The new PRISMA 2020 guideline provides a 27-item reporting checklist to ensure transparent, complete, and accurate accounts of systematic reviews. This updated version aims to combat incompletely reported reviews that lead to low-value healthcare.
A study analyzing genomic data from South American populations reveals an extensive Australasian genetic signal, previously thought to be confined to Amazonian groups. The findings suggest at least two migratory waves accounted for the present-day genetic diversity of Central and South American populations.
Researchers analyze Deccan Traps CO2 budgets and find that volcanic carbon emissions alone couldn't cause global warming, but magmas releasing CO2 beneath the surface could explain a warming event. The study provides new insights into the role of volcanism in shaping Earth's climate.
A study of over 150,000 European women has identified PAX8, CLPTM1L, and HLA region gene variants associated with an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. The findings open avenues for personalized screening approaches or targeted treatments.
The University of Maryland has discovered six new variants of CRISPR-Cas12a that can edit multiple sites in the genome simultaneously, enabling more efficient gene editing in plants. This breakthrough has major implications for precision breeding and increasing crop yields to feed a growing global population.
A comparative effectiveness study investigates COVID-19's association with radiation therapy benefits and risks in simulated patients. The study found that standard radiation therapy may increase mortality risk among COVID-19 patients.
Researchers identify patients at high risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma through aneuploidy detection in Barrett's Esophagus, allowing for early intervention. The new method, RealSeqS, is quick, cost-effective, and can process hundreds of samples, making it ideal for clinical implementation.
Researchers engineered a hawkmoth-pollinated Mimulus species by altering flower colour genes, showing strong preference for non-red colours. The study provides insights into the origin of new species through pollinator shift and suggests only a few simple genetic changes may be required.
A pilot human clinical trial found that GlyNAC improved various age-related defects, including glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The benefits were maintained for 24 weeks but declined after stopping supplementation.
Scientists have unraveled the evolution of photosynthetic algae by reconstructing a key protein that captures sunlight. The discovery sheds light on how these single-celled organisms thrived in inhospitable conditions, paving the way for modern plants and photosynthetic organisms.
India aims to quintuple wind and solar energy capacity by 2030, which could hold greenhouse gas emissions at 2018 levels while nearly doubling electricity supply. Researchers also discover a hidden charge-generating pathway in copper-phthalocyanine:fullerene material for more efficient sunlight conversion.
A study using non-invasive brain stimulation found that exciting the brain's reward circuit before listening to music increased pleasure, while inhibiting it decreased it. The researchers also discovered that synchronized activity between auditory and reward regions was linked to the pleasure experienced.
A study found that metformin successfully reduced symptoms associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, including a 44% drop in seizure frequency and a 21% reduction in brain tumour size. Researchers believe this could improve quality of life for TSC patients.
A new technique, hyperspectral interference tomography, has been developed to study the structure of nacre, a biomineral found in mother-of-pearl. This nondestructive method allows for the assessment of nacre layer thickness, which records temperature and can be used to analyze fossil mollusk shells and learn about past climates.
Researchers from the University of Illinois highlight the importance of proper bat box design and placement to prevent overheating. They recommend using large, well-ventilated designs with materials that provide better temperature buffers.
A team of Australian and German researchers found that GABA, a molecule associated with relaxation in animals, can control the size of plant leaves' pores to minimize water loss. This helps plants conserve water and survive longer during droughts.
Isaac Elishakoff, a distinguished research professor at FAU, has received the coveted Blaise Pascal Medal for his outstanding contributions to science and technology. The award recognizes his pioneering work in various areas of applied mechanics research and education.
A recent study by the University of Sydney found that 64% of the world's arable land is at risk of pesticide pollution. The research highlights concerns about human health and environmental impacts associated with widespread agricultural pesticide use, particularly in regions like Asia and Europe.
A new study from Arizona State University describes the detailed structure of Taspase 1 enzyme, a key player in various cancers. The researchers' findings suggest that disabling Taspase 1 activity could block cancer progression without harmful side effects.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a VaNGuard test that can detect the virus causing COVID-19, even with mutations. The test uses gene-editing tool CRISPR and yields results in 30 minutes, making it faster and more affordable than traditional tests.
A national survey of parents found that only half of children under 8 years old used recommended child car seats or booster seats in ride-share vehicles. Parents reported lower rates of child car seat use in ride-share compared to their usual travel method, highlighting the need for education and enforcement
Researchers have created an early prototype of a medical imaging system using neural networks to analyze near-infrared images of veins and project a venous pattern onto a patient's body. The system can detect vein contours accurately, fully automatically, and independently, reducing discomfort for patients with difficult access to veins.
Researchers at UFSCar in Brazil have developed a novel luciferin-luciferase system that produces far red light at 650 nanometers, three times brighter than natural luciferin and luciferase. This system has better thermal stability, cell membrane penetrability, and more lasting continuous bioluminescence.
A first-of-its-kind study with 144 pregnant women found that low parental socioeconomic status during pregnancy affects the developing fetal brain, altering key regions and cortical features. This can potentially impact neural, social-emotional and cognitive function later in infancy.
Researchers at NIMS and Osaka University have found a way to preserve superconductivity in thin films of atomic-scale thickness when exposed to strong magnetic fields. This discovery could lead to the development of superconducting materials resistant to magnetic fields, enabling topological superconductors for quantum computing applic...
A new study found that apes, including humans and chimpanzees, mount a stronger early response to viral and bacterial stimulation compared to African and Asian monkeys. This robust response may be due to differences in life history, with apes living longer and being larger, increasing their lifetime risk of pathogen exposure.
Researchers at UT Southwestern found that astronaut Scott Kelly's heart lost an average of 0.74 grams per week during his nearly a year-long stay in space. Despite regular exercise, the heart adapted relatively well and functioned well despite shrinking by about three-tenths of an ounce.
A Kaiser Permanente study reveals that Black middle-aged adults are at a significantly higher risk of stroke due to high blood pressure. The research highlights the importance of raising awareness among young and middle-aged Black adults about the dangers of hypertension.
A study by Scripps Research Institute found that experimental antibody therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's may cause brain inflammation, potentially eroding their positive effects. The researchers used human brain cells to examine this effect, which was not seen in mouse studies.
A new study by the University of Sydney suggests that climate change and environmental pressure are key factors in predicting the emergence of pandemics. The researchers found a link between higher human population density, forest coverage, and disease diversity, particularly in countries with larger land areas and more dense populations.
Researchers found that the genetic foundation required for oral venom to evolve is present in both reptiles and mammals. Salivary gland tissues in mammals display a similar pattern of gene activity as snake venom glands, suggesting an ancient functional core shared since the two lineages split hundreds of millions of years ago.
A new study found correlations between increased autistic-like behaviors in pre-school aged children and gestational exposure to environmental toxicants like metals, pesticides, and phthalates. Higher maternal concentrations of cadmium, lead, and some phthalates were associated with increased autistic-like behaviors.
Researchers at NIST developed a method using encounter metrics to measure interactions between individuals, promoting user anonymity. The system uses encrypted encounter IDs and ultrasonic ranging for accurate distance measurement, potentially slowing the spread of future pandemics.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened pregnancy and chronic disease-related inequities, researchers argue. Primary care clinicians must adopt holistic approaches to address interconnected health risks, including virtual medicine and self-monitoring tools.
Researchers identified a long-overlooked pattern in stomatal development, which suggests that living conditions regulate stomatal formation. The discovery uses the plant genus Callitriche, including both aquatic and terrestrial species, to reveal a coordinated delay in stomatal formation for aquatic species.
A randomized controlled experiment found that a 30-minute empathy exercise for probation and parole officers reduced their belief that individuals on probation are likely to reoffend. The intervention also led to a 13% decrease in recidivism rates among those supervised.
Researchers at PNNL are developing explainable AI expertise to tackle national security challenges. They use techniques like feature importance to understand why AI systems make certain decisions, ensuring trust in predictions made with slim and incomplete data.
Researchers at Kanazawa University created a new AFM approach to increase frame rates up to 30 fps, reducing sample disturbance and improving imaging capabilities.
Research estimates that physical inactivity is responsible for up to 8% of non-communicable diseases and deaths globally. The impact per person is greatest in high-income countries, while middle-income countries have the largest population affected by physical inactivity.
A new study found that 20% of high school students in Colorado have easy access to handguns, with males and transgender youth being more likely to report this. The researchers emphasize the need to raise awareness and improve efforts to reduce firearm access for youth in Colorado.
A new study found percutaneous image guided needle based thermal ablation to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for local control of metastatic gynecologic cancers. Nearly 96% of patients achieved complete tumor response over 10 months, with low side effects.
Kanazawa University researchers have fabricated a highly efficient perovskite solar cell with nearly the energy conversion efficiency of commercial silicon-based solar cells. The development has the potential to increase the competitiveness of solar cells as a sustainable energy source.
An international survey found that messaging emphasizing health system burden, personal risks, and financial motivations was most effective in encouraging smokers to quit. The research highlighted the importance of tailored communication prioritizing COVID-related health risk to support public health efforts during the pandemic.
Scientists at Graz University of Technology have successfully imaged surface phonons in three dimensions, revealing the spatial distribution of electromagnetic fields near nanosurfaces. This breakthrough could lead to improved thermal conduction, sensor technology, and energy storage.
Scientists observed hundreds of Larch Budmoths on Vize Island, with moths surviving up to 20 days after arrival. The study suggests that climate change is allowing southerly insects to colonize High Arctic islands, paving the way for forest insect invasion.
A recent review article published in Chinese Medical Journal explores the associations between psoriasis treatments and risks of cardiovascular diseases. The study finds that some treatments, such as TNF-α inhibitors and methotrexate, may reduce long-term cardiovascular risk, while others, like IL-12/23 inhibitors, may increase it.
Researchers used advanced technology to create a detailed map of diseased lung tissue in severe COVID-19 patients. The study revealed that cells called alveolar epithelial cells are the main targets of infection by SARS-CoV-2, and provided new insights into the causes of damage.
Recent Brigham Young University studies analyze how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shape adolescents' delinquent behaviors and fathers' parenting approaches. ACEs are linked to girls' delinquent behavior, while having ACEs does impact fathers' use of harsh disciplinary techniques and positive parenting characteristics.
A study by researchers from Russia, Germany, and Switzerland found that natural resources decrease income inequality in countries like Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands. These nations' developed democracies and transparent market economies hindered the concentration of control over resources, preventing an increase in inequality.
This year's award recipients demonstrate substantial and lasting impact on protein science, with notable achievements in education, technological advancement, and structural biology. Professor Sheila Jaswal and Petra Fromme are recognized for their exceptional contributions to protein research and education.
The UK variant B.1.1.7 is neutralized by 95% of serum samples from infected individuals, while the South African variant B.1.351 requires six times higher antibody concentrations to be neutralized effectively. Vaccinated individuals also show reduced efficacy against the South African variant.
A new study links increased precipitation in Italy to historical accounts of saints' miracles, demonstrating a unique cultural response to climate change. Researchers integrated paleoclimate proxies with historical records, revealing exceptional moisture levels and unusual water miracles in sixth-century texts.
A study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed tens of millions of pharmacy transactions to understand the use of vouchers and coupons. The researchers found that these offsets are concentrated among a small number of drugs, covering about half of their costs, with manufacturer-provided offsets fully covering pat...
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that consuming online partisan news leads to a decrease in trust in the media. After eight weeks, participants' trust in the media appeared to decrease, and this effect remained detectable nearly a year later.
The Deccan Traps volcanic province shows that magmas rich in carbon dioxide erupted prior to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. The study suggests that both surface eruptions and underground gas release are necessary to account for global warming leading up to this event.
A recent study found that adults with periodontitis, a severe gum infection, are more likely to have higher blood pressure compared to those with healthy gums. The researchers also discovered that active gum inflammation is associated with higher systolic blood pressure values.
A new study by Kyoto University scientists has shown an antibody for USAG-1 to stimulate tooth growth in mice with congenital tooth agenesis. The antibody, which targets the factor that antagonizes BMP and Wnt signaling, is promising for a potential therapeutic framework for regenerating teeth.
Researchers have proposed a new standard to measure moisture leaks into bionic devices, aiming to increase confidence in their operation. The improved moisture-testing regime could also be applied to the renewable energy industry.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System propose advanced information system to integrate and evaluate vast amounts of data on pathogens. The system aims to ensure conformity across disciplines and promote understanding and knowledge in biomedical sciences.
A new longitudinal study published in JAMA Open suggests that 80% of children with autism experience growth or proficiency in at least one developmental domain by mid childhood. The study also found that 23% of children are doing well in four or more domains, highlighting a strengths-based approach to autism assessment.