A new study in mSystems finds human waste contaminating urban lakes, rivers, and surface water in Bangladesh is driving the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The research highlights the importance of improving access to clean water, sanitation, and sewerage infrastructure to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
The discovery of Caribeomys merzeraudi, a Caribbean rodent with North American roots, challenges the long-held idea that land-dwelling mammals colonized the islands from South America. The tiny rodent's unique tooth characteristics suggest it may have evolved in isolation over millions of years.
A large international study has identified over 200 symptoms of long COVID, affecting multiple organ systems. The research calls for widening medical guidelines and a national screening programme to address the complex range of symptoms and their impact on daily life.
Scientists have found a material, uranium ditelluride (UTe2), that exhibits hallmarks of a topological superconductor, potentially unlocking new ways to build quantum computers. The discovery was made by researchers at the University of Maryland's Quantum Materials Center and colleagues.
Researchers categorized available biostimulant products into eight classes based on their modes of action. Half are live microorganisms, while the other half are chemistries or chemical byproducts from
A Rutgers study found Black and Latinx people seek information on COVID-19 safety measures, such as mask-wearing and testing, due to pandemic experiences. However, they are skeptical about vaccines due to concerns over rapid development, side effects, and lack of transparent information.
Berkeley Lab's Partnership for Advanced Window Solutions accelerates nationwide adoption of highly efficient windows. Researchers also discover unique microbial signatures in cities worldwide and investigate oxygen loss in lithium-ion batteries.
A new protein-based vaccine candidate combined with a potent adjuvant has shown effective protection against SARS-CoV-2 in animal studies. The combination improved antibody and T cell responses, reducing viral load and inflammation.
A new study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology found a significant association between wildfire smoke exposure and an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 in Reno, Nev. During a prolonged 2020 wildfire smoke event, PM2.5 levels were associated with a 17.7% rise in COVID-19 cases.
A prospective study found that returning to routine screening for BI-RADS 3 lesions on supplemental automated whole-breast ultrasound substantially reduces the recall rate, with no increase in adverse outcomes. The study involved 2,257 women and showed a 3.8% recall rate, 0.5% biopsy rate, and 58.3% positive biopsy rate.
Researchers have created live cell models that mimic mitochondrial disease cells, allowing for drug studies and further research into the disease. These cell lines have the potential to support upcoming research and provide relief to patients and their families.
A new study reveals that inherited social networks passed from mothers to offspring are essential to spotted hyena life and survival. The strength of the maternal relationship affects social inheritance and is positively correlated with long-term survival for both mother and offspring.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new diagnostic nanoparticle that can detect cancerous proteins in urine and pinpoint tumor locations. This technology has the potential to monitor tumor recurrence after treatment or perform routine cancer screenings, potentially leading to earlier detection and improved patient outcomes.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies Neuraminidase 3 (Neu3) as a key enzyme responsible for colitis, a chronic digestive disease. Inhibiting Neu3 with Relenza breaks the chain of inflammation, and augmenting intestinal alkaline phosphatase appears to be equally beneficial.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed RoseTTAFold, a freely available AI tool that can predict protein structures in just 10 minutes. This breakthrough accelerates research into cancer, COVID-19, and other diseases, and has already been used by over 140 independent research teams.
A recent study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that combined perceptions of the risk and availability of cannabis influence the risk of cannabis use more than perceived risk and perceived availability alone. Individuals who perceived cannabis as both low-risk and available were 22 times more likely to have ...
A study found that Airbnb listings were associated with increased violence in Boston neighborhoods, but not with public social disorder or private conflict. The researchers suggest that the presence of short-term rentals may erode local social dynamics and lead to increased violence over time.
A new study highlights the need to replace 'ancestry' in forensics with a more accurate approach, focusing on population affinity. Researchers found inconsistent use of terms related to ancestry and race within the field, leading to confusion and misuse.
A new machine-learning model uses vocal features from phone conversations to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease. The study found a novel prediction model that can detect dementia risk using telephone conversations.
A recent study by UNF found that black teenage girls prefer inclusive body types in anti-obesity advertising, showcasing diverse girls of different body types and promoting healthy lifestyles instead of a specific body-mass index measure. Researchers recommend utilizing social media platforms for message dissemination.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a way to enhance radiation therapy using iodine nanoparticles, which trigger cancer cell death when exposed to X-rays. The study reveals that the optimal energy level for X-ray irradiation is 33.2 keV, causing double-strand breaks in DNA and leading to programmed cell death.
A new study in Nature reveals a subset of astrocytes releasing interleukin-3 (IL-3) to convert killer microglial cells into nurturing and protective ones, potentially warding off Alzheimer's disease. This mechanism may provide a new therapeutic opportunity to combat neurological diseases.
The scientific community may never settle on a 'total number' of vertebrate species due to unforeseen discoveries and changes in research methods. The tempo of taxonomy can help estimate biodiversity, but estimating the total species richness will remain elusive.
Scientists have observed individual stony coral cells engulfing single-celled photosynthetic algae, crucial for keeping corals healthy. Around 40% of coral cells incorporated the algae in 30 minutes and remained healthy for a month, providing insights into the partnership between corals and dinoflagellates.
A special issue of Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation promotes full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community. Key findings include the importance of multicultural competency, empowering coalitions, and family input in rehabilitation services.
A March 2020 survey of central Pennsylvania adults found early concern for COVID-19 outmatched concern for influenza, with respondents trusting CDC guidelines and healthcare websites. Knowledge about COVID-19 was generally high, with a majority intending to follow social distancing recommendations.
Primary care physicians provide the largest share of vaccinations and clinical visits for COVID-19 testing, showcasing their crucial role in immunization programs. Researchers highlight the importance of integrating social care practices into healthcare delivery to address patients' economic and social needs.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that smartphone photos of the inner eyelid can be used to screen for anemia. The algorithm achieved accuracy rates of up to 94.4% in predicting anemia, making it a potential tool for early diagnosis and treatment in low-resource settings.
Research finds that exhaled heated tobacco aerosol particles are droplets comprised of 75-85% water, evaporating quickly and not impacting indoor air quality. The aerosol is mostly composed of water droplets, unlike cigarette smoke, which lingers in the air and exceeds IAQ standards.
Researchers have developed glasses with improved radiation protection characteristics using bismuth borate materials. The new samples show better performance than commercial analogs and could provide a safer alternative to lead-based glasses.
A preclinical study identifies a small molecule inhibitor, KCN1, that dampens tumor drivers and limits disease progression. The study showed KCN1 to be well-tolerated and effective at reducing metastasis, suggesting potential as a treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method to control the shape of nanoparticles using small molecule adsorption. By varying the concentration of an individual ligand, they can change the particle's shape, opening up new possibilities for applications such as removing micropollutants from the environment.
Research suggests that antidepressant treatment can improve outcomes for individuals with comorbid diabetes and depression, reducing the risk of serious complications such as heart disease. Regular adherence to antidepressants is associated with better diabetes management and quality of life.
Researchers analyzed 3 years of conversations at a software engineering organization and found a strong link between communication and productivity. The novel method used network and speech analysis strategies to predict employee productivity with an error rate below 10 percent.
Researchers found that rhythm perception relies on two separate decisions: grouping and prominence, which are mutually informative. These decisions lead to our rhythmic intuitions, suggesting that speech processing involves complex inferences.
In an experiment, dogs were paired with two unfamiliar humans - one helpful and one unhelpful. Despite the humans' behavior, the dogs showed no preference for the helper or did not reciprocate by acting more favorably towards them. The study suggests that dogs may not be able to understand the connection between human help and reward.
Researchers found that roadless forests in the US West burn more frequently and severely than forested areas with roads, yet exhibit increased fire resilience. This is due to environmental factors such as elevation and moisture availability, rather than land use practices.
Scientists have developed a minimally invasive exosome spray that helped repair rat hearts after myocardial infarction, outperforming traditional injection methods. The spray lasted longer and healed injuries better than injected exosomes, with promising results for heart repair
A randomized clinical trial found that physical exercise was significantly more effective in improving depressive symptoms among older adults with mild to moderate depression, compared to antidepressant treatment. Adverse side effects were more common in the medication group.
A qualitative study found that community health workers are integral to identifying patients' social needs, with roles shifting from screener to implementer. However, social needs screening data is often not integrated into electronic health records or used for population health management, and sites face barriers to its implementation.
A study published in The BMJ found a strong association between ultra-processed food intake and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Consuming five or more servings of ultra-processed food per day was linked to an 82% increased risk of IBD.
At higher altitudes, newborns are more susceptible to increased mortality rates, largely attributed to lower levels of essential nutrients and oxygen. The study suggests that these factors contribute to a higher risk of infant mortality among high-altitude births.
Researchers discovered a new type of stellar explosion, electron-capture supernovae, which sheds light on the historic 1054 supernova and provides insights into the behavior of stars. The study focuses on the supernova SN2018zd, located in the galaxy NGC 2146, which has all the properties expected from an electron-capture supernova.
A new study finds that prompting students to share course ideas in a discussion forum increases video consumption and assessment completion rates. The 'idea advantage' outperforms identity sharing, with students performing 30% better on key metrics.
Scientists from GIST discovered NSrp70, a gene regulator that plays a crucial role in T cell maturation and development. The absence of NSrp70 leads to uncontrolled cell growth and death, resulting in reduced lymphocyte count and unchecked tumor growth.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals significant socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 outcomes in Japan, indicating that lower-income areas experienced higher rates of severe illness and mortality. The research suggests that these disparities are not unique to Western countries and warrant further attention.
A large systematic review and meta-analysis of statin use in healthy adults found a generally favorable benefit-to-harm balance. The study, published in the BMJ, suggests that the potential harms of statins are small and should not deter their use for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a metal-based molecule that inhibits the build-up of amyloid-β peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease. The molecule was shown to be non-toxic to human brain-like cells and cross the blood-brain barrier in mice using focused ultrasound.
A study found that COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in addiction treatment initiations in California, but the cause of this decline is still unclear. Researchers are investigating whether reduced demand for services or reduced supply were the main factors behind the decrease in admissions.
Researchers at KAUST found that a sweet spot for membrane thickness exists to optimize separation performance, with thicker films showing higher microporosity but thinner films posing unexpected transport resistance
Researchers developed a new imaging technique to study ligand interactions with nanoparticles, discovering that varying ligand concentration can control particle shape. This approach could lead to the creation of chemical sensors and methods for removing micropollutants from the environment.
Scientists developed a hydrogel composite with zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks that rapidly breaks down organophosphate-based nerve agents. The composite shows high catalytic activity and maintains its effectiveness even after storage.
Physicist Trevor David Rhone is using artificial intelligence to accelerate materials discovery, exploring the vast number of potential materials candidates to identify those with novel properties. His approach aims to speed up the process and enable new applications for spintronics, data storage, and quantum computing.
Researchers at the University of Fukui found that short chain fatty acids can suppress ACE2 expression in nasal epithelial cells, reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The study suggests potential therapeutic applications against COVID-19 and could aid in the fight against the virus.
A waterflea population has undergone rapid evolution in response to predator pressure over nearly two decades, with changes linked to specific environmental conditions. The study highlights the crucial role of standing genetic diversity in supporting adaptive evolution and its implications for conservation biology.
A groundbreaking treatment using 3D printed implants has received approval to be trialled in UK patients, aiming to provide relief for knee osteoarthritis sufferers. The bespoke titanium alloy implants are designed to reduce discomfort and improve surgical accuracy, with the first trials expected to begin once clinical centres reopen.
Researchers have developed a swarm of tiny drones that can autonomously detect and localize gas sources in complex indoor environments. The drones use bio-inspired navigation and search strategies, including the 'Sniffy Bug' algorithm, to find gas leaks quickly and efficiently.
A new study by USC researchers found that emojis represent universal human emotions across countries and continents, while also reflecting cultural differences. The most widely used emojis, such as the heart, were predominantly used in the English-speaking world, Spanish-speaking nations, and Arabic speakers.
A new WHO study found an association between alcohol consumption and a substantially higher risk of several forms of cancer, including breast, colon, and oral cancers. In Canada, alcohol use was linked to 7,000 new cases of cancer in 2020.
Researchers have created a durable, oil- and water-repellent cotton fabric for recreational water activities. The new coating method uses a three-part solution that impregnates the fabric with nanoscale air pockets, reducing drag and increasing buoyancy.