A fossil previously believed to be a four-legged snake is actually a long-bodied marine lizard, according to a new study. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that a 'snake with four legs' exists in the evolutionary chain.
Researchers found that bigger connections between the two grids can increase transmission capacity and provide significant value through sharing generation resources and flexibility across regions. The study suggests that a macrogrid could pay for itself in three primary ways: by helping different parts of the country meet their peak d...
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have identified a new type of cell in the heart that may play a crucial role in regulating heart rate. The cells, termed nexus glia, resemble astrocytes found in the brain and are located in the outflow tract of the heart, where many congenital heart defects occur.
Atmospheric rivers are predicted to drastically alter Australia's alpine wilderness due to climate change. The phenomenon, characterized by long, narrow regions of high moisture content, is expected to increase extreme and frequent events, leading to severe flash flooding and rapid snowmelt.
Researchers found that individual urban trees, such as street trees, can capture and store rainfall at a rate of three times that of clusters or patches. The study used sap flux sensors to monitor transpiration rates in 18 mature red maple trees, revealing significantly higher transpiration rates in single trees compared to cluster trees.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a concept for large-scale energy storage that is safe, cheap and sustainable. The technology uses wood-based electrodes and a new type of water-based electrolyte, achieving a world record for energy storage with organic electrodes in water-based electrolytes.
Fred Martin, a UMass Lowell computer scientist, is being recognized for developing an educational framework that introduces robotics and AI to K-12 students. His work has guided the development of primary and secondary AI education initiatives worldwide.
A McMaster University-led study found that stress hormones suppress the innate immune system, which normally protects the gut from harmful bacteria like E. coli linked to Crohn's disease. Removing stress hormones restored proper function to immune cells and epithelial cells, blocking invasion of microbes.
A new study found that white people trained in mindfulness were three times more likely to help black people in staged scenarios than those who were not trained. However, preferential helping of other white people remained, and participants preferred to help racial ingroup members.
The European Union and European Economic Area saw a significant decline in antibiotic consumption in 2020, with a 18% decrease compared to 2019. This decline was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced primary care consultations for mild infections.
A new study led by scientists at Mount Sinai highlights the role of rare genomic differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) risk. The research found that about 10% of the risk for OCD is attributed to rare genomic variations, which were not seen in previous studies.
A new study found that employee engagement with health and wellbeing programmes is associated with better co-worker relationships, reduced bullying, and improved job satisfaction. The research suggests that even senior managers' commitment to these initiatives has a positive impact on employees' social relationships.
Researchers from Louisiana State University uncover salt workers' residences and outdoor areas where fish were salted and dried. The discovery sheds light on the organization of the salt industry and its importance to inland cities during the Classic Maya civilization.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing wearable devices to track air pollution exposure, providing unprecedented data on air quality over space and time. The devices will help inform policies and interventions to protect vulnerable populations from the health impacts of air pollution.
A recent study estimates that between 700,000 and 1.6 million US individuals have experienced a lasting loss or change in their sense of smell due to SARS-CoV-2. The analysis suggests that these individuals may be experiencing chronic COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction.
New research from a University of South Carolina scientist reveals that rising rivers pose a danger to coastal communities and those farther upstream due to climate change. The study shows how river processes affect entire watersheds down to the coast, contributing to more intense flooding.
A study using anonymized health data found that people with poorly managed long-term glycemic control are nearly 50% more likely to require ICU treatment if they contract COVID-19. Metformin, insulin, and corticosteroids may also reduce the risk of severe COVID-19.
A new study found that host immunity drives the evolution of the dengue virus, causing it to adapt and change over time. The research, published in Science, analyzed genetic variation and immune signatures of dengue viruses isolated in Bangkok over a 20-year period.
A multicenter clinical trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of a novel immunosuppressant in reducing organ rejection after lung transplantation. The study involves 330 patients and aims to improve health outcomes for thousands of lung transplant patients.
A novel detection system developed by Chinese researchers can non-invasively detect skin cholesterol levels, a close proxy for LDL-C and apoB serum measurements. This innovation may help long-term lipid management of CVDs, providing an alternative to invasive blood lipid detection methods.
The Surrey researchers have identified key design rules for curved X-ray detectors, enabling clearer and safer X-rays. By tuning the molecular weight of organic semiconductors, they have created a new class of flexible digital detectors with high sensitivity and low cost, promising significant commercial advantages.
Researchers found that both deep and shallow conversations felt less awkward and led to greater feelings of connectedness and enjoyment than expected. People underestimated how interested strangers were in their deeper thoughts and feelings, but accurate expectations increased interest in having a deeper conversation.
A new study provides preliminary data for a human clinical trial of a treatment that targets the root cause of Alexander disease. The treatment has shown promising results in halting the progression of the disease and even reversing some symptoms in rat models, which better represent the human condition.
A new mRNA vaccine, CV2CoV, has demonstrated a ten-fold higher antibody response and significantly improved protective efficacy against COVID-19 compared to the original CVnCoV. The second-generation vaccine induced antigen-specific memory B cell responses and T cell responses in non-human primates.
Researchers developed novel photon upconversion systems with heterojunctions of bilayer films of organic semiconductors, achieving two orders of magnitude higher external quantum efficiency than conventional systems. This breakthrough enables bright yellow emission in flexible thin films for optogenetics and biosensing applications.
A new data-model study suggests that the Antarctic Ice Sheet's tipping point was reached within a decade, leading to centuries of ice mass loss and potential irreversible ice retreat. The research team analyzed sediment cores and computer models to identify evidence of post-glacial tipping points in the past.
Researchers developed an integrated 'all-in-one' strategy to stabilize zinc anodes, improving the performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The new approach combines structural design, interface modification, and electrolyte optimization to enhance stability, rate performance, and reduce side reactions.
The new method enables faster prototyping of customized optical components for various applications, including eyewear and telescopes. It achieves extremely smooth surfaces using basic equipment found in most labs.
A study published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues found that NFL players who committed general violence received shorter suspensions than those who committed violence against women. The league punished players for drug offenses twice as much as those for general violent behavior, according to researchers.
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology create method to estimate five-room acoustic parameters and speech transmission index using a short conversation, with potential applications in monitoring auditoriums during concerts and saving lives through smart speakers
Physicists at PPPL have discovered a new way to measure and understand high-energy-density plasmas, which are essential for fine-tuning inertial confinement fusion experiments. The study revealed that ion temperatures and electron temperatures were not equivalent, providing new insights into the behavior of these extreme states of matter.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) propose a radical approach to accelerate the energy transition. By using fossil power plants at full capacity and building solar infrastructure, they aim to minimize cumulative CO2 emissions and complete the energy transition within five years.
The insular cortex processes both positive and negative emotions and receives information from the body, including heart rate and breathing. In mice, the brain uses bodily signals to regulate fear, keeping it within a healthy range.
A Rutgers University study found that local budgets in New Jersey can have severe consequences for maternal outcomes. The research suggests that increased spending on public health, education, and transportation is associated with better maternal outcomes, while higher spending on police does not have a positive association.
Researchers at JILA have developed a technique to extend the excited-state lifetime of atoms in a Fermi sea, allowing for improved quantum communication networks and atomic clocks. By manipulating the Pauli exclusion principle, they achieved a significant delay in spontaneous decay.
A new deep learning-powered approach transforms RCM images into virtually-stained H&E images, enabling the analysis of microscopic skin features without invasive biopsies. This technique, called virtual histology, can diagnose various skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma and melanocytic nevi.
Researchers will assess potential effects on individuals with pre-existing conditions and measure toxin levels in blood, urine, and nasal mucosa. The study aims to understand the long-term health impacts of exposure to harmful algal blooms and develop tools for measuring concentrations of toxins in the environment.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that COVID-19 public health measures, such as social distancing and travel restrictions, were associated with a decrease in pink eye emergency department visits. The findings suggest these measures may have helped reduce the spread of infectious conjunctivitis.
A new study demonstrates the importance of supply-side enhancements to increase clean fuel consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. Supply-side interventions such as shortening distances to retail points and improving access to multi-burner stoves are found to be crucial for accelerating growth of the clean cooking market.
The Human Proteoform Project aims to characterize known proteoforms and discover new ones, ultimately establishing a comprehensive Human Proteome Atlas. This atlas will enable researchers to accelerate biomedical research and discovery, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a vaccine method against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) using metal-organic frameworks. The new approach produces substantially enhanced antibody production and significantly higher survival rates in mice compared to standard vaccine preparation methods.
A team of researchers has created a detailed map of the proteins in human lungs, shedding light on how the organs develop and function. The study found that the immune system in the lungs continues to mature after birth, providing new avenues for understanding diseases such as asthma and COVID-19.
Scientists from City University of Hong Kong successfully developed battery-like electrochemical Nb2CTx MXene electrodes with stable voltage output and high energy density. The findings break the performance bottleneck of MXene devices, exhibiting superior rate capability, durable cyclic performance, and high energy density.
The Lef1 gene is found to suppress the development and growth of colorectal cancer by restricting cancer stem cell niches. Blocking this gene leads to increased tumor stem cell niches and accelerated tumor growth.
Researchers used stalagmites from Jiangjun cave in China to study the response of the Indian summer monsoon to meltwater pulses in the North Atlantic. The analysis revealed that a stronger meltwater pulse caused a drastic reduction in monsoon intensity, while minor events had less impact.
A comprehensive assessment of polyurethane in the US reveals complexities that affect its recovery and recycling. The study highlights opportunities to enhance circularity and increase bio-based content of polyurethanes.
A new study reveals that glial cells in the heart play a critical role in regulating heart rate and rhythm, as well as driving its development in the embryo. The discovery suggests that glia may also be important in other organs.
A new clinical trial by Massachusetts General Hospital shows that combining low-dose radiation with nivolumab and ipilimumab improved responses in patients with resistant colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Researchers found that tumors with higher expression of viral sequences like HERV-K were more likely to respond.
UArizona researchers created osseosurface electronics, a wireless device that grows to the surface of bone to monitor health and healing. The thin structure allows for accurate measurements over long periods, enabling personalized orthopedic care.
A study using Google Trends and Wikipedia search volume found that public interest in earthquakes is dependent on the income level of the affected country. Earthquakes in developing countries receive less international attention than those in developed countries, with interest often dwindling within a week. However, interest persists f...
A recent study by Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute has discovered a conserved syndecan protein that coordinates communication between the germline and the rest of the body. This mechanism is required for germ cells to divide correctly, generating offspring.
A randomized controlled trial in Kenya showed a single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was highly effective at 18 months, with efficacy comparable to multiple doses. The findings could hasten vaccinations and bring renewed energy to global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.
The CDC's four-tiered vaccine prioritization strategy outperformed most approaches in reducing deaths and cases, while some optimizations could improve outcomes. The study found that prioritizing healthcare workers and individuals under 16 was optimal, but strategies focusing on comorbidities were also effective.
A recent study published in Hypertension suggests that adolescent arterial stiffness may increase the risk of systolic and diastolic hypertension by 20% and 2-fold, respectively, seven years later. Higher arterial stiffness levels were also associated with an increased risk of abdominal and whole-body obesity.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new approach to modify the surface of copper catalysts, improving the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels. The technique involves coating the copper with thin films of ionomers, which steer the reaction towards generating carbon-rich products.
A Dartmouth study found that the stratified approach to statistical modeling in health services research can lead to inaccurate conclusions about disparities and inequities in healthcare. Joint modeling, on the other hand, provides a more accurate estimate of physician treatment patterns across different patient types.
A Henry Ford Health System study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that a novel opioid-free pain management protocol provided the same pain relief for patients as common types of prescription opioids. This approach aims to reduce opioid misuse and promote more effective pain management after ACL knee reconstruc...
An international research team led by Jennifer L. Schaefer has analyzed the potential of magnesium-ion-conducting solid polymer electrolytes in two separate battery systems. The study found that these electrolytes exhibit higher thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical stability compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, making them ...
A new study of 25 years of recalls at publicly traded companies found that newly tenured CEOs are more likely to announce a product safety recall. The study also reveals that once CEOs have been in their role for about three years, they are more likely to allow recalls to go unannounced.
A research team found that combining human and AI predictions yields more accurate results, especially in atypical cases with unknown factors. Human analysis can fill gaps in big data, leading to better collective predictions.