Researchers have proposed a new microscopic theory of polymer gel collapse, shedding light on the dramatic reduction in volume of zwitterionic hydrogels when cooled. The theory explains the role of electrostatic interactions between polymer units in leading to gel collapse, and identifies key parameters that influence this transition.
A study by Zhang et al. has uncovered evidence of ancient marine algae in fossilized remains from 1400 million-year-old rocks, 600 million years earlier than previously known. The findings suggest that both green and red algal groups were present in marine ecosystems at this time.
Researchers at Aalto University developed a new device for spintronics, allowing control and filtering of spin waves in devices as small as hundreds of nanometres. The device uses exotic magnetic materials to trap and cancel out unwanted frequencies, enabling faster processing and wireless transmission.
Researchers at POSTECH developed an ultra-compact wearable gas sensor that detects toxic gases and displays a holographic alarm. The sensor uses metasurface technology to provide immediate visual notification without relying on external mechanical or electronic devices.
Research finds mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may have reduced efficacy in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Patients with CLL who are treatment-naive or in remission tend to respond better to the vaccine.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed an antibody-drug conjugate that selectively targets human monocyte progenitors to combat chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). This strategy effectively blocks malignant cell proliferation with minimal collateral damage to other cell lineages.
A new study found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in COVID-19 patients' brains, despite significant pathological changes and neurological effects. Inflammation triggered by the virus may cause damage to the brain's blood vessels and lead to 'brain fog' in mild cases.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a set of human genes that help control SARS-CoV-2 infection, including interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that inhibit viral replication. The study provides new insights into the biology of the virus and suggests possible therapeutic options.
A new guide for communicating plant science aims to bridge the gap between scientists and non-scientists, promoting diversity and inclusion. The document, developed by 30 scientists over two years, provides strategies to effectively communicate plant research to various audiences, including educators and policymakers.
A University of Colorado Boulder study reveals that tau aggregates interfere with RNA splicing, leading to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. The findings provide new insights into the mechanism of action of tau tangles, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have developed a high-performance thermoelectric compound by intertwining crystalline and amorphous sublattices into a unique crystal-amorphic duality. The new material exhibits excellent thermoelectric performance, paving the way for better electric power in the future.
A new approach using reimagined telescopes in both hemispheres could help study dark matter and gravitational waves. The BICEP/Keck array is exploring the possibility of increasing scan length to capture larger areas, yielding promising early results.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences discover abnormal enhancement of α-particle clustering in uranium isotopes, revealing strong proton-neutron interaction influence on α-decay properties. The study reveals systematics trends and anomalies in α-decay reduced widths for polonium-plutonium nuclei near shell closure.
A new study by Yale researchers found that girls with autism tend to develop the condition in a different region of the brain than boys, with a larger number of genetic mutations. The findings suggest that girls may have a natural protective effect against developing autism.
Researchers used broadband electron spin resonance spectroscopy to study the properties of spins in a triangular lattice compound. They found that magnetic moments do not arrange themselves in an up-down pattern, contradicting the existence of quantum spin liquids.
A research group from Tohoku University has developed an AI model that can accurately identify flooded buildings using news media photos within 24 hours of a disaster. The model achieved an 80% estimation accuracy, showcasing the potential for rapid damage mapping and accelerated disaster response.
A recent study published in Social Influence found that when people are explicitly told they are free to accept or reject propagandistic claims, their likelihood of choosing a moderate view increases. This approach, based on self-determination theory and psychological reactance theory, aims to disrupt the radicalization process among v...
Scientists have developed a novel CRISPR-based tool called CRISPRoff, which allows for the silencing of almost any gene in human cells without making DNA edits. This technology has significant therapeutic potential, particularly for rare genetic disorders that are caused by a single damaged copy of a gene.
Large-scale simulations reveal the dominant G form variant of SARS-CoV-2 is more infectious due to its ability to readily bind to its target host receptor. The variant's symmetry in interactions with receptors also makes it more vulnerable to antibody neutralization.
A new study reveals that ocean oxygen depletion will continue for centuries if all CO2 emissions were stopped immediately, more than quadrupling the current loss. The long-term decrease in oxygen primarily affects deeper layers, leading to major shifts in marine ecosystems and potentially changing habitats.
Experts warn of potential global catastrophes such as engineered pandemics and nuclear annihilation, while also identifying areas for improvement. Scientists like Martin Rees argue that promoting wise technology deployment can minimize risks and ensure a sustainable future.
New research from the University of Birmingham found that older adults are more likely to work harder for others, even without financial reward. This 'prosocial behaviour' is crucial for social cohesion and contradicts the stereotype that older adults become less altruistic as they age.
Researchers will conduct scientific research cruises, sampling fixed stations to understand how the Chesapeake Bay plume changes over time and its impact on fisheries and nutrient cycling. The project aims to develop a hydrodynamic model of the plume and gather empirical data to inform ecosystem-based management applications.
Researchers at MUSC developed RINS, a digital platform that integrates clinical study data from disparate systems, providing metrics on translational science efficiency and effectiveness. This allows for informed decisions on improving translational research practices.
The global street drug supply has changed dramatically, with heroin and cocaine now cut with up to 17 pharmaceutically active and potentially toxic adulterants. This trend poses significant risks to public health and safety, particularly for high-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research found that shift workers with a deviated body clock had higher cardiovascular risk, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The study's findings suggest that staff with atypical work schedules may need closer monitoring for heart health.
Research at University of Jyvaskyla reveals that quality and quantity of enrichments influence well-being of aquaculture fishes. The study found that stone enrichments improve survival rates, while a higher number of stones also has a positive effect.
Researchers investigated the effects of excise taxes, public usage restrictions, and anti-smoking ads on cigarette consumption. Strong brands like Marlboro resist tax hikes but lose share with smoke-free policies.
A study examining nuclear waste reporting in Finland's Helsingin Sanomat and France's Le Monde found distinct cultural, political, and media traditions influencing their approaches. Helsingin Sanomat tends to reproduce government framings, while Le Monde prioritizes independent criticism.
A new study reveals that protein Rab2 is essential for effective nerve cell signaling in the central nervous system. The researchers found that when Rab2 is absent or dysfunctional, signal molecules accumulate in axons like a traffic jam.
The study assessed filtration efficiency of common masks when worn singly, doubled, or combined. It found that double masking can be an effective way to reduce airborne transmission of COVID-19.
Researchers use genetic analysis to determine tarantulas' ancient ancestry, tracing them to the Americas around 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. They found that these spiders were not limited to sedentary burrows, but also exploited ecological niches and displayed surprising dispersal capabilities.
A mouse study found that vitamin D deficiency impairs skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, leading to reduced energy production and potentially poor muscle strength. The study suggests that preventing vitamin D deficiency in older adults could help maintain better muscle function and reduce age-related muscle deterioration.
Researchers discover USP7 inhibitors cause premature activation of CDK1 protein, leading to uncontrolled cell division and cell death. This finding opens the door for potential therapeutic combinations that could increase the efficacy of these drugs in cancer patients.
A survey of star formation in the Orion Nebula Cluster found similar mass distributions for newborn stars and dense gas cores, suggesting that gas accretion rate determines final star mass. The results contradict the core-collapse model, supporting the competitive accretion model instead.
A recent study published in Physics of Fluids reveals that the triangular shape of coronavirus spikes plays a crucial role in its ability to spread. The research, conducted by scientists at OIST and Queen's University, found that the spikes' lower rotational diffusivity enables the virus to better attach itself to objects and people.
A longitudinal study of over 3,000 young Marines found that past COVID-19 infection does not completely protect against reinfection. Young people with previous infection can still catch the virus and transmit it to others.
Researchers at Linköping University found that network-based recruitment can reduce segregation levels by encouraging individuals to form ties with those of different genders. This 'Trojan-horse mechanism' suggests that networks can counteract the segregating impact of mobility events, leading to desegregating moves.
Researchers developed a broadly protective COVID-19 vaccine using an innovative platform that targets a highly conserved genomic region of coronaviruses. The vaccine offers advantages in terms of ease of storage, transportation, and production, making it ideal for pandemic response.
Researchers found that competition for resources led to the development of vastly different sizes between egg cells and sperm cells. The study used mathematical modeling to demonstrate how natural selection favored larger gametes due to increased nutritional value, while smaller gametes required fewer resources.
A new telescope may be able to spot biosignatures on other planets in just three days, with six gas dwarf planets potentially harboring life. Researchers have calculated that the James Webb Space Telescope could detect ammonia around these planets after a few orbits.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that underweight and overweight women are significantly more likely to experience recurrent miscarriages due to their abnormal Body Mass Index. The research highlights the importance of weight management in reducing the risk of repeated pregnancy losses.
A novel PET radiopharmaceutical targeting vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP-1) showed promising results in a first-in-humans study. The compound was well-tolerated and safe, with thousands of times lower doses than regular drugs.
A team of scientists from CNRS has proven that Leonardo da Vinci did not sculpt the Flora wax bust, which was conserved at the Bode Museum in Berlin. The radiocarbon dating revealed that the sculpture was made in the 19th century, nearly 300 years after da Vinci's death.
A large cohort study by Aarhus University found a clear association between silica exposure and increased risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Exposure to low levels of silica dust also posed a significant health risk.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new treatment for Pompe disease, a genetic condition that affects 1 in 40,000 people in the US. The treatment has been shown to be safer and more effective than current therapy, improving respiratory muscle function, endurance, and overall quality of life.
Research suggests that autism develops differently in girls and boys, with distinct genetic profiles and brain mechanisms at play. Girls with ASD exhibit unique responses to social cues and have different genetic contributors to the condition.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology reveals that overexpression of the ZIP4 protein in patients with pancreatic cancer enables tumor cells to transform into a shape-shifting form, evading detection and metastasizing to other organs. Understanding this process is crucial for developing targeted therapies to stop metastasis.
Research shows virtual humans can effectively support leadership skill practice, with statistically significant improvements seen in mixed reality settings. The study suggests that VR and MR technologies offer a wide range of applications for training, including addressing drawbacks to traditional methods.
Scientists have developed a new technology for building silicon nitride integrated photonic circuits with record low optical losses, significantly reducing power budgets for chip-scale optical frequency combs. The technology enables high-quality-factor microresonators and meter-long waveguides on small chips.
The Electron Ion Collider will take 3D images of electrons colliding with polarized protons and ions, shedding light on fundamental questions in nuclear physics. The collider's experimental equipment may also detect the elusive chiral magnetic effect, a crucial prediction for understanding the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that wearing two face coverings can significantly improve filtration efficiency, especially when properly fitted. Researchers found that cloth masks placed over surgical masks or vice versa can improve fit and effectiveness, but loosely fitting masks do not provide the same benefit.
The study reveals the involvement of SARAF and Orai1 proteins in VEGF-mediated activation of endothelial cells, affecting blood vessel development. This discovery could lead to therapeutic strategies controlling angiogenesis in pathological conditions.
A revised handgrip cutoff value of 32 kg for men and 21 kg for women can accurately identify mobility impairment, increasing the likelihood of early diagnosis by 88% for men and 89% for women. This revised metric promotes preventive treatment to avoid muscle weakness and mobility loss.
Scientists have discovered that current methods for calculating stress received by underground pipelines during an earthquake are inaccurate, leading to a significant risk assessment. The new theory of seismic wave propagation addresses this issue, highlighting the need for modernization and replacement of existing pipelines.
A comprehensive statistical analysis of 65 countries found that household income is a more significant predictor of food insecurity than agricultural land resources or production. Increasing citizens' capacity for consumption through measures like job creation can improve food security.
Researchers call for climate projections to be taken into account in conservation planning to protect areas at risk of biodiversity loss and climate impacts. Climate change is expected to impact 58% of montane forests in the Peruvian Andes, highlighting the need for adaptive management frameworks.
A majority of 2,400 participants in a Penn State study supported requiring students and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The survey found that Democrats were consistently more supportive of vaccine mandates than moderates or Republicans.
A new study reveals that the long noncoding RNA ADEPTR is essential for structural plasticity in neurons, forming and amassing at the synapse upon stimulation. Silencing ADEPTR prevents new synapses from forming during stimulation, highlighting its crucial role in neural adaptation.
The company's Abiprot technology identifies antibody binding sites on native-state, disease-relevant proteins at high resolution. The platform has the potential to bring game-changing benefits to large populations of patients suffering from uncurable diseases.