A new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Enterococcus innesii, has been discovered by researchers at the John Innes Centre. The strain is resistant to vancomycin and may cause hospital-acquired infections.
A study of nearly 20,000 adults found that serious COVID-19 vaccine side effects are extremely rare among those who received vaccination. The online survey collected data on health and COVID-19-related events for daily, weekly, and monthly periods.
Researchers have discovered that the Matterhorn sways at a frequency of 0.42 Hertz, oscillating roughly in a north-south direction, with similar frequencies in an east-west direction. The mountain's summit experiences amplified vibrations up to 14 times stronger than the reference station at its base.
Researchers at PPPL and Princeton University have created a novel, wall-less Hall thruster that increases the lifetime of rockets and produces high power. The device uses segmented electrodes to focus the plasma thrust plume, improving performance and efficiency.
Researchers find that toxic aggregates form inside brain cells, causing axon damage and neuronal death. Silencing specific proteins can block the aggregation process, potentially preventing or treating prion diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Scientists have discovered a novel way to combine two species of grass-like plants using embryonic tissue from their seeds, offering disease resistance and stress tolerance. The breakthrough technique allows for the addition of beneficial traits to monocotyledonous crops without genetic modification or lengthy breeding programmes.
Jo Nelson, a Rice mathematician, has received the prestigious NSF CAREER Award to investigate manifold dynamics and promote diversity in academia. Her research focuses on contact and symplectic manifolds, with applications in low-energy space travel and anti-racism studies.
Scientists successfully demonstrated efficient electron beam modulation using integrated photonic microresonators, paving the way for atomic-scale imaging and coherent spectroscopy.
Researchers analyzed the largest cross-species database to assess species-specific cancer mortality rates and found conclusive proof that cancer risk is largely independent of body mass and life expectancy. The study highlights potent mechanisms of cancer resistance in larger species, contradicting intuitive expectations.
A study published in PNAS found that trust and knowledge about vaccination are stronger predictors of vaccination than Covid-specific factors. Background beliefs and behavior regarding vaccination in general were more than twice as predictive of the change in vaccination as beliefs about the pandemic itself.
A new study published in Nature found that valine is essential for the growth of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of childhood blood cancer. Blocking valine-linked genes led to decreased valine levels and stalled tumor cells from growing.
Researchers from Politecnico di Torino and INRIM have developed a quantum conformance test that uses entangled light sources to accurately detect conforming or defective products. The test reduces classification errors and improves monitoring efficiency, showing promising prospects for practical applications.
New research reveals that COVID-19 vaccinated kidney transplant recipients have impaired antibody responses against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, including B.1.351 and B.1.617.2. The study found that these patients require additional vaccinations to maintain high levels of neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers have identified genes associated with spinach's resistance to downy mildew and its levels of oxalates. The findings could help breeders produce disease-resistant varieties with more consumer appeal, improving spinach's market prospects.
A study published by Dr. Laura Aymerich-Franch and Iliana Ferrer found that using a virtual coach via voice assistant improved participants' psychological well-being and life satisfaction. The virtual coach guided users to set goals, visualize success, and implement positive change.
A global survey of 10,000 children and young people found that nearly half report feeling anxious and distressed due to government inaction on climate change. The study concludes that governments must take collective action to protect the mental health of young people by addressing climate change.
A recent analysis of 1.3 million surgical procedures found that solo procedures performed by surgical residents were not associated with increased risk of death or complications. The study suggests that residents' performance in these settings may be comparable to that of attending surgeons.
A VCU-led study surveyed 216 dental faculty members, assessing personal and work-related burnout, resiliency, and loneliness. The study found average scores for burnout and loneliness, highlighting the need for dental schools to provide education, training, and incentives to reduce burnout and increase resilience among faculty.
Physicists at Rice University have found telltale signs of antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations coupled to superconductivity in uranium ditelluride, a rare material promising fault-free quantum computing. The discovery upends the leading explanation of how this state of matter arises in the material.
A recent study has found that snake venoms and mammalian salivary proteins share a common origin, suggesting that the foundation for venom to evolve exists in both snakes and mammals. This discovery reveals that the line between venomous and non-venomous mammals is blurrier than previously thought.
A new study reveals that flexibility in peptides used to treat Type 2 diabetes may be key to their effectiveness. The research found that a peptide called GLP-1 can switch between two shapes, maximizing its potency and activating insulin release from the pancreas.
A study of 1.2 million symptomatic adults found that unvaccinated individuals had a higher risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 compared to vaccinated adults. The analysis suggests that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of symptomatic COVID-19.
Scientists at the University of Basel have discovered a new signaling pathway that enables T cells to survive for decades. Coronin 1 regulates this pathway, which suppresses T cell death by maintaining PI3Kdelta activity. This finding has significant implications for understanding and controlling immune function.
A major new study of ancient DNA has traced the movement of people into southern Britain during the Bronze Age, showing sustained contacts between mainland Britain and Europe over several centuries. The study suggests that Celtic languages arrived in Britain in the Bronze Age, contradicting previous theories.
Scientists at Osaka Prefecture University have identified specific parts of the dog allergen Can f 1 that can trigger an immune response in people. The researchers used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the protein and found several potential epitopes, or regions, that could be targeted by a vaccine.
Austrian researchers developed a detailed epidemiological model to study the spread of coronavirus in nursing homes. The agent-based simulation tool helps balance safety and quality of life, considering vaccination rates and testing accuracy. With a high vaccination rate, major outbreaks are no longer expected.
Researchers investigate Mandelstam-Tamm limit, finding minimum time for quantum information change depends on energy uncertainty, and second speed limit emerges when energy uncertainty exceeds average energy of atom. This discovery proves fundamental limits to quantum computers' processing power.
Researchers developed a method to directly bond gold electrodes onto separate ultra-thin polymer films without adhesives or high temperatures. The new technique, called water-vapor plasma-assisted bonding, creates stable bonds between gold electrodes printed into ultra-thin polymer sheets.
Researchers have identified NDUFS1 and ATP5O as novel markers of aggressive prostate cancer, associated with poorer survival rates. The study's findings provide new insights into the disease's molecular mechanisms and potential targets for therapy.
Research by Dr. Sarah Crozier found that children aged eight or nine were more likely to be obese if their mother had a poor diet during – and before – pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 2,963 mother-child pairs, suggests that intervening at the earliest possible stage in a child's life can help tackle childhood obesity.
A study published by UC San Diego researchers found that heat waves significantly increase emergency room visits among people experiencing homelessness. The study highlights the need for heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather conditions.
Two studies highlight significant migration to Great Britain that replaced 50% of the island's ancestry during the Late Bronze Age. The analysis also reveals a dramatic increase in milk tolerance around 1200 B.C., providing new insights into dairy consumption in Britain.
A research team at SUTD has developed an ultra-scalable artificial synapse using 2D materials, enabling the commercialization of brain-inspired hardware. The device integrates functional and silent synapses into a single unit, reducing hardware costs and improving efficiency.
A global study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who have metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome and dying. The study examined records of over 46,000 patients across 26 countries and found that those with metabolic syndrome were 36% more like...
A study by the University of Tokyo reveals that musical training can activate areas of the brain associated with language processing, regardless of experience level. This connection may explain why people enjoy music even if they're not musically inclined.
A team of researchers found that the building blocks of Earth and Mars originated primarily from the inner Solar System, contradicting a popular theory. The study analyzed the isotopic composition of rocky planets and meteorites, revealing that only about 4% of the material came from beyond Jupiter's orbit.
A global study found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with metabolic syndrome had a 20% higher risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and dying. The study examined records of over 46,000 patients in 181 hospitals across 26 countries.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a method to stabilize graphene nanoribbons and directly measure their unique magnetic properties. By substituting nitrogen atoms along the zigzag edges, they can discretely tune the local electronic structure without disrupting the magnetic properties.
A research team identified a general macroecological mechanism that challenges global conservation strategies, finding that remote fish communities are vulnerable to coral loss and other ecological dependencies
A study of 75,322 people in France found a significant association between long-term formaldehyde exposure and lower levels of cognitive functioning. Workers exposed to formaldehyde for 22 years or longer had a 21% higher risk of global cognitive impairment compared to those who were never exposed.
A new study finds that farmers should be seen as partners in research and development to achieve climate and sustainability goals. Novel funding models, such as joint agenda setting and blended finance, are also needed to support transformative projects in the agricultural sector.
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a novel machine learning algorithm that allows for efficient and accurate verification of time-dependent quantum devices. The algorithm, inspired by quantum reservoir computing, leverages memory effects in these systems to improve verification efficiency.
Researchers have successfully cultivated an archaeon called Methanoliparia from an oil production facility, which can convert oil into methane and carbon dioxide on its own. The microbe's unique genetic make-up gives it the ability to break down various hydrocarbons and activate enzymes that produce methane.
A marine-dwelling creature, Trichoplax adhaerens, has been found to resist cancer and repair DNA after radiation damage. Researchers are exploring its unique properties to develop new therapies for cancer.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University used a crowd-sourced approach to test the effectiveness of mannitol in treating Parkinson's disease. The study, published in BioSocieties, chronicles the story of CliniCrowd, an Israeli company that recruited patients and collected data on mannitol's effects.
Researchers at UNICAMP discovered that total parasite biomass is a better predictor of complications in patients with P. vivax malaria than parasitemia. The study highlights the importance of parasite biomass in the bone marrow and spleen, which play a major role in vivax malaria complications.
A new study found that white matter structural tracts are relatively stable throughout typical development, but show increased instability in children with psychosis spectrum symptoms. The integrity of these tracts was lower in children with psychosis and associated with cognitive function.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 22, 2021
Researchers developed a neural network model called STANN that provides new insights into the brain's cellular architecture and functionality. The model predicts precise locations of different cell types and their communication patterns within morphological layers.
A new study provides a detailed timeline of mammal evolution, confirming that modern placental mammal groups postdate the K-Pg extinction. The researchers used a novel computational approach to analyse a large genomic dataset and answer a long-standing question about mammal origins.
A team of archaeologists and geneticists analyzed DNA from 35 individuals buried in a Neolithic tomb, revealing a single extended family with 27 close relatives. The research provides new insights into kinship and burial practices in Neolithic times.
A study published in the journal Brain found that boosting levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine with atomoxetine reduced markers of neuroinflammation and stabilized protein Tau, which forms neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The treatment showed promising results in people with mild cognitive impairment.
The article examines modern migration in the Mediterranean by analyzing abandoned fishing boats and their contents, revealing the impact of policy decisions on displacement. The study provides a nuanced narrative of human experiences during these journeys, highlighting inequalities and varying degrees of preparation among those onboard.
A team of researchers from Chemnitz University of Technology, IFW Dresden, and Max Planck Institute CBG presents a new type of biomedical tool with a tiny biocompatible microelectronic micro-catheter. The catheter has sensor and actuator functions integrated into its wall, making it highly flexible and adaptable to the body.
Researchers discovered that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have higher levels of microplastics in their feces compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests a possible link between microplastic exposure and IBD, but the exact relationship remains unclear.
The discovery of electroferrofluids with nonequilibrium voltage-controlled magnetism has the potential to control pattern formation and structures, providing valuable insights into dissipative systems. This system can be used to study transition into dissipative systems and understand how external influences interact with the system.
Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory developed methods to quantify new COVID-19 variant transmissibility, aiding public health in estimating risk and required vaccination levels. The study found that early detection of variants is possible even with small global frequencies, enabling more effective herd immunity strategies.
Scientists predict that continued global warming could lead to a five-meter sea level rise by 3000 CE, making large areas uninhabitable without extensive modification. The Antarctic ice sheet's collapse, driven by West Antarctica's grounding on a bed below sea level, is the primary reason for this decay.
Researchers have uncovered the truth behind the missing volatiles in meteorites, revealing a massive shockwave phenomenon that stripped elements from planetary building blocks. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of Earth's geochemical evolution and the Solar System's youth.
Researchers have solved a decade-long mystery about the PINK1 protein, which plays a critical role in early onset Parkinson's disease. The discovery provides an unprecedented view of the protein and its activation process, paving the way for developing therapeutic agents that could slow or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Rice University found that carbon nanotubes and their fibers experience fatigue under cyclic loads, leading to slippage and strain accumulation. The fibers' endurance limit is around 30%-50% of their tensile strength, allowing them to last practically forever.
Researchers found that sulphur mollies create surface waves to deter predators, with the wave number decreasing capture probability. The collective behavior has anti-predator benefits, providing protection from bird attacks.
Researchers at INRS have developed a bioactive coating that mimics bone tissue using chitosan, collagen, and copper-doped phosphate glass. The coating promotes healing and reduces the risk of rejection, paving the way for improved orthopaedic implant success.
Researchers developed a novel strategy to deliver siRNA therapeutics directly to the brain, reversing Huntington's disease symptoms and improving behavioral deficits. The approach utilizes exosomes to facilitate siRNA delivery, avoiding invasive procedures and safety concerns.
Research among 2,783 Western Europeans found that mosque attendance and country of origin impact attitudes on homosexuality. Second-generation migrants adopt more local values, while first-generation migrants are shaped by their origins.
A new CU Boulder study reveals that iodine from desert dust can decrease ozone air pollution but prolong greenhouse gas lifetimes. The finding has significant implications for air quality and climate, forcing researchers to re-evaluate how particles from land impact the atmosphere's chemistry.
A long-term study found that academic education can positively affect aging of the brain, with reduced degenerative processes and improved cognitive performance. Participants with an academic background showed a lower increase in signs of brain degeneration and faster processing speeds.
A novel spontaneous chromosomal translocation on chromosome 6 in watermelon leads to meiotic abnormalities and reduced seed production. This study identifies the causal relationship between the translocation and gamete semi-sterility, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying diploid less-seeded watermelon formation.
A new study published in Health Promotion Practice highlights the flaws in sexual education on TikTok, a video-based social media platform. The study found that many videos on the app provide unverified claims and misinformation, posing a risk to teenagers and young adults seeking sex education.
Researchers have discovered at least 70 new free-floating planets, each roughly the mass of Jupiter, in a nearby region of the Milky Way. The discovery was made using observations and archival data from several observatories, including NSF's NOIRLab facilities.
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.