A large study found that older adults with moderately elevated blood sugar levels do not frequently develop full-blown diabetes. Instead, many improve their blood glucose levels or die from other causes, suggesting that the 'prediabetes' diagnosis is less useful in this age group.
AI researchers have developed a method to train neural networks to predict the function of DNA sequences, allowing for deciphering larger patterns. This breakthrough enables analysis of complex DNA sequences critical to development and disease, potentially improving understanding of gene regulation and its impact on diseases.
Researchers at Seoul National University developed a synthetic protein quality control system in bacteria to increase the efficiency of protein production. This technology enhances full-length translation, leading to up to 250% increase in protein yield and over two-fold increase in target metabolite production levels.
New study by Uppsala University researchers identifies ACE2 and integrin beta3 as potential key players in SARS-CoV-2 cell infection. The proteins interact with cellular processes of uptake and disposal, suggesting hijacking during infection.
A new study finds that high blood pressure is causally associated with the most common heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation. Elevated blood pressure was found to increase the risk by 1.8%, 2.6%, and 1.4% relative increases in atrial fibrillation for systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures, respectively.
A validated tool measuring child feeding practices, sDOR.2-6y, provides a quantifiable assessment of parents' adherence to the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding approach. The survey identifies children at nutrition risk and correlates with other validated instruments on parent feeding.
Research from Arizona State University reveals that human-autonomy teams are less efficient than all-human teams due to interaction limitations. Effective synthetic teammates and enhanced HAT interactions are crucial for success in complex environments, as demonstrated by a study on UAV teams with AI pilots.
A team of researchers from Osaka University has identified a novel mechanism by which the protein Smurf2 regulates bone formation through the BMP signaling pathway. The study found that Smurf2 uses ubiquitination to mark messenger proteins for destruction, leading to reduced bone mass and formation rates in mice without Smurf2.
Optical systems can combine light by multiplying wave functions instead of adding them, allowing for the solution of nonlinear problems. The authors suggest guiding system trajectories towards solutions by temporarily changing coupling strengths.
A recent study published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that diabetics taking goldenseal while on metformin may struggle to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. The study showed that goldenseal reduced metformin's concentration by 25% after six days of use, highlighting the risk of unwanted drug interactions.
African American mothers experience lower breastfeeding initiation rates compared to the general population. The study reveals that cultural stereotypes, disparities in care approaches, and limited access to resources contribute to these disparities.
UC researchers discovered that stopping autophagy in cancer cells can help treat HER2-positive breast cancer. By blocking this process, cancer cells were unable to develop and grow, and the HER2 protein was altered in a way that prevented its role in cancer development.
A new strategy enhances the performance of polymer membranes for filtering CO2 from industrial emissions by integrating metal-organic frameworks. The MOF-filled polymer membranes demonstrated outstanding characteristics, including high permeability and selectivity towards CO2, as well as stability and tolerance to harsh conditions.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated a quantum advantage by performing a verification task in seconds using a quantum machine, whereas the same task would take centuries for a conventional computer. The experiment used a complex algorithm and simple experimental photonics system, showcasing the potential of quantum computing.
A cluster of COVID-19 cases at Brigham and Women's Hospital was analyzed to understand the spread of the virus and identify effective control measures. Researchers found that a patient with pulmonary disease likely infected multiple staff members and patients, highlighting the importance of testing, masking, and eye protection.
A Kaiser Permanente study found racial and ethnic disparities in the likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19, with Latino patients nearly 4 times as likely to become infected as white patients. The study also found that Black patients were 2 times as likely to get COVID-19 as white patients.
Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a simple and inexpensive diagnostic blood test that can detect various diseases, including cancers and heart and liver conditions. The test uses epigenetic information within the cell to determine the nature of the disease or tumor, exactly where it's found, and how far developed it is.
A mammography screening strategy based on a baseline breast density measure at age 40 is the most effective and cost-effective way to reduce breast cancer mortality. The study suggests that this approach can lead to a significant reduction in breast cancer mortality, but also increases the number of mammograms performed and false posit...
Researchers have discovered three undesired off-cycle pathways in nickel-catalysed Negishi cross-coupling reactions, including ligand scavenging, reduction-oxidation pathways and the formation of unorthodox Ni/Zn clusters. The study provides a new understanding of the inner workings of these reactions.
A study found that variable weather conditions make pre-emergence herbicides less effective, leading to increased use of post-emergence herbicides. Herbicide combinations can help minimize rainfall requirements and improve weed control.
Researchers found that wearable devices can identify COVID-19 cases up to seven days before diagnosis via nasal swab. The study also showed that HRV patterns normalize after diagnosis, allowing for timely interventions.
Researchers have discovered a new form of magnetism in magnetic graphene, which could help understand superconductivity. The material's unique properties allow it to remain magnetic even when becoming a conductor under high pressure.
A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior has found that inconsistent information exists on commercial infant and toddler food packages, making it difficult for parents to understand what they are buying. This confusion can lead to early exposure to nutritious foods not helping children develop healthy eating habits.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method called Multi-Organoid Patterning and Fusion (MOrPF) to grow miniature versions of organs. The technique enables faster assembly of organoids into airway tubes with uninterrupted passageways, retaining their shape even in the absence of external support.
Scientists identify a unique voice prosody pattern associated with honest speech, recognized across languages and influencing memory recall. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals how brain automatically processes this characteristic sound to convey truth-value or certainty.
Researchers have developed a framework to predict the performance of next-generation hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collectors. The study reveals that the relative value of thermal energy to electricity significantly influences efficiency limits, optimal PV cell material, and spectral-splitting filter design.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a low-cost method for soft robots to detect human touch without relying on physical contact. The ShadowSense technology uses a USB camera to capture shadow movements of hand gestures on the robot's skin, classifying them with machine-learning software.
Researchers at Kanazawa University identified three genes Alk, Bclaf3 and Prkra that regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of gastric tissue stem cells. These genes suppress Wnt signaling, a pathway crucial for tissue homeostasis and recovery from damage.
Researchers found substantial differences in brain morphology between forest edge and deep forest butterfly species, with the latter investing more in visual information processing. The study suggests that changes in brain structure play a crucial role in speciation across environments.
A genetic scoring study published in PNAS found that specific genes in the placenta can predict a baby's brain size at birth and its rate of cognitive development, which may lead to schizophrenia later in life. The study suggests that targeting placental health may reduce schizophrenia risk, particularly in males.
The five winners are recognized for their accomplishments in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as their commitment to leading and mentoring young scientists. The awards aim to support the careers of women researchers from developing countries and promote diversity in STEM fields.
A new study suggests that educating non-autistic people about the challenges and strengths of autistic individuals can increase social inclusion. The research found that familiarizing non-autistic people with autism through training and exposure helped reduce explicit biases, but implicit biases remained harder to overcome.
Researchers from INRS identify a protein called interleukin-21 that restores mitochondrial energy metabolism in immune cells, potentially leading to improved treatment options for HIV patients. The study also explores its applications in other diseases associated with persistent inflammation.
CU Anschutz researchers found a correlation between inflammatory T-cell responses to hybrid insulin peptides and worsening blood glucose measurements in genetically at-risk adolescents. This study provides an important advancement in identifying the risk of T1D early and potential for intervention.
Heliponix, a Purdue University-affiliated startup, has won a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop and improve its in-home greenhouses. The grant will support research on multispectral photomorphogenesis in rotary aeroponic cultivation chambers.
Researchers have found that ECMWF's SEAS5 system accurately predicts the timing of the monsoon in India's major agricultural regions, a month in advance. This information can be crucial for farmers to prepare for unexpected heavy rainfall or extended dry periods, which regularly destroy crops in India.
Climate change is altering habitats, forcing animals to migrate across national borders, which are fortified with walls and fences. The study highlights the potential ecological damage of 32,000km of borders, including the USA-Mexico border wall, China-Russia border fence, and India-Myanmar border fencing.
Analysis of human teeth from caves in southern China suggests that anatomically modern humans migrated from Africa around 65,000 to 45,000 years ago, contradicting earlier proposals of an early arrival. The study's findings highlight the importance of direct DNA analysis and carbon-14 dating for accurately estimating human remains' age.
Research reveals that brain hemispheres synchronize gamma waves to integrate auditory information, enabling us to hear a unified speech sound. Electric stimulation disrupts this synchronization, impairing the integration process and potentially leading to tinnitus.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found significant reductions in blood pressure among older adults using cannabis. The study, published in European Journal of Internal Medicine, suggests a potential therapeutic benefit for this population.
Linda Teplin's 15-year study examines the psychosocial outcomes of incarcerated youth, finding disproportionate effects on African Americans and Hispanics. The research highlights the need for public health and criminal justice reform to address these inequities.
Global wastewater treatment rates have improved to about half, but developing countries still lag far behind. The study highlights the need for increased financial resources and creative reuse opportunities to improve wastewater treatment practices.
Researchers aim to provide initial data on ocrelizumab's impact on cognitive fatigue in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. A 3-year study involving three groups will assess levels of cognitive fatigue and brain activity, exploring the therapeutic effects of ocrelizumab.
A Swedish study found a significant association between proton pump inhibitor use in children and adolescents and the development of asthma. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 children and adolescents, revealing a higher risk of asthma among those taking PPIs for gastrointestinal issues.
A West Virginia University-led study combines most drug overdose deaths with all suicides into an expanded self-injury category, exposing a mental health crisis across the United States. The research found that the national annual average percentage change in the self-injury rate was 4.3%, compared to 1.8% for suicide rates.
Carlos Nobre, a Brazilian climate scientist, will receive the AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy for his work on Amazon biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples. The award recognizes his career-spanning contributions to science diplomacy, including leading the comprehensive scientific assessment of the Amazon Basin.
A large-scale analysis found a disproportionately higher COVID-19 death risk in middle-aged people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that vaccine prioritization strategies across Europe should consider the relative risk of COVID-19 mortality in this population.
Researchers at TU Wien have discovered a two-phase material with surprising electro-mechanical properties that change dramatically above a certain temperature. The team found that the crystals responsible for these properties remain electroactive, but the macroscopic behavior disappears due to a loss of contact between crystal grains.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a novel radiative cooling system that can efficiently cool buildings using solar power. The system, comprising two mirrors, absorbs sunlight and reflects heat into the sky, achieving record-breaking temperature reductions in both laboratory and outdoor tests.
A study models bird and mammal species distributions under climate scenarios, revealing potential conservation issues across national borders. The authors project that border barriers could obstruct the dispersal of nonflying species as their ranges shift, emphasizing the need to mitigate these impacts.
A team of British and Chinese researchers has identified a brain network that regulates response to danger, finding that imbalances in this pathway lead to compulsive and impulsive drinking behaviors. The study's findings have significant implications for developing more effective interventions to tackle global alcohol abuse.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 591 turtles to uncover factors shaping their diversity, finding species diversified in response to historical climate shifts. The study suggests that habitats exposed along continental margins were critical for turtle speciation and remain key to their persistence.
Danna Freedman, a Northwestern University professor, presents a novel approach to quantum chemistry, enabling the creation of next-generation quantum technology. Her research challenges the assumption that molecules are too complex to study effectively, paving the way for new understandings.
Researchers found that Black individuals show signs of diminished heart muscle strength and higher blood pressure from early childhood, increasing the risk of congestive heart failure. Midwall fractional shortening analysis revealed a decrease in cardiac muscle function over time, associated with increased risk.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a second site on the filovirus glycoprotein that small drug molecules can bind to prevent infection. This finding holds promise for developing effective treatments for Ebola and Marburg viruses, which cause hemorrhagic fever with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%.
Researchers analyzed online searches for mobile and isolated activities from March to June 2020 in all 50 states, finding a correlation between search trends and new COVID-19 cases. The study suggests that using alternative data sources like Google Trends can help anticipate the pathways of the pandemic before new infections are reported.
Researchers found that day-to-day temperature variability reduces economic growth by an average of 5 percentage-points. Economies in low-income regions are more strongly affected, while those with higher incomes are better prepared due to familiarity and resilience.
A recent observational study has found a significant association between prediabetes in older adults (ages 71-90) and the risk of progressing to diabetes. The study suggests that age is a key factor in determining the likelihood of disease progression.
A new biologically active porphyrin compound was isolated from Ophiura sarsii, which may be used to make photodynamic therapy more affordable. The compound has been shown to have antitumor effects and could potentially be used to treat triple-negative breast cancer and other cancers.
A unique peptide found in Australian finger lime has been shown to destroy the deadly bacterium causing citrus greening and activate the plant's immune system to prevent new infections. The treatment is safer for the environment than current methods, using a stable anti-microbial compound that remains effective even in high heat.