A new Finnish study found that healthcare workers who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had strong antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, with similar effectiveness against the alpha variant as the original virus. The immune response was weaker against the beta variant, but still provided relatively good protection.
Astronomer Wendy Freedman's review paper suggests that recent observations are closing the gap between different measurement methods for the Hubble constant. The latest data from red giant stars and cosmic microwave background experiments agree within 1% of each other, indicating no need for fundamental new physics.
A new study reveals 200 previously approved drugs that could be repurposed to treat COVID-19, with 40 already undergoing clinical trials. The research identified key proteins targeted by these drugs and found potential antiviral compounds, including proguanil and sulfasalazine.
A study published in Environmental Pollution found that organic food intake is associated with better scores on tests of fluid intelligence and working memory. Poor nutrition, house crowding, and indoor air pollution were also linked to poorer cognitive function.
A new study investigates human mobility at Alalakh during the Bronze Age, finding most people were born and raised in the region. Genetic data shows ancestry from neighboring regions, with only one individual showing Central Asian origins but local upbringing.
The study analyzed two million parliamentary speeches in the UK and Ireland, finding that politicians use emotive language more in high-profile debates like PMQs to attract a wider audience. In low-profile debates, emotional rhetoric is less pronounced as politicians mostly address colleagues.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze tumor microenvironment and identify biomarkers that predict patient response to immunotherapy. The model outperformed current biomarkers, enabling personalized treatment and better understanding of biological mechanisms involved.
Researchers propose a new approach to predicting election outcomes and identifying social trends by analyzing people's perceptions of their friends' voting intentions. By asking about a person's social circle rather than individual beliefs, they can gather highly accurate information on emerging trends.
A new study found that high-efficacy multiple sclerosis drugs are more effective in reducing flare-ups and modifying progression compared to low-efficacy drugs. Participants with active secondary progressive MS who received high-efficacy medications experienced 30% fewer relapses and an average of 0.17 relapses per year.
A Brazilian study found that a lack of exercise during quarantine increased cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels in women aged 50-70, while also reducing muscle strength and aerobic capacity. The findings highlight the importance of promoting physical activity safely during periods of social distancing or isolation.
Researchers at University of Arizona Health Sciences found that cancer cells become more aggressive when exposed to tissue stiffening, leading to changes that persist over time. The 'mechanical conditioning' score can quantify these cellular changes and predict patients at high risk for bone metastasis.
Researchers at MIT have developed a sweat-proof electronic skin patch that can monitor vital signs like temperature and hydration over long periods of time. The patch's design features artificial sweat ducts and a kirigami-like pattern to prevent sweat accumulation and sensor damage, enabling reliable health tracking.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified 200 approved drugs that could be effective against COVID-19, including 160 previously unlinked to the infection. The study used computational biology and machine learning to create a comprehensive map of proteins involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers develop AI system that uses cooperative strategies to improve human-AI collaboration in negotiations. The system, called CaSiNo, is trained on a dataset of negotiation dialogues and improves upon traditional menu-driven interfaces. It has real-world applications in business, education, and entrepreneurship.
A crossover trial found that exercising with a mask elevated breathing resistance and reduced peak exercise oxygen uptake, but did not compromise overall fitness. The study suggests that wearing masks during exercise may exert physical limitations on capacity, but the clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.
Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology developed a scheme to identify and weigh quantum orbits in strong-field tunneling ionization. By introducing a second harmonic frequency, they can alter the photoelectron yield, allowing for accurate identification of quantum orbits. This breakthrough enables attosecond tempo...
The new clinical practice guideline focuses on reducing blood loss and improving outcomes in heart surgery patients. It emphasizes patient-centered care by considering a patient's values and choices into treatment pathways.
Scientists from Japan and China have discovered three previously unknown mechanisms of phase transition in soft materials, shedding light on the dynamics of solid-to-solid transformations. This research has diverse applications, including targeted drug delivery and development of new materials with tailored properties.
A recent trial found that consuming a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids significantly reduces headache frequency and severity compared to a typical diet. The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that increasing omega 3 intake can lead to reduced levels of pain-reducing oxylipins and improved quality of life for those with migraines.
This study introduces a Zr-doped Na3V2(PO4)2F3 coated with N-doped carbon, which improves SIB performance by increasing reversible capacity and rate capacity. The optimized electrode demonstrates excellent cycling stability.
A new study found that middle-aged adults who experienced upward wealth mobility had lower cardiovascular risk after age 65, compared to those with downward mobility. The researchers estimate a 1% swing in cardiovascular risk for every $100,000 gained or lost by individuals.
A new study found that COVID-19 infection rates among infants hospitalized for potential serious bacterial infections were higher during periods of high community transmission, but lower when transmission was low. The study also found a relatively low incidence of other respiratory viruses in this age group.
A new way to target the RAS protein, responsible for 20-30% of all known cancers, has been found by a team from the University of Leeds. This breakthrough could lead to greater treatments for more patients, paving the way for hundreds of other disease targets.
A survey study investigated the association between surgical resident grit and burnout, finding that residents with higher grit levels were more likely to experience burnout. The study suggests that grit may be an important factor in preventing burnout among surgical residents.
A study published at ECCMID 2021 found that individuals with depression and schizophrenia have a higher incidence of TB. The research suggests that mental health may play a causal role in increasing TB risk, particularly through its effect on the immune system.
Physicists have finally experimentally documented the melting of Wigner Crystals into a liquid in response to quantum fluctuations, a long-sought-after goal in the field. The study used a novel experimental technique to observe this transition in atomically thin semiconductor bilayers.
Researchers found similar circuit malfunctions in the thalamus of mice with genes mutated for autism and schizophrenia. This discovery could lead to developing drugs targeting this circuit to treat people with different disorders.
A large measurement campaign has started in the Atlantic, using a TROPOS lidar on Cabo Verde to study atmospheric conditions and support the ESA wind satellite Aeolus. The campaign aims to improve weather forecasts and understand cloud and aerosol behavior in the tropics.
A third of EU-regulated eel products were found to be mislabelled, with some species originating from China and the US. The study highlights the need for straightforward labelling requirements that include the scientific name of the species.
Research reveals that 'Made in USA' claims positively impact sales, with a 28% increase in auction transaction prices on eBay. This study found that the claim had a negative effect on three brands and a 'trend decline' on another brand after its removal from products.
A recent study investigated the association between midlife changes in wealth and the risk of cardiovascular events after age 65. Researchers found that individuals experiencing a decline in wealth during midlife were at increased risk of cardiovascular events later in life.
A study by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that declining rainfall in the Congo Basin has lengthened bonobo sleeping nest decay times by 17 days over 15 years. This could lead to overestimating population density and jeopardizing conservation efforts.
A NIST-led study comparing 27 MRI scanners found significant bias and variation in T1 measurements, which can affect diagnosing brain tumors. The study recommends establishing rigorous quality control procedures for quantitative MRI to promote confidence and stability in measurement techniques.
A new machine learning algorithm, BITFAM, helps identify transcription factor activity in individual cells, providing insights into gene regulation. This system can aid researchers in understanding biological functions and developing new treatments for diseases.
Dr. Brian Clark, Ohio University professor, has received a five-year, nearly $3 million NIH grant to investigate age-related changes in motor neuron excitability. The study will examine the role of motor neurons in health and disease, with potential implications for developing interventions to improve physical function in older adults.
A survey of 217 participants found that most people were unprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, with 62% having no plan at all. The study suggests that building basic health literacy skills can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and safety.
Researchers at University of Southern Denmark are using a supercomputer to study decomposition of rubber polymers and develop more sustainable tires. The goal is to understand how complex polymer structures work and improve tire structure and performance.
A Sanaria vaccine has demonstrated complete protection against a variant malaria parasite in six subjects, with the dosage being only 20% of its original strength. The results, published in Nature, have significant implications for the prevention of malaria in African populations and travelers to Africa.
Astronomers have identified a white dwarf so massive that it may collapse. The discovery provides an example of what can happen after the phase where two less massive white dwarfs merge into one. This process boosts the magnetic field and speeds up rotation compared to progenitors.
Researchers mapped protein domain evolution over 3.8 billion years, revealing a 'big bang' of domain combinations 1.5 billion years ago. This discovery could help understand and engineer proteins for disease management, vaccine design, and preventing pandemics.
Floods affect plant photosynthesis nearly as often as droughts, with extreme wet events impacting soil carbon storage. The study emphasizes the need to rethink flood impacts on vegetation dynamics and soil carbon storage in a warming world.
The EPFL engineers have successfully implanted their first artificial tubular muscle in a pig, achieving 24,000 pulsations with the cardiac assist device. The device maintains blood flow while minimizing invasive procedures.
Two new articles explore the spatially variable exhumation of the central Appalachian Mountains and constraints on the paleoelevation history of Colombia's Eastern Cordillera. The studies use thermochronology and palynological records to reconstruct ancient tectonic events.
Common pitfalls in internet energy analysis include oversimplification, conflation of internet usage with energy demand, projecting too far into the future, and overgeneralization. These errors can lead to inaccurate predictions of massive energy growth in IT, which often doesn't materialize
A study of 156 dogs and 154 cats found that 6% had active COVID-19 infections and 17.4% had antibodies indicating past exposure. The researchers suggest that the most likely route of transmission is from human to pet, rather than the other way around.
Researchers discovered that communicating with female friends decreases stress hormone levels for women across the lifespan. The study tested conversational efficiency and stress responses in younger and older adult women, finding that older adults demonstrated conversational dexterity with both familiar and unfamiliar partners.
Researchers identified three proteins - FGF20, ANGPT1, and TNFSF12 - that offer protection against progressive kidney decline in diabetes patients. Elevated levels of these proteins were found to reduce the risk of end-stage renal disease.
An international team has developed a predictive tool to help mitigate COVID-19 in Africa, utilizing current case data, population, economic status, and meteorological sensing from satellites. The tool provides weekly projections of expected cases and helps countries decide on mitigation policies.
Researchers from Japan and Zambia have found a significant negative correlation between chronic lead poisoning in children and the health-related quality of life of their mothers. The study, which included 40 households in Kabwe, Zambia, showed that maternal vitality and mental health were particularly impacted by child lead exposure.
The study found that combining mTORC1 and PLK1 inhibitors showed high antitumor activity in NSCLC, with synergistic effects observed. The combination may target specific biomarkers of resistance to Pi3K-based monotherapies, offering a promising therapeutic approach.
A national survey study found that psoriasis has become more common among adults in the United States over the past two decades. The study estimated a significant increase in psoriasis prevalence from 2.4% in 2003 to 5.0% in 2021.
Researchers found that distrust in science, liberal media sources, and negative economic impacts led to fewer precautionary measures among socially conservative Republicans and independents. In contrast, Democrats who trusted scientific authorities and moderate journalists took greater COVID-19 safety measures.
Researchers from Baidu Research and the University of Maryland have developed an autonomous excavator system (AES) that can operate continuously for over 24 hours without human intervention. AES uses perception, planning, and control capabilities to identify target materials and avoid obstacles, achieving performance comparable to expe...
A large cohort study found a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and hypertension in pregnancies derived from frozen-thawed embryos, particularly when hormone replacement therapies were used. The study suggests that preparation of the uterus with hormones may have harmful effects on vascular pathologies.
Researchers developed a non-contact method using thermal images to detect delayed healing of venous leg ulcers. The study shows textural analysis can predict whether a wound needs extra management as early as week two.
The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre will focus on ecosystem resilience, nature-based adaptation measures, and transfer strategies. The centre aims to secure water accessibility in a changing climate for humanity, industry, agriculture, and nature.
The RESILIENCE project seeks to prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients through remote ischaemic preconditioning, with over 600 patients enrolled in a randomised clinical trial. Cardiac function will be evaluated using state-of-the-art cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
A world-first AI study will map genetic and physical risks of ovarian cancer based on UK Biobank data. The project aims to identify biomarkers for early detection and improve survival rates.
A new study published in Neurology found that despite lower socioeconomic status, Black people with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have more disability than white peers. The study discovered smaller brain lesions and slower cognitive and physical processing speeds among Black participants.
A new study found that safety-net hospitals in the US continue to separate patients based on their socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity, even after Medicaid expansion. Discharges from these hospitals were higher among Black and Hispanic patients living in higher-poverty zip codes compared to White patients.