A meta-analysis of 48,000 people found that vision impairment is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to normal vision or mild vision impairment. The risk increases significantly among those with severe vision impairment.
Researchers at Northwestern University created a new form of synthetic melanin that mimics the properties of fungal melanin, which can protect against environmental stressors. The material, called 'fungal ghosts,' is selectively porous, allowing it to store and capture molecules while letting good stuff through.
The article proposes reserving Johnson & Johnson vaccines for younger, healthier populations and boosting them with mRNA vaccinations for better efficacy. Boosting people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection also enhances their immune response.
A new study from The George Institute for Global Health found that countries are wasting resources by treating only one aspect of cardiovascular disease, rather than looking at the big picture. The researchers discovered a higher risk of CVD in lower educated and non-employed people, as well as an underuse of medicines in those at high...
IdentifySensors Biologics has partnered with Purdue Research Foundation to develop a rapid diagnostic platform for detecting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of COVID-19 sensors and expand pathogen detection capabilities.
Research at OHSU finds that patients with substance use disorder face housing instability, hospital isolation, and uncertain transitions home due to pandemic-related policies. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare systems to incorporate patient voices and address systemic needs.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that regular physical activity significantly reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes for people living in polluted regions. The research, conducted in Taiwan, investigated the combined effects of physical activity and air pollution on type 2 diabetes risk.
A randomized clinical trial found that ivermectin did not improve the time to resolution of symptoms in adults with mild COVID-19. The study suggests that ivermectin may have no effect on treating mild cases of the disease, highlighting the need for further research.
A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that participants could regulate neural activity in targeted regions using rtfMRI-NF, with a moderate impact during training and increased impact later without feedback. The study suggests a positive impact on brain and behavioral outcomes, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
A new model links bacterial metabolism and growth to mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, enabling predictions of mutation types and levels. The study suggests a previously unobserved connection between nutrient uptake and resistance development, which can inform strategies for slowing resistance emergence.
Fermented wool retains its color without fading, a technique used by textile craftsmen in the Iron Age. The method involves fermenting wool and dyeing it with Turkey red, providing an insight into ancient textile production.
Research by Steven Alvarado found that having college-bound friends increases the likelihood of enrolling in college, but this effect is weaker for Black and Latino students. Structural and cultural processes may mitigate the influence of friendship on these groups' college enrollment rates.
A study by physicians from IMIM found that administering zinc to COVID-19 patients with low zinc levels can reduce mortality and recovery time, while also preventing severe effects in at-risk groups. The study revealed a direct link between higher zinc levels and reduced risk of death from COVID-19.
A culturally tailored intervention combining safe sex and risky alcohol use strategies reduced drinking and increased safe sex among young Black women. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that a group therapy component was effective in addressing these issues.
A new microcomb technology has been developed by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, which can generate a wide range of optical frequencies with high precision. This technology has the potential to be used in various applications, including exoplanet discovery and disease diagnosis.
Researchers found that SKN-1B controls behaviors like foraging, eating and resting in nematode worms, which may regulate food-sensing and fullness in humans. The study proposes a similar transcription factor, Nrfs, as a potential target for developing drugs controlling overeating.
Scientists at the University of Freiburg have discovered three key enzymes that play a crucial role in synthesizing natural products. These enzymes restructure a chemical precursor molecule to create the carbon backbone of these compounds, which are used for various pharmacological effects.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified proteomic signatures associated with aggressive cancer types, including altered cellular pathways and novel therapeutic targets. The study provided proof-of-concept that proteomics analysis is a valuable strategy to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that collagen produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts slows tumor progression in pancreatic cancer. Collagen helps block immune signals that lead to suppression of anti-tumor immune response.
A new study estimates that at least 44% of UK seagrasses have been lost since 1936, with losses accelerating in recent decades. The research highlights the urgent need to protect current seagrass meadows and restore degraded or lost ones to mitigate climate change and support marine biodiversity.
Among 789 professional athletes, imaging evidence of inflammatory heart disease was identified in five athletes (0.6%) who underwent cardiac screening and resumed play. No adverse cardiac events occurred in these athletes.
A recent study by University of Texas at Dallas researchers investigates the role of recommender systems in e-commerce platforms. The study finds that while these systems increase sales and introduce consumers to new products, they can also cause sellers to decrease prices and reduce their advertising efforts.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed a novel technique for transplanting HSCs into mouse embryos without destroying the host hematopoietic system. This breakthrough enables the study of fetal hematopoiesis and paves the way for future humanization using human HSCs.
Scientists have isolated a peptide, EnnA, from a fungus in Morocco that directly inhibits HSP90, a powerful cell protector hijacked by cancer. Early evidence shows EnnA induces immune cells to attack cancer cells, promoting immunogenic cell death and potentially offering a new treatment for triple negative breast cancer.
Researchers assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile robotic system in acquiring vital signs, performing nasal or oral swabs, and facilitating contactless triage interviews. The study suggests that robotic systems may be a viable option for improving patient care in emergency departments.
A new study from the University of East Anglia and the UK Energy Research Centre found that people's views and actions on climate change should be included in decision-making processes. The research reveals a holistic approach to public engagement, highlighting various ways citizens are engaging with low-carbon energy futures.
A study by UC Riverside found that adopting unique rituals to make everyday tasks more meaningful can reduce feelings of loneliness. Participants who engaged in ritualistic consumption of consumer products reported feeling less lonely and having a greater sense of meaning in their lives.
Researchers discovered that resilient women describe their sense of living as a dynamic, ongoing process involving control, personal resources, social relationships, and acceptance. The study highlights the importance of societal support and accessible services to help young women with similar experiences.
A large-scale study published in JAMA Cardiology found that inflammatory heart disease is rare among professional athletes with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. Only five out of 789 athletes developed heart inflammation, indicating a very low incidence of heart risk after mild COVID-19.
Scientists have developed a new technique to manipulate nanoparticles with the same refractive properties as their background environment, overcoming a fundamental technical challenge. This breakthrough has huge potential in fields like medicine, enabling precise manipulation and measurement of microscopic objects inside cells.
The study found that air pollutants decreased more than carbon dioxide during the lockdown, confirming earlier assumptions. The researchers also revealed that domestic and commercial energy consumption contribute less to nitrogen oxide emissions than previously thought, with traffic responsible for over 90% of emissions.
Researchers developed PopDel, a program that reliably identifies large deletions in thousands of genomes simultaneously. The software outperformed existing methods, detecting rare gene variants associated with healthy lipid metabolism.
A new study aims to explore the cause and therapeutic treatment for left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC), also known as a 'spongy heart'. The research, led by University of Houston pharmacologist Mingfu Wu, seeks to determine how heart muscle fails to compact and develop medicines to reduce symptoms.
A study found SARS-CoV-2 present on ocular surfaces in 52 of 91 patients with COVID-19, suggesting potential detection through non-invasive methods. The virus may also be detected when nasopharyngeal swab results are negative.
The model evaluates synergy between properties going up for auction, allowing governments to decide if bundling or separate auctions are more beneficial. Bundling guarantees synergy realization, but reduces flexibility in allocating items to bidders.
NUTRITION 2021 LIVE ONLINE features leading scientists & the latest research on physiology & metabolism, clinical nutrition & food systems. The virtual meeting provides unparalleled access to a global community of nutrition experts.
Researchers found evidence of tectonic activity on exoplanet LHS 3844b, resulting in extreme temperature contrasts and potential volcanic activity. The planet's surface receives intense radiation, causing blistering heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night.
A new NASA-funded project aims to understand the effects of cities as ecological traps for migrating birds. Researchers will use radar data and community science tools to count up to 1.1 million birds in urban areas, measuring their behavior and impact on populations.
Researchers discovered that the WOX9 gene can induce more flowers to form in various plant species by changing its regulation, suggesting potential for improving crop yields. Genome editing allowed them to reveal the gene's additional functions without altering its protein product.
Scientists have identified two specific proteins in plants that act as zinc sensors, allowing them to absorb and transport zinc more efficiently. This discovery could lead to the development of more nutritious crops, particularly for areas where malnutrition is prevalent.
A recent study found that lower self-esteem, less optimism, and higher negative peer behaviors were associated with greater PTSD symptoms in Black girls. Caregiver support was also linked to increased PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of addressing historical trauma in households.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that cancer-causing mutations can arise decades ago, in some cases as far back as 40 years before diagnosis. The study used genetic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to reconstruct the lineage history of cancer cells in two patients with a rare blood cancer.
Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that cytisine reduces dopamine neuron loss in females, providing potential evidence for treating Parkinson's disease. The protective effect of cytisinex occurred only in female animal models, and combining it with estrogen produced a stronger effect.
A new study found that children born to women taking epilepsy medications during pregnancy have no developmental delays at age three. The study involved 275 women with epilepsy and 77 without the disease, and found no differences in developmental scores between the two groups.
Researchers successfully targeted Cryptococcus species using reprogrammed CAR T-cells, effectively controlling the growth of fungi. The treatment showed promising results in vitro and in mice, with reduced titan cells indicating a good prognosis for new treatments. This innovative approach could also be applied to other fungal infections.
Scientists developed a new model to assess the efficiency of group testing for COVID-19, accounting for dilution effects and detection limits. The model optimizes group size to minimize false negatives and determine contaminated individuals in a population.
A recent study by Berkeley Lab scientists confirms the hypothesis that a protein called ORF8 holds the answer to understanding how the new strain of coronavirus evolved. Meanwhile, a new report assesses the economic costs of widespread power outages and finds that utilities rarely account for direct and indirect costs.
Japanese researchers create simulation method for theoretical estimation of catalytic reaction efficiency, enabling forecasting of reactant conversion and product selectivity. The method can be applied to various catalyst systems, contributing to a carbon-free society.
A SUTD study found that big droughts in the Greater Mekong region reduce hydropower production, leading to increased fossil fuel use and higher carbon emissions. The researchers suggest using mathematical models to coordinate water-energy operations and prepare contingency plans for droughts.
Researchers tracked breeding gannets for 11 years, finding that females travel up to 260km to find food, while males average 220km. The study highlights the importance of long-term studies and suggests differences in diet between sexes may be due to subtle taste preferences.
A new report finds that western US butterfly populations are declining rapidly due to fall warming trends, which induce physiological stress and affect development and hibernation preparation. Conservation efforts in urban areas with constant water flow will be crucial in preventing further declines and extinction.
Researchers found that frog lungs reduce sensitivity to environmental noise, making it easier for females to zero in on male calls. The unique sound pathway allows sounds from air-filled lungs to transmit to middle ears through a specific mechanism.
Researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells to identify correlations between genetic variants and altered expression patterns in human cells. The study found thousands of disease-associated genetic variants linked to specific diseases, including coronary heart disease and hereditary cancers.
The new project posits that deep neural networks struggle with real-world problems due to an overemphasis on neurons, which neglect the role of astrocytes. Integrating astrocytes could enhance DNN efficiency and performance.
Animal responses to infectious disease exhibit pathogen-induced behavioral changes, including sickness behaviors and self-isolation. Nonhuman animals alter social interactions in response to infection, offering insights into underlying epidemiological mechanisms.
Daydreaming can be an antidote to boredom, but it's surprisingly demanding. Research suggests that we don't intuitively understand how to think enjoyable thoughts. To master daydreaming, try priming your brain with pleasant topics and timing it when you're minimally occupied.
A new research project aims to understand the psychological impact of COVID-19 restrictions on prisoners and prison staff. The study, funded by £251,240, will examine how lockdown measures affect prisoners' behavior and mental health.
Researchers analyzed 18,463 Finnish samples to track genetic ancestry from 1923 to 1987. The study found significant changes associated with WWII and urbanization, capturing a detailed history of Finland's population in space and time.
Magnetic whirls, known as skyrmions, exhibit particle-like properties when confined to geometric structures. The researchers discovered that the stability of skyrmions varies greatly depending on their arrangement within these structures, with certain patterns resulting in high stability and mobility.
A new general relativistic framework for models of galactic rotation curves alleviates the need for dark matter by incorporating gravitomagnetic fields. The theory proposes that these fields can explain the effects of dark matter, suggesting a possible elimination of this form of matter.