A new study by UC San Diego researchers finds that moving local elections to on-cycle races increases voter turnout and makes the electorate more representative of the population, particularly in terms of race, age, class, and partisanship. The study analyzed California elections over an eight-year period and found significant effects ...
A study found that 95% of fungal species on Earth remain undescribed, leading to inconsistent regulations and potential health risks. The researchers tested 16 food products labeled as containing 'wild mushrooms' and discovered most consisted of cultivated species, including poisonous varieties.
Researchers found biochemical changes in ME patients' blood, supporting the theory that ME is linked to impaired cellular energy supply. The study identified distinct metabolic signatures and adaptations among patients, which may relate to disease severity.
Researchers have developed a common workflow interface for various quantum codes, enabling accurate predictions of system properties and promoting the wider use of density-functional theory. The interface allows users to optimize structures using any code without defining parameters, providing reusable results.
Isaac Hilton is using non-integrating episomal DNA viruses to create a new platform technology for cell and gene therapies. He aims to hijack these viruses to safely program medicinal functions in human cells.
A University of Surrey undergraduate has developed a method to suppress hot-carrier effects in devices, leading to more reliable performance and increased power efficiency. This breakthrough uses a multimodal transistor architecture, which could enable high-performance amplifiers for environmental and biological sensor applications.
Wayne State University researcher Yaoxian Huang received $332,689 for a three-year research study to improve understanding of reactive nitrogen from snowpack and transportation. The project aims to provide scientific support for air quality management and promote air quality education for future generations.
A new study estimates the intensity and frequency of extreme novel pandemics, finding that large pandemics like COVID-19 are relatively likely due to growing risks. The study suggests that a pandemic similar in scale to COVID-19 is likely within 59 years, highlighting the need for adjusted perceptions of pandemic risks.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed liquid-sulfur/sulfide composite cathodes enabling high-rate magnesium batteries. The material shows high capacity, potential, cyclability, and rate capability, with a discharge capacity of ~900 mAh/g and stable performance for over 50 cycles.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the proportion of community-dwelling homebound adults aged 70 or older in the US, particularly among Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic/Latino individuals. Compliance with social distancing measures is believed to be a key factor contributing to this trend.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a system that splits a single millimeter wave beam into multiple paths to improve reliability and throughput. The technology achieved high speeds of up to 800 Mbps with 100% reliability, even in outdoor tests over distances of 262 feet.
Researchers identify novel mechanism of formation of procoagulant platelets activated by S100 A8/A9 binding to the GPIbα receptor, a previously unknown target for anti-coagulant therapies. This discovery may lead to new treatments and prevention strategies for inflammatory and thrombotic diseases.
Researchers investigated COVID-19 transmission dynamics among close contacts of index patients, finding timing of exposure impacts disease development. The study also found severity of the index case is associated with clinical presentation in close contacts who develop COVID-19.
Researchers will examine mentorship, leadership development, and career opportunities beyond academia to cultivate physics identity and belonging for women in physics. The project aims to identify ways to keep more women in physics and address the male-dominated field.
A mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge can predict the optimum exercise regime for building muscle. The model takes into account individual physiology and optimizes exercise regimes based on user input, promising to maximize athletes' potential.
Researchers discovered that noncoding RNA derived from pericentromeric repetitive sequences upregulates SASP-like inflammatory gene expression by disturbing chromatin interactions. hSATII RNA is highly detectable in cancer cells and supports tumor development via small EVs, highlighting a new role in age-related pathologies.
Trees continue to form reserves even during long periods of starvation, contrary to the assumption that they only form when photosynthetic conditions are favorable. As CO2 starvation progresses, trees stabilize their reserve levels and divert resources to storage, allowing them to survive climate extremes.
Scientists have developed novel gas sensors with improved detection sensitivity and durability by combining organic and inorganic materials. The hybrid sensors boast high durability and high sensitivity, making them suitable for portable gas sensing applications.
A new study provides insight into where chimpanzees avoided climate instability during glacial and interglacial periods in Africa over the past 120,000 years. The findings help increase understanding of how climate change impacts biodiversity and how to mitigate predicted biodiversity loss.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new technique to structure chaotic bubbles, enabling more efficient separation of useful metals from useless particles. This method uses vibrations to control the motion of bubbles, leading to reduced energy and water usage in mining.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have created a new mathematical algorithm to decipher the rotational dynamics of twisting particles in complex systems. By analyzing X-ray scattering patterns, they can gain insights into the function and properties of materials.
A six-country study found that awake prone positioning significantly reduced the need for mechanical ventilation in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The intervention improved blood oxygen levels and lung function by matching blood flow and ventilation.
A North Carolina State University panel of experts assesses AV deployment risks and benefits, predicting substantial benefits if well-regulated. The study's findings suggest regulations could limit urban use of AVs and commercial fleet ownership, reducing risk and increasing benefits.
The Telehealth Service Implementation Model (TSIM) offers a comprehensive approach to developing and sustaining successful telehealth programs. TSIM addresses key challenges such as provider and patient engagement, technical, financial, regulatory, and administrative burdens.
A new spontaneous mouse model, McH-lpr-RA1, has been developed to study Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease affecting the tear system and salivary glands. The model exhibits autoimmune inflammation in the salivary gland tissue and blood vessels, destruction of the salivary gland structure, and inhibited salivary secretomotor system.
A USC-led study has mapped the developmental blueprint of human kidneys, shedding light on how cells interact to form filtering units. The research provides a foundation for creating synthetic mini kidneys and could lead to new treatments for kidney diseases.
A recent study at a large Australian hospital found nearly 4 out of 10 patient transports to be marred by incidents, including limb entrapment, collisions, and issues with infusion pumps. Patient agitation was also a common factor in these mishaps, highlighting the need for improved transport training and preparation.
The APPLI study aims to assess the perceptions and preferences of people living with HIV on long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapies. The study will explore how to support adherence and integrate these therapies into Ryan White HIV care settings, potentially improving health outcomes for those struggling with daily oral medicati...
West Virginia University engineers are working on a $750,000 award from NASA to improve data transfer efficiency during space exploration. The team is developing AI-based algorithms that can compress data while retaining maximum information content, which could enable more efficient NASA missions and sustain Earth and solar observations.
The Milken Institute has released a roadmap to increase autoantibody screening for Type 1 Diabetes, with the support of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The goal is to ensure effective screening, which can diagnose T1D early, prevent life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, and develop therapeutics.
Scientists discovered that volcanic arcs, including chains like the Andes and Cascades, played a crucial role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels over the past 400 million years. This natural feedback mechanism helped maintain a stable climate, but recent human-driven emissions have disrupted this balance.
A Purdue University study suggests that the eastern half of the US is a hotspot for severe thunderstorms due to high terrain, while the Gulf of Mexico plays a relatively weak role. Removing the Gulf would shift storm patterns eastward into Illinois and reduce them over southern Texas.
Researchers identified a vulnerability in developmental signaling pathways that can drive pediatric low-grade glioma formation. Targeted treatment prevents tumor formation, long before irreversible damage to the optic nerve can cause permanent vision loss.
A new study from University of California - San Diego suggests that protein deposits in the retina and brain may be a sign of Alzheimer's disease risk. Retinal imaging may potentially serve as an early biomarker for detecting AD risk, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional brain scans.
Research from UBC and HKU Earth scientists reveals that massive volcanism played a key role in triggering oceanic anoxia, with CO2-induced environmental warming creating 'dead zones' over short timescales. The findings provide important insights into the sensitivity of the Earth system to global biogeochemical cycles and marine biology.
Researchers at UCLA developed brain organoids that mimic human brain structure and function, allowing for the study of neurological disorders like Rett syndrome. The organoids showed organized waves of activity similar to those found in living brains and responded to treatment with an experimental drug.
Lee Solomon and his team are developing a blood substitute made from a novel peptide material that binds heme B, promoting stronger oxygen binding. The research aims to create a next-generation blood substitute to help Virginians suffering from hemorrhage-inducing injuries.
Researchers reverse lung fibrosis in a mouse model using Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199, suggesting a novel therapeutic target to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study finds that monocyte-derived macrophages play a key role in fibrosis progression and that targeting the Cpt1a-Bcl-2 interaction modulates apoptosis resistance.
The HIPGEN study, a multinational trial, investigates the efficacy and safety of allogeneic placenta-expanded adherent stromal cells to improve recovery after hip fracture arthroplasty. The trial aims to combat immobility and associated problems by strengthening periarticular hip musculature.
Researchers at Osaka City University have successfully stored electricity using ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in ultra-thin magnetic films. The team found that two alloys, Ni80Fe20 and Co50Fe50, generated varying amounts of electricity under FMR, with Co50Fe50 showing a steady increase in energy storage over time.
Researchers have identified a novel genetic marker, rs139185008, that distinguishes C9orf72 repeat expansion carriers from non-carriers in large population-based cohorts. This SNP is strongly associated with patients having a clinical diagnosis of FTLD and motor neuron disease ALS.
A Swedish study found that 43% of children with new-onset type 1 diabetes did not receive hospital treatment on the same day as primary care contact. Delayed care can lead to life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis. Improved awareness and rapid treatment are crucial for preventing complications.
Researchers at Caltech studied ant digging habits and uncovered mechanisms guiding their tunnel construction. Ants use efficient techniques to minimize work, digging straight tunnels along cup edges, and sensing force chains to avoid digging there.
A study on Homo floresiensis found its bite could exert around 1300 Newtons of force, comparable to modern humans and some extinct cousins. This suggests that the Hobbit might have been at greater risk of facial bone strain or dislocation when biting hard foods.
Researchers analyzed 8 popular plant-based burgers and found that some closely mimic the odor of real beef when cooking. The Beyond Burger from Beyond Meat came closest to replicating the hamburger aroma, but still differed significantly.
A new hydrogel platform has been developed to alleviate inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by selectively removing nitric oxide. The hydrogel, when injected into the affected area, collects and eliminates excessive NO, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms.
A randomized trial found that a shorter course of rifapentine-isoniazid therapy resulted in significantly higher treatment completion rates compared to a longer daily course. The findings suggest that this regimens can be more effective for preventing tuberculosis disease in individuals with HIV, particularly in high-transmission areas.
Scientists detected electronic and optical interlayer resonances in bilayer graphene by twisting one layer 30 degrees, resulting in increased interlayer spacing that influences electron motion. This understanding could inform the design of future quantum technologies for more powerful computing and secure communication.
Astronomers Amir Siraj and Avi Loeb found that interstellar objects outnumber objects in our solar system's Oort Cloud. This discovery suggests that there could be substantially more visitors from other star systems.
A longitudinal study of nearly 400,000 employees from Japanese firms over 12 years found that merit-based systems increased the gender bonus gap, but not total annual earnings. The research challenges the idea that merit-based practices reduce gender inequality.
Researchers found that no-till production farmers can reduce herbicide use by implementing integrated weed-management practices, such as high-residue cultivation and seeding companion crops. Despite increased weed pressure, crop yields and profits were not significantly affected.
Scientists have developed a new live analysis system for plant stomata, allowing for rapid and affordable identification of desirable traits. This innovation has the potential to accelerate crop development for climate-resistance, addressing future food shortages.
High-energy-density Li–S batteries have been evaluated for their cycling lifespan, showing that considerable lithium polysulfides exist in the electrolyte despite high specific capacities. The actual capacity loss is mainly attributed to dissolved sulfur species rather than Li anode depletion.
Scientists at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science developed a pseudo-capacitive electrode with high absorption capacity, selectivity, and stability for electro-sorption of hardness ions. The hybrid capacitive deionization system shows superb electro-affinity and high hardness selectivity in multi-cation solution.
Scientists create a cell culture system where blood vessels can grow within a framework made of synthetic materials. The team investigates material properties that promote blood vessel formation and refines the model to improve its performance, paving the way for growing implantable tissues.
Researchers discovered that human milk oligosaccharides can prevent GBS infections in cells and tissues, and in mouse models. The sugars may act as anti-adhesives and prebiotics to support good bacteria growth, making them a potential substitute for antibiotics.
Researchers have developed a new structure and materials for tandem solar cells, enabling more light to be captured and energy converted effectively. The n-i-p configuration achieved a significant improvement in power-conversion efficiency, exceeding 27%, surpassing previous best values.
The OPTIMADE API specification allows for seamless access and interoperability across multiple materials databases, including AiiDA and Materials Cloud. Researchers can query databases, expose links between them, and deliver standardized results using the OPTIMADE API.
A team of researchers has developed a method to produce nylon 6-6 without using the environmentally endangered element zinc. They achieved this by using alternative metals such as iron and cobalt, and harnessing the power of solar energy. The new process reduces energy consumption, saves water, and minimizes hazardous chemicals.
Researchers developed a novel block copolymer electrolyte that controls structure through electrostatic interactions, enhancing ionic conductivity. The new nanostructure enables significant enhancement in conductivity compared to typical two-dimensional structures, paving the way for safer all-solid-state batteries.