Data from 19 observatories reveal insight into M87's behavior, spin, and energy output, improving tests of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The observations also shed light on cosmic rays and their origin.
SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers at Duke University developed self-assembling nanofibers that activate key cells in the immune system to limit damaging inflammation. The nanofibers, which include a protein called C3dg, were shown to be effective in treating psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases.
SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers at University Health Network found that combining immune-boosting drugs with radiation and surgery increased survival and anticancer immune response in mouse models of mesothelioma. The treatment extended survival and provided a durable immune response, even after re-injection of tumour cells up to 12 weeks later.
SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 14, 2021
A new method introduces faster and more reliable measurement of water pollution by detecting oxygen consumption in wastewater samples. This approach distinguishes between pollutants from sewage and naturally occurring organic matter.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 14, 2021
A new study reveals a long-sought enzyme, AMBRA1, that prevents cancer by controlling proteins driving cell growth. The findings also suggest that an existing drug class may be able to reverse such defects in the future.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers created a satellite-based map of human pressure on lands around the world using machine learning. The map reveals abrupt changes in landscapes due to deforestation, mining, and urbanization, providing insights into biodiversity conservation and sustainability.
SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 14, 2021
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry estimated the risk of suicide among nurses and physicians compared to the general population. The study found that these professionals are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A study by Penn State researchers found that supplementing high-fat-fed mice with cocoa powder reduced the severity of their liver disease and improved markers of oxidative stress. The researchers suggest that similar benefits may be achieved in humans through dietary changes, but caution against overconsumption.
SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateApr 14, 2021
A new model developed by MIT's Andres Sevtsuk can estimate pedestrian journeys and trip distribution, providing a solution for planners and developers to better understand foot traffic in cities. The model uses network analysis and real-world data to calculate pedestrian flows, which can be applied to various urban settings.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateApr 14, 2021
Research shows Eurasian Blackcaps, a widespread warbler species, are adapting to changing climate by reversing their migration patterns to spend winters in British Isles backyard gardens. These birds have a steady food supply and better body condition, allowing them to move less and avoid predators more effectively.
SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers have identified four techniques women use to increase their pleasure, including Angling, Pairing, Rocking and Shallowing. These methods aim to improve the overall experience of vaginal penetration, providing women with a new vocabulary for discussing female pleasure.
A new study from the Journal of Near Eastern Studies presents evidence of Roman-era emerald mining in Wadi Sikait, Egyptian Eastern Desert. The excavation revealed religious artifacts and structures, highlighting the importance of cult spaces in mining settlements.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Near Eastern Studies·DateApr 14, 2021
A new study found that individuals with negative attitudes towards vaccines and conspiracy suspicions are more likely to be hesitant about getting vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The research suggests that communication strategies must account for the polarising nature of conspiracy theories to increase vaccine compliance.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers have found that treatments to reduce levels of hydrogen sulfide in the brain may help ward off damage caused by the gas, which is involved in blocking key brain cell gateways. The study shows that H2S disrupts normal brain functioning and can lead to nerve cell death.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 14, 2021
A study published in PLOS ONE found that specially trained dogs can identify positive COVID-19 samples with high accuracy, recognizing the unique odor of the infection. The research suggests large-scale training with diverse samples is crucial to ensure quality and validity for future applications.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2021
A new study found that all six currently identified SARS-CoV-2 variants are widely spread across the Houston metropolitan area. Genome sequencing data showed geographically widespread dissemination of variants, with successful patient-to-patient transmission among communities.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers are investigating how oxytocin and dopamine act in the brain's reward circuits to make social interactions rewarding for males and females. The project has the potential to provide new mechanisms for understanding well-known sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders and spur the development of gender-specific treatments.
A new plasma device designed for consumers has been demonstrated to eliminate 99.99 percent of bacteria on surfaces, including textiles and metals, in just 90 seconds. The device uses room-temperature plasmas to produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that destroy bacterial cell walls and kill cells.
SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers have programmed microalgae to produce fatty acids of different lengths, creating a more flexible cell factory for producing industrially relevant oils. This breakthrough could lead to the development of designer oils with various fatty acid chain lengths.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateApr 14, 2021
A study of 264,230 individuals found that UK adults who are overweight or obese retain their weight over time, associated with an increased risk of health complications and death. The researchers also found greater levels of socioeconomic deprivation linked to increasing severity of obesity.
SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool that uses positron emission tomography and radioactive sugar to detect Enterobacterales infections. The technique was shown to be effective in detecting and localizing infections in patients, with no adverse effects.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers have developed a new superbug-destroying coating that could be used on wound dressings and implants to prevent and treat potentially deadly bacterial and fungal infections. The material is effective against a broad range of drug-resistant bacteria and fungal cells, while leaving human cells unharmed.
SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers at UC Berkeley created a tiny wireless implant that can measure tissue oxygen levels in real-time, allowing doctors to monitor the health of transplanted organs and tissues. The device could also track other biochemical markers, such as pH or carbon dioxide, providing early warnings of potential issues.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 14, 2021
Scientists identify 234 fragment compounds directly binding to SARS-CoV-2's Nsp3 Mac1 protein, mapping chemical motifs for potential antiviral drug development. The study lays out the next steps in designing and synthesizing more elaborate molecules with promising biological effects.
SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 14, 2021
A new study analyzed daily COVID-19 data from Brazil, revealing distinct patterns by state and exacerbated inequities in lower-income regions. The analysis highlights complex issues driving the virus's fast spread and notes that some states failed to contain its propagation.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers have found that the spirals in gerbera inflorescences follow the Fibonacci sequence, with the number of left- and right-winding spirals determined by consecutive Fibonacci numbers. The study used X-ray tomography and confocal microscopy to examine how auxin levels influence the patterning of floral primordia.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2021
A new study reveals that intestinal worm infections can change vaginal immunity and increase the likelihood of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. The research found that targeting eosinophils can prevent this pathology, suggesting a potential solution to reduce STI severity.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 14, 2021
Two independent studies on apples and oil pumpkins reveal that beneficial microorganisms are passed down to future generations, influencing plant traits. The global 'core' microbiome is shared among apples worldwide, with regional variations indicating adaptation to local environments.
SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateApr 14, 2021
A recent study published in The BMJ found that discontinuing oxytocin stimulation during induced labour may lead to a reduced risk of uterine hyperstimulation and abnormal fetal heart rate. This finding suggests that routine discontinuation of oxytocin stimulation could be beneficial in settings with limited monitoring resources.
Research on interlayer excitons in TMDs vdW heterostructures reveals ultrafast formation, long population recombination lifetimes, and intriguing spin-valley dynamics. The properties ensure good transport characteristics and pave the way for potential applications in efficient excitonic devices.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers found that blow fly larvae fed on carnivores in Indianapolis but herbivores in Yellowstone National Park, indicating competition for food sources. The study suggests that blow flies can serve as sentinels for animal response to climate change and environmental changes.
Vijay Kuchroo's research unravels the immune mechanisms of Multiple Sclerosis, identifying key proteins and molecules that regulate T cell activity. His work opens pathways to develop immune-modulating therapies and advance treatments for MS.
Scientists transform circles into squares by temporarily softening a stiff material using capillary force, allowing for durable and reversible topological changes. The new approach enables applications in information encryption, selective particle trapping, and tunable mechanical properties.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers from NTNU and SINTEF have made a breakthrough in understanding the phenomenon of natural ageing, where certain alloy strengths increase over time. The team studied clusters formed by alloying elements using advanced microscopy techniques, discovering that these clusters affect metal strength.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalActa Materialia·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers discovered that up to 60% of observed enhancers have coordinated binding events, indicating transcription factors work together to regulate gene expression. This cooperation may enable cancer cells to exploit existing enhancer systems, leading to changes in cellular identity.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 14, 2021
Adam Guenzel, PhD has received the prestigious Richard King Trainee Award for his outstanding publication on Krabbe disease diagnosis and monitoring. The award recognizes Dr. Guenzel's research contributions to improving newborn screening protocols and novel biochemical assays.
SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·DateApr 14, 2021
A University of Michigan study found that female nurses are twice as likely to commit suicide as the general female population and 70% more likely than female physicians. The study highlights the need for high-quality wellness programs for nurses, who face extraordinary demands from COVID-19 and often struggle with work-life balance.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 14, 2021
International scientists agree that chemical pollutants can impact wildlife and human behavior, calling for improved methods to study contaminated-induced behavioral changes. The recommendations include developing standardized toxicity tests and integrating behavioral toxicology into environmental risk assessments.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified two potential drug candidates for a deadly AML subtype in children. JAK inhibitors and Mepron showed promise in slowing human AML cell growth and extending survival in mice with the CALM-AF10 mutation.
A new study reveals a strong correlation between changes in Taiwan's seismicity rate and its seasonal water cycle fluctuations. Shallow earthquakes in eastern Taiwan show an opposite correlation, with peak seismicity rates occurring in either winter or summer.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 14, 2021
A recent study from Dartmouth College has uncovered the mechanism behind how cells determine their size, a crucial process that regulates cell division in growing organisms. The research found that histone H3 plays a key role in this process, releasing an enzyme called Chk1 to bind with another protein and stop cell multiplication.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 14, 2021
A new study finds that river systems exhibit lateral migration of channels, reorganizing drainage patterns into a dendritic structure. This phenomenon is not captured by existing numerical models and has significant implications for understanding river evolution and land use planning.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers highlight the need for urban planning to promote physical activity, reduce air pollution, and improve chronic disease outcomes. Designing cities with inclusivity in mind can lead to better health outcomes, even during pandemics.
SourceColorado State University·JournalCurrent Environmental Health Reports·DateApr 14, 2021
Scientists have discovered ancient honey hunting in prehistoric West Africa using chemical analysis of pottery fragments. The study found that around one-third of the pottery vessels used by the ancient Nok people were used to process or store beeswax, indicating a significant role of honey in their diet.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2021
The Infusion Nurses Society has adopted the international Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) framework as a standard in its 2021 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. ANTT reduces variability and improves patient safety, particularly with ultrasound-guided peripheral IV insertions.
SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJournal of Infusion Nursing·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers discovered spoked vertebrae in azhdarchid pterosaurs that supported their long necks, enabling them to fly with heavy prey. The internal structure was found to be helically arranged like bicycle wheel spokes.
A new theory explains how suspended sediment particles mysteriously move upward on submarine canyon slopes, defying gravity. This discovery helps understand biogeochemical cycles at continental margins and feeding behavior of suspension feeders like baleen whales and krill.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Marine Systems·DateApr 14, 2021
A UC Riverside virologist has received a $1.9 million award to investigate how the Zika virus beats human defenses, with the goal of developing a vaccine and antiviral drug. The research aims to understand how the virus triggers the degradation of STAT2, a key host factor in activating interferons.
Researchers developed a two-pronged approach targeting cancer progression and cell destruction, leveraging cathepsin S and p21 BAX proteins to treat kidney cancer. The novel peptide CS-PEP1 inhibits these proteins, encouraging cancer cell death and overcoming molecular resistance found in conventional chemotherapy treatment.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPharmaceutics·DateApr 14, 2021
A new mathematical model predicts that temporary collective immunity emerged during early COVID-19 stages but was destroyed as people changed their social behaviors. This led to future waves of infection despite initial attempts to achieve herd immunity through vaccination.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers used a network model to study the effects of mask wearing and social distancing on the spread of airborne diseases like COVID-19. The model shows that widespread adherence to both measures can prevent viral outbreaks without mass vaccination.
A state-by-state analysis of mask-wearing policies and COVID-19 rates reveals a strong association between high adherence to mask wearing and reduced spread of the virus. States with high mask-wearing rates had significantly lower COVID-19 rates, highlighting the importance of this public health measure in mitigating the pandemic.
COVID-19 experts argue that close-range inhalation is the primary route of transmission, and that improving indoor ventilation can help reduce aerosol concentrations. Effective masks with high filtration efficiency are also crucial in protecting against inhaled aerosols.
Researchers at King's College London have found small clusters of cells in the brain that identify locations where tumours could become malignant. The study suggests that these 'hotspots' could be the seedbeds for malignant progression, a process by which a tumour becomes a fast-growing and uncontrolled cancer.
SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuro-Oncology Advances·DateApr 14, 2021
The UOC is involved in the ECOLHE project, which aims to create conditions for sharing best practices in online teaching across Europe. The project will provide recommendations for policymakers and academic bodies on how to build a European higher education area based on independent quality guarantees.
SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·DateApr 14, 2021
A preliminary study suggests that Black people with autoimmune neurologic diseases like multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder may respond differently to a common therapy meant to modulate the immune system. After treatment, 76% of Black patients had detectable B-cell levels, compared to 33.3% of white patients.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 14, 2021
Recent genomic analyses reveal that bird genomes contain fewer tRNA genes compared to other vertebrates, yet exhibit similar usage patterns. The authors found that the contraction in tRNA genes is balanced by preferences for certain isoacceptor families, ensuring optimal translational efficiencies.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateApr 14, 2021
A recent study has unveiled a new principle that active charge transfer at the interface between non-noble metals can enhance the catalytic performance of complex oxide catalysts. The researchers found that CeO2-deposited spinel oxide nanocubes exhibited a 12-times higher CO oxidation rate than pristine Co3O4 NCs.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateApr 14, 2021
A team of engineers is building a fridge that can operate in zero gravity and different orientations, providing astronauts with access to longer-lasting and more nutritious food. The fridge aims to extend the shelf life of canned and dried food from three years to five to six years.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that seeing food before smelling it can improve its taste. Researchers tested various experiments with cookies, fruit snacks, and lemonade, discovering that visual cues before scent enhance flavor perception.
SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·DateApr 14, 2021