Researchers outline proposals for 'technosignatures' - evidence of technology use in other parts of the Universe- to search for intelligent extraterrestrial life. The study suggests searching for industrial pollution, large satellite swarms, and gigantic space engineering work as potential signs of civilization.
A clinical trial revealed that bone marrow cell injections can lead to a reduction in brain injury after a stroke, with improvements seen in the corticospinal tract 12 months post-treatment. The study suggests a potential approach for regenerative therapies to improve brain health for millions of patients affected by stroke.
New modeling experiments predict that reducing air pollution, such as sulfate aerosols, will increase surface air temperature at current and increased carbon dioxide levels. The loss of a cooling effect caused by the light-scattering particles accelerates global warming without simultaneous reductions in greenhouse gas production.
Research suggests that the UK's sugar tax on soft drinks has resulted in a decrease of around 30g of sugar per household per week, equivalent to three fewer teaspoons. This reduction occurred without affecting overall sales or purchases of other drink types, indicating potential benefits for public health.
Physicists at the University of Queensland have created a new method for finding unknown quantum states, called self-guided tomography, which enables them to locate quvigints more quickly and accurately in high dimensions. This technique uses machine learning to pick directions, collect data, and process it to find the target state.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have successfully measured the smallest gravitational force yet by using a ladybug-sized mass. The team, led by Markus Aspelmeyer and Tobias Westphal, has picked up on an idea from Henry Cavendish's 18th-century experiment to measure gravitational forces with increasing accuracy.
Researchers are conducting a pilot study to investigate SARS-CoV-2 in animals. Four pets have tested positive for COVID-19 in Arizona so far, and the project aims to better understand the risk factors leading to transmission between humans and animals.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a conductive cellulose thread that can be used to create electronic textiles. The thread is made from sustainable and non-toxic materials, making it suitable for a range of applications, including healthcare and the textile industry.
A study of 38 children found that neurological complications of COVID-19 often resemble immune-mediated patterns of disease involving the brain, spine, and nerves. Most cases had mild or no symptoms, but some developed severe conditions such as myelitis and quadriplegia.
A global study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at increased risk of severe illness, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds or with pre-existing conditions. The review also found low rates of stillbirth and neonatal death among infected women.
A large-scale chikungunya outbreak in Thailand from 2018-2019 was likely caused by the introduction of a CHIKV strain from South Asia. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlighted the importance of global health surveillance and preparedness against vector-borne diseases.
Researchers found that objective and subjective memory can function independently and involve different parts of the brain. People tend to make decisions based on how they feel about a memory rather than its accuracy.
Researchers warn of the environmental threat posed by disposable face masks made from microplastic fibers, which can fragment into nanoplastics and contaminate ecosystems. The production of disposable masks is estimated to be on a similar scale as plastic bottles, but with no official recycling guidelines.
Researchers have identified 1,600 genes related to stable fly reproduction, which could lead to new biological controls. The study's findings have huge economic implications from tourism to agriculture, with estimated annual losses of $2.2 billion.
A team of MIT researchers has developed a new way to produce holograms almost instantly using deep learning, allowing for real-time hologram generation. The 'tensor holography' method can run on a smartphone and is more efficient than traditional physics-based simulations.
A new study published in Addiction highlights the effectiveness of daily e-cigarette use in aiding smoking cessation. The research found that daily e-cigarette users were over five times more likely to achieve abstinence from tobacco smoking for one month compared to those using no quitting aids.
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University have developed a compound called ASO-1 that targets the TYK2 enzyme, which is linked to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, as well as severe COVID-19. The compound has been shown to potently reduce TYK2 levels and inhibit immune signalling pathways.
Researchers developed a system to identify seismic events related to oil and gas activities, using sound signals and machine learning. They created 3D-printed rocks with controlled mineral layers to study fault failures and fracture types.
Researchers found that graphene flakes can temporarily inhibit excitatory synapses, reducing anxiety-related responses in rats. The nanomaterial was injected into the lateral amygdala, a region of the brain associated with stress response, and successfully reversed long-lasting anxiety behaviors.
Researchers assessed stigma levels among people with varying degrees of hair loss, revealing a significant impact on mental health and self-perception. The study found that those with noticeable hair loss reported feelings of shame and low self-confidence, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support.
A study of orthodox Jewish adults in the US found early parallel outbreaks in culturally linked communities before government directives. The research highlights sociocultural factors contributing to SARS-CoV-2 spread.
A new study reveals that modern lamprey larvae are a relatively recent innovation, contrary to the long-held hypothesis. The fossil discoveries indicate that ancient lampreys resembled modern adult lampreys, with large eyes and toothed sucker mouths.
Research from Binghamton University found that star employees take most of the credit for successful collaborations and most of the blame for failed ones, affecting non-star collaborators' careers. Non-stars may benefit from working with stars despite not receiving equal rewards or penalties.
The Medical University of South Carolina has enrolled children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in a trial of remestemcel-L, a novel cellular therapy. The treatment showed significant improvement within 24 hours for two patients, offering hope for better management of the rare but life-threatening condition.
A team of researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology has identified a critical protein segment responsible for activating the MRN complex, a key player in DNA repair. The discovery reveals a conserved function across species, with implications for genetic disorders and gene editing applications.
Eukaryotic cells use distillation-like processes to deliver molecules to correct destinations, with two spontaneous mechanisms working together. The process is optimized by specific parameters that ensure effective delivery of essential substances.
Researchers developed a new analysis system to study brain function and diseases using 3D artificial brain models. The system allows for precise non-destructive stimuli and real-time measurement of neural signals, providing insights into functional connections between brain cells.
A new study by Durham University reveals that playing with ultra-thin dolls can negatively impact young girls' body image, particularly when combined with exposure to 'thin ideals' in media. The research suggests that this can lead to body dissatisfaction and potentially eating disorders.
Patients with kidney disease who exercised regularly had lower rates of death, heart problems, and end-stage renal disease. The study found that moderate-intensity exercise (150 minutes/week) provided the most health benefits.
A study published in mBio found no SARS-CoV-2 virus in breast milk from COVID-19 positive mothers, while nearly two-thirds contained antibodies that can neutralize the virus. This research provides new clarity on guidance for post-natal mothers and suggests that breastfed babies may be protected against COVID-19.
Two FAU researchers, Xiangnan Zhong and Zhen Ni, have received NSF CAREER awards to investigate artificial intelligence techniques and develop cooperative learning strategies. The projects aim to improve learning speed, data efficiency, and generalization of optimization performance.
A study by University of South Florida researchers found nearly 100% of red snappers sampled showed evidence of liver damage, indicating early warning signs of a compromised ecosystem. Chronic oil exposure has been linked to cancer and death in fish.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test to assess numeracy skills in first graders, which also measures listening comprehension and executive functions. The study found that a 15-week 'maths boost' program significantly improved numerical relational skills in children who received extra practice.
An observational study analyzed data from 10,477 individuals in Israel and found that aspirin use was associated with a 29% lower likelihood of COVID-19 infection. Aspirin treatment was also linked to shorter conversion times for positive to negative PCR test results and reduced disease duration.
Bacterial mutants struggling to survive due to nutrient scarcity often form clusters to cooperate and share nutrients, rather than competing with wild-type bacteria. This cooperative behavior masks the true frequency of mutations, making it seem like a lower rate of mutant emergence is occurring.
Researchers applied a new method to analyze ancient dental calculus, identifying dairy proteins and bacterial fragments that shed light on ancient diseases. The single-pot solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3) approach increased the number of unique protein fragments detected.
Two Cornell University scientists are tracking down the cause of rapid apple decline, a phenomenon causing trees to deteriorate and die in just weeks. They will analyze root systems, viruses, and commercial apple orchards to determine the underlying cause.
Research summarizes COVID-19 gastrointestinal symptoms in patients, detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA and virus particles in intestinal samples. Animal models suggest high susceptibility of intestines to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with potential faecal-oral transmission risks.
Researchers at Jilin University developed a see-through glass display that transitions smoothly between a spectrum of colors when electrically charged. The technology harnesses interactions between metal ions and ligands, offering high white light contrast ratio and numerous applications.
Researchers have successfully mapped the metallic and insulating regions of atomically engineered devices made from rare-earth nickelate compounds at near-atomic resolution. This breakthrough enables a deeper understanding of the physics behind these electronic materials, which may be used in future computing approaches.
Researchers at Skoltech have successfully synthesized Yttrium Hydride (YH6), a high-temperature superconductor that ranks among the top three known to date. The material exhibits superconductivity at temperatures of up to 243 K, with critical magnetic field discrepancies yet to be fully explained.
The University of Ottawa is expanding its Windsor campus to meet the demand for francophone teachers in Ontario. The new campus will double capacity and offer programs for primary/junior and junior/intermediate students, aiming to address the shortage of qualified educators.
A new study found that 58% of healthcare workers met the threshold for any mental health disorder, with 22% experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. The research highlights the need for immediate additional mental health support and long-term planning to meet staff needs.
A new study found that healthy plant-based diets rich in leafy greens, whole grains, and beans lower overall stroke risk, but not hemorrhagic stroke risk. The study suggests that future nutrition policies should consider the quality of food to reduce stroke risk.
UK fishers face economic insecurity and climate-driven storms, making it harder to balance risks and rewards. The study suggests that factors like household income, fishing success, and crew support influence decision-making, with skippers taking greater risks when expecting good catches.
A team led by Professor Malte Drescher successfully observed the membrane binding of α-synuclein in living cells using a new measurement method. The study provides direct evidence that α-synuclein interacts with intracellular membranes, which may play a role in Parkinson's disease development.
Researchers have identified a new molecular target, MDM4, that could potentially treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by initiating a genetic program to remove scar tissue from the lungs. Targeting this protein may prevent respiratory failure and improve treatment options for patients with IPF.
A systematic review of 65 studies reveals that 1 in 5 healthcare workers experienced depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD during the pandemic. The highest pooled rates were found in Middle East countries.
A research team has developed a novel nano-micelle packaging method for delivering CRISPR/Cas9 components, allowing for efficient genome editing in the mouse brain. The optimized nano-micelles enable targeted and precise editing of genomic sequences with minimal off-target effects.
Researchers found that social distancing prevented an acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) outbreak in 2020, likely due to reduced enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) transmission. The study suggests that vaccines targeting EV-D68 could lessen future AFM outbreaks.
The pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health issues among children and young people, with increased rates of self-harm and anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts reported, while education disruptions pose uncertain futures.
Researchers found that robots can elicit involvement from even the most reluctant participants by redirecting their gaze towards less proficient players, suggesting a productive role for robots in educational settings.
A new analysis of cases in six US states experiencing surges found that adolescents and young adults are indeed more susceptible to COVID-19. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed data from a total of over 200,000 cases.
The surging Bitcoin price is driving increasing energy consumption, with estimates suggesting the entire network could consume up to 184 TWh per year. This 'lock-in' effect means that even if the price crashes, energy consumption remains high, threatening international safety and exacerbating climate change.
The UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals will have both positive and negative impacts on the world's forests. Positive impacts are associated with education, well-being, and social progress, while damaging impacts are linked to energy, infrastructure, and transportation.
Recalling autobiographical self-efficacious behavior can boost personal resilience by making it easier to view stressful situations in a different light. This technique may be particularly useful during the coronavirus crisis where negative impacts of the pandemic can be shielded against.
A study found that US states with Republican governors experienced higher COVID-19 cases and deaths after mid-summer, possibly due to differing policies. The analysis suggests that governor party affiliation may contribute to public health policy decisions, influencing the pandemic's impact.
Carbon nanotubes have been engineered to produce moiré patterns, which could enhance material properties. The researchers' breakthrough has significant implications for the development of superconducting materials with improved performance.
A graduate student used a class assignment to apply linear algebra techniques to analyze flow field data, identifying dominant modes that capture the most important characteristics of the flow. This technique, called proper orthogonal decomposition, allows for efficient study of unsteady processes with minimal noise and uncertainty.
A study by University of Bristol Veterinary School has identified 27 breeds at higher risk of osteosarcoma due to their body size and shape. The research used data from over 1,700 confirmed cases, finding that dogs with shorter skulls and legs have lower osteosarcoma risk.