Researchers at the University of Illinois used artificial materials with defects to study topological features and demonstrate a practical approach for exploring unconventional materials. They created a method for trapping fractional charges on disclination defects, which signals the presence of certain kinds of topology.
Researchers propose improved tumor models to personalize cancer treatment by analyzing patient-derived samples and clinical trials data. This approach aims to accelerate the pace of cancer research, facilitating faster and more reliable drug testing.
A recent study found that daily aspirin use does not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer among adults who start taking it after age 70. However, there may be a potential benefit for those who begin taking aspirin at an earlier age.
A new method traces real-time cancer progression across thousands of cells, identifying rare events and distinct gene expression profiles associated with metastatic phenotypes. The approach could inform aspects of cellular cancer biology, including genetic mutations, microenvironment adaptation and resistance to therapeutic agents.
Physicists at MIT searched for axions in Betelgeuse, a nearby star expected to burn out soon, but found no signs of the hypothetical dark matter particles. The null result sets new constraints on axion properties, making it harder to detect them through X-ray signals.
Researchers have found that tiny diamonds can form in the presence of small electric fields, which play a central role in their creation. The experiments conducted by the Russian research team showed that applying less than one volt triggers a chemical transformation process, resulting in pure carbon in the form of diamond.
Research suggests adult males are twice as likely to die from severe COVID-19 as females due to biological factors, according to a new Perspective article. Differences in antiviral immune responses between the sexes, including sex-specific genes and hormone roles, may underlie this male bias.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released a new research agenda to inform clinical practice, policy, and prevention strategies for COVID-19. The agenda highlights critical areas of study, including understanding asymptomatic spread and long-term cardiometabolic impacts.
A study by Scripps Research has discovered a memory gating system employing dopamine to direct transient forgetting, a temporary lapse of memory that spontaneously returns. The mechanism was found to be separate from long-term memory recall.
A new study provides the first national estimate of systemic lupus erythematosus in the US, finding that approximately 72.8 out of every 100,000 people nationwide have the condition, which affects mostly women and disproportionately affects certain ethnic groups.
A new study from Penn Medicine reveals that patients with inactive cancer and not currently undergoing treatments are significantly more likely to experience severe COVID-19 illness. The research highlights the importance of COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as social distancing and mask-wearing, and vaccinations for all patients.
Researchers found eDNA sampling to be more accurate than electrofishing in detecting coastal cutthroat trout populations, revealing fish up to 250 meters upstream. EDNA detection is a useful complement to electrofishing but not a replacement, offering less disruption and fewer permits required.
A new study by physician-researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that a modified pain management strategy reduced opioid exposure in trauma patients while maintaining equal levels of pain control. The MAST regimen, a multi-modal analgesic approach using over-the-counter medications, achieved this o...
A study by Northern Arizona University and TGen found that COVID-19 may awaken an antibody response created in humans prior to the pandemic, suggesting pre-existing immunity. The research also identified cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and previous coronavirus infections, which could help design new diagnostics and vaccines.
A global collaboration aims to produce climate-neutral, green ammonia through new reaction technologies. The project will analyze and develop three scalable technologies for decentralized production.
Researchers found that medicated drops can close small macular holes within two to eight weeks, allowing some patients to avoid surgery. The treatment was most effective for patients with holes less than 200 micrometers in diameter, and showed promise as an alternative to traditional vitrectomy surgery.
Fossil burrows from northeast Taiwan reveal that giant ambush-predator worms, possibly ancestors of the 'bobbit worm', colonized the seafloor around 20 million years ago. The L-shaped burrows, reconstructed by Ludvig Löwemark and colleagues, provide a rare glimpse into these creatures' behavior beneath the seafloor.
A new study found no link between countries' frequency of natural disasters and their propensity to take disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures. Despite this, national variation was observed, with some countries responding with extensive changes while others made no action.
Researchers at the University of Kansas created virtual SMART Recovery groups to provide remote support to individuals struggling with addictions. The program has seen significant growth, with over 20 people attending online meetings and a new telephone service called SMARTline providing additional support.
Researchers have developed a system called robomorphic computing that generates a customized computer chip to minimize a robot's response time. This technology uses a robot's physical layout and intended applications to create an optimized hardware architecture, resulting in faster reaction times and improved performance.
A phase 2 clinical trial using a personalized treatment approach found increased survival rates among patients with metastatic tumors in gastroesophageal cancers. The study used genetic profiling to tailor treatments, resulting in a 66% one-year survival rate and a median survival time of 15.7 months.
A study found that a cell-surface estrogen receptor called GPER1 plays a critical role in protecting the fetus from maternal inflammation caused by viral infections. The researchers discovered that GPER1 helps to suppress type I interferon signaling, which can lead to serious developmental abnormalities and fetal death.
A Dartmouth College-led study finds that middle-aged adults are at a significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to younger and older populations. The research, which analyzed over 1,000 studies, shows that the odds of infection becoming fatal increase with age.
A global study found that over 13% of participants developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related symptoms in response to the pandemic. The research highlights the need for comprehensive documentation of COVID-19-related traumatic stress reactions to help healthcare professionals support those affected.
Analysis of 33,000 graves reveals a change in Western European burial practices from regionally specific grave goods to standardized, unfurnished burials between the 6th-8th centuries AD. This shift indicates a well-connected Europe with regular contact and exchange of ideas across vast areas.
Researchers found that positive messages about togetherness and unity were more appealing than fear-based or instructive messages. Participants wore masks frequently in public settings but not when physically distanced outside or alone, highlighting the importance of community safety as a motivation for mask-wearing.
Researchers discovered that questions used to screen for postpartum depression can also identify depressive symptoms and other mental health issues during early pregnancy. A study of 2,271 women found that 85% of those with high scores had mental disorders or risk factors.
A large health insurance database in Taiwan investigated the association between obstructive sleep apnea and male infertility. The study found that obstructive sleep apnea was a significant risk factor for male infertility, with treatment for sleep apnea not necessarily reducing the risk.
A study estimated the frequency of forgone medical care among US adults during March to mid-July 2020, including missed medication doses, preventive care, and elective surgeries. The research found that nearly half of respondents reported forgoing medical care due to health concerns or lack of access.
Computational research reveals that genetic transfer between bacteria may be more widespread than expected, with plasmids containing resistance genes found in various environments and species. This could lead to rapid development of resistance in human pathogens.
The FAROS project aims to develop surgical robots with non-visual sensing capabilities, including tactile and auditory sensors, to master complex tasks autonomously. This new concept enables surgeon-like autonomous behavior with physical and cognitive intelligence.
Researchers at Brown University have created a new type of graphene nanochannel water filter that can efficiently remove contaminants from liquids. The VAGME membrane technology, developed by Robert Hurt and Muchun Liu, features narrow channels that allow small molecules to pass through while blocking larger ones.
Developing economies can spur foreign investment with bilateral agreements that provide clear rules for protecting property and contract rights. The study found a significant increase in cross-border mergers after the treaty was signed, making it more likely for companies to invest in these countries.
A team of scientists has found evidence of alpha clusters in heavy nuclei, which challenges our understanding of neutron star structure and nuclear interactions. The discovery provides new insights into the process of alpha decay and has important implications for the study of neutron stars and their role in the universe.
Researchers at MIT have successfully grown structures made of wood-like plant cells in a lab, hinting at the possibility of more efficient biomaterials production. The team demonstrated the concept using zinnia leaves, growing rigid, wood-like structures by controlling the levels of two plant hormones.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive framework to classify small-cell lung cancer into four unique subtypes based on gene expression. The study identifies potential therapeutic targets for each type, including an inflamed group that tends to be more responsive to immunotherapy.
The study found that having indoor plants had a positive influence on emotional well-being during the first COVID-19 lockdown, with 74% of respondents agreeing. The majority of participants reported spending more time on plant care at home and expressed desire to have more plants once normality was restored.
Research by University of Bristol scientists shows neonicotinoid insecticides disrupt bees' and flies' ability to get a good night's sleep, affecting daily behavioral rhythms. The pesticides also impair memory and circadian behavior in these insects, leading to potential decline in pollinator populations.
The TU Dresden satellite SOMP2b is used to study new nanomaterials under extreme space conditions and test systems converting solar heat into electricity. It measures the residual atmosphere around the satellite in a polar, sun-synchronous orbit.
Researchers have discovered a 2-meter-long burrow attributed to ancient giant worms, providing insights into their behavior and habitat.
Cold-water coral reefs in the Western Mediterranean have been growing almost continuously for 400,000 years, with major climate swings controlling their development. The study reveals that intense monsoon events also had a detrimental impact on these reefs.
The Minnesota Partnership has awarded five teams with nearly $5 million in research grants to develop a long-lasting COVID-19 vaccine, new treatments for breast and other cancers, and gene-editing techniques to prevent birth defects. The projects will focus on improving treatment of diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders.
The KAUST team created conjugated microporous polymers with uniform pore sizes and high surface area through electropolymerization. These membranes showed faster solvent transport and narrow molecular sieving due to their unique structure.
Current H-1B visa usage by foreign Ph.D.'s as a first step to permanent residency has revealed inefficiencies and delays in alternatives. The authors suggest reforms tailored to foreign-born Ph.D.'s to streamline the doctorate-to-residency path.
Researchers found distinct nitrogen isotopic signatures in iron meteorites, suggesting the protoplanetary disk divided into two reservoirs within 300,000 years of its formation. This discovery challenges current understanding of volatile elements' origin and habitability of exoplanets.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found significant racial disparities in breast cancer prognosis testing among Black women, who have higher recurrence and mortality rates than non-Hispanic white women. The study suggests that genomic tumor tests may require re-calibration to reflect racial differences.
Researchers have identified short linear motifs in SARS-CoV-2 receptors that facilitate viral entry and replication. The findings suggest targeting these motifs may help develop new treatments for COVID-19.
A study of 323,200 participants from 99 countries found that friendships have health benefits regardless of location. In cultures with more individualism, those without resources benefit most from friendships for physical and psychological health.
Researchers develop bioengineered microscale organotypic models (BMOMs) to address cancer treatment limitations. BMOMs can be integrated with microscopes and sensors to monitor biological processes in high resolution, reducing the need for animal models.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a key role of monocytes in sarcoidosis, revealing they can be potent TNF producers and predict disease outcome. This breakthrough opens possibilities for identifying biomarkers and more effective treatment strategies, potentially reducing cases of chronic sarcoidosis.
Researchers have found a novel solution to stabilize the unstable black phase of a lead halide perovskite, which has potential for being cheaper and easier to manufacture than current silicon solar cells. The stable material remains resistant to deterioration and efficient at room temperature.
Researchers found that a personalized cancer vaccine, NeoVax, stimulates a durable immune response in patients with melanoma. The study demonstrated the staying power of the immune response, which remained effective nearly four years after vaccination and expanded to recognize other proteins on tumor cells.
This observational study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in unintentional opioid overdose deaths among emergency medical services (EMS) patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identified a higher risk of overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations compared to non-Hispanic White populations.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus blocks innate immune activation, preventing the production and signaling of type I interferon, a key component of host defense against viral infections. This suppression allows the virus to replicate unchecked, leading to COVID-19 disease progression.
A new study reveals how a bacterial pathogen manipulates host senescence to cause citrus greening disease. Researchers identified an effector that promotes bacterial colonization and disease development in citrus.
Researchers found stable rates of suicide deaths during the COVID-19 stay-at-home advisory in Massachusetts among those aged 10 and older. The study's findings parallel those of ecological disasters, suggesting a lack of significant impact on mental health during this period.
A MU study found that embedded counseling services increase accessibility to mental health services for students with demanding schedules. The services offer a convenient way to support students' mental health and well-being.
Researchers investigated bamlanivimab's effects on mild to moderate COVID-19 patients, finding that higher doses of bamlanivimab significantly reduced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral loads. Combination therapy with etesevimab also yielded promising results, highlighting its potential as a treatment option.
Researchers at Swansea University found a six-fold increase in brain pressure disorder cases among women between 2003 and 2017. Obesity rates in Wales rose significantly during this period, and women from deprived areas had a higher risk of developing the condition, independent of body mass index.
A recent study published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology highlights the interconnection between obesity, impaired metabolic health, and COVID-19 severity. The research found that obesity, visceral fatness, and impaired metabolic health are significant risk factors for a more severe course of COVID-19.