A comprehensive review finds that many respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and measles, can spread through airborne transmission via aerosols. The study's findings suggest that indoor air quality and ventilation play a crucial role in reducing the transmission of infectious virus-laden aerosols.
A study by KAIST scientists shows that neurons carrying somatic mutations in MTOR can lead to focal cortical dysplasia, the most common cause of uncontrolled seizures. Nearby non-mutated neurons become hyperexcitable due to adenosine kinase overproduction, triggering seizures.
The Daylight Award 2022 is now open for nominations, honoring groundbreaking research on the effects of daylight on human health and well-being. The award also recognizes innovative architectural projects showcasing unique uses of daylight, aiming to improve living conditions and environmental impact.
A study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that 80% of people with spinal cord injury use complementary and integrative healthcare approaches. The most common reasons for use were general health and wellness, pain management, and to improve mobility and flexibility. However, there is a need for more res...
A new study assesses the impacts of sea level rise and wetland change on storm surge flooding in the Chesapeake Bay region. The results show that even relatively weak storms in 2100 could have a greater impact than high-intensity storms today, with significant property damage and effects on people.
The RCCN brings together scientists from six NIA center programs to address aging issues, expanding discussions across disciplines and engaging leadership of NIA Centers. The network will expand workshops, pilot programs, and early career support, promoting cross-disciplinary research.
Researchers found that African mountain forests store around 150 tonnes of carbon per hectare, similar to lowland forests. However, 0.8 million hectares have been lost in the past 20 years, emitting over 450 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
The new alkali metal-chlorine batteries can cycle up to 200 times and achieve a capacity of 1,200 milliamp hours per gram, significantly outperforming commercial lithium-ion batteries. Researchers envision their batteries being used in satellites and remote sensors where frequent recharging is not practical.
A new vulnerability index for tropical rainforests detects and evaluates vulnerability to climate threats by focusing on land-use changes. Key findings include regional differences in resilience, strong interactions between climate, land use, and biodiversity.
A new study suggests that a treatment for canine glioblastoma may also be effective in humans, with some dogs experiencing significant tumor shrinkage. The treatment uses an immunotherapy drug called STING agonist, which induced a robust immune response against cancer cells.
Researchers can leverage innovative technologies to analyze complex interactions within the plant root microbiome. By combining mesocosms with in-situ sensors and imaging tools, scientists can replicate experiments on spatial and temporal scales.
Researchers at the University of York have found significant differences in the diets of men and women living in Roman Herculaneum. Males consumed a higher proportion of protein from seafood, while females ate more locally grown fruits and vegetables. This new approach to analyzing amino acids provides a unique insight into ancient diets.
Researchers reconstructed the oldest known form of roots in a 407-million-year-old plant fossil, revealing a complex branching system that differed from modern plants. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of early land plants and their impact on the environment.
Researchers from USTC demonstrate the quantum statistics and contextuality of parafermion zero modes using a multi-mode Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The fidelity of the braiding operation reaches 93.4%, enabling a fault-tolerant quantum gate.
The need for public engagement on menstrual health is emphasized by a commentary in JAMA, highlighting the importance of sufficient funding and research. Menstrual equity is recognized as a human rights and public health issue with significant disparities affecting schoolgirls, women, and those experiencing homelessness.
A team of researchers at the Institute for Basic Science has developed a method to produce large-area, single-crystal graphene with no wrinkles or adlayers. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-performance devices oriented in any direction over the entire graphene film.
An international team of space scientists finds that humans can travel to and from Mars safely if the spacecraft has sufficient shielding. The round trip should be shorter than four years. Scientists also recommend timing the mission during solar maximum to shield astronauts and the spacecraft from radiation.
A team of scientists developed a novel microcavity sensing technology to study the transition dynamics of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) using optofluidic microcavities. The self-referencing method decouples multiple effects involved in physical/chemical reactions, allowing for detection of complex processes.
A new innovation network will be formed by Princeton University and regional universities, aiming to accelerate the transformation of scientific discoveries into technologies that improve everyday lives. The hub will provide entrepreneurial training, mentoring, and resources to enable researchers to form startup companies.
Researchers directly observe hydrogen bonds in water for the first time, revealing effects that could explain water's strange properties and inform life on Earth. The study uses SLAC's MeV-UED to detect subtle molecular movements, providing a new window into understanding water's role in chemical and biological processes.
Researchers developed a new model to study turbulent puffs, revealing the impact of temperature and humidity on turbulence. The findings suggest that buoyancy plays a significant role in shaping the behavior of tiny fluctuations within the puff, which can affect the movement of airborne droplets.
A new study published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that dementia-related deaths have increased over the past 20 years, becoming the most common cause of death among people diagnosed with dementia. The growth may reflect improved diagnostic rates and a greater understanding of dementia as a fatal disease.
A study reveals that European tax-and-benefit systems mainly target working-aged individuals, while the elderly and young benefit disproportionately. The lifecycle redistribution machine model highlights the significant role of age in shaping welfare state policies.
Biophotonic probes utilize biological entities for sensitive detection of biological signals and precise imaging of cellular structures. Optical waveguides play a crucial role in transporting light into deep tissues, while biolenses enable noninvasive screening tools for blood-related disorders.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that the number of veterans who reported contemplating suicide during the pandemic decreased relative to pre-pandemic levels. The study also revealed a significant decline in suicide attempts among US military veterans, with only 0.3% reporting attempts during the pandemic.
A study found that 80% of US medical schools do not collect sexual orientation information during admissions, making it difficult to identify and address health disparities. Researchers advocate for updated data collection practices to ensure more inclusive training and support for LGBTQ students and physicians.
Researchers discovered a signaling system in C. elegans that redirects behavior when food is scarce, highlighting a molecular mechanism for flexible instinctive responses. This finding sheds light on how animals detect and integrate sensory cues for adaptive behavioral decisions.
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon and University of Washington are developing new software platforms to analyze the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) dataset. The open-source platforms will enable researchers to make sense of big data and address fundamental questions about the universe, such as dark matter and dark energy.
A review of scientific literature found pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to reduced ACE2 availability. ACE2 plays a crucial role in placental development, blood pressure control, and fetal development, making its impairment more susceptible to serious complications.
A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.
The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation has provided NeuroVision Imaging Inc. with additional funding to accelerate the development of a novel blood-based lab test that can predict dementia before clinical onset. This technology has the potential to make diagnostic testing more practical, less invasive and less costly.
Scientists develop robotic model of mantis shrimp strike, revealing geometric latching process behind ultra-fast movements. The device accelerates to 26 meters per second, equivalent to a car reaching 58 mph in four milliseconds.
A well-preserved tapejarid skeleton from Brazil provides the first complete look at the entire body of Tupandactylus navigans, a flying reptile with a mix of terrestrial and aerial adaptations. The fossil's exceptional preservation reveals new details about its anatomy and potential flight capabilities.
Researchers develop prototype display that combines multifocal and integral imaging to create ultra-high definition 3D images with almost diffraction-limited resolution. The new approach enables large, high-definition 3D images for digital signs, entertainment, education, and immersive experiences.
A new study finds that greenhouse warming will increase North Tropical Atlantic variability, causing more frequent extreme events like hurricanes and droughts. The research also reveals an amplification of ENSO-induced temperature anomalies due to increased ENSO variability in a warming climate.
The PROTECT project aims to improve global refugee protection by examining the potential of Compacts and their impact on states' ability to fulfill Refugee Convention objectives. The study proposes solutions to address current challenges in international refugee governance.
A new study assesses the potential trajectories of cellular agriculture, a technology that grows cultured meat, dairy, and egg products from animal cells and yeast. The research highlights the need for increased public investments in open-source research and education to ensure a just and equitable development of the sector.
Researchers at IMB and JGU developed a method to engineer new cell functionalities by creating film-like organelles that can subdivide cell processes into smaller spaces. This allows for the creation of multiple proteins with unique functions in different areas of the cell.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified the precise hypothalamic neurons that regulate mating behaviors in mice. The study suggests a general principle about the neurobiology of motivation and sets the stage for developing targeted therapies to offset sexual side effects linked to antidepressants.
A new study found that LED streetlights have a detrimental impact on local insect populations, with moth caterpillar numbers being 52% lower under LED lighting than in unlit areas. The study suggests that this is due to female moths laying fewer eggs in habitats illuminated by streetlights.
Researchers at the University of Bonn developed a method to visualize laser beams in a vacuum, allowing for precise alignment of individual atoms. This breakthrough enables faster and more accurate quantum optics experiments, potentially leading to advancements in computing and materials science.
A new study found that secondary cases of COVID-19 occur within the first week of an initial positive test, with higher viral loads increasing transmission risk. Household living density also played a significant role in determining whether COVID spread to other members.
The development of artificial blood vessels using a simple process has enabled the simulation of human blood circulation and blood coagulation, reducing the duration of experiments. This breakthrough has demonstrated the potential of genetically modified pig organs to be used in xenotransplantation with low immune rejection levels.
A five-year telepsychiatry trial found significant improvements in rural patients' access to care, mental health symptoms, and quality of life. The study treated over 1,000 patients with bipolar disorder and/or PTSD, often underserved by traditional mental health services.
A new study found that global marine ecosystem models differ widely in their representation of key processes, leading to underestimation of climate change impacts. Marine ecosystem models generally agree on biomass decline but disagree on magnitude and location across the world's oceans through the 21st century.
Scientists have discovered a photonic realization of type-II Dirac nodal line semimetal with ring-shaped four-fold band degeneracy. The material exhibits a double-bowl state comprising two sets of almost degenerate perpendicularly polarized surface states, which is distinct from other photonic systems.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) living in poor or Black metropolitan areas have higher amputation rates. The analysis also noted significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among different racial and socioeconomic groups.
A new 3D spiral gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequence has been developed to overcome conventional challenges in head and neck MRI. This sequence achieves improved image quality and contrast-to-noise ratio compared to traditional Cartesian sequences, while reducing scan time by up to 44.6%.
Researchers have created brain organoids from people with 16p11.2 genomic variations, which exhibit differences in brain size seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed new information about molecular mechanisms that malfunction when this region is disrupted, providing opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
A genetic analysis of humans and rhesus macaques identified the NPSR1 gene as a risk factor for endometriosis. The study found that rare variants in this gene are associated with stage III/IV disease, leading to potential nonhormonal treatment targets for improved therapy.
A novel engineered tunneling layer with enhanced impact ionization improves detection capabilities in graphene/insulator/silicon heterostructure photodetectors. The technique achieves a champion responsivity of ~1.03 AW-1 at a reverse bias of -10 V, showing great potential applications in sensing and communications.
A systematic review of online interventions found that exergames and smartphone apps increased physical activity levels and improved emotional states among young people. The study suggests a positive impact on mental health and social development through digital mediums.
A team of researchers led by Harvard University's Tiago R. Simões has identified a new species of fossil reptile from 231 million years ago, providing key evidence on the early evolutionary history of lizards and snakes. The discovery sheds light on the migration patterns of ancient reptiles across continents.
A study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles shows that virtual reality can decrease pain and anxiety in children undergoing intravenous catheter placement. The technology works by shifting focus and preventing pain from being registered, leading to a more positive experience for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
The class utilizes the Emerald Cloud Lab, an automated science facility, allowing students to replicate experiments with nucleic acids and understand concepts of a cloud lab. This approach reduces error and increases reproducibility compared to traditional laboratory settings.
Researchers found that Parkin, a tumor suppressor, blocks tumor growth and invasion by inhibiting metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial function. This study demonstrates that altering cancer cell metabolism is a potent driver of disease.
Researchers investigated thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with weak light-matter coupling to improve OLED color purity. Using a Fabry-Pérot cavity, they found that weak coupling enhances emission spectra and increases light extraction efficiency.
Researchers developed a high-throughput Fourier-optics-based angle-resolved imaging spectroscopy system with robust neural network-based algorithms to solve inverse scattering problems. The system achieved a strong linear correlation between the reconstructed geometric parameters and atomic force microscopy measurements.
Researchers developed a pollen-based hybrid ink that can be used to fabricate parts useful for tissue engineering, toxicity testing and drug delivery. The ink is biocompatible, flexible and low in cost, allowing for the creation of customized flexible membranes tailored to human skin contours.
A MSK study has identified a specific pattern of markers on immune cells in the blood as a likely biomarker for response to checkpoint immunotherapy. Patients with high levels of LAG-3 expressed on T cells had shorter survival times compared to those with lower levels.