The Natural History Museum's digital collection has been downloaded over 28 billion times, contributing to advancements in food security, biodiversity conservation and medicine discovery. The museum's digitisation efforts are expected to have a tenfold return on investment, with benefits exceeding £2 billion over 30 years.
A new study found that air pollution in areas with high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can negate the benefits of vigorous physical activity on certain markers of brain disease. This includes reduced white matter hyperintensities and gray matter volume, indicating poorer brain health.
A study suggests the IAU's current definition of a planet is flawed and rooted in folklore and astrology. Researchers propose a new definition focused on a planet's geological activity, clearing its own orbit to be the largest gravitational force.
The Estée Lauder Companies has released its Green Score methodology to assess and measure the sustainability of ingredients and formulas based on green chemistry principles. The approach uses a quantitative tool to evaluate human health, ecosystem health, and environmental impact across its product portfolio.
Carlos Ponce is studying the parts of the visual system that analyze shapes, using macaque monkeys as a model. He combines computational models with electrophysiology experiments to understand how neurons process visual information.
Scientists have developed an enzyme that degrades the capsule surrounding the bacterium that causes anthrax, reducing virulence and protecting mice from infection. The treatment, known as PEG-CapD-CPS334C, is a promising avenue for treating multidrug-resistant anthrax and other bacterial infections.
A study in young psychiatric outpatients with episodic or chronic depression found differences in one-carbon and energy metabolism, which could aid in diagnosis and targeted treatments. The preliminary results suggest potential mechanisms behind chronicity, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to confirm findings.
Cluster headaches are extremely painful and occur in cyclical patterns. The study found that pediatric-onset cluster headache affects 27.5% of survey participants but only 15.2% were diagnosed before age 18.
A team of scientists successfully visualized the propagation path of electromagnetic waves from space to ground, revealing a 'straw-shaped' pathway. The study used data from multiple spacecraft and ground-based observatories to clarify the origin and spatial extent of these waves.
New research shows that bumblebees waste no time enjoying flowers but instead learn the bare minimum about where to land and find food. Bees extract just the necessary information from artificial flowers, suggesting a simple, low-effort form of learning is sufficient in some situations.
A new study finds that bio-based cellulose acetate plastic widely used in consumer goods disintegrates and degrades in the ocean on timescales of months, contrary to previous assumptions of decades. The rapid degradation is attributed to marine microbes, which can break down CDA-based materials using esterase and cellulose enzymes.
Researchers discovered that blood stem cells use high-energy fatty acids from the body's fat stores to power up their response to infection. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable and older individuals.
A large-scale trial found that high-dose intravenous iron therapy reduces heart attacks in patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis. The study analyzed 2141 patients and reported a significant reduction in type 1 heart attacks, which are often caused by blood clots or blockages.
Researchers at University College London discovered that embryonic cells can navigate towards harder regions using chemical and mechanical signals, guiding the formation of facial features. This breakthrough could help prevent birth defects and infant mortality by improving understanding of cell migration mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have found a unique 2,700-year-old leather scale armor in Northwest China that originated in the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The armor's design and construction indicate a technology transfer between West and East during the first millennium BCE.
New research on the world's largest pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus, reveals that it likely leaped into the air before lifting off, using its wings to generate lift. The study, published by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, is the most comprehensive on the species yet and provides new insights into its flight mechanics.
A recent study tested various indicators to identify potential sources of wastewater contamination in shellfish farms. The researchers found that using multiple indicators in combination provided a greater potential for source identification and detected seasonal variation in contamination risk.
A new study reveals that orangutan mothers are proactively involved in teaching their young, tailoring behavior to match age and abilities. They adjust tolerance levels during feeding interactions, facilitating learning opportunities and enabling immatures to acquire complex foraging skills.
A new module utilizes biodiversity collections to produce a holistic student learning experience, covering topics such as plant specimen collection and data deposition. The authors reported strong learning results, with students feeling well-prepared to use foundational skills and digital data repositories.
Research using fNIRS found that young children's ability to appreciate humor varies with age and sex. The study suggests differences in brain activity between boys and girls, as well as developmental stages, when it comes to recognizing humor.
Metabolic disorders, such as inflammation and insulin resistance, are key elements in the development of anxiodepressive disorders in obese individuals. Diet high in sugar and saturated fats leads to these changes in the brain, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety.
Researchers found bird-singing contests taking place in at least 22 countries using 36 species of birds, with pressure on wild populations like the White-rumped Shama and Orange-headed Thrush. The practice also drives demand for songbirds in Southeast Asia, a region where more species are threatened by trade
New Edith Cowan University research reveals Afghan refugees value Australia's security, but face barriers to employment, discrimination, and socio-religious challenges. Many struggle with job recognition, workplace discrimination, and cultural identity issues, affecting their integration into Australian society.
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is part of a $470 million RECOVER initiative studying post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) in children. The study aims to investigate long-term effects, symptoms and treatments for PASC, such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).
Researchers investigated how providing information about alternative feedstuffs impacts consumer preferences. They found that consumers are more likely to prefer insect-based feed due to sustainability claims. The study emphasizes the importance of labelling and transparency for the acceptance of these alternatives.
Researchers found that a combination of natural infection and vaccination produces maximally potent antibodies against COVID-19. The study suggests that repeated exposures to the spike protein can improve the immune system's ability to produce high-quality antibodies against variants.
A new study found that kids, teens and young adults who spend more time outdoors during the summer months have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as children. The research also suggests that greater time spent outdoors in the first year of life is associated with lower odds of MS.
A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.
Recent research reveals that endothelial cells produce all necessary coagulation proteins for thrombin generation, enabling the clotting process to occur on their surfaces. This finding shifts our understanding of blood clot development and treatment strategies.
The COVID-19 pandemic drove significant advancements in pharmaceutical technology, with mRNA-based vaccines proving highly effective. Oral antiviral pills, such as Merck's molnupiravir and Pfizer's PF-0732133, showed promise in reducing hospitalization and death rates among unvaccinated individuals.
A new study links the composition of gut microbiome before infection to HIV susceptibility and progression. Men who contracted HIV in the early days of the pandemic had a greater relative abundance of pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory gut microbes, which contributed to their increased risk of developing AIDS.
The study found that the ban of heating oil #6 was effective in reducing fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in NYC. The reductions were independent of other sources of air pollution, suggesting a significant impact on public health outcomes.
Research by University of Kent and Nottingham Trent University found that video and text-based messaging apps have a negative effect on the mental wellbeing of young people over 16 during Covid-19 lockdowns. Despite this, face-to-face contact is positively associated with wellbeing compared to digital contact.
Research from Concordia University explores how celebrity marriages impact career prospects in the film industry. The study found that a spouse's professional network plays a crucial role in boosting career outcomes, particularly for women who face challenges in achieving career advancement.
Researchers found a specific phase of sleep after falling asleep that triples the chances of finding creative solutions, making it a potential tool for stimulating creativity in everyday life. This discovery opens a new field of study on brain mechanisms of creativity and challenges the common view of sleep as a waste of time.
A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Carlos Caldas has identified a way to predict treatment response in breast cancer patients before treatment begins. The research, published in Nature, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze tumor tissue and DNA/RNA profiles, providing a robust test for predicting therapy response.
A new study models India's climate change impact from varying emissions strategies during the COVID-19 recovery. The research finds that greener scenarios may drive a positive feedback loop, while extreme temperature and precipitation events are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency regardless of the emissions commitments.
A new study suggests that sun exposure may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis in children and young adults by up to 52%. Vitamin D levels are also found to be higher in individuals with increased sun exposure, which may play a role in protecting against autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh propose a new semester schedule that can reduce CO2 emissions by 167 tonnes, 4.2%, by starting a new semester on September 12 and extending the winter vacation period. This approach could be adapted for other universities globally.
A Korean research team has developed a catalyst and operating process that can produce carbon monoxide (CO) with high efficiency using flue gas level low-concentration CO2. The new technology increases CO productivity by inhibiting hydrogen production, making it economically feasible compared to noble metal catalysts.
Researchers develop novel CO2 capture method utilizing sunlight and modified sawdust, offering a low-energy solution for carbon sequestration. The process involves heating the sawdust to regenerate the CO2 absorbent, minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.
A new study found that chronic pesticide exposure has detrimental effects on soft-shell clam growth, condition, and feeding rates. The researchers monitored clams in laboratory conditions over 90 days, exposing them to environmentally relevant concentrations of four pesticides registered for use in forest management.
Scientists develop a configuration using two focal lenses in UAVs that halves flight time and improves accuracy. This approach allows for reduced image processing time and enhanced georeferencing, resulting in more accurate plant height calculations.
Researchers have discovered the internal soft tissues of an exceptionally preserved 20-million-year-old ammonite fossil using advanced imaging techniques. The study reveals that these ancient cephalopods used hyponomes to jet propel themselves through water, similar to modern squid and octopuses.
Researchers developed a new technology that tracks thousands of cells and determines the precise moment of death for any cell in the group. The approach was shown to work in rodent and human cells as well as within live zebrafish, and can be used to follow cells over weeks to months.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that coral reef restoration projects can lead to a healthy and functioning ecosystem through the soundscape, with increased fish sounds recorded on restored reefs. The study used acoustic recordings from 2018-2019 as part of the monitoring program for the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside are studying the keto and intermittent fasting diets on a molecular level, finding that women may metabolize fat differently than men. The study aims to understand why keto diet may not be effective for women and how it affects their overall health.
Scientists from German Cancer Research Center show that blocking a cytokine slows down the immune system and exhausts T cells, leading to a more severe course of leukemia. The study suggests that a moderate activation of immune cells may be key to success in cancer immunotherapies.
The study found that exercise induces expression of long noncoding RNA CYTOR, which enhances myogenic differentiation and improves muscle morphology and function in aged muscles. CYTOR also re-configures chromatin accessibility at binding sites of other genes, shedding light on its mechanisms.
The Solar Jet Hunter project, led by researchers at the University of Minnesota and supported by NASA, allows volunteers to identify solar jets in images captured over 11 years. By annotating images, citizen scientists contribute to a database that helps narrow down data on the Sun for further review.
Alphataxin, a small-molecule drug, has been shown to significantly suppress tumor growth in mouse models of kidney cancer, including those with lung metastasis. The treatment also increased the formation of CD4+ T cells, which is essential for the immune system's ability to kill tumor cells.
Researchers found that tides play a crucial role in modulating groundwater discharge and coastal salinity, especially during low rainfall periods. Heavy rains and tropical cyclones also impact submarine groundwater discharge, with significant effects on coastal ecosystems and aquaculture.
Scientists have identified a mechanism contributing to the tissue phenotypes of PMM2-CDG, a congenital disorder of glycosylation. Using a zebrafish model, researchers found that defects in N-cadherin processing lead to craniofacial and motility abnormalities.
A rare Jurassic fossil has provided new insights into the anatomy and functional morphology of ammonites. The study, which used cutting-edge imaging techniques, revealed paired muscles extending from the body mass for protection, and a swimming style termed jet propulsion.
A Rutgers-led study found that racial biases among health care providers may limit the number of Black women taking a daily pill to prevent HIV infection. The study also highlights how providers' racist beliefs can disadvantage Black women's access to PrEP, a medication up to 92% effective when taken correctly.
Seasonal air pollution may contribute to asthma emergency department visits even in areas with generally low pollutant levels. The study used Bayesian time-stratified case-crossover models to examine associations between air pollution and asthma seasons.
Researchers propose a method using optical cavities to enhance atom interferometers, enabling extreme momentum transfer for detecting dark matter and gravitational waves. This could facilitate breakthroughs in fundamental physics and future applications.
A new study predicts that future tsunamis will become more destructive as sea levels rise, particularly in the US West Coast. Rising sea levels will amplify tsunami heights even from smaller earthquakes, making coastal cities more vulnerable to devastation.
Researchers have discovered ancient DNA in soil samples from the Yukon, revealing that mammoths and North American horses persisted until as recently as 5,000 years ago. The findings provide new insights into the population dynamics of megafauna and challenge previous beliefs about their extinction.
Researchers identify a molecular culprit for COVID-19's seasonal nature, finding a galectin-like structure on the spike protein that responds to external seasonal patterns. This discovery could help predict future mutations and potentially pave the way for new therapeutics or vaccines.