Researchers have discovered a link between increased levels of the protein OAS1 and reduced mortality and disease severity among patients with COVID-19. Boosting OAS1 levels through drugs may be explored to improve outcomes.
Researchers from Rice University and international collaborations discovered a nonmagnetic quantum material exhibiting the Hall effect without an applied magnetic field. The effect is more than 1,000 times larger than expected, revealing the role of topology in strong correlations and potential applications for quantum computation.
Shyla Cooks and Karl Palmquist have been selected as the 2021 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award recipients. They demonstrate an interest and aptitude for working at the intersection of science and policy, with a focus on education and environmental issues.
A study suggests that continued warming of Atlantic coastal waters may enhance the spread of invasive blue catfish within the Chesapeake Bay and other estuaries along the U.S. East Coast. Warmer waters favor the spread and establishment of blue cats, which can out-compete native species.
A team of researchers used radioactivity in meteorites to study the cosmic origin of heaviest elements, shedding light on violent stellar explosions. The study found that specific astronomical events, such as neutron star collisions, likely created these heavy elements.
Research suggests vitamin B6 may lower the odds of patients becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 by suppressing inflammation. Vitamin B6 has anti-thrombosis and anti-inflammation properties, which could help reduce cytokine storms and blood clots linked to the virus.
Researchers demonstrated the D614G mutation's increased binding to human cells and replication speed, confirming its dominance over the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study used hamsters and ferrets as models to evaluate transmission dynamics in direct competition between variants.
A study found that aptitude tests can help students identify potential careers in high-demand STEM fields, especially for women and underrepresented groups. The tools helped connect students with classes and educational pathways to strengthen their skillset and open up career opportunities.
Bright Line Watch finds strong bipartisan support for a new COVID-19 relief package, with Republican voters favoring a $500 billion pandemic appropriation over opposition by 11 points. However, partisan divides remain on the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election results and former President Donald Trump's second impeachment.
Researchers discovered artificial microswimmers slow down and accumulate in low-fuel regions where their speed is minimized. This finding suggests a new strategy to improve targeted cancer therapy by delivering chemotherapy drugs to the most problematic cells.
Researchers discovered that microbes in ancient sediment below the seafloor are sustained primarily by chemicals created through the natural irradiation of water molecules. This radiation-fueled ecosystem is one of Earth's largest and has significant implications for understanding life on Mars.
A new study from Umeå University identifies a novel function of preparatory neural activity, highlighting the nervous system's ability to adjust muscle stiffness independently. This mechanism enables more precise movement preparation, facilitating successful interaction with the environment.
A University of Hawaii study found that Oahu's marine protected areas do not adequately protect populations of herbivorous fish species that eat algae on coral reefs. The research suggests that environmental characteristics like habitat complexity and depth have a greater impact on these fish populations than MPA protection.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University are developing robots that can measure essential healthcare information, such as physiological signals and oxygen levels. The robots aim to support remote healthcare tasks and may potentially interact with patients, process data, and prescribe medication in the future.
A University of Guelph study found female hoary squash bees exposed to imidacloprid dug 85% fewer nests and collected less pollen. The pesticide significantly reduces offspring production, threatening the future of these vital pollinators.
A new study led by IAC researchers using the OSIRIS instrument on GRANTECAN has discovered the most densely populated galaxy cluster in formation in the primitive universe. The cluster, located 12.5 billion light years from us, is made up of galaxies with normal star formation rates and is predicted to evolve into a Virgo-like cluster.
Researchers at SCCL have found that CD4 T lymphocytes, which typically support immune responses, can also kill cancer cells directly. Up to a third of these cells were able to destroy tumor cells within five hours.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that atherosclerosis can accelerate the development of clonal hematopoiesis. Clonal hematopoiesis is an age-related condition where descendants of one hematopoietic stem cell dominate blood cells.
Tohoku University researchers created stronger silk by mixing cellulose nanofiber into the silkworms' diet, resulting in a 2.0 times increase in strength compared to non-CNF fed silkworms. This innovative approach uses environmentally friendly materials and shows promise for producing sustainable biomaterials.
A University of Missouri researcher created fitness picture books to increase physical activity in youth with autism, providing a cost-efficient solution for low-income families. The study found that the picture books successfully increased exercise time and encouraged caregivers to provide organized structure during flexible free time.
The new journal, Current Cosmetic Science, publishes original research on skin, cosmetic, and cosmeceutical products. The journal explores various aspects of cosmetics science, including natural product isolation and their beneficial effects.
Using spatially structured ultrashort laser pulses, materials can be modified with diverse effects, from marginal refractive index changes to destructive microscale explosions. This technology allows true micron-scale material processing due to extremely short exposure times and low thermal diffusion.
Researchers found that hymecromone, a spasmolytic drug, reduces the production of anti-inflammatory molecules in astrocytes. This could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Hymecromone's mechanism of action is thought to involve reducing hyaluronic acid synthesis, which affects inflammation.
Researchers have developed a temporary tattoo using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that can emit green light. The technology has the potential to be combined with other electronics for various applications, including fashion, sports, and healthcare, such as detecting dehydration or signaling expiry dates.
Researchers have confirmed that parasites can parasitize newly-recorded snail species in Thailand, posing a risk of food-borne zoonotic diseases. The study highlights the need for further research on the biodiversity and biology of these snails to improve public health understanding.
Researchers discovered that oscillation in muscle tissue is critical for transforming stem cells into muscle cells. The Delta-like1 protein plays a key role in this process, regulating the balance between self-renewal and differentiation.
Researchers found that Black and Latinx patients, as well as those with lower incomes, were less likely to receive rhythm control treatments for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Patients in areas with lower median household incomes were 39% less likely to receive catheter ablation treatment.
Researchers discovered that photobleaching can transform fluorescent dyes into new molecules with altered fluorescence spectra, affecting microscopy results. Simple buffer additions can prevent or even exploit this effect for targeted tracking of specific particles.
The E-Morph test uses artificial intelligence to identify substances that can have oestrogen-like effects on breast cells. This method has the potential to replace animal experiments currently required for detecting hormone-like effects.
A team of researchers has identified genes linked to both high body fat and protection from negative health impacts of obesity. The findings shed new light on the biology behind this disconnect, offering potential targets for therapies that lower diabetes and heart disease risk.
The study reveals that Plateosaurus trossingensis had a unique combination of features, with differences in characteristics attributed to natural variation between individuals and bone deformation during fossilization. The researchers found that there is no evidence for multiple species within the same genus.
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that dropping out of high school, having schizophrenia, or a co-occurring personality disorder increases the likelihood of someone becoming a high utilizer. The research used machine learning to analyze deidentified electronic health record dat...
A recent study published in The Lancet found that targeted indoor residual spraying is a non-inferior and cost-effective approach to preventing malaria in low-transmission settings. By focusing on neighborhoods with recent evidence of transmission, this method reduces the need for widespread spraying and saves significant resources.
The OpenEP platform enables researchers to analyze large amounts of clinical patient data, reducing the need for specialized software and increasing reproducibility. This allows clinicians to focus on their specific hypothesis or research question, accelerating progress towards innovative treatments.
A new study questions the use of pyrite as a proxy for reconstructing oxygen levels in Earth's oceans. Researchers found that signals from pyrite in sediments are more controlled by sea level changes in shallow waters than other factors. This challenges current methods for understanding ocean chemistry and oxygenation.
A new study reveals a causal link between the decline of insectivorous birds and poor water quality, driven by human disturbance and pollution. The analysis shows that emergent insects, which serve as an important food source for birds, are highly sensitive to water pollution.
The new technology streamlines creation of radiation treatment plans for brain tumors and other diseases, reducing time from 1.5-3 hours to just one minute while maintaining accuracy. This frees medical professionals to focus on patient care and improving outcomes.
A new study reconstructs the ancient habitat of early dinosaurs in the UK around 200 million years ago. The research reveals that small dinosaurs and lizard-like animals coexisted on flooded tropical islands, contradicting previous assumptions about their desert habitats.
Researchers find that cooperative effects play a significant role in photon escape rates from cold atomic gases, exceeding the impact of disorder. The study uses complex models to account for light-matter interactions and finds that a simple scalar model can accurately predict escape rates.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new catalyst that significantly increases styrene manufacturing yield, reducing energy use by 82% and carbon dioxide emissions by 79%. The catalyst achieves a single-pass yield of 91%, outperforming conventional technologies.
A new study reveals that social media engagement follows basic principles of reward learning, driving people to seek likes over direct interaction. The research found that users post more frequently in response to high like rates, mirroring the behavior of animals seeking food rewards.
A combination of deep brain stimulation and exercise has potential benefits for treating ataxia by rescuing limb coordination and stepping. The study reports that stimulating mice with early-stage ataxia showed the most dramatic improvements, suggesting that early treatment may provide the biggest benefit for patients.
A study found associations between urinary miRNAs and cardiorenal outcomes, including blood pressure and eGFR levels, in Mexican children. The researchers identified several miRNAs associated with kidney function, blood pressure, and electrolyte biomarkers.
An international team has developed a way to image the interface between 2D and 3D materials, revealing details of atomic configurations and orientations. This breakthrough enables control over the electronic properties of atomically thin materials.
Researchers have developed a new technique using bowl-shaped nanoparticles to study Alzheimer's disease amyloid beta protein aggregates. The findings confirm multiple forms of these aggregates co-exist and not all convert into brain plaques, opening possibilities for diagnostic and treatment applications.
A recent study reveals an increase in cancer incidence and mortality rates in China, with rising rates seen in colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers. The study highlights the importance of implementing cost-effective approaches for primary prevention and collaborative efforts to reduce the cancer burden.
A new bioinformatics tool called PlasmidHawk has been developed by Rice University researchers to track the origin of synthetic genetic code. The tool uses a sequence alignment-based approach and was found to outperform recent deep learning approaches in lab-of-origin prediction, achieving 76% accuracy.
Researchers assessed at what age young people aged 12 to 17 started using cigarettes. The study found that most young people begin smoking between ages 14 and 16.
Research highlights social resilience as key factor in overcoming climate adversity, with aridification sparking development of agriculture and complex social structures. The study shows that population surged around 3,900 to 3,500 years ago due to human adaptations and innovations.
Researchers found that statin users had lower inflammation levels and a 50% reduced risk of death from COVID-19. However, randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm these findings.
Bacteria use a carbohydrate slime to resist antibiotics and thinning agents used in cystic fibrosis treatments. The slime creates a protective layer around the bacteria, making them harder to kill.
The Critical Path to Therapeutics for the Ataxias (CPTA) Consortium aims to optimize clinical trials for inherited ataxias through a public-private partnership. CPTA will create a neutral space for stakeholders to share expertise and data, leveraging this input to guide the development of actionable solutions.
Researchers developed risk stratification models to predict COVID-19 patient outcomes, including mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death. The VICE and DICE scores utilize clinical data to differentiate between risk, with age being a significant predictor of mortality but not mechanical ventilation.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is studying the mechanics of blast-like events and their impact on brain cells. He aims to track bubble formation and its effects on brain tissue, with a goal of preventing traumatic brain injuries. The study will also explore the role of glial cells as shields against trauma.
The study found that early PDA closure in extremely low birth weight infants with moderate to large PDA improved respiratory status, facilitated faster weaning off supplemental oxygen and ventilator support, and promoted normal weight gain. Delayed PDA closure and pulmonary hypertension were associated with worse respiratory outcomes.
Researchers at VIB discovered the molecular architecture of the TPLATE complex, a crucial protein complex in plants that regulates the outer membrane composition. The study provides new insights into the evolution of this complex and its role in vesicle trafficking, essential for eukaryotic processes.
Researchers have developed a method to quantify transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in cells, which can reveal insights into tRNA regulation in health and disease. The mim-tRNAseq approach accurately measures tRNA abundance and modification status, enabling the study of tRNA dynamics in different tissues and during development.
Researchers have developed novel Bi-BiVO4 Mott-Schottky heterostructure catalysts for efficient urea synthesis under ambient conditions. The spontaneous charge transfer at the heterointerfaces promotes targeted adsorption and activation of CO2 and N2 molecules, effectively suppressing CO poisoning.
Researchers used electronic medical records to estimate SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk and identify risk factors for household transmission. The study found that addressing in the home address could be used to predict transmission risk.
New research shows that explicit instruction significantly improves reading skills, especially for adults struggling with basic reading skills. The study found that learners who received explicit instruction outperformed those who learned through natural experience.