A new study reveals that despite living in the same Mojave Desert location, mammal and bird communities experience different exposures to climate warming. Small mammals have remained relatively stable, while bird occupancy and species richness have declined dramatically due to their limited ability to mitigate rising temperatures.
The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation has announced 48 finalists for the 2021 Hertz Fellowship, representing 17 universities. The selected candidates will advance to a culminating round of interviews for one of the most competitive fellowships in the nation.
The MARLIT app uses deep learning techniques to detect and quantify floating plastics in the sea, achieving an 80% reliability rate. Researchers analyzed over 3,800 aerial images to develop this algorithm, which can aid in assessing plastic pollutants worldwide.
Researchers at Bielefeld University have successfully imaged SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus using a helium ion microscope, allowing direct observation of the virus's interaction with host cells. The study provides valuable information on the virus's defense mechanisms and potential treatment strategies.
A new study from Australian National University suggests that spicy foods are more commonly used in hot climates, but finds no clear reason for this trend. The researchers analyzed over 33,000 recipes and found a significant relationship between spice use and life expectancy, as well as other health outcomes.
A Rutgers-led study found genetic differences between white-nose syndrome-killed and surviving little brown bat populations, suggesting rapid evolution to resist the disease. The study has significant implications for managing bat populations and may inform strategies for other diseases causing mass mortality.
A Rutgers University study found that girls whose mothers have more asset holdings are less likely to enter into child marriage, while those with fathers' wealth are more likely. The study also found that wealthy mothers can protect their daughters by leveraging their increased bargaining power.
Researchers have developed targeted ultrasound techniques to treat various brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke. The new methods aim to improve brain functions by activating functional neurons without significant side effects.
A new DNA-based vaccine platform has been shown to induce potent immune responses in mice, generating high levels of antibodies and strong T cell responses. The vaccine was found to be immunogenic, efficiently neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus after a single immunization.
A recent 18-year study by Imperial College London reveals that cancer is now the leading cause of death among people with diabetes in England. Death rates from heart disease and stroke declined significantly during this period, but improvements were more modest for cancer-related deaths.
The Ballistic Simulated Bifurcation Algorithm (bSB) and the Discrete Simulated Bifurcation Algorithm (dSB) can solve large-scale combinatorial optimization problems up to 20,000 times faster than current machines, achieving near-optimal solutions in record time.
A new machine-learning algorithm reveals multiple possible conformations of proteins that can be determined experimentally using cryo-electron microscopy. The researchers used this technique to study ribosome assembly and identified a new ribosomal state, as well as visualized large-scale flexible motions of the spliceosome.
A man in his 40s, treated for mild COVID-19 4 months after a severe initial bout, tested positive twice more. Experts suggest waning immunity may increase risk of reinfection, while milder symptoms second time around could be due to residual immunity from the first infection.
Researchers found that mortality in cage-free flocks decreases as managers gain experience and knowledge. Mortality rates are not inherently higher in cage-free systems, but rather decline with improved management and optimized genetics.
A new model by UT Austin researchers suggests that regular, rotating COVID-19 testing can minimize costs and loss of life. The optimal testing schedule varies depending on the region's transmission rate, but generally recommends weekly testing for high-transmission areas.
Researchers found that adding colchicine to standard treatment reduces the need for oxygen therapy and length of hospital stay in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection. The study also shows that colchicine is safe and well-tolerated with few side effects.
A new study found that one in seven players still reported VR sickness 40 minutes after playing popular VR exergames like Beat Saber. Researchers caution gamers to exercise caution and wait for symptoms before engaging in higher-risk activities.
Researchers have developed a hyperspectral imaging technique to visualize and test two-dimensional materials at the nanoscale. This allows for the identification of new properties and potential applications, including more-efficient energy transmission and solar- and wind-powered vehicles.
A student astronomer has developed a method to track down the Milky Way's missing matter using distant galaxies as 'locator pins'. The technique detects radio sources that have passed through a cold clump of gas, revealing a massive, invisible cloud about 10 light years from Earth.
Researchers at the University of Groningen and ECUST have developed a way to produce polymers from lipoic acid, which can be easily depolymerized under mild conditions. The process recovers 87% of monomers in their pure form, enabling fully recyclable plastics.
Synthesized very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) have been shown to increase lipid levels in the retina and improve visual function in both normal and defective ELOVL4 mice. The study opens up a new area of research, raising questions about oral administration, blood transport, and selective targeting to the retina.
The Rydberg sensor can analyze the full spectrum of radio frequency signals and detect AM and FM radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other communication signals. It offers unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy to detect a wide range of mission-critical signals, enabling new capabilities for soldier communications and electronic warfare.
A study published in the journal Pain identifies specialised ion channels involved in transmitting pain signals from the female reproductive tract. The research provides novel findings that could lead to improved treatment options for women experiencing chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis and vulvodynia.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered biomarkers using AI analysis of simple tissue scans to predict which lung cancer patients will be harmed by immunotherapy. This new work builds on previous research that used AI and machine learning to identify patients who will benefit from the treatment.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect axions, which are thought to make up 26% of the universe's energy content. The BASE collaboration used ultra-sensitive detectors in Penning trap experiments to set new limits on axion-photon coupling.
Researchers found that a previously overlooked phenomenon in chemical reactions can boost efficiency and reduce waste. The discovery, led by University of Illinois researcher David Flaherty, involves the formation of an organic residue that acts as a surface redox mediator, increasing reaction rates and hydrogen peroxide production.
A new study published in The Lancet HIV found that integrating opioid use disorder treatment with HIV care in Vietnam can be effective. The study suggests that countries aiming to expand treatment should consider interventions supporting retention on treatment through family networks, peers, and community health workers.
Researchers have found that a horse discovered in Utah was actually domesticated by Native peoples around 300 years ago. The study provides valuable insights into the relationships between Indigenous groups and horses in the Americas.
A new strategy has been developed to fast and reliably quantify the immune response induced by vaccination, revealing the timeline and stage of pathogen infection. The technique is equally sensitive to existing gold-standard methods and can detect multiple target molecules in a fraction of the time.
The STREAM project aims to reduce costs and increase worker safety in railway construction, operation, and maintenance by introducing robotic technologies. The project will deliver two methods: a control platform for converting heavy-duty hydraulic machines into autonomous systems, and a modular wearable active exoskeleton to reduce ph...
Research at the University of Turku found that a father's childhood stress exposure is connected to faster white matter tract development in his child's brain. The study suggests potential epigenetic inheritance of this trait.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a platform to control layered crystals using light, producing imaging capabilities beyond common limits. The discovery provides insights for optical quantum information processing and aims to solve difficult problems in computing and communications.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that COVID-19 patients who suffer a cardiac arrest are nearly three times more likely to die than those without the virus. Women have the highest risk, with a mortality rate nine times higher than men.
The US Air Force Academy has implemented a prevention program, Cadet Healthy Personal Skills (CHiPS), which has shown to be effective in reducing unwanted sexual contact among cadets. The program was rigorously tested and found to result in over a 40% reduction in unwanted sexual contact.
A new study reveals that iodine oxoacid particle formation can compete with sulfuric acid in pristine atmospheric regions, contributing to Earth's climate system. Iodine plays a critical role in rapid new particle formation, particularly in coastal and marine areas.
Researchers have successfully created a three-layered graphene structure that exhibits more robust superconductivity at higher temperatures than double-stacked graphene. The system allows for tuning of superconductivity by adjusting an externally applied electric field.
Researchers found surface slicks to be critical nurseries for commercially and ecologically important fish species, containing 39% of the study area's larval fish and 75% of its organic debris. The diversities of fishes in slicks represent nearly 10% of all recorded fish species in Hawai'i.
A new study finds human-induced climate change responsible for the retreat of Palcaraju Glacier, leading to a significant increase in glacial lake outburst flooding. The research provides critical evidence for an ongoing case in German courts, highlighting the need for protective measures and reimbursement.
Scientists developed a comb-like etching regulated growth process to fabricate graphene nanoribbon arrays in a template-free CVD system. The approach allows for precisely controlling over width, edge structure, and orientation of graphene nanoribbons with high quality and uniformity.
New tools have been developed by WEHI researchers to study 'tryptophan C-mannosylation', a protein modification linked to diseases such as muscular dystrophy and cancer. The tools enable the mapping of this modification's prevalence in healthy tissues, laying the foundation for future studies.
Researchers studying soil conditions at US military installations along coasts aim to understand the effects of sea level rise and flooding. They will collect data through intensive monitoring and laboratory experiments to develop geospatial modeling tools.
A recent genome mapping study by the University of Copenhagen found that our common fish ancestor, which lived 50 million years ago, already carried genetic codes for limb-like forms and air breathing. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that limbs and lungs evolved separately during the vertebrate transition from water to l...
A new Northwestern University study links adolescent firearm involvement to perpetration of gun violence in adulthood. Researchers found that youth victimized by firearms as adolescents were nearly three times more likely to become perpetrators themselves.
A sequential approach to treating comorbid PTSD and major depressive disorder has shown promising results in a randomized control trial. The study found that combining Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Behavioral Activation Therapy (BA) led to meaningful reductions in PTSD and depression severity.
Surface slicks off West Hawai'i harbor an astounding array of marine life, including over 112 species of commercially and ecologically important fishes. These 'bioslicks' form an interconnected superhighway of nursery habitat, attracting tons of young fishes with dense concentrations of food and shelter.
Harvard scientists engineered zebrafish with limb-like appendages through a single genetic mutation, revealing the beginning formation of limb structures and their potential to evolve from fins. The discovery sheds light on vertebrate evolution, fin-to-limb transition, and the complex structures that enable land movement.
A new gene panel test developed by researchers allows for highly accurate diagnosis of liposarcoma types, distinguishing them from benign tumors and other cancers, with a success rate of 93% and costs of US$270 per case.
University of Delaware Assistant Professor Carlos Moffat studies coastal systems and glacial ice retreat to understand global sea level rise. He will investigate freshwater discharge and its impact on ocean circulation and marine organisms.
Researchers discovered a unique step-terrace-like surface structure in quasicrystal-like materials, which depends on the biasing voltage applied to the sample. The study, led by Prof. Ryuji Tamura from Tokyo University of Science, offers exciting possibilities for material scientists to explore.
Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University develop a new approach to high-speed synthesis of Nd3+:YAG optical ceramics, reducing consolidation time by 10-100 times and improving their transparency. The technique enables the production of diode-pumped microlasers with short lasing pulse duration, high peak power, and beam quality.
Researchers found that selenium nanoparticles and garlic extract can mitigate stress in grass carps by reducing oxidative damage and improving digestive enzyme activity. The supplements also increased growth rate and improved immunity in fish at medium and low population density.
Researchers have developed a new DNA-based technique to determine the age and sex of living beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet. The method uses DNA methylation data and machine learning to create an epigenetic clock for the species, providing accurate age estimates vital to conservation efforts.
A new study from the University of Illinois highlights the complexities of healthy family mealtimes, identifying three distinct family profiles with varying levels of food security and mealtime organization. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple aspects of family risk patterns to promote healthy eating habits.
Researchers identified systemic inflammation as a potential biomarker for predicting patient response to CD40 immunotherapy in advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients with systemic inflammation had worse overall survival rates than those without, suggesting that immune therapies may be less effective in these cases.
A study estimated the US nurse burnout rate and identified key factors associated with leaving the profession. The research found that nurses who experienced emotional exhaustion were more likely to consider leaving their jobs.
Researchers use a scanning tunneling microscope to study DNA hybridization, monitoring changes in electronic properties of single molecules. They discovered plateaus in current traces indicating the formation of double-stranded DNA, providing new insights into chemical reactions and potential applications for DNA-based diagnoses.
Researchers found fecal transplant increased immune cell activation and decreased immunosuppression in responders, suggesting a link between gut microbiome changes and treatment effectiveness. The study's results raise hope for microbiome-based therapies of cancers.
A hybrid approach combining hardware- and computer vision-based tracking improves the accuracy of laparoscopic ultrasound imaging. By using a custom tracking mount with EM sensors and CV markers, the system can track the transducer's pose with high accuracy.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the proton conduction mechanism in protic ionic liquids, a key component in fuel cells. The study reveals that the mechanism shifts from proton hopping to vehicle mechanism with increasing acidity, enabling the development of new hydrogen ion conductors.
Research reveals that sperm cells with the t-haplotype exhibit increased motility and competitiveness, attributed to optimal RAC1 activity. This genetic factor enables them to disable competitors while producing an antidote to protect themselves.