A phase III clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London shows that immunotherapy drug avelumab significantly improves survival in patients with the most common type of bladder cancer. Avelumab resulted in a 31% reduction in risk of death and extended median survival by over seven months.
Researchers have developed an experimental setup allowing them to conduct fMRI studies on awake pigeons, investigating cognitive processes for the first time. The results show that even simple tasks elicit widespread brain activity, paving the way for more complex investigations into avian intelligence.
Recent research on severe COVID-19 infections highlights the need for enhanced treatment strategies and management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study provides valuable insights into patient outcomes and future directions for clinical practice.
Researchers have discovered that a deadly combination of two mosquito-borne viruses may trigger stroke in adults. A new study published in The Lancet Neurology found that patients infected with both Zika and chikungunya were more likely to experience stroke, which could be caused by either virus alone.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed an anti-resonant hollow-core fiber that produces significantly less noise compared to traditional single-mode fibers. This breakthrough enables promising platforms for low-noise applications, including quantum information processing and optical communications.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health estimates that over 1.15 billion school breakfasts and lunches were not served due to COVID-19-related school closures. Despite efforts by states and school districts to provide alternative meals, shortfalls remained, particularly in major cities.
The UK Research and Innovation has partnered with the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development to support eight new regenerative medicine research projects. The funding will focus on developing novel therapies for a range of disorders, including Parkinson's disease, blood disorders, and liver diseases.
A single-center observational study found that PET/MRI improves lesion detectability in select cancers and significantly reduces overall radiation exposure compared to PET/CT. The study, published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, shows that PET/MRI can promote fast, efficient local and whole-body staging in one step.
Researchers found that scent-trained honeybees visited sunflowers more often and brought back more pollen, resulting in a 29-57% increase in seed production. This approach could improve pollination efficiency for crops like almonds, pears, and apples.
The Endocrine Society will hold ENDO 2021 in a fully virtual format from March 20-23, 2021. This decision follows the impact of COVID-19 on global events, while maintaining key elements of the meeting, including educational programming and networking opportunities.
The University of Cincinnati researchers found that Angiotensin II levels were normal in COVID-19 patients, contradicting the theory that the virus disrupts the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System. The study suggests that supplementation with synthetic angiotensin (1-7) may be a potential therapeutic target for treating COVID-19.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Baylor College of Medicine developed a new method to protect deep neural networks from catastrophic forgetting, inspired by the brain's 'replay' ability. The method, called generative replay, generates high-level representations of previously seen data, preventing the network from forgetting earlier lea...
Researchers at the Max Born Institute have developed a method to record high-resolution movies of molecular dynamics using electrons ejected from a molecule by an intense laser field. This technique allows for the observation of ultrafast nuclear rearrangement with both high temporal and spatial resolution.
Tropical cyclone Noul is characterized by hundreds of thunderstorms, with infrared data revealing the strongest storms are located at high altitudes. NASA's MODIS instrument detected cold cloud top temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit near Noul's center.
NASA used satellites to estimate Hurricane Sally's rainfall and create a flood warning map. The storm generated high rainfall rates near its core, resulting in widespread flooding along the Gulf Coast.
Researchers have found a group of bacteria thriving in the deep-sea Black Sea with genetic material carrying both bacterial and archaeal lipid pathways. This discovery suggests that 'mixed' membranes may be more widespread than previously thought, bridging the membrane lipid divide between Bacteria and Archaea.
UTA researcher Warda Ashraf is studying long-lasting Roman structures to develop sustainable construction materials. She aims to recreate ancient concrete using alkali-activated calcined clays to produce highly durable and resilient materials.
Experts have documented and analyzed hitherto unknown details in the muqarnas of the Lions' Courtyard at the Alhambra, revealing a different configuration and number of pieces between the two temples. The research also detected geometric deformations due to centuries-old repairs.
African dust provides essential nutrients for Amazonian soil fertility and helps offset soil losses. The study found significant quantities of dust are deposited in the heart of the Amazon Basin, contrary to previous estimates.
Researchers analyzed data to find that preventive measures like prenatal care and hospital births can significantly decrease the occurrence of fistulas. The study highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to address this significant public health issue in Uganda.
A new study found that fruit flies can adapt quickly to changing climates by adjusting their internal seasonal timer. Researchers discovered that polygenic traits, involving many small genes working together, drive the rate of development during dormancy and enable the flies to emerge earlier in the year.
Researchers found a pattern of gut bacteria, specifically SCFAs, that may influence the effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. These chemicals play a role in the immune system and may help patients mount an immune response against cancer cells.
A study found that using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) worsened survival rates and disease progression in patients with urothelial cancer treated with atezolizumab. PPI use did not affect overall survival or response to chemotherapy.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that high-severity wildfires in northern California have increased significantly since 1984, with area burned quadrupled during dry and hot years. The research highlights the importance of land-use planning and fuel management to reduce risk.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a highly efficient blue-emitting semiconductor material Cs5Cu3Cl6I2, which can produce white light while reducing energy consumption. The new material has unique properties that make it more stable and eco-friendly than existing alternatives.
Scientists have discovered the first X-ray crystallography structure of LSD bound to its target in the brain, revealing how it induces hallucinogenic effects. The study also uncovers images of a prototypical hallucinogen coupled with the entire serotonin receptor complex.
Researchers found a 1.5 ° C increase in near-ground temperature over four decades at the Paranal Observatory, threatening telescope quality due to air turbulence. Climate change also affects image resolution, contrast capabilities, and potentially limits exoplanet studies.
The study highlights the low awareness of foreigners about Russian medical services, lack of language-skilled staff, and limited resources as major obstacles. Experts recommend improving personnel and equipment, informing potential patients, and promoting clinics through word-of-mouth and online platforms to boost medical tourism in Ru...
A new framework examines human-nature interactions across space and time to reveal successes and setbacks in achieving sustainable development goals. The analysis found 33 synergies and 14 trade-offs among 10 SDGs, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to sustainability.
A new study by University of Copenhagen scientists found that time-restricted feeding alters the rhythmic concentration of metabolites in blood and muscle, influencing gene expression and amino acid transport. The study suggests that time-restricted feeding's positive health impact may be driven by diet rather than the body's core clock.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that COVID-19 could lead to a short-term decline in life expectancy, especially in regions with high average life expectancy. The analysis found that at moderate to high prevalence rates, the pandemic could cause significant losses in life expectancy.
A new study on free-swimming marine snails found that shell shapes and body geometries impact their swimming abilities and sinking behaviors. The researchers used high-speed photography to analyze the snails' movements, relating them to vertical migration and distribution.
A new study in mice suggests that a molecular transporter, GLT-1, may play a crucial role in determining susceptibility to migraines. The researchers found that mice lacking the GLT-1 transporter were more prone to cortical spreading depression, a condition related to migraines, and had increased levels of glutamate outside of neurons.
A study reveals that structural and systemic racism significantly impact HIV care for Black women in the US South, leading to decreased trust in healthcare providers and systems. The findings highlight the need for addressing mistrust issues and empowering patients through effective communication and community-based interventions.
Researchers have made the first-ever measurements of liquid water at extremely cold temperatures, revealing that it exists in two distinct structures that co-exist and vary in proportion dependent on temperature. This discovery provides long-sought experimental data to explain water's bizarre behavior at low temperatures.
Researchers aim to determine if cellular mechanisms responsible for regenerating tendons in axolotls also apply to human tendon injuries. The study will explore the role of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix in tendon healing.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings finds that EPA and DHA supplementation reduces multiple types of cardiovascular risk, including coronary heart disease events and fatal heart attacks. The research concludes that increasing omega-3 intake through supplements or diet can contribute to cardioprotection.
Researchers have developed algorithms that can accurately identify mutations in chromosomes linked to cancer, such as loss or duplication of chromosome parts. This breakthrough yields a clearer picture of cancer evolution and spread, enabling improved diagnosis and treatment.
A new study confirms the safety and immunogenicity of the Vi-DT conjugate vaccine in children aged 6-23 months. The single-dose regimen shows anti-Vi seroconversion rates similar to the two-dose schedule, offering a promising solution for increasing global vaccination stockpiles.
Researchers developed SARS-CoV-2 nanoparticle probes to track host cell surface Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding and endocytosis. These non-infectious probes enable real-time tracking of viral attachment and effects on cells, offering a powerful system for studying COVID-19 mechanisms.
The Antarctic Ice Sheet is projected to account for up to 30 cm of sea level rise between 2015 and 2100, with some scenarios suggesting a partial offsetting effect. The Greenland Ice Sheet may contribute an additional 1.5-14 cm over the same period, depending on greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered a cellular compass that guides stem cell division in plants, influencing the formation of tiny pores called stomata. The nuclear position, controlled by proteins, regulates stem cell divisions, ultimately affecting leaf function.
A new study found that a Mediterranean-like diet partially modified the association between obesity and cardiovascular mortality. Higher body mass was associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, but adherence to healthy diets like Mediterranean-style eating reduced this risk.
A study found that a significant number of pet cats and dogs develop antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 after being exposed to the virus through contact with their owners. The study suggests that pets may be at risk of infection if their owners have COVID-19.
A large observational study found that patients who drank two to three cups of coffee per day had longer survival and a lower risk of cancer worsening compared to those who didn't drink coffee. The benefits held for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, but further research is needed to determine the causal connection.
Researchers developed a comprehensive mathematical framework to optimize sensor placement and selection. The model revealed that not all sensors were needed to accurately estimate key physical states, such as velocity and angle of attack. This approach balances cost and precision, making it a critical solution for complex systems.
A new study reconstructed sea ice transported from the Arctic Ocean through the Fram Strait and into the North Atlantic Ocean over the last 1400 years. The reconstruction suggests that the Little Ice Age was triggered by an exceptionally large outflow of sea ice from the Arctic Ocean in the 1300s.
Rates of moderate, severe, and critical COVID-19 were similar across racial and ethnic groups in an early US COVID-19 hotspot. African Americans had higher comorbidity index scores but lower BMI compared to Caucasians and Latinx patients.
Interactions with binary companions generate complex planetary nebula shapes by influencing the stellar wind of elderly stars. Leen Decin and colleagues observed AGB star winds using ALMA, finding none with spherical symmetry and instead distinct geometries similar to those in PNe.
A University of Illinois expert warns that DIY COVID-19 vaccines can be dangerous and undermine public trust in vaccines. The development of homemade medical interventions lacks the rigorous testing and safety protocols required by law, posing significant risks to public health.
A study investigating SARS-CoV-2 infections on 16 Dutch mink farms found evidence of zoonotic transmission, where the virus jumped between people and minks. The study revealed that over 66% of farm workers had SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting direct contact with infected minks was a primary mode of transmission.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan found breadfruit protein is easier to digest than wheat, promoting healthy growth rates and body composition in mice. The study supports the use of breadfruit as part of a balanced diet due to its gluten-free, low glycemic index and nutrient-dense profile.
A study suggests that deep-sea coral reefs are at risk of collapse due to increasing ocean acidity caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide. The underlying structures of the reefs become brittle and fragile, leading to early breakage and crumbling, ultimately shrinking the ecosystems.
Researchers use natural seafloor earthquakes to determine ocean temperature across vast distances and depths, overcoming previous limitations. The technique, called seismic ocean thermometry, reveals a decadal warming trend exceeding previous estimates in the East Indian Ocean.
A study at Shinshu University investigates the effectiveness of 3D garment simulations by comparing virtual and actual pants. Researchers developed criteria for evaluating similarities and differences between virtual and real garments using geometrical features and sensory evaluation.
An experimental study found that wearing footwear with toe springs requires less work from the muscles of the feet to walk than shoes with a flatter sole. The higher the upwards curve of the toes, the less work the foot muscles had to perform to support the joints when walking.
Researchers discover reduced glucagon sensitivity in people with fatty liver and type 2 diabetes, leading to increased glucose production. This finding opens up new possibilities for early detection and treatment of the diseases.
Researchers have confirmed that variants in the LMNB1 gene cause syndromic microcephaly by disrupting the nuclear envelope, leading to misshapen nuclei and impaired function. The study highlights a new genetic cause of congenital abnormalities and broadens the understanding of laminopathies.
The USC-Buck Nathan Shock Center will explore the biology of aging and its impact on disease, with a focus on cellular senescence, genomic translation, and geroscience technology. The center aims to translate basic research into effective preventions and therapies to extend healthspan.
New research shows that changing the relationship between land use and food production is necessary to reverse biodiversity loss. The study suggests that transitioning towards healthier diets, reducing waste, and increasing productivity can help restore ecosystems.