A new UC Davis study confirms that SARS-CoV-2 contamination on hospital surfaces is unlikely to be infectious. The research used genome sequencing to detect the virus on surfaces and found that only a small percentage of samples were positive, suggesting that improved cleaning protocols may have reduced transmission.
Researchers found that non-native species are more successful in the less-diverse Pacific, where they outnumber native species by 30%, compared to the more-diverse Atlantic. Predation also played a crucial role in controlling invasive species, particularly in tropical regions.
Researchers from University of Tsukuba found a decrease in COVID-19-related house call services due to lower seasonal flu activity, but an increase in severe cases. Hospital capacity strains during the pandemic contributed to this trend.
Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University have successfully synthesized a unique molecule of verdazyl-nitronyl nitroxide triradical, boasting stable structure and high-temperature magnetism. The breakthrough could pave the way for innovative organic magnetic materials with potential applications in MRAM technology.
Researchers developed a low-cost way for backscatter radios to support high-throughput communication and 5G-speed Gb/sec data transfer using only a single transistor. This breakthrough enables scalable communication systems for IoT applications, including energy harvesting, smart home sensors, and agricultural tracking.
A new observational study found that Black and Latino children were significantly affected by COVID-linked multi-system inflammatory syndrome, with cardiac complications more common in critically ill patients. The study also identified distinct cytokine signatures and viral sequencing patterns, shedding light on the disease's demograph...
Antacids have been found to lower HbA1c levels by 0.36% and fasting blood sugar by 10 mg/dl in individuals with diabetes. However, taking antacids had no effect on the risk of developing diabetes in non-diabetic individuals.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new version of optical tweezer technology that fixes the problem of overheating, making it easier to study biomolecules and diseases. The breakthrough uses cooled materials and thermophoresis to attract particles, protecting them from damage.
A new study uses machine learning to predict over 20,000 unknown virus-mammal associations, expanding our knowledge of zoonotic diseases. The model identifies bats and rodents as key hosts for emerging viruses, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and mitigation strategies.
A nationwide study evaluates a targeted intervention aimed at transforming e-cigarettes from a maintenance product to a tool for smoking cessation. The research shows that the intervention produced smoking abstinence rates about 5-10 percentage points higher than those who received no intervention.
UNIST students were selected as the final winning team at the 2021 JunctionX Seoul hackathon with their mobile game 'My Running Mate, Zombie'. The team took only three days to build the game from scratch using feedback from embedded motion sensors and cloud computing platforms.
Research reveals that cocoa agroforestry systems can support diverse bird populations by maintaining canopy cover from native trees. Intensified, low-shade cocoa monocultures lead to sharp declines in bird diversity. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable agroforestry practices to conserve habitats and biodiversity.
Researchers at NIST developed a method using radio signals to image hidden and speeding objects, enabling real-time imaging around corners and through walls. The technique has potential applications in public safety, tracking hypersonic objects, and improving space debris detection.
A recent study examined the association between COVID-19-related childcare facility closures and employment status of women and men with children. The research found that childcare closures led to increased unemployment rates for both men and women, but women were more likely to experience a decline in employment opportunities.
Chemists at Scripps Research have developed a new method for adding hydroxyl groups to organic molecules using a shape-shifting catalyst. The breakthrough eases the process of modifying existing molecules for valuable applications such as improving drug potency and duration. The new method has been demonstrated on various existing drug...
A new study found that 82% of Americans support paid maternity leave, similar to 86% in 26 wealthy nations. However, Americans are less supportive of government funding and prefer shorter leave times. Worldwide, people generally want longer leave periods and government funding.
Researchers developed a unique alloy with improved durability, made possible by casting and annealing regimes producing thermally stable nanoparticles. The new alloy offers high-strength, heat-resistance, and could replace expensive copper conductors in aircraft and rail transport.
Researchers evaluated a multifaceted COVID-19 control plan on a large urban university campus, revealing its effectiveness in reducing SARS-CoV-2 spread. The study found that the plan's implementation resulted in lower case rates and improved student safety during the second pandemic wave.
Researchers propose a new model that takes into account spatial and energy disorder in disordered media. The model provides relationships between the parameters of the dielectric function and the microscopic structure of the medium, enabling the extraction of valuable information about structural and dynamic processes.
The Hubble Space Telescope's payload computer halted in June, causing science data collection to stop. The team is investigating various hardware pieces, including the Command Unit/Science Data Formatter and power regulator, as possible culprits. They will continue assessing hardware for a week before recommending fixes if necessary.
Human activities contribute to a four-day delay in seasonal rainfall, threatening crop production and exacerbating heatwaves. The delayed onset of monsoon rainfall also jeopardizes the livelihoods of large populations in regions like India.
Researchers found that undamaged neurons do not change their function after a stroke, contradicting the 're-mapping' hypothesis. Surround-responsive cells, which react to neighboring whiskers, also failed to take over damaged neurons' functions.
A research team from Imperial College London proposes a way that singularities could violate the law of conservation of charge by introducing axions, hypothetical particles that may explain dark matter. They show that temporary singularities in black holes could destroy electric charge, challenging a fundamental law of physics.
Researchers found that age-related hearing impairment is associated with poorer physical functioning and reduced walking endurance in older adults. The study suggests that addressing hearing loss could be crucial in preserving physical function and quality of life in older individuals.
Researchers at Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have discovered that muscles lose sarcomeres -- their smallest building blocks -- after a stroke. This loss results in shorter muscle fibers and tighter muscles, making it harder for patients to regain function.
Researchers found that elephants' personality traits, such as aggressiveness and activity, were important predictors of problem-solving success. However, the personality traits measured did not significantly predict learning ability. The study used a comprehensive approach to assess elephant personalities and solve novel problems.
A new study reveals structural changes in the Alpha and Beta SARS-CoV-2 variants, suggesting reduced effectiveness of current vaccines against the Beta variant. The research found that mutations in the Beta variant change the shape of the spike surface, making it less bind to neutralizing antibodies.
A new online calculator can predict an individual's risk of dementia in the next five years by assessing factors such as age, physical activity, diet, and stress. The tool, developed by Canadian researchers, aims to empower individuals to modify their lifestyle and reduce their risk.
The MucoRice-CTB vaccine, a new edible cholera vaccine made from genetically modified rice, has shown no obvious side effects and a good immune response in its Phase 1 human trial. The vaccine stimulates the mucosal immune system through the gut to induce antigen-specific antibodies, producing IgG and IgA responses.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a simple and additive-free method to synthesize water-stable amphiphilic molecules. The new catalyst- and reagent-free approach uses the Staudinger reaction to form stable azaylide-based amphiphiles that can self-assemble into micelles in water.
A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that both anabolic steroid and legal performance-enhancing substance use are longitudinally associated with criminal offending among U.S. adults, particularly during young and middle adulthood. The study highlights the need for research on performance-enhancing substances to un...
A new study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that continuity of nursing care improves patient outcomes for people with dementia. The research showed that increased continuity of care leads to a lower risk of rehospitalization, even after controlling for other clinical risk factors and the intensity of home health care.
Scientists from the University of Tsukuba directly observed electron dynamics in organic film OLEDs, revealing a previously unknown feature of exciton decay. The study's findings may contribute to the development of more efficient OLED-based products.
Researchers led by Katie Baldwin found that the loss of hepaCAM disrupts astrocyte territories and gap junction coupling, leading to impaired communication between brain cells. This study has implications for understanding MLC and other neurodegenerative disorders, and may lead to therapeutic breakthroughs.
Researchers from DGIST demonstrate a link between polydispersity and performance in perovskite colloidal quantum dots. Monodisperse suspensions yielded better solar cells with higher light absorption and efficiency.
University of Pittsburgh researchers received prestigious awards for their work on phase diagrams, thermodynamic properties, and uncertainty quantification in alloy powder production. Assistant Professor Wei Xiong won the inaugural CALPHAD Young Leader Award, while graduate student Xin Wang received the Best Poster Award.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have found that obesity in mice models led to accelerated tumor growth, but anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade successfully blocked this progression. The study suggests that obese patients with breast cancer may respond better to immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors.
A newly discovered human species named Homo longi, or "Dragon Man", is redefining the history of human evolution. With a brain size comparable to modern humans and primitive features, the Harbin cranium suggests that Homo longi may have interacted with Homo sapiens in Asia.
Infants younger than 7 months can perceive faces even when they are followed by a mask image, but this ability disappears in older infants. The study found that visual backward masking occurs due to interference with feedback processing, which develops in the second half of the first year of life.
Researchers have discovered a new type of 'invisible' gold hosted in nanoscale crystal defects within pyrite. The study provides insights into a potentially more environmentally friendly gold extraction method using selective leaching.
The Horizon 2020 projects RISK-HUNT3R and TOX-Free aim to develop animal-free strategies and tools for chemical risk assessment, combining in vitro and computational approaches. The projects will improve the accuracy and efficiency of safety assessments, enabling the development of sustainable alternatives.
A new study using expanded genetic code technologies uncovers the structural aspect of how one protein functions in lysosomes for intracellular clearance. The research reveals that the homophilic interaction between LAMP2 molecules is crucial for their function on the lysosome membrane.
New research reveals how lung cancer progression disrupts circadian glucose regulation, fueling cancer cell growth. The study identifies REV-ERB? as a key regulator and suggests targeting this protein to suppress cancer cell growth.
A new machine learning technique has been developed to assess water quality data and detect groundwater samples impacted by oil and gas production. The study concludes that hydrofracking does not necessarily incur more environmental problems than conventional drilling, although further research is needed to confirm this finding.
A UCLA-led study comparing human and mouse astrocytes found that mouse cells are more resilient to oxidative stress, a key mechanism behind many neurological disorders. The findings have important implications for basic and translational research into conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral scl...
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center are studying a potential new chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy (CAR-T cell therapy) treatment for multiple myeloma. The overall response rate to the treatment was 97%, while the complete response rate and progression-free survival rates were 67% and 77%, respectively.
A new study published in the Strategic Management Journal found that business relatedness has a significant effect on market exit, with greater potential for resource redeployment leading to faster exits. The research analyzed 3,082 retail chains across 106 countries and suggests that internal redeployment is a key driver of market exit.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created soft electronics that can sustain damage without losing electrical conductivity. The materials are stretchy, recyclable, and reusable, making them ideal for emerging technologies like wearables and soft robotics.
Researchers have created an ultra-thin, inflatable device that can be used to treat severe forms of pain, covering a large section of the spinal cord with electrical currents. The device could be an effective treatment for leg and back pain, as well as paralysis or Parkinson's disease.
Researchers used AI to optimize atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes autonomously, identifying optimal growth conditions for new materials. The study suggests a faster way of converging to optimum combinations without human input, potentially saving manufacturers time and money.
Researchers identified unique antibody responses that correlate with protection against dengue fever, highlighting the need for vaccines targeting specific serotypes. The study provides crucial information for developing effective dengue vaccines.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that some people, particularly older men with erectile dysfunction, were having more sex during the pandemic. Sales of daily-use erectile dysfunction drugs skyrocketed after March 2020, indicating an increase in spontaneous sexual activity.
A new tablet-sized device can detect multiple COVID-19 antibodies and biomarkers simultaneously, distinguishing between SARS-CoV-2 and four other coronaviruses with 100% accuracy. The test also shows promise in predicting COVID-19 case severity and immunity against variants.
A five-nanometer-thick layer of silver and copper outperforms conventional indium tin oxide in OLED displays, freeing up 20% more light. This innovation enables devices to maintain brightness while using less power, extending battery life and making displays more energy-efficient.
Researchers created a CRISPR-Cas9-based gene drive that cuts and copies genetic elements in Arabidopsis plants, transmitting specific traits from a single parent. This technology could help plants defend against diseases and grow more productive crops, addressing global food security concerns.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell has received a $1.8 million federal grant to develop legged robots that will assist sailors with shipboard firefighting and maintenance. The robots will be designed to prioritize personnel safety, particularly during fires, and reduce maintenance time.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that TET enzymes play a crucial role in keeping immune cells on a healthy track, suggesting potential new avenues for controlling cardiovascular disease. The study also identified the minor but important role of TDG enzyme in immune cell demethylation.
The joint statement aims to address current controversies and evolving concepts in thyroid cancer care. Key findings include the use of molecular theranostics for refining management recommendations and indicators of response to RAI therapy. The statement was led by Seza Gulec, MD, and published in the peer-reviewed journal Thyroid.
Researchers created a hybrid neural network called NAIMS that accurately predicts premature baby mortality risk using demographics and vital signs. The technique has shown strong performance in predicting an infant's risk of mortality within 3, 7, or 14 days, with potential to analyze responsiveness to treatment.
The study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis's ESX-5 secretion system reveals a complex molecular machinery that enables the bacterium to infect human cells. The structure of this system provides potential drug targets and new insights into vaccine development.