Researchers at Lancaster University have demonstrated that the recent observation of field effect in superconductors can be explained by a simple mechanism involving electron injection. The team's findings unambiguously refute the claim of novel physics behind the phenomenon.
A new AI tool developed by NYU Langone Health can accurately predict which COVID-19 patients are most likely to develop life-threatening complications within four days, using chest X-ray images and other clinical data. The tool achieved an 80% accuracy rate in predicting patients who required intensive care or died from their infections.
Researchers at Hiroshima University engineered a new strain of heat-loving bacteria that thrive in high temperatures and produce acetone efficiently. This breakthrough could simplify and cost-effectively replace traditional methods for producing acetone, paving the way for more sustainable biofuel production.
A new study by Drexel University found that parks were not only safe but essential for people seeking respite from social isolation during the pandemic. Despite early concerns about park usage contributing to COVID-19 transmission, researchers discovered no strong correlation between park use and local case numbers.
Researchers visualized and studied white matter pathways in human brains developing in the womb using advanced medical imaging. The study provides a detailed understanding of normal developmental trajectories of white matter tracts, which will help inform treatment strategies for diseases affecting preterm infants.
The special issue explores the subtopics of in vivo fate of drug nanocarriers through review and research articles. Featured papers discuss intracellular uptake, impact of particle size and pH on protein corona formation, and in vivo dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs.
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences extracted the proton mass radius from experimental data, finding it to be 0.67 ± 0.03 femtometers, which is smaller than the charge radius.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have created an atomic-scale ion transistor that can selectively transport ions faster than in bulk water. The device achieves this through electrically gated graphene channels, allowing for highly switchable ultrafast ion transport.
Fadie Coleman, assistant professor of medical sciences and education at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2021 Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching. She is recognized for her innovative strategies to prepare undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds for success in the biomedical/STEM workforce.
Researchers are studying the integration of smart vehicles with smart cities, exploring computing paradigms such as vehicular cloud computing and vehicular fog computing. The goal is to create efficient, safe, and economical transportation systems that can adapt to real-time applications.
A new study found that more college students change majors within the STEM pipeline than leave the career path altogether. Students often switch to a field they find more attractive, highlighting the importance of understanding their motivations.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that sevoflurane can cause tau to leave neurons and enter microglia, stimulating inflammation and cognitive impairment. The study suggests that inhibiting tau phosphorylation or extracellular vesicle generation could prevent this tau spreading.
Scientists have developed a new optogenetic tool using a mosquito-derived light-sensitive protein to investigate brain communication pathways. The researchers found that the protein enables precise control over specific neurons, allowing them to decipher neurotransmitter messages.
The US Geological Survey, University of Washington and Washington Emergency Management District activate the ShakeAlert system on May 4, sending advance warning of impending earthquakes to millions of people. The system provides seconds to minutes of warning time for earthquakes above magnitude 4.5 or 5.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology reports delayed localized injection-site reactions to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in 16 patients. The authors highlight this finding as a potential side effect of the vaccine, emphasizing the importance of monitoring for such reactions.
A new species of giant mosasaur, Pluridens serpentis, was discovered in Morocco, showcasing the high diversity of marine life during the Cretaceous period. The fossil found evidence of a unique sensory system, suggesting that the mosasaur used changes in water pressure to detect prey.
Researchers at Max Born Institute created and annihilated skyrmions using laser pulses, demonstrating precise control over their density. The process has potential for use in stochastic computing, enabling fast and energy-efficient data storage and processing.
A research team from the University of Münster has identified a new mechanism regulating cell growth in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), which affects one in 10,000 newborns. The study reveals how mutations can disrupt protein binding through a 'burr effect', leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumour formation.
Elephant seals spend 80% of their day foraging for fish, feeding between 1,000 and 2,000 times per day. Their unique foraging strategy can help monitor the health of the mesopelagic zone, a critical ecosystem expected to undergo substantial changes by the end of the century.
Scientists at the University of Surrey detail how they measure metabolite fluxes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, crucial for understanding its survival and developing effective treatments. This breakthrough could accelerate progress towards eliminating tuberculosis globally.
A pilot clinical trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound stimulation in reducing COVID-19-related inflammation. The study, called UNITE Study, will recruit 40 patients with severe symptoms and compare the treatment group's recovery time to a control group receiving standard medical care.
Researchers found a clear relationship between COVID-19 mitigation measures and reduced flu cases in countries like Canada, the US, Australia, and Brazil. The absence of a 2020-21 flu season demonstrates the effectiveness of hand-washing, masking, and social distancing in limiting virus transmission.
Researchers analyzed registry data to examine the characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe sunburns in Australia and New Zealand. The study found a higher risk of complications and mortality among these patients, highlighting the need for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
Harvard researchers develop a stable solid-state lithium battery that can be charged and discharged at least 10,000 times, increasing the lifetime of electric vehicles to 10-15 years. The battery's multilayer design prevents dendrite growth, allowing for high current density and quick charging.
A team at the University of Michigan has developed a material that boosts magnetostriction, allowing for more energy-efficient computing devices. The material could lead to significant reductions in electricity requirements and improve magnetic sensors for medical and security devices.
The RAPID technology uses electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein and provides 90% accurate results in four minutes. The test is inexpensive, scalable, and can be read on a benchtop instrument or smartphone, extending reliable COVID-19 testing to remote areas.
The study reveals that thick and rough solid-liquid interfaces facilitate rapid crystal growth by breaking up disorder. Disordered states are inherently unstable mechanically, leading to a domino-like chain reaction of crystal growth.
Lemon trees showed a lower molecular response to the citrus greening disease pathogen Liberibacter asiaticus compared to orange trees. This may be due to accumulated micronutrients and upregulated protease inhibitors in lemons, which hinder photosynthesis. The study's findings could aid in developing resistant citrus varieties.
The study evaluates the validity of diagnostic criteria for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in children, revealing age-dependent symptom patterns. The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria were found to be high, with notable differences in presentation between pediatric and adult patients.
Researchers at TU Darmstadt created an interactive typeface, AdaptiFont, that adjusts font styles to increase reading speed. The system uses machine learning to generate personalized fonts based on individual users' preferences.
A new study by West Virginia University researcher Jonathan Busada found that testosterone can help regulate the immune response and prevent stomach inflammation. The study suggests that androgens may act as a 'brake pedal' on the immune system, protecting men from chronic inflammatory diseases such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosi...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed an internet-delivered CBT programme that significantly reduces social anxiety and comorbid psychiatric symptoms in young people with SAD. The digital format increases accessibility and reduces therapist time, making it a cost-effective option.
A new method called Progressive Mechanoporation enables the efficient delivery of genes, drugs, and other substances into cells. This is achieved by passing cells through a special polymer biochip with microchannels that create pores in the cell membrane, allowing molecules to pass through.
Researchers developed a gold leaf electrode system that sensitively detects human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA using CRISPR-based assay. The method is simple, affordable and adaptable to detect other viral infections, addressing a need for diagnostic tests in low-resource settings.
A study of 92 adolescents found that girls are more likely to develop high blood pressure and dyslipidemia associated with obesity. The researchers believe personalized treatment is needed due to differences in hormone and neuropeptide profiles between girls and boys, regardless of weight and age.
A study found that pink drinks can increase exercise performance by 4.4%, making participants feel more efficient while running. This is attributed to a potential placebo effect, where the drink's color influences perceived sweetness and pleasure.
Researchers have designed a new drug compound that effectively blocks a critical step in the malaria parasite life cycle, trapping it in the cell and preventing its replication. The compound works by blocking an enzyme called SUB1, which is crucial for the parasite's exit route from red blood cells.
A recent study found that environmental enrichment leads to specific epigenetic changes in the mouse brain, activating a minority of genes involved in cognition and mental health. These changes may inform future research on therapies for mental health disorders.
A Canadian survey found that a significant proportion of cardiology trainees are uncomfortable with using telemedicine, highlighting the need for better preparation and supervision. Experts propose developing a telemedicine curriculum to address this educational gap and ensure trainees can provide high-quality virtual outpatient care.
UCLA Health has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to scale healthcare innovations for COVID-19 response and recovery. The grant will support the Los Angeles Response to COVID (LA-R2C) Accelerator, aiming to address health equity through novel health technologies.
A new AI model precisely replicates human touchscreen typing by simulating eye and finger movements, making it easier to optimize keyboard designs for better typing. The model can also account for different user types, including those with motor impairments, to develop personalized typing aids.
Researchers developed a brand reputation tracker that can monitor changes in brand reputation over time using artificial intelligence-based text analysis of social media posts. The tracker accurately reflected major brand events, such as changes in Facebook's reputation after the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center discovered that acral nevi have a distinct mutation profile compared to acral melanoma, with activating mutations in the BRAF gene being very common in acral nevi. The study found that only 10% of patients had activating mutations in the NRAS gene.
This survey study estimated US children and adolescents who received medical care due to assault, abuse, or violence. The study found that approximately 9% of children aged 2-17 experienced violence-related injury or death.
A recent study published in Ecography reveals that mobile apps can uncover macroecological patterns similar to those derived from long-term inventory data. The Flora Incognita app, which uses AI for plant identification, provides valuable datasets on environmental conditions, despite user behavior influencing the data.
Researchers have created a software that can decode brain signals to translate mental handwriting into text on a computer screen. The technology, called 'mindwriting,' has been tested on a man with full-body paralysis and achieved speeds of over 18 words per minute, rivaling those of able-bodied peers.
Researchers have developed a bicyclic peptide that binds to and inhibits the oncogenic protein beta-catenin, which is associated with certain types of tumor. The peptide's unique hairpin shape and cyclic nature mimic natural protein structures, making it an attractive starting point for developing new antitumor drugs.
Researchers at NUS have created a new class of intelligent materials that can adapt their properties depending on changes in their surroundings. These smart materials show promise for targeted drug delivery and could also be used in artificial muscles and energy storage applications.
The study suggests that the islanders' strict separation into independent sub-groups helped maintain cultural diversity. This pattern is attributed to the finite population size and localized community structures.
Researchers found that low-to-mid latitude land surfaces cooled by an average of 5.8°C during the Last Glacial Maximum, contradicting previous estimates. The study's findings suggest a higher climate sensitivity to greenhouse gases and potentially stronger future global warming.
A new study found that academic skills are the least valuable characteristic when assessing an ideal university student. The most important dimensions include diligence and engagement, organisation and discipline, and a positive outlook.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a 125μm×245μm Gen2-compatible RFID chip, the world's smallest of its kind. The smaller chip size enables mass production and reduces costs to under one cent per tag.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that standing dead trees in coastal wetland forests, known as ghost forests, emit significant greenhouse gases. The study, published in Biogeochemistry, reveals that snags increase overall ecosystem GHG emissions by about 25%.
A team of UChicago chemists has developed a way to easily edit molecule structures, paving the way for faster and more efficient chemical discoveries. This breakthrough method allows for direct nitrogen deletion from molecules, bypassing traditional intermediate steps.
A study published in Nature reveals that early life is critical for setting up surveillance mechanisms to keep good bacteria in check. The immune system learns to recognize and distinguish between good and bad bacteria, which helps prevent chronic inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease.
A team of researchers has discovered the dominant mechanism behind the formation of formic acid in the atmosphere, a key contributor to air acidity. The study reveals that formaldehyde reacts with water molecules to produce methanediol, which then oxidizes to form formic acid.
Geochemical evidence contradicts historical accounts by Herodotus and Diodorus Siculus, showing that Himera's soldiers were mostly local during the first battle but increased non-Greek mercenaries in the second. The study provides new insights into ancient Greek military forces and migration patterns.
Scientists have uncovered the molecular structure of three major complexes of glutamate receptors in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and learning. The discovery has significant implications for treating epilepsy and seizure disorders, as it enables the development of targeted drugs to modulate specific receptor activity.
A recent study found that 66% of commercial kefir products overstated microorganism density and 80% contained unlabeled bacterial species. The researchers highlight the need for better quality control to understand kefir's potential health benefits.
A new study has found a reduced risk of eye cataracts associated with obesity surgery. Patients who underwent weight loss through bariatric surgery showed a lower incidence of cataract compared to those who did not have surgery, especially when performed before age 60.