream of the garden.
A recent study by Louisiana State University researchers found that the Amazon rainforest is experiencing a decline in biodiversity, with certain bird species showing significant drops in population. The study, which analyzed data from over 35 years and 55 sites, suggests that climate change may be driving this trend.
A nationwide cohort study found that severely obese individuals who underwent gastric bypass or sleeve procedure had a lower risk of additional myocardial infarctions and improved survival rates. The study suggests that metabolic surgery may have a positive impact on cardiometabolic risk factors beyond weight loss.
Researchers developed a model to assess the relative risks of airborne transmission of COVID-19, finding that physical distancing increases protection in a linear proportion. The study also suggests that simple cloth masks can significantly reduce the spread of the virus and that increased physical activity increases transmission risk.
Fish schools are highly dynamic, social systems. Researchers used biomimetic robots to show that fish can profit from the vortices generated by near neighbours without keeping fixed distances, and found that a specific time lag based on spatial position is key to energy efficiency.
Expanding marine protected areas (MPAs) by 5% can increase global fish catch by up to 20%, according to a study. The model revealed substantial spillover effects, resulting in an additional 9-12 million metric tons of fish catch annually.
A study analyzing US cancer data reveals patients from rural regions and lower-income households often have advanced liver cancer at diagnosis and face higher mortality rates. This highlights the need for targeted quality improvement interventions to address healthcare disparities affecting these populations.
Researchers have discovered a molecular break that controls the length of plant roots, influenced by hormones ethylene and karrikin. The study found that the protein SMAX1 acts as a molecular break for ethylene production, stimulating long root growth and short root hairs.
A 25% increase in leopard populations has been reported in northern China's Loess Plateau due to successful reforestation efforts. The five-year plan restored biodiversity and allowed leopards to thrive by reintroducing prey species, leading to a notable increase in their numbers.
A new study reveals racial and socioeconomic disparities in treating patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. Black patients are less likely to receive chemotherapy compared to white patients, despite improved survival rates. Insurance status and education level also impact treatment and survival outcomes.
A team of scientists used CRISPR technology to systematically knockout human genes and identified individual genes that confer resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that inhibiting these genes with small molecules reduced viral load, offering new therapeutic targets for COVID-19 treatment.
Researchers detected iron-based compounds as ocher in ancient red ink, while lead, phosphorus, and sulfur were found in micrometric rings surrounding ocher particles in red ink. Lead compounds also appeared in black inks, likely used as drying agents rather than pigments.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months to reduce the risk of respiratory illness. COVID-19 positive or exposed mothers can safely breastfeed and pump milk by following these evidence-based guidelines.
Researchers found that gene mutations underlying inflammatory skin disorders also delay wound healing by disrupting the balance of immune cells and inflammation. Treatment with a TLR4 inhibitor showed promise in normalizing the wound healing process in mice with these mutations.
A study suggests that Ontario's current vaccination strategy for hepatitis B is inadequate, as many children are infected before receiving the vaccine. The authors recommend that all women be screened for HBV during pregnancy and that newborns receive the vaccine at birth.
A team of researchers found that cloud-induced infrared radiative feedback creates a localized greenhouse effect, trapping heat and accelerating the formation of tropical cyclones. This process is believed to be instrumental in the origin of many tropical storm events.
Scientists identified an antibody that blocks a signaling molecule in vascular system, causing tumor lymph vessels to die and preventing metastasis. This approach may lead to new ways to block the spread of tumor cells.
A new study reveals that women over 65 with breast cancer have a significant risk of developing the disease due to disease-causing mutations in predisposition genes. The researchers found that up to 20% of these women may still be at high risk for breast cancer, even without prior diagnosis.
A team of researchers at SUTD and TTSH created a novel 3D printed non-metallic self-locking prosthetic arm that is more comfortable, flexible, and 20% cheaper than conventional prostheses. The patient's satisfaction with the new prosthesis was higher due to its improved fit, function, and comfort.
Local spatial clustering of non-vaccinated individuals can lead to large measles outbreaks even at high overall vaccination coverage. The study highlights the importance of fine-scale vaccination data for effective targeted interventions in high-risk areas.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that nearly 30% of young adults in the US do not know all five common stroke symptoms. Young adults with lower education levels are more likely to be unaware of these symptoms, highlighting a need for targeted public health initiatives.
A new study reveals that macrophages play a complex role in cancer spread, with two types - M1 and M2 - exhibiting different behaviors. The research uses advanced technologies to identify a distinct population of macrophage cells that migrate towards cancer cells, promoting tumor growth.
Researchers propose adding altitude-measuring instruments to existing NOAA buoys to track global sea levels and monitor accelerating sea-rise rates. This approach will provide valuable insights into the effects of climate change on coastal areas.
The study found associations between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and clinical features of follicular lymphoma, including tumor microenvironment composition. The researchers identified key immune-related genes associated with worse survival outcomes in patients treated with rituximab-containing regimens.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that individuals with type 2 diabetes can better maintain overnight glycemic control when eating high GI potatoes compared to low GI basmati rice. The researchers suggest that potatoes can be a sustainable and nutrient-dense food option for people with T2D.
A large longitudinal study found that exposure to air pollution during early childhood may lead to an increase in body mass index (BMI), while living in areas with greater green space and a more favorable built environment mix may be associated with a decrease in BMI. The study analyzed data from nearly 80,000 children and suggested th...
Researchers found that people born without upper limbs who use their feet to reach engage the same brain area as those with hands, revealing a higher-level motor function. This discovery advances basic science and offers potential clinical advances in improving limb prostheses.
Researchers estimate that the moon could harbor roughly 15,000 square miles of permanent shadows, reservoirs that might preserve water via ice. These cold traps, found in craters near the poles, could be more common than previously thought and may hold pockets of ice.
Researchers discovered that actin filaments serve as tiny stretchy tension sensors in cells, transmitting mechanical signals to other proteins. The findings have significant implications for understanding how cells mechanically control movement, including cardiac cell contraction and motile cell migration.
Researchers have created an algorithm that significantly reduces the time taken to analyze HeLa cancer cells using Electron Microscopy. The new approach uses deep learning architectures and achieves results in minutes, compared to a week for human experts.
A phase II trial shows similar safety and efficacy with single- and multiple-fraction treatment for patients with limited oligometastases. The study found comparable survival rates, local control rates, and disease-free survival rates between the two treatment groups.
Researchers at Stanford University found that US corn yields have become significantly more sensitive to drought conditions due to changes in soil moisture retention. This shift is likely driven by increased crop water needs and the adoption of drought-tolerant varieties.
Researchers at Yale University screened hundreds of millions of cells exposed to COVID-19 and MERS viruses, identifying dozens of genes that enable or inhibit viral replication. The study found pro-viral and anti-viral genes, which may help predict severe illness and inform treatment development.
A double-blind clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of ondansetron, a cancer anti-sickness drug, in alleviating hallucinations in people with Parkinson's. The study aims to find new treatments for this challenging symptom, which affects 75% of UK Parkinson's patients.
A yearlong classroom intervention for preschoolers decreased the achievement gap in numerical skills, according to a study. Scores on numerical and verbal comprehension tests were higher for children who received instruction from trained teachers.
A study by American College of Surgeons found that watch-and-wait strategy is an option for select patients with stages I to III rectal cancer. The approach, which skips operation, shows similar results in terms of local regrowth and disease-specific survival rates compared to surgical treatment.
An agent-based computer model shows that delayed implementation of social distancing measures and low adherence can increase COVID-19 cases in urban areas. Maintaining personal behaviors like face mask use after easing social distancing measures also has a significant impact.
Researchers from GIST have discovered that doping polycrystalline solar cells with alkali metals improves their efficiency. The optimal dopant thickness determined the path of charge carriers, leading to a record fill factor of 63% and competitive overall performance.
Researchers found diverse cardiac structural damage in COVID-19 patients, including right ventricular dysfunction, regional left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, and diffuse left ventricular dysfunction. These abnormalities were associated with worse prognosis and mortality compared to troponin elevations alone.
A new study suggests that targeting a single brain region called the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) could lead to better outcomes for people with depression and anxiety. Over-activity in sgACC underlies several key symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but an antidepressant only successfully treats some of the symptoms.
Thomas McAndrew's novel framework combines computational models with human understanding of social determinants of health to better forecast COVID-19 outbreaks. His research aims to inform public health decision-making and reduce morbidity and mortality, providing actionable predictions for policymakers and the general public.
A study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that drug-resistant E. faecium can spread within hospitals despite deep cleaning, with high rates of infection found in vulnerable patient groups. The bacteria's ability to evade cleaning measures poses a significant challenge to infection control.
Researchers have discovered that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can reduce SCN populations by up to 80% and suppress egg hatching by 30%. This finding opens new avenues for biological control and provides an additional management tool to mitigate the impact of SCN on soybean production.
A team of biologists discovered that phytoplasma effector proteins interact with specific molecules in plant hosts, causing developmental abnormalities and devastating changes. The research found that the effector proteins adopt a structure similar to their target host molecules, allowing them to bind and cause harm.
Researchers will study and conduct experiments using femtosecond laser diagnostics to measure gas properties in plasma flows. The collaboration aims to better understand heat shields for hypersonic vehicles and space exploration applications.
A collaborative team developed an organs-on-a-chip system to monitor heart toxicity from breast cancer drugs. The dual-organ system closely mimics bodily tissues and provides evidence that the interplay between the heart and breast cancer tissues influences cell function and disease progression.
Researchers developed a hybrid sliding-rocking bridge design that sustains less damage compared to conventional bridges. The new design allows for quick and cost-effective repairs, making it more beneficial in the long run.
A massive methane release occurred in a deep ocean natural gas reservoir during the Pliocene, potentially affecting atmospheric concentrations. The study estimates that up to 27 teragrams of methane could have reached the atmosphere over 8 months, equivalent to 10% of current global annual emissions.
Researchers studying vaping and secondary exposure to e-cigarettes warn that adolescent use is at epidemic proportions. The study aims to uncover health effects of e-cigarettes on younger patients and explore the risks of secondary exposure.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified new genes in the BEX/TCEAL cluster that are related to autism spectrum disorder and other neurological diseases. The study used animal models to describe molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the neocortex in humans and other placental mammals.
A study examined the impact of COVID-19 on depressive symptoms among high-risk individuals in the UK. The results showed a significant increase in depressive symptom severity during the pandemic.
Research using functional MRI found that brain networks involved in movement planning and execution are activated differently based on the type of movement performed, even when using different body parts. The study suggests that these brain functions emerge from innate constraints in early development.
Researchers have developed a form of gold nanotubes that can target and kill mesothelioma cancer cells using light. The nanotubes are made in a two-step process and have physical properties that can be tailored for enhanced therapies.