A comprehensive Alpine-wide study published in The Cryosphere shows a significant decline in snow cover over the past five decades. Snow cover is unevenly distributed, with more significant decreases in the Southern Alps, while regional trends vary due to climate change.
The review paper highlights extinction risks of cycad species in U.S. controlled lands due to geopolitical boundaries. Coordinating conservation measures across multiple governments and countries is necessary to mitigate these risks.
A Finnish study analyzed the reproductive histories of women who moved from rural to urban areas during WWII and found that urban women were 15% less likely to reproduce than their rural counterparts. The study suggests that women may be delaying childbearing due to increased competition for spouses in urban environments.
Researchers at CUHK have developed a water-tube-based triboelectric nanogenerator (WT-TENG) for harnessing irregular and low-frequency environmental energy, such as ocean waves. The device generates high output volumetric charge density, reaching 9 mC/m3, and can be easily combined to create larger units for increased power generation.
A research team led by Brown University physicists has found that reducing the repulsive force between electrons in magic-angle graphene makes its superconducting state more robust. This discovery provides important insights into the system's behavior and is a significant step towards understanding unconventional superconductivity.
A study found that osteoporosis treatment is rarely prescribed to patients who break a hip, despite medical associations recommending evaluation and treatment. The study's lead author suggests that the diagnosis of osteoporosis is often overlooked, even in patients with disease-defining fractures.
Asymptomatic and presymptomatic COVID-19 cases pose significant risk of transmission due to unknown minimum infectious dose and limited data. Focusing on additive risk reduction through community-based infection prevention measures is crucial to combat pandemic spread.
Asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission poses a significant challenge in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts warn that relying solely on vaccination is unlikely to be effective in preventing transmission, highlighting the need for robust surveillance measures.
Researchers studied the co-evolutionary relationship between wheat stripe rust fungus and its hosts, identifying evolutionarily conserved genes in barberry suggesting an earlier interaction. The work provides insights into the roles of barberry in wheat rust disease and sustainable control strategies.
Researchers found that anti-inflammatory therapies could be effective in preventing heart disease in people with clonal hematopoiesis, a common age-related blood condition. The study suggests that targeting the inflammasome may reduce cardiovascular risk and improve plaque stability.
CPS&C'2021 brings together researchers and practitioners from around the world to discuss cyber-physical systems and control. The conference features keynote and plenary talks, sessions, and discussions, with accepted full papers published in a Scopus-indexed book of Conference Proceedings.
The gut's immune system plays a critical role in regulating nutrient absorption and warding off toxic chemicals and life-threatening bacteria. Researchers found that gamma delta T cells suppress interleukin-22 expression, allowing for the activation of digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters.
An international study published in Affective Science found that Western countries are the most affected by parental burnout, with individualism playing a predominant role. The study suggests that collectivist cultures, like those in Africa, may protect against parental burnout due to their emphasis on community and mutual aid.
Scientists have developed a new material with faster and more efficient electrochromic properties than existing materials. The material, called Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), can be triggered by an applied electrical voltage, allowing for rapid color change and high sensitivity to electrochemical oxidation.
A new study finds that restaurants in urban areas of Central Africa are key drivers in keeping protected wildlife on the menu. The study reveals that procurement of wild meat by restaurants is more targeted than opportunistic, with monkeys identified as hot products.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new technique to target and destroy disease-causing proteins, which could lead to new drug treatments. By utilizing the cell's own recycling machinery, they aim to restore a healthy balance in cells.
Researchers discover juvenile snailfish exhibiting bright green and red biofluorescence in Arctic habitats, a rare occurrence. The finding provides insight into the function of fluorescence in marine species, shedding light on its potential role in communication and mating behaviors.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that extreme climate events can increase Aedes aegypti populations in Kenya, but preventative measures may reduce dengue fever cases. The researchers monitored mosquito abundance and dengue infections in a cohort of children.
Researchers from Aarhus University found that harbor porpoises are drawn to decommissioned oil platforms in the North Sea, where they can find an abundance of fish and shelter. The installations act as artificial reefs, providing favorable living conditions for the whales.
Researchers found that a widely used technique for autism screening is being misused, leading to potential misdiagnoses. The University of Bath team calls for an urgent review and recommends using the correct cut-off score of '6 or above' instead of NICE's 'more than 6 out of 10'.
Bottlenose dolphins adapted to coastal construction by shifting feeding locations and behavior timings, but these changes persisted after construction. Human activities like dredging and pile driving cause significant stress and harm to marine wildlife, emphasizing the need for conservation policies.
A new study found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces PTSD symptom severity, depression, and anxiety in veterans. After three months, 50% of meditating veterans no longer met criteria for PTSD, compared to 10% of controls.
A recent study using tagging and mark-recapture methods found that Maryland's recreational blue crab harvest amounts to 11% of the total male commercial take, compared to the previous estimate of 8%. The study aimed to provide a more accurate picture of recreational crabbing in the state.
The Morris Animal Foundation is partnering with Elanco Animal Health to better understand the incidence and prevalence of osteoarthritis in dogs. The partnership involves Elanco sponsoring a new section of the owner and veterinarian questionnaires that directly evaluates signs of osteoarthritis.
Spirrow Therapeutics develops nanopolymer surfactant to restore lung function in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition that affects over 200,000 people annually. The startup aims to use its technology not only for ARDS but also to aid those infected with COVID-19.
Researchers used quantitative proteomics to stratify fibroepithelial breast lesions, identifying three candidate biomarkers: MUCL1, HTRA1, and VEGFD. These markers show promise in augmenting existing diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
A study found that ticket inspections can lead to an increase in perceived dishonesty among passengers, causing them to claim ownership of lost money. This study suggests that more discreet and targeted inspections may be a more effective way to encourage honesty.
Researchers found that combining energy sources increases light emission from nanoscale devices, potentially enabling faster computer chips and advanced photocatalysts. The effect is attributed to the enhancement of hot electron generation through anti-Stokes electronic Raman scattering.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced its 2021 award recipients, recognizing excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy. M. Safwan Badr, Terri Weaver, Scott Williams, and Indira Gurubhagavatula are among those honored for their dedication to advancing sleep care and enhancing sleep health.
A recent study developed an AI-based system to predict optimal medication dosages for patients with kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. The system achieved high prediction accuracy rates, providing clinically appropriate classifications at even higher rates.
Plasmonic tweezers facilitate trapping of micro- and nanostructures using hotspots smaller than the free-space wavelength, providing higher precision. The technique has expanded applications in fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
Scientists have discovered a lesser-known site on the pandemic coronavirus that is recognized by COVID-19 infection-fighting antibodies, which potently prevent the virus from infecting cells. These antibodies were found in blood samples from previously infected patients and were as strong as those targeting the receptor-binding domain.
Researchers have established a high-efficiency pulse compression method using optical solitons in periodic layered Kerr media, achieving >85% compression efficiency. This method has the potential to widely use ultrafast lasers in physics, chemistry, and biology labs with low cost and flexibility.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have debunked the myth that metals are useless in photonics with their findings, recently published in Nature Communications. They demonstrated ultra-high-Q resonances in a metasurface comprised of metal nanoparticles embedded inside a flat glass substrate, showing metals can be useful in photonics.
Researchers found that dieting impairs the energy-producing machinery of fat tissue, resulting in rapid weight regain, whereas bariatric surgery improves mitochondrial function and reduces regaining weight. The study used transcriptomics analysis to examine the effects of dieting and surgery on adipose tissue mitochondria.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed a new class of material with the potential to keep chips cool as they shrink in size, helping to meet the requirements of miniaturizing transistors on dense chips. The material has both low electrical conductivity and high heat transfer capability.
A large-scale study of 630,000 patients found significant disparities in COVID-19 outcomes between White and non-White minority groups. Hispanic patients were more likely to test positive and experience severe symptoms despite younger age.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered three molecular groups of ATRT with varying clinical outcomes, highlighting the importance of age and metastasis in prognosis and treatment planning. The study sheds light on the biology of this disease and provides valuable insights for developing targeted therapies.
A study found that infected dogs emit an odor attractive to female sand flies, which transmit Leishmania infantum, the parasite causing visceral leishmaniasis. The researchers suggest parasites manipulate their host's scent to improve transmission opportunities.
A psychology study found that practicing self-compassion can alleviate the negative effects of work loneliness, a common issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers discovered that employees who exhibited higher levels of self-compassion experienced fewer depressive symptoms but also took less time off to recharge.
A pilot clinical trial found that progesterone injections improved lung function and reduced disease severity in male patients hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19. The study suggests a potential protective effect of female hormones against the disease.
A study of over 150,000 respondents found that COVID-19 denial depends on people's trust in social institutions, particularly healthcare systems. EU countries demonstrate varying levels of stress and trust in governments, with some showing high levels of stress and others trusting their governments more than other institutions.
A new study reveals that marine heatwaves are devastating the function of coraligen habitats in the Mediterranean, leading to a loss of structural complexity and essential ecosystem services. The impact is particularly severe for gorgonian corals, which provide shelter for over 1600 species.
Researchers confirm vertical COVID-19 transmission in pregnant woman, resulting in fetal complications and death. The study's proteomics method detects SARS-CoV-2 proteins in infected placenta for the first time.
Researchers employed nanoparticles-based delivery systems to deliver AMPs for treating deep infections. Intelligent nanocarriers can achieve selective activation and target at infection sites, improving therapeutic efficacy against bacterial infections and reducing toxicity.
A camera-trap study found that black bears are adept at finding and stealing the remains of adult deer killed by pumas. This 'kleptoparasitism' reduces the calories pumas consume, causing them to hunt more often and eat smaller prey when bears are not active.
University of Sheffield researchers develop novel natural language processing methods to make supplier information accessible to NHS staff, reducing future shortages during national crises. The platform will provide real-time risk ratings and diversify the NHS supply base.
Researchers detect over a dozen unexpected molecules in Taurus Molecular Cloud, revealing complex chemistry in interstellar space. The discovery sheds light on the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their potential impact on asteroid composition and planet formation.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a high global prevalence of both depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Asia presenting lower levels. Public transportation closures increased anxiety globally, especially in Europe.
Rye's complex genome has been fully sequenced, revealing a diverse wild gene pool that holds promise for breeding. The research team hopes to transfer beneficial traits from rye to wheat without affecting baking properties.
Wild bonobos have been observed adopting infants from different social groups, providing maternal care, including nursing and nesting. The findings suggest that adoption in bonobos may not be limited to kin relationships or pre-existing social bonds.
Researchers have developed a new CAR T cell engineering technique that allows for the targeting of solid tumors without harming healthy cells. The technique uses ultrasensitive identification of HER2 protein on tumor cells and has shown promise in treating ovarian cancer.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Ivermectin is as safe and well-tolerated in children under 15kg as it is in heavier individuals. The study suggests that millions of young children are denied access to treatment due to outdated safety data, highlighting the need for equitable access to Ivermectin.
A study led by McMaster University aims to understand how well vaccination works in residents of long-term care homes and identify factors linked to outbreaks. The research, involving over 2,000 participants, will inform health policy and help keep residents safe and healthy.
Researchers discovered pancreatic cancer cells employ macropinocytosis, a novel pathway to procure nutrients when autophagy is inhibited, enabling them to thrive despite starvation. A combination of autophagy and macropinocytosis inhibitors resulted in rapid tumor regression in mouse models.
A study by researchers from the University of Queensland found that schizophrenia and personality disorders were the most disabling mental health conditions. The study used a new method to measure disability, known as the Health Loss Proportion (HeLP), which takes comorbidities into account.
Researchers examine the biographical information of individual heritage language speakers, highlighting the significance they place on their language in everyday life. The study sheds light on the maintenance and revitalization of minority cultures through the personal experiences of indigenous activists.
Researchers at UCM identify low plasma levels of protein TGFB1 and polymorphisms in the gene as biomarkers for poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma. These variants are associated with higher mortality rates and increased risk of developing stomach tumors.
The HAWC Observatory has detected photons with energies of up to 200 TeV, a hundred trillion times greater than visible light. The source of these high-energy photons was identified as a nearby cloud of interstellar material surrounding a young star cluster.
Researchers used ship movement data to estimate wave conditions in real time, without extra costs for measurement instruments. The approach combines cause-and-effect calculations with ship geometry and dynamic motions.