Researchers use the Z machine to apply extreme gravitational pressures on super-Earths, determining which might support life. A data-supported table reveals when a planet's interior would be solid, liquid or gaseous under various pressures and temperatures.
A team of chemists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University and Saint Petersburg State University identified the necessary conditions for successful synthesis of small molecules. They found that differences in electronic properties of substituent groups determine the reaction speed, with electron-accepting substitutes reacting fast...
A new study from University of Alberta researchers shows that childhood traumatic or stressful events can lead to tiny changes in key brain structures decades later. These changes may increase the risk of developing mental health disorders as adults during times of stress.
Researchers from GEOMAR have found that manganese, not iron, is the limiting factor for phytoplankton growth in some areas of the Southern Ocean. This finding has significant implications for understanding past changes and future climate change.
A Stanford University seminar discovered that vector-borne diseases had a profound impact on historical societies, with some populations developing immunity while others were decimated. The researchers found that diseases often preyed on inequities in society, leaving marginalized groups most at risk.
Residents who experienced the 2018 Camp Fire exhibited measurable increases in PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, worsened by proximity and previous adverse experiences. Chronic mental health problems were mitigated by physical exercise, mindfulness, and emotional support.
Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill used a new lab model containing human lung tissue to show that EIDD-2801 effectively halts SARS-CoV-2 replication and prevents infection of human cells. The drug also demonstrated significant reduction in viral shedding in COVID-19 patients.
Scientists at Nagoya Institute of Technology have developed a new method for synthesizing chiral N,N-acetals, which are crucial components in diuretic drugs and other bioactive compounds. The method uses diketones as starting materials and produces high enantiopurity with yields up to 99%.
A new framework has been developed to understand the interiors of super-Earths, which is crucial for assessing their potential for habitability. The study found that under extreme conditions, bridgmanite has a high melting point, which could impact interior dynamics.
A University of Washington study suggests that reducing emissions by 1.8% annually would be required to meet the 2 degrees Celsius global temperature target. This represents an 80% increase in ambition over current Paris Agreement targets.
UK scientists have started production of key equipment for the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a particle physics experiment studying elusive particles called neutrinos. The detectors will capture neutrino interactions in a liquid argon gas detector, with 150 APAs built with millimeter precision.
A major study led by the University of York reveals that Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway project has caused significant environmental damage, including soil, water, and air pollution. The research highlights the need for more effective mitigation strategies to minimize ecological impacts on future infrastructure projects.
Researchers found that some dwarf galaxies may appear dark-matter free due to extreme tidal mass loss, challenging the LCDM cosmological model. Simulations suggest a combined solution to both the structure and low dark matter content of these ultradiffuse galaxies.
A multi-institutional team of researchers found that breastfeeding women with COVID-19 transfer milk-borne antibodies capable of neutralizing the virus to their infants. The study analyzed 37 milk samples and showed no maternal-to-infant transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via milk.
Researchers developed more efficient magnets to control magnetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Non-symmetrical magnet combinations showed almost ten times stronger magnetic force than regular cylindrical magnets, which could potentially apply to humans too.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that perceived racism, sexual orientation discrimination, and HIV-status discrimination are associated with increased risk for criminal justice involvement. The research highlights the compounding effect of intersecting forms of social inequality on health outcomes.
Researchers used advanced computational fluid dynamics tools to study the transmission of COVID-19 in a restaurant outbreak. The simulations revealed two potential transmission pathways, including those caused by aerosols rising from beneath tables and reentry aerosols associated with limited air conditioner filtration efficiency.
The Texas Heart Institute has developed a breakthrough ex vivo benchtop system for evaluating the effects of ablation systems on excised tissues, shedding light on the need for esophageal temperature monitoring during HPSD ablation. The study highlights the importance of safety measures in clinical settings and paves the way for furthe...
The collapse of Aru glaciers has sent at least 7.1 million cubic meters of ice into downstream lakes, disrupting regional ecosystems. The volume increase of Memar Co Lake is 30% faster than the previous rate, and it may merge with Aru Co Lake within 7-11 years.
A recent study published in International Business Review found that small and medium-sized firms increasingly rely on social media to find and persuade new international customers. However, digital communication tools dominate finding and persuasion phases, while traditional methods are used for customer relationship management.
A study on microalgae from the Kaliningrad Region revealed that Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina produce high amounts of saturated fatty acids, while Arthrospira platensis contains up to 23% unsaturated fatty acids. These findings suggest microalgae as a promising source for lipid production.
A new Position Statement from UK stakeholders highlights the limited evidence supporting routine follow-up brain tumor imaging. Researchers propose future studies to assess cost effectiveness, quality of life, and treatment response to determine the value of interval imaging.
Researchers at NUST MISIS developed a new structure for perovskite solar cells using MXenes, increasing power conversion efficiency to over 19%. The modified cells show superior performance and improved stabilized power output compared to reference devices.
Researchers David Rode and Paul Fischbeck argue that decision sciences can play a crucial role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of collecting accurate data on population infection rates to inform decision-making and policy development.
A new type of university is emerging to address the challenges of today, with a focus on community impact and social outcomes. This 'fifth wave' of universities aims to be more inclusive, scalable, and technologically sophisticated than traditional research universities.
Large-scale commercial farms in the southern Amazon accelerate climate change by increasing temperatures and reducing rainfall, whereas small-scale farms have less significant impacts. Alternative agricultural practices like agroforestry are needed to mitigate environmental changes and protect the remaining forests.
A new study confirms ecological interactions as a driver of evolution over long periods, highlighting the importance of adapting to host plant changes. Butterflies that consume poisonous plants exhibit genetic adaptations that enable them to detoxify toxins and recognize their preferred hosts.
A study in rural Kenya and Uganda found that offering universal access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduced HIV incidence, particularly among women. The study suggests that providing broad access to PrEP alongside HIV testing and treatment could reduce new HIV infections in generalized epidemic settings.
A new study led by VCU Massey Cancer Center researcher Jeanine Guidry found that parents of children with cancer are more susceptible to COVID-19 misinformation. The study, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, suggests that pediatric oncology providers should be aware of this issue and proactively address it during visits.
A University of Arizona Health Sciences study is testing COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness among college students and frontline workers. Researchers will investigate vaccine efficacy in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, occupation, and health status.
A recent study by Monterey Bay Aquarium reveals that juvenile white sharks are being forced to migrate northward due to a loss of suitable thermal habitat caused by climate change. The researchers analyzed electronic data records from tags deployed on the sharks and compared them to ocean temperatures to map the cold edge of their ther...
Researchers discovered that Arctic permafrost releases even larger quantities of CO2 than once believed, with microorganisms converting organic matter into greenhouse gases. The study found that the mineral iron no longer binds carbon as previously thought, resulting in a significant increase in CO2 emissions.
A University of Arizona Health Sciences study estimates the total lifetime costs of valley fever for 10,359 patients in 2019 to be $736 million. The disease, caused by Coccidioides fungi, has increased prevalence and currently lacks a preventative vaccine or therapy.
A new study from the University of Kansas explores how older environmentally-minded individuals consider death care and their chances of choosing eco-friendly burials. Despite growing awareness of green burials, many participants expressed uncertainty about the practice due to societal and cultural pressures.
A new study explores the potential of voyage optimization to reduce carbon intensity in short sea shipping. Researchers found that carbon intensity savings can reach up to 11% through route optimization, making it a viable operational measure for meeting short-term targets.
Researchers used quantum annealing to simulate magnetic materials, matching theoretical predictions and resembling experimental data. The study provides a foundation for future materials science research and demonstrates the potential of quantum computers in tackling complex problems.
Researchers have developed a new genome editing tool that targets histone proteins in the nucleus, regulating DNA expression. The programmable CRISPR/Cas9-based kinase offers insights into controlling regulatory histone proteins and has potential applications in treating cancer and other diseases.
Researchers discovered how collective worm behavior helps blobs survive longer against desiccation and respond to temperature gradients and intense light. By studying the worms' movements and interactions, scientists gained insights into the principles of living systems that can be applied to human-designed swarm robots.
A study of 850,000 Danish pregnancies found that nitrate in maternal drinking water was associated with lower birth weights and smaller body lengths, highlighting a critical data gap in current water standards for nitrate.
The BioRescue project, a northern white rhino conservation program, faced significant challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite international travel restrictions and revenue losses, the consortium successfully continued research and made progress in embryo creation and stem-cell techniques.
Sonoporation, a technique combining ultrasound with microbubbles, creates openings in cell membranes, allowing enhanced drug or gene intracellular delivery. Recent advances using contrast agents are expanding applications to gene expression, apoptosis, differentiation, and epigenetic reprogramming.
Scientists have devised a new method to detect and potentially treat two rare pediatric diseases, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Silver-Russell syndrome, by measuring IGF2 levels in amniotic fluid. Treatment with an FDA-approved cancer medication before birth has shown promise in normalizing fetal growth in mouse models.
Researchers observed a young vampire bat pup being adopted by an unrelated female after its mother died, revealing intimate details about changing social relationships between the mother, pup, and adoptive mother. The study highlights the importance of grooming and food-sharing interactions in forming these relationships.
A new study in Frontiers in Communication demonstrates the impact of subtle messaging and cues on encouraging people to show socially desirable behaviors. Travelers were more likely to demonstrate environmentally conscious actions when given a 'nudge' towards the desirable action, whether framed positively or negatively.
Researchers developed a computational model to calculate 'skeletal age', a personalised estimate of an individual's risk of bone fracture and premature death. The skeletal age calculator aims to better identify those at risk of a first bone fracture and subsequent fractures, as well as estimates how fractures impact life expectancy.
A new algorithm uses artificial intelligence to automate electrocardiogram recordings, improving efficiency and accuracy in heart disease diagnosis. This innovation has the potential to streamline clinical workflows and enhance patient care.
A study found that reimbursing hospitals for postpartum contraception increased the use of long-acting reversible methods among adolescents and young adults. The policy change in South Carolina led to a significant increase in the use of immediate postpartum LARCs, with rates nearly quadrupling in two and a half years.
The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly altered global osteoporosis care, assessment and treatment. Healthcare providers reported delays in DXA scanning, interrupted medication supply, and increased reliance on telemedicine consultations.
Researchers tracked bats using mini GPS loggers and linked flight data to weather patterns, revealing a roller-coaster flight behavior where bats ascend and descend rapidly. The study found that bats can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h and use topography and nocturnal updrafts to fly high and fast.
Researchers created a 'defective' catalyst that simplifies the generation of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen, with 100% Faradaic efficiency. The process is simpler and cheaper than existing methods, with potential to replace expensive and toxic chemicals in various industries.
Chemists have developed a simplified three-step process for synthesizing spirocyclic tetrahydroisoquinolines, a key organic molecule in drug discovery. The new method significantly reduces the time and complexity of existing approaches, enabling more efficient creation of pharmaceutical compounds.
Researchers at University of Helsinki discovered a molecular mechanism that promotes cell migration by recycling actin filaments. Twinfilin efficiently removes Capping Protein from filament plus-ends, leading to depolymerization and slower cell migration in its absence.
A study found that higher blood pressure at night than day increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older men. Researchers analyzed data from 1,000 Swedish men and found a 64% increased risk of dementia diagnosis among those with reverse dipping blood pressure patterns.
A study published in CANCER found an association between higher levels of nighttime artificial light and a 55% elevated risk of developing thyroid cancer. The association was strongest in women for localized cancer, while stronger in men for more advanced stages.
The study found that a considerable percentage of the Virginia population had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 following the initial outbreak of COVID-19. Researchers used this data to understand risk factors associated with the virus, contributing to better public health strategies.
A German-Chinese research team has developed a new synthetic route to produce biofuel from biomass, achieving a higher yield and selectivity under milder reaction conditions. The method uses formic acid as a key catalyst, resulting in faster reaction rates and reduced unwanted side reactions.
Ricardo Galvão, a physicist who defended Amazon deforestation data, will receive the 2021 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award. His stand against President Bolsonaro's claims of fabricated data cost him his job at Brazil's National Institute for Space Research.
A new study by USask researchers found that a shorter form of a brain protein, Aβ38, halts damage-causing mechanisms of its longer counterpart, Aβ42. This discovery could help identify people at highest risk for developing Alzheimer's and slow or prevent its onset.
A Cleveland Clinic-led team developed a platform, My Personal Mutanome (MPM), to analyze genetic mutations and their responses to drugs in cancer. The platform integrates clinical data, protein-protein interactions, and functional sites to identify actionable mutations for personalized medicine.
A new study reveals that quantity of education does not necessarily translate to quality, and the global skills gap is widening due to inadequate measurement methods. The Skills in Literacy Adjusted Mean Years of Schooling (SLAMYS) indicator shows a significant gap between high- and low-performing countries.