A single-dose, intranasal COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to fully protect mice against lethal infection and block animal-to-animal transmission of the virus. The vaccine targets mucosal cells in the nasal passages and airways, where SARS-CoV-2 infections occur.
A new study found that patients taking immunosuppressants like methotrexate had weaker antibody responses to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after the first dose. However, T-cell responses were preserved in these patients, suggesting potential risks and benefits of vaccinating immunocompromised individuals.
A recent Penn State study found that women and lower-education users are more likely to tweet personal information, despite higher vulnerability to online privacy threats. Contrary to expectations, socioeconomic status and demographics did not significantly impact the use of account security features.
Researchers at MIT have developed a simple and inexpensive two-layer coating that protects seeds from drying out and provides them with extra nutrition, enabling agriculture on marginal arid lands. The coating, which is engineered to hold onto moisture and contain preserved microorganisms, has shown encouraging results in early tests.
A University of Notre Dame study found that most gut microbiome traits are heritable, with 97% variation influenced by genetics. The research team discovered that environmental factors also play a significant role in shaping the microbiome, particularly across seasons and age.
Researchers developed a smart collar that delivers praziquantel, a deworming drug, to dogs infected with echinococcosis. The collar reduces the risk of tapeworms in dogs by 0.182 times and 0.336 times compared to control groups.
The Center for Research toward Advancing Financial Technologies, CRAFT, brings together industry and academic partners to conduct high-impact research in fintech. Initial research areas focus on cybersecurity, blockchain, AI, and machine learning, aiming to drive innovation and address challenges facing the financial services industry.
A new chemical catalyst has been developed to efficiently produce propylene from natural gas, which is used to make polypropylene. The catalyst, made of platinum and tin nanoparticles supported by silica, can make propylene at least 10 times more efficiently than current commercial catalysts.
Researchers demonstrate superconductivity in iron selenide crystals without applied pressure using a new pressure-quench technique. The method retains the high-temperature superconductive phase even after removing the applied pressure, bringing scientists closer to realizing room-temperature superconductivity at ambient pressure.
Researchers studied six species of amphibian at Slimbridge Wetland Centre during COVID-19 lockdowns and partial reopenings. Amphibian activity varied depending on the number of visitors, with some species more visible when there were fewer people around.
A total of 548 studies were included in the map, with substantial evidence for interventions promoting basic needs and mobility in older adults at home. Few studies have looked at impacts on social participation, financial security, ability to maintain relationships, and communication.
A case control study found a positive association between sachet water consumption and increased risk of cholera. The study suggests that direct contact between the mouth and contaminated exterior of the sachet transmits pathogens.
Research suggests that climate, particularly temperature, drove changes in human body size, while brain size evolved independently. Larger-bodied people tend to live in colder climates today.
Researchers compared two treatment types for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found no significant differences in outcomes. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, shows that common elements may be more important than differences in intervention styles.
Scientists found that a rift in the Earth's crust was caused by a super volcano splitting the Indian Plate from Africa. The process involved the rotation of the continental plates due to the subcontinent acting like an axis.
A new scheme proposes tying CO2 emissions to carbon removal obligations to slow global warming. The researchers argue that funds for future carbon debt repayment should be collected through a carbon pricing scheme before and while carbon debt is accrued.
Princess Margaret Scientists reveal a new target that suggests it can potentially prevent leukemia in children with Down syndrome. The study mapped out where and how leukemia begins and develops in infants with Down syndrome, paving the way for future prevention strategies.
A new indicator called sea color has been proposed by a scientist at Hiroshima University to predict volcanic unrest in submarine volcanoes. The researcher analyzed satellite images of Nishinoshima Island and detected signs of looming eruption approximately a month before the actual event, using sea discoloration data obtained from space.
Researchers led by Associate Professor Yuki Fuseya found concrete evidence of Turing patterns at the nanoscale in a bismuth monolayer, resembling stripes on tropical fish. The study paves the way for new research directions in nanoscale physics and could lead to techniques for producing nanoscale devices with self-healing properties.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appears to be safe and effective in patients with cancer, achieving satisfactory serologic status. Despite a lag in antibody production compared to non-cancer control groups, most patients experienced seroconversion after the second dose.
A California study suggests that partnering with black churches and medical professionals can increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake in black communities. The study found that a three-tier approach to mobile vaccination clinics, involving faith leaders and pharmacists, resulted in a significant increase in vaccine uptake among blacks.
A geologist's analysis of ancient sediments found in Kenya's Lake Magadi has revealed a progressive drying trend over the last million years. The study suggests that early humans may have been prompted to move and trade due to drought, with the region experiencing significant changes in climate.
The CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated an efficacy of 83.5% against symptomatic disease in a phase 3 trial, with a robust antibody response and mild adverse events reported. The vaccine uses an inactivated whole virus and has been approved for emergency use in 22 countries.
Sea otters have a higher basal metabolic rate than predicted for their size, with skeletal muscle being the primary source of this hypermetabolism. This process, known as thermogenic mitochondrial leak, allows them to maintain a normal body temperature in cold water environments.
A new study using Egyptian fruit bats finds that mammals share a neural 'GPS system' representing near-future locations. The brain activity of bats showed strong correlation with their flight paths in the near future, but not at present.
Researchers found that a type of echocardiogram can predict which COVID-19 patients are most at risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases the risk of heart failure and stroke. Patients with high levels of certain biomarkers in their blood also showed increased risk.
Researchers at Aalto University have successfully created heavy fermions in graphene, a non-radioactive alternative to rare-earth compounds. This discovery could pave the way for sustainable exploitation of heavy fermion physics in quantum technologies.
The study used single cell technology to map epigenetic changes in different cells involved in coronary artery disease, revealing that genetic risk variants are particularly enriched in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. This research provides a new understanding of the role of these cells in transmitting susceptibility to the disease.
A new study finds that regular COVID-19 monitoring of everyone in a school setting is essential to prevent large outbreaks. Mathematical simulations suggest that waiting until a student tests positive is too late to take preventive measures, highlighting the importance of early detection and action.
Researchers found that a synthetic meniscus implant provided superior relief from post-meniscectomy knee pain compared to non-surgical care. Patients treated with the implant experienced higher Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores, indicating improved function and quality of life.
Researchers found that planets with moderate tilts can increase oxygen production in oceans, favoring the emergence of complex life. This discovery helps refine the search for advanced life on exoplanets.
A new study reveals that light therapy's benefits come from activating the Period1 gene in a brain region involved in mood regulation. Exposure to light at the end of the dark period has an antidepressant effect on mice.
A recent study found that 66.7% of operatively treated gymnast UCL injuries allowed return to competition at an average of 7.5 months, while 100% of non-operatively treated gymnasts RTP, with the latter group showing better scores on multiple patient-reported measures.
Researchers have discovered Yersinia pestis infection in two medieval graves in Southern Italy, providing the first genetic evidence of the Black Death's arrival in the region. The analysis of ancient DNA from the teeth of the victims confirms that they died from plague or other infectious diseases during the second pandemic.
Experiencing diverse positive emotions improves student engagement with cognitive, behavioral, and emotional components. Students with greater positive emodiversity have a more diverse emotional life, enabling better adaptation to various school situations.
A new study reveals that coastal wetlands provide more flood protection than previously thought, reducing water levels by up to 2 metres and protecting inland areas. The research found that wetlands can reduce storm-driven flooding by 35% and damages caused by 37%.
A study of over 7,500 participants refutes the idea that the 2D:4D ratio is influenced by sex hormones, instead suggesting that finger size differences are related to overall growth patterns. The research found no correlation between total finger length and 2D:4D ratio in men and women across different ages and nationalities.
A new study predicts patient responses to immunotherapy using tumor fragments in the lab, offering hope for personalized cancer treatment. The researchers identified specific immune cell markers that can predict treatment response and resistance.
During the first five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 4.3 million more background checks for firearm purchases occurred nationwide than expected, resulting in 9.3 million total firearm purchases. Researchers found an association between increased gun purchases and domestic violence but not non-domestic firearm violence.
A new study found that handwriting helps people learn certain skills faster and significantly better than learning through typing or watching videos. The writing group outperformed the other groups in recognizing letters, spelling, and reading unfamiliar words.
A study of 136 nonprofits and 38 for-profit companies found that many planted commercial species like chocolate and mango trees, with only a fraction tracking survival rates. The analysis suggests organizations should prioritize biodiversity and monitoring to ensure effective tree planting projects.
Experts warn that digital government research and practice have neglected women's digital needs, leading to a persistent gender gap. The authors call for a comprehensive approach to include male authors discussing gender issues, collect gender-sensitive data, and design services accordingly.
Researchers from Skoltech and their colleagues discovered promising compounds among pest control chemicals that inhibit the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, a key component in connective tissue. These compounds show potential as anti-fibrotic drugs for treating liver fibrosis.
Iron deficiency has been linked to higher risks of death and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of whether they have anemia. Clinical trials are needed to test the effects of iron treatment on these outcomes in CKD patients.
Researchers have found that nickelates exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions similar to cuprates, but with differences in magnetic excitations and doping effects. The study provides a new window into the physics of unconventional superconductors and could lead to the discovery of better materials.
A single-center study reports a decline in COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers after vaccination, indicating the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing disease transmission. The study suggests that vaccination can reduce the risk of infection among healthcare workers, thereby protecting both patients and healthcare staff.
A new study suggests that resisting ecosystem changes may be futile, instead recommending a 'RAD' framework that involves accepting, directing, or resisting transformations. The authors argue that embracing change is a viable response to environmental shifts, rather than viewing it as a last resort.
Researchers developed a model that shows diverse supply chains can explain up to 90% of historically observed food supply shocks in US cities. This finding has practical implications for boosting city supply chain resilience and developing policies to mitigate supply chain shocks.
Researchers used Mendelian randomization to analyze the genetic association between thyroid function and serum lipid profiles, finding a distinct causal relationship. The study highlights the importance of pituitary-thyroid-cardiac axis in diseases related to dyslipidemia.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University used machine-learning and brain imaging to quantify the association between objects in our surroundings. They identified a specific brain region involved in this process, which enables us to build context and set expectations for the world.
Fishers in the Northeast US have adopted three strategies to cope with climate-related changes in fish distribution and abundance. They shift their target species, change where they fish, or sell their catch at different ports. Regulations often constrain these adaptations due to conservation measures and market constraints.
New research shows that open communication about vaccine effectiveness and side effects boosts trust in health authorities, reducing hesitancy and conspiracy theories. Vague or reassuring communication, on the other hand, lowers acceptance of vaccines.
Researchers developed a biomaterial-based infection vaccine (ciVAX) approach to combat infectious diseases. ciVAX vaccines combine two technologies that capture immunogenic antigens from pathogens and reprogram the immune system, offering potential solutions for sepsis prophylaxis, pandemic threats, and biothreats.
A study published in Aggressive Behavior found that students reported lower bullying rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, except for cyberbullying. The survey of 6,578 Canadian students highlights potential silver linings from the pandemic, including reduced bullying, which can negatively impact functioning.
Researchers discovered a novel neurological disorder caused by spontaneous mutations in the RNF2 gene, leading to symptoms such as intellectual disabilities, seizures, and feeding difficulties. The study, led by Dr. Shinya Yamamoto and Dr. Vandana Shashi, found that loss-of-function variants in RNF2 disrupt normal neuronal development ...
The study reports the crystal structures of aconitase X enzymes from bacteria and archaea, providing novel insights into their catalytic mechanisms. The findings suggest that ancestral active sites in aconitase superfamily are conserved across different species.
By briefly delocalizing particles over exponentially larger distances, researchers can harness the quantum nature of nanoparticles. This technique also enables highly sensitive instruments to determine forces such as gravity with high precision.
A new study shows participating in weekly dance training with music can improve daily living and motor function for those with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. The research found significant improvements in experiences of daily living, including cognitive impairment, hallucinations, depression, and anxious mood.
Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a novel approach to tailoring soft robots' mechanical properties. By integrating design optimisation and fabrication, they created customised robots that outperformed traditionally casted counterparts in swimming performance.
A new study by UC Berkeley Haas School of Business researchers found that white participants who claim to be non-prejudiced often convey the opposite message through their language. The study suggests that explicit egalitarianism can blind people to underlying prejudice and perpetuate prejudicial attitudes.