A study using a scale model of a cylindrical fish cage found that artificially maintaining gentle currents inside the cage can suppress violent sloshing motions caused by ocean waves. This innovation aims to improve fish health and reduce environmental damage in sea-based fish farming systems.
A recent study published in Nature suggests that the leprosy drug clofazimine exhibits potent antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 and prevents exaggerated inflammatory response associated with severe COVID-19. Clofazimine could be a potential at-home treatment for people who test positive for COVID-19 but are not hospitalized.
Researchers used AI software to analyze facial changes caused by Parkinson's disease, finding differences in apparent age and facial expressions. The study suggests AI could accelerate diagnosis and treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
A University of Tsukuba research team discovered that certain fungi can grow through narrow channels by altering their growth rate. This process allows them to maintain cell polarity and continue growing, whereas slower-growing species are impeded, resulting in defective cellular processes.
A UK study found that the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 spread rapidly in care homes across England, reflecting its rapid growth in the general population. The proportion of infections caused by this variant increased sharply between late November and December, with a notable rise among older residents.
A genetic analysis of a fossil toe bone from the Haitian cave-rail has uncovered unexpected links between Caribbean bird life and the Old World. The study found that the species' closest relatives are actually flufftails, flying birds native to sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and New Guinea, and adzebills, large, extinct, flightless bi...
A Northwestern Medicine pilot study found that high levels of progesterone during the menstrual cycle can reduce stress after a concussion and speed recovery. Increased blood flow to the brain is also linked to lower stress symptom levels, providing new insights into how female athletes may recover from concussions.
Scientists discover a crucial phase of embryonic development in zebrafish where the solid-like tissue becomes fluid-like, leading to morphogenesis. The study reveals that this change is caused by a critical point in cell connectivity, similar to phase transitions in non-living systems.
A high-velocity atmospheric wave was generated by Beirut's 2020 ammonium nitrate explosion, rivalling those from volcanic eruptions. The blast caused electron disturbances in Earth's upper atmosphere, including changes in total electron content in the ionosphere.
Researchers found that brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's affect men and women differently. The study suggests that accounting for sex differences in research leads to better results.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London confirmed the role of oestrogen receptor biomarker in ductal carcinoma in situ and developed a new, more accurate method to predict long-term outcomes. The study found ER expression is a strong prognostic factor for recurrence in DCIS.
Feeling psychologically powerful can make leaders feel their job is more demanding, yet this can also be beneficial for goal pursuit and meaningful work. However, it can cause pain and discomfort, particularly in those high in neuroticism.
Researchers found that white blood cells quickly change their stiffness and viscosity in response to a threat, increasing up to ten times within minutes. This dramatic change occurs even before shape changes, suggesting an underlying physical mechanism with unique utility for each cell type.
A recent study published in Cell shows that SARS-CoV-2 mutations can evade both naturally occurring antibodies from COVID-19 survivors and lab-made antibodies now in clinical use. The research highlights the importance of designing next-generation vaccines and therapies that target less mutable parts of the virus.
Researchers from the University of Leeds have established that lightning strikes played a vital role in creating conditions for life to emerge on early Earth. The team discovered large amounts of phosphorous minerals, essential for life, in fulgurite formed by lightning strikes.
A new algorithm developed by USC engineers can think and learn like a doctor, suggesting the best diagnostic strategies by mining electronic healthcare records. This could lead to faster, better, and more efficient diagnoses and treatments, complementing human doctors' judgment.
Researchers from Berkeley Lab analyze total cost of ownership of electric and diesel long-haul trucks, finding electric trucks have a 13% per mile lower total cost of ownership. The study also shows future reductions in battery costs could reduce the difference to 50% per mile by 2030.
The critically endangered regent honeyeater is losing its 'song culture' due to declining populations. Research found that males sing simplified or incorrect songs when birds are rare, affecting their ability to communicate with females.
Researchers have developed a semiconductor nanogroove enhanced millimeter and terahertz wave detector, achieving a noise equivalent power 2-3 orders superior to state-of-the-art detectors. The device operates at room temperature with fast response speed and broad spectral band detection.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that combining subsidies with behavioral interventions led to a 24% reduction in weekly carbon emissions. Subsidizing low-carbon emission meals was more effective than using carbon taxes or traffic light labelling alone.
The American Educational Research Association's 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting will showcase innovative scholarship in education research. The meeting will feature high-quality and timely education research from over 2,200 sessions, including keynote speakers.
A new report suggests interventions in graduate education to create more supportive environments for TNB students. The existing literature highlights the association between discrimination against TNB college students and negative psychological outcomes, such as suicidal ideation.
Researchers aim to understand how neurons construct synapses of different strengths, a key factor in the diversity of neural communication. They will focus on 'active zones' and test how protein availability and gene expression affect AZ development.
A new study found that some air purifiers, marketed for COVID-19, can create a suite of other pollutants. The devices, which use ionizing technology, can decrease some VOCs but increase others, including harmful substances like formaldehyde and ozone.
Researchers created a quadruple fusion optical and ultrasound imaging system, integrating four modalities: ultrasound, photoacoustic, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescence imaging. The system uses a transparent ultrasound transducer to produce high-quality images without limitations.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Chemistry Institute have successfully controlled enzyme activity using infrared laser irradiation and gold nanoparticles, enhancing lipase biocatalysis by up to 58% compared to nanospheres.
The Crazy 8 Initiative aims to tackle major obstacles in pediatric oncology through collaborative research and innovative approaches. Grants will fund studies using cutting-edge technologies, such as targeted degradation and molecular glues, to develop new treatments for aggressive cancers.
A team of RIT researchers is working on developing an artificial intelligence system that can learn over time and play the popular video game Starcraft II. This project has the potential to advance practical solutions such as self-driving cars, service robots, and other real-world applications.
Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed nanozymes that produce surface-bound ROS to selectively kill bacteria. The selectivity is attributed to the surface-bound nature of ROS and an unexpected antidote role of endocytosis, a common process in mammalian cells but absent in bacteria.
Dr. Nathalie Cabrol proposes that modern life on Mars could be more widespread and accessible than previously believed, and that understanding patterns resulting from extreme environmental interactions is key to finding life. She suggests taking the approach of Mars as a biosphere to find signs of microbial habitability.
A new UCLA study finds that women with high muscle mass and high body fat have a greater degree of protection against heart disease-related death than those with low body fat. Meanwhile, men with high muscle mass and low body fat show a significant decrease in risk, but not as pronounced as seen in women.
A significant portion of Mars's water is still present on the planet, with estimates suggesting 30-99 percent is trapped within minerals in the crust. This discovery challenges the current theory that the Red Planet's water escaped into space due to low gravity.
A new indicator called Years of Good Life (YoGL) assesses overall progress towards global sustainability by considering life expectancy, poverty levels, and subjective life satisfaction. YoGL differs substantially between countries, highlighting gender inequality in living conditions and life satisfaction.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze brain activity in monkeys and found that complexity is key to indicating consciousness, shifting the focus from frontal cortex to back of the head for electrode placement.
GIST scientists create a radiative cooler that keeps wearable devices cool even under direct sunlight, enabling accurate measurements and improving human body monitoring. The innovative material has high reflectivity and emissivity, making it suitable for outdoor wearables.
Researchers at New York University discovered that birds' looped airways facilitate one-way flows of air, allowing them to perform complex tasks like flying across oceans and high altitudes. This finding offers new insights into aerodynamics and potential applications in flow engineering for respiratory ventilators and other technologies.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine used machine learning to analyze online reviews of substance use treatment facilities, finding that staff dedication and professionalism were key qualities that drove patient satisfaction. The study identified 16 recurring themes in reviews, with 'dedicated staff' and '...
A new study by Dartmouth engineers has reduced patient wait times at Lahey Hospital in Massachusetts by 23%. The researchers used optimization and simulation tools to analyze data and develop a mathematical model to optimize the length of each exam slot and placement of inpatient exams.
A study of 21 OECD countries from 1980 to 2016 found that military spending hindered green economic growth. Militarization is a major consumer of non-renewable energy and causes significant air and environmental pollution. Economists recommend reducing military spending and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Researchers at NREL and University of Utah developed a spin-polarized LED using metal-halide perovskites, enabling room-temperature operation without magnets. This breakthrough has broad implications for applications like quantum computing and bioencoding.
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to prevent dendrite formation in solid-state lithium batteries, potentially unlocking the potential of high-powered batteries. The team created a semisolid electrode with a self-healing surface, allowing for high current densities without dendrites.
A 20-year-long study of Puerto Rican youth sheds light on the factors influencing mental health development, highlighting the importance of context and resilience. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding developmental psychopathology among ethnically diverse children growing up in disadvantaged contexts.
Four sleep and circadian scientists were selected as 2021 SRS award recipients, including Allison G. Harvey for her treatment development research, Colin E. Sullivan for his novel discoveries on sleep apnea, Girardin Jean-Louis for his education and outreach efforts, and James K. Walsh for his public service and leadership in the field.
A minimally invasive treatment known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) provides quick and sustained pain relief, improving quality of life for cancer patients with bone tumors. The benefits last more than 12 months, significantly outperforming radiation treatment.
Flat brain organoids grown on 3D-printed scaffolds show intrinsic gyrification, increasing size and surface-to-volume ratio and offering potential for biologically relevant systems. The results overcome shape limitations of previous spherical models, enabling consistent formation of neuroepithelial folding.
Higher temperatures can reduce photosynthesis efficiency and hinder plants' ability to regulate CO2 uptake and water loss. Plants with structural features that make them more or less susceptible to heat stress also influence how temperature affects crop yields.
Researchers found that employees who took more frequent microbreaks were better able to manage their fatigue and engage with their work throughout the day. Microbreaks include short, voluntary respites such as snacking or chatting with colleagues, and can be beneficial for both employers and employees.
A new study published in JAMA found that taking vitamin D or fish oil supplements does not lower the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The research, led by Christine Albert, confirms previous findings and advises against using these supplements for prevention.
Researchers discovered that varying levels of a DNA repair enzyme called AAG can lead to different outcomes after exposure to NDMA, a probable carcinogen. High levels of AAG can cause tissue damage and cell death, while low levels can result in more cancer mutations.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's journal found that low doses of propylparaben can alter pregnancy-related changes in the breast, reducing protection against breast cancer. The researchers tested mice exposed to environmentally relevant doses of propylparaben during pregnancy and breastfeeding, finding increased rates o...
Scientists studied perylene diimide derivatives to understand their electrical behavior, finding that different molecular vibrations affect the speed of electrons. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient electronic materials, including applications for computers and energy storage.
A new study suggests that volcano alerts issued during long periods of volcanic unrest can decline housing prices and other economic indicators. The greatest exception was Mount St. Helens, where volcano tourism and proximity to Portland may have mitigated the impact.
Researchers have isolated multidrug-resistant Candida auris from a sandy beach and tidal swamp, revealing the fungus thrives in natural environments. Whole genome sequencing shows close relation to pathogenic strains in Southeast Asia, suggesting a possible connection between human activity and its emergence.
A rare bone point, dated between 5,300-3,800 years old, has been discovered near the Lower Murray River, providing insights into Ngarrindjeri country's material culture. The artefact, likely made from a macropod bone, was found during excavation work and is believed to have been used for piercing soft materials or as a projectile point.
Scientists at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a combination of pitavastatin and capmatinib as effective in inhibiting oral cancer cell growth. This breakthrough provides new hope for treating devastating diseases like esophageal carcinoma, which has no targeted therapies.
Researchers at Florida State University found that certain coral species vary in their response to thermal stress, with some surviving and others dying. This diversity helps maintain coral reef resilience, much like a diverse financial portfolio.
A new study of UK Biobank participants found slow walkers have over twice the risk of contracting a severe version of COVID-19 and are almost four times more likely to die from the virus. The analysis examined body mass index (BMI) and self-reported walking pace with the risk of contracting severe COVID-19 and COVID-19 mortality.
Anna Choromanska receives $532,892 grant to develop efficient deep learning training strategies and promote STEM education. Her work has significant implications for various industries and society, highlighting the impact of young researchers in academia.
Human viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, adapt their codon usage to specific tissues based on cellular machinery preference. This adaptation enables more effective antiviral treatments, gene therapies, and vaccines by targeting specific tissue types.
A study of tile ends from Ximing Temple reveals significant variations in the late samples, suggesting a shift away from centralized manufacturing and towards small private artisans. The findings also indicate two distinct cultural traditions merged during this period.