The InSight mission provides clues to Mars' composition, mapping its crust, mantle, and core for the first time. Researchers find a multi-layered crust with an average thickness of 24-72 kilometers and a thick lithosphere beneath.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute announces 50 new Gilliam fellowships to support graduate students conducting research in life sciences. The program aims to create an inclusive academic environment through mentorship and financial support.
A research team has developed a new concept to study astrophysical processes in the laboratory using laser pincers. By creating an antimatter jet and accelerating it efficiently, scientists can simulate extreme conditions found near neutron stars.
Researchers found that newly-hatched pterosaurs had strong bones capable of sustaining flight, but their wing size was smaller than adults, likely making them more agile fliers. This suggests they may have used their flying abilities to escape predators and chase prey in dense vegetation.
A clinical trial in Malawi showed a five-drug combination chemotherapy provided curative benefit for people diagnosed with lymphoma, compared to current standard-of-care-therapy. The treatment was also found to be cost-effective, preventing more than seven disability-adjusted life years at a lower cost per DALY prevented.
A team at the Natural History Museum is testing spectral instruments for the ExoMars rover to identify meteorites on Mars. The rover's success rate is significantly higher than dedicated meteorite hunts on Earth, with one meteorite found per kilometre travelled.
A new study reveals that AI tools analyzing tumor images can make inaccurate predictions due to shortcuts introduced by institutions submitting the images. The models often rely on location-specific signatures rather than biological characteristics, leading to biased outcomes for patients from certain medical centers.
The Alpha variant of COVID-19 spread rapidly across the UK due to biological changes and large-scale human mobility. The study found that the variant emerged from Kent and Greater London, spreading to all but five counties in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England by mid-January.
A 2018 Martian dust storm destroyed a southern hemisphere cold air vortex and brought an early spring, whereas the northern hemisphere's vortex remained stable. The storm had profound effects on the atmosphere, including altering wind patterns and suppressing waves in the northern hemisphere.
Scientists at Duke University have developed new tests to detect coal ash contamination in soil, finding high levels of arsenic, selenium, and other toxic elements. The tests revealed significant fly ash accumulation near coal-fired power plants, posing health risks to nearby communities.
A new technique called HT-MEK enables the simultaneous performance of thousands of enzyme experiments, allowing scientists to deeply probe into enzyme functions and structure. This could reveal clues about how enzymes work together to achieve their remarkable reactivity, enabling researchers to 'do enzymatic tricks' themselves.
A study found that higher omega-3 acid levels in the blood are associated with a significant increase in life expectancy, similar to quitting smoking. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,200 people aged 65 and found that four types of fatty acids, including omega-3, can predict mortality risk.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a framework to assess community resilience after natural disasters by analyzing location-based data from essential establishments. The study found that communities with low resilience experienced more flooding, but the level of impact did not necessarily correlate with recovery time.
A new dietary supplement, K.Vita, has been shown to reduce seizures in children and adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, with a mean 50% reduction in seizures or paroxysmal events. The study found that the supplement was well-tolerated and palatable, with fewer than 10% of participants producing significant ketones.
Gladstone researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism that boosts the 'noise' of gene expression in stem cells, accelerating their ability to differentiate into other cell types. The DiThR pathway involves a DNA repair process that increases noise across the genome, making cells more responsive to signals guiding their fate.
A miniature radar device, MAPrad, can scan almost twice as deeply below ground as existing technology, identifying minerals, ice deposits, and voids like lava tubes. The device will be tested at the Undara caves in Australia to map one of Earth's largest accessible systems of lava tubes.
Astronomers have detected previously unseen tracers of massive star formation in the Milky Way, including compact regions of hydrogen gas and radio emission from methanol molecules. The survey more than doubled the number of supernova remnants found in the region.
Researchers propose an OV-engineering strategy to realize high-content anion doping in TiO2, enhancing charge transfer kinetics and sodium-ion storage performance. The optimized A-TiO2-x-S/C anode exhibits high-rate capability and ultrahigh energy density.
Researchers from the University of Chicago have made a groundbreaking discovery in plant biology, using RNA manipulation to increase crop yields by 50% and boost drought tolerance. The breakthrough has potential applications beyond food production, including engineering plants to withstand climate change and other environmental pressures.
Research reveals that refugees experiencing longer stays in Moria camp are more likely to suffer from acute mental health crises. The study found a significant link between the length of stay and the risk of mental health deterioration, with male refugees being more affected than women.
The UW team's prototype reactor uses a gaming graphics card to control plasmas, achieving high-speed and precision control. This method enables the creation of longer-living plasmas that operate closer to conditions required for controlled fusion power.
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that most women with breast cancer diagnosed over 65 should be offered hereditary cancer genetic testing. The study found mutations in actionable breast cancer risk genes in 3.2% of women with breast cancer, highlighting the need for broader testing regardless of age or family history.
Researchers at KU Leuven found that certain antibiotics can effectively target melanoma cells' mitochondria, which are vulnerable to specific classes of antibiotics. This suggests that these antibiotics may be repurposed as anti-melanoma agents to buy time for immunotherapy.
A recent study found that young workers (21-34 years old) prioritize respectful communication in the workplace over trendy work perks. The researchers believe that leaders and managers can foster supportive cultures by training them on effective communication and recognizing employees' value to their organization.
A large study found that high coffee consumption is associated with reduced brain volume and an increased risk of dementia. Researchers warn that excessive coffee drinking, beyond six cups a day, may put individuals at risk for brain diseases such as dementia and stroke.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a novel method for rapid repair of peripheral nerve injuries using nerve guidance conduits filled with engineered aligned collagen gels and NGF-coated magnetic particles. This technique has shown improved axon growth and functional motor restoration in rats with peripheral nerve injury,...
Scientists from UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identified TAF12 as critical to the formation of preinitiation complexes, which are necessary for gene transcription. Eliminating TAF12 destroys preinitiation complexes and drastically reduces genome-wide transcription.
Researchers have discovered that increased levels of protein Tumour Protein D54 can increase and decrease the movement of cancer cells, suggesting its potential role in tumour spread. The study found that reducing or increasing this protein's expression affects cell migration, with higher levels leading to more metastasis.
Eija Kononen is a Professor and Chair of Periodontology at the University of Turku, Finland, known for her pioneering work on oral microbiology and its role in immune response. Her novel salivary diagnostic method, the Cumulative Risk Score, has been used in several studies to diagnose periodontal status.
Researchers have identified highly conserved sequences in viral proteins that could make them effective drug targets. The study found two promising sites: one overlapping the RNA binding site of nsp13 and another containing the catalytic site of nsp12, both involved in viral RNA replication and transcription.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that people who experience intense boredom frequently in everyday life may seek 'flow' by playing smartphone games to escape their feelings. This 'boredom fix' can lead to negative consequences and excessive gaming, ultimately increasing depression.
A new algorithm has been developed that can guide a quadrotor drone through a series of waypoints on a circuit, beating the fastest lap of two world-class human pilots. The algorithm generates time-optimal trajectories that fully consider the drones' limitations, resulting in faster and more consistent flight times.
A new study from Oregon State University found that infants born within 3 kilometers of oil and natural gas drilling facilities in Texas had slightly lower birthweights than those born before drilling began. After accounting for other potential factors, the study found a significant association between living near an active drilling si...
Researchers from the University of Malta applied genomics to identify genetic variants causing pregnancy-induced diabetes, highlighting the disorder's genetic heterogeneity. The study provides new insights into the aetiology of complex traits and reinforces precision medicine research.
Researchers identified an immune component, STING, linked to Niemann-Pick disease type C, a condition with no effective treatments. The discovery suggests a new therapeutic target for the disease and offers hope for treatment with immune inhibitors.
Researchers at Ural Federal University have created a technology to generate energy for electric car engines using methanol, resulting in high efficiency and minimal emissions. The method uses synthesis gas produced from methanol, which is then fed into an electrochemical generator based on solid oxide fuel cells.
A new decision tree tool has been developed to differentiate the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse from its abundant look-alike, the western harvest mouse. The tool uses machine learning to analyze characteristics such as belly color and tail hair, allowing for accurate identification with high accuracy.
A clinical trial found pimavanserin significantly improves sustained symptom benefit and reduces relapse rate in people with dementia-related psychosis. The treatment also showed fewer serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
A new study highlights challenges of achieving equity for diverse patients in communication at hospital discharge. The survey found that one in four patients were alone without a family member or friend, while over half reported limited access to medical interpreters and translated materials.
Researchers provide a systematic overview of printing technologies for scaling up perovskite solar cells, highlighting the key role of ink engineering in achieving high-quality thin films. The study also discusses the technical feasibility of printing additional layers and presents progress on roll-to-roll printing and stability issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to affect our sleep patterns, with a higher number of awakenings and difficulty falling asleep reported during lockdown. In contrast, post-lockdown periods saw an increase in dream recall and more lucid dreams, with people also reporting more dreams related to crowded places.
Researchers identified cell diversity in embryonic salivary glands through single-cell transcriptome analyses, revealing early establishment of transcriptional identities. The study provides comprehensive descriptions of molecular signatures defining specific cellular landmarks.
A novel method predicts COVID-19 clinical trial success rates by analyzing features from clinical trial reports, including keywords and drug information. The model achieved high accuracy in predicting trial status, indicating a potential tool for optimizing research efforts and reducing costs.
Alvaro Della Bona, University of Passo Fundo Professor, received the 2021 Wilmer Souder Award for his contributions to dental biomaterials research. He is recognized internationally for his publications and invited presentations on the topic.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering developed a framework called DeepReDuce that streamlines neural networks to be more adept at computing on encrypted data. The team found that DeepReDuce improved accuracy and reduced ReLU count by up to 3.5% and 3.5×, respectively.
Research from the University of Illinois found that children eat more fruits and vegetables with longer seated lunch times. The study suggests that policies requiring at least 20 minutes of seated lunch time can help achieve this goal, particularly for children from low-income families who may not have resources to bring their own lunch.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE explores the experience of pure consciousness during meditation, identifying 12 key factors that characterize this state. These findings provide insight into human consciousness and have implications for further research, including potential applications beyond meditation practices.
A large observational study found that two monoclonal antibodies reduced hospitalizations among high-risk patients with COVID-19, regardless of comorbidities. The study showed a low rate of hospitalizations when patients received the treatment early on.
Martin Thornhill, a renowned professor at the University of Sheffield, has received the 2021 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Research. He is recognized for his sustained contributions to dental and medical research, covering topics such as oral mucosa conditions.
Researchers have discovered a link between cognitive decline and faster bone loss in women, increasing future fracture risk. Cognitive decline over five years was associated with a 1.7-fold increase in fracture risk in subsequent 10 years.
Jeffrey Ebersole, Sharon Grayden, and Stephen Bayne received the 2021 AADR Presidential Citation for their significant contributions to the Association. The citation honors individuals who have made lasting impacts on dental research and advancing the mission of the AADR.
Research from Bocconi University reveals that mafia connections harm a company's financial performance, leading to lower return on assets, higher debt, and lower cash holdings. Connected firms are also more likely to go bust, with a 25.5% increase in default risk.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have created a new type of camera technology that can visualize various materials and structures with detailed chemical information. The technology uses nonlinear optical effects in silicon to capture depth-resolved images on a camera in one shot, allowing for faster inspection of obj...
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new approach to study neuronal interactions, combining spike count correlation and dimensionality reduction methods. This integration provides a more comprehensive understanding of brain function, shedding light on how neurons communicate and influence various bodily functions.
A study published by The BMJ found that remote 24-hour monitoring for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy significantly reduces symptom burden, anxiety, and work limitations. Patients who used the system experienced improved quality of life and reduced supportive care needs.
Researchers define the atomic-level architecture of a protein-receptor connection that allows the malaria parasite to evade the immune response. A drug designed to fit into this space could block the interaction, allowing the immune system to clear away the pathogen and potentially reducing severe malaria cases.
A new study found that 48% of ICU staff showed signs of mental health conditions, including depression, insomnia, and PTSD. The study also found a significant increase in mental health issues among those who spent more than six hours in personal protective equipment.
Researchers have developed a new scoring system to evaluate wound healing in mice, using parameters such as re-epithelization and granulation tissue thickness. The system was validated in four different skin wound models, providing a more accurate and reproducible assessment of wound dynamics.
Fredrick Allan Clive Wright is the recipient of the 2021 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Geriatric Oral Research. He has made significant contributions to the knowledge of oral health in older people, general health relationships and effective geriatric oral care services.
A study evaluated self-reported protective behaviors and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among in-person employees during the first six months of the pandemic. The research found a significant association between COVID-19 exposure and reduced compliance with public health guidelines.