Researchers found that patients with dementia and especially Alzheimer's are three times more likely to die from COVID-19. The risk is six times greater for those over 80. Chronic inflammatory conditions or defective immune responses may contribute to the increased vulnerability of these patients.
Scientists identified conolidine's interaction with ACKR3/CXCR7, a novel opioid receptor, to increase analgesic activity and block pain relief-dampening effects. A synthetic analogue, RTI-5152-12, was developed to enhance pharmacological properties.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new prototype software to facilitate pattern-making in foundation paper piecing quilting. The algorithm is based on a graph structure called a hypergraph and allows users to design patterns without having to consider the geometry, ordering, and constraints of the technique.
Researchers at Samara Polytech systematized main transformation pathways of o-quinone methides into chromene and chromanes. The review article highlights compounds of interest for medical chemistry.
Researchers at NTU and Rice University have discovered the key to h-BN's extraordinary toughness, which can withstand ten times more force than graphene. The team found that the unique chemical composition of h-BN causes cracks to branch off their path, making it less likely to fracture.
Wenxin Liu's research aims to improve the reliability of naval ships' power systems using advanced algorithmic design and hardware experimentation. He believes that his work has implications for civilian microgrid technology, which could lead to more efficient and flexible power distribution networks.
Researchers created a new qubit by manipulating hole spins in a germanium layer, enabling faster processing speeds and reduced magnetic field requirements. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient quantum computers combining semiconductors and superconductors.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a predictive model using tumor biomarkers and imaging parameters to forecast chemotherapy response. The model's accuracy reaches 0.94, allowing for early adjustments to treatment plans and reduced use of toxic chemotherapy drugs.
A comprehensive study has identified over a dozen existing drugs with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, including four FDA-approved drugs and nine experimental compounds. The research suggests that these drugs could be repurposed as oral treatments for COVID-19 and may work in combination to enhance their effectiveness.
Researchers reprogrammed synthetic E. coli with multiple nonstandard amino acids to exhibit viral resistance. This breakthrough enables the creation of designer proteins with innovative properties.
Simulations show domino effects at up to 2°C global warming, increasing risk of irreversible climate change. Rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is indispensable to limit risks of crossing tipping points.
A new study uses cultural data to inform gray wolf recovery efforts in the US, highlighting Colorado's supportive social environment for wolf reintroduction. The research reveals a shift towards mutualism, where people view animals as companions and part of their social networks.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that the inner core's asymmetric growth explains a long-standing mystery about iron crystals' orientation. The study suggests the core may be only 500 million years old, contradicting previous estimates and shedding light on Earth's magnetic field history.
Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for extracellular matrices, become diseased in fibrosis. Researchers create 3D hydrogels that mimic living tissue to study fibrosis progression and epigenetic responses.
Researchers found that diet can alter the breast microbiome to affect breast cancer risk. The study, published in Cancer Research, showed that a high-fat diet led to more aggressive tumors and reduced effectiveness of fish oil supplements.
Researchers used standardized reporting of clinical data to determine the most effective methods for controlling seizures in pediatric epilepsy patients. The study found that using telemedicine had no impact on seizure frequencies and that certain patient demographics were more likely to experience worsening seizures.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a model that enables drones to capture videos evoking specific emotions, such as excitement or calmness, through camera angles and flight paths.
A phase 3 clinical trial of adjuvant immunotherapy found that pembrolizumab prolonged disease-free survival rates in patients with kidney cancer at high risk of relapse. The estimated disease-free survival was 77.3% with pembrolizumab and 68.1% with placebo, translating to a 32% decrease in the risk of recurrence or death.
Researchers found that autologous bone marrow stromal stem cells can lower blood glucose levels and reduce medication doses in non-obese Type 2 diabetes patients with a short disease duration. The study's results are promising for the potential treatment of this chronic disease.
The study reveals that Meis transcription factors are crucial for the formation and antero-posterior patterning of limbs. Genetic deletion of all four family members showed that these proteins are essential for limb development.
Researchers developed a mathematical tool to evaluate the relationship between viral load and case growth, providing real-time estimates of epidemic growth rates. This new metric can help public health officials distribute resources effectively.
A secret shopper study found that pregnant women are 20% less likely to be accepted for opioid treatment than non-pregnant women, citing long on-hold times and difficult interactions. The study highlights the need for increased access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) regardless of pregnancy status.
Research suggests that earthquakes magnitude 5.0 and larger could cause ground displacement and liquefaction in Salt Lake City, increasing the risk of earthquake-related building damage. The study identified a complex zone of folding and faulting beneath downtown Salt Lake City, which may deform the ground during a large earthquake.
The study reveals that the carrier transport behavior changes from semiconducting to metallic properties as the number of layers increases, with a crossover point at around five layers. This discovery provides design guidelines for graphene devices and accelerates their application in high-speed transistors and ultra-thin wiring.
Scientists have discovered that water molecules respond differently to an electrode surface, affecting how substances dissolve in water and chemical reactions occur. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate simulations for water desalination and potentially provide clean water faster, cheaper, and cleaner.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that mixed farming methods could eliminate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the US if established across high-quality cropland. The methods reduce synthetic fertilizer use and increase protein production while reducing beef consumption by 20%.
A study of UK dental care professionals found that natural infection alone is unlikely to generate meaningful, durable herd immunity, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations. The data also suggest that previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to a faster and stronger immune response following vaccination.
Researchers found that salt marsh sediments accumulate microplastics, with higher concentrations near urban areas and a non-linear relationship to urbanization. The study provides new insights into the impact of human plastic use on ecosystems.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science found a promising treatment for COVID-19 using the drugs cepharanthine and nelfinavir, which show potential in suppressing SARS-CoV-2. Computational models predict combined therapy could hasten clearance of the virus from patients' lungs.
Astronomers observed a massive protostar called Cep A HW2, revealing two distinct features: a wide-angle wind near the star and a highly-collimated jet at a greater distance. The discovery raises questions about the formation mechanisms of stars across different mass spectrums.
Researchers developed new clinical guidelines for Australian doctors to treat insomnia with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi), improving mental health and quality of life. CBTi can be more successful than sleeping pills in managing insomnia.
Abbreviated lung ultrasound protocols show similar diagnostic sensitivity to 28-zone studies, suggesting they can efficiently diagnose volume overload. Researchers found no mortality differences between patients with mild and moderate-to-severe pulmonary congestion.
A Stanford University study found that coastal flooding in the Bay Area leads to significant travel time delays and an increase in vehicular accident rates, particularly in residential neighborhoods. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing road safety in climate adaptation planning.
A new study finds that marine conservation initiatives can have negative impacts on community livelihoods, including increased anxiety and social division. Researchers recommend that conservation efforts should follow social impact assessments and provide livelihood support for affected communities.
Researchers found that aging decreases T-cell survival and function, while ceramide signaling weakens anti-tumor T-cells. Blocking certain ceramide molecules improves the anti-tumor function of aging T-cells.
The study found that vaccinated individuals have lower antibody levels targeting the Delta variant compared to previously circulating variants. Booster doses and second vaccinations are recommended to ensure high protection against new variants.
A preserved ancient bald cypress forest was discovered underwater in the northern Gulf of Mexico, providing clues about the region's climate history. The forest is estimated to be between 42,000 and 74,000 years old, offering insights into the rapid changes in sea levels and climate that occurred during the last Ice Age.
Researchers have developed cells that can construct artificial polymers from building blocks not found in nature, while also making them resistant to viral infections. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new polymers and more reliable manufacturing of certain drugs using bacteria.
Researchers found that prior COVID-19 infections reduced the risk of reinfection by 85% for care home residents and 60% for staff within a four-month period. The study, published in Lancet Healthy Longevity, used antibody testing to determine previous infection status.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a promising oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The experimental drug TEMPOL can inhibit viral replication by degrading iron-sulfur clusters required by the SARS-CoV-2 RNA replicase enzyme.
A study of 2,123 Italian residents found that increased evening screen time during the Covid-19 lockdown negatively affects sleep quality, with decreased sleep times and later bedtimes. In contrast, participants who reduced their screen time before bed showed improved sleep quality and fewer insomnia symptoms.
Major points of progress in women's health since the 1970s include reproductive health advances, improvements in overall well-being throughout life, reduced mortality rates for cardiovascular and cancer diseases in women. Clinical research has improved understanding of conditions disproportionately affecting women, such as autoimmune d...
Researchers from the University of A Coruña sequenced the oldest mitochondrial genome of modern cows' immediate ancestor, finding three aurochs with genetic differences. The ancient remains were discovered near a 9,000-year-old shepherdess, sparking debate about their relationship and domestication history.
A wearable accelerometer and vibrator 'thimble' device has been developed to help reduce falls amongst seniors by enhancing their sense of balance. The device, similar to a thimble worn on the fingertips, delivers vibrotactile nudges to reduce postural sway in individuals with impaired balance.
Mason 4C has partnered with medical societies to address climate change through health initiatives. The consortium aims to improve public health and healthcare outcomes in vulnerable populations.
A large clinical trial has shown that pembrolizumab after surgery significantly lowers the risk of disease recurrence in patients with high-risk melanoma. This treatment also results in fewer serious side effects compared to standard therapies like ipilimumab or high-dose interferon.
Researchers at Tufts University created a strong adhesive by mimicking the molecular bonding tricks used by sea creatures. The glue achieves 2.4 MPa of strength when resisting shear forces, outperforming most existing commercial adhesives.
A new study provides evidence for a previously unknown mass ocean extinction event that nearly wiped out shark species 19 million years ago. The study found that sharks declined in abundance by over 90% and in morphological diversity by more than 70% during this period.
A University of Birmingham-led study found that many COVID-19 patients produce immune responses against their own tissues or organs, including skin, skeletal muscle, and cardiac antibodies. The study suggests that these autoantibodies may contribute to the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers are collaborating to evaluate detection canine technology and eDNA detection sensitivity for preventing invasive mussel invasion in Texas. Detection canines have shown great success in detecting mussels at all stages of life, but their limits for late-stage larval detection have not been studied.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that regular milk consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The research, which analyzed genetic biomarkers in over 400,000 people, suggests that milk's calcium content may contribute to improved cholesterol levels and reduced cardiovascular risk.
A study by University of Exeter researchers found a 40% decline in patients admitted with heart attacks and a 30-40% decrease in use of cardiology services during the pandemic. However, there has been an increase in home-based rehabilitation options, suggesting a need for more evidence-based programs to be rolled out.
A novel chemical blocker targeting chemokine proteins significantly reduces skin and joint inflammation in a mouse model with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The study identifies CCR6 as a critical agent for joint inflammation, making it an attractive target for arthritis therapy.
Researchers developed new software for improved space weather prediction, leveraging supercomputers and advanced computing techniques to analyze magnetized solar wind plasma. This effort aims to enhance the accuracy of predictions for coronal mass ejections and their impact on Earth's magnetosphere.
Researchers found that individual bird species respond uniquely to extreme winter weather events, with some experiencing population changes after polar vortexes. Winter heat waves also led to increased bird abundance and occurrence in affected regions.
Scientists discovered the molecular motor that packages genetic material into double-stranded DNA viruses. The advance provides insight into a critical step in the reproduction cycle of viruses such as pox- herpes- and adeno-viruses, which could inspire researchers creating microscopic machines.
A recent University of Huddersfield study has found a sharp increase in antidepressant prescriptions and costs in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of prescriptions grew by four million items, costing NHS England an additional £139 million.
A new UCL study finds that Arctic sea ice in coastal regions is thinning at a rate of 70% to 100% faster than previously thought. The study uses a novel snow model and satellite radar observations to estimate the overall rate of decline of sea ice thickness in the Arctic, with implications for human activity in the region.
Researchers found that dancing with elk tooth ornaments creates similar wear marks on the teeth as those found in ancient Stone Age graves. The study used microanalysis to compare modern and ancient elk tooth wear marks, providing insight into the past's auditory experiences.
Associate Professor Iva Obrusnikova at the University of Delaware has been selected as an IFAPA Fellow for her outstanding work in adapted physical activity. She is a leading researcher on technology-based behavioral strategies and their impact on functional performance and health outcomes in adults with developmental disabilities.