A new software package called Tractor allows researchers to include people of diverse ancestry in large-scale gene discovery efforts. This increases the power of genomics in understudied populations by pinpointing genetic associations to disease at many more spots across the genome.
A digital-to-analog converter has been developed without leaving the optical domain, enabling high-speed data processing with low power consumption. This innovation has the potential to advance next-generation data centers, 6G networks, artificial intelligence and more.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has uncovered the biomedical basis of the Barker hypothesis, which suggests that infants with low birth weight are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and kidney disorders. The research team discovered that fetuin-A, a serum protein, plays a crucial role in fetal protective mec...
Researchers investigated how well speech is understood from those speaking while wearing a cloth mask. They found that masked speech was not more difficult to understand and, in some cases, understanding was improved when speakers were instructed to speak clearly. The study highlights the adaptive nature of human speech.
Research reveals that galaxies with larger, 'puffy' disks continue to form stars over a longer period after cosmic noon. This is due to the cooler gas and lower influence of black holes, allowing for continued star formation. By studying galaxy disk size, astronomers can now accurately predict when star formation will cease.
A new study published in EPJ B reveals that inhibitory interneurons make up 20% of the brain's circuitry required for pain processing. The researchers used graph theory to model the brain's complex networks, uncovering a specific configuration of interneurons crucial for modulating information transmission.
Researchers have reevaluated sea level rise predictions, finding they may be too conservative. By comparing model simulations with historical data, the team found that the rate of sea level rise has been accelerating over the past 150 years.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used autonomous AI to detect pediatric diabetic retinopathy in a study of 310 patients. The AI tool achieved high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosability rates, leading to improved screening adherence and early diagnosis.
The new guidelines cover patient triage, imaging, observation versus admission, transfer, discharge and follow-up to help clinicians diagnose and treat children's head injuries. They aim to reduce unnecessary exposure to radiation from CT scans while ruling out bleeding disorders.
Researchers from UTEP and Howard University discovered valuable data comparing fundamental mechanisms of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 to better understand how these viruses attack the human body. They found that mutations make SARS-CoV-2 significantly more contagious and prone to cause serious infections.
Researchers at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have developed a breast cancer-on-a-chip system to test immunotherapy drugs. The chip enables high-volume testing of immunotherapeutic drugs against tumor cells, allowing for the rapid screening of potential treatments.
A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in suicide rates in Japan, with a notable rise among certain demographics. The researchers analyzed data from November 2020 and discovered a surge in suicides, particularly among young adults and those with higher occupational status.
Recent studies suggest organic UV filters in sunscreens may harm coral reefs, but evidence is limited and inconclusive. Researchers recommend further field and lab studies to assess environmental risk and develop a coral environment risk assessment framework.
A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that people donate Covid-19 plasma because they want to show gratitude for surviving the virus and feel morally obligated to help others. The main barrier to donating was a fear of needles, with generic fears also playing a significant role.
Researchers introduce metacoupling, an integrated approach that considers local and global scales to tackle environmental crises. The framework allows scientists to view the world as it truly is, with human actions influencing nature across space and time.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute devised a method to separate beneficial anti-inflammatory properties from unwanted side effects in glucocorticoid drugs. Two new compounds show steroidal anti-inflammatory action with specific traits, including boosting muscle supply and reducing risk of muscle-wasting.
New research links the shape and size of precipitation areas on radar to rainfall intensity. Studies in the Tibetan Plateau show that square-shaped precipitation areas have the highest rain rate, while linear ones have the lowest. This discovery has potential for forecasting precipitation and verifying numerical models.
Researchers discovered a potential treatment approach for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome by blocking the ICMT protein, which improves affected cells without hindering growth and division. The study found that treating HGPS cells with C75, an ICMT inhibitor, delays cell deterioration and stimulates growth.
Researchers discovered a unique molecular mechanism in CbA5H that shields the catalytic cofactor from oxygen attack, allowing it to repeatedly survive and resume activity. This protective function is provided by a thiol group binding directly to the substrate coordination site of the catalytic cluster.
A UBC study reveals the most effective fabric combinations for COVID-19 face masks, with a focus on filtration efficiency and breathability. The researchers recommend specific materials and construction techniques to optimize mask performance.
Researchers have developed a technology that uses near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) along with machine learning to visualize tumors in deep tissue and covered by a mucosal layer. The technique was tested on 12 patients with confirmed cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), achieving an accuracy of 86% in identifyi...
A recent study by the PREDICT network identified bacterial infections and alcohol consumption as common triggers for acute decompensation of liver cirrhosis. The study monitored 1273 patients from 15 European countries and found that these triggers were present in over 90% of cases.
University of Sussex researchers develop a method to turbocharge desktop PCs, allowing for large-scale brain simulations with significant sustainability benefits. This innovation makes it possible for more researchers worldwide to carry out research on brain models, including the investigation of neurological disorders.
A new study suggests that long-term aspirin use before a diagnosis of colorectal cancer may be associated with lower CRC-specific mortality. Preventing distant metastases leads to fewer deaths from colorectal cancer.
A Yale University study found that hospitals with fewer resources per COVID-19 patient were associated with more deaths in April 2020. The study showed a strong correlation between ICU bed availability and a one-fifth decrease in death incidence rate.
Researchers report a promising therapeutic approach combining PD-1 and VEGF inhibitors with chemotherapy to control cholangiocarcinoma progression. This treatment resulted in significant reduction of lung lesions and stabilization of liver lesions, suggesting potential for improved patient survival.
Researchers discovered a strong link between genetic changes and cerebral palsy, which often co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental disorders. The study identified disease-causing changes in 229 genes, decreasing the risk of recurrence for future children born to affected parents.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that ECMO therapy reduced mortality by 45% among critically ill COVID-19 patients. The analysis of over 5,000 patients revealed that those treated with ECMO had better odds of survival than those who were not treated.
A new study explores the link between health literacy and self-care in patients with chronic illness, revealing a strong correlation between the two. The researchers found that improved health literacy is associated with better medication adherence and overall health outcomes.
A new computer modeling tool integrates real-time data to help clinicians determine if a child with diarrhoea needs antibiotics. The tool shows promising results, reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions by over 50%.
Researchers discovered a unique microstructure on the bellies of sidewinding snakes, which improves performance when using lateral undulation for movement. The findings shed light on the functionality of these structures and their role in convergent evolution.
Researchers developed an enhanced CMV detection method that accurately detects the infection in newborns with almost 90% accuracy. This improvement enables earlier intervention, which can improve hearing, speech, language, and intellectual/neurodevelopmental outcomes for affected children.
Researchers developed an automated method to identify and track tau deposits in the brain, which may lead to earlier diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease. The technique revealed that tau deposits first emerge in the rhinal cortex region before spreading to other brain regions.
Researchers from Osaka University successfully generated functional conjunctival tissue in a dish, enabling the study of conjunctivae and the development of novel drugs for dry eye disease. The newly formed tissue contained goblet cells that produce mucins, mimicking human conjunctival biology.
A growing body of evidence suggests that losing helminth parasites could contribute to aging-associated inflammation. Intentional infection with helminths or helminth-derived proteins may have anti-inflammaging properties, potentially preventing age-related diseases such as heart disease and dementia.
A new study in mice suggests that exercise improves metabolism by releasing a hormone called MOTS-c, which helps regulate cellular processes and stress responses. The hormone is encoded in cells' mitochondrial genome and promotes healthy metabolism when kept in balance.
A new study reveals that retrogenes, which are inserted into the genome via reverse transcription of mRNA molecules, can have a profound impact on genetic diversity. These retrogenes can act as regulatory mutations, negatively influencing the original gene's mRNA and causing harm to organisms.
A global approach would provide far-reaching societal benefits in tackling the pandemic, according to Jongeun You's research. International cooperation is essential for sharing knowledge, supplying medical resources, and strengthening public health systems.
Researchers developed segmented polyurethane polymers with hard and soft functional segments containing a 'mechanophore' molecule that splits into radicals under mechanical stress. This triggers cross-linking between polymers, enhancing their strength and enabling intuitive damage detection.
A study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual medical students experience higher rates of burnout compared to their heterosexual peers. LGB students reported frequent perceived mistreatment, leading to increased emotional strain and a higher likelihood of burnout.
A new road-making material is made by mixing shredded single-use face masks with processed building rubble, adding stiffness and strength. The study found that using this material can prevent up to 3 million masks from going to landfill.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dexmedetomidine and propofol are equally effective and safe for light sedation in critically ill patients. The study, which enrolled 422 adults with sepsis, found similar patient outcomes between the two sedatives.
A team of scientists has found that Venus flytrap electrical signals generate magnetic fields, detected using atomic magnetometers. The magnetic signals are weak, but comparable to human nerve impulse signals.
A new study reveals that adults between 20 and 49 years old are driving the resurgence of COVID-19 in the United States. The research suggests that lifting school closure mandates did not lead to significant increases in COVID-19 attributable deaths, contrary to initial concerns.
Researchers tested the 'Field of Dreams' hypothesis, finding plant diversity has limited effects on animal biodiversity. Management strategies, such as controlled burns and bison reintroduction, had stronger impacts on animal communities.
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis are developing crop plants with improved photosynthesis, aiming to increase Australian cereal crop production and address climate change. The center has identified promising germplasm lines and published over 300 scientific papers on the topic.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology has been successfully used to distinguish between legitimate and counterfeit travel documents. The study found that OCT can perform quantitative, non-destructive, high-resolution sub-surface analysis of multi-layered identification documents with a high imaging throughput and density.
A €9.75m Irish-led project, PANDEM-2, aims to create a more consistent and futureproof approach to pandemic management in the EU. The project will develop novel concepts, services, and IT systems to improve EU preparedness and response.
The SAMI survey has revealed the internal structures of galaxies, showing how they interact and grow over time. The study provides insights into the forces that shape galaxy evolution, including the role of supermassive black holes.
A two-dose regimen of the adenovirus-based vaccine offers high efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19, with no serious adverse events reported. The vaccine is well-tolerated across different age groups, including older adults.
Despite advances in biosensor antifouling approaches, further development is needed to increase our arsenal of robust antifouling protection methods. Researchers have developed various techniques such as physical barriers, chemical treatments and selective membranelike coatings to protect biosensors from fouling.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a new 3D printed oesophageal stent that contains an active pharmaceutical ingredient, allowing for sustained anti-cancer medication delivery directly to the cancer site. This technology has the potential to revolutionize treatment for patients with oesophageal cancer.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that satisfied customers mean increased profits for public utilities, despite lack of competition. This is achieved through lower operating costs and increased trust from customers. The findings suggest that regulators should view investments in customer satisfaction as recoverable costs.
A recent study by HSE University researchers found that Russian enterprises rely heavily on imported advanced manufacturing technologies, with only a few organizations developing their own solutions. The demand for domestically developed AMT is increasing, particularly in regions with diversified economies.
Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a polymer carrier that can load different sizes and structures of genetic material, including siRNAs and mRNAs. The efficiency of delivery was demonstrated on human stem cells, offering new horizons for non-viral delivery systems.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a COVID-19 screening whistle that captures aerosols from exhaled breath for easy home testing. Additionally, advancements in welding technology have sped up the process and improved consistency, benefiting NASA's deep space missions.
A study of over 200,000 veterans found that delays in colonoscopy after an abnormal stool blood test increase the risk of colorectal cancer and death. Colonoscopy within one year of an abnormal stool test is recommended to prevent polyp progression and stage migration of colorectal cancer.
Researchers used genetic engineering to make Arabidopsis thaliana cells form xylem and secondary cell walls, allowing them to observe the formation process. The study revealed that microtubules play a key role in forming patterns, and a protein complex called KATANIN is involved in the timely and orderly formation of secondary walls.
Researchers found that extensive sea ice prevented oxygen from reaching the deep ocean during the last ice age, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that disequilibrium between surface and atmospheric oxygen levels played a crucial role in the ocean's carbon cycle.
Researchers from Hokkaido University have found that ultraviolet light reacts with nitrophenol to produce atmospheric nitrous acid, a key component of photochemical smog. This decomposition process occurs in real-time and involves the distortion of the nitrophenol molecule's shape under extreme UV light.