Researchers found that intense volcanic activity led to a surge in phosphorus levels, driving ocean oxygen levels down and triggering a severe mass extinction. The study suggests that natural weathering of volcanic material may have been responsible for the sudden cooling events.
Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology discovered a way to create a stable resonator using two parallel gold flakes in a salty aqueous solution. The structure can be manipulated and used as a chamber for investigating materials and their behavior, with potential applications in physics, biosensors, and nanorobotics.
A UK trial shows six different COVID-19 boosters are safe and stimulate strong immune responses in people who have previously received a two-dose course of ChAdOx1-nCov19 or BNT162b2, according to the first randomised trial of boosters given after two doses. The study found varying levels of protection against COVID-19 infection and ho...
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in the criminal justice system, highlighting issues with family and domestic violence, gang activity, and police-community interactions. Scholars from the American Society of Criminology investigate these concerns in a special issue, exploring lessons learned and policy implications.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive Lyme disease dashboard to define hotspots and map the disease across the US and Canada. The dashboard provides valuable insights for public health awareness and research collaboration.
A novel β2-AR agonist, Higenamine, was found to induce β-arrestin-biased signaling, which may provide therapeutic benefits for treating diseases like asthma and cardiovascular conditions. The compound's unique profile stimulates β-arrestin-dependent ERK1/2 activation, preventing apoptosis in cardiomyocytes.
Scientists found that variations in Earth's orbit drive cycles of higher and lower diversity in coccolithophore size and shape, with rhythms of 100 and 400 thousand years. This influence may have played a role in ancient climates and climate variations during past warm periods.
A randomized field experiment with 1,143 students aged 9-16 found that depleted self-control from a previous demanding task increases cheating in tests. The study suggests that exhaustion can lead to a greater temptation to cheat.
A new study has identified a promising drug candidate to minimize uncontrolled muscle movements associated with Parkinson’s disease. PD13R reduced dyskinesia by more than 85% in animal studies, also improving sleep quality compared to other treatments.
The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a new approach to triggering differentiation in AML cells, potentially treating a wider range of patients. By inhibiting an enzyme that blocks cellular differentiation, AML cells can lose aggressive growth traits and mature into new cell types.
A survey of 2,100 adults found that patients are willing to use video visits for medical care after COVID-19, but prefer in-person care. Those who preferred video visits were more sensitive to out-of-pocket costs.
The intersection of climate change and disaster medicine highlights the need for healthcare and public health investments to ensure health security. New initiatives are being developed to address climate-related health threats and promote global resilience.
A RAND Corporation study found that Americans generally prefer in-person care but are willing to use telehealth services with lower out-of-pocket costs. The study suggests that financial issues may limit the continued expansion of telehealth after the pandemic.
Researchers have identified a drug compound that makes pancreatic cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy, reducing tumor size by about half and improving survival rates. The combination of ATI-450 with chemotherapy also mitigates side effects, including nausea and fatigue, in mice with human pancreatic cancer cells.
Researchers found altered brain structures in fetuses exposed to alcohol, including increased corpus collosum volume and decreased periventricular zone volume. This study provides early evidence of the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain development.
A UC Riverside-led study found that dicyclohexyl phthalate, a common plasticizer, increases plasma cholesterol levels by binding to the pregnane X receptor, or PXR. The study suggests that PXR activation contributes to the harmful effects of plastic-associated chemicals on cardiovascular health.
A new study reveals that mother bats teach their pups to navigate by carrying and dropping them off at specific trees, allowing the pup to learn through repetition. The study found that pups gradually expand their navigation circles, learning to fly independently and finding food sources on their own.
A new mathematical model suggests that environmental pressures, particularly land availability and wealth requirements, influence the development of family systems worldwide. The researchers found four primary family system types: pairs of extended or nuclear families with equal or biased wealth inheritance.
Researchers found that major COVID-19 models were wrong and not very useful in predicting the pandemic course. They used physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to capture changing parameters and make predictions with improved accuracy.
A research team has identified a bacterium responsible for producing palmerolide A, a melanoma-fighting compound found in Antarctic sea squirts. The discovery could lead to the development of naturally-derived treatments for skin cancer.
A French trial found that financial incentives improved pregnancy outcomes for smokers, with a 16% increase in continuous abstinence rate compared to no vouchers. Participants who received progressively higher financial rewards had lower nicotine withdrawal symptoms and fewer relapses.
Researchers have developed a novel herbicide delivery system using capsules that drill into invasive weeds, providing a safer and more effective alternative to traditional methods. The system has shown promising results in reducing herbicide usage by 30% while maintaining effectiveness against various weed species.
A large clinical trial has found that postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and a 21-gene recurrence score of 25 or lower can safely skip chemotherapy. In contrast, premenopausal patients with positive nodes and low RS scores benefit from chemotherapy.
A new study reveals that gamma delta T cells play a critical role in promoting clinical protection against malaria. The unique T cell receptor on these cells enables them to recognize and tolerate Plasmodium falciparum parasite fragments, providing a vital component of an effective immune response.
A research team has unveiled four distinct habitat-linked genetic groups of deep-sea limpets in the Northwest Pacific, shedding light on their historical population divergence and contemporary gene flow. The study's findings have implications for marine biodiversity conservation and environmental management, providing a scientific basi...
Ocean predators survive on small, scattered areas of food rather than average concentrations found in the water. Acoustic tools reveal dynamic layered maps of ocean life by interpreting echoes from sound pulses, providing insights into how animals adapt to find and exploit resources.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of training nurses to deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people with depression and uncontrolled HIV adhere to their medication regimen. Patients who completed CBT-AD sessions were more than 2.5 times more likely to achieve undetectable viral loads.
Researchers have created reconstructable uterus-derived materials (RUMs) to aid in the recovery of damaged uteruses. The materials, which can be formed into different states and shapes, prevent intrauterine adhesion and promote angiogenesis, endometrial regeneration, and muscle collagen rebuilding.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a method to detect early signs of tumor cell death using MRI and AI, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of cancer treatment. This approach has shown promise in detecting treatment-responsive regions in mouse brain tumors and healthy human brains.
People with mild dementia struggle to understand speech in both quiet and acoustically challenging situations. Effective communication strategies include speaking clearly and slowly, reducing background noise, and providing contextual information.
A Michigan Tech-developed machine learning model uses probability to classify breast cancer shown in histopathology images and evaluate the uncertainty of its predictions. The model outperforms similar models and can measure uncertainty, promising time savings and referrals to human experts.
A new UniSA study is helping protect children from online predators by investigating language and behaviors used to gain unacquainted children's trust. The research aims to deliver new linguistic indicators to monitor, identify, and apprehend suspects.
The new interactive graphic, developed by UK researchers and published by The BMJ, provides estimates on different pathways of COVID-19 transmission. It highlights the importance of airborne transmission routes and face coverings in reducing transmission.
Researchers discovered a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the characteristic skunky smell of cannabis. The findings suggest these compounds could have medicinal properties and are being investigated further.
Scientists have made new discoveries about the early solar system using meteorite glass beads. By analyzing the isotopic compositions of elements in these beads, researchers were able to determine that massive shockwaves passing through the nebula caused the extreme heating and cooling necessary for chondrule formation.
A new study found that having crop insurance in Indiana discourages the use of cover crops, which promote soil health and productivity. However, the impact is relatively minor, with only a 0.494% reduction in cover crop adoption rates for each percentage point increase in crop insurance participation.
Research reveals Japanese macaques in Kamikochi feed on aquatic insects and molluscs, supplementing their winter diet with high-nutritional value food sources. The unique behavior is attributed to the region's topography and hydrological environment, providing a stable food source for the macaques.
A team of scientists has discovered a thick layer of paleoregolith on the lunar surface, which could provide insight into the Moon's early asteroid impact and volcanic history. The findings suggest the paleoregolith formed much faster than previously estimated, with implications for understanding meteoric activity in the solar system.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists found that blocking a signaling pathway in brain immune cells can protect against Alzheimer's disease features in a preclinical model. The results suggest a new strategy to block the development of the disease or slow its progression.
Researchers developed a perching robot inspired by birds, called SNAG, which can fly around, catch objects, and land on different surfaces. The robot's design mimics the legs of a peregrine falcon, allowing it to absorb impact energy and convert it into grasping force.
A novel AI algorithm developed at Mayo Clinic can predict long-term patient survival after cardiac surgery using a single-lead EKG. The study found a clear correlation between long-term mortality and a positive AI ECG screen for reduced left ventricular ejection fraction among patients without apparent severe cardiomyopathy.
A new high-speed projector can project RGB images and invisible infrared images simultaneously and independently at a rate of almost 1,000 fps. This technology has vast potential for applications such as dynamic projection mapping, which requires real-time image control to match complex moving targets.
A new COVID-19 mobile robot detects social distancing breaches in crowds and encourages people to move apart using a novel system that employs Deep Reinforcement Learning and Frozone algorithm. The robot also incorporates a thermal camera for contact-tracing efforts, ensuring privacy protection and de-identification.
Researchers discover a unique subset of group 3 innate lymphoid cells that circulate in the bloodstream and infiltrate the brain, sparking inflammation in conditions like MS. Countering their activity could be a new therapeutic strategy for such conditions.
A Japanese study found that a robot's physical texture, such as softness or elasticity, affects perceptions of its personality. The researchers used six humanoid robots with varying arm textures and asked participants to touch and evaluate them.
New research explores how climate extremes affect the West Coast Dungeness crab fishery and its impact on whale conservation. The study recommends combining improved forecast systems, technological innovations, and understanding human behavior to reduce whale entanglements.
Two new studies published by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago show that sugar-sweetened beverages taxes are effective and sustainable in reducing consumption. The Seattle data analysis found a 59% tax pass-through rate, a 22% reduction in volume sold of taxed beverages, and a net 19% reduction in grams of sugar sold fr...
Masks designed for singers block aerosols, diluting virus-causing particles, while affecting high frequencies. Singer's masks reduced high-frequency power by less than two times, improving enunciation.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights how major life events, such as starting school or entering retirement, can negatively impact physical activity levels and heart health. The statement emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address this issue and provides guidance for healthcare professionals to pro...
A team of Australian researchers has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the benefits of exercise on retinal health and function. By identifying unique molecular signals, they aim to develop a supplement that can harness these benefits for patients who are unable to engage in physical activity.
A study found that adults with sensory impairment experienced a decline in emotional well-being during the pandemic due to lack of social interactions. Researchers hope to develop hybrid solutions for remote access and clear communication.
A new study reveals a shared molecular pathway governing sperm motility among corals, sea urchins, and humans. Researchers found that corals have a pH-sensing enzyme similar to one in human sperm, which signals when to swim.
A new study by York University researcher Kinnon R. MacKinnon highlights the flaws in gender-affirming medical care assessment practices in Canada, which prioritize preventing transition regret over patient needs.
A novel dynamic event-triggered scheduling approach is proposed to solve the platooning control problem, demonstrating effective trade-off between performance and efficient communication. The researchers aim to further investigate resource-efficient control strategies to preserve satisfactory operational performance.
A new study estimates that urban cycling could prevent up to 200,000 premature deaths annually if countries support high levels of cycling by 2050. In the US alone, over 15,000 deaths could be prevented each year through urban cycling.
A new analysis provides guidelines for deploying effective role models to encourage learning across diverse populations. The study suggests that features like perceived competence, similarity, and attainability of success are key to motivating students, while portraying extreme levels of role model competence can backfire.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Education to support domestic doctoral students specializing in Internet-of-Things study and research. The project aims to increase diversity among computer science researchers, with a focus on women and minorities.
A survey of general surgery program directors found that only a quarter of programs had a formal paternity leave policy, and when they did, it was often inconsistent. Residents often took shorter leaves than desired due to stigma against male residents taking parental leave.
A secondary analysis found a bi-directional relationship between mother's mental health symptoms and child's mental health symptoms, with parental stress as the mediating factor. The study suggests that lowering parental stress is vital for families where mothers and children exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.