Researchers have discovered new genetic variants responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. These variants affect chromatin remodeling genes, leading to abnormalities in brain function and development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of preterm birth and stillbirth increased in Ontario, Canada. The study found that the surge in maternal anxiety and stress during the pandemic contributed to these adverse outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that low levels of N-acetylglucosamine are associated with progressive MS, clinical disability and neurodegeneration. The simple sugar may serve as a biomarker and promote myelin repair, offering potential new avenues for treating the disease.
A University of Alberta study finds that brown bears who rub against trees more often tend to have more offspring and more mates. The research team analyzed bear hair samples from over 900 rub sites and found a correlation between tree-grating behavior and reproductive success.
Researchers found that earthworm guts have lower numbers and relative abundances of antibiotic-resistance genes compared to surrounding soils. The earthworms' unique gut environment may destroy ARGs or outcompete bacteria hosting them, suggesting a potential role in natural bioremediation.
Michigan State University scientists are breeding heat-resistant tepary beans to address global food security concerns. By leveraging the genetics of the tepary bean, researchers aim to create beans that can thrive in challenging climates and provide essential nutrients for vulnerable populations.
Researchers have developed biofabricated muscle substitutes that can restore significantly injured skeletal muscles with unprecedented efficiency. These biocompatible gel-like structures mimic the native muscle structure and can be created using 3D bioprinting, allowing for faster and more effective recovery from severe muscle mass loss.
A novel graphene nanoribbon sensor has been developed to detect atoms and molecules, utilizing the quantum mechanical tunnelling effect. The sensor's sensitivity is particularly strong when adsorbates accumulate on its surface.
Research at Washington State University found that petting therapy dogs enhanced executive functioning in stressed-out college students, particularly those at risk of mental health issues. The study, published in AERA Open, demonstrated long-lasting cognitive benefits up to six weeks after program completion.
Researchers found that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds could understand novel vocalizations for 30 different meanings, including animate and inanimate entities, actions, properties, and quantifiers. The study suggests iconic vocalisations may have played a crucial role in the creation of original spoken words.
A new study has identified a link between a genetic variation called omentin and cardiometabolic health, specifically among Asian Indian participants. The researchers found that the role of adiponectin, an obesity-related biomarker, was linked to cardiovascular disease markers independent of common and central obesity.
A study found that obese people with an evening chronotype, characterized by later waking and peak activity, have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This increased risk is independent of sleep quality, age, gender, and body mass index.
A team of researchers has developed a machine-learning artificial intelligence tool that can assess strokes at smaller regional facilities. The technology uses CT angiography scans, which are more widely available than advanced imaging used in larger academic centers.
Researchers applied glide symmetry to dual-strip SSPP TLs, achieving flexible control of modal fields and significant suppression of coupling. This design enables compact circuits with improved signal integrity and low crosstalk.
The Locomotion Vault project provides a central, freely-available resource to analyze various virtual reality locomotion techniques. Researchers and developers can use the interactive database to inform decisions about the best approach for their application, while also identifying gaps where future investigation might be necessary.
Researchers found that using backyard resources to raise animals and grow soybeans can offset up to 50% of household protein consumption. Soybeans are the most efficient option, providing 80-160% of demand when prepared as edamame.
Research by Swansea University highlights the importance of taking a wider approach to wellbeing influenced by issues like inequality and climate change. The study presents a transdisciplinary framework to understand and improve wellbeing, emphasizing the need for focused efforts to tackle societal challenges.
A US study suggests that delaying the second dose of COVID-19 vaccines for people under 65 could result in lower mortality rates, with estimates suggesting a 20% reduction in deaths. The strategy is optimal when vaccine efficacy from one dose is 80% or higher and vaccination rates are low.
A recent case study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers provides evidence that medical marijuana may be an effective treatment for patients with chronic itch. The team found that THC, a compound in cannabis, attaches to brain receptors and reduces inflammation, leading to a reduction in skin sensations such as itchiness.
Researchers found that Salmonella bacteria cannot penetrate through strawberry roots and reach the fruit, making it an unlikely dietary risk factor. Effective methods for preventing surface contamination, such as drip irrigation and proper handling during harvesting, can further reduce the risk of contamination.
A portable, rapid testing platform can detect gonorrhea infections and determine antibiotic resistance in under 15 minutes. The platform's speed and low cost could combat the spread of drug-resistant strains and improve timely diagnoses for patients with gonorrhea or other STIs.
The new method streamlines DNA production by automating the synthesis of phosphoramidites, eliminating manual labor and storage issues. This breakthrough has significant implications for disease identification, drug manufacturing, and other medical applications.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown way that gut microbes interact with the immune system, raising questions about what goes awry in autoimmune disease. The thymus organ plays a crucial role in educating T cells about self and non-self markers, but surprisingly, it gives gut bacteria the green light.
A study published in Nature found that ancient people's gut microbiomes were more diverse and had fewer antibiotic-resistant genes compared to modern populations. The research suggests that a more diverse diet and lifestyle may have contributed to this difference.
A new study reveals that people often forget their preferred options and choose less-preferred ones due to imperfect memories. Researchers used fMRI scans and decision-making experiments to understand how memory impacts decisions.
Researchers at Scripps Research have unveiled an innovative Ebola virus vaccine design that stimulates a better protective immune response. The new approach involves tethering copies of the Ebola virus outer spike protein to a spherical carrier particle, resulting in a more stable and realistic-looking virus particle.
Researchers analyzed overdose deaths before and after the initial COVID-19 shelter-in-place order to identify potential changes in fatal overdose patterns. The study found that certain characteristics of fatal overdoses did change during this time, which could inform future prevention efforts.
Racist attacks against Asian Americans have increased notably since the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many to reevaluate their careers in the US. The Biden administration hopes to revise immigration policies and retain international scientists, but awareness and tolerance remain uncertain for the Asian community.
David Moutard, a Wayne State University graduate student, has been selected to participate in the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. He will conduct research at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and study transient astronomical events, including supernovae and tidal disruption events.
Researchers discovered that symbiotic bacteria stimulate root hair growth and produce ethylene, a plant growth hormone, in root cells. This process enhances nutrient supply and makes crops more resistant to oxidative stresses, including heat, soil salt, heavy metals, and climate change.
Politecnico di Milano researchers used neural networks to predict the acoustic behavior of violin plates based on geometric parameters. The results showed an accuracy close to 98%, enabling luthiers to design and build violins with optimal sound quality, exploring new designs and materials.
Researchers discovered that users respond differently to AI systems asking for personal info when offered help versus asking for help themselves. Help-seeking AIs gained more trust and increased intentions to share personal info. The study suggests designing AIs to increase user awareness of personal info importance.
A phase 1 study found that combining cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analogue, with semaglutide led to greater weight loss compared to semaglutide alone. The combination was well-tolerated and showed an acceptable safety profile.
The Regenstrief Institute emphasizes the importance of algorithmic performance in healthcare, highlighting the need for systematic surveillance and vigilance to address inherent biases. Studies have shown that debiasing methods can help address disparities represented in data used to develop AI approaches.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a model for studying uterine fluid in the lab without invasive monitoring or experimentation during active pregnancies. The discovery paves the way for precision medicine approaches to maintaining healthy pregnancies and detecting potential complications.
A new brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed to restore communication in people with spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders. The system uses mental handwriting to record brain activity, allowing participants to compose sentences and communicate at a speed comparable to typing on a smartphone.
Researchers developed functional interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy (fiDWS) to measure brain blood flow and activation noninvasively. The technology uses near-infrared light and has been shown to be faster and more accurate than existing methods, with applications in diagnosing strokes and monitoring brain injuries.
The conference presents novel findings on associations between physical activity and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease, as well as the effect of loneliness on lifestyle modification in heart patients. Experts share top tips on supporting behavior change and motivating patients to maintain self-care.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that surgically placing tympanostomy tubes in young children does not reduce recurrent ear infections compared to oral antibiotics. The trial also showed no increased bacterial resistance among children treated with antibiotics.
Researchers discovered that the ZAR1 resistosome forms pentameric oligomers in plant cell membranes, triggering sustained calcium ion influx and immune signaling events. This activation initiates cell death and is dependent on the activity of the calcium-permeable ion channel.
Researchers have successfully used a brain-computer interface to record brain signals associated with handwriting and create text on a computer in real time. The system allows individuals with severe speech or motor impairments to communicate rapidly and accurately, with a trial participant typing at a rate of 90 characters per minute.
KAIST researchers have developed a deep learning approach to accurately determine the 3D surface atomic structure of nanoparticles. The method enhances precision by nearly 70% and improves surface atom identification, enabling the study of catalytic properties at the atomic scale.
A research team has developed a platinum-free biocatalyst that efficiently produces hydrogen using electricity and generates electricity from hydrogen. The enzyme system is embedded in a polymer film, making it viable for industrial use, with potential applications in fuel cells and water electrolysis.
A study by Ohio State University found that kindergartners from low-income families spent an average of 6.6 hours a day on screens, nearly double the pre-pandemic level. This excessive screen time was partly due to caregivers' difficulties in managing their children's time during the pandemic.
Researchers found that the major source of microbes in aerosols came from dental irrigant, with saliva contributing minimally. The study's findings suggest that current infection control practices are adequately robust to protect personnel and patients.
A dengue virus vaccine candidate has produced a protective immune response in infected mice, offering a promising alternative to existing vaccines. The UQ-developed vaccine uses an Australian insect virus and can be administered via a microarray patch for easy, needle-free delivery.
Museums have successfully adapted to the pandemic by offering online exhibitions, featuring behind-the-scenes videos, podcasts, and virtual tours. However, researchers warn that there is a need for staff to develop digital skills to manage this new era of engagement.
Researchers developed three scenarios to achieve Indonesia's CPO productivity target of 60 M t by 2035. The business-as-usual scenario requires significant land expansion, while the other two intensification scenarios focus on increasing existing productivity and targeted expansion to avoid high-C peatlands.
Researchers at UToledo are developing new technology for early detection and management of harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. The project aims to improve water quality from source to tap using advanced monitoring sensors and nature-inspired biological treatment methods.
A new low-cost, environmentally friendly sensor has been developed by University of Limerick researchers that can detect damage in pipelines and leaks as small as 2mm. The sensor uses highly sensitive eco-friendly crystals and has the potential to save water and reduce environmental impact.
A recently discovered letter by Albert Einstein discusses a link between physics and biology, suggesting new discoveries could come from studying animal senses. Researchers have now found that recent studies on migratory birds support Einstein's thinking, which was first proposed 72 years ago.
A new computational method enables researchers to design functional magnonic devices in a shorter time, overcoming traditional limitations. The approach uses inverse design and intelligent algorithms to create devices with multiple functionalities.
A pilot study found that micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injection provides significant and long-lasting pain relief for wheelchair users with chronic shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff disease. The study showed encouraging results, with nearly 80% of participants experiencing a meaningful decrease in pain symptoms.
UK's COVID-19 travel plan will allow new variants to enter the country, says virologists. Researchers warn that resuming international air travel poses a risk to controlling virus transmission and tackling climate change.
Researchers at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian are using a $2.8 million grant to test their theory that astronomy can be an early gateway to attract youth to STEM fields. The program, YouthAstroNet, has already shown positive results in increasing interest and confidence among students from underrepresented groups.
A new study of over 4,400 Illinois adolescents found that youths with diverse gender identities are bullied at rates double or triple those of their male and female peers. Gender-expansive youths experienced disproportionately higher rates of verbal abuse, cyberbullying, and physical violence.
A national report from UNH's CCRC found that 1.4 million children and teens visit medical facilities for violence-related treatment each year. Most visits were to treat injuries, but some were to document harms or seek supportive help for problems like bullying.
A recent study published in The BMJ analyzed global data from over 303,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, highlighting significant heterogeneity in drug therapy choice. Adjunctive therapies, such as corticosteroids and anti-cytokines, emerged as popular forms of management for supportive care.
A Mayo Clinic study reports on the first 100 patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome, experiencing symptoms like fatigue, respiratory complaints, and neurologic issues. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to prepare for prolonged symptoms and provide effective treatment, including psychosocial support.
Researchers discovered a correlation between decreased Rbbp7 levels and increased tau protein tangle formation in Alzheimer's brains. Restoring Rbbp7 levels reversed tangle formation and cell loss, offering a new avenue for effective treatments.