A 10-week training program showed that both sighted and blind participants improved on echolocation tasks, with some even performing better than expert echolocators. The study's findings suggest that click-based echolocation can be a valuable tool for people with vision loss or progressive degenerative eye conditions.
Researchers found that spiders detect the chemicals released by European fire ants and choose to build their webs elsewhere. This instinctual behavior allows spiders to survive in areas with high ant activity, potentially leading to the development of more effective spider repellents.
Researchers achieved scalable, telecom-heralded matter-matter entanglement between two remote, multimode and solid-state quantum memories, stored in different labs separated by 10 meters. This landmark experiment paves the way for long-distance quantum communication and operation of quantum repeaters.
Researchers investigated the effect of real-time continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control among patients with insulin-treated diabetes. The study found that this technology improved blood sugar control, allowing for more effective management of the condition.
A new campaign seeks the wisdom of the crowd to drive innovative solutions for sustainable food systems. Data will be integral to understanding current and future food systems, but asking the right questions first is key.
Researchers discovered two types of nerve cells in the vagus nerve control center that adapt feeding behavior and blood sugar levels differently. The first type detects stomach stretch, while the second type senses chemical signals from food, influencing appetite and glucose metabolism.
Researchers at Aalto University developed a new audio technique that allows people to track bats in flight and localise sources of ultrasonic sound, enabling super-hearing. The device records ultrasound using microphones on a small sphere, pitch-shifts the signal, and plays it back through headphones.
A recent KAIST study revealed that the ventral striatum is a neural basis for our habitual seeking behavior, including addiction. The research found that long-term value memories are retained in the ventral striatum and guide automatic evaluations of objects based on positive values.
Researchers discovered that horses crossed the Beringian Land Bridge multiple times, influencing genetic diversity and settling both continents before becoming extinct in North America
A new study by Concordia researchers found that children who share a bed with their pets have indistinguishable sleep quality compared to those who sleep alone. The study, which analyzed data from over 200 children, discovered that frequent pet-sharing was associated with higher perceived sleep quality, particularly among adolescents.
A team of researchers discovered the method ducks use to suspend water in their feathers while diving, allowing them to shake it out when surfacing. They found that by using multiple layers of feathers, ducks can create air pockets that prevent irreversible wetting, enabling them to shake off excess water.
A team of researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology has developed a novel nanoparticle design that enhances the contrast of living tissues for X-ray fluorescence imaging. This breakthrough enables early stage tumor detection with lower doses of radiation.
Researchers analyzed 430 lung squamous tumors and identified mutations in genes such as TP53, CDKN2A, and FGFR1. The study found that 13.5% of patients with druggable mutations had lower median overall survival.
Radically altering animal agriculture practices could prevent future pandemics, experts argue. Incentivizing plant-based food alternatives and implementing a 'zoonotic tax' on meat production are proposed solutions to mitigate zoonotic risk.
A team of Colorado State University scientists detected Zika virus RNA in free-ranging African bats, shedding light on the ecology of flaviviruses and potential natural transmission routes. The findings suggest that bats may be incidental hosts of Zika virus infection, rather than amplifying hosts or reservoir hosts.
A five-pronged strategy addressing behavioural and socio-demographic factors is proposed to combat vaccine hesitancy. Confidence in vaccine safety is crucial, while addressing complacency among younger people and those of lower socioeconomic status is essential for increased uptake.
The Ras protein, involved in cancer development, is found to exist in a pair at the cell membrane. This pairing enhances signal transmission for cell growth, making it a potential target for cancer treatment. Bioinformatic methods and experimental data validate the structure of the interface between the two proteins.
Women are more likely to experience acute aortic dissection with older age and different presenting symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The study highlights the need for sex-directed strategies to improve outcomes in female patients.
A global review found that Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) is associated with lower risk of multiple causes of death among people with opioid dependence. OAT was linked to reduced overdose-related, suicide, alcohol-related, cancer, and cardiovascular-related mortality.
A new theoretical framework suggests that dark matter's properties can be explained by the existence of an extra dimension in space-time. The force between dark matter particles is described by a continuum, which could address puzzles seen in small galaxies.
Researchers analyzed sediment cores from Bering Sea to find evidence of recurring low-oxygen events in North Pacific Ocean. High sea levels and changes in ocean circulation are thought to trigger these events, which could have severe consequences for ecosystems and food sources.
New research suggests that record-breaking temperatures will occur more frequently in the tropics due to large and growing populations. The study found that normalized temperature data reveals greater warming and more extreme heat events in tropical regions.
The HealthyMoms app has been shown to improve a pregnant woman's diet and physical activity, leading to healthier weight gain. Women with overweight or obesity who used the app gained an average of 1.7 kg less weight than those in the control group.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new Quad-interface MTJ technology, featuring low RA, stable reference layer, and high-speed write operation. The Quad-MTJ has better retention characteristics, high endurance, and low power consumption, making it suitable for ultra-low-power IoT edge-devices.
Researchers have developed a fine-scale malaria risk map to help public health experts target interventions in Haiti. The map uses data from satellite images, health facilities, and hand-written medical logs to identify areas at high risk of infection.
A new Cornell University study reveals that social media content creators face significant precarity in their pursuit of visibility and metrics success. The research highlights the challenges posed by algorithmic systems and platform instability, which can quickly render an influencer's career uncertain.
The Shadow Figment technology uses AI-powered deception to keep attackers engaged in a pretend world, rewarding them with false signals of success while defenders learn about the attackers' methods. This creates a distraction that allows defenders to take action and protect real systems.
Researchers develop a laser-driven method to synthesize nanoparticles, enabling efficient conversion of solar energy into electricity. The technology also promotes the production of green hydrogen by employing photoelectrodes that use sunlight directly.
Researchers surveyed 1,554 people to understand how message framing affects perceptions of zoonotic diseases. They found that liberals were more likely to accept evidence for the wildlife origin of COVID-19, while conservatives had mixed results with different frames.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus exploits metal ion concentration changes to evade immune surveillance. Metal ions form a bridge between viral messenger RNA and a protein complex, stabilizing it for modification.
The La Jolla Institute for Immunology has launched the Cancer Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (CEDAR), a new global cancer immunology resource, thanks to $4.2 million in National Cancer Institute funding. Researchers can now easily search and contribute data on potential immune system targets on various types of cancer cells.
Researchers found significant improvement in motor symptoms and reduction in medications 15 years after deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease patients. The study also showed a reduction in dyskinesia and 'off state' episodes, improving quality of life.
Research published in Nature found that oxygen levels in temperate freshwater lakes declined 5.5% at the surface and 18.6% in deep waters since 1980. Climate change is driving this decline, which threatens aquatic biodiversity and drinking water quality.
A new national study conducted over six months shows conservatives are less able to distinguish political truths from falsehoods than liberals. This is mainly because of a glut of right-leaning misinformation in the American media and information environment.
A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that using traditional methods like BMI can misclassify obesity as a non-risk factor for lung cancer. The researchers measured visceral fat index through CT scans and found a clear correlation between central obesity and poor lung cancer outcomes.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev conducted studies examining how people respond to various emotional facial expressions on drones. They found that five different emotions (joy, sadness, fear, anger, surprise) can be recognized with high accuracy in static stimuli.
A phase 3 clinical trial shows that immunotherapy nivolumab after surgery can nearly double the time before relapse for patients with high-risk urothelial cancer. The treatment significantly reduces metastatic recurrence risk, offering hope for thousands of patients worldwide.
A recent study by Oregon Health & Science University found that people of color are more than twice as likely to die after a traumatic brain injury compared to white patients. The researchers analyzed over a decade of data and attributed the disparity to underlying social determinants such as diet, lifestyle, and access to healthcare.
Scientists discovered that the genome is organized like a library system, with liquid parts accessible and solid-like islands storing unused information. This organization relies on physics of different states of matter, providing new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
Researchers developed catalysts for selective ethanol conversion, improving upon existing precious metal-based options. The new catalysts exhibit high alcohol conversion and selectivity to acetaldehyde, making them a promising alternative for industrial applications.
A global lockdown reduced cirrus cloud formation by 9% and density by 2%, with a positive impact on the climate. This study demonstrates that aircraft contrails contribute to additional cirrus clouds and global warming.
A new study found that autistic individuals have difficulty recognizing angry facial expressions produced at a normal 'real-world' speed, while those with alexithymia perceive all expressions as more intensely emotional. The researchers suggest that recognizing anger is a specific challenge for autism.
Eating at least two serves of fruit daily has been found to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 36%. The study suggests that whole fruits, not juice, contribute to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood glucose levels. Higher consumption of fruits rich in phytochemicals and fibre may also play a role.
Researchers propose techniques to decode fungal electrical activity, enabling efficient information transmission and complex processing. Fungal networks can monitor large data flows, providing insights into ecosystem dynamics and promoting sustainable development.
Researchers developed a nanofiber-integrated cell encapsulation device that protects insulin-secreting cells from the immune system, allowing them to secrete insulin and control blood sugar levels. The implant was successful in mice with diabetes for up to 200 days without suppressing the immune system.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that consuming two servings of whole fruits per day significantly lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 7,700 participants, suggests that a healthy diet and lifestyle, including frui...
Researchers found that online commenters used metaphors to describe prenups as 'insurance' or 'safety features', reframe negative perceptions. Most commenters viewed prenups positively, arguing they prepare for the worst while maintaining a long-term commitment.
The study reveals that cheetahs use two types of flight during galloping, which enables them to accelerate to high speeds. The team's simple model and measurements with real-world data confirm the findings, suggesting a key factor in cheetahs' exceptional speed.
A new systematic framework allows researchers to identify feasibility concerns in climate mitigation scenarios, highlighting the need for improved assessments of socio-cultural factors and demand-side mitigation. The framework is particularly useful for exploring trade-offs over time and analyzing enabling conditions for achieving ambi...
Researchers analyzed detrital-zircon data from sandstones in the Ouachita orogen, revealing a mix of sediment dispersal pathways from multiple provenances. In Scotland, the Moine thrust zone hosted highly alkaline syenite intrusions with high-temperature contact metamorphic aureoles.
A new study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine finds critical links between job loss and physical inactivity among young adults during the U.S. Great Recession. The study, led by Dickinson College economist Shamma Alam, found that job losses reduced the likelihood of physical exercise by 6.3 percentage points.
A University of Alberta study found that zebrafish exposed to cannabis compounds in early development exhibit reduced neural activity later in life. The study suggests that similar effects may occur in humans, particularly during pregnancy. Neural activity decreased by 60-70% in groups exposed to THC and CBD.
A West Virginia University study shows that faith communities have the potential to promote physical wellbeing along with emotional or spiritual health. A 12-week program led by faith-community nurses encouraged better time management, provided participants with more energy, and improved comfort with exercise on a regular basis.
A study from the University of Illinois found that male piglets are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental and neurological anomalies when their mothers are infected with PRRSV during pregnancy. The researchers also discovered changes in gene expression associated with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and neur...
The European Virtual Institute will study the neural basis of emotion using a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, focusing on the role of the cerebellum in controlling emotions. The network aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for emotional disorders by combining fundamental and clinical research.
Astronomers have discovered a massive open cluster of intermediate age in the Scutum constellation, containing at least 15,000 stars. The Valparaíso 1 cluster was detected using Gaia satellite data and is notable for its unexpected discovery in a well-explored part of the sky.
Researchers developed an electronic nose that can identify COVID-19-infected individuals with high accuracy. The system may enable large-scale screening and detection of SARS CoV-2 infection in public places.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a vaccine that guides bacteria's evolution to make them a weaker pathogen, rather than trying to kill them. The combination vaccine was shown to be more effective in preventing Salmonella infections than existing vaccines.
A new project, 'The Reading Time Machine,' aims to digitize predigital scientific literature in astronomy, extracting text and figures to enhance searchable capabilities. Researchers will use optical character recognition and object detection methods to parse tables, figure captions, and science-relevant information.
Researchers found that people with low blood sugar events had a 75% greater risk of developing dementia, while those with high blood sugar events had more than twice the risk. People experiencing both types of events faced the greatest risk, with an incidence rate of 98.5 cases for every 1,000 person-years