Researchers found over 70-170 free-floating planets (FFPs) in the Upper Scorpius young stellar association, almost doubling the number of known FFPs. The sheer number suggests that planets formed around stars and then banished to darkness are an important contribution.
A new model suggests that cell-to-cell communication plays a crucial role in determining cell fate, particularly in the development of blood cell types. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer development and identifying leukemia cells of origin.
Researchers from Göttingen University and Hannover Medical School have detected changes in heart muscle tissue of people who died from Covid-19. The study used innovative X-ray imaging to visualize the affected tissue in three dimensions, revealing a network of chaotic vessel formations.
Scientists have discovered recently evolved regions in the 'dark genome' that code for proteins associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These protein biomarkers could help distinguish between the two conditions and identify patients at risk of psychosis or suicide.
Astronomers used data from ESO's large telescopes and space-based facilities to spot tens of millions of sources in a wide area of the sky, identifying over 70 rogue planets comparable to Jupiter's mass. The discovery could provide clues on how these mysterious objects form, with further advances needed to study them in greater detail.
A small study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that exercising at high altitude can lead to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes. This may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
A survey study found links between problematic smartphone use and low sense of control, fear of missing out (FOMO), and repetitive negative thinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that physical activity and mindfulness practices may help reduce such use.
A composite material consisting of superconducting and semiconducting materials has been discovered, enabling the integration of quantum devices into semiconductor technology. This breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in data transmission bandwidth, energy efficiency, and information security.
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has successfully cultured the pygmy zebra octopus, a new model organism for biological research. This species offers unique features, such as small adult body size and predictable breeding schedule, making it an ideal candidate for further exploration and research.
Astronomers captured the most comprehensive image of radio emission from a supermassive black hole in the Centaurus A galaxy, powered by in-falling gas. The eruption extends eight degrees across the sky, spanning 16 full moons, and reveals spectacular new details of the radio emission.
The Matterhorn oscillates at two frequencies, with movements up to 14 times stronger at the summit than at the foot. Researchers detected these subtle vibrations using seismometers, which are also found in bridges and high-rise buildings, revealing a broader phenomenon.
Phoebe Lin's research establishes a gut-eye association in animal models, finding that certain interventions can enhance Tregs and decrease eye inflammation. Her five-year grant will investigate how intestinal microbes and the immune system can be rebalanced to treat uveitis.
A study of nearly 35,000 routes found that traffic speeds under 20mph are most likely to encourage cycling, with higher speeds deterring commuters. The research also highlights the importance of cycle paths and separates roads for encouraging more cycling.
A team of researchers discovered 170 previously unknown free-floating planets (FFPs) in the Upper Scorpius young stellar association. This is the largest sample of FFPs found in a single association, suggesting that dynamical ejection from planetary systems may be an important mechanism for their formation.
A new study found significant demographic and regional disparities in premature heart attack deaths in the US, with middle-aged adults, men, Black adults, and rural residents facing higher risks. The analysis suggests that targeted interventions and evidence-based strategies can help narrow these disparities and improve outcomes
A survey of 17,302 healthcare workers in 57 countries found that male participants and nurses had higher preparedness scores than women and doctors. Preparedness varied across national wealth and sociodemographic characteristics, with East Asia and the Pacific having significantly higher scores.
A study found that UK adults' accuracy in estimating national statistics is influenced by their intelligence, religiousness, and political beliefs. Respondents were most accurate when estimating characteristics like vegetarianism and car ownership, but least accurate for minority groups like homosexuals.
A Boston University School of Public Health professor is providing mortality data and modeling to identify underreported COVID-19 deaths in US counties. The true number of COVID deaths is likely much higher than recorded, with approximately 20% excess deaths occurring at home.
A genetic variation among some Greenlanders makes sugar healthy by converting it into a short-chain fatty acid called acetate, which boosts the immune system. Adult carriers have lower BMI, weight, and fat percentage, while children may experience negative consequences from consuming sugar.
Researchers have demonstrated a novel semiconductor exhibiting an unconventional large anomalous Hall resistance in the absence of large-scale magnetic ordering. The findings validate a recent theoretical prediction and provide new insights into the phenomenon.
Scientists at Northwestern University applied machine learning to guide the synthesis of new nanomaterials, predicting structures for clean energy, chemical, and automotive industries. The algorithm accurately predicted 18 out of 19 possibilities, opening doors to unprecedented materials discovery.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanical process by which sheets of cells morph into complex shapes, enabling organs to function. The process involves the production of hyaluronic acid, which swells with water and is constrained by thin connectors between cells.
A recent study published by Queen Mary University of London has found that certain risk factors for heart disease are linked to changes in the structure and appearance of the heart. The research analyzed images from over 30,000 people's heart MRI scans using a new imaging toolkit called radiomics.
A study published in Nature finds that neurons in the primary olfactory cortex learn to encode spatial maps by associating odours with locations, allowing animals to navigate and remember valuable resources. This discovery sheds light on how our brains process smells and spaces.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from UNIGE and MPIPKS has solved the mystery of how an organ changes its size depending on the size of the animal. They developed a mathematical equation that explains how cells know when to stop growing, using the example of the Paedocypris fish.
A recent study of 5,000 older adults in England found that levels of depression, loneliness, and poor quality of life increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that the pandemic's impact on mental health continues to worsen over time.
A new study from Princeton University shows how the brown anole lizard solves breathing problems with crude yet effective lobes covered in bulbous protuberances. The lizard's lung development is achieved through a physical mechanism that allows for rapid growth and gas exchange.
Researchers from Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf investigated DNAzyme function and application in real-time using atomic resolution techniques. They discovered that magnesium plays a crucial role in the mechanism, but its affinity is limited, leading to the need for targeted modifications to improve activity.
Researchers developed a fair-diverse allocation optimization framework to optimize the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and testing supplies. The model aims to get limited resources to the most vulnerable subgroups while ensuring fairness and diversity, independent of demographic background.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that crAss-like phages, a component of the gut virome, are less abundant in individuals with autoimmune diseases. This discovery may lead to the development of targeted therapies to manage autoimmune conditions.
A new study led by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that trees contribute to cleaner air in cities. The study measured pollutants in tree leaves and compared them with air pollution levels, showing a clear correlation between the two.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals a set of critical gene interactions that are common across many cancers. By using network modeling, researchers have pinpointed functionally relevant gene networks that could offer new cancer therapies.
The project aims to decorate DNA sequences with colourful nano-lights to enable faster read/write processes and novel data encoding concepts. By using unique recognition capabilities of single DNA strands, the consortium plans to develop novel nanomaterials, algorithms, and reader devices for efficient data storage.
Researchers found that astrocytes regulate cognitive flexibility by releasing D-serine and glutamate, which integrates synaptic plasticity. Heterosynaptic long-term depression is mediated by astrocytes, critical for memory modification.
Toshiba has successfully raised the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of its transparent Cu2O solar cell to 8.4%, a world record for a reported Cu2O solar cell. The company estimates that an overall PCE of 27.4% can be achieved, notably above the 26.7% highest PCE reported for any standard silicon cell.
A new neural net technique combines optical imaging and synthetic-aperture radar to provide a single comprehensive data source, enhancing disaster response capabilities. The approach achieves up to a 96% accuracy rate in detecting objects and can be applied to various tasks such as crop health monitoring and building identification.
A new study finds that the magnetic field generated by a tsunami can be detected a few minutes before changes in sea level, which could improve tsunami warning systems. The researchers used real-world data from two tsunamis to confirm this relationship and provide valuable insights for improving tsunami source models.
Researchers from Münster, Bayreuth, and Berlin have proposed a new way of preparing quantum systems to generate single photon states. The proposed method uses a swing-up process in the quantum system to separate generated photons from exciting laser pulses, which is promising for applications.
A new report from the ArtsEqual project reveals that arts professionals often target talented individuals and exclude those with disabilities, older people, or special needs. The report proposes solutions such as lowering barriers to participation and integrating arts services into elderly care and healthcare institutions.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and collaborators observed interfacial phonon modes, confirming their existence and contribution to heat transfer at interfaces. The discovery opens a new pathway for consideration in engineering thermal conductance for electronics cooling.
An extensive study of over 400,000 individuals found no association between total alcohol consumption and ventricular arrhythmias, contradicting the traditional Holiday Heart Syndrome. Higher spirit intake was linked to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, but not SCDs.
The newly discovered dinosaur Vectiraptor greeni, from the Early Cretaceous period, was a large, heavily built relative of Velociraptor with powerful claws and serrated teeth. It is believed to have hunted larger prey, using its strength rather than speed.
A groundbreaking study reveals early humans preferred to hunt the largest available animals to provide the greatest quantities of food. Over 1.5 million years, humans repeatedly overhunted large animals to extinction, and then shifted to smaller animals, improving their hunting technologies.
A new study reveals the sophisticated mechanism by which adenoviruses infect human cells and transfer foreign DNA into their nucleus. Protein V plays a crucial role in increasing the virus particle's stability and preventing premature DNA release, which triggers an anti-viral alarm system.
Researchers found that distributed codes among larger populations of neurons in the prefrontal cortex make information more reliable and robust. This discovery could support advanced cognitive abilities and potentially treat disorders of memory and cognition.
Scientists at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel method to create liquid metal nanoparticles using biomolecules and quantum beam radiation. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited unique structural and physicochemical traits, enabling NIR bioimaging and photothermal activation for cancer treatment.
Despite receiving three vaccinations, kidney transplant patients have inadequate cellular and humoral protection against SARS-CoV-2, with around 90% showing little to no protection. Researchers are now investigating the efficacy and safety of a human antibody cocktail in these patients.
Scientists have developed a novel optical component based on silicon nanoparticles, allowing for the specific control of light direction, color, and polarization. This technology has potential applications in transparent screens, augmented reality, and scientific research, enabling precise control over light behavior.
Research by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio scientists found that mice missing one copy of the Tbx1 gene exhibit slower cognitive processing. The gene's deletion led to diminished myelin insulation around nerves, impacting signal conduction between brain regions.
Researchers have developed a new hexagonal perovskite-related oxide with excellent ionic conduction at intermediate and low temperatures, paving the way for efficient solid oxide fuel cells. The material's stability and ion conduction remain dominant in reducing atmospheres.
A novel quantum-based sensor has been developed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus with high accuracy and speed. The sensor uses nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond to detect minute perturbations in the presence of viral RNA, enabling fast and reliable detection.
Researchers at the University of Victoria have developed a novel broad-spectrum antidote for neuromuscular blockers, consisting of double calixarenes that bind to blocker rods with high selectivity. The 'double chalices' do not block acetylcholine and other physiologically important amines.
A team of researchers has fully identified the production process of thymol and carvacrol in thyme and oregano, respectively. The findings could lead to improved plant breeding and the development of new antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances.
A KAIST research team found that visual selectivity of facial images can arise spontaneously in completely untrained deep neural networks. This discovery reveals the emergence of primitive visual cognitive functions in biological and artificial neural networks, raising questions about the origin of early brain functions.
The PpeDAM6 gene plays a crucial role in regulating plant bud dormancy, responding to environmental conditions and hormonal signals. The study reveals the interaction between PpeBPCs and PpeDAM6, highlighting the importance of epigenetic regulation in modulating cell growth and tolerance to abiotic stresses.
A new bird-like dinosaur, Vectiraptor greeni, has been found in England, dating back to the Early Cretaceous period. The fossilized remains suggest a large and powerful animal with massive bones, which would have used brute strength to overpower its prey.
Public health experts urge stronger warnings on ultra-processed foods due to their high salt, sugar, and saturated fats content. The authors suggest building a public brand around the term 'ultra-processed' to increase awareness of the product's harms.
A rare dinosaur embryo discovered in southern China exhibits a bird-like posture before hatching, suggesting that oviraptorosaurs may have developed avian-like postures late in their incubation. This finding challenges current understanding of non-avian theropod behavior and opens up new avenues for research.
Researchers create plan for proactively developing drug cocktails against virus families, aiming to provide effective treatments in weeks, not months. The approach prioritizes combination therapy to reduce disease spread and limit viral adaptation.
A team of researchers demonstrates an adaptive optimization protocol that can engineer arbitrary high-dimensional quantum states, overcoming limitations due to noise and experimental imperfections. The protocol uses measured agreement between produced and target state to tune experimental parameters.