Researchers have developed an enzyme-based recycling method for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that can reduce energy use by 69-83% and greenhouse gas emissions by 17-43%. This approach has the potential to decarbonize PET manufacturing and create new opportunities for recycling textiles and other materials made from PET.
A new study has confirmed the Xerces blue butterfly's extinction due to human activities, sparking concerns about the impact on ecosystems. The DNA analysis reveals a unique genetic sequence distinct from other butterflies, emphasizing the importance of protecting remaining species.
A scoping review found that 80% of studies on acute kidney injury did not define recovery of kidney function, highlighting the need for clear application of standard definitions. Researchers recommend transparent reporting of how the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition is applied.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia discover that copper transporter ATP7A plays a crucial role in new blood vessel formation and restoring blood flow in ischemic cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that increasing and stabilizing ATP7A levels could lead to the development of new treatments for heart attack, peripheral art...
Scientists at Ohio State University have found viruses nearly 15,000 years old in Tibetan glacier ice, including four previously known and 28 novel viruses. The discovery sheds light on virus evolution and helps understand how microbes and viruses respond to climate change.
A scoping review of COVID-19 pandemic studies found individuals with chronic physical health conditions were more likely to experience anxiety, depression or substance use. Targeted interventions were lacking, highlighting the need for better mental health support.
Researchers studied pregnant women infected by zika virus in two cities and found no association between prior dengue exposure and increased risk of microcephaly. High zika attack rate and first trimester infection were linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, while pre-existing immunity to dengue was not.
A recent study by Nova Southeastern University found that schools of coral reef fish react more slowly to predators when surrounded by strangers, increasing the risk of being eaten. In contrast, familiar friends trigger a faster response, indicating trust and improved information sharing among neighboring fish.
Researchers developed a new risk equation using 6 routinely available patient parameters to estimate the risk of CKD patients progressing to ESKD requiring KRT. The 6-variable risk score achieved high predictive performance and good calibration in validation cohorts.
A team of researchers at the University of Kansas discovered that soil microbes facilitate heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor, in hybrid corn. In most cases, heterosis is restored by inoculation with a simple community of seven bacterial strains under sterile conditions.
Researchers at UMD developed a supplement that improves pig muscle growth, which could lead to increased sustainability in the pork industry. The study also explored potential applications in human health, including improved immune function and reduced inflammation.
Routine anaesthetic procedures do not generate aerosols, contradicting previous thought. The study refocuses on ward staff exposed to coughing patients and high-grade PPE needs reassessment.
Researchers develop a one-pot process to synthesize polyacrylates and polymethacrylates from biobased materials, minimizing environmental impact. The new method reduces the E-factor by three quarters, making it more sustainable than traditional plastic production.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology synthesized new Mn4+-activated red phosphors with high photoluminescence intensity, revealing the relationship between crystal structure and sintering temperature. The findings have important implications for the development of high-color-rendering-index materials for LED applications.
The Save Our Seas Foundation has awarded 61 grants in 2021, with recipients spanning seven continents and focusing on shark, ray, and sawfish conservation. The grants support innovative projects using cutting-edge technology, citizen science, and local knowledge to address pressing ocean conservation crises.
A recent study found that tomato fruits can communicate with the rest of the plant through electrical signals, warning it of caterpillar attacks. This phenomenon may allow for early detection of infestations and more targeted control measures.
Researchers identified effective strategies for improving referral systems and accessing pediatric mental health care for low-income families. A key finding is that a warm handoff between primary care physicians and mental health providers can build trust and lead to successful outcomes.
Researchers used 3D scanning to study shark intestines, discovering that spiral-shaped organs slow food movement and direct it downward through the gut. This finding sheds light on how sharks process their food and retain nutrients, with implications for understanding ocean ecosystems.
A new study published by the University of Michigan found that genetic predisposition significantly affects people's reaction to the Spring forward time change. Early birds with a certain genomic profile can adjust their sleep schedule within days, while night owls may take over a week to get back on track.
The Indus basin has significant hydropower and seasonal pumped storage potential due to its high altitudes and water availability. The region's unique climate and geography make it an ideal location for long-term energy storage, with costs comparable to natural gas reinjection.
Researchers created a model and algorithm to redistribute transit resources based on commuter choices, resulting in cost reductions of 0.4%-3% system-wide. This leads to millions in rush hour savings while reducing costs for passengers and transportation providers.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a framework to detect Alzheimer's disease and other forms of neurodegeneration using cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. The ATN framework, which includes three biomarkers, has been shown to provide accurate diagnoses for patients with frontotemporal degeneration.
Researchers discovered Piezo1 selectively restrains Treg cells, limiting their potential to mitigate autoimmune neuroinflammation. Inhibiting Piezo1 could lead to new treatments for neuroinflammatory disorders like MS.
The American Board of Urology has outlined processes to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in its leadership structures. The report highlights the need for continuous efforts to improve representation, particularly in terms of gender and racial/ethnic diversity.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that IgA deficiency causes substantial inflammation in the ileum of mice, making them susceptible to disease. The study reveals IgA plays a protective role in maintaining gut health by regulating microorganisms.
A study by Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends stringent health-based exposure standards for radiofrequency radiation emitted from wireless devices. EWG suggests that children's exposure should be 200 to 400 lower than the whole-body exposure limit set by the FCC in 1996.
A study analyzing AAMC data reveals that nearly 40% of medical students rely on family or personal funds for tuition. The study also found disparities in scholarship distribution and loan reliance among high- and low-income students, raising concerns about unequal access to medical education.
A recent study on tsetse flies found that a mother's age and diet influence the health of her offspring. Female tsetse flies produce weaker offspring as they get older or feed on poor-quality blood. The study also revealed that nutritional stress affects female fertility, but not the rate of reproductive ageing.
A WVU-led team, supported by a $4.78 million NIH grant, has increased COVID-19 testing in rural West Virginia through mobile vans and community partnerships. The project has served 38 counties and administered over 2,265 tests, with a focus on communities of color.
A panel of amateur beer drinkers distinguished between five barley varieties, preferring four developed at WSU over a control. The researchers hope this method can be used to test new barley varieties and reduce reliance on hops.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed an ultrathin magnet that operates at room temperature, enabling high-density, compact spintronic memory devices and new tools for studying quantum physics. The discovery makes a significant breakthrough in creating 2D magnetic materials.
A computerized decision model found that mRNA vaccines (e.g., Pfizer) provide a net gain of 7.4 days in quality-adjusted life expectancy compared to not vaccinating at all, while adenovirus vector vaccines (e.g., J¼hnson ⚠ Johnson) yield virtually equivalent results.
A new study by George Washington University researchers reveals that even during COVID-19 shutdowns, marginalized neighborhoods experienced higher levels of health-harming nitrogen dioxide compared to wealthier communities. Nitrogen dioxide emissions from traffic were found to persist in these areas despite reduced passenger vehicle tr...
A study analyzed credit reports to estimate national and regional medical debt burdens, revealing a significant increase. The analysis found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act reduced medical debt burdens, particularly among low-income individuals.
Scientists investigate e-cigarette formation of formaldehyde, a human carcinogen, under various use patterns and devices. The study aims to identify key parameters underlying harmful substance production, informing public health and policy.
A new study develops hydrogels that release glucagon as glucose levels drop, potentially preventing severe hypoglycemic episodes. The technology aims to stabilize blood glucose levels long enough for parents to get medical attention in emergency situations.
A triphase air-liquid-solid photocatalytic system with a hydrophobic surface improves CO2 reduction efficiency by 8.8 times compared to water environments, thanks to enhanced CO2 transport and adsorption capabilities.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes in healthcare, including optimized patient flow and the integration of telemedicine. The experience gained will inform future healthcare system improvements.
A Korean research team has identified the origin of bifurcated current sheets in the Earth's magnetosphere through theoretical analysis and simulations. The study reveals that these sheets naturally bifurcate during equilibration, resolving a long-standing mystery.
Elite runners exhibit 'stiffer' spring-mass systems with steeper impact angles, spending more time in the air and less on the ground. This may allow for better energy recycling and improved performance.
Scientists at Goethe University have identified 15 short segments of the SARS-CoV-2 genome that are highly conserved across various coronaviruses and perform essential regulatory functions. These segments were found to be resistant to mutations, making them promising targets for developing new drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccines are more than 95% effective in preventing confirmed infection. The study also revealed significant disparities among different age groups and comorbidities, with higher risks observed among older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Additionally, a separate cohort study showed tha...
A new study estimates that 1.5 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent, custodial grandparent, or other relative who cared for them as a result of COVID-19. Children who have lost a parent or caregiver are at risk of profound short- and long-term adverse effects on their health, safety, and wellbeing.
A new study found that sinking organic matter influences the types of signals preserved in sediments, leading to altered geochemical signatures. This discovery can provide new insights into past local environmental conditions and modify our understanding of global biogeochemical cycling.
Researchers have discovered a twin motor modified from ATP synthase in Mycoplasma mobile, which facilitates its gliding movement. The discovery has brought closer understanding of the evolution of cells and proteins, and may lead to development of nanoscale devices and pharmaceuticals.
The Virginia Tech Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory developed a novel test for COVID-19, targeting three regions of the gene for increased accuracy. The lab has processed over 130,000 tests since April 2020, expanding public health lab testing capacity in Southwest Virginia.
A team of Russian scientists has identified the vectors of world research in creating new catalysts from halloysite, a natural aluminosilicate mineral. The development of highly active, stable and cheap catalysts could bring society closer to solving hydrogen storage and releasing problems.
A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has developed artificially designed, amyloid-silk hybrid protein produced in engineered bacteria that surpasses the strength and toughness of natural spider silks, as well as steel and Kevlar.
A University of Georgia study finds that rat snakes can effectively monitor residual radioactivity in the Fukushima Exclusion Zone. The snakes' limited movement and close contact with contaminated soil allow them to accumulate high levels of radionuclides, making them a useful bioindicator.
Research found that cells with defective mitochondria and sequence changes in their genome are 'loser' cells in mouse embryos, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction is a common characteristic of competing cells. The study suggests that mitochondrial activity may be a key determinant of cellular fitness in various biological contexts.
A new form of collective worker resistance is unfolding in China's app-based food delivery economy, with small groups of couriers conducting 'mini-strikes' via WeChat. These strikes reflect a new form of leverage and reveal labor unrest evolving alongside shifting political, economic, and technological conditions.
A study by Cleveland Clinic found that combining a weight management program with FDA-approved anti-obesity medications leads to significant weight loss among adults with obesity. The research showed that participants who had access to the medications averaged -7.7% weight loss at 12 months, compared to -4.2% in those without medication.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a novel method to measure bacterial acidity, which could help reduce antimicrobial resistance. The study found that certain bacteria can survive antibiotic treatment by maintaining an acidic pH, and the team is working on developing new antibiotics that target these persisters.
Researchers identified a method to automate identification of turbines experiencing wake effects in changing wind conditions. This allows wind farms to increase power gain by 1%-3% through standard yaw control procedure guidance.
A team of scientists at the University of Tsukuba created a computer simulation that models the Delta-Notch signaling pathway in biliary cell differentiation. The study reveals the importance of fine-grained differentiation and proper development, dependent on the rates of production of Delta ligands and Notch receptors.
A new review paper assesses heat and freshwater changes in the Indian Ocean, finding some consistent responses to anthropogenic global warming. However, observational records are still too short to distinguish natural variability from man-made changes.
A new study found that patients with employer-sponsored insurance were billed up to $219 million in total for preventive services that should be free. The study revealed that OOP charges varied widely depending on the type of service and geographic location, with rural areas more likely to be billed.
A substance from Saussurea controversa has been found to promote bone regeneration by stimulating the conversion of stem cells into osteoblasts. The calcium chelidonate was tested in vitro and in vivo, showing non-toxic effects and increased viable stem cells at low doses.
A study published in The Lancet estimates that over 1.5 million children worldwide have lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or other older relative due to COVID-19-related deaths. This phenomenon, known as orphanhood, has severe and long-lasting consequences for children's mental health and wellbeing. To address this issue, evidence-...
A new method has been developed to detect stealth coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can wreak havoc on Earth. By analyzing slow changes in the lower corona using difference images, researchers have successfully predicted the trajectory and potential impact of four stealth CMEs.