A multi-faceted approach to environmental degradation is being led by Flinders University and Clean Earth Technologies through two federally funded research projects. The focus is on e-waste recycling, oil spill remediation, and the production of world-leading polysulfide polymers.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a high-yield synthesis pathway through reduction of rhodium complexes, enabling the addition of electron-deficient boron groups to arenes. This new strategy uses a cyclopentadienyl-rhodium-based catalyst and produces arylboronates with high yields and cleaner conditions.
A study at the University of São Paulo found that bird species interacting with more plant species have higher evolutionary stability. This is because they occupy central positions in seed dispersal networks, leading to longer lifespans and increased species accumulation.
Scientists investigate how Jurassic belemnites adapted to environmental changes caused by warming, finding differences between species and developmental stages. The study highlights the importance of considering life history and phylogeny when analyzing the impact of climate stress on marine organisms.
Researchers identified genes and cell types involved in rare inflammatory disease MIS-C in children following COVID-19 infection. The study found that specific immune cells are downregulated and associated with a sustained inflammatory response.
Researchers have discovered that inhibiting the GOT1 enzyme can promote ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in pancreatic cancer cells by conserving nutrients and releasing iron stores. This study provides a new potential therapeutic target for treating pancreatic cancer.
A UC Riverside-led study finds that venture capital-backed startups organized as corporations pay more taxes than if they were limited liability companies. The study found that switching to an LLC would yield a tax savings of $43.9 billion, equivalent to 4.9% of invested equity.
Researchers investigate associations between ride-hail trips and on-street parking occupancy in Seattle, predicting decline if ride-hail demand exceeds 2.24 times the 2016 average. Flexible parking policies can manage changes driven by ride-hailing, but cities must plan ahead.
Researchers at KAUST developed a new method to simulate the spread of wildfires through forests, capturing complex dynamics involved. The model accurately predicts fire behavior at forest scale and can be used to optimize firebreaks and improve wildfire management.
Researchers found that pepper plant fruit scents contain complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, including alpha-caryophyllene and 2-heptanol, which attract specific bat species. The study suggests bats use these chemical signals to select ripe fruits and find the specific Piper species they eat most.
A study of 1,349 Malawian women aged 16-26 found that nearly 13% reported difficulty conceiving, with 85.5% seeking help. Traditional healers were the most common source of support, used by 44.4% of women.
A study of over 200 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found key differences in their fine motor control and eye movements compared to neurotypical peers. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple systems, including feedback and feed-forward systems, in understanding sensorimotor deficits in ASD.
In Ecuador's northwestern Andes, researchers from WSL and Aves y Conservation identified three new endemic orchid species, including Lepanthes microprosartima and Lepanthes caranqui. These rare species are threatened by habitat destruction and human activities, prompting conservation efforts to protect them.
New modeling results suggest that COVID-19 may behave like common-cold coronaviruses, affecting mostly young children who have not been vaccinated or exposed. The overall burden from this disease is expected to decline due to lower severity in children.
Scientists have developed a novel technique to analyze magnetites in meteorites, providing a historical record of the early Solar System's dynamics. By studying the Tagish Lake meteorite, researchers infer that the parent body formed in the Kuiper Belt and moved to the asteroid belt after Jupiter's formation.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London confirmed HER2's role in predicting DCIS recurrence and response to adjuvant radiotherapy. HER2 overexpression is associated with a significantly increased risk of in situ recurrence.
Researchers at UVA Health System discovered that combining drug palbociclib with ruxolitinib could effectively treat myelofibrosis by preventing bone marrow scarring and improving blood cell counts. This potential new treatment offers a promising approach to devastating blood disorder.
Researchers observed a 'warming bias' in the Earth's ancient history, with more warming events and greater temperature shifts than cooling events. The study suggests that a multiplier effect may kick back in as ice sheets disappear, leading to further amplification of human-induced global warming.
A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing clarifies the post-trial needs of patients who withdraw from cancer clinical trials. The study defines what constitutes responsible transitions when patients exit CCTs, providing insights into patient experiences and care after withdrawal.
Research found that COVID-19 patients with more severe symptoms scored lower on reasoning and problem-solving tasks. Cognitive deficits were greatest in those receiving mechanical ventilation, similar to average decline seen over a decade of ageing.
Scientists investigated a method to enhance immunotherapy for lung cancer and found that combining it with certain chemotherapy drugs could eliminate harmful immune cells. This approach showed promising results in preclinical studies, inducing the regression of about 70% of tumors.
A new model developed by Stanford researchers provides a more accurate baseline for tracking methane emissions from oil and gas operations. The model, which uses bottom-up approach with component-level data, closely approximates top-down inventories and highlights specific activities that should be targeted for remediation or regulation.
Physicists have established a fundamental limitation of light confinement in nano-scale systems, with a critical dimension threshold of around 250nm. This discovery has implications for various fields such as material science and quantum technologies.
A new monoclonal antibody called CIS43LS safely prevented malaria for up to nine months in a small clinical trial. The study builds on encouraging early results and will inform additional research to confirm and extend the finding.
Researchers investigated SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine response in cancer patients and healthy controls. The study found that the vaccine's antispike IgG antibody response wanes over time in patients on active anticancer treatment.
Researchers have discovered that dendrimer tentacles can avoid detection by the complement system, part of our immune system. This could lead to developing a new system for delivering drugs into the body without triggering an immune response.
New research from King's College London found that younger children in a school class are more likely to experience low educational achievement, substance misuse disorder, and depression. However, ADHD symptoms may be less of a concern for these young students.
The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is on the brink of extinction with fewer than 500 individuals remaining in South African waters. A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to address the cumulative effects of human activities, including coastal construction and pollution, which are impacting population numbers.
A new study published in Nature found that brain signals known to help memories form may also regulate metabolism and lower blood sugar levels. Researchers discovered that clusters of hippocampal neurons firing in cycles, called sharp wave ripples, were followed by decreases in blood sugar levels, possibly through the release of hormones.
Researchers used a hamster model to study COVID-19 lung damage, discovering that the immune system's response plays a crucial role in disease progression. They found that certain cells involved in lung immunity ingest the virus, triggering an inflammatory response that can be brought under control by T cells.
Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have developed a novel, hemolysis-free method for separating blood cells from plasma using magnetic forces. The new platform achieved 100% plasma purity and high recovery rates, outperforming conventional methods.
A new system developed at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory determines the 3D structures of RNA-only molecules with high resolution, applying it to a ribozyme from pond scum and a piece of viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2. The study reveals tiny pockets in the viral RNA that could be targeted for COVID-19 treatments.
Researchers have developed a two-arm molecule that selectively depletes regulatory T cells in tumors, allowing the immune system to fight off cancers without causing autoimmune diseases. The treatment led to significant tumor shrinkage in mouse models and showed promise for human patients.
A study published in iScience found that apes purposefully use signals to start and end interactions, similar to human politeness. The researchers observed that the social dynamics between interacting apes affected the communication efforts used, with closer bonobo pairs showing shorter entry and exit phases.
Researchers are working to improve space weather forecasting to prevent power grid damage and satellite communications disruptions. The University of Michigan's Space Weather Modeling Framework uses a global representation of Earth's Geospace environment to predict magnetic disturbances on the ground.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that exercise promotes the formation of thin blood capillaries in muscles by stimulating cell division of endothelial cells with high levels of ATF4. These 'metabolically primed' cells are activated to form new vessels, leading to improved blood supply to exercising muscles.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have successfully used a synthetic compound to regulate the TREM2 gene, implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The findings raise hope for developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Researchers have created an AI software that uses Minecraft to test its ability to plan for future events and solve complex tasks. The software, developed by Penn State researchers, aims to advance artificial intelligence in areas such as robotics, logistics management, and drone flight.
A recent study by Tel Aviv University and the Weizmann Institute found that humans are responsible for the extinction of about 10%-20% of all avian species over the past 20,000-50,000 years. The majority of extinct species were large, flightless, and lived on islands.
Researchers at UNF's Atomic LEGO Lab have discovered a new electronic phenomenon, asymmetric ferroelectricity, in engineered two-dimensional crystals. This discovery demonstrates the possibility of tailored electronic properties and may lead to interesting technological applications.
Researchers created a new type of 'chain mail' fabric with hollow octahedrons that can stiffen up to 25 times its original stiffness when vacuum-packed. This technology has potential applications in bullet-proof vests, medical support for the elderly, and protective exoskeletons.
Wastewater screening at UC San Diego detects 85% of COVID-19 cases early, enabling timely testing, contact tracing, and isolation. The approach has reduced campus positivity rates to less than 1% during the pandemic.
A South Australian-developed SARS-CoV-19 vaccine has shown promising results in early animal testing, confirming its safety and effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 lung infection. The vaccine, named COVAX-19, incorporates an adjuvant derived from a plant sugar called inulin.
Researchers found that socioeconomic privilege and political ideology play a significant role in racial disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates. Counties with higher median incomes displayed lower disparities, while county-level educational disparities had a greater impact on unequal vaccination rates.
A new paper from the University of Portsmouth argues that bribery and corruption can be prevented at huge sporting events. Researchers explored perspectives of anti-corruption specialists, sport governance officials, athletes, coaches, club officials, and journalists to identify common concerns and recommendations for reforms.
A new health program aims to improve pregnancy outcomes for Black patients by combining four evidence-based strategies, including racially concordant care providers and coordinated care. The five-year study will enroll 432 women and compare their experiences with usual maternity care versus a new model.
Researchers found that a gene called REST is crucial for boosting insulin-producing cells during early pancreas development. Inactivating this gene increased the number of insulin-producing cells, which were maintained into adulthood in mice.
A clean US hydrogen economy is achievable but requires a comprehensive strategy and infrastructure development. The US needs to consider the production, transport, storage, use, and economic viability of hydrogen to make it viable on a societal scale.
A study by Washington State University found that Gen Z adults are open to apparel rental services as a way to reduce waste and extend clothing lifespan. Key factors contributing to this trend include the perceived effectiveness of making a difference and a focus on usage over ownership.
A new survey study links belief in social Darwinism with dysfunctional psychological characteristics such as exploitative attitudes, hostility and low self-esteem. Social Darwinists tend to admire strength and power despite having a fragile self-image.
A study published in the Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine found that alginic acid improves artificial bones by increasing porosity, compressive strength, and setting time. The addition of alginic acid to calcium phosphate cement enhances its mechanical properties, allowing for more effective bone replacement.
Researchers developed a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine that mimics the SARS-CoV-2 virus shape, eliciting both antibody and T cell responses. The vaccine, using polymersomes decorated with multiple copies of the receptor binding domain antigen, shows promise for longer-lasting immunity.
A new research strategy enhances COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness by providing 'border protection' immunity in the nose, mouth and blood. The approach involves suppressing an enzyme that breaks down both pathogens and immune cells, resulting in a robust antibody response and improved protection against infections.
Researchers used statistical models to study the co-evolutionary history of pierid butterflies and their host plants. They found that butterfly-plant relationships are resilient to changes in species composition but can destabilize over larger structural changes.
Scientists at Ural Federal University and RAS developed a technology to process metallurgical slag into valuable materials such as cast iron and Portland cement clinker. The technology eliminates the problem of environmental pollution by industrial enterprises.
A randomized clinical trial of third dose COVID-19 vaccine booster for transplant patients shows improved antibody levels and neutralizing antibodies, as well as a robust T-cell response. The study found that the third dose was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure DNA torsional stiffness, which can impact how cells work. The technique provides insights into the biological implications of twist-induced phase transitions in DNA.
Researchers at NICT unraveled a neural correlate of Pavlovian conditioning, discovering that alteration in information processing by feeding command neurons governs behavioral change. The experimental system made possible real-time observation of cell-cell connection for memory formation.
A new study suggests that taming domestic transmission of COVID-19 should be prioritized over international travel bans. Researchers found that domestic transmission mechanisms have a limited effect on total confirmed cases in China, but can exponentially magnify the effects of importation if not controlled.
Researchers analyzed claims data to identify key demographic characteristics of patients receiving a sunburn diagnosis. The study found that patients with sunburn tend to be older, female, and have a history of previous sunburns or skin cancers.