Researchers found that individuals in REM sleep can interact with an experimenter and engage in real-time communication, comprehending questions, working-memory operations, and producing answers. This breakthrough sheds light on dreams, memory, and cognitive processes.
The HHMI Hanna Gray Fellows Program awards $1.4M to 21 early-career researchers from diverse backgrounds to tackle life sciences challenges. The program fosters a community that encourages research freedom and networking, aiming to increase academic diversity in the US.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University tested AI-powered hate speech detection software on over 680,000 chess comments and found that 82% of flagged comments did not contain hate speech. The study suggests that words like 'black' and 'white' are triggering phrases for the classifiers.
A research team from INRS has developed a modified therapeutic molecule that reduces glutamate toxicity in the brain after an ischemic stroke. The treatment, which works on the periphery of the blood-brain barrier, is effective for six days and may also have potential applications for other neuronal diseases.
A new study followed 30,446 middle-aged individuals and found that older age, female sex, and low leisure-time physical activity are associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing a fracture. The study highlights the importance of these factors in public health initiatives for fracture prevention.
A new study found that estrogen deficiency during menopause leads to altered microRNA signalling in skeletal muscle, potentially activating cell death pathways and resulting in muscle wasting. The study suggests resistance training may be beneficial for maintaining muscle mass and power in middle-aged women.
An international study has identified a new fossil record of giant predatory worms in marine sediments from Taiwan, revealing they inhabited the seafloor until 5.3 million years ago. The worms, similar to today's Bobbit worm, lived in burrows and had strong jaws to capture prey.
A new study found that nearly 1 in 5 recently deceased people in Lusaka tested positive for COVID-19, highlighting the need for proper diagnostics and testing. The study's findings have important implications for global health decision makers, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to vaccines.
Researchers developed a framework for assessing brand reputation and built a tool to track it in real-time and over time. The tool uses 11 measures, including 'coolness' and 'social responsibility,' to give an in-depth understanding of user feelings towards individual brands.
Researchers at King's College London found that restricting COVID-19 symptom testing to the 'classic triad' of cough, fever and loss of smell may have missed up to a third of cases. Extending the list to include fatigue, sore throat, headache and diarrhoea detected 96% of symptomatic cases.
Patients with cancer and multiple physical comorbidities are more likely to experience high psychological distress and consult mental healthcare professionals. These findings highlight the importance of considering physical conditions when addressing mental health in cancer patients.
A study published in Management Science found that participants followed advice given by male and female leaders at similar rates, regardless of the leader's assertiveness. The researchers recruited 1,000 people to play a game, where they received advice from either a male or female leader with varying levels of assertive language. The...
A novel gel electrophoresis technique enables rapid biomarker diagnosis via mass spectrometry, overcoming issues with traditional digestion protocols. The method uses dissolvable polyacrylamide gels to recover target proteins, allowing for high-throughput sample preparation and efficient quantification of biomarkers.
Scientists at the University of Chicago have developed liquid crystals that can move on their own, enabling the creation of autonomous materials. By controlling the movement of defects within the crystals, researchers have demonstrated a microfluidic device that can transport fluids autonomously without pumps or pressure.
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that high type I IFN signaling is present in a subset of pancreatic tumors, leading to decreased NAD and NADH levels. The combination of IFN signaling and NAMPT inhibitors showed promising results in suppressing tumor growth and reducing liver metastases in mice.
The new guidelines recommend broadening eligibility criteria and requiring diversity study plans to increase African American participation. Gathering clinical trial data post-approval can also identify differences in safety and efficacy among racial subpopulations.
A large-scale study has identified more than 20 genetic loci associated with canine hip dysplasia in a cohort of 1,600 dogs from ten breeds. The loci were validated using blood samples and radiographic images, revealing a complex interplay between genetic variants and disease susceptibility.
Researchers discovered that human tumours contain solid and fluid cell clusters, enabling cancer cells to move and multiply. The study's findings could lead to improved cancer diagnosis and therapy, with potential applications in detecting metastatic cancer cells.
Researchers found that training primary care physicians in depression recognition and medication treatment can prevent suicide, often halving the risk. Reducing access to lethal methods, such as firearms, is also crucial in preventing suicidal behavior.
A recent UK study found that concern about climate change has not decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, public opinion on the severity of climate change showed only slight increases in some areas. This suggests that climate change may now be a permanent part of people's concerns.
The stellar-mass black hole in the Cygnus X-1 binary system was found to have a mass 21 times that of the Sun and is rotating at a speed close to the speed of light. This discovery challenges astronomers' thoughts on how black holes formed.
A team of scientists has designed and successfully folded new protein structures into membrane-bound nanoparticles, expanding the toolkit for biomolecular engineering. These novel proteins show promise for advanced filtration and DNA sequencing techniques.
An interdisciplinary team of biologists and computational researchers designed a neural network named BPNet that can interpret regulatory code by predicting transcription factor binding from DNA sequences with unprecedented accuracy. The model revealed novel insights, including a rule governing the binding of the well-studied transcrip...
A recent study by University of Alberta cardiologists shows that patients with stable ischemic heart disease and high-risk cardiac anatomy benefit from revascularization with stents or bypass surgery. This approach leads to better health outcomes, including reduced risk of death or heart attack.
Researchers have developed a new quantum computation protocol that allows for homomorphic quantum encryption, enabling secure delegation of computations without compromising data privacy. The protocol's security improves with increasing complexity of calculations.
Global findings from a University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing researcher highlight concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on birth outcomes and breastfeeding establishment. The article emphasizes the importance of prioritizing evidence-based lactation education, care, and technical assistance to protect human milk and breastfeeding.
A study found that veterans receiving all post-kidney transplant care within the VA have a lower risk of death compared to those receiving care through Medicare. The study suggests that high-quality care within the VA may contribute to better outcomes.
In Indian jumping ants, workers duel to establish new leadership after the death of their queen. The winners become pseudoqueens, acquiring new behaviors and roles, and laying eggs, allowing the colony to survive. Changes in gene expression in the brain can accurately predict the winners after just three days of dueling.
Researchers found that a child's first influenza infection can impact their immune response to future flu viruses, with varying degrees of protection against different strains. The study suggests that understanding the concept of "The Original Antigenic Sin" could inform age-based interventions and vaccination programs during pandemics.
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the uptake of seasonal flu vaccines among people aged 65 and over in the USA. Among those who received a vaccine, minorities were 26-32% less likely to receive the High Dose Vaccine, which is more effective in older adults.
A new study assesses consumers' likelihood of adopting robo-advisory services, which provide automated investment advice. The analysis reveals that attitudes across cultures shape differences in local consumers' adoption of AI-based services.
Researchers reveal the molecular mechanism of membrane-tethered protein synthesis in human mitochondria, shedding light on its dynamic structure and function. The discovery could explain how mitochondrial disorders such as deafness and cancer develop.
Analysis of 448 patients with heart failure reveals 20.3% readmitted within 30 days and 60.9% within 1 year, primarily due to worsening heart failure conditions.
Exposure to chemicals has contributed to over 1.3 million premature deaths worldwide. A global intergovernmental science-policy body is proposed to tackle this issue by conducting scientific assessments and identifying policy-relevant research needs.
A new study by University of Arkansas psychologist Anastasia Makhanova found a correlation between the CD38 CC gene variation and higher levels of gratitude, trust, forgiveness, and increased marriage satisfaction. Individuals with the CC variation reported more positive perceptions beneficial to successful relationships.
A new study reviews data from 57 studies and finds that people with asthma have a 14% lower risk of getting COVID-19 and are significantly less likely to be hospitalized. The study included over 350,000 participants and found no apparent difference in the risk of death from COVID-19 in people with asthma.
Researchers used advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe mesocrystals form in real-time, revealing a new pathway of crystallization by particle attachment. This discovery could help design materials for energy storage and understand natural mineralization.
A new analysis reveals a sharp increase in suicides among young women in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to expectations. The study suggests that existing suicide prevention policies may not be effective for this demographic, highlighting the need for new mental health support policies.
A study by the University of Zurich found that 63% of drugs with rebates granted in Switzerland have low clinical benefits, while 49% have no significant benefit. The research highlights the need for transparent cooperation between European countries to improve drug pricing and patient access.
Researchers have found that platelets are the source of extracellular DNA in patients with lupus, leading to chronic inflammation. This discovery could lead to better understanding and treatment of the disease.
Researchers have successfully 'caught' colibactin, a genotoxin from E. coli, inducing genetic changes characteristic of colorectal cancer cells. This breakthrough enables the observation of transformation in vitro using human colon organoids.
Researchers are using digital imaging technology to measure seed traits, enabling faster development of new crop varieties. Plant breeders aim to create seeds with more calories, improved nutrition and resilience to stress, ultimately ensuring sustainable food production.
A study by Heidelberg University researchers found that over 60 million buildings and four million roads were added to OpenStreetMap between 2008 and 2020, primarily in low- and medium-human development regions. However, these areas still account for only a small percentage of mapped data due to socio-economic and demographic factors.
Researchers have identified a candidate gene and two deleterious mutations underlying male sterility in sugi trees, enabling selective breeding to reduce pollen load. This breakthrough has the potential to alleviate pollen allergy issues in Japan and globally.
A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that 61% of opioids prescribed to patients after orthopedic procedures went unused. The text message system showed high patient uptake, with 88% responding on the fourth day and 95% on the 21st day. Patients reported a decrease in pain levels without using most of the prescribed opioids.
A new study reveals a unique link between the diet and distribution of coral reef fishes, highlighting planktivores as potentially vulnerable to environmental change. The Indo-Australian Archipelago is a global marine biodiversity hotspot, where planktivorous fish species are more diverse than others.
Researchers used a novel 3D microscopy technique to study crownlike structures in adipose tissue, finding they are actually concentric spheres surrounding an empty core. This discovery may lead to new treatments for obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
According to a study published in American Journal of Roentgenology, COVID-19 is associated with leukoencephalopathy on brain MRI. The condition, known as CRDL, can cause extensive white matter lesions and microhemorrhages, highlighting the importance of considering it in patients with neurologic manifestations of coronavirus disease.
A study from the University of Granada found that neck fatty tissue is a predictor of central and overall adiposity, cardiometabolic risk, and inflammation in sedentary young adults. The accumulation of fat in the neck follows specific patterns according to gender and is linked to a greater likelihood of heart problems.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that a cosmetic laser can trigger local inflammation mimicking mutations, enhancing immune attacks against nonmutated tumor proteins. This approach could make immune checkpoint inhibitors effective against currently incurable cancers.
Researchers have developed a computational model to improve the production of polyisobutenyl succinic anhydrides (PIBSAs) for auto industry formulations. The study reveals the detailed mechanism of Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions, enabling faster and more efficient synthesis with reduced energy input.
A team of researchers from Korea has optimized a bioelectrochemical system (BES) to efficiently convert carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into useful chemicals. The BES increases efficiency by 2-6 times that of current systems, producing acetate and volatile fatty acids.
A new AI tool developed at Purdue University aims to improve healthcare outcomes by analyzing patient records and comorbidities. The tool provides personalized recommendations to help patients prepare for surgery, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
A pioneering study identified 20 'nitrogen hotspots of opportunity' in the US, representing 63% of surplus nitrogen balance but only 24% of cropland area. The top-ranked hotspot is a region across Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have created a more energy-efficient chemical recycling method for polyethylene-like plastics, recovering around 96% of the starting material. The new process uses 'breaking-points' to deconstruct molecular chains into smaller building blocks, making it suitable for 3D printing applications.
A simulated online supermarket study found that suggesting healthy food swaps could lower the calories customers buy. The research also explored how social norms and messaging impact the adoption of these swaps.
Researchers have developed a laser-based method to print nanostructured holograms on dried corn syrup films, enabling edible hologram decoration for foods. The holograms can also indicate sugar content or ensure food safety, making them a promising innovation in the food industry.
Researchers at Medical University of Vienna have found a previously unknown molecular connection between an inflammatory signalling molecule and one of the main oncogenes, c-Myc. This interaction causes slower degradation of c-Myc, leading to higher cell division rates and resistance to chemotherapeutics.
The Skoltech team developed an AI system that enables processing images from autonomous greenhouses, monitoring plant growth and automating the cultivation process. The system, based on convolutional neural networks, can classify 18 plant varieties with high accuracy and outperform popular codecs in image size reduction.
A new flexible and lightweight power system for soft robotics has been developed, paving the way for wearable assist devices. The electro-pneumatic pump is soft, bendable, low-cost, and easy to make, transforming lives of people with mobility issues.