The authors argue that the rapidly developing research on SARS-CoV-2 transmission provides a solid foundation for interpreting new information. The established knowledge of viral spread across various contexts and spatial scales, including household, residential, and community settings, remains well-established.
A study found that herpes simplex virus type 1 infection can cause impaired neuronal differentiation and abnormal brain structure in the human fetus, contributing to long-term neurological problems. The research also identified HSV-1-infected microglia promoting inflammation and suggesting new therapeutic avenues for targeting viral re...
Researchers consider indirect protection strategies due to potential ineffectiveness in elderly and comorbid individuals. Indirect effects are harder to measure than direct effects, highlighting the need for evidence on vaccine impact before approval or soon after.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new method to design polymers with specific properties, such as degradable plastic bags or super-strong aircraft materials. By combining modeling and machine learning, they created a large database of hypothetical polymers and trained a neural network to predict their properties.
A UBC study identified over 633 exploited transboundary fish species worldwide, with catches and revenues severely underestimated. The catch from these fisheries had been heavily skewed towards a few countries, including China, the USA, Russia, Peru, and Japan.
Researchers have developed a portable DNA sequencing technology to detect tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, allowing for rapid and reliable monitoring of high-grade gliomas. This approach overcomes traditional barriers to diagnosing and treating pediatric brain cancer, offering a non-invasive alternative to invasive surgeries.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that COVID-19 patients with vertebral fractures are twice as likely to die from the disease. The researchers found a significant association between vertebral fractures and severe disease outcomes, including increased need for ventilators.
Researchers used a novel MRI-based approach to study the interaction between patients and clinicians, finding that mirroring in facial expressions and brain activity can affect the patient-clinician bond and treatment. This study suggests that the clinical encounter has a measurable impact on the brain, emotions, and clinical outcomes.
A new study suggests that gut bacteria are partially responsible for metabolic changes leading to weight gain in women after chemotherapy treatment. The research found that the pre-treatment microbiome of patients who gained weight was different from those who did not, and fecal transplantation resulted in glucose intolerance in germ-f...
A study using next generation genetic sequencing tracks mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, aiding diagnostic testing accuracy and tracking its history. The study found variations in the virus' genetic sequence but none affected current tests, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring.
A recent analysis reveals gaps in existing studies on preventing child violence, emphasizing the need for more quantitative and qualitative research. The study suggests expanding research to different regions and analyzing specific forms of violence.
Researchers used spider web architecture to create deformable and reliable electronics for seamless 3D interface. The technology enables a large field of view and wide-angle antireflection, useful for biomedical and military imaging purposes.
A new study analyzes Germany's bilateral energy partnerships, which are a key instrument of the country's 'soft power' strategy. The partnerships aim to promote climate-friendly technologies and solutions abroad, reflecting Germany's domestic consensus on its energy transition.
Scientists at Flinders University have created a new type of nanogenerator that can capture power from environmental vibrations, enabling the development of wireless charging systems and implantable energy harvesting devices. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy.
Researchers developed a new method to test potential cancer drugs in mice, allowing them to evaluate multiple genetic variants of the same cancer. This approach could accelerate the development of better treatments by increasing the number of tumour models tested with fewer animals.
A study found that Americans significantly reduced visits to grocery stores and pharmacies during COVID-19 lockdowns, but not to parks and beaches. In densely populated areas, these reductions were even more pronounced, suggesting better access to services may be a factor.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that administering a low dose of ketamine to healthy individuals does not alter their ability to tolerate simulated major blood loss. This study provides valuable insights for medical personnel when choosing pain medication for serious injuries with accompanying blood loss.
Researchers have found that the Earth's mantle has a different composition to its upper layer, contradicting long-held assumptions. Lab experiments and seismic wave analysis suggest that silicon is present in the lower mantle, not the core.
Researchers found that cold temperatures increase vitamin A levels, stimulating the conversion of white into brown adipose tissue and enhancing fat burning. This 'fat transformation' is a potential approach for novel obesity therapeutics.
The University of Central Florida has received a $7.5 million grant to continue its work in relationship counseling, specifically targeting couples in the Orlando area. The new funding will expand Project Harmony, a successful program that helps couples improve communication and manage conflict.
Researchers from GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH produce the hitherto unknown nucleus mendelevium-244, an odd-odd nucleus consisting of 101 protons and 143 neutrons. The study reveals puzzling short-lived fission activity in this nucleus.
The First Book of Breathing, an ancient Egyptian funerary text, was analyzed based on papyrus FMNH 31324. The composition was created through a careful exegetical process involving the selection and interweaving of Book of the Dead spells.
A new gene therapy using a novel light-sensing protein has restored significant retinal function and vision in blind mice. The therapy involves attaching the MCO1 opsin to retina bipolar cells using gene therapy, allowing treated mice to navigate mazes and detect changes in motion faster than untreated mice.
Research in Colorado's mountain forests found that wildfires accelerate climate-driven species changes by compounding regional warming trends. In contrast, canopy loss due to beetles resulted in slight cooling, suggesting a type of forest resilience.
Researchers have identified silent ancient DNA elements in our genome that, when reactivated, stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. The discovery of ADAR1, an enzyme used by cancer cells to evade detection, opens up a new field of cancer therapies.
A University of Córdoba study found that chronic school bullying victims experience deteriorated peer relationships, decreased social status, and loss of friendships. Maintaining quality friendships can act as a protective factor against bullying.
Researchers at Tokyo Tech and Carnegie Mellon University developed a new human motion capture system called MonoEye, which uses a single ultra-wide fisheye camera mounted on the user's chest. The system can capture 3D body pose, head pose, and camera pose in real-time using deep neural networks.
A new mathematical approach could significantly reduce COVID-19 testing costs by up to 20 times, according to a study. The hypercube algorithm allows for simultaneous testing of multiple samples, making it easier to spot outbreaks early on and identify positive cases.
A team of engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder has designed a robot inspired by pufferfish to improve drone safety. The PufferBot features an inflatable airbag that can expand in size to prevent dangerous collisions between people and machines.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that spectral CT with electron density imaging can improve the assessment of lung lesion extent in patients with COVID-19. The results showed that lesion extent was easier to ascertain on electron density images, and ground-glass opacities were more conspicuous.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tocilizumab does not reduce the need for breathing assistance with mechanical ventilation or prevent death in moderately ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The treatment was tested on 243 patients with high levels of inflammation and pneumonia, fever, or low ...
A study found that premature infants who experienced fewer needle pokes had better thalamus growth, a structure involved in pain perception. Infants with longer use of central lines had larger thalamus volumes and improved cognitive and motor skills at age five.
Two new research projects will explore the use of drones for medical delivery purposes in the UK, aiming to facilitate faster and more efficient movements of medical items. The projects, funded by Innovate UK, will focus on creating standard operational procedures for drone-enabled delivery operations.
A large American study found that pregnant mothers with low thyroid hormone levels are more likely to have children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study of 329,157 children showed that Hispanic children born to hypothyroid mothers were at highest risk.
A team of researchers in Japan has created the most detailed and complete record yet of Earth's last magnetic reversal. The study reveals that the geomagnetic field became unstable at least 10,000 years prior to the magnetic direction change 773,000 years ago, and the full reversal process took at least 20,000 years.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new 'photonic wavefront sensor' using AI and machine learning to correct atmospheric distortion, allowing for direct imaging of exoplanets from Earth. This innovation could revolutionize the study of exoplanets and their potential for life.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool that can detect cancer cells in small blood samples and connect them to their original tumor. This method has shown significant correlations between circulating tumor cells and tumor expression levels, allowing for targeted therapeutic agents to be used more accurately.
A new international study by Monash University reveals that Antarctica's ice loss is expected to continue unabated for a long time, even if climate change is brought under control. The study found that rapid ice loss rates in the recent geological past were similar to those observed in rapidly changing parts of Antarctica today.
Genome sequencing reveals a gradual decline in African ancestry across hundreds of miles as bees approach climate barriers. The study suggests that climate is the primary factor limiting the spread of Africanized bees, with colder winters posing a survival challenge.
Researchers have developed a portable device that accurately measures capsaicin concentrations in chili peppers, ranging from 0.37 to 90 μM. This innovation allows for safe consumption of spicy food and has potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
The diabolical ironclad beetle's super-toughness lies in its armorlike elytra and connective suture, which distribute force evenly throughout the body. Engineers are developing new materials inspired by this strategy to make machinery safer and longer-lasting.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers reveals that common terns in the Great Lakes region are contaminated with legacy pollutants like PCBs, PBDEs and DDT metabolites. The chemicals were found in birds of all ages, including chicks and adults, as well as emerald shiners, a primary food source for the terns.
Scientists have discovered that a tiny amount of molten rock, less than 0.7% by volume, is present in the asthenosphere under all oceanic plates, reducing the viscosity and 'decoupling' them from the underlying mantle. This research improves our understanding of plate tectonics and how it drives plate movement.
Research suggests that impaired tryptophan metabolism may contribute to celiac disease inflammation. A high-tryptophan diet and specific bacteria or drugs can alleviate symptoms in mice with the disease.
A new wrist-worn camera system enables accurate 3D hand pose estimation, outperforming previous work by 20%. The system's accuracy reaches 75% in detecting different grasp types and can be used for smart device control, virtual mice, and keyboards.
Current Covid-19 vaccine trials are not designed to detect a reduction in serious outcomes such as hospitalisations, intensive care use, or deaths. The trials evaluate mild disease and may not provide evidence of vaccine effectiveness in preventing severe illness or transmission.
Researchers have developed a simple skin test that can accurately diagnose Parkinson's disease by detecting clumping of the protein alpha-synuclein. The assay was tested on 50 skin samples from patients with Parkinson's disease, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates, promising an earlier diagnosis and better clinical trials.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a method to detect and monitor pediatric brain cancer using epigenetic markers in cerebrospinal fluid. The approach, which overcomes limitations of liquid biopsy, holds promise for giving clinicians real-time insights into treatment response.
A new study reveals that millions of people in the US have searched for information on Google regarding police reform, with searches increasing by over 150-fold in the days following George Floyd's death. The study found that specific reform topics such as police union reform and training had high search volumes across all states.
A new algorithm could help reduce stress on health systems in the UK and beyond by redistributing ICU patients across hospitals. The load balancing method, developed by Queen Mary University of London, has been shown to enable access for up to 1000 additional cases in the UK.
Researchers have discovered how snakes can detect prey with uncanny accuracy in total darkness by converting infrared radiation into electrical signals. The cells inside the pit organ membrane are found to function as a pyroelectric material, drawing upon the electrical voltage in most cells.
Protests correlated with short-term drop in fatal interactions with police for Black individuals, contributing to the body of research on protest effectiveness. No evidence found that protests increased crime or decreased proactive policing.
A randomized clinical trial by University of Minnesota researchers found that taking hydroxychloroquine once or twice weekly did not prevent COVID-19 development in healthcare workers. The study showed a significant side effect increase with hydroxychloroquine use.
A study by Duke researchers found that transcription factors tend to bind strongly to mismatched sections of DNA, which can lead to the accumulation of mutations in regulatory regions. This binding is thought to be energetically favorable due to the lower energy required to distort mismatched DNA.
A genome-wide association study found two genetic variants associated with high blood pressure and kidney toxicity in cancer patients treated with bevacizumab. The variants, rs6770663 and rs339947, can be used to predict which patients are at risk of severe side effects.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that critically ill newborns who receive blood transfusions prior to surgery have a 50% increased rate of complications or death. The findings suggest that a 'wait and see' approach to giving infants blood during surgery may reduce surgical complications and the risk of death.
Researchers at TU Graz have discovered a new sediment archive on the Styrian Erzberg, providing valuable insights into recent climate development. The archive features geologically young minerals formed shortly after the last ice age, challenging current understanding of mineral formation temperatures.
A new study by University of Houston researchers found that negatively presented information and 'Mr. Deadly COVID-19' scary face can significantly strengthen the message, increasing compliance with physical distancing guidelines. The study suggests using preventive language to persuade consumers to avoid close contact.
Researchers at Northern Arizona University's Center for Health Equity Research are receiving funding from the NIH for four projects related to COVID-19, focusing on health inequities, resilience, telehealth regulations, and vaccine trials. The projects aim to address disparities in healthcare outcomes and promote community engagement.
The need for collaborative care among healthcare professionals to address mental health demands in the COVID-19 era is highlighted. The authors emphasize the importance of this approach to ensure timely and effective support for individuals struggling with mental health issues during this critical time.