The UNC School of Medicine lab generated high-powered microscopic images showing startlingly high SARS-CoV-2 viral loads on human respiratory surfaces. These images illustrate the incredibly high number of virions produced and released per cell inside the human respiratory system, making a strong case for mask use to limit transmission.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Australian Wine Research Institute discovered complex microbial communities associated with natural fermentation of Eucalyptus gunnii sap. The study sheds light on traditional Australian Aboriginal practices and identifies new strains of yeast and bacteria unique to Australia.
Researchers estimate that diagnosing and treating high-risk cardiovascular conditions in England could prevent 3.4 million cases of heart disease and stroke, saving £68 billion over 25 years. Identifying undiagnosed diabetes would yield the greatest benefits, while following NICE guidelines would further increase health outcomes.
Research reveals that degradation of the Brazilian Amazon forest has surpassed deforestation in terms of area affected. The study found that between 1992 and 2014, degraded forest cover increased by 29,116 square kilometers compared to the 308,311 square kilometers lost to deforestation.
Scientists accelerated vision restoration by visualizing photoreceptors' response to light in the living eye. Researchers modified OCT technology to detect minute changes, enabling high-resolution visualization of cone photoreceptors and potential therapies like stem cells or gene therapy.
A new study reveals that telomere length in whole blood cells can serve as a reliable proxy for other tissues, with 15 out of 23 tissues showing positive correlation. The findings help clarify conflicting results on relationships between individual traits and telomere length.
Aerosols from western fires detected by NASA's Terra instrument pose a significant threat to climate and human health. High concentrations of aerosols can reduce visibility, impact respiratory systems, and exacerbate cardiovascular issues.
Researchers found that practicing strict social distancing outdoors significantly lowers the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while frequent public transportation use increases the risk. The study surveyed over 1,000 people in Maryland and analyzed their social distancing practices and behavior.
Researchers found that attributing a mind to an android and then 'dehumanizing' it leads to the uncanny valley phenomenon. The study suggests that at first sight humans anthropomorphize an android, but within milliseconds they detect deviations and dehumanize it.
Researchers analyzed 455 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Washington State and found evidence of a single introduction between January 22 and February 10. The analysis suggests that widespread surveillance is crucial even after the pandemic is brought under control, as community transmission can still occur.
The new study found that both Ellipsys and WavelinQ systems enabled patients to start dialysis sooner compared to surgery, offering significant quality-of-life benefits. The Ellipsys System demonstrated higher technical success rate and more durable access, with 82% of Ellipsys fistulas still functional at 12 months.
Tropical Storm Rene appears more organized as wind shear eases, becoming slightly circular on satellite imagery. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by Saturday, Sept. 12, with no expected landfall impact.
A survey of healthcare professionals found that many rely on manual blood pressure measurements and outdated criteria for diagnosis, contradicting current guidelines. Using automated office blood pressure monitors may not be optimal for determining new cases of hypertension.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research suggests that women with a history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at a higher risk of developing vertebral fractures. The study found that OSA was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of vertebral fracture, particularly among those experiencing daytime sleepiness.
A new study estimates that studying the ocean's biological carbon pump could lead to more accurate climate models, improving policies on carbon emissions. The research suggests a global economic benefit of $500 billion if science informs policy decisions.
A portable, low-field MRI device can be safely used at bedside to evaluate critically-ill patients for suspected stroke or traumatic brain injury. The device produced important neuroimaging findings in 29 of 30 patients and detected abnormal neurologic findings in eight of 20 patients with altered mental status.
Researchers investigate freshwater discharge from Russian rivers, mapping its spread in the Kara and Laptev seas. The study reveals how river plumes interact with wind forces, affecting ice conditions and biological processes.
Astronomers used NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and VLT to map dark matter distribution in galaxy clusters. The data showed unexpected lensing effects 10 times stronger than expected, hinting at a missing ingredient in current theories.
A UBCO study examined pain tolerance among frequent cannabis users and found no association with increased sensitivity to pain. The research suggests that cannabis may be a safer alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain, offering hope for patients seeking relief.
New research suggests that reducing or eliminating high blood pressure medications in COVID-19 patients who develop hypotension can prevent acute kidney injury and death. The study found that nearly 60% of patients had a history of hypertension, making it the most common co-occurring health issue.
A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen found that bumblebees thrive in faba bean fields, with populations more than twice as high as in non-bean landscapes. In contrast, other wild bees do not benefit from faba bean cultivation but rely on semi-natural habitats for survival.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory developed a new nanocatalyst that uses gold to eliminate platinum dissolution, increasing fuel cell durability. The discovery is a breakthrough for PEMFC-powered transportation, offering a solution to the current performance limitations.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba discover that old grasslands have higher plant diversity than new ones, and that grassland longevity can indicate high conservation priority. This finding suggests that focusing conservation efforts on long-standing grasslands will be most effective in preserving biodiversity.
Researchers developed a non-toxic nanofluid using commercially available sodium, achieving 80% oil recovery in lab tests. The nanofluid works through multiple mechanisms, including generating heat and reducing viscosity, making it a game-changing technology for oil recovery.
Researchers found higher TMPRSS2 expression in Blacks compared to Asians, Latinos, and Whites, which may contribute to COVID-19 risk disparities. The study emphasizes the importance of diverse participants in clinical trials and addressing social determinants of health.
Scientists compiled a continuous, high-fidelity record of Earth's climate history extending 66 million years into the past. The record shows that natural climate variability due to changes in Earth's orbit around the sun is relatively small compared to projected future warming.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel approach to combat HIV using an antibiotic molecule called concanamycin A. The compound inhibits the Nef protein, allowing cytotoxic T lymphocytes to recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells. This breakthrough offers new hope for a potential cure for HIV by combining with existing treatments.
Researchers found that producing animal-sourced foods consumes over 80% of the Earth's agricultural acreage, leading to widespread deforestation and climate change. Shifting to land-friendly diets could regrow native vegetation capable of absorbing CO2, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
New research reveals that climate change is exacerbating the decline of sea otters, which in turn are destroying Alaskan kelp forests. The loss of sea otters is allowing sea urchins to overgraze the coralline algae that form the reefs.
A new study suggests that volcanic ash can persist in the air for months after an eruption, potentially hastening the transformation of volcanic gases and darkening the planet. The discovery was made using real-world observations and advanced computer simulations of the Mount Kelut eruption on Java in 2014.
A study found that safety-net clinicians with high caseloads of socially at-risk Medicare patients received lower merit-based incentive payment scores, indicating higher rates of payment penalties and lower bonus payments. This may discourage clinicians from practicing in poor areas, widening existing health disparities.
Adults with higher leg fat have reduced risk of high blood pressure, according to new research. The study found that participants with more leg fat were less likely to develop all types of high blood pressure.
Researchers successfully predicted properties of over 120,000 crystal structures using convolutional neural networks, confirming diamond's hardness and suggesting potential superhard materials exist.
The Australian labradoodle breed is primarily composed of poodle genetics, with smaller contributions from Labrador retrievers and spaniels. This study's findings suggest that selective breeding for a poodle-like coat has led to the development of hypoallergenic traits in the breed.
A team of UNC-Chapel Hill scientists has determined the high-resolution structure of cGAS bound to the nucleosome, a critical unit of DNA packaging inside cell nuclei. This study reveals how nucleosomes block cGAS from triggering the immune response to own DNA.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a computational system called Watershed to predict the functions of rare genetic variants in individual genomes. This breakthrough could lead to the identification of genetic causes for previously undiagnosed disorders and health issues, with implications for public health.
A new study found that 69% of Americans would definitely or probably get a COVID-19 vaccine when available. However, only 55% of Black Americans showed similar interest due to potential barriers such as access to care and trust in healthcare.
A major clinical trial found that a blood test can reliably match women with advanced breast cancer to effective targeted treatments by tracking disease evolution and mutations. The plasmaMATCH trial showed promising results, validating the use of liquid biopsies in routine care for patients with rare subtypes of breast cancer.
Florida Atlantic University will develop an innovative curriculum for graduate students in data science and analytics, addressing a lack of integrative knowledge in the field. The program aims to equip students with technical depth, data visualization skills, and expertise in AI and industry applications.
The GTEx project reveals population-specific and sex-specific differences in gene expression that can inform how gene variants impact aging and disease. The findings highlight the importance of accounting for sex differences and individual variation in future studies.
The study reveals that the real catalytically active phase for CO2 electroreduction is inconsistent with the as-prepared or post-catalyzed catalyst structure. High-performance CO2 electroreduction into formate is achieved on the operando regenerative structure.
The innate immune system interprets cytosolic DNA as a sign of intracellular pathogens. However, cGAS is found in the nucleus and prevents autoimmune reactions by binding to chromatin, not DNA. This interaction fails to activate the innate immune system.
A research team at Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a new solvation strategy to enhance the oxidation stability of carbonate-based electrolytes in Zinc/Graphite batteries. This breakthrough could lead to high-voltage cells with low self-discharge and long shelf life, making them suitable for large-scale grid storage.
Researchers discovered a complex chemical system in the neotropical shrub Piper sancti-felicis that helps it balance attraction and repulsion from wildlife. The plant produces alkenylphenol compounds with antifungal properties, which protect its fruit from harmful fungi but also make it less appealing to seed dispersers like bats.
A new study reconstructs the spread of coronavirus across the world with unprecedented detail, revealing that early interventions were effective at containing outbreaks. Contrary to speculation, the virus did not jump from China to Europe via British Columbia, Canada, but rather through direct flights and travel. Swift testing and isol...
A new study warns that an impending trade deal between the US and UK could lead to significant increases in NHS drug spending, with estimated costs rising from £1.39 billion to £6.42 billion for 50 brand-name prescription drugs.
A UK hospital study found that intensive care staff have the lowest risk of COVID-19 infection, while cleaners and BAME workers were found to be at higher risk. The study suggests that type of personal protective equipment worn may play a key role in these differences.
A study of 141 pediatric patients transferred to an adult rheumatology clinic found that continued insurance coverage and referral from a pediatric rheumatologist reduced delays in attending adult visits. Pediatric patients with connective tissue diseases or Black race were particularly vulnerable to unscheduled hospitalizations.
A QUT researcher argues that Netflix has metamorphosed into a global television service, commissioning series in multiple countries and making them available to its 150-million subscribers. The study highlights the unprecedented impact of Netflix on national television markets and competitive fields.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 patients' antibody responses to guide vaccine development, finding that neutralizing activity typically drops within one month post-hospital discharge and severe cases have non-neutralizing antibodies contributing to reinfection risk.
Researchers developed DNA-based nanovaccines that stimulate killer T cell immunity, resulting in tumor control. The synthetic vaccines enhanced CD8 T cell activation and induced muscle cell apoptosis, attracting macrophage infiltration and activating immune responses.
Even mild concussions can lead to severe and long-lasting impairments in the brain's ability to clean itself of toxins, potentially seeding Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The discovery sheds light on why repeated brain injuries are so harmful and suggests a reason for varying effects among individuals.
The P-ONE initiative seeks to build a large-scale neutrino observatory in the Pacific Ocean to study high-energy cosmic particles. The project aims to uncover the origins of extragalactic neutrinos and potentially reveal the nature of dark matter.
A new study suggests that lifestyle improvements can lessen cognitive decline in older adults by improving their lifestyles and boosting cognition. The results indicate that brain neuroplasticity can be retained through targeted interventions, enabling individuals to bounce back from decline.
A novel process for fabricating special optical fiber has been developed by Brazilian researcher Cristiano Cordeiro, simplifying the conventional method that requires costly equipment. The new process can be completed in under an hour and is significantly cheaper, enabling more researchers to produce their own optical fiber.
A new UMass Lowell-led program aims to build culturally responsive and sustainable digital literacy and coding programs for secondary students in Lowell, Methuen and Schenectady. The initiative seeks to make computer science education accessible to all middle-schoolers, particularly from diverse backgrounds.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new small molecule to combat vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. The molecule has been shown to target and treat VRE in both systemic circulation and the gastrointestinal tract, offering a potential solution to this deadly superbug.
Researchers found far more small-scale dark matter gravitational lenses in galaxy clusters than predicted by standard cosmology. The discovery suggests either an issue with simulation methods or incorrect assumptions about dark matter's nature.
Researchers finally resolved the identity of the mysterious butterfly, previously described by Alfred Russel Wallace in 1866. The species, known as 'Grass Blue', demonstrates high seasonal variability and may not warrant subspecies classification.
Scientists identify how single gene loss fuels deadly childhood brain cancer by studying human stem cells and neural development. The study reveals that the loss of SMARCB1 leads to resistance to final cell differentiation and defect in maintaining normal cell health.