A laboratory study replicates common restaurant noise levels and shows that even 'normal' background noise can be unpleasant to diners. The study suggests noise management strategies, including quiet dining areas for older and noise-sensitive individuals, to improve dining experiences.
A computer brain circuit has identified a potential mechanism for impaired decision making in schizophrenia, linked to reduced activity of molecules called NDMA receptors. The model's results provide new insight that may inform future treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions.
Researchers at UC San Diego report that Kawasaki disease clusters have distinct demographic and clinical features, suggesting different triggers and genetic susceptibilities. The study's findings support the idea that KD is not a single homogenous disease, but rather a complex condition with multiple causes.
A new study published in BMC Biology found that nearly all of the mutations tested had a negative effect on fertility early in life and accelerated reproductive ageing. This suggests that mutations contributing to ageing may be more common than previously thought.
Researchers at SUTD developed a method to preheat gelatin ink, increasing its printing time and producing high-quality prints. The study found that preheated gelatin exhibited greater change in volume, allowing for size changes post-printing.
Researchers found that ordinary conversation creates a conical 'jet-like' airflow that quickly carries tiny droplets from a speaker's mouth across meters of an interior space. This can lead to the transmission of diseases like COVID-19, even in the absence of visible symptoms.
Infrared data from NASA's Terra satellite revealed Typhoon Kujira's strongest storms and coldest cloud top temperatures, indicating potential heavy rainfall. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 65 knots on Sept. 29.
A new study found that China's aerosol pollution reduction efforts have caused warming in northern latitudes, potentially masking some effects of global warming. The research suggests that the reductions in particulate pollution may have unmasked around 0.1 degrees Celsius of greenhouse-gas-induced warming.
Researchers discovered a fungal virus that converts a deadly fungal pathogen into a beneficial endophytic fungus in rapeseed plants. The transformed fungus boosts the plant's immune system, leading to increased weight, root growth, and resistance to diseases.
A new study reveals that cannabis data is lacking on lesser-known compounds, but machine learning can help fill the knowledge gap. By analyzing a dataset of over 17,600 cultivars, researchers found that only 1.4% of strains had complete data on THC and CBD, highlighting the need for standardization in product labeling.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem have made a breakthrough in harnessing DNA molecules for disease detection and electronics. They developed a highly-reliable method to measure electric currents passing through individual DNA molecules, finding that the current flows along the backbone rather than base-pairs.
Researchers discovered a potential way to prevent long-lasting brain damage in newborn children by targeting the histamine H2 receptor. A protein known as the histamine H2 receptor inhibits the formation of mature oligodendrocytes, leading to improved recovery from hypoxia-ischemia in mice treated with cimetidine.
A computer model shows that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's superantigenic features interact with human T cells, leading to a 'cytokine storm' and severe inflammation. Researchers found similarities between this region and bacterial proteins causing toxic shock syndrome.
A new study found that China's success in reducing air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, black carbon, and organic carbon may exacerbate global warming. The reductions, achieved through stringent measures, led to notable public health benefits but also changed the radiative forcing of the earth's temperature.
A large cohort of COVID-19 patients was analyzed using VirScan technology, revealing epitopes recognized by a large fraction of patients and cross-reactivity with other human coronaviruses. The study also found sex differences in antibody responses and a machine learning model that accurately classified SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.
Researchers successfully synthesized hetero-steroid-amino acid conjugates using microwave-assisted Ugi-4-CR reactions. This method improves yields and reaction rates, offering a promising approach for synthesizing novel hybrid molecules.
Researchers found that speech can spread salivary and mucus droplets for at least a meter in front of a speaker, potentially transmitting viruses like coronavirus. Using lip balm, the researchers reduced the droplet size, suggesting a possible mitigation strategy.
Physicists have directly observed nutation in magnetic spins, a phenomenon 1000 times faster than precession. This discovery has significant implications for data centers and digital storage, paving the way for more efficient technologies.
Researchers found vessel traffic and whale vocalizations contribute to ambient sound, with fluctuations by month and seasonal peaks. The study establishes a baseline for understanding the impact of human-made noise on the sanctuary's ecosystem.
An international research team found large diamonds and nanodiamonds in ureilite meteorites, suggesting they formed through massive impact events rather than continuous pressure in planetary precursors. The discovery challenges existing theories and provides insights into the extreme forces that shaped the early solar system.
A George Mason University study found that mental illness is a significant predictor of veteran suicide, while social determinants of health can predict but not cause it. The study used EHR data from over five million veterans and recommends focusing on medical issues such as antidepressant use to improve risk modification efforts.
Native broadleaf trees planted in upland areas can absorb rainwater more efficiently, reducing peak river flow and flood risk. This nature-based solution is an effective and natural flood management tool that can be maximized with careful placement.
Researchers found that catalase can regulate cytokine production, protect alveolar cells from damage, and repress SARS-CoV-2 virus replication in rhesus macaques. The study suggests a potential therapeutic solution for hyperinflammation caused by COVID-19.
A study revealed that over 4,000 reptile species are in global trade, with 3/4 not covered by international regulations. Most traded species are endangered or range-restricted, especially from Asia.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a wearable exosuit that reduces lower back muscle fatigue in individuals working in physically demanding fields. The exosuit applies assistive forces to relieve strain on muscles and spine, reducing injury risks and improving safety for frontline workers.
A team of NUS researchers has developed a solution to address the long-standing challenge of uniform switching mechanism in memristors, a key component of organic and molecular electronics. The breakthrough demonstrates homogeneous molecular switching with less than 7 nanometre spatial resolution.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with large polycystic kidneys can have their diseased kidneys removed laparoscopically at the same time as a kidney transplant, without compromising kidney function. The dual surgery approach has been shown to be a safe and viable option for these patients.
A new study found that chain pharmacies in West Virginia are more likely to stock emergency contraception than independent pharmacies. The researchers also found that many pharmacies have inadequate knowledge about the effectiveness of Plan B and can be intimidating for customers seeking it.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 232 COVID-19 patients using VirScan to identify 800 sites of the virus that the immune system can recognize, known as epitopes. The team detected a range of antibody frequencies against various epitopes, with some recognized by 79% of COVID-19 patients.
Research suggests that different α-synuclein aggregate conformations lead to distinct pathologies in neurodegenerative diseases. Suzuki et al. found that α-synuclein fibrils (-) inhibit proteasome activity, leading to accumulation of phosphorylated α-synuclein and ubiquitinated proteins.
The Washington COVID-19 biorepository has expanded its sample types to include convalescent plasma, enabling diagnostics developers to accelerate the development and validation of quality diagnostic products. This move aims to improve the performance of antibody assays and facilitate the verification of tests for global markets.
Physicists discovered that individual light-harvesting nanotubes with disordered molecular structures transport light energy in the same way. The result is attributed to the linkage of molecules, which averages out small differences, resulting in similar optical properties.
Researchers at MUSC are using new technologies to conduct remote smoking cessation clinical trials, reaching smokers in rural areas and beyond. With electronic consent and smartphone-enabled devices, participants can complete trials from home, providing more representative data.
Researchers developed a new approach to study color perception in fruit flies, enabling simultaneous brain imaging and visual stimulation. The study found strain-specific sensitivities to colors among the fruit flies, with orange-eyed flies exhibiting increased sensitivity in the green range.
A study published in mBio found that past infections with coronaviruses, including the common cold, can induce long-lasting immunity against COVID-19. The research also showed cross-reactivity between memory B cells that target SARS-CoV-2 and those targeting other betacoronaviruses.
A repeated testing protocol for COVID-19 among patients with cancer was examined in a quality improvement study. The study found that asymptomatic cancer patients can be safely screened for COVID-19 without increasing the risk of infection.
A multicenter observational study found that sitagliptin improved survival rates in diabetic patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. The study also showed reduced inflammation and improved clinical outcomes. A new randomized, placebo-controlled trial is now enrolling patients to confirm the findings.
A new study reveals that sleeping less is associated with being seen as more masculine and positively judged by society, while women are not subjected to the same effects. The research suggests that this stereotype can have detrimental consequences on mental and physical health, as well as contribute to aggressive behavior.
A new mobile app, Genopo, developed by Garvan Institute of Medical Research, makes genomics more accessible to remote or under-resourced regions and the hospital bedside. The app enables fast, real-time genomic analysis on a smartphone, opening possibilities for point-of-care testing and unlocking information in DNA or RNA.
A new study published in eLife suggests a link between unexplained miscarriages and how women perceive men's body odor. Women with a history of uRPL were found to have an altered perception and brain response to male body odors, including improved ability to identify their spouse by smell.
Researchers discovered pine needle fibers are better at shedding water than circular fibers, retaining less moisture. This evolution is advantageous as it prevents photosynthesis from being blocked by rainwater.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover sphingosine, a natural element, can interfere with SARS-CoV-2 binding to human cells, preventing infection. The study suggests sphingosine could be used as a nasal spray to prevent or treat COVID-19.
Researchers found evidence of widespread forest fires during the Cretaceous period, burning up to 40% of global forests, even in wet regions. This discovery sheds light on how Earth's history might behave under future global climate change.
Research led by Durham University found that massive collisions could have stripped the early Earth of up to 60% of its atmosphere, leading to the Moon's creation. The study developed a new method for predicting atmospheric loss from any collision, which could aid in understanding the Moon's origins and other giant impacts.
Researchers tested anoles' bones for responsiveness to mechanical stress, finding it didn't drive evolutionary divergence; instead, simple genetic changes likely led to repeated traits.
A University of Colorado Boulder astrophysicist is searching the light coming from a distant magnetar, PSR J1745-2900, for signs of dark matter. The scientist hopes to detect the faint signals of an axion particle transforming into light.
A major national study found that oral antibiotics are as effective as intravenous antibiotics in killing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common germ causing chronic lung infection in CF patients. This means CF patients with a new infection can be treated at home and saved from hospital admissions.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio discovered that childhood chemotherapy changes the function of cells that repair heart injury, leading to increased risk of heart failure in survivors. The study found that damage to these cells may contribute to late effects seen in childhood cancer survivors when they become adults.
A Rutgers University study found that patients with generalized epilepsy are at a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea compared to those with focal epilepsy. Treatment of OSA may improve seizure control and overall health for these patients.
A team of researchers from the University of Southern California discovered a highly fragmented network pattern within the Panama Papers, which makes it challenging to infiltrate or take down. The study revealed that this system is robust due to its disconnectedness, making it difficult for national or international bodies to intervene.
Skoltech researchers propose a fast and accurate numerical method to address the low spatial resolution of EEG studies. The new approach directly backpropagates measured signals from the skin down to the cortex, increasing accuracy for source localization while speeding up processing.
A new study finds that acknowledging uncertainty in epidemiological models can increase public trust, while catastrophic messaging may undermine it. Researchers also discovered that criticism from Democrats can erode confidence in science, highlighting the need for careful communication about COVID-19 science.
Researchers found that exosomes secreted by cardiac cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells improved myocardial recovery and reduced arrhythmia in pigs. The treatment showed regenerative benefits equivalent to injecting living cells, without increasing the risk of tumorigenesis.
A new CDK 4/6 inhibitor, abemaciclib, has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in high-risk patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) early-stage disease by 25%. The monarchE study found that adding abemaciclib to standard hormone therapy significantly improved patient outcomes.
A study by Cima and Clinica Universidad de Navarra has identified reparative cardiac fibroblasts that play a crucial role in repairing the heart after an infarction. These cells are activated when a patient suffers a heart attack, producing a collagen scar to prevent rupture of the ventricular wall.
Researchers found that excessive social media use is related to depression and secondary trauma, suggesting taking a break may promote well-being. Over half of respondents reported some level of depression, while more than half experienced increased hand washing and face mask use as a result of social media.
A new software tool can accurately predict motor development disorders in preterm infants based on early MRI scan data. The tool quantifies diffuse white matter abnormality (DWMA) volume, which serves as a biomarker for brain developmental issues.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that vitamin D deficiency during early development can disrupt the metabolic balance between growth and fat accumulation in zebrafish. The study suggests a linkage between vitamin D and metabolic homeostasis, leading to obesity and stunted growth.
New research from University of Illinois scientists suggests that crop-relevant drought should be measured by atmospheric dryness (VPD) rather than just rainfall and soil moisture. Studies found that VPD accounts for nearly 90% of changes in crop stomatal conductance and productivity.
A global study maps areas with high carbon returns from natural forest regrowth, highlighting climate's role in carbon storage. Climate change mitigation strategy: restoring degraded woody vegetation could store substantial amounts of CO2.