A new study suggests that home health care growth is 'small and inadequate' compared to the increasing demand in an aging America. Targeted policies are needed to support home-based medical care.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 20, 2021
A study published in Circulation found four new genetic variants associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare condition characterized by weakened heart muscle. The research suggests that these genetic mutations may be linked to non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting middle-aged men and women.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateApr 20, 2021
A new study based on research at a unique fossil site in Utah finds that tyrannosaurs were likely gregarious animals, with evidence suggesting they died together during a seasonal flooding event. The discovery sheds light on the behavior of these fearsome predators and challenges long-held assumptions about their solitary hunting habits.
Researchers propose integrating photonic components with superconducting electronics to enable artificial cognitive systems of scale and functionality. This approach may be easier at low temperatures using superconductors than at room temperatures using semiconductors.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 20, 2021
A survey of Canadian academics found that most agree data sharing is beneficial, but many fear personal costs and lack of support. Researchers suggest better guidelines, training, and incentives to encourage open data sharing.
SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 20, 2021
A new study from the VA, Regenstrief Institute, and IUPUI analyzed healthcare utilization among TBI patients and found that a quarter were super-utilizers. The research also identified disparities in care based on health insurance and residency status.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalBrain Injury·DateApr 20, 2021
A study found that 70 of 134 ancient sea-dwelling invertebrates exhibited 'dead clades walking,' where groups survive an extinction event but never regain their diversity, challenging the sudden disappearance view of mass extinctions.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021
A new study surveyed American artisan cheesemakers, finding that 71% are concerned about surface molds and colors on rinds. The majority (61%) reported quality and spoilage problems, with 39% saying their standards are not met annually. Cheesemakers desire online resources and digital forums to address these issues.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of treating preterm infants with umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) directly into their tracheas. Early results showed signs of improvement for the most immature infants included in the trial, but further study is needed to solidify therapeutic benefits.
SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers have developed an all-in-one test that integrates COVID-19 diagnosis, variant tracking, and co-infection detection into a single portable mini-laboratory. The NIRVANA test can detect SARS-CoV-2 mutations and report them simultaneously, making it a promising solution for rapid field-deployable detection.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMed·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers have developed a novel super-resolution vibrational microscopy harnessing Stimulated Raman Excited Fluorescence (SREF) for ultrasensitive vibrational contrast. This technique enables all-far-field Raman spectroscopy with sensitivity down to single-molecule resolution.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered three distinct types of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) that line the human airway, which may be involved in breathing-related diseases in infants. The study found higher numbers of certain PNECs in autopsied tissues from children who died from SIDS and other conditions.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 20, 2021
A network of off-the-shelf smartphones deployed in Costa Rica detected and alerted on five earthquakes, outperforming scientific-grade warning systems. The system, called ASTUTI, uses accelerometers built into phones to provide early warnings for potential disasters.
A study by Penn researchers found that people with schizophrenia have a compromised blood-brain barrier, allowing the immune system to improperly influence the central nervous system. This inflammation contributes to the condition's symptoms. The findings may also apply to other mental disorders.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBrain·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers found continuous declines in positive emotions among astronauts at two Antarctic stations, without a bounce-back effect after returning home. Positive emotions such as satisfaction and enthusiasm are crucial for thriving in high-pressure settings, and interventions targeting these may reduce psychological risk.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalActa Astronautica·DateApr 20, 2021
The withdrawal of federal regulation on smaller transboundary waters has left individual states with the responsibility to fill in the gaps, but evidence suggests this may not lead to desired outcomes. Research highlights the flaws in the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule's economics analysis and the failure to account for economic...
Experts propose making general anaesthesia available to dying patients, citing high public support. This would provide unconsciousness during final moments, alleviating suffering.
A study by researchers from the Music Technology research group found that a widely used music recommendation algorithm is biased towards male artists, resulting in less exposure for female artists. The algorithm's ranking system perpetuates this bias, with female artist recommendations often appearing later in the list.
A team of researchers calls on governments worldwide to support the adoption of biotechnologies to improve crop production and combat climate change. They argue that societal acceptance of technologies like gene editing is a major obstacle, highlighting the need for effective communication and advocacy to gain public confidence.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers used advanced spectroscopy and electronic transport techniques to determine charge accumulation and dynamics in resonant-tunneling diodes. The study aims to develop novel RTDs with optimized charge distribution to enhance photodetection efficiency or minimize optical losses.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateApr 20, 2021
A chemist at Purdue University has found a way to synthesize a compound that can fight a previously 'undruggable' cancer protein with benefits across various cancer types. The compound, curcusone D, was discovered in a shrub native to North America and has shown potent anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells.
SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers argue that zoonotic risk predictions are limited in value and instead propose focusing on the human-animal interface for intensive viral surveillance to detect novel viruses early. This approach may help prevent future pandemics like COVID-19.
Researchers at KAUST developed a brain-on-a-chip that can learn real-world data patterns without extensive training, leveraging spiking neural networks and spike-timing-dependent plasticity model. The system is more than 20 times faster and 200 times more energy efficient than other neural network platforms.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·DateApr 20, 2021
A study found that people living with HIV have a two to three times higher noncalcified coronary plaque burden than non-HIV healthy volunteers. Researchers emphasize the importance of adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle for those with HIV.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 20, 2021
This special issue of the Journal of Marketing explores how marketing can contribute to a better world by examining its impact on outcomes beyond financial performance. It highlights research on topics like sustainability, economic empowerment, health, and prosocial giving.
SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 20, 2021
Versogen, a UD spinoff company, has developed patented membrane technology to produce low-cost green hydrogen at scale using a new class of low-cost electrolyzer technology. This technology aims to decarbonize heavy industries and reduce industrial carbon emissions in an environmentally responsible way.
According to a new study published in Pain, nearly one-fifth of American adults (20.5%) suffer from chronic pain, with significant impacts on workdays missed, social activities, and daily living. The total economic burden is estimated at nearly $300 billion annually, including lost wages and productivity.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPain·DateApr 20, 2021
A new study identified 267 genes unique to modern humans that play a crucial role in creativity, self-awareness, cooperativeness, and healthy longevity. These genes are found only in Homo sapiens and not in Neanderthals or chimpanzees.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 20, 2021
A new study from the University of Bergen reveals that targeted therapy using PARP inhibitors can be effective in treating early-stage triple negative breast cancers. The study found a significant response rate among patients not harboring germline mutations, highlighting a potential for improved personalized treatment.
SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateApr 20, 2021
Research at University of Strathclyde suggests frequent social media use is not necessarily linked to addiction, contradicting previous studies on attentional bias. The study tested participants' attention towards specific apps and found no association with self-reported addictive severity or established measures of engagement.
SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·DateApr 20, 2021
A new study on the Little Foot fossil suggests that early human ancestors used their arms to bear substantial weight while climbing trees. The research, published in the Journal of Human Evolution, analyzed the upper body of the 3.67 million-year-old Australopithecus individual and found evidence of apelike characteristics.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have gained atomic-level insights into how PLEKHA7 interacts with the cell membrane to regulate intercellular communications. The study identifies hotspots within PLEKHA7 as potential targets for cancer drugs, particularly in advanced colon, breast, and ovarian cancers.
SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalStructure·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers can use eDNA and eRNA analysis to determine the presence of human and wildlife pathogens, providing timely insights into disease spread. This approach has been successfully used to track large-scale outbreaks of COVID-19, allowing for proactive measures to be taken.
SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateApr 20, 2021
The Ocean and Climate Innovation Accelerator (OCIA) consortium aims to advance knowledge of the ocean's role in combating climate change and develop new solutions. The consortium will focus on advancing the 'networked ocean' concept, placing sensors across oceanic environments to monitor critical metrics.
A research team led by Michigan State University found that restoration benefits outweigh detriments from land use history two-to-one. Despite the benefits, restoration could not erase all of farming's lasting effects. The study provides insights for ecologists to target restoration efforts effectively.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021
A study of 30,000 adults living with HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean found significant increases in life expectancy since ART became widely available. The study reveals that life expectancy for people with HIV on ART is now close to that of the general population, mirroring trends seen in higher-income countries.
Scientists developed a new mathematical model to predict disease onset risk using patient genomic data, providing improved predictive quality and personalized health risks for patients. The model can analyze large datasets of genetic markers linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2021
A study in rats found that low womb oxygen can impair adult brain function and memory. Vitamin C supplements during pregnancy protected the offspring's brain health. The results suggest a potential preventative medicine approach for long-term brain health.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers at TUM have developed a method to introduce specific gene mutations into desired organs or correct existing genes without creating new animal models. This reduces the number of animals required for research and enables precise gene manipulation in farm animals, such as chickens and pigs.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021
Scientists at the University of Reading found that handwashing shapes communities of bacteria in sink drains, with dominant families differing by location and plumbing system type. The study suggests that even thorough cleaning may not eliminate all bacteria, highlighting the need for thorough disinfection of sinks.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateApr 20, 2021
A novel radiant cooling system combines special panels with natural ventilation to minimize disease transmission and save energy in cities worldwide. By increasing outdoor air flow rates, this alternative solution ensures building occupants remain comfortable and rooms are adequately refreshed.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers created a soft mechanical metamaterial that can compute digital logic computations using binary inputs and outputs. The material thinks by reconfiguring its conductive polymer network in response to mechanical force and electrical signals.
SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers have found a causal link between caesarean section birth and peanut sensitivity in infants, with effects more pronounced in children of Asian descent. Infants born by C-section were eight times more likely to develop peanut allergy by age three compared to those born vaginally.
SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 20, 2021
A team of researchers has developed an AI agent called Crystallography Companion Agent (XCA) to analyze X-ray diffraction data and identify material properties faster. The agent collaborates with scientists to perform autonomous phase identifications, overcoming traditional neuronal network overconfidence.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Computational Science·DateApr 20, 2021
A novel blood-based test has been developed to identify individuals with lymph node metastasis associated with high-risk T1 colorectal cancer, potentially avoiding unnecessary colon surgery. The test demonstrated high accuracy in detecting lymph node metastasis, exceeding expectations.
A recent study found dramatic increases in life expectancy for people living with HIV in seven Latin American countries, with a 14-year retrospective analysis of 30,688 individuals. The study reveals significant gains in life expectancy, particularly among women and those with lower HIV transmission risk factors.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers at Stanford University used a new approach to analyze radar data to show that extreme melt events can create persistent structural changes in the ice sheet, reducing its ability to store meltwater. This change can lead to slippery conditions on the ice bed and speed up the ice sheet's melting.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2021
A European consortium is working on the technical feasibility of 6G technology, specifically RadioWeaves, which enables real-time data transmission with a dense network of access points. This technology has opportunities for industries such as sports stadiums, where it could provide wireless power and precise location tracking.
Scientists have developed a new biomaterial that regrows both blood vessels and bone, potentially providing an alternative to current systems. The biomaterial was inspired by the natural way in which bone defects regenerate and uses a mechanobiology-informed approach to promote both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.
SourceRCSI·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers found body mass index and age impact neck strength and endurance, while time of day also plays a role. The study's results can inform strategies to prevent neck pain and improve musculoskeletal biomechanical models.
A study of over 2,500 hospital patients discharged to hospice care found a decreasing trend of opioid prescriptions and an increase in less powerful non-opioid analgesics. This may lead to undertreated pain in terminally ill patients.
SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateApr 20, 2021
A recent study from West Virginia University reveals that rural e-cigarette users are more likely to develop severe respiratory failure and require critical care. The study found a high correlation between lung injury and toxic volatile organic compounds in e-liquids, particularly in those produced by garage labs.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalHospital Practice·DateApr 20, 2021
A comprehensive systematic review of epidemiological research found a link between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and increased breast cancer risk. For example, DDT, PCBs, and PFOA were associated with higher breast cancer incidence in some studies, while phytoestrogens like genistein showed potential protective effects.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateApr 20, 2021
Researchers predict and capture the reversal of blood droplet flight due to gun muzzle gases, impacting forensic analysis of bloodstain patterns. The study also reveals the breakup of blood droplets in flight, affecting the formation and size of blood droplets.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 20, 2021
Over 500 million people rely on coral reefs for protection and resources, but these ecosystems are threatened by global warming. A team of scientists recommends a massive energy transition as the most effective action to limit coral reef decline, with international political support necessary.
Researchers have created low-cost, next-generation screening tools for 'lazy eye' in children using computer gaming technology. The devices use webcams or virtual reality headsets to detect visual targets and analyze video streams.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that organ tissues develop immunity to viruses over time, leading to a broader understanding of the immune system's role in surveillance. The research reveals that up to 25% of cells in organs are immune cells, significantly contributing to the body's cellular makeup.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2021
Mehrnaz Afkhami, a University of Oklahoma doctoral biology student, received the graduate student poster award for her research on female behavioral response to male novel traits in fruit flies. Her study focuses on genetics and neurobiology aspects of this behavior.
A joint research project between Korea and UK successfully tested AR services on Seoul Subway Line No. 8, demonstrating immersive multimedia experiences with speeds up to 30 times faster than current transmission rates. The test utilized a 5G mobile backhaul network, enabling simultaneous use of AR-immersive services by 190 users.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateApr 20, 2021
Scientists from several Chinese universities investigated the physics of stone skipping and its relation to space vehicle reentry. They found that vertical acceleration and spinning direction affect bouncing and surfing motions, providing new insights for aerospace and marine engineering.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 20, 2021