A 4-year NSF-funded project will investigate how intermittent streams support both the environment and humans, focusing on hydrology, microbiology, and microbial activity. The project aims to inform policy debates and boost workforce development in data science methods.
New research identifies three laws to explain species diversity and abundance in ecosystems. Environmental change and variability are key drivers of fluctuations in species populations.
A study of over 450 insomnia patients in Australia found that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) improves symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress. CBTi is recommended as the most effective treatment for insomnia and is available via face-to-face or telehealth options.
Researchers found that nanolites, 10,000 times smaller than a human hair, increase magma viscosity, leading to explosive eruptions. The study uses cutting-edge imaging and Raman spectroscopy to demonstrate the surprising effect of nanolites on volcanic behavior.
Two Canadian students, Angéline Lafleur and Jeremy Leigh, have been awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships to pursue science and engineering studies at uOttawa. The four-year scholarships are valued at up to $100,000 each and provide numerous benefits, including joining an elite network.
A study from the UK reveals a significant reduction in diagnoses of common conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings suggest that many cases may have gone undetected, undiagnosed, and untreated due to reduced healthcare engagement.
Researchers at PSI have successfully created and visualised antiferromagnetic skyrmions with a unique property: critical elements arranged in opposing directions. This discovery is a major step towards developing new technologies, such as more efficient computers.
Researchers modelled COVID-19 second wave timings in Europe using data on infection rates and travel, finding peaks likely to occur between July 2020 and January 2021. Social distancing measures could control the timing of these peaks, with earlier peaks expected in countries with higher infection rates.
A recent study by a URI graduate student found significant concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seabirds from offshore areas, including Narragansett Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Fear. The research highlights the environmental persistence of these compounds, which can remain in animal tissues for many years.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen are developing two new centers using quantum simulators to help create tomorrow's pharmaceuticals. The centers will utilize customized algorithms to simulate complex biochemical processes, speeding up the discovery of effective medications.
A Kumamoto University research team created an animal model of SCA by inhibiting chaperone-mediated autophagy in cerebellar neurons, leading to progressive motor dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Reduced CMA activity may be a common molecular mechanism for the disease.
Research finds prenatal cannabis exposure associated with elevated psychopathology, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, attention problems, social issues, sleep disturbances, and lower cognitive performance in middle childhood. Exposure after maternal knowledge of pregnancy also linked to child outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a novel mechanism of action by remdesivir against SARS-CoV-2, which affects the viral replication machinery. This finding is crucial for improving treatments and building on the existing antiviral drug.
Researchers deployed 23 tags to track Cuvier's beaked whale dives, recording over 3600 foraging dives with some lasting up to 2 hours and 13 minutes. The whales' ability to exceed predicted diving limits suggests an exceptional low metabolism and larger oxygen stores.
A team of researchers has created a patient-specific approach to customizing muscular and neural implants for restoring motor and autonomic functions. The NeuroPrint hybrid 3D printing technology allows for rapid production in just 24 hours, making it faster and cheaper than traditional methods.
Tropical Storm Lowell is moving west-northwest with increasing winds and no coastal watches in effect. NASA's Aqua satellite identified the strongest thunderstorms south of the storm's center, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The storm's forecast suggests little change in strength over the next few days.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that excess belly fat is associated with a higher risk of early death from any cause. In contrast, larger hips and thighs were linked to a lower risk of premature mortality. This suggests that measuring central fatness may be a more reliable indicator of risk than body mass index.
An observational study examined the risk factors for hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and death among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that older age, underlying comorbidities, and low oxygen saturation were associated with increased risk of severe illness.
Research suggests that UK's COVID-19 preventive measures have prevented hundreds of deaths among homeless people in the country. The measures, including hotel room accommodation and infection control, were estimated to have avoided over 21,000 infections, 266 deaths, and 1164 hospital admissions.
A new pathway discovered by researchers at the University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has shown that eIF5A hypusination governs TDP-43 accumulation and aggregation. Pharmacological inhibition of an enzyme generating hypusinated eIF5A significantly reduced TDP-43 cytoplasmic accumulation and aggregation in cells.
A recent study from the University of South Australia found that Australian boards struggle with gender diversity, resulting in unbalanced decision-making. The research highlights the importance of promoting women's participation on boards to effectively address corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Researchers led by David Pine have devised a new process for the reliable self-assembly of colloids in a diamond formation, which could lead to cheap, scalable fabrication of colloidal diamonds. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for advanced optical technologies, including high-efficiency lasers and precise control of light.
Recent studies suggest COVID-19 may cause a range of cardiovascular problems, from mild cell damage to life-threatening cardiogenic shock. The causes of these heart issues are still unknown, with factors such as inflammation response and autoimmune phenomena being investigated.
A recent analysis found that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are associated with higher rates of cardiovascular problems, including life-threatening heart rhythm events and heart failure. The study highlights the need for caution when prescribing these drugs for off-label indications, especially in patients with cardiac disorders.
A long-term study found that common noctule bat migration patterns change over successive generations, with younger males leading the way in colonizing new hibernacula. This flexibility may enable the species to stay within ideal conditions for reproduction and rearing of young or hibernation.
A study by Cleveland Clinic found that surgically induced weight loss of 5-10% improves life expectancy and cardiovascular health. The research suggests metabolic surgery may contribute to health benefits independent of weight loss.
A new membrane model has shown that proteins can change profoundly in different lipid environments, opening up a new area of research. The team used x-ray and neutron scattering to confirm the artificial membrane's structure and revealed unique information about the lipid-protein relationships.
A WPI mathematician has confirmed a 224-year-old conjecture on the formation of solar systems using mathematical equations, revealing that ring emergence is crucial for creation. This research also has implications for climate change and humanity's place in the universe.
University of Alberta scientists uncover formation mechanism behind iron oxide-apatite deposits. They are deposited from a unique liquid dominated by calcium carbonate and sulfate, providing geologists with new clues to guide the hunt for more ore.
Researchers found that patients taking HIV and hepatitis B treatment had a 33% lower risk of developing diabetes. The protective effect was replicated in multiple databases, suggesting that these drugs could be repurposed to prevent type 2 diabetes.
A new study suggests that as lockdowns took effect, COVID-19 patients' viral loads decreased, leading to lower proportions requiring intensive care. This association may be linked to the previously observed relationship between viral load and less severe clinical manifestations.
Researchers at Skoltech have created DroneLight, an interface that enables users to direct drones to create light-painting patterns through hand gestures. The system uses machine learning algorithms and inertial measurement units to track user movements, allowing for intuitive drone control without special training or equipment.
The review paper highlights the need for better alignment between industry and research to address battery fire safety challenges. Industry leaders and researchers agree that current standards are not representative of real-world scenarios, leading to inadequate prevention and suppression of fires.
A team of scientists has developed a novel optical design that enables fast imaging in 3D microscopy by converting lateral scanning into axial focusing. This technology accelerates axially swept light-sheet microscopy (ASLM) and raster scanning microscopes to multi-kHz rates, outperforming previous aberration-free focusing technologies.
A recent study published in CANCER journal reveals that childhood cancer survivors have a similar risk of suicidal thoughts to the general population. Financial stress, depression, and anxiety were found to be linked with higher likelihoods among survivors.
The study provides a comprehensive analysis of current clinical trials in pancreatic cancer, revealing that most trials focus on immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. The authors conclude that these approaches have yet to strongly impact the disease, emphasizing the need for new discoveries and biomarkers.
Climate data from 122 years reveal a shift from precipitation scarcity to excess heat driving concurrent droughts and heatwaves. The findings suggest bolstering risk assessment frameworks for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Researchers investigated cannabis use during pregnancy and found associations with childhood cognition, social problems and brain structure. The study suggests that marijuana use during pregnancy may have long-term effects on children's development.
A University of Alberta PhD student has shed new light on the Earth's carbon cycle using diamonds as breadcrumbs. The study proposes a model where 'superdeep' diamonds crystallize from carbon-rich magmas, which may be critical for their growth.
Researchers found that meditation training significantly improved brain-computer interface (BCI) control and proficiency in just eight lessons. Brain activity patterns correlated directly with success, with meditation-trained individuals showing enhanced alpha rhythm modulation.
Researchers found thalidomide promotes sleep without disrupting the cereblon-mediated ubiquitination pathway. The drug's hypnotic effects are independent of its known teratogenic mechanism, opening doors for novel thalidomide-like hypnotic drugs.
Research from Binghamton University found that neurotic college students who took a health education course showed significant changes in their stress mindset. The study suggested that focusing on overall health and wellness can be more effective than stress-specific courses in improving mental health and productivity.
Researchers at LMU Munich uncover 'molting' process of 90S precursor to small 40S subunit, shedding Russian doll analogy on ribosome maturation. The study sheds new light on the complex process of protein synthesis and its importance in maintaining cellular equilibrium.
Cats that eat one meal a day are more satisfied, with higher post-meal levels of appetite-regulating hormones. This feeding schedule also promotes lean body mass by increasing blood amino acids.
A new climate modeling study simulates the dramatic impacts of accelerated Antarctic ice melt on future climate conditions. The research reveals that higher greenhouse gas emissions could slow warming around Antarctica, but may not prevent serious warming and sea level rise globally.
A study published in Frontiers found that fathers who spend more time with their infants, have higher parenting self-efficacy, and provide greater material support experience lower rates of depressive symptoms. This early involvement is associated with increased feelings of competence and satisfaction as a parent.
A team of researchers discovered that synchronous fireflies don't flash according to an innate rhythm but instead adjust their behavior based on what their neighbors are doing. The study uses a new technological approach to map out the locations of the bugs flashing in their vicinity, revealing a more complex synchronization mechanism.
Tropical Storm Dolphin battled intense wind shear as it approached east central Japan. Despite strong vertical wind shear, the storm remained consolidated with strong thunderstorms and a low-level circulation center. NASA's Terra satellite captured visible images of the storm, providing valuable data for hurricane research.
Scientists have created a new nanodevice that acts like a brain cell and can be joined to form networks that solve problems in a brain-like manner. These systems can identify possible mutations in a virus, relevant for ensuring vaccine efficacy.
A large study has confirmed that men with COVID-19 have a 62% increased risk of death compared to women, likely due to higher levels of inflammation. Men also experience more severe symptoms, longer hospital stays, and are more likely to require ICU care.
New technologies are solving cold cases using DNA sequencing, robotics, and automation. Forensic genomics has made significant progress in recent years, enabling the solution of an unprecedented number of cold cases, including homicides and other violent crimes.
The study found that during the pandemic, locked-down areas experienced improved GPS data quality due to reduced vehicle noise, enabling more precise elevation changes and better flood risk assessments. The researchers recommend installing GPS sensors in less noisy environments.
Researchers found that Antarctica's ice sheet can become unstable and melt at specific warming levels, leading to a rise in global sea levels. If global temperatures reach 4 degrees above pre-industrial levels, Antarctic melting alone could raise sea levels by over 6 meters.
The UC Davis Cultivated Meat Consortium aims to develop stable stem cell lines, plant-based media, and assess nutritional value of cultivated meat products. The project also seeks to address technical and economic hurdles for sustainable cultivation.
MPs are urging the Prime Minister to address the health, wellbeing, and employment arrangements for those living with Long Covid. The call comes after receiving first-hand accounts from hundreds of people living with the condition, highlighting the need for formal recognition and support.
A new study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combining cycling and rowing improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study also showed improvements in body composition, including a reduction in fat mass and an increase in muscle mass.
Researchers discovered that transplanting bacteria from sleep-apnea mice into healthy mice altered their sleep patterns, suggesting a major role for the gut microbiome in regulating sleep. The study's findings may lead to new treatments targeting the gut microbiome in humans with obstructive sleep apnea.
Researchers at Penn State develop a new type of imaging that uses reconfigurable particle-based masks to take multiple shots of an object, improving disease diagnosis and microscopy. The technology may also lead to thinner cellphone cameras by minimizing the space requirement.
Researchers have identified a unique enzyme used by predatory bacteria to rupture the cell wall of its prey bacteria and exit without damaging its own cell wall. The discovery of this novel lysozyme holds promise for developing new therapies against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers developed ProteinSolver, a graph neural network that can design fully new proteins to fit specific geometric shapes. By leveraging Sudoku constraints, the algorithm generates amino-acid sequences for functional protein structures.