A University of Otago study reveals that high proportions of renewable generation coupled with energy storage is technically and economically viable for Samoa's electricity system. The results show that setting targets below 100% and considering biomass options can make renewable energy more attractive and affordable.
Researchers found that wearing exoskeletons while performing tasks requiring mental effort can lead to brain overwork and decreased efficiency. The devices may not be as effective as initially thought in alleviating stress on lower backs.
A new testing capability has been developed at Sandia National Laboratories to simulate multiple environments on a full-scale weapons system, producing richer data and improving test repeatability. This allows engineers to validate weapon design and systems performance more efficiently.
A randomized clinical trial found that semi-annual application of 5% sodium fluoride varnish significantly reduces approximal caries development in primary teeth compared to 38% silver diamine fluoride and placebo controls. The study evaluated 4-6 year-old children with at least one sound approximal surface.
A study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that bacteria on sand grains in the North Sea and Arctic remain consistent throughout seasons. The community's stability suggests a lack of available space for new inhabitants.
Researchers simulated 3 million swimming race times to show that certain quartzite oscillator-based devices round times incorrectly. This can result in changes of one one-hundredth of a second, potentially affecting the outcome of sporting events.
A new perspective piece highlights the need for a more complex approach to defining carbohydrate quality, considering nutrient intakes, balanced diets, and environmental impact. The authors propose several potential quality indices, including whole-grain, fiber, and protein content, to establish a standardized metric.
Rosa, an Associate Professor at NUS Faculty of Dentistry, received the award for his work on atom-thin materials for biomedical applications and dental pulp regeneration. He will serve a two-year term on the IADR Board of Directors.
Scientists use infrared sensors to study the nighttime weather of Venus, discovering that north-south winds run in the opposite direction at night. This observation could help build more accurate models of the Venusian weather system and provide insights into Earth's weather patterns.
Engineered nanostructures overcome problems in gas-based high-harmonic generation, enabling scientists to observe molecular dynamics with a single laser shot. The record-breaking conversion efficiency covers a wide range of photon energies, opening up new opportunities for studying matter at ultrahigh fields.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found a link between post-cancer treatment frailty and neurocognitive decline in young adult childhood cancer survivors. Frailty contributes to early onset of neurocognitive decline, which can influence daily activities.
A new clinical trial aims to test a personalized treatment for severe asthma targeting a specific mutation found disproportionately in people of color. The trial, led by Boston Children's Hospital, will test dupilumab, an existing drug that blocks the mutated IL-4 receptor, in patients with and without the mutation.
A study of 1,741 women and 620 men aged ?65 years found that cognitive decline is linked to accelerated bone loss and a higher risk of fractures in women. The bidirectional relationship between bone loss, cognitive decline, and fracture risk suggests shared underlying factors.
Research at North Carolina State University reveals that soil microbes significantly impact heterosis, or hybrid vigor, in corn plants. In experiments with sterile bags and field tests, hybrid lines outperformed inbred lines due to microbial effects on root growth and biomass.
A new saliva collection method involves self-collection by licensed dentists followed by mailing to a laboratory, demonstrating feasibility for large-scale analysis. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative for COVID-19 diagnostics, preserving saliva samples for up to 7-10 days at room temperature with stabilizers.
Christopher Murray, a renowned physician and health economist, has been recognized for his significant contributions to global oral health. His work on the Global Burden of Disease project has led to improved understanding of the impact of dental diseases on disability-adjusted life-years worldwide.
Nisha D'Silva, a University of Michigan professor, is recognized for her exemplary mentoring skills, having mentored over 60 students and post-doctoral fellows in oral pathology and cancer biology.
Martha Somerman received the AADR Jack Hein Public Service Award for her exemplary work promoting oral health research to a wide constituency. She has over 150 peer-review publications and contributed to 20 books or book chapters.
A study by Portland State researchers found that liberals see climate science as certain and simple, while conservatives view it as uncertain and complex. Conservatives prefer to share their own experiences with the effects of climate change rather than receiving more information from experts. This shift in perspective may help people ...
A new study found that extract made from fermented soybean dish natto inhibits the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells, while a heat-treated extract showed no effect. Researchers believe this could lead to pharmaceutical design for COVID-19 treatments.
A collaboration has created a first-ever simulation of the deep-sea Venus basket sponge, revealing its ability to withstand dynamic forces and create nutrient-rich vortex within its body cavity. The structure of the sponge is optimized for fluid flow, reducing drag and facilitating feeding and reproduction.
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has announced the 2021 recipients of the IADR Innovation in Oral Care Awards. The awards recognize innovative oral care technologies that will impact public health and quality of life. This year's winners, funded by GlaxoSmithKline, will receive $50,000 USD each.
Native Mediterranean species have been found to prey on the invasive Pacific red lionfish and silver-cheeked toadfish, suggesting direct human management measures are needed to control their populations. The study documents native predators for both species, including loggerhead turtles and dolphinfish.
Researchers from Incheon National University developed two new ANFIS-based models to estimate photovoltaic power generation ahead of time by up to a full day. The hybrid algorithms combined traditional ANFIS with particle swarm optimization methods, outperforming other models in predicting solar system values.
A new study reveals that planetary shields can buckle under intense stellar winds from dying stars, making it difficult for life to survive. Planets with weak magnetic fields are particularly vulnerable, while those with stronger fields may be able to withstand the effects.
Researchers discovered APA's function in allowing certain mRNAs to reach specific sites of protein synthesis, shedding light on mRNA metabolism. APA impacts the connection between mRNAs and the endoplasmic reticulum, enabling signaling proteins to be encoded in specific cellular locations.
A new neural model can detect 'inappropriateness' in chatbot messages, which are defined as content that may harm the reputation of the speaker's company without being toxic. The study provides a large collection of labeled datasets for further research and has been made publicly available.
The study found that medications prescribed for children dropped by more than a quarter, with steep declines in infection-related medicines like antibiotics and cough-and-cold drugs. Chronic disease drug prescriptions also declined, but no change was observed in antidepressant prescriptions.
The newly launched NEID spectrometer will measure the minute gravitational tug of planets on their host stars, enabling the detection of rocky planets and characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres. By utilizing this technology, scientists aim to push the boundaries for searching smaller exoplanets and probing beyond past challenges.
Researchers at EPFL Brain Mind Institute discovered that minis, miniature release events of neurotransmitters, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy synapses. Increasing the frequency of minis kept synapses intact and preserved motor ability in middle-aged fruit flies.
Researchers found that alphaCT1 molecule improves scar appearance by influencing fibroblast behavior, causing them to stretch and change direction. This can lead to more pliable tissue, reducing scarring in surgical procedures. The findings have potential to revolutionize plastic surgery and advance wound healing treatments.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the behavior of highly reactive chemical compounds by identifying their binding preferences. This knowledge allows for targeted syntheses and binding of hazardous chemicals, revolutionizing the field of chemistry.
A leading nano-technologist argues that there are no excuses left to justify the use of fossil fuels. Significant innovations in advanced batteries and energy storage technologies are needed to meet the goal of a carbon net-zero planet by 2050.
A large study found no link between moderate coffee consumption and arrhythmia, with a 3% lower risk observed among participants. The researchers suggest coffee's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in reducing arrhythmia risk.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that COVID-19 can induce a strong immune response in patients, contributing to kidney injury. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also commonly found in kidney injury related to COVID-19, suggesting it may be a potential target for therapies.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has partnered with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to conduct clinical trials of Sinopharm's BBIBP-CorV vaccine in African populations. The ECOVA programme aims to generate data on vaccine efficacy and safety against variants of concern, enabling expanded access to va...
Researchers discovered that AML cells regulate mutant IDH2 activity through a master regulator, FLT3, to control 2-HG production. This understanding allows for better treatment options with current IDH2-targeting medications.
Andrea Alù, founding director of Photonics Initiative at CUNY ASRC, received the world's largest unrestricted prize for early-career scientists. His research discoveries in materials science and physics have brought about advances in electromagnetics, nano-optics, and acoustics with potential applications in various fields.
A new MIT study estimates that disposable N95 masks generate up to 84 million kilograms of waste during the first six months of a pandemic, equivalent to 252 Boeing 747 airplanes. Reusable silicone masks could reduce this waste by 80-90%.
A new study from Northwestern University found that each additional pre-pregnancy cardiovascular risk factor increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Women with multiple risk factors are more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as maternal ICU admission, preterm birth, low birthweight, and fetal death.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg created a new material by combining barium titanate, strontium titanate, and calcium titanate in a lattice. The resulting ferroelectric-paraelectric superlattice significantly enhances the photovoltaic effect, producing up to 1,000 times more power than pure barium titanate.
A hadrosaur, known as Bonapartesaurus rionegrensis, was found to have a tumor on its foot and two fractures in its tail. Despite these severe injuries, the dinosaur managed to survive for some time before its death, possibly due to infections or further trauma.
A team of chemists from Ruđer Bošković Institute developed a new Raman spectroscopy method for uninterrupted monitoring of solid-state milling reactions. This enables deeper insights into reaction mechanisms and the formation of newly formed products, crucial for understanding mechanochemical synthesis.
A large study of over 18 million pregnancies has found a strong relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and poor pregnancy outcomes. Women with multiple pre-pregnancy risk factors, such as obesity and hypertension, were more likely to experience complications like ICU admission, preterm birth, and fetal death.
Researchers reconstructed full-frequency precipitation variability in the Asian Summer Monsoon using a 6,700-year tree-ring stable isotope chronology. The data suggests a long-term decreasing trend and several abrupt climate change events, including a drought regime from ~1,675-1,185 BCE.
The SuperBIT telescope will make its operational debut in April, offering high-resolution images rivalling those of the Hubble Space Telescope. The instrument will test whether dark matter slows down during collisions, a key signature predicted by theories explaining recent muon observations.
BCIs have the potential to profoundly shape human experience and sense of self, but also raise concerns about intellectual property, emotional data privacy, and exacerbating social inequalities. Global policymakers must intervene to prevent misuse and ensure equal access to neurotech.
A study published in Pediatrics found that healthcare providers rarely discuss sexual health with adolescents, despite their importance for preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The researchers identified gaps between parent and adolescent perceptions of the need for these discussions.
A new study successfully recovered DNA from folded duct tape submerged in ocean water for up to 2 weeks, providing a complete short tandem repeat profile. The researchers found that the durability and adhesive nature of duct tape protected cellular material on its surface.
A study led by D. Ross Camidge found that MET amplification drives a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, which responded to crizotinib therapy. The research also highlights the importance of MET amplification testing and therapies for this unique patient population.
Researchers followed 484 patients with moderate-to-severe TBI and found that among those in a vegetative state, 1 in 4 regained orientation within 12 months. This challenges early predictions of poor outcome and highlights the importance of considering long-term recovery possibilities.
A study by KIT researchers found that stopping further expansion of wind energy use in scenic areas could increase power generation costs by up to 7 cents per kilowatt hour and CO2 emissions by up to 200 grams per kilowatt hour. This may require alternative renewable energy sources like solar or bioenergy.
A study published in Nature Communications found that people with limited connections within a network are most effective at spreading new ideas and behaviors. Targeting small groups on the 'outer edge' of a social network can stimulate shifts in thinking, rather than relying on prominent influencers.
A new machine learning system called MOSAIKS uses satellite images to analyze hundreds of variables at a global scale, replicating reports from the US Census Bureau with reasonable accuracy. The system has enormous potential in addressing development challenges in low-income countries and understanding big-picture environmental change.
A Rutgers study suggests that newborns at risk for Type 1 diabetes due to antibiotic exposure can have their condition reversed by receiving a maternal fecal transplant. The transplant restored key gut microorganisms and brought diabetes risk back to baseline levels.
Climate change poses a pervasive threat to the availability of essential micronutrients from marine fish catches, impacting 40% of countries, including tropical nations. Fisheries micronutrient supplies are less vulnerable to overfishing, but climate change is more critical.
A 17-year study found that removing invasive barred owls arrested the population decline of northern spotted owls. Spotted owl populations stabilized in areas where barred owls were removed, while declining sharply without removals.
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have discovered a mechanism for creating negative ions in interstellar environments. The team used an ion trap to study the formation of chemical compounds, finding that weakly bound states enhance the attachment of free electrons to linear molecules.
Researchers found that bat species native to the Northeast are highly active in newly created forest spaces, foraging for food at higher rates than in mature forests. Young forests provide an ideal environment for bats to find insects and grow, making them a crucial component of bat conservation efforts.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed an algorithm that can assist autonomous vehicles in navigating tight spaces and unknown driver intentions. The algorithm was trained on simulation data and found to perform better than current models in handling complex scenarios like bi-directional lane usage.