Researchers used 3D scanning to study shark intestines, discovering that spiral-shaped organs slow food movement and direct it downward through the gut. This finding sheds light on how sharks process their food and retain nutrients, with implications for understanding ocean ecosystems.
A new study published by the University of Michigan found that genetic predisposition significantly affects people's reaction to the Spring forward time change. Early birds with a certain genomic profile can adjust their sleep schedule within days, while night owls may take over a week to get back on track.
The Indus basin has significant hydropower and seasonal pumped storage potential due to its high altitudes and water availability. The region's unique climate and geography make it an ideal location for long-term energy storage, with costs comparable to natural gas reinjection.
Researchers created a model and algorithm to redistribute transit resources based on commuter choices, resulting in cost reductions of 0.4%-3% system-wide. This leads to millions in rush hour savings while reducing costs for passengers and transportation providers.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a framework to detect Alzheimer's disease and other forms of neurodegeneration using cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. The ATN framework, which includes three biomarkers, has been shown to provide accurate diagnoses for patients with frontotemporal degeneration.
Researchers discovered Piezo1 selectively restrains Treg cells, limiting their potential to mitigate autoimmune neuroinflammation. Inhibiting Piezo1 could lead to new treatments for neuroinflammatory disorders like MS.
The American Board of Urology has outlined processes to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in its leadership structures. The report highlights the need for continuous efforts to improve representation, particularly in terms of gender and racial/ethnic diversity.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that IgA deficiency causes substantial inflammation in the ileum of mice, making them susceptible to disease. The study reveals IgA plays a protective role in maintaining gut health by regulating microorganisms.
A study by Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends stringent health-based exposure standards for radiofrequency radiation emitted from wireless devices. EWG suggests that children's exposure should be 200 to 400 lower than the whole-body exposure limit set by the FCC in 1996.
A study analyzing AAMC data reveals that nearly 40% of medical students rely on family or personal funds for tuition. The study also found disparities in scholarship distribution and loan reliance among high- and low-income students, raising concerns about unequal access to medical education.
A recent study on tsetse flies found that a mother's age and diet influence the health of her offspring. Female tsetse flies produce weaker offspring as they get older or feed on poor-quality blood. The study also revealed that nutritional stress affects female fertility, but not the rate of reproductive ageing.
A WVU-led team, supported by a $4.78 million NIH grant, has increased COVID-19 testing in rural West Virginia through mobile vans and community partnerships. The project has served 38 counties and administered over 2,265 tests, with a focus on communities of color.
A panel of amateur beer drinkers distinguished between five barley varieties, preferring four developed at WSU over a control. The researchers hope this method can be used to test new barley varieties and reduce reliance on hops.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed an ultrathin magnet that operates at room temperature, enabling high-density, compact spintronic memory devices and new tools for studying quantum physics. The discovery makes a significant breakthrough in creating 2D magnetic materials.
A computerized decision model found that mRNA vaccines (e.g., Pfizer) provide a net gain of 7.4 days in quality-adjusted life expectancy compared to not vaccinating at all, while adenovirus vector vaccines (e.g., J¼hnson ⚠ Johnson) yield virtually equivalent results.
A new study by George Washington University researchers reveals that even during COVID-19 shutdowns, marginalized neighborhoods experienced higher levels of health-harming nitrogen dioxide compared to wealthier communities. Nitrogen dioxide emissions from traffic were found to persist in these areas despite reduced passenger vehicle tr...
A study analyzed credit reports to estimate national and regional medical debt burdens, revealing a significant increase. The analysis found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act reduced medical debt burdens, particularly among low-income individuals.
Scientists investigate e-cigarette formation of formaldehyde, a human carcinogen, under various use patterns and devices. The study aims to identify key parameters underlying harmful substance production, informing public health and policy.
A new study develops hydrogels that release glucagon as glucose levels drop, potentially preventing severe hypoglycemic episodes. The technology aims to stabilize blood glucose levels long enough for parents to get medical attention in emergency situations.
A triphase air-liquid-solid photocatalytic system with a hydrophobic surface improves CO2 reduction efficiency by 8.8 times compared to water environments, thanks to enhanced CO2 transport and adsorption capabilities.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes in healthcare, including optimized patient flow and the integration of telemedicine. The experience gained will inform future healthcare system improvements.
A Korean research team has identified the origin of bifurcated current sheets in the Earth's magnetosphere through theoretical analysis and simulations. The study reveals that these sheets naturally bifurcate during equilibration, resolving a long-standing mystery.
Elite runners exhibit 'stiffer' spring-mass systems with steeper impact angles, spending more time in the air and less on the ground. This may allow for better energy recycling and improved performance.
Scientists at Goethe University have identified 15 short segments of the SARS-CoV-2 genome that are highly conserved across various coronaviruses and perform essential regulatory functions. These segments were found to be resistant to mutations, making them promising targets for developing new drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccines are more than 95% effective in preventing confirmed infection. The study also revealed significant disparities among different age groups and comorbidities, with higher risks observed among older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Additionally, a separate cohort study showed tha...
A new study estimates that 1.5 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent, custodial grandparent, or other relative who cared for them as a result of COVID-19. Children who have lost a parent or caregiver are at risk of profound short- and long-term adverse effects on their health, safety, and wellbeing.
A new study found that sinking organic matter influences the types of signals preserved in sediments, leading to altered geochemical signatures. This discovery can provide new insights into past local environmental conditions and modify our understanding of global biogeochemical cycling.
Researchers have discovered a twin motor modified from ATP synthase in Mycoplasma mobile, which facilitates its gliding movement. The discovery has brought closer understanding of the evolution of cells and proteins, and may lead to development of nanoscale devices and pharmaceuticals.
The Virginia Tech Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory developed a novel test for COVID-19, targeting three regions of the gene for increased accuracy. The lab has processed over 130,000 tests since April 2020, expanding public health lab testing capacity in Southwest Virginia.
A team of Russian scientists has identified the vectors of world research in creating new catalysts from halloysite, a natural aluminosilicate mineral. The development of highly active, stable and cheap catalysts could bring society closer to solving hydrogen storage and releasing problems.
A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has developed artificially designed, amyloid-silk hybrid protein produced in engineered bacteria that surpasses the strength and toughness of natural spider silks, as well as steel and Kevlar.
A University of Georgia study finds that rat snakes can effectively monitor residual radioactivity in the Fukushima Exclusion Zone. The snakes' limited movement and close contact with contaminated soil allow them to accumulate high levels of radionuclides, making them a useful bioindicator.
Research found that cells with defective mitochondria and sequence changes in their genome are 'loser' cells in mouse embryos, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction is a common characteristic of competing cells. The study suggests that mitochondrial activity may be a key determinant of cellular fitness in various biological contexts.
A new form of collective worker resistance is unfolding in China's app-based food delivery economy, with small groups of couriers conducting 'mini-strikes' via WeChat. These strikes reflect a new form of leverage and reveal labor unrest evolving alongside shifting political, economic, and technological conditions.
A study by Cleveland Clinic found that combining a weight management program with FDA-approved anti-obesity medications leads to significant weight loss among adults with obesity. The research showed that participants who had access to the medications averaged -7.7% weight loss at 12 months, compared to -4.2% in those without medication.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a novel method to measure bacterial acidity, which could help reduce antimicrobial resistance. The study found that certain bacteria can survive antibiotic treatment by maintaining an acidic pH, and the team is working on developing new antibiotics that target these persisters.
Researchers identified a method to automate identification of turbines experiencing wake effects in changing wind conditions. This allows wind farms to increase power gain by 1%-3% through standard yaw control procedure guidance.
A team of scientists at the University of Tsukuba created a computer simulation that models the Delta-Notch signaling pathway in biliary cell differentiation. The study reveals the importance of fine-grained differentiation and proper development, dependent on the rates of production of Delta ligands and Notch receptors.
A new review paper assesses heat and freshwater changes in the Indian Ocean, finding some consistent responses to anthropogenic global warming. However, observational records are still too short to distinguish natural variability from man-made changes.
A new study found that patients with employer-sponsored insurance were billed up to $219 million in total for preventive services that should be free. The study revealed that OOP charges varied widely depending on the type of service and geographic location, with rural areas more likely to be billed.
A substance from Saussurea controversa has been found to promote bone regeneration by stimulating the conversion of stem cells into osteoblasts. The calcium chelidonate was tested in vitro and in vivo, showing non-toxic effects and increased viable stem cells at low doses.
A study published in The Lancet estimates that over 1.5 million children worldwide have lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or other older relative due to COVID-19-related deaths. This phenomenon, known as orphanhood, has severe and long-lasting consequences for children's mental health and wellbeing. To address this issue, evidence-...
A new method has been developed to detect stealth coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can wreak havoc on Earth. By analyzing slow changes in the lower corona using difference images, researchers have successfully predicted the trajectory and potential impact of four stealth CMEs.
A new diagnostic kit developed by University of Queensland vets can detect the Hendra virus in horses faster than ever before, with results available in under an hour. This rapid testing protocol has the potential to save countless lives by preventing outbreaks and reducing case fatality rates.
The FDA has approved Octagam 10% for treating adult dermatomyositis, a rare immune-mediated inflammatory disease. The approval is based on positive results of the ProDERM study, which showed significant improvement in patient response to treatment.
The coming decade will determine whether coral reefs survive, with up to 30% predicted to persist if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Policymakers are called upon to address climate change, improve local conditions, and restore coral reefs through coordinated actions and innovative approaches.
New study reveals Sulawesi Babblers have diversified rapidly over a short period of time due to their understorey lifestyle, changing genetically, physically and behaviorally. The research suggests that these birds can evolve quickly even in relatively small geographic areas.
A longitudinal study of 63,540 Australian women with more than one child found that 30% of smoking mothers-to-be were able to quit for their next pregnancies, reducing the risk of early birth. Quitting smoking during pregnancy can substantially reduce the risk of future preterm births.
A meta-analysis published in Trauma & Violence & Abuse found that 81% of sexual assault survivors had significant PTSD symptoms one week after the assault and 54% after three months. The study suggests that most recovery from post-traumatic stress happens within the first three months.
Researchers at EMPA developed a mathematical system to classify cars by their dimensions, enabling easier comparison and potentially replacing expert-based classifications. This system can help standardize car classes across countries, addressing differences in definitions such as mid-size cars.
A recent study published in BMC Biology found that fruit bats in Tel Aviv enjoy a rich variety of food in the city, visiting multiple trees each night. In contrast, rural bats focus on one or two fruit trees and may migrate to cities for food, showcasing their adaptability.
A new USC study found that males are more susceptible to sepsis due to high degranulation activity, while females exhibit more NETosis, which can contribute to autoimmune disorders. The study highlights the importance of considering sex and age as predictors for immune response in personalized medicine.
A free cancer screening program, See, Test & Treat, has been implemented to address barriers to healthcare for under-served women in Mississippi. The program offers same-day results and improves knowledge of cancer screenings and self-efficacy for seeking regular check-ups, with positive effects on health behaviors.
A proposed Canadian Immunization Services model could provide a coordinated approach to vaccination across the country, addressing fragmentation in data sharing, vaccine procurement, and supply chain management. The independent not-for-profit corporation would be funded by provinces, territories, and potentially the federal government.
A study by Gregory M. Marcus and colleagues found that daily coffee consumption may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The researchers analyzed data from a large population, suggesting that moderate coffee drinking may be associated with an increased risk of irregular heartbeats.
A growing body of studies suggests COVID-19 emulates systemic autoimmune disorders. Researchers analyzed serum from over 300 hospitalized patients, discovering a novel autoantibody that shields toxic NETs from destruction. Those with higher levels were more likely to develop severe symptoms.
A team of researchers identified a protein called FCHSD1 involved in COPD-related inflammation and cell death. Mice lacking FCHSD1 showed reduced inflammation and apoptosis, suggesting its inhibition as a potential therapy for emphysema.
A major drought and forest fires in the Amazon rainforest killed billions of trees and plants, emitting 495 million tonnes of CO2 and turning a carbon sink into a big polluter. The damage lasted for multiple years, with only a third of emissions re-absorbed by plant growth.
The study reveals that MK2 protein levels act as a molecular indicator for cell survival or death, with higher levels associated with cell death and lower levels linked to survival. Moderate stress triggers temporary activation of the p38-MK2 pathway, allowing cells to recover.
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel method to predict the optimal cation substitutions in lithium-ion batteries using first-principles calculations. The study reveals that nickel can be partially substituted with platinum and palladium to increase battery discharge capacity, while other e...