Researchers identified conserved parts of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus that triggered strong and effective immune responses. These responses can be harnessed for a universal flu vaccine targeting stable, conserved areas of the HA protein.
Researchers at Boston University developed a new method to predict language recovery in Hispanic patients using computer models of the brain. The breakthrough could be a game changer for speech therapy and stroke survivors impacted by aphasia.
Researchers found that global warming is causing changes to the Arabian Sea upwelling, which could impact commercial fishing, regional climate, and socioeconomics. The study used coral fossils to analyze seawater temperature and salinity changes over a 1,000-year period.
The study found that tactile stimuli are detected faster when sound approaches from any direction, but not when it recedes. This suggests that peripersonal representations exist with approaching sound, regardless of direction, implying a nearly circular shape around the body's trunk.
The nTIDE May 2021 report indicates improvements in employment-to-population ratios for working-age individuals with and without disabilities. Notably, the labor force participation rate for people with disabilities remained stable despite pandemic-related disruptions, showcasing their resilience and continued engagement in the workforce.
MSU researchers have discovered how the skin's immune cells organize themselves in the epidermis to provide proper protection. The discovery sheds light on the skin's defense system, which was previously misunderstood and thought to be random in its distribution.
A recent UNC-Chapel Hill study found that explicitly stating a person's preferred pronouns can improve understanding and interpretation of those pronouns. The study showed that participants were more likely to correctly interpret singular 'they' pronouns when they were explicitly told a person uses they/them pronouns.
A new study reveals that a specific antibody molecule, missing fucose, can indicate when dengue virus infection will become deadly. Patients with severe disease have unusually high levels of these antibodies, which bind too strongly to white blood cells, leading to inflammation and platelet destruction.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted researchers to develop a remote lab exercise teaching students how to use micropipettes. The 'Remote Laboratory Exercise' kit, costing $135 per student, contained equipment and reagents for practicing technique remotely.
The June edition of SLAS Technology features protocols for controlled cell seeding, splitting and expansion of human fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cells, and neural progenitor cells. Researchers have made significant improvements in forming complex 3D structures but face challenges in automating assay protocols.
Researchers developed a novel crystalline form of silicon with a hexagonal structure that can potentially be used to create high-performance electronic and energy devices. This discovery opens the door to exciting future research prospects for tuning optical and electronic properties through strain engineering and elemental substitution.
Researchers discovered that songbirds have fine control over their songs, including frequency control below one Hertz, and can activate single muscle fibers simultaneously. This high level of control is crucial for female attraction and speciation.
A new study from Michigan State University found that infants' gut microbiomes are associated with their fear responses, which can be indicators of future mental health. The researchers discovered that specific features of the gut microbiome, such as uneven balances of bacteria, were linked to stronger fear reactions.
A new study led by CABI reveals that women play a crucial role in contract farming and the food value chain, but face significant barriers to participation. The research highlights the need for gender-inclusive approaches to promote equality and shared decision-making amongst men and women.
College students who engage in four or more high-impact practices have a 70% chance of finding a full-time job after graduation, according to a new University at Buffalo study. These practices include internships, study abroad, undergraduate research, and more.
Researchers at George Mason University discovered that the over-the-counter drink Respiratory Detox Shot (RDS) may broadly inhibit respiratory viruses such as influenza. RDS contains nine herbal ingredients traditionally used in Eastern medicine to manage lung diseases.
A biomarker based on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) can predict the likelihood of bowel cancer recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy. The test measures ctDNA levels before and after treatment to provide real-time information on chemotherapy effectiveness.
Researchers re-animated a 70-year-old fungus that causes coffee wilt to understand its evolution and spread. By studying the fungus's genes, they identified how it acquired traits to infect specific coffee varieties, shedding light on potential prevention methods.
University of Houston researcher Beau Alward aims to use African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni to study social disorders like autism. He plans to utilize CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to create a genetic model of social dysfunction, allowing for a more precise understanding of genes involved.
Researchers developed a method to enhance collection efficiency of single QDs using 3D printed micro-lenses, achieving intensity enhancements up to 2.1 and 26% in fibre-coupling validation. A standalone fibre-coupled device was also realised, opening the route to stable stand-alone devices.
A study from the University of Kansas found that the speech-to-song illusion occurs in adults 55 and older at similar rates as younger people, with no difference in perception or intensity. The findings suggest that older adults may not experience a decline in cognitive abilities related to this phenomenon.
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the annual circulation patterns of influenza and the common cold. Expanded genomic and clinical surveillance is necessary to understand post-COVID-19 transmission patterns of these pathogens.
Astronomers used High Energy Stereoscopic System to observe gamma ray burst GRB 190829A's afterglow, detecting emission at several tera-electronvolts. The results show similar spectral properties and decay profiles to x-ray emission, contradicting current emission models for gamma ray bursts.
A new study reveals that juvenile-adult differences shield ecological communities from collapse. The research shows that variations within species are crucial for community stability, leading to the stabilization of ecosystems. Differences in size and growth rates between juveniles and adults contribute to these effects.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in pregnancy and birth rates, with increased cesarean deliveries and emergency C-sections reported during lockdowns. Researchers analyzed electronic medical records to estimate the impact of lockdown measures on reproductive health.
A new study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles aims to identify biomarkers of early-life stress using precision medicine. The goal is to improve early screening for adverse childhood experiences, which can increase a child's risk for developmental delays and health challenges later in life.
Researchers developed a machine learning technique to detect North Atlantic right whales by listening for their sounds underwater. The technology can remove unwanted noises, increasing the reliability of detecting right whales in adverse conditions, and offers hope for the species' survival and population increase.
Researchers analyzed tumor microenvironment of 26 patients with metastatic melanoma to identify patient response in advance of therapy. They found that specific immune cells, such as DC3s, are associated with improved overall survival and active T cell immune response.
Researchers confirm lionfish have invaded Brazilian waters, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems and species. The invasive fish can disrupt ecosystems and disperse quickly due to their broad diet and unique hunting style.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a novel crystal that allows hydrogels to rapidly recover from mechanical stress, making them suitable for medical applications. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for sports injuries and joint pain.
A study by Florida Atlantic University quantifies the optimal mangrove root hydrodynamic with a predictive model, providing insight into sediment transport and erosion processes. The research suggests that optimizing porosity can mitigate coastal erosion and promote biodiversity.
A new meta-analysis of 215 COVID-19 studies reveals a wide range of ways the virus affects mental health and brain function. Common symptoms include fatigue, loss of smell, depression, anxiety, and headaches, even in mild cases, suggesting that mental health impacts may be more prevalent than expected.
Engineers at MIT have developed the first digital fiber that can store, analyze, and infer physical activity, revolutionizing textiles for performance monitoring, medical inference, and disease detection. The fiber is thin, flexible, and can be sewn into fabrics without breaking down, opening up new possibilities for fabrics.
A new algorithm allows solving applied problems like electrodynamics and hydrodynamics with a significant time gain of up to 50%. The method uses asynchronous processes and non-overlapping subdomains, providing accurate results with less computation time.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers investigated mining-related deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon to see if formalizing and legalizing these operations could reduce their negative effects. The study found that while formalization has potential, it needs enforcement and regulations to match the local context.
A new study in Wales has found that social isolation, domestic abuse, and relationship problems are strongly linked to suicidal thoughts, while hope for the future and high levels of resilience can mitigate these effects. The survey of over 12,000 people revealed that several stressors contribute to increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
Researchers developed a new EBSD-based method to determine enantiomorph distribution in polycrystalline materials, including the chiral elemental structure β-Mn. This simplifies the preparation of materials with defined handedness.
Postpartum women in bad romantic relationships are more likely to suffer symptoms of depression and have lower heart rate variability (HRV), which can impact long-term wellness and mortality. Research shows a clear link between relationship quality during pregnancy and postpartum depression and HRV.
Researchers discovered that mockingbirds use specific compositional strategies to create complex melodies, including changing timbre, pitch, stretching transitions, and squeezing them. These techniques are also used by human composers across various musical styles.
Xiaosheng Zhang received the $1,500 grand prize for his outstanding work on a silicon photonics focal plane switch array for optical beam steering. He will present his research at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition in June.
MIT Professor Kate Kellogg advocates for 'experimentalist governance' to find what works best for employees at all levels, then implement it widely. This approach helps overcome participation, threshold, and free rider problems associated with digital technology implementation.
Autistic children who are bilingual show improved theory of mind and executive function skills compared to monolingual peers. Bilingualism enables children to partially compensate for deficits in these areas, allowing them to focus on one language while inhibiting another.
Researchers discovered that immune cells from the skull bone marrow guard the brain and spinal cord, while others arrive from the bloodstream, carrying genetic signatures that may promote autoimmunity. This finding could inform understanding and treatment of brain disorders such as neuro-COVID, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Two international studies analyzing Antarctic ice cores found warmer temperatures in East Antarctica during the last ice age, with temperatures averaging 6.1 degrees Celsius colder than today. The findings better match global climate models and strengthen confidence in their ability to simulate Earth's climate.
Researchers found that patients with dementia and especially Alzheimer's are three times more likely to die from COVID-19. The risk is six times greater for those over 80. Chronic inflammatory conditions or defective immune responses may contribute to the increased vulnerability of these patients.
Scientists identified conolidine's interaction with ACKR3/CXCR7, a novel opioid receptor, to increase analgesic activity and block pain relief-dampening effects. A synthetic analogue, RTI-5152-12, was developed to enhance pharmacological properties.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new prototype software to facilitate pattern-making in foundation paper piecing quilting. The algorithm is based on a graph structure called a hypergraph and allows users to design patterns without having to consider the geometry, ordering, and constraints of the technique.
Researchers at Samara Polytech systematized main transformation pathways of o-quinone methides into chromene and chromanes. The review article highlights compounds of interest for medical chemistry.
Researchers at NTU and Rice University have discovered the key to h-BN's extraordinary toughness, which can withstand ten times more force than graphene. The team found that the unique chemical composition of h-BN causes cracks to branch off their path, making it less likely to fracture.
Wenxin Liu's research aims to improve the reliability of naval ships' power systems using advanced algorithmic design and hardware experimentation. He believes that his work has implications for civilian microgrid technology, which could lead to more efficient and flexible power distribution networks.
Researchers created a new qubit by manipulating hole spins in a germanium layer, enabling faster processing speeds and reduced magnetic field requirements. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient quantum computers combining semiconductors and superconductors.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a predictive model using tumor biomarkers and imaging parameters to forecast chemotherapy response. The model's accuracy reaches 0.94, allowing for early adjustments to treatment plans and reduced use of toxic chemotherapy drugs.
A comprehensive study has identified over a dozen existing drugs with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, including four FDA-approved drugs and nine experimental compounds. The research suggests that these drugs could be repurposed as oral treatments for COVID-19 and may work in combination to enhance their effectiveness.
Researchers reprogrammed synthetic E. coli with multiple nonstandard amino acids to exhibit viral resistance. This breakthrough enables the creation of designer proteins with innovative properties.
Simulations show domino effects at up to 2°C global warming, increasing risk of irreversible climate change. Rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is indispensable to limit risks of crossing tipping points.
A new study uses cultural data to inform gray wolf recovery efforts in the US, highlighting Colorado's supportive social environment for wolf reintroduction. The research reveals a shift towards mutualism, where people view animals as companions and part of their social networks.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that the inner core's asymmetric growth explains a long-standing mystery about iron crystals' orientation. The study suggests the core may be only 500 million years old, contradicting previous estimates and shedding light on Earth's magnetic field history.
Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for extracellular matrices, become diseased in fibrosis. Researchers create 3D hydrogels that mimic living tissue to study fibrosis progression and epigenetic responses.
Researchers found that diet can alter the breast microbiome to affect breast cancer risk. The study, published in Cancer Research, showed that a high-fat diet led to more aggressive tumors and reduced effectiveness of fish oil supplements.
Researchers used standardized reporting of clinical data to determine the most effective methods for controlling seizures in pediatric epilepsy patients. The study found that using telemedicine had no impact on seizure frequencies and that certain patient demographics were more likely to experience worsening seizures.