A team of scientists simulated over 200,000 hypothetical Earth-like worlds to understand the types of environments astronomers can expect to find on real exoplanets. They found that in 90% of cases with liquid water on the surface, there are no ice sheets, but rather permanent ice belts along the equator.
A new study from Australian Institute of Marine Science reveals that reef fish such as emperors, tropical snappers, and rockcods play a crucial role in controlling crown-of-thorns starfish numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. By removing these fish species, the abundance of coral-eating starfish increases.
A computational analysis of billions of tweets has uncovered high-resolution timelines of the major stories surrounding Trump's presidency from 2016 to 2021. The study found that turbulence in these stories varied over time, with dominant narratives emerging for longer periods during certain periods.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2021
Researchers have developed heat-resistant piezoelectric sheet sensors that can detect driver impairment, including drowsiness and sudden illnesses. These sensors, attached to seats, can signal a future smart car to take action, potentially preventing accidents.
Researchers found immune cells in lens trying to fix damage and responding to long-lasting inflammation. Immune cells integrate into lens capsule, increasing invasion with disease progression, contradicting decades of scientific understanding.
The Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test (PASPORT) has been developed with a two-stage process, producing results in minutes and enabling sensitivity comparable to laboratory-based PCR tests. The test's sensitivity was 97% in a clinical study involving over 100 participants.
Researchers discovered that wound macrophages undergo different metabolic programs to coordinate tissue repair, including the use of reactive oxygen radicals for blood vessel growth. Macrophages also utilize a different type of mitochondrial exchange for anti-inflammatory and reparative functions in late-stage wound healing.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that Illinois hospitals with better nurse staffing have lower patient death rates and shorter hospital stays. The proposed Safe Staffing Limits Act could lead to over 1,595 avoided deaths and $117 million in annual savings.
A study by University of New South Wales has found that one in five future thyroid cancers in Australia is attributable to current levels of overweight and obesity. The prevalence of obesity has doubled in the last two decades, with 75% of Australian men and 60% of women being overweight or obese.
A prospective study found that MRI outperformed conventional tests and FDG PET/CT for various staging endpoints in SCLC. Whole-body MRI and FDG PET/MRI were more accurate than FDG PET/CT for assessing local invasion extent.
Researchers found that many medications, including antibiotics and cardiometabolic drugs, can significantly alter the human gut microbiome. The study revealed a complex relationship between drug dosage and microbiome impact, highlighting the need for personalized treatment strategies.
A patient-centered rehabilitation program reduced hospital rehospitalization and mortality in high-risk patients with acute kidney injury. The study found that participation in the program significantly lowered rates of rehospitalization and mortality, with a 15% readmission rate compared to 34% for non-participants.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of home health care workers rate their general health as fair or poor, with 1 in 5 reporting poor mental health. Factors contributing to poorer health include low household income, cost barriers, and history of depression.
A study published in iScience reveals that distorted perception of bodily self-consciousness can be predicted by different kinds of memories. The researchers found that the recovery of body ownership was associated with a fast memory process, while agency recovery was mainly linked to a slow memory process.
Researchers from Harvard University and others have found that large-scale COVID-19 vaccination surveys were off by up to 17 percentage points due to systematic biases in the data. The 'Big Data Paradox' highlights how big data sets can minimize one type of error while magnifying another, leading to misleading results.
A new Australian study has found that taking anxiety drugs like nitrazepam and antidepressants before hip or knee surgery can lead to postoperative delirium. The risk is particularly high for older patients, highlighting the need to adjust medication regimens before undergoing elective procedures.
A team of scientists led by Vimal Selvaraj has developed a way to preserve the genetic diversity of fast-disappearing native cattle breeds using stem cells. This technology could be used to clone extinct breeds or to produce animals with desirable traits, such as disease resistance and extreme weather tolerance.
A study found that the percentage of psychiatrist visits involving psychotherapy dropped to 21.6% between 1996 and 2016, with rural and Black/Hispanic patients experiencing significant declines. The shift towards medication management is attributed to economic factors and a national shortage in psychiatric services.
Researchers have created a new combination of plant-based ingredients tailored for 3D printing meat alternatives, incorporating cocoa butter derived from chocolate. The formulation successfully mimics the texture and nutritional value of real meat, with potential benefits for animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Researchers have found that sharks acquire their microbiome through three methods: the mother passing on microbes to her offspring via egg case, social interactions with other sharks, and recruiting microbes from their environment. This study provides new insights into the development of animal microbiomes and their importance in under...
A new study from McGill University suggests that a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors can predict early onset psychiatric disorders with over 90% accuracy. The study identifies temperament, trauma, and dopamine as the key factors in this prediction.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to enhance the effectiveness of sonodynamic therapy, allowing tumors to be effectively shrunk in a mouse model of liver cancer. The technology reduces antioxidant defense systems, increasing cancer cell death from the treatment.
A new study suggests that Black children are more likely to be affected by a rare immune disease that causes scar tissue to form on skin and internal organs. The research found that one in five cases of the disease involve children under 16 years old, with over 90% of these being Black.
Researchers developed a novel computer simulation method that can analyze key proteins in the reproductive cycle of SARS-CoV-2, promising to accelerate the search for bioactive compounds against COVID-19. The method estimates a reduction in research time from two to three years to under a year.
Researchers have determined the molecular structure of TDP-43 aggregates extracted from human brains, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The discovery may lead to the development of targeted therapies and diagnostic tests.
Scientists found a 12% increase in global photosynthesis from 1982 to 2020, capturing 14 petagrams of additional carbon removed from the atmosphere each year. While this helps slow climate change, it's not enough to stop it, according to Berkeley Lab researchers.
Researchers develop highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene under room temperature, using water as a hydrogen source and reducing energy consumption. The process achieves high Faradaic efficiency and selective ethylene production via electron-coupled proton transfer pathways.
A study of over 1,000 Minneapolis residents found that community-level police contact is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth. The study controlled for factors like socioeconomic status and housing conditions, suggesting a potential link between police interactions and birth outcomes.
A study surveyed AKI survivors to reveal its physical, social, and emotional effects. The results show the need for interventions to improve health-related quality-of-life for AKI patients.
A team of researchers proposes detecting Q-balls in gravitational waves, which could explain the Big Bang's matter-anti-matter asymmetry. If successful, it would confirm a theory on why more matter was left over after the universe's first second.
A study of 2,657 young adults found that those with eating disorders and self-harm experienced increased symptoms of depression and anxiety during the pandemic. Lifestyle changes showed little effect on mental health problems in this group.
Scientists create a process called 'coherent optical engineering' that can dramatically change the properties of materials without generating heat. The breakthrough uses lasers to alter electron energy levels in a way that is reversible and free from unwanted heating.
A new study published in Applications in Plant Sciences highlights the negative effects of clearcutting on mycorrhizal fungi, showing less diversity in formerly deforested areas. High-throughput sequencing reveals over 300 distinct fungal lineages in soil and root samples, shedding light on ecosystem health.
Researchers found that dolphins have adapted to coastal life independently due to ancestral genes, which provide benefits for living in different environments. These genetic variations can be learned and passed down through generations.
IN8bio is developing a genetically modified gamma-delta T cell technology to treat glioblastoma multiforme. Preclinical studies published in Scientific Reports show significant improvement in survival outcomes, and a Phase I clinical trial is underway at UAB.
Researchers discovered a Type Ia supernova with an unusually fast and prominent early optical flash, which they believe is due to the interaction between supernova ejecta and circumstellar material. The team's findings provide new insights into the origins of these spectacular phenomena.
Researchers discovered a new hormone, fabkin, that regulates metabolism and controls insulin production in pancreatic beta cells. Blocking fabkin's activity prevented the development of both forms of diabetes in mice, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a catalyst technology that converts methane into ethane and ethylene with high efficiency and selectivity. The new technology uses platinum-based MXene structures to break down methane bonds, producing valuable chemicals without emitting the most abundant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.
A study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who experienced pre-eclampsia in both pregnancies were 17 times more likely to have another preterm birth. The research also showed a three-fold higher risk of subsequent pre-eclampsia after a preterm birth.
During the pandemic, Twitter sentiment around vaping went from broadly positive to mostly negative, likely due to concerns over its link to COVID-19 infection. The study analyzed tweets and found a significant shift in public opinion on the risks associated with vaping.
Climate scientists found that marine aerosols contribute to low-level ice-cloud formation over the Southern Ocean even under higher temperatures. This discovery will help reduce errors in numerical climate models and improve global climate understanding and predictions.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed water-walking liquid robots that can retrieve and deliver precious chemicals autonomously. The robots use chemistry to control buoyancy and do not require electrical energy, making them ideal for applications such as chemical synthesis and drug delivery.
A study of 16,000 adults with high blood pressure found significant racial disparities in blood pressure control, linked to unequal treatment intensification and missed appointments. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these inequities and improve outcomes for underserved populations.
A new publication sheds light on how words used in relation to firearm injuries and deaths can impact prevention efforts. The authors emphasize the need for shared, informed, non-judgmental language to create trust and sustainable collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and the public.
A recent genetic study has identified major quantitative loci associated with fruit size and shape traits in non-flat peach cultivars. The study revealed that specific haplotype blocks, such as qSHL/Fs6.1, are strongly linked to distinct fruit shapes, including ovate, round, and oblate varieties.
Researchers examined changes in surgical procedures during pandemic, comparing post-COVID-19 shutdowns with peak infection rates and prepandemic volumes. They found significant adjustments in procedure volumes, likely influenced by public health measures.
A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals an association between trans individuals' need for acute mental health care and experiences of marginalization. Transgender individuals who access acute mental health care are twice as likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders than the general population.
Researchers from Brazil and international collaborators demonstrate the conversion of low-cost waste biomass into bioplastic, electronic devices, and other high-value materials. The study highlights the potential of this approach to address global waste management challenges and promote a circular economy.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that PQBP1 interacts with Tau protein to drive an immune response in the brain. The study reveals a mechanism of inflammation that functions in both viral infection and neurodegenerative disease.
A recent study identified several protein biomarkers that protect against the development of inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and osteoarthritis. The researchers used Mendelian Randomization to determine whether high levels of these proteins are associated with a lower risk of disease.
A comprehensive genomic analysis reveals the genetic basis of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal system, a rare cancer that is highly resistant to treatment. The study identifies key biological processes underlying the development of the disease, including structural variants, methylation events, and gene fusions.
Researchers have identified the specific genetic regulatory elements responsible for Hydra head regeneration, showing that dynamic chromatin remodeling and transcription factor motifs play a crucial role. This discovery sheds light on the complex developmental processes involved in this remarkable regenerative ability.
A study of over 200,500 women found an increased risk of death in younger pre-menopausal women when ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed during surgery. In contrast, the procedure is safer for older post-menopausal women, whose ovaries have already stopped producing estrogen.
The Natural History Museum's digital collection has been downloaded over 28 billion times, contributing to advancements in food security, biodiversity conservation and medicine discovery. The museum's digitisation efforts are expected to have a tenfold return on investment, with benefits exceeding £2 billion over 30 years.
A new study found that air pollution in areas with high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can negate the benefits of vigorous physical activity on certain markers of brain disease. This includes reduced white matter hyperintensities and gray matter volume, indicating poorer brain health.
A study suggests the IAU's current definition of a planet is flawed and rooted in folklore and astrology. Researchers propose a new definition focused on a planet's geological activity, clearing its own orbit to be the largest gravitational force.
The Estée Lauder Companies has released its Green Score methodology to assess and measure the sustainability of ingredients and formulas based on green chemistry principles. The approach uses a quantitative tool to evaluate human health, ecosystem health, and environmental impact across its product portfolio.
Carlos Ponce is studying the parts of the visual system that analyze shapes, using macaque monkeys as a model. He combines computational models with electrophysiology experiments to understand how neurons process visual information.
Scientists have developed an enzyme that degrades the capsule surrounding the bacterium that causes anthrax, reducing virulence and protecting mice from infection. The treatment, known as PEG-CapD-CPS334C, is a promising avenue for treating multidrug-resistant anthrax and other bacterial infections.
A study in young psychiatric outpatients with episodic or chronic depression found differences in one-carbon and energy metabolism, which could aid in diagnosis and targeted treatments. The preliminary results suggest potential mechanisms behind chronicity, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to confirm findings.