An international team of experts has demonstrated that only quantum gravity can create a specific ingredient needed for quantum computation. The proposed experiment involves cooling billions of atoms to extremely low temperatures and applying a magnetic field, which would reveal the underlying gravity if it's quantum.
The SETI Institute has launched the NASA Community College Network (NCCN) to bring NASA subject matter experts, research findings, and educational resources into science classrooms of community colleges. The program aims to amplify NASA's reach into America's community colleges where many students from underserved groups start their hi...
A team of RUDN University physicists discovered solutions to semi-classical models describing particle-like waves and calculated the ratio between gravitational interaction and charge interactions. The results suggest that gravity may play a significant role in the formation of elementary particles, particularly at the Planck scale.
Chronic increases in interleukin (IL)-17A levels in mouse blood reduce microglia activity in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. Despite this effect on cognition, spatial memory remains unaffected in mutant mice.
Researchers have created a new anion exchange membrane that overcomes the drawbacks of previous membranes, exhibiting excellent mechanical strength, chemical stability, and conductivity. The membrane's high overall performance was demonstrated in a fuel cell test, showing stable operation for 300 hours with high power density.
Researchers have used a new technique to track the reaction of Osmium in single lung cancer cells, providing crucial insights into potential cellular targets for new cancer treatments. The findings could lead to the development of sustainable and effective treatments using Osmium as a catalyst.
A study found that assessing surgery patients for frailty before surgery reduces post-operative mortality, regardless of surgical specialty. The review of national patient databases showed that frailty was a consistent risk factor for death after surgery across all specialties.
A recent study published in Diabetologia found that COVID-19 patients with diabetes have a high risk of death and hospitalization, with 21% mortality rate. Factors such as age, treatment with metformin and insulin, and liver enzyme levels were associated with increased mortality risk.
A new study from Ohio State University found that one in 10 Ohio women thought abortion was illegal due to legislative attempts to ban the practice at six weeks gestation. Women with lower socioeconomic status and those already facing structural barriers to reproductive healthcare were more likely to believe it was illegal.
Scientists develop nasal antiviral spray that prevents SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ferrets, suggesting its effectiveness in preventing infection in people exposed to the new coronavirus. The lipopeptide-based spray is inexpensive, stable, and does not require refrigeration, making it an ideal solution for halting COVID-19 spread globally.
Research found fidaxomicin is more effective than existing TB medication at preventing growth of M. tuberculosis, including resistant strains. Fidaxomicin's in vitro activity was compared to rifampicin and showed promise as a potential new treatment for TB.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that political structure and economic conditions played a major impact on choosing livestock in ancient Europe. The research analyzed data from 101 archaeological sites across the northeastern Iberian Peninsula, revealing significant changes in livestock use over time.
Researchers used bacteria Bacillus cohnii to create self-healing concrete that can repair small fissures within 28 days, extending the lifespan of structures by up to 4 times. This innovative material is particularly relevant for construction in seismically risky areas and high-humidity regions.
A new study by Penn State researchers demonstrates that facilitating researcher-policymaker interactions can influence legislators' thinking about policy issues and drafting legislation. Participating legislative offices sponsored more bills containing research language, and members showed a modest increase in believing research eviden...
A study of over 1,700 young people exposed to major hurricanes found that most experienced recovery or low-decreasing post-traumatic stress symptoms. The trajectories among youth reflected a need for health surveillance systems and stepped care interventions after disasters.
A new anti-inflammatory nanotherapy has shown promising results in reducing intestinal inflammation and shrinking lesions in a rodent model of severe Crohn's disease. The approach could potentially replace biologic antibody therapies with fewer side effects.
A study by University of Chicago researchers found that some neurons in the brain can compensate for the loss of their neighboring neuron, a process known as synaptic plasticity. However, not all neurons have this capacity, and the remaining neuron's ability to compensate depends on its functional properties.
Researchers will investigate climate-resistant oats and develop innovative products with industrial partners. The project aims to promote the health, economic, and environmental benefits of growing oats in Wales and Ireland.
Researchers from the UOC analyzed 18 blockchain-based multimedia content protection systems, identifying gaps in research and shortcoming in interoperability, scalability, and design. The study proposes a taxonomy to guide development of blockchain-based copyright protection systems.
Researchers developed a new X-ray imaging scanner that provides surgeons with a full 3D image of extracted tissue lumps, allowing for improved detection of diseased tissue. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the need for repeat operations in breast cancer patients.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development argue that neural variability is a key dimension for understanding brain-behavior relationships. Studies have shown that neural variability has a direct influence on behavior, with individuals who can adapt their neural variability performing better on tasks.
A study published in PNAS documents changes associated with prolonged anesthesia in the brains of mice, revealing significant alterations in synaptic architecture. The findings support reports of post-hospital cognitive dysfunction and suggest a physical link between cognitive impairment and prolonged medically induced coma.
A recent study published in Social Psychology and Personality Science found that women with abdominal fat are more stigmatized than those with gluteofemoral fat. The research team also discovered that body shape plays a significant role in driving fat stigma, regardless of weight or ethnicity.
Research found that morning exercise was associated with higher risks of developing coronary heart disease in men, while midday exercise had lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels. The study suggests that timing of physical activity may play a role in cardiovascular health outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Hospital admissions in the UK due to food-induced anaphylaxis have more than tripled over the past 20 years. Despite this increase, the death rate from food-induced anaphylaxis has halved, according to research published in The BMJ.
Researchers at UMass Lowell have developed a new 3D imaging technique that uses specialized dye to better visualize human tissue inside the body. The technology, funded by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, has the potential to revolutionize medical imaging and improve diagnosis accuracy for breast cancer and other diseases.
A study by West Virginia University found that top sleep trackers can accurately measure total sleep time and sleep efficiency, but struggle with sleep staging accuracy. Researchers tested eight commercial sleep trackers and found that some devices overestimated or underestimated sleep metrics, while others were unable to quantify slee...
Researchers found that microbes from termite species can break down lignin, the toughest of three polymers in straw, up to 37%. The microbes also efficiently degrade hemicelluloses and cellulose, which could lead to increased biofuel production.
A new longitudinal study examines relations between parenting, culture, and prosocial behaviors in U.S. Mexican youth, finding both universal and culturally-specific factors contribute to fostering helpful behavior. Cultural practices like ethnic socialization and familism values play a crucial role in supporting prosocial development.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego will investigate psilocybin's safety and efficacy in treating chronic phantom limb pain. The study aims to elucidate brain mechanisms involved, including possible alterations in brain circuitry.
A recent CT scan study of the mummy of Pharaoh Seqenenre-Taa-II provides new insights into his death, revealing that he was executed by multiple attackers and that embalmers skillfully concealed some head wounds. The study also suggests that Seqenenre was about 40 years old at the time of his death.
Researchers have developed a new tool to address disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) by targeting blood clots with nanogel spheres loaded with tissue-type plasminogen activator. In vivo studies show promising results in rat models and in vitro tests using DIC patient blood plasma.
Researchers from Duke University found that mental health struggles in early life can lead to premature aging and advanced diseases in adulthood. Investing in prompt mental health care could prevent later diseases and lower societal healthcare costs.
A recent study highlights the complex relationship between climate change and forest management in driving wildfires. Climate change is found to be the primary driver of increasing fires in some ecosystems, while fire suppression dominates in others. The research reveals that local responses to these factors can vary greatly within ind...
Adequate birth spacing may help alleviate stunting in Indian children, according to a Cornell University study. The study found that when children are born at least three years after their older siblings, the height gap between them disappears.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified an antibody that removes amyloid plaques from brain tissue and blood vessels, improving vessel function without raising the risk of brain bleeds. This breakthrough discovery offers a potentially safer approach to treating Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Researchers have discovered that combining copper-silver ionization with lower amounts of chlorine can decrease disinfection byproducts and cell toxicity in chlorinated pool water. This approach may help mitigate respiratory problems, such as asthma, associated with swimming pool exposure.
Researchers have discovered a way to prevent cell death in the hearts of people with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a genetic disease that can lead to sudden cardiac death. By inhibiting two mitochondrial proteins, cell death can be prevented, offering new therapeutic options for those affected.
A newly engineered peptide has been shown to prevent virus transmission among ferrets when given two days prior to co-housing with infected animals. The peptide's stability and effectiveness in reducing infection rates make it a promising candidate for developing an intranasal prophylaxis treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in humans.
A recent study found that between 2010 and 2017, 60% of Spanish children actively commuted to school, with no significant variations observed during this period. The researchers attributed the stable trend to efforts in promoting measures for increasing active commuting.
The ESMO Virtual Plenaries will present original scientific data from randomised phase III and phase II oncology trials, showcasing remarkable therapeutic benefits and progress in unmet areas. The platform aims to accelerate the transition from research to practice, benefiting cancer patients worldwide.
A new DNA biomarker method can screen pregnant women for prenatal environmental contaminants, predicting childhood developmental disorders and chronic illness. The approach has the potential to prevent health problems through early identification of high-risk children.
Thyroid hormone doesn't operate as a straight-on/off switch but rather shifts the balance between gene activity, revealing a more nuanced mechanism of action. This discovery has significant implications for understanding metabolic diseases and developing targeted therapies.
Children in a social skills program with therapy dogs improved their moods and engagement levels, with many crediting the dogs for emotional well-being benefits. The study found that canine-assisted interventions can provide unique advantages in building social skills.
A new study by the University of Limerick reveals that a person's immune system directly affects their long-term risk of death, with conscientious individuals showing lower levels of interleukin-6 leading to increased longevity. The research provides insight into the biological mechanisms underlying personality traits and mortality risk.
Researchers found that individuals without α-actinin-3 in their muscle fiber protein have slower-twitch muscle fibers, which provide better tolerance to low temperatures and energy efficiency. This mutation likely provided an evolutionary advantage in colder climates but may increase disease risk in modern society.
A University of Sydney-led team has revealed the shape of the glutamate transporter, a tiny protein controlling cell-to-cell communication. The discovery using cryogenic electron microscopy could help design drugs for diseases such as episodic ataxia and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at KAUST have developed custom polymer dots that emit ultrabright light in the shortwave infrared region, allowing for high-resolution imaging of structures deep within biological tissues. This breakthrough enables detection of nano-sized particles and single molecules with single-molecule sensitivity.
A new study reveals that Twitter sentiment significantly predicts the valuation of young high-tech companies, while patents are a more reliable indicator of their long-term success. The researchers analyzed over 400,000 tweets and found that venture capitalists can be influenced by Twitter hype.
A four-university collaboration is surveying over 800 undergraduate students on mental and emotional health, academic success, and risk factors for dropping out. The study aims to identify key factors influencing student well-being and inform strategies to enhance university support.
Researchers identified two unique subtypes of NPM1-mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), one potentially treatable with existing drugs, and the other requiring new therapeutic approaches. This discovery may lead to improved treatment outcomes and personalized medicine for patients.
Researchers found that secure digital communities face challenges as potential members fear sensitive issues becoming public. Online support groups may marginalize those who face social stigma due to lack of anonymity.
Researchers found that the brain's ability to recover and rewire itself peaks around two weeks after a stroke and diminishes over time. This 'window of opportunity' suggests that initiating therapy as soon as possible is crucial for effective recovery.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a model to accurately calculate GPP in bioenergy crops using satellite data. The SLOPE GPP product explains 85% of spatial and temporal variations in GPP, overcoming previous inefficiencies in image-based, time-based, and latency precision.
Frank G. Schroeder, a University of Delaware assistant professor, has received the prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship to study cosmic rays. His research aims to uncover the origins of nature's highest-energy particles, which have sparked upgrades at major cosmic ray observatories.
A new study published in eLife found that combining healthy lifestyle interventions with cholesterol-lowering medications yields the greatest benefits to heart health. Healthy lifestyles, including exercise and a balanced diet, can lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
The ViralLink workflow connects the dots between viral protein interactions and cellular responses to identify key proteins involved in various functions. The tool predicts signalling pathways and transcription factor regulation to change gene expression in infected cells.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open examined the association between diet and colorectal cancer risk. The research found that a diet high in processed foods and added sugars is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
The University of Toledo will develop flexible solar cell sheets to harness solar energy in space and transmit power wirelessly to Earth. The five-year project aims to create large, efficient solar arrays that could generate up to 800 megawatts of electrical power.
A recent qualitative study examines how people respond to financial and health uncertainties, revealing significant adverse consequences on physical and mental health. Participants reported sacrificing essential needs to afford medication, demonstrating the profound impact of uncertainty on well-being.