Researchers successfully reproduced the formation of methane from diamonds under high-pressure conditions, shedding light on the deep Earth's carbon cycle. This finding suggests that hydrocarbons like methane can be created without biological activities, which has significant implications for our understanding of the planet's climate.
A survey study of 13,000 Medicare enrollees found that unaffordable medical care is prevalent among those with lower incomes or worse health conditions. The study highlights the need for healthcare policies to address this issue and ensure access to necessary medical care for all eligible individuals.
A €35 million German research project is developing a quantum communication network to enhance the security of sensitive information exchange. The network aims to overcome current limitations in transmitting quantum signals over long distances, enabling reliable communication over larger areas.
Researchers developed an AI technique to predict material properties using a small number of experiments, improving accuracy and facilitating digital transformation in materials development. The technique uses Bayesian optimization and incorporates measurement data into machine learning models.
Researchers provide explanation for superconductivity in trilayer graphene, reconciling two seemingly contradictory phenomena. The new theory suggests that an interaction between electrons provides the 'glue' that holds them together, leading to unconventional superconductivity.
Researchers at Washington State University have created a technique to observe matter wave caustics in atom lasers, resulting in curving cusps or folds. These findings have potential applications for highly precise measurement and timing devices, including interferometers and atomic clocks.
A new study suggests that women and older adults with college degrees are more likely to report feeling socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive initiatives to mitigate social isolation in vulnerable populations, including Hispanic and African American communities.
Researchers have visualized the first structure of a human cell death complex linked to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, renal injury, diabetes, and other conditions. The study reveals how RIPK3 proteins regulate necroptosis, a type of inflammatory cell death.
Scientists have identified a biomolecular condensate as the key to initiating endocytosis, a process by which cells absorb nutrients and regulate hormone sensitivity. The discovery sheds light on how membrane buckling occurs and has implications for understanding diseases such as cancers, heart disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders.
A new NRG Oncology clinical trial found that bupropion did not improve sexual desire in female cancer survivors. The trial evaluated the effects of extended-release bupropion on postmenopausal women with low baseline sexual desire scores.
A new study reveals that infant immune systems are robust and efficient, allowing them to quickly respond to new pathogens. This may explain why infants are less affected by COVID-19 than adults, who take longer to react.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to nonpharmacologic therapies like physical therapy was limited, leading to an increase in opioid prescriptions for pain management. The study found that prescription opioids replaced nonpharmacologic therapies as a primary means of pain control.
A study found that men with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a 25-fold increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, and those with inherited TP53 variants are diagnosed at a young age. Routine screening for prostate cancer is recommended for these individuals.
A new study reveals that widely distributed plant species are outcompeting rarer species for resources in European habitats. This shift is driven by increased nutrient levels in soils due to human activity, leading to competitive exclusion of smaller-ranged specialist species.
Temperature fluctuations in labs affect over 90% of individual tests and 51 assays, including kidney function and lipid panels. Laboratories can statistically adjust for ambient temperature to reduce weather-related variability.
Researchers found that many beneficial fungi in plant roots retain ancestral pathogenic capabilities, with some strains causing detrimental effects. A key gene family encoding enzymes that degrade plant cell walls was identified as a driver of these negative effects.
Researchers from the Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Research Group at UPF have discovered a mechanism by which cells stop their polarized growth when under stress conditions. The study, published in Cell Reports, found that the MAP kinase Sty1 pathway deregulates the equilibrium between Cdc42 activators and inhibitors.
Population movement surged after the end of the second COVID-19 UK lockdown but then fell away suddenly before Christmas 2020. The study analyzed aggregated Facebook data to understand trends in people's movements during the pandemic.
A new Rutgers study found that the use of hair products like hair dyes, bleach, relaxers, and mousse is associated with lower levels of sex steroid hormones in pregnant women. Disruptions to these hormones may contribute to adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Socioeconomic variables also influence personal care product use among p...
Researchers at Kobe University discover that adding Vitamin B2 to stressed cells increases mitochondrial energy production and prevents cellular senescence. This finding has potential implications for preventing age-related disorders and extending healthy lifespans.
Research from the University of Florida found that baby talk can stimulate motor production of speech in infants. By mimicking infant vocal tracts, babies learn how words should sound coming out of their mouths. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the role of baby talk in language development.
Researchers found that asthma causes immune cells to behave in a way that prevents brain tumor growth, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach. The findings suggest reprogramming T cells to act like those in asthma patients could be a new treatment for brain tumors.
Researchers have designed new catalysts that can improve the efficiency of hydrogen production through water electrolysis, potentially reducing costs by up to 80%. The breakthrough could help achieve the US goal of zero emissions by 2030.
Researchers have reconstructed a swampy paleoenvironment with conifers and diverse plants from 110 million years ago, featuring dinosaurs like Proa valdearinnoensis and Europelta carbonensis. The study of Ariño amber has enabled the differentiation of two types of resin, one produced by tree roots and another by branches, providing ins...
A research group from Tohoku University discovered that melatonin, a sleep hormone, exacerbates asthma by potentiating bronchoconstriction. Melatonin weakens the relaxing effect of bronchodilators through the activation of the melatonin MT2 receptor.
The Medical University of South Carolina's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness offers a menu of wellness initiative options that schools can tailor to their needs. Schools with health professionals on the wellness committee implement 25% more initiatives, leading to a culture change and increased student participation.
Researchers estimate that 4.7 million cubic meters of large wood enter oceans annually, negatively impacting coastal and marine environments. The study aims to raise awareness about the consequences of interrupting this natural process.
The ATIQ project aims to develop reliable, user-friendly quantum computing demonstrators based on ion trap technology within 30 months. The consortium will optimize hardware for applications in chemistry and finance, paving the way for new approaches in credit risk assessment.
The study of four Baroque-era paintings reveals that flax fibres from fabrics a few hundred years old have undergone more degradation than those from thousand-year-old Egyptian mortuary linens. The researchers used various high-resolution optical analysis methods to analyse the fibre structure without degrading the samples.
A new gene and stem-cell therapy has been proven to be effective in treating Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a genetic skin disorder, without any side effects. The treatment, which involves transplanting genetically modified skin cells, has resulted in stable results after five years, with the patient now 13 years old.
Researchers propose new ways to protect 3D printed objects from stealthy logic bombs, which can cause catastrophic failures. Two strategies are proposed: designing a sensor to detect changes in raw materials or using high-resolution CT images to detect residual stresses.
A new study by the University of Plymouth has demonstrated the potential of gait authentication to protect smartphones from cyber crime. The system achieved an average accuracy rate of around 85% in recognizing individuals' stride patterns, with rates rising to almost 90% when participants were walking normally and fast.
A doctoral student at Texas A&M University has discovered blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) as an alternative to induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) for organs-on-chips, offering a cheaper and more accessible option for patient-specific research. The new cells can be isolated from just 50-100 milliliters of blood and have sh...
Physicists at Technical University of Munich discover potential existence of tetra-neutron, a bound state of four neutrons, which could significantly alter our understanding of nuclear forces. The experiment's results suggest a half-life of 450 seconds and stability comparable to the neutron.
Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed a new version of organic electronics that can manage energy consumption more efficiently. The technology, known as spintronics, uses carbon-based molecules to expand electronic material versatility and functionality.
Researchers have identified senescent cells in human brains that can serve as a target for a new Alzheimer's treatment. The study found that approximately 2% of brain cells are senescent and have abnormal accumulations of tau protein, which correlates with disease severity.
Researchers from Aarhus University have shown that the approved medicine Atovaquone has a protective effect on human lung cells in laboratory settings, potentially preventing Covid-19 infection. The study reveals its potent antiviral properties against various coronavirus variants, offering hope for a new treatment option.
Researchers from Juntendo University developed a vaccine targeting senescent cells using glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB). The vaccine showed significant improvements in mice with age-related diseases, including atherosclerosis and progeria. This breakthrough has exciting potential for new anti-aging therapies.
A new genomics marker tool accurately identifies tilapia species and detects hybridization, providing a valuable resource for aquaculture and conservation in Tanzania. The tool offers a cheaper solution than full genome data analysis, enabling the detection of invasive and native tilapia species.
Researchers have visualized the entry routes of mRNA into cells and found that it must escape two barriers to reach the cytoplasm. The study reveals that late endosomes are counterproductive for delivery, increasing cell toxicity. Better vehicles for efficient mRNA delivery can now be developed.
A research team at Osaka University successfully generated megatesla magnetic fields through three-dimensional particle simulations on laser-matter interaction. The strength of MT magnetic fields is significantly stronger than geomagnetism, enabling laboratory experiments that were previously thought impossible.
Patients treated with pyrotinib plus capecitabine had a lower risk of death and longer progression-free survival compared to those receiving lapatinib plus capecitabine. Pyrotinib is an irreversible tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor targeting HER2, EGFR, and HER4.
A December 2020 survey found that about two-thirds of adults in Jordan, the West Bank, and Syria were unwilling or hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Concerns over vaccine rigor and long-term health risks were primary reasons for hesitation.
Scientists propose releasing daily counts of S-gene data to estimate Omicron prevalence and understand infections' causes. This can help inform policy and guide risk assessment in low-resource settings.
Research shows that common medicines have distinct effects on gut bacteria, with some having beneficial and others detrimental impacts. The study found associations between certain medications and changes to the gut microbiome, particularly with statins and gastric acid medication.
A recent study found that despite some progress, the US academic workforce in radiation and medical oncology remains underrepresented compared to the broader US cancer population. The study emphasizes the need for continued efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty members.
A recent study found that pathologic complete response rates did not differ by racial groups, but HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer showed a significant survival disparity between Black and white women. The study suggests that tumor molecular subtype is a more significant factor in breast cancer survival than race.
A new smartwatch sensor uses machine learning to detect opioid cravings and provide personalized interventions, showing 80% accuracy in real-time monitoring. The technology has the potential to prevent relapse, overdose, and dependency.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that implementing lottery programs as an incentive for COVID-19 vaccination led to substantial increases in vaccine uptake. The study analyzed data from over 40 states and showed a strong correlation between the implementation of these programs and subsequent vaccine adoption.
Researchers found delaying cord clamping reduces a child's relative risk of death or major disability in early childhood by 17 percent, including a 30 percent reduction in mortality before the age of two. In addition, fewer infants in the delayed-clamping group needed blood transfusions after birth.
The new guideline recommends a patient-centric approach to managing patients with coronary artery disease, incorporating clinical indications and multidisciplinary team decision-making. The guideline aims to improve quality of care and reduce disparities in treatment, particularly among women and underrepresented racial or ethnic groups.
A systematic review found that remote care presented challenges for new patients, those without a private space at home, and individuals with schizophrenia or severe anxiety. Despite the benefits of increased convenience and accessibility, concerns were raised about safety, privacy, and confidentiality in remote care.
Tropical forests worldwide have disappeared rapidly due to deforestation. However, they can recover quickly on abandoned lands, with key forest functions rebounding within a decade. The study found that tropical forests can regain 78% of their old-growth values in just 20 years and near-total recovery occurs in less than 10 years.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a high-tech sleeping bag that may prevent vision problems caused by brain pressure in space. The study found that suctioning fluids from the body can unload brain pressure and prevent progressive flattening of the eyeball, swelling of the optic nerve, and vision impairment.
Researchers developed a detachable head-mounted photoacoustic microscope for imaging brain activity in freely moving mice. The probe captures neurovascular dynamics and can be removed after imaging, enabling long-term studies that could reveal new insights into neurodegenerative diseases.
A new mathematical model developed by USC researchers uses a generator-based approach to analyze mutations in genomic datasets, allowing for the prediction of virus evolution and detection. This tool can be applied to various pathogens, including crops, enabling proactive protection measures.
A new study by researchers at Mount Sinai found that a specific gene, HHIP, helps regulate the development of the coronal suture, a fibrous joint that connects the front and middle bone plates. The study showed that embryos with a missing HHIP gene had misshapen skulls and fewer mesenchymal cells separating the bones.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that retention biases contribute significantly to racial disparities in academia, affecting diversity among tenured professors and graduate students. The study suggests exploring intersectional effects and diverse experiences within broad racial or ethnic categories.
A recent study by SISSA and University of Padua shows that occupation influences the course of cognitive decline. Work activity is found to be a protective factor for cognitive reserve, contributing to brain's resistance to damage caused by illness or aging.
A new UC Davis study tracks firearm violence, assault, and homicide in 13 major US cities by zip code, revealing stark disparities. Firearm violence increased 29.3%, homicides by 27.7%, while robberies decreased 23.3% and rapes by 31.4% during the first five months of the pandemic.