The 39th Annual Meeting of The Obesity Society will showcase innovative research results on obesity prevention and treatment. Over 500 oral and poster abstracts will be presented, highlighting the impact of diet, sleep, and lifestyle factors on weight loss.
A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified distinct brain cells in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex that respond to the actions of other monkeys in a group. These neurons encode information about past interactions, influencing an animal's upcoming decisions to reciprocate or retaliate.
A survey of US dentists found that an overwhelming majority believe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-acetaminophen combinations are as effective or more effective in managing dental pain as opioids. However, nearly half still prescribe opioids, highlighting a disconnect between their knowledge and prescribing habits.
A study published in the Atlantic Journal of Communication analyzed Instagram posts from 20 celebrity influencers about COVID-19 between March and May 2020. The researchers found that celebrities initially modeled guidance from health experts, normalizing suggested behaviors such as staying home and practicing hand hygiene.
A recent study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines induced detectable antibodies in 99% of patients with bowel disease, regardless of their immunocompromising therapies. Researchers also noted a correlation between the antibody response and effective immunity in the community.
A team of researchers at UMass Amherst has developed a method to count the number of strength-enabling entanglements in glassy polymers, which can be used to create stronger, more cost-effective materials. By combining computer simulations with experimental processes, they found that not every entanglement contributes to the polymer's ...
Researchers discovered carbon residue in ancient ruby, indicating early life presence, and graphite changed surrounding rocks' chemistry for favourable conditions
Researchers have trained a neural network to detect anomalies in medical images, adapting it to the nature of medical imaging and achieving better results. The new method uses weakly supervised training and can spot small-scale anomalies, accelerating the work of histopathologists and radiologists.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have created a glowing DNA enzyme called Supernova, which catalyzes a chemiluminescent reaction. This breakthrough uses artificial evolution to identify light-producing deoxyribozymes in a vast library of DNA molecules, opening up new possibilities for point-of-care assays and high-throughput screens.
Researchers at Duke University used new tools to monitor neurons and analyze machine learning data to see how zebra finches practice their courtship calls. They found that a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline shuts down variability in the song, making it more precise when performed under pressure.
Consumer definitions of sustainability differ from industry definitions, affecting perception and purchase intent. Consumer perspectives consider multiple factors like packaging, animal welfare, organic status, and grass-fed systems, with some associating terms like 'organic' with healthier practices.
The global illegal wildlife trade has a substantial impact on biodiversity loss, human health, and ecosystems. The trade results in estimated costs of $162.7 billion annually and contributes to the extinction of native species.
This work proposes a hybrid quantum-classical convolutional neural network that leverages the power of quantum computing to enhance machine learning. The quantum feature map allows for a much larger feature space exploration, potentially leading to higher learning accuracy.
New research from the University of Georgia reveals that crisis pregnancy centers offering STI and HIV services are not meeting quality care standards. Many CPCs fail to offer comprehensive testing, treatment, or referrals, despite advertising as medical facilities.
Researchers develop DNA Nanoswitch Calipers to measure distances within single molecules using force, enabling the identification of single proteins in samples. This technique creates a unique 'fingerprint' that can be used to identify known molecules or infer structural information about unknown ones.
Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewater samples that correlated with reported COVID-19 cases. The study suggests wastewater-based epidemiology as a valuable tool for early warning detection during outbreaks.
Researchers found that short-form OPA1 serves as a molecular chaperone to protect substrate proteins from thermal and chemical aggregation in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. This new function of S-OPA1 may contribute to sustaining mitochondrial homeostasis.
Researchers at UVA Health System found that fluoxetine, an antidepressant commonly known as Prozac, shows promise against age-related macular degeneration. Patients taking fluoxetine were less likely to develop dry AMD, a condition affecting nearly 200 million people worldwide.
Researchers at Osaka University studied mice with mutations in ADAR1 and found that impaired Z-RNA recognition contributed to abnormal growth, organ development, and chronic inflammation. This study highlights the importance of proper RNA editing and its relation to Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.
A recent study confirms the effectiveness of Tobacco Tracker in shaping college attitudes and behaviors towards smoke and tobacco-free (STF) policies. The online tool resulted in doubled awareness, tripled use, and increased support for STF policies on two California public universities.
The article highlights the importance of recognizing inherent biases in pandemic data sources, which can lead to serious policy decisions. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive, real-time data collection to accurately assess the pandemic's state and inform effective mitigation strategies.
Researchers found asteroid and comet collisions occurred more frequently than thought, potentially delaying oxygen accumulation in the atmosphere. The study suggests that these impacts may have created an 'oxygen sink' that reduced atmospheric oxygen levels.
Researchers created tiny chip-based optical tweezers that can be used to optically levitate nanoparticles in a vacuum, reducing the footprint of traditional optical traps. The new design enables precise sensing applications and has potential uses for studying near-surface forces and quantum processes.
Scientists have discovered a way to break the trade-off between thermopower and conductivity in LaTiO3 films, resulting in a hundred-fold increase in power factor. This breakthrough promises to advance thermoelectric materials and make waste heat conversion more efficient.
A new study published in iScience reveals that fat cells play a central role in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration by controlling the systemic response to brain function. Targeting fat cells may improve outcomes for neurodegenerative disorders, according to researchers at Marshall University.
A new model by a SwRI-led team applies geologic evidence to understand how oxygen levels in the Earth's atmosphere evolved. The results indicate that large impacts may have contributed to the scarcity of oxygen, delaying its oxidation.
A study explores how human activities on land can affect aquatic animals, specifically the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus gattii. The research found that terrestrial hotspots were likely where spores settled before infecting marine mammals in the Salish Sea.
Studies in rhesus monkeys and Egyptian fruit bats found that prefrontal neurons represent details of interactions, including identity context and history. This discovery sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying complex social structures and group communication.
Researchers develop 3D simulation capturing how cells containing vimentin move through body tissue, crucial for understanding cancer spread and wound healing. The study reveals vimentin's protective role in nuclear DNA and its potential as a target for cancer treatment.
Researchers developed a method to detect topological phase using quench dynamics and synthetic frequency dimension, simplifying the characterization of non-equilibrium states. The study proposes a new approach for performing dynamical characterization of topological quantum phases in different models.
Researchers found that tap water contains trace elements and minerals, preventing plastics from degrading and releasing microplastics. This natural protection allows items like plastic kettles to remain microplastic-free, even after repeated use with tap water.
A COVID vaccine booster dose increased levels of neutralizing antibodies against all known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. The boost was sustained for at least eight weeks and generated high-level protection against severe disease, suggesting a strong immune memory response and potentially longer lasting immunity.
A new IU study finds that adults with substance use disorders who smoke cigarettes have nearly twice the rate of serious psychological distress compared to those without substance use disorder. The research emphasizes the importance of treating smoking, substance use, and mental health problems consistently.
A new four-year study identifies appropriate ethical and policy guidance for translational xenotransplantation kidney clinical trials. The research team will develop recommendations and decision aids for transplant candidates, clinicians, and institutional review boards reviewing xenotransplantation protocols.
A team of researchers at EPFL and Purdue University has developed a magnetic-free optical isolator using integrated photonics and micro-electromechanical systems. This device can couple to and deflect light propagating in a waveguide, mimicking the effects of magnet-driven isolators without requiring magnetic fields.
Researchers are using social neuroscience to study how individual brains synchronize during group interactions, revealing key findings on animal cognition and collective decision-making. This new approach has implications for understanding human social intelligence and the potential for virtual collective dynamics.
A team of scientists developed a photon-counting distributed free-space spectroscopy (PDFS) to analyze atmospheric gas composition. The method provides range-resolved spectra of CO2 and HDO over 6 km, offering insights into chemical processes in the atmosphere.
A new study reveals that early dinosaurs, such as Mussaurus patagonicus, likely formed complex herds with adults foraging and taking care of young. Fossils found in southern Patagonia indicate an age segregation, suggesting a larger community structure where adults shared in raising the whole community.
GSI/FAIR researchers aim to study properties of hypernuclei, which could shed light on neutron star phenomena. The WASA detector will help determine binding energy and lifetimes with higher detection efficiency.
A 'raptor-like' dinosaur was actually a timid, long-necked herbivore, according to recent reanalysis of fossil footprints found in an Australian coal mine. The Prosauropod, a plant-eating dinosaur with legs about 1.4 metres tall and a body length of six metres, is the earliest evidence of its kind in Australia, marking a 50-million-yea...
Researchers have synthesized a novel organic peroxide mechanophore that releases fluorescence in response to mechanical stress. The compound, bis(9-methylphenyl-9-fluorenyl) peroxide (BMPF), was incorporated into a polymer network and found to retain its ability to release a fluorescent molecule when subjected to grinding or compression.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a test to detect measurable residual disease (MRD) in children treated for medulloblastoma, identifying those at risk of relapse earlier than traditional imaging scans. The study found that cell-free DNA in cerebrospinal fluid can be used to predict relapse and potenti...
Researchers from the University of Oklahoma are leading a global study to understand the impact of increased nutrients on soil microbial biodiversity and ecosystem functions in grasslands worldwide. The project aims to develop new mathematical models to predict how nutrient changes affect soil microbe diversity and functions.
A new model suggests that integrating massive offshore wind generation, power storage, electric vehicles, green hydrogen production, and expanded transmission can reduce costs of renewable power integration into the grid. This strategy could make achieving China's carbon neutrality by 2050 feasible without significantly increasing costs.
A nanoparticle-based COVID-19 vaccine has elicited potent and broad immune responses in mice, neutralizing all major SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the delta variant. The experimental vaccine's design engages the immune system more robustly than other strategies.
A study found that over half of double-vaccinated blood cancer patients have poor immune responses to COVID-19. Despite being vaccinated, these patients remain vulnerable to severe infection and are urged to continue wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Scientists at Lewis Katz School of Medicine discovered that reintroducing the protein LIN28 into adult heart stem cells improves their chances of survival. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for heart disease using stem cell therapy.
Researchers develop solid-state battery material derived from trees, offering improved ion conductivity and potential solutions to safety concerns. The new material could enable the mass market adoption of solid-state battery technology.
Experts warn of a crisis in sex education due to the continued creation and endorsement of abstinence-only curricula. Comprehensive sex education is proven to promote sexual health among adolescents, but its delivery has declined over the last 25 years.
A new study maps global cropland nitrous oxide emissions and finds that reducing fertilizer application over 20% of the world's croplands could achieve 65% of global mitigation potential. The research identifies hotspots of high emissions in humid subtropical regions, where climate and soil characteristics play a significant role.
Researchers used Hubble Space Telescope observations and theoretical models to study a broader population of hot Jupiters. The study provides insight into planet formation and suggests that these planets contain similar sets of molecules, including water and carbon monoxide.
Scientists at the University of Groningen developed wearable, stitchable, and sensitive sensors from flexible polymers and carbon fibre. These sensors can measure body position, movement, and touch, offering new possibilities for health monitoring and athlete performance tracking.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified a new molecule called 4-OI that can limit the production of prostaglandins from macrophages. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory compounds for treating diseases such as COVID-19 and sleeping sickness.
A study of 193 patients with severe acute brain injury found significant discordance between physicians and families regarding patient recovery prospects. The disagreement often stemmed from differing expectations about the likelihood of independence after injury.
A new study assesses Africa-wide great ape populations and finds that human activities, such as GDP, roads, and population density, are the strongest factors predicting abundance. Only 10.7% of predicted apes were found in areas with high levels of legal protection.
A novel reassortant H10N3 avian influenza virus emerged in Eastern China, exhibiting high pathogenicity and respiratory droplet transmissibility to mammals. The virus was isolated from poultry and showed affinity for both avian-type and human-type receptors, posing a significant threat to public health.
A new study shows that boosting nonhuman primates with the Moderna vaccine six months after their primary series increases neutralizing activity against viral variants of concern. The boost sustained antibody responses for at least eight weeks, suggesting significant B cell memory induced by primary vaccination.
A UBC study found that children living in areas with high greenspace exposure showed better overall development than peers with less access. Greenspaces reduce the negative impacts of air pollution and noise on children's health and development.
Researchers at the University of Iowa study photon properties to predict secure quantum communication limits. They describe new quantum codes that rely on indistinguishable photons, enabling fast and secure data transmission in a potential 'quantum internet'.
A survey of 299 adults and three experiments with over 1,324 participants found that 86% would get vaccinated if required for work, travel, or school. Vaccination requirements strengthened intentions to vaccinate, even among those who tend to react negatively to regulations.