Martha Somerman received the AADR Jack Hein Public Service Award for her exemplary work promoting oral health research to a wide constituency. She has over 150 peer-review publications and contributed to 20 books or book chapters.
A study by Portland State researchers found that liberals see climate science as certain and simple, while conservatives view it as uncertain and complex. Conservatives prefer to share their own experiences with the effects of climate change rather than receiving more information from experts. This shift in perspective may help people ...
A new study found that extract made from fermented soybean dish natto inhibits the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells, while a heat-treated extract showed no effect. Researchers believe this could lead to pharmaceutical design for COVID-19 treatments.
A collaboration has created a first-ever simulation of the deep-sea Venus basket sponge, revealing its ability to withstand dynamic forces and create nutrient-rich vortex within its body cavity. The structure of the sponge is optimized for fluid flow, reducing drag and facilitating feeding and reproduction.
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has announced the 2021 recipients of the IADR Innovation in Oral Care Awards. The awards recognize innovative oral care technologies that will impact public health and quality of life. This year's winners, funded by GlaxoSmithKline, will receive $50,000 USD each.
Native Mediterranean species have been found to prey on the invasive Pacific red lionfish and silver-cheeked toadfish, suggesting direct human management measures are needed to control their populations. The study documents native predators for both species, including loggerhead turtles and dolphinfish.
Researchers from Incheon National University developed two new ANFIS-based models to estimate photovoltaic power generation ahead of time by up to a full day. The hybrid algorithms combined traditional ANFIS with particle swarm optimization methods, outperforming other models in predicting solar system values.
A new study reveals that planetary shields can buckle under intense stellar winds from dying stars, making it difficult for life to survive. Planets with weak magnetic fields are particularly vulnerable, while those with stronger fields may be able to withstand the effects.
Researchers discovered APA's function in allowing certain mRNAs to reach specific sites of protein synthesis, shedding light on mRNA metabolism. APA impacts the connection between mRNAs and the endoplasmic reticulum, enabling signaling proteins to be encoded in specific cellular locations.
A new neural model can detect 'inappropriateness' in chatbot messages, which are defined as content that may harm the reputation of the speaker's company without being toxic. The study provides a large collection of labeled datasets for further research and has been made publicly available.
The study found that medications prescribed for children dropped by more than a quarter, with steep declines in infection-related medicines like antibiotics and cough-and-cold drugs. Chronic disease drug prescriptions also declined, but no change was observed in antidepressant prescriptions.
The newly launched NEID spectrometer will measure the minute gravitational tug of planets on their host stars, enabling the detection of rocky planets and characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres. By utilizing this technology, scientists aim to push the boundaries for searching smaller exoplanets and probing beyond past challenges.
Researchers at EPFL Brain Mind Institute discovered that minis, miniature release events of neurotransmitters, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy synapses. Increasing the frequency of minis kept synapses intact and preserved motor ability in middle-aged fruit flies.
Researchers found that alphaCT1 molecule improves scar appearance by influencing fibroblast behavior, causing them to stretch and change direction. This can lead to more pliable tissue, reducing scarring in surgical procedures. The findings have potential to revolutionize plastic surgery and advance wound healing treatments.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the behavior of highly reactive chemical compounds by identifying their binding preferences. This knowledge allows for targeted syntheses and binding of hazardous chemicals, revolutionizing the field of chemistry.
A leading nano-technologist argues that there are no excuses left to justify the use of fossil fuels. Significant innovations in advanced batteries and energy storage technologies are needed to meet the goal of a carbon net-zero planet by 2050.
A large study found no link between moderate coffee consumption and arrhythmia, with a 3% lower risk observed among participants. The researchers suggest coffee's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in reducing arrhythmia risk.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that COVID-19 can induce a strong immune response in patients, contributing to kidney injury. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also commonly found in kidney injury related to COVID-19, suggesting it may be a potential target for therapies.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has partnered with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to conduct clinical trials of Sinopharm's BBIBP-CorV vaccine in African populations. The ECOVA programme aims to generate data on vaccine efficacy and safety against variants of concern, enabling expanded access to va...
Researchers discovered that AML cells regulate mutant IDH2 activity through a master regulator, FLT3, to control 2-HG production. This understanding allows for better treatment options with current IDH2-targeting medications.
Andrea Alù, founding director of Photonics Initiative at CUNY ASRC, received the world's largest unrestricted prize for early-career scientists. His research discoveries in materials science and physics have brought about advances in electromagnetics, nano-optics, and acoustics with potential applications in various fields.
A new MIT study estimates that disposable N95 masks generate up to 84 million kilograms of waste during the first six months of a pandemic, equivalent to 252 Boeing 747 airplanes. Reusable silicone masks could reduce this waste by 80-90%.
A new study from Northwestern University found that each additional pre-pregnancy cardiovascular risk factor increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Women with multiple risk factors are more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as maternal ICU admission, preterm birth, low birthweight, and fetal death.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg created a new material by combining barium titanate, strontium titanate, and calcium titanate in a lattice. The resulting ferroelectric-paraelectric superlattice significantly enhances the photovoltaic effect, producing up to 1,000 times more power than pure barium titanate.
A hadrosaur, known as Bonapartesaurus rionegrensis, was found to have a tumor on its foot and two fractures in its tail. Despite these severe injuries, the dinosaur managed to survive for some time before its death, possibly due to infections or further trauma.
A team of chemists from Ruđer Bošković Institute developed a new Raman spectroscopy method for uninterrupted monitoring of solid-state milling reactions. This enables deeper insights into reaction mechanisms and the formation of newly formed products, crucial for understanding mechanochemical synthesis.
A large study of over 18 million pregnancies has found a strong relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and poor pregnancy outcomes. Women with multiple pre-pregnancy risk factors, such as obesity and hypertension, were more likely to experience complications like ICU admission, preterm birth, and fetal death.
Researchers reconstructed full-frequency precipitation variability in the Asian Summer Monsoon using a 6,700-year tree-ring stable isotope chronology. The data suggests a long-term decreasing trend and several abrupt climate change events, including a drought regime from ~1,675-1,185 BCE.
The SuperBIT telescope will make its operational debut in April, offering high-resolution images rivalling those of the Hubble Space Telescope. The instrument will test whether dark matter slows down during collisions, a key signature predicted by theories explaining recent muon observations.
BCIs have the potential to profoundly shape human experience and sense of self, but also raise concerns about intellectual property, emotional data privacy, and exacerbating social inequalities. Global policymakers must intervene to prevent misuse and ensure equal access to neurotech.
A study published in Pediatrics found that healthcare providers rarely discuss sexual health with adolescents, despite their importance for preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The researchers identified gaps between parent and adolescent perceptions of the need for these discussions.
A new study successfully recovered DNA from folded duct tape submerged in ocean water for up to 2 weeks, providing a complete short tandem repeat profile. The researchers found that the durability and adhesive nature of duct tape protected cellular material on its surface.
A study led by D. Ross Camidge found that MET amplification drives a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, which responded to crizotinib therapy. The research also highlights the importance of MET amplification testing and therapies for this unique patient population.
Researchers followed 484 patients with moderate-to-severe TBI and found that among those in a vegetative state, 1 in 4 regained orientation within 12 months. This challenges early predictions of poor outcome and highlights the importance of considering long-term recovery possibilities.
A study by KIT researchers found that stopping further expansion of wind energy use in scenic areas could increase power generation costs by up to 7 cents per kilowatt hour and CO2 emissions by up to 200 grams per kilowatt hour. This may require alternative renewable energy sources like solar or bioenergy.
A study published in Nature Communications found that people with limited connections within a network are most effective at spreading new ideas and behaviors. Targeting small groups on the 'outer edge' of a social network can stimulate shifts in thinking, rather than relying on prominent influencers.
A new machine learning system called MOSAIKS uses satellite images to analyze hundreds of variables at a global scale, replicating reports from the US Census Bureau with reasonable accuracy. The system has enormous potential in addressing development challenges in low-income countries and understanding big-picture environmental change.
A Rutgers study suggests that newborns at risk for Type 1 diabetes due to antibiotic exposure can have their condition reversed by receiving a maternal fecal transplant. The transplant restored key gut microorganisms and brought diabetes risk back to baseline levels.
Climate change poses a pervasive threat to the availability of essential micronutrients from marine fish catches, impacting 40% of countries, including tropical nations. Fisheries micronutrient supplies are less vulnerable to overfishing, but climate change is more critical.
A 17-year study found that removing invasive barred owls arrested the population decline of northern spotted owls. Spotted owl populations stabilized in areas where barred owls were removed, while declining sharply without removals.
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have discovered a mechanism for creating negative ions in interstellar environments. The team used an ion trap to study the formation of chemical compounds, finding that weakly bound states enhance the attachment of free electrons to linear molecules.
Researchers found that bat species native to the Northeast are highly active in newly created forest spaces, foraging for food at higher rates than in mature forests. Young forests provide an ideal environment for bats to find insects and grow, making them a crucial component of bat conservation efforts.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed an algorithm that can assist autonomous vehicles in navigating tight spaces and unknown driver intentions. The algorithm was trained on simulation data and found to perform better than current models in handling complex scenarios like bi-directional lane usage.
Researchers have developed an enzyme-based recycling method for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that can reduce energy use by 69-83% and greenhouse gas emissions by 17-43%. This approach has the potential to decarbonize PET manufacturing and create new opportunities for recycling textiles and other materials made from PET.
A new study has confirmed the Xerces blue butterfly's extinction due to human activities, sparking concerns about the impact on ecosystems. The DNA analysis reveals a unique genetic sequence distinct from other butterflies, emphasizing the importance of protecting remaining species.
A scoping review found that 80% of studies on acute kidney injury did not define recovery of kidney function, highlighting the need for clear application of standard definitions. Researchers recommend transparent reporting of how the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition is applied.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia discover that copper transporter ATP7A plays a crucial role in new blood vessel formation and restoring blood flow in ischemic cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that increasing and stabilizing ATP7A levels could lead to the development of new treatments for heart attack, peripheral art...
Scientists at Ohio State University have found viruses nearly 15,000 years old in Tibetan glacier ice, including four previously known and 28 novel viruses. The discovery sheds light on virus evolution and helps understand how microbes and viruses respond to climate change.
A scoping review of COVID-19 pandemic studies found individuals with chronic physical health conditions were more likely to experience anxiety, depression or substance use. Targeted interventions were lacking, highlighting the need for better mental health support.
Researchers studied pregnant women infected by zika virus in two cities and found no association between prior dengue exposure and increased risk of microcephaly. High zika attack rate and first trimester infection were linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, while pre-existing immunity to dengue was not.
A recent study by Nova Southeastern University found that schools of coral reef fish react more slowly to predators when surrounded by strangers, increasing the risk of being eaten. In contrast, familiar friends trigger a faster response, indicating trust and improved information sharing among neighboring fish.
Researchers developed a new risk equation using 6 routinely available patient parameters to estimate the risk of CKD patients progressing to ESKD requiring KRT. The 6-variable risk score achieved high predictive performance and good calibration in validation cohorts.
A team of researchers at the University of Kansas discovered that soil microbes facilitate heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor, in hybrid corn. In most cases, heterosis is restored by inoculation with a simple community of seven bacterial strains under sterile conditions.
Researchers at UMD developed a supplement that improves pig muscle growth, which could lead to increased sustainability in the pork industry. The study also explored potential applications in human health, including improved immune function and reduced inflammation.
Routine anaesthetic procedures do not generate aerosols, contradicting previous thought. The study refocuses on ward staff exposed to coughing patients and high-grade PPE needs reassessment.
Researchers develop a one-pot process to synthesize polyacrylates and polymethacrylates from biobased materials, minimizing environmental impact. The new method reduces the E-factor by three quarters, making it more sustainable than traditional plastic production.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology synthesized new Mn4+-activated red phosphors with high photoluminescence intensity, revealing the relationship between crystal structure and sintering temperature. The findings have important implications for the development of high-color-rendering-index materials for LED applications.
The Save Our Seas Foundation has awarded 61 grants in 2021, with recipients spanning seven continents and focusing on shark, ray, and sawfish conservation. The grants support innovative projects using cutting-edge technology, citizen science, and local knowledge to address pressing ocean conservation crises.
A recent study found that tomato fruits can communicate with the rest of the plant through electrical signals, warning it of caterpillar attacks. This phenomenon may allow for early detection of infestations and more targeted control measures.
Researchers identified effective strategies for improving referral systems and accessing pediatric mental health care for low-income families. A key finding is that a warm handoff between primary care physicians and mental health providers can build trust and lead to successful outcomes.