The Virtual SLEEP 2021 meeting features over 60 sessions on clinical sleep science and practice, basic and translational sleep and circadian science, and technologist tracks. Keynote speakers include Eus JW Van Someren and Wendy Troxel, presenting on topics such as insomnia, COVID-19 impact on adult sleep health, and disparities in sleep.
Researchers found that infants aged 7 and 8 months could identify two faces when the temporal interval was 800ms, but overlooked the second face when separated by 200ms. This suggests that infants take less than a second to process visual information and have the same temporal limitation as adults.
A clinical trial by Trinity College Dublin researchers has shown upadacitinib to be the most effective treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The study involved 1,600 patients and found that the drug provides a substantial unmet need in treating this chronic inflammatory condition.
Scientists have created a detailed map of the mouse brain's oxytocin-vasopressin circuit, revealing dynamic adaptations that refine neural circuits during development. These findings may underlie social disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Research using neutrons reveals a connection between lithium concentration and depression, with healthier individuals having more lithium in their gray matter. The findings suggest that lithium may play an important role in the body, with implications for therapy and understanding of physiological processes.
Researchers at Aarhus University are developing a new method for preserving food using naturally occurring compounds to reduce waste and improve sustainability. The project, BioFunc, will explore the fundamental mechanisms behind organic acid preservation and develop a proof-of-concept for a bio-preservative system.
The University of Montana-led prescribed wildfire burn aimed to restore the landscape and provide an educational experience for students. The burn, which took about two years to plan, involved a mix of 12 UM undergraduate and graduate students who received certification for experience on a prescribed burn.
A study examining SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and socioeconomic disadvantage among a Mayan-Latinx population in California revealed significant variation in infection rates. The researchers identified socioeconomic factors as a key predictor of increased risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities.
Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism called CHLORAD that plays a crucial role in the tomato ripening process. Activated CHLORAD systems produce more lycopene, a health-promoting compound, resulting in faster red coloration and higher nutritional value.
Scientists have discovered a method to manipulate the electromagnetic mass of electrons in photonic crystals, leading to changes in the ionization energy of atoms. This effect can be used to synthesize new compounds and create drugs, with potential applications in chemistry and medicine.
Gold nano-antennas concentrate light to enhance signal from nanoscale region, creating orange and red flashes of fluorescence. The phenomenon allows for observation of atomic scale dynamics without sophisticated microscopes.
The number of workers on furlough declined in March and April, marking the lowest numbers since the pandemic's impact in April 2020. This trend suggests an early sign of recovery as COVID-19 infections decrease and economic activity increases.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers reveals that a protein called gasdermin B (GSDMB) is killed by the infectious bacteria Shigella flexneri, which tags GSDMB with a chemical tag for destruction. This discovery could lead to new antibiotics and treatments for inflammatory diseases such as asthma and Type 1 diabetes.
Research at TU Wien reveals that individual facets of nanoparticles can form oscillations of different frequencies when exposed to oxygen and hydrogen. This complex behavior can lead to more effective catalysts and insights into non-linear reaction kinetics.
The study introduces a dynamic approach to complement existing climate mitigation scenarios, taking into account the financial system's enabling or hampering role. This framework helps investors adjust their expectations and reallocate capital to low-carbon investments, leading to a smoother transition to a sustainable economy.
Researchers find that hyper-enriched gold deposits form like soured milk, with butterfat particles clumping together to form a jelly. This process explains the rapid formation of these rare and valuable deposits, solving a decades-old scientific puzzle.
Researchers have successfully split the E. coli genome into tripartite-genome of 1 million base pairs per genome, allowing for stable proliferation and paving the way for artificial life forms with designed functions.
An international study by ICTA-UAB highlights the critical role of indigenous peoples' and local communities in achieving biodiversity goals. The research argues that recognizing their rights and agency is essential to the success of future biodiversity policy.
Papers that cannot be replicated in psychology, economics, and science journals are often the most cited due to their intriguing results. The study found that non-replicable papers are cited significantly more than replicable ones, with a gap of up to 300 times in Nature/Science journals.
The Huygens Institute is digitizing the Dutch East India Company's vast archive of 25 million pages, providing insights into colonial history and early-modern interactions between Europe and non-European actors in Asia.
Recent research confirms Darwin's insights on human evolution, revealing shared characteristics with apes, talent for high-level cooperation, and expanded social learning capacity
A new study reveals that human impact on freshwater ecosystems is causing unprecedented rates of species loss, threatening entire ecosystems. The predicted recovery time for biodiversity decline may be longer than 12 million years, as seen in previous mass extinction events.
Scientists from Okayama University discovered that marine flatworms develop gravity-sensing ability within 0-7 days after hatching, with a statolith forming in the statocyst. The statocyst comprises nerve cords and is connected to the nervous system through the basal lamina and stc.
Studies show distinct neuron populations control itching in hairy and hairless skin, offering hope for targeted therapies. Researchers aim to develop treatments that block itch-inducing neurons, improving quality of life for patients with chronic skin itch conditions.
Under Oregon's reproductive health equity act, coverage for family planning services, including abortion and contraception, was ensured for all low-income state residents regardless of citizenship status. The first two years of covered services showed reduced travel distances for women seeking care.
An observational study of over 1,000 middle-aged women without celiac disease found no link between gluten consumption and cognitive decline. The study suggests that the relationship between gluten and cognitive function is more complex than previously thought.
Researchers analyzed vertical ozone distributions and found deep stratospheric intrusions contributed to large ozone partial pressure in the troposphere. Long-range transport of wildfire smoke from central Russia in 2016 caused ozone pollution over the northern Tibetan Plateau.
Global plant disease outbreaks are increasing, threatening global food supply, due to climate change and increased trade. Researchers call for improved detection systems, surveillance, and modeling to prevent disease outbreaks.
Scientists call for stronger focus on understanding sand use and extraction to achieve economic and environmental justice. A new approach considers the interlinkages of sand supply and demand, linking extraction, processing, distribution, economics, and policy to reduce negative impacts.
The NIRVANA Kai platform has been enhanced to support IPv6, allowing real-time visualization of packets and improved alert collection. This update is expected to simplify security operations in IPv6 networks.
Research reveals neurotic personalities experienced significant trauma during the pandemic, whereas individuals with agreeable and conscientious traits showed greater resilience.
Campylobacter infections can be transmitted through fecal-oral contact, particularly among men who have sex with men. The study found the rate of infection was 14 times higher in this group than control subjects.
Researchers at UCI tracked 22,896 patients with COVID-19, analyzing medicine usage rates of 10 different medicines. The study found that dexamethasone increased in usage from 1.4% to 67.5%, while hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin saw significant declines.
Research analyzing camera trap data from across North America found that smaller, faster-reproducing mammals with generalist diets are best equipped to live alongside humans. Conversely, larger species like grizzly bears and lynx tend to avoid more developed areas and are less active when present.
Marine biologists use environmental DNA to detect and identify ocean species, revealing previously unreported species in the Florida Keys. The technique, called metabarcoding, has practical applications in fisheries and conservation, as well as preventing jellyfish stings.
Researchers examine how governments use stakeholder commissions to legitimize their transition policies, finding similarities and differences between the two countries. Both Canada and Germany face challenges in phasing out coal due to job losses and regional concerns.
A team of scientists has found the gene expression signatures underlying microglia associated with amyloid plaque phagocytosis. The findings suggest a new target for interventions to address the underlying disease mechanism of Alzheimer's Disease.
A new plant species has been found to deceive pollinators by emitting a scent that mimics decomposing insects. The flower of Aristolochia microstoma traps 'coffin flies' in its chamber, allowing them to deposit pollen before escaping unharmed.
A longitudinal study by Harvard sociologist Robert J. Sampson and Ph.D. candidate Roland Neil found that the era in which adolescents came of age significantly influences their chances of arrest, with older cohorts facing nearly double the risk of arrest compared to younger cohorts born in the 1990s.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified a unique defense mechanism against SARS-CoV-2, involving the viral pattern recognition receptor RIG-I. Upregulating RIG-I expression may help predict COVID-19 patient outcomes and could be a potential strategy to control SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Research found that joining a gang for the first time increases criminal behavior, while second-time membership significantly raises violent behavior. Interventions should account for intermittency in gang membership to disrupt individuals' offending profiles.
A study analyzed medication use among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, revealing insights into effective treatment strategies. The research highlights the importance of careful medication management to improve patient outcomes.
A new robot-assisted broadband photo-monitoring platform has been developed using physically enriched carbon nanotube thin films to act as uncooled imager sheets. This device enables stereoscopic sensing of curved objects and detects minuscule defects, revolutionizing industrial inspection.
A new method has been developed to observe graphene growth on a microchip surface in real time, using a standard scanning electron microscope. This technique enables the reliable production of graphene layers and reduces growth times from several hours to just minutes.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed the world's most power-efficient high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) microchip, reducing power consumption by three times while increasing speed. This breakthrough technology has vast applications in fields like autonomous vehicles, smart wearables, and implantable devices.
Researchers at the University of Washington successfully analyzed Micropholis stowi fossils excavated during a 2017-2018 collection trip to Antarctica. The findings reveal that this salamander-sized amphibian was more widespread than previously recognized, with evidence suggesting it could have adapted to various environments.
A two-year study found that providing patients with free access to essential medicines increases adherence by 35% and reduces total health spending by an average of over $1,000 per patient per year. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, tested the effects of free medication on a selected set of medications.
A global study found that nearly half a billion people with diabetes are not receiving comprehensive care, which can reduce health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and nerve damage. The study highlights major gaps in specific care, including low cholesterol-lowering medication use.
Scientists at Tohoku University and Japan Atomic Energy Agency found a persistent rotation of chiral-spin structure in a non-collinear antiferromagnet Mn3Sn thin film. The rotation can be tuned by applied current, offering opportunities for applications like oscillators and random number generators.
A new computational model has been developed to predict the physical phenomenon inside very-high-temperature pebble-bed reactors. The model can accurately account for friction between fuel pebbles and its influence on cooling, allowing for safer and more efficient operation.
The SPRINT study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mm Hg significantly reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease. The study also showed a 25% decrease in all-cause mortality.
Researchers developed a novel method to detect and characterize nanoplastics in ocean water by using small invertebrates. The technique uses asymmetrical-flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and Raman spectroscopy to separate and identify nanoplastics, providing a more accurate measurement of these tiny plastics.
A study of Italian lockdowns found that business shutdowns significantly reduced COVID-19 deaths. The research estimated that the shutdowns saved over 9,400 lives in less than a month.
A new angiosperm, Gansufructus saligna, has been discovered in Northwest China, providing valuable insights into the evolution of flowering plants. The fossil specimens show characteristics of a small, terrestrial herbaceous eudicot with paniculate infructescences.
A new brain imaging study reveals that infants use the hippocampus to recognize patterns, despite limited episodic memory, with the brain region doubling in size between 2-4 years old
Researchers at Ural Federal University develop clay bricks with added heavy metals that effectively protect against ionizing radiation. The new material is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than existing alternatives, making it suitable for use in nuclear power plants, medical institutions, and other applications.
A new study examines the antecedents of disaster preparedness in firms, finding that organizational experience with disaster is a powerful motivator, but also notes the importance of external learning and collaboration. Effective disaster preparation requires working with others to learn from best practices.
Finnish researchers have identified the LOXHD1 gene as the cause of nonsyndromic early-onset hereditary canine hearing loss in Rottweilers. The study's findings have implications for breeding practices, allowing dogs to be tested for the defective gene and preventing deafness in puppies.
A faster and cheaper COVID-19 test kit has been validated by Simon Fraser University researchers, offering an alternative to existing tests. The microchip-based test can provide accurate results in 30 minutes and requires significantly less reagent usage.
By achieving carbon neutrality, China can reduce PM2.5 concentrations from over 10 μg/m3 to around 8 μg/m3, meeting national air quality standards.
Researchers have shown that microglia play a central role in maintaining normal brain function and can fail to do so, leading to serious brain disorders. This new understanding has the potential to develop better diagnostics and treatments for these diseases.
Scientists have discovered that plutonium particles from nuclear testing in Australia are more complex and varied than previously thought. The particles, which were dispersed after nine atomic bombs were detonated in remote areas of South Australia, persist in soils to this day, posing a risk to wildlife and the environment.
A new study at UTHealth aims to reduce HIV incidence among trans women by combining HIV prevention services with gender-affirming care. The combination intervention, supported by peer health navigation, has shown promise in improving mental health outcomes and addressing the unique barriers faced by this population.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered two enzymes, histone deacetylases (HDACs), that inhibit the body's inflammatory response in the skin. These enzymes allow the skin to tolerate certain microbes living on its surface while preventing a constant rash from developing elsewhere.
A research group has identified a genetic mechanism called CHLORAD that regulates tomato ripening by promoting carotenoid production and altering chloroplast transformation. Activated CHLORAD systems produce tomatoes with more lycopene, leading to higher nutritional quality and attractive color.