Scientists have discovered rare metals in 24 of 31 products tested, including single-use food packaging and children's toys. The study suggests REEs are ubiquitous and pervasive contaminants of consumer plastics.
Researchers found that cognitive SuperAgers have fewer tau protein tangles in the brain region related to memory, which may contribute to their preserved memory capacity. The study suggests a potential new direction for Alzheimer's disease research and highlights the importance of understanding the cellular mechanisms behind SuperAging.
Seahorses spread globally by riding ocean currents, adapting to new habitats with rapidly evolving genomes. The researchers found that seahorses from Africa cross the southern Atlantic Ocean into South America, introducing genetic material into local populations.
A new study co-led by Arizona State University's Greg Asner explores the advancement of ecology from a 2D to a 3D science, leveraging remotely sensed 3D information to provide new ecological insights. The research has potential applications in addressing challenges associated with integrating dynamic oceanographic information and bette...
A longitudinal study found that prosocial behavior in young children can protect against academic risk in low-socioeconomic neighborhoods. Children who displayed high levels of helping behavior had better academic outcomes compared to those with low levels of prosocial behavior.
A team of researchers at Arizona State University has discovered a way to extract useful products from microbial growth in soil, shedding light on poorly understood processes. The study promises to help minimize environmental waste while producing biochemicals and biofuels.
Researchers have discovered a potential Earth-like planet in the Alpha Centauri star system using unprecedented sensitivity data collection methods. The team's findings suggest that this exoplanet may be located in a habitable zone where liquid water could form.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study reveals that emotional stress promotes symptoms of genetic heart disease and worsens its progression. Physicians and patients are advised to focus on good mental health, in addition to exercise avoidance, to keep patients healthy.
Scientists confirm climate change and fire suppression influence wildfires, but their effects vary within regions. Climate change increases burn probability in wetter areas while decreasing severity in drier locations.
A cross-disciplinary study combines canine olfaction with other detection methods to improve prostate cancer diagnosis. Dogs showed 71% sensitivity in detecting aggressive prostate cancer from urine samples, and an artificial neural network replicated their performance using spectroscopy data analysis.
Researchers sequenced DNA from mammoth remains up to 1.2 million years old, revealing a previously unknown genetic lineage and showing that Columbian mammoths were hybrids of woolly and Adycha mammoths. The study provides new insights into how fast mammoths adapted to cold climates.
Researchers discovered a single blood protein associated with increased risk of post-operative delirium. The finding paves the way for a non-invasive test to guide prediction, diagnosis and monitoring of delirium.
A short-lived resurgence in CFC-11 emissions in eastern China will not delay the recovery of Earth's ozone layer, according to new research. The AGAGE network helped track down the origins of the new emissions, which were found to be largely coming from eastern China.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed LEAP, a proton therapy technique that targets cancer cells with defects in the ATM-BRCA1-BRCA2 DNA repair pathway, sparing surrounding normal tissues. The technique uses concentrated proton energy deposition to induce biologic responses in treatment-resistant cancers.
Researchers found that people with ADHD combined with disruptive behavior disorders share 80% of genetic variants associated with aggressive behaviors. The study identified a genomic segment in chromosome 11 that increases the risk of having both ADHD and DBD.
A team of researchers from Aarhus University successfully understood why a very extended structure is crucial for an essential protein from the human immune system. The study offers new opportunities to adjust the immune system's activity both up and down, with potential applications in cancer treatment and autoimmune disease therapy.
A Rutgers-led study estimates fishes contribute about 16 percent of the total carbon that sinks below the ocean's upper layers, with roughly 1.65 billion tons of carbon in feces and other matter annually. The impact of climate change and seafood harvesting on this process is still unclear.
Researchers found that radar overestimates precipitation rates when partially frozen droplets are larger than their solid and liquid counterparts. The phenomenon, known as reflectivity maxima above freezing (RMAF), is more common on windward slopes of mountain ranges.
A unique brain protein measured in the blood could be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease decades before symptoms develop. Elevated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in the blood are associated with increased amyloid beta in the brain, a known indicator of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Copenhagen developed an approach to predict optimal composition and confirm accuracy with high-throughput experiments. The strategy enables identification of complex mechanisms at surfaces consisting of five chemical elements, overcoming limitations of previous catalysts.
A new study found that children's innate immune systems rapidly target and clear the new coronavirus, preventing severe disease. The research showed that special cells in the immune system activate neutrophils to heal damaged tissues and resolve infections, providing protection from COVID-19.
Experts discuss the ethics of criminalizing false vaccine information. Melinda Mills argues that deliberate intent to spread malicious disinformation should be considered criminal due to preventable deaths. Jonas Sivelä believes this approach may not address underlying issues like vaccine hesitancy and lack of trust in institutions.
A study of over 7,100 veterans found that those with a combination of high depression, low social support, and low psychological resilience reported poor well-being. Higher psychological resilience mitigated the impact of depression on well-being.
The new sensor measures small pressure changes in the body with high sensitivity and can detect pressure changes of just 2 kilopascals. It is designed to be implantable for long-term health monitoring and has a resolution of 2.0 kilopascals.
Scientists at DGIST create a method to image wet cell membranes without fixing or drying them, providing detailed information on cellular molecules. The technique uses graphene to protect cells from desiccation and degradation, allowing for up to ten minutes of imaging in ultra-high-vacuum environments.
Researchers identified two novel vascular smooth muscle cell subsets under high hydrostatic pressure, which promote or exacerbate endothelial dysfunction. These subsets are associated with hypertension and contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke.
Researchers have developed a hydrogel that slowly releases mRNA nanoparticles, activating T cells and stimulating antibody production in mice with melanoma. The treatment causes tumors to shrink and prevents metastasis, demonstrating great potential for long-lasting cancer immunotherapy.
Most teen bullying occurs among friends and friends-of-friends as they compete for higher social rungs, highlighting the need to de-emphasize popularity contests. Researchers found that those with overlapping friendships are more likely to bully each other, leading to significant emotional pain and decreased school attachment.
A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing found that linguistically feminine brand names are perceived as warmer and more likable, leading to increased purchase intentions. Researchers discovered that brands with feminine names are more likely to be well-ranked on Interbrand's Global Top Brands list.
Researchers discovered white matter hyperintensities are more common and severe in people with frontotemporal dementia compared to Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls. The study suggests these changes contribute to cognitive problems rather than vascular factors.
A survey of 20 European countries found that only 4 prioritize COVID vaccinations for individuals with severe mental disorders. The authors call for coordinated action to protect these vulnerable patients. Many countries do not mention mental health in their vaccination priority guidance, leaving patients at risk.
A recent study found that more than half of COVID-19 patients discharged from hospital show signs of heart damage, including inflammation and scarring. The research used MRI scans to detect the damage in patients who had raised troponin levels indicating a possible problem with the heart.
Researchers found large, highly radioactive particles containing cesium released from damaged reactors during the 2011 nuclear disaster. The particles have high levels of activity and could provide valuable forensic clues about the events leading up to the accident.
Researchers at UC San Diego created a four-legged robot that doesn't need electronics, using pressurized air for controls and locomotion. The robot mimics mammalian reflexes and can navigate uneven surfaces with the help of pneumatic circuits.
A FAU professor suggests using history to make mathematics education more exciting and meaningful, by highlighting famous mathematicians' mistakes and the evolution of standards. This approach aims to encourage deeper learning and build confidence among students.
A daily oral combination therapy has been found to be reliable, safe and effective for long-term treatment of uterine fibroids. The therapy, which combines relugolix with small doses of estrogen and synthetic progesterone, led to dramatic improvements in fibroid-related measures such as volume of menstrual blood loss and pain.
Researchers discovered that cells within a single organ can synchronize their circadian rhythms without receiving timing cues from the brain or other external signals. This finding suggests a novel mechanism of coordination, where cells exchange molecules to stay in phase.
Haotian Wang, a chemical and biomolecular engineer at Rice University, has been selected as a 2021 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow for his outstanding contributions to the field of electrochemistry. He will receive a two-year grant of $75,000 to advance his research on electrocatalysis and sustainable chemicals production.
Researchers have developed a novel method for producing highly efficient X-ray detectors using 3D aerosol jet-printing, enabling improved performance of medical imaging devices. The new detectors utilize perovskites and graphene, resulting in record sensitivity and a four-fold improvement over existing technology.
A comprehensive review of 105 prior studies found that pre-recorded videos and video supplements improve learning outcomes, with a strong effect on teaching skills
Scientists have developed a wearable microfluidic sensor to measure lactate concentration in sweat, offering real-time insights into muscle condition during exercise. The device is designed for comfort and practicality, using a non-irritating material and a microfluidic system for sweat collection.
A recent study from Indiana University found that supply-controlling and harm-reduction policy measures implemented in response to the opioid epidemic may have unintended consequences, including motivating users to switch to alternative illicit substances, leading to higher overdose mortality.
A UNF biology professor has been awarded an NSF grant to continue researching Lake Huron's algal mats, which are thought to hold secrets of life's origins. The research will explore bacterial communication and microbial community structures.
Researchers found that older gay men living with HIV reported having supportive relationships with family, friends, or informal partners, whereas those without HIV relied mainly on primary romantic partnerships. The study highlights the importance of social support in managing chronic illness, including HIV.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the efficacy of ozone in neutralizing Coronavirus on various surfaces, including aerosols and hard-to-reach locations. The study shows that ozone disinfection can be an inexpensive and readily available solution to combat COVID-19, with a high statistical success rate of above 90%.
A neural network system analyzes photographs to rank and distinguish suspicious skin lesions, suggesting it can aid clinicians in spotting precancerous marks during clinical visits. The platform's performance was demonstrated with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 89.9%, respectively, in identifying 'ugly duckling' lesions.
Researchers have defined how antibodies recognize phosphohistidine, a central role in some cancers like liver and breast cancer. The study provides insights into antibody structures and enables scientists to engineer more efficient antibodies.
Researchers are now able to use genomic alterations of tumors to determine prognosis and best treatment options for pediatric brain tumors. This approach has significantly changed the field of neurosurgery, enabling more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
The new online tool provides a nuanced understanding of the pandemic's impact across sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for regional risk factors and varying healthcare access. The study reveals that different drivers of viral spread, such as connectivity and chronic diseases, significantly affect local outbreak trajectories.
Researchers found a significant link between prolonged sedentary time and decreased ability to focus on tasks despite distractions. Adults with obesity or overweight who spent more time sitting for extended periods showed poorer performance on executive function tests.
A phase I clinical trial reveals adipose-derived stem cells alleviate symptoms of lymphedema, improving upper extremity function and reducing treatment use. Patients experienced sustained benefits for up to four years after treatment.
Changes in wintering bird communities are significantly faster due to less sedentary behavior and warming temperatures, while breeding community changes are slower. The study tracked over 1,200 species since the 1980s, with rapid shifts towards southern species in Europe and North America.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that genetically manipulating a fly's Imitation SWItch/SNF (ISWI) gene led to marked sleep disturbances, memory problems, and social dysfunction. The study suggests that targeting sleep may improve symptoms in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Scientists have discovered that the high silica content in ancient rocks formed in the Earth's mantle is linked to a significant change in the planet's interior around 2.5 billion years ago. This boundary may have been caused by changes in the mantle's flow, leading to the loss of extremely high temperatures.
A new study suggests that vaccinating all babies on the day of birth with BCG could reduce neonatal infections and death in areas with high infectious disease rates. The results also increase the possibility that the vaccine might be used to protect children and adults against COVID-19 and other new infectious diseases.
Researchers found that an enzyme from tomato fruitworm caterpillars causes stomatal closure in plants, inhibiting defensive emissions like airborne plant volatiles. This study may yield insights into plant stress tolerance and potential strategies for improving crop resilience to climate change.
Scientists used theoretical calculations to predict electronic states in topological insulators excited with laser beams, generating Dirac states that can act as if massless. This discovery may pave the way for new computers systems that waste less energy.
A University of Oregon scientist has identified myeloid-derived suppressor cells and immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 as early predictors of treatment response in trauma cases. Abnormal immune suppression may lead to poor bone healing, motivating the need for biomarkers that can predict patient outcomes.
Researchers have found that subglacial lakes in Antarctica may be more hospitable to life than thought, thanks to geothermal heat. This heat can stimulate convection currents, allowing for dynamic flow and potentially supporting microbial life. The discovery opens up new avenues for exploring similar environments on icy moons and planets.
A study published in The BMJ found that COVID-19 deaths accounted for 15-20% of all sampled deaths in Zambia, contradicting the widely held view that the virus has largely skipped Africa. The virus was detected in 70 people, with most deaths occurring in the community and among older adults.