Dr. Kelly Haas is studying the structure, stability, and resilience of the hand microbiome in collaboration with GOJO Industries. Her goal is to understand how the hand microbiome responds to hand hygiene events and develop new products that minimize the trade-off between public health and personal hand health.
A multidisciplinary research team has built nanoscale bubbles with customizable outer shells that can travel to and penetrate inaccessible areas in the human body. The breakthrough enables clearer ultrasound images and potentially improved disease detection and targeted drug delivery.
The UMass Lowell project aims to create new uses for plastic waste and improve recycling of plastic films from industrial and consumer goods. Researchers will develop innovative plastics-processing technologies to support manufacturers across the country.
Researchers found that impaired microRNAs, particularly miR-30c, are responsible for the ineffective function of stem cells in diabetic hearts. Increasing miR-30c levels in the heart improves stem cell survival and growth, offering a novel therapy for treating type-2 diabetic heart disease
Zhan Xiaowei's group has developed a new class of molecular design strategies for fused-ring electron acceptors (FREAs), leading to unprecedented breakthroughs in organic solar cells. The discovery has surpassed fullerenes in performance and opened up new applications in perovskite solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, and more.
A new study by Uppsala University found that unmarried patients and those with low educational attainment are less likely to be treated with a stem-cell transplantation for mantle cell lymphoma. The study suggests that this may result in poorer survival rates.
A comprehensive review reveals the benefits of firefly tourism, including economic and social gains, but also highlights threats to local firefly populations. The authors urge site managers, tour guides, and tourists to adopt tailored conservation practices and promote eco-friendly behavior to protect these charismatic creatures.
Mobile stroke units are ambulances with specialized staff and equipment to provide rapid stroke treatment on the way to the hospital. They administer medications to restore blood flow, control bleeding or lower high blood pressure before reaching the emergency department.
A phase 1 study found that a single dose of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine induced both antibody and cellular immune responses. The vaccine is currently being tested in two phase 3 clinical trials to determine its efficacy against COVID-19.
A Mayo Clinic study found that vaccinated patients without symptoms had an 80% lower adjusted risk of testing positive for COVID-19 after their last dose. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna messenger RNA vaccines showed efficacy in limiting the spread of COVID-19 among asymptomatic individuals.
A study by RUDN University found that a marjoram-based supplement improves the growth of common carp and boosts their immunity against bacterial infections. The supplement demonstrated significant effects on fish infected with Aeromonas hydrophila, including increased survival rates and improved feed conversion rates.
A new study suggests that environmental DNA can help better understand which grasses are the worst offenders for outdoor allergens. The research found substantial variability in airborne pollen from different grass species and identified a disproportionate influence of certain grasses on relevant health outcomes.
Researchers develop bioinks that can mimic the dynamic properties of native tissue, enabling the creation of functional tissues and organs. The goal is to produce personalized materials that would not be rejected by the body.
A new study found that whooping cranes migrate around wind turbines to select safe rest and refueling locations. The researchers suggest placing infrastructure outside migration corridors to mitigate negative impacts on bird populations.
A large-scale genetic study has identified 50 new genes associated with human eye color, significantly expanding the current understanding of this complex trait. These findings will help improve diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases such as pigmentary glaucoma and ocular albinism.
A new imaging method has been developed that can capture high-resolution images of photoreceptors in the human eye, overcoming resolution limitations imposed by light diffraction. The technique uses annular pupil illumination and sub-Airy detection to enhance microscopy techniques for earlier detection and treatment of eye diseases.
A statewide study in Massachusetts public schools found no significant difference in COVID-19 case rates between districts with 3-foot versus 6-foot physical distancing policies with universal mask mandates. The study suggests that lower physical distancing policies can be adopted without negatively impacting student or staff safety.
A new study shows that machine-learning strategies can be applied to routinely collected physiological data to provide clues about pain levels in people with sickle cell disease. The researchers found that these vital signs give clues into the patients' reported pain levels, outperforming baseline models.
A team of researchers from the University of Houston found that the asthenosphere, a hot and softer layer beneath tectonic plates, is flowing vigorously, driving plate motions. This 'river of rocks' has been actively flowing for eight million years, shaping the Earth's surface and influencing earthquakes.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how cancer cells communicate to spread, a key step in metastasis. By targeting the VEGF-C protein, they aim to slow down or stop metastatic growth, providing new hope for treating fatal diseases.
The study found enormous differences in the availability and use of antibiotics between African and Asian countries, with Asia having more readily available antibiotics. Self-medication is a significant problem, with high rates in some countries, and context plays a crucial role in combating antibiotic resistance.
The HAWC Gamma Ray Observatory has discovered the origin of the highest-energy cosmic rays in the galaxy, which are traced to the Cygnus OB2 star-forming region. This breakthrough resolves a long-standing question in astrophysics and sheds light on the mechanisms that accelerate these particles to petaelectronVolt energies.
Research suggests autistic individuals, particularly females, exhibit unique neural connections and reduced default network activity compared to neurotypical males. These findings indicate a combination of sex-dependent and independent effects on brain connectivity in autism.
A study of low-income single Black mothers in Chicago's South Side found that chronic stress from violent neighborhoods alters gene activity in immune cells. The 'hunker down' response to long-term threat can lead to accelerated aging and worsened health outcomes.
Researchers have successfully created borophane, a stable form of atomically thin boron, which exhibits strength, flexibility and electronics properties. This breakthrough enables the exploration of its real-world applications in fields like batteries, electronics and quantum computing.
Researchers develop HeadFi, a plug-in headphone adapter that transforms regular headphones into sensors for user identification, heart rate monitoring and gesture recognition. The invention shows promise in upgrading existing headphones without requiring new hardware or customization.
A NIH-led team has noninvasively visualized photoreceptors in the retina with greater detail than ever before, improving resolution by a third. This breakthrough technique enables better tracking of degenerative changes and may lead to earlier detection and treatment of vision loss diseases.
A randomized clinical trial found that wearing clear masks reveals surgeons' faces, improving patients' perceptions of communication, trust, and empathy. This study suggests a potential benefit to using clear masks in surgical clinics.
Scientists have developed a technique to identify Parkinson's based on compounds found in sebum, a oily substance that coats the skin. The test shows promise for diagnosing the condition quickly and painlessly, with 85% accuracy.
Researchers challenge prevailing views that warmer climate means more dry land by developing a new metric of drylands based on land surface properties. The study found that climate models don't project a dramatic and rapid global expansion of drylands, but still struggle with uncertainty about future land changes.
Researchers emphasize the importance of universal digital intelligence standards in K-12 classrooms to safeguard students from cyberbullying, gaming disorders, and other online threats. A global framework is being adopted by institutions worldwide to equip one billion people with digital skills within 10 years.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a cellular stress enzyme called MARK2 that controls protein synthesis in response to types of stress or damage seen in neurodegenerative disorders. The finding suggests that MARK2 may play a key role in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.
A new hyperpolarized proton MRI method has been developed by researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz. This technique uses parahydrogen to track biochemical processes in real-time, enabling the observation of metabolic processes without the drawbacks of existing hydrogen-based imaging methods.
Researchers at Northwestern University have visualized the 3D structure of the Mediator-bound pre-initiation complex (Med-PIC) in human cells, revealing its role in regulating gene expression. The complex, consisting of 26 subunits, helps position RNA polymerase II and general transcription factors to transcribe specific genes.
Researchers have successfully generated lab-grown mini-thyroid organs from patients' own thyroid tissue, which can produce thyroid hormones. The study provides a potentially unlimited source of lab-grown thyroid tissue and may lead to new therapy options for hypothyroidism.
Researchers found a strong association between ischemic stroke occurrence and severity with an increased risk of dementia. The study's findings emphasize the importance of preventing stroke to maintain high levels of physical and cognitive function and quality of life.
A novel technique has been developed to explore the fine structure of barium titanate, a perovskite titanate that could potentially replace lead titanate in sensors. The study found similar orbital hybridization between titanium and oxygen, as well as between barium and titanium electrons, contributing to polarization reversal.
A new study found that vaccinating adults age 26 and older against HPV may not provide significant health benefits, due to high costs and lower vaccine efficacy in older individuals. Cervical cancer screening remains an effective way to protect women from cervical cancer.
A 47-million-year-old fly fossil found in Vienna revealed that flies played a significant role in ancient pollination. The fly's stomach contents showed pollen from various plant species, suggesting its importance in pollen dispersal and biotic interactions.
A new study suggests that targeted screening for prostate cancer could prevent up to 16% of prostate cancer deaths and reduce overdiagnosis by 27%. The study, led by UCL researchers, recommends screening men with a high genetic risk profile using an MRI scan before biopsy.
Researchers found that delays in hospital treatment after ER arrival can significantly impact stroke outcomes, even for patients who arrive early. Patients with severe strokes who experience delays may lose eight weeks of healthy life if treated within four hours of symptom onset.
In snowy plover species, females often abandon their broods to mate with new partners, a behavior that may be beneficial for parental reproductive success. The study found that females desert their broods primarily due to poor environmental conditions or when chicks have a good chance of survival without them.
A new study by researchers at UCSF found that fatal police violence near a pregnant woman's home increases the risk of preterm birth. The study analyzed records of 3.8 million pregnant women and found that deaths due to police violence, particularly among Black victims, were strongly associated with moderate or late preterm delivery.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to mine physiological data from patients with chronic pain, detecting changes in pain levels and atypical fluctuations. The study aims to provide a more precise treatment method by supplementing subjective pain assessments with objective data-driven approaches.
A comprehensive modeling study reveals that socioeconomic factors synergistically drive health inequities in influenza burden across the US. People of lower socioeconomic status bear a disproportionate burden of infection, with disparities arising from combined social-economic and healthcare factors.
The review article discusses modulation strategies for 2D semiconductors, including Coulomb interaction modification and influencing factors like initial photocarrier distribution and phonon-assisted relaxation. Researchers aim to provide guidance for developing robust methods tuning photocarrier relaxation behaviors.
A 16-week lifestyle intervention reduced stress levels and led to fewer fast-food meals among overweight, low-income mothers. The program focused on stress management and practical tips, resulting in a 7% decrease in high-fat food consumption.
The Reforestation Hub is an interactive map that color-codes individual counties by reforestation opportunity, revealing a great deal of potential for restoration across the US. The tool identifies trends and quantifies land suitability for forest cover, providing valuable insights for foresters and policymakers.
A study found lifestyle interventions reduced cardiovascular harm and optimized benefits for 85% of participants. However, it increased the risk of major cardiovascular events in those with poor blood sugar control, suggesting alternative options like glucose-lowering drugs may be necessary.
A study published in Science reveals that a fungus found in foods like cheese and processed meats can infect sites of intestinal damage in mice and people with Crohn's disease, preventing healing. Treating infected mice with antifungal medication allows wounds to heal.
Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore have developed a novel CRISPR-based gene editor, CGBE, to treat genetic disorders. The CGBE gene editor enables precise changes to single-nucleotide mutations in the human genome.
A team of physicists at TUM has developed a coil with superconducting wires capable of transmitting power in the order of more than five kilowatts without significant loss. The researchers optimized the distance between individual windings to achieve a higher power density, paving the way for exciting application areas such as industri...
Researchers successfully transferred entangled qubit states through a communication cable, paving the way for future quantum networks. The team achieved entanglement amplification via the cable, using superconducting qubits, and demonstrated a system that can send entangled quantum states with minimal loss of information.
Researchers propose using patient-specific digital twins to model viral infections, integrating human physiology, immunology, and real-time clinical data. Medical digital twins could aid in optimizing treatments for individual COVID-19 patients, combining mechanistic knowledge with observational data and artificial intelligence.
A large UK-based study found that high blood pressure is poorly controlled in over half of those diagnosed with the condition, with older age, black ethnicity, and low earnings being key risk factors. Despite treatment, nearly two-thirds of patients are not receiving proper care.
Researchers aim to assess the efficacy of surface coating and aerosolized decontamination technologies to combat SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and in the air. The studies will test various materials, application strategies, and exposure durations to determine viral and microbial decontamination strategies.
Researchers found that drinking pomegranate juice daily during pregnancy reduced the risk of brain injury in infants with intrauterine growth restriction. The study suggests that polyphenols in pomegranate juice may provide neuroprotection, and further studies are planned to confirm these findings.
Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a novel approach to synthesize chiral tetraarylmethanes, a type of spherical molecule. The new method enables efficient access to this previously underexplored chemical space, with promising activity against cancer cells and enterovirus.
A study of COVID-19 face mask use in public places in China found that most people used masks but had compromised protection due to poor fit. Sealing the upper edge of the face mask with an adhesive tape strip substantially improved its airtightness.
Researchers found that wing tags severely impair Cape Vultures' flight performance, causing them to travel shorter distances and fly slower. Leg bands are a less invasive alternative for marking individuals, prompting a shift towards this method in vulture conservation.