A study examined the association between short-term wildfire air pollution exposure and changes in eczema clinic visits and medications prescribed. The findings suggest a potential link between wildfire air pollution and eczema symptoms.
Researchers have proposed a photonic in-plane nodal chain and non-Abelian nodal link stabilized by generalized quaternion charges. These structures are uniquely stable in photonics due to internal symmetries of Maxwell equations, offering new insights into topological phases.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateApr 21, 2021
A new study reveals that the social cost of methane varies by an order of magnitude between industrialized and developing regions, with sub-Saharan Africa facing significantly lower costs. The study estimates a global mean cost of $922 per metric ton, decreasing to $130 for sub-Saharan Africa and rising to $8,040 for the US.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021
A study across 12 countries found that people tend to underreport COVID-19 protocol violations due to feelings of guilt and social pressure. The study suggests that a guilt-free approach may increase self-reported non-compliance with preventive measures.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have captured the first-ever image of an electron's orbit within an exciton using a revolutionary technique. The image shows the distribution of an electron around a hole inside an exciton, providing new insights into the nature of these fleeting particles.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
Scientists developed a model showing that collective immunity emerged during the early COVID-19 epidemic but was destroyed as people changed their social behaviors over time. The model suggests that subsequent waves of infection will appear due to variations in imposed mitigations and pandemic fatigue.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2021
A survey of 3,536 healthcare workers reveals that 67% are experiencing burnout. Healthcare workers who receive frequent COVID-19 tests are less likely to experience burnout compared to those who do not.
A new study found a marker of PTSD in brain regions associated with emotional regulation, particularly in those with impaired executive function. The researchers suggest that this subgroup may respond best to specific treatments targeting cognitive and brain functioning.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateApr 21, 2021
New research from the University of Waterloo reveals shift work disrupts the circadian clock, affecting immune response and increasing risk of infection. The study shows sex differences in immune system reactivity, with males more prone to overactivation and females better prepared to fight off infections.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 21, 2021
The Black in Geoscience Week aims to increase representation and raise visibility among Black researchers, fostering networks and connections worldwide. The event has generated discussions on the importance of community and awareness among Black geoscientists, highlighting severe underrepresentation in the field.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that listening to calming music at bedtime can help older adults sleep better. Calming music improves sleep quality more than rhythmic music, and longer exposure (more than four weeks) is associated with greater benefits.
SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 21, 2021
SARS coronaviruses enhance protein production in infected cells, leading to increased viral replication. The unique domain of the virus interacts with human Paip-1, binding to ribosomes and promoting viral protein synthesis.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 21, 2021
A new analysis published in Psycho-Oncology found that fear of cancer recurrence leads to increased use of healthcare resources by cancer survivors. Implementing existing effective interventions for fear of cancer recurrence may improve both mental health and reduce unnecessary healthcare usage.
Recent study suggests that biblical texts in Dead Sea Scrolls were written by multiple scribes with mirrored writing styles. Artificial intelligence-based writer identification technique provides new evidence on unknown scribes.
New research suggests that reversing global warming quickly enough can prevent abrupt and irreversible changes triggered by climate tipping points. The study found that thresholds could be temporarily exceeded without permanent shifts, providing a lifeline to avoid dangerous climate change.
Researchers identified a new cognitive bias, 'generosity-erosion effect', where evaluators tend to become harsher after scoring one candidate generously. This effect decreases the likelihood of success for subsequent candidates by 7.7%.
SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateApr 21, 2021
A study of 58,389 European adults found no link between weight gain and improved cognitive performance in older age. The research suggests that weight gain may even be associated with poorer cognitive outcomes.
A new Stanford-led study develops a framework to calculate future floodwater volumes under climate change, identifying areas for infrastructure investments in California's aging water infrastructure. The tool aims to maximize groundwater recharge, reducing drought risks and building water reserves, while also mitigating flood risks.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic stroke survivors are at higher risk of having changes in the brain's blood vessels that can lead to a second bleeding stroke. The research, published in Neurology, suggests that these differences may be due to disparities in healthcare access and severity of cerebral small vessel disease.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute have developed a novel method for fast material manipulation using laser pulses, significantly reducing switching times. The technique involves shining light on a semi-metallic crystal to re-organize its internal electronic structure, changing conductivity and allowing for ultrafast control.
SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a micro-molded scaffolding photoreceptor patch to deliver new photoreceptors to damaged or diseased retinas. The 'ice cube tray' scaffold can hold three times as many cells while reducing biomaterial usage.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
A new study found that female Stenophylla lobivertex praying mantises have an advanced pheromone gland protruding from their bodies, releasing a unique pheromone to attract mates. This adaptation may be crucial for the species' survival, particularly in rare cases with low population density.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Orthoptera Research·DateApr 21, 2021
A new study found that plant genetics, tissue type, and management strategy play a crucial role in shaping the plant microbiome. The research discovered that bacterial communities are most diverse in the soil, while fungal communities are more evenly distributed across different tissues.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers have advanced understanding of light-matter interactions in chiral materials with a magnetic field, confirming the magneto-chiral dichroism theory. The study provides detailed measurements and quantum-chemical calculations for two model systems, opening the door to future applications.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experience subtle language impairments that can be attributed to impaired executive functions or language ability. The study suggests the need for more comprehensive neuropsychological testing to fully understand cognitive profiles and provide optimal interventions.
SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers mapped the developmental landscape of the mouse hypothalamus, revealing a stepwise strategy for neural progenitors to generate extreme neuronal diversity. The study provides insights into hypothalamic plasticity and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as anorexia and narcolepsy.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers at Georgia Tech will lead a five-year, $15M NASA grant to develop strategies for testing high-power electric propulsion systems. The Joint Advanced Propulsion Institute (JANUS) aims to overcome infrastructure challenges and create accurate data translation for space travel.
A worldwide survey found pregnant and postpartum women experiencing high levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and post-traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as excessive information seeking and worries about children's well-being were linked to worse mental health outcomes.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2021
A large study shows that infants infected with Group B strep are twice as likely to have neurodevelopmental impairments and need special education compared to uninfected children. The study also found significant long-term effects, including cognitive impairment and higher rates of hospitalization, in up to one in twenty survivors.
SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers developed a new approach called Co-opting Regulation Bypass Repair (CRBR) that can correct genetic diseases caused by single gene mutations. The method uses the CRISPR/Cas9 system and non-homologous end joining to insert a functional copy of the gene, enabling treatment in all adult tissues.
A Yale University study reveals that conversion among swing voters was the primary factor behind Donald Trump's electoral success in 2016. The researchers found that voters switching from Democrat to Republican more consistently explained the GOP's gains than did increases in voter turnout.
SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers developed an algorithm to screen for pulmonary arterial hypertension in scleroderma patients, outperforming standard methods. The algorithm correctly identified all 10 patients with the condition in a study of 68 subjects.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 21, 2021
A new study examines the impact of augmented reality on retail sales. Researchers found that AR enhances product evaluation, reduces customer uncertainty, and promotes online channel adoption. The technology also benefits niche brands and premium products, leading to increased revenues for retailers.
SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers developed a predictive model to estimate the age of natural menopause in middle-aged women based on hormone levels, menstrual cycle irregularities, and lifestyle factors. The study demonstrated adequate prediction accuracy, suggesting potential benefits for health promotion and family planning decisions.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMenopause·DateApr 21, 2021
An international research team proposes combining organic farming with gene editing to achieve greater sustainability in agriculture. The study suggests that this approach could lead to more robust plants with high yields, improved nutrition, and reduced environmental impact.
SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateApr 21, 2021
Research found that antibiotics like streptomycin did not significantly impact the apple leaf microbiome, contrary to previous concerns. The study's findings suggest that geographical location plays a larger role in shaping bacterial composition than management strategy.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a theoretical model explaining how pelicans exploit wind updrafts from breaking waves to conserve energy during flight. This discovery has potential applications in drone control and weather forecasting, highlighting the intricate dance between ocean, wind, and bird behavior.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMovement Ecology·DateApr 21, 2021
Scientists have successfully encoded a passage from Jane Austen's Mansfield Park in a series of oligomers, allowing for efficient information storage. The technique uses urethane-like plastics and enables dense data storage without DNA-based approaches.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateApr 21, 2021
A new study models the gait of Tyrannosaurus rex, revealing a preferred walking speed of 4.6 km/h, comparable to that of humans and other animals. The researchers applied resonance principles to the dinosaur's tail, which they found had a natural frequency, similar to a swing
SourceNaturalis Biodiversity Center·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers from Skoltech, University of Arizona, and Los Alamos National Laboratory developed an approach to quickly stabilize power grids after demand response perturbation. The study analyzes relaxation of energy consumption dynamics in thermostatically controlled loads, demonstrating super-relaxation and efficient load management.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers equipped a Pepper robot with self-directed dialogue to facilitate better human-robot communication. The AI model improved the robot's ability to solve dilemmas and outperformed international standards for collaborative robots. By
Scientists found that eradicating rats from tropical islands restores critical nutrient cycles to coral reefs within 16 years. Seabird populations are increasing on islands where rats have been eradicated, boosting the health of surrounding ecosystems and improving their chances of rebounding.
SourceLancaster University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 21, 2021
A diet high in pro-inflammatory foods may be associated with increased odds of developing testosterone deficiency among men. Men who consume refined carbohydrates and sugar, as well as polyunsaturated fats, are more likely to experience low libido, decreased energy, and depression.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 21, 2021
Scientists from Florida Atlantic University used non-invasive camera-trap techniques to detect and survey the elusive dryas monkey, confirming its occurrence at seven locations in Lomami National Park. The study suggests that the species prefers structurally complex understories and forest edges, rarely traveling on the ground.
A new analysis of air pollution data from five large Chinese cities found statistically significant differences between locally-reported and US embassy-reported measurements. The study suggests that when air quality is poor, local stations systematically report lower PM2.5 levels than reported by US stations.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and Brazil's Pontifical Catholic University developed a new framework for designing hierarchical, spatially-varying microstructures with potential applications in cranial reconstruction, space exploration, and biomaterials. This approach combines design and manufacturing to create novel microstructures.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 20, 2021
A new study has identified the transcriptome and proteome of Scrobiculariaplana, a bivalve used as a bioindicator for pollution. The database provides insights into molecular functions related to stress response mechanisms under pollution, helping to better gauge the effects on marine ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalGenomics·DateApr 20, 2021
A Georgia State University professor has received a $2.3 million grant to investigate the role of inflammation in otitis media, an infection of the middle ear. The goal is to develop novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics and improve hearing outcomes.
A comprehensive study in mice reveals a roadmap of muscle decline with age, identifying key molecular mechanisms and potential new treatments. Klotho supplementation improved muscle strength in old but not oldest-old mice, suggesting earlier intervention may prevent declines.
Researchers have discovered that fast brainwave oscillations can pinpoint brain tissues responsible for epileptic seizures. The collaborative research leverages noninvasive EEG technology to automatically identify high-frequency oscillations and epileptiform spikes, which are key links related to epilepsy.
SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021
A study published in eLife found that an overgrowth of yeast in the gut within the first few months of life may increase the risk of asthma later on. The period after birth is critical for immune system development and gut microbiome health, and disruptions to gut bacteria can lead to asthma.
Researchers created a platform that can develop effective peptide nucleic acid therapies against bacteria in just one week. The Facile Accelerated Specific Therapeutic (FAST) platform enables speedy identification and testing of molecules targeting new mechanisms in pathogens.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 20, 2021
A Lancaster University-led team reviewed evidence on solar park land management practices to enhance pollinator biodiversity. They highlighted ten ways to protect and even enhance bee populations, including sowing wildflowers and connecting parks to nearby habitats.
SourceLancaster University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers at Penn State found that providing explanations for online symptom checker recommendations can increase user confidence and trust in the diagnosis. The study showed that users were more likely to trust the symptoms checker when they received clear explanations of how the system generated its probable diagnoses and suggestions.
A retrospective review found non-contrast pituitary MRI has a high concordance rate with original reports, excepting cases requiring contrast for definitive characterization. The study suggests saving time and costs in imaging pediatric pathologies.
New research suggests Himalayan rock glaciers, which account for 1/25 of glacial ice, will resist global warming more than traditional 'true' ice glaciers. These slow-moving glaciers are well-insulated and contain about 51 cubic kilometers of ice.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 20, 2021
Scientists develop new catalyst to efficiently synthesize aziridines with high enantiopurity, a crucial step towards creating novel medicines. The reaction method also shows potential for other stereo-selective synthetic reactions.
SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalOrganic Letters·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers used image-analysis methods from engineering to spot minute movements of a stony coral. The study found more activities happening under nighttime conditions and provided insights into coral behavior and physiology.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 20, 2021
Scientists at Beam Therapeutics have created a redesigned base editor that successfully repairs the single-base mutation causing sickle-cell disease. The therapy targets an upstream regulatory pathway to express fetal hemoglobin, offering a potential solution for this genetic disorder.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 20, 2021
A collaborative study identified strengths and challenges autistic teens face while learning to drive. Researchers recommend scaffolded instruction and caregiver-supervised practice to overcome obstacles. Autistic drivers show similar crash rates to non-autistic peers, with lower license suspension rates.
SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy·DateApr 20, 2021