Frontline healthcare workers may face temporary redeployment if they refuse COVID-19 vaccination, according to ethicists. A mild form of mandatory vaccination policy is justified to protect patients and colleagues.
Researchers have discovered a way to date fluid-bearing diamonds, revealing three distinct periods of diamond formation spanning over 2 billion years. The study provides insights into the evolution of the deep earth and continents, with potential implications for our understanding of planetary history.
A new class of magnetic materials has been introduced for spin caloritronics, paving the way for versatile recycling of ubiquitous waste heat. The developed molecule-based magnet exhibits low thermal conductivity and efficient magnon excitations, making it an attractive alternative for energy harvesting from waste heat.
Researchers at George Mason University are developing a wearable adhesive ultrasound sensor for biofeedback and rehabilitation following musculoskeletal injuries. The proposed technology allows for dynamic assessment of movement and functional measures, enabling personalized treatment plans to reduce recovery times.
Researchers found blocking a receptor of neuropeptide Y increases fat metabolism and prevents weight gain in obese individuals. The treatment, BIBO3304, targets peripheral tissues without affecting the brain, offering a potentially safer alternative to current medications.
A new bone shape measure, SBL, has been identified by researchers using AI to determine the severity of knee osteoarthritis. The study found that SBL values were consistently different from knees without joint space narrowing and associated with greater pain and disability.
A new study found that almost half of women with babies under six months old met the threshold for postnatal depression during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Social isolation and lack of support were significant contributors to this increased risk.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a theoretical method to thermally cloak objects, making them invisible to thermal cameras. Using heat pumps, they can fine-tune heat transfer and mimic heat signatures of different objects.
Research published in Scientific Reports reveals that individuals with HIV are at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and fatal outcomes from COVID-19. The study found a 24% increased risk of infection and a 78% higher risk of death among people living with HIV compared to those without the virus.
A mixed-methods study found that units with more family physicians and midwives had lower cesarean delivery rates. The study identified unit culture factors that contributed to success, including valuing patient-centered care and shared decision-making.
A team of scientists from the University of Warwick used phage display to discover a small peptide that can bind to ice, which has potential applications in preserving frozen cells and foods. The discovery highlights the power of biotechnology tools in discovering new materials with unique properties.
Disparities in access to orthopaedic care via telemedicine were found to persist, particularly for Hispanic and Asian patients, as well as those with Medicaid coverage, compared to white patients, English speakers, and commercial insurance holders.
Researchers discovered that a growth factor, BMP11, drives the development of male water strider's long legs and fighting behavior. Knocking out this gene in males reduced leg size and aggression, highlighting its role in hyperallometry.
A new study from the University of Kansas highlights the strengths and resilience of students with disabilities during the pandemic. Researchers found that these students used their self-determination skills to navigate challenges and build relationships with teachers, leading to improved educational outcomes.
A scientist from HSE University has developed an image recognition algorithm that speeds up real-time processing of video-based image recognition systems by up to 40%. The algorithm uses a sequence of convolutional layers and fine-tuning to achieve accurate results while controlling loss in accuracy.
Researchers use aerodynamic levitation and laser heating to suspend small samples of refractory oxides in mid-air, allowing for precise data collection. Machine learning algorithms are then used to predict structural changes and interactions between atoms at high temperatures.
A recent study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences found that the polar vortex plays a key role in Antarctic stratospheric ozone depletion. The research used ZSL-DOAS techniques to measure ozone depletion near the edge of the polar vortex, revealing a positive correlation between PV and total ozone columns.
Researchers from Stanford University and the University of Chicago found that hospitals with more family physicians and midwives had lower cesarean delivery rates. Meanwhile, a study on depression treatment suggests combining psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is more effective than separate treatments. Additionally, a new analysis on f...
Researchers discovered molnupiravir works by causing polymerase to make sloppy copies of viral genome, rendering them useless. The drug has shown promising results in eliminating SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in newly diagnosed patients after five days of treatment.
Researchers found that glyphosate inhibits the symbiotic bacteria of the saw-toothed grain beetle, preventing it from forming its exoskeleton. The study suggests that this can make insects more vulnerable to stress and death.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have successfully employed a new CRISPR-Cas9-based gene therapy approach to treat mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, restoring nearly full production of the dystrophin protein. The approach could lead to a treatment for DMD and inform the treatment of other inherited diseases.
Researchers at Michigan State University found a possible link between poor sense of smell and a higher risk of pneumonia hospitalization. Older adults with a poor sense of smell were about 50% more likely to be hospitalized with pneumonia compared to those with a good sense of smell.
Scientists at UChicago and Argonne National Laboratory are developing AI-assisted systems to recover energy, nutrients, and freshwater from municipal wastewater. The goal is to reduce energy consumption and become energy positive at a national scale, benefiting underserved communities in Chicago's South Side and the Great Lakes region.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia have a lower mortality rate compared to non-pregnant women. The study analyzed medical records from over 1,100 pregnant patients and more than 9,800 non-pregnant women, revealing less than 1% of pregnant patients died...
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis discovered variations in how animals and bacteria use heme, a crucial molecule in supplying cells with energy. The study found that human and bacterial cytochrome c synthases rely on different parts of the cytochrome c to orient themselves, leading to potential targets for new antibiotics.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed an AI-driven drone system to detect and track Sosnovsky's hogweed, a plant causing severe burns and ecosystem damage. The system uses real-time image segmentation on board drones to identify individual plants, increasing localization efficiency by multifold.
A new study reveals that cyanobacteria rely on a circadian clock to precisely time DNA replication. Disruptions to this rhythm can lead to unfinished chromosomes and potential health problems. The findings have implications for understanding the impact of interrupted circadian rhythms on human health.
Researchers at USask have sequenced the tepary bean genome to study its heat stress tolerance and disease resistance. The study aims to combine traits of tepary and common beans to create a more sustainable crop variety.
A study published in the journal Concussion reveals that the use of cooling technology with PolarCap System hastened safe return to play for players of top Swedish hockey league teams. The treatment showed a median time to return to play of 7 days, compared to 12 days without cooling.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a strategy to reprogram regulatory T cells in the brain to attack glioblastoma tumors. By targeting a specific receptor on these cells, they can convert them into tumor-fighting immune cells, offering a possible solution to overcome resistance to immunotherapy.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that young children in deprived areas associate nature with happy places, with elements like trees and outdoor spaces often featured in their drawings. The research suggests that nature underpins children's consideration of wellbeing.
A 2011 CIA-led vaccination campaign in Pakistan led to a significant decline in vaccination rates due to distrust and misinformation. The campaign's misleading tactics created doubt about the integrity of health workers and vaccines, resulting in lower vaccination rates among girls, particularly in districts with high levels of elector...
Researchers evaluated CO2 levels and ventilation rates in dental operatories, finding that CO2 levels can be measured with a simple consumer-grade CO2 sensor. They also demonstrated that ventilation rates can be assessed by observing CO2 levels after mixing baking soda and vinegar.
A new study by University of Virginia Health System finds that COVID-19 wastewater testing can detect even small numbers of asymptomatic cases with high sensitivity. The research offers guidance on the most effective methods to perform testing to detect COVID-19 in wastewater, including protocols for sampling and analysis.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed a novel chip-based antigen test that can detect individual viral antigens one by one in nasal swab samples, enabling simultaneous testing for multiple viruses from one sample. The test's ultrasensitive technique could eventually be developed as a molecular diagnostic tool for point-of-care use.
Frequent fires may narrow the recovery window for lichens in chaparral ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. The study found that most chaparral lichen taxa could be lost if fire intervals shorten to less than 20 years, emphasizing the importance of old-growth chaparral and sustainable land management practices.
Researchers have discovered the biosynthesis pathway of 2-aminoadenine, a new DNA nucleobase found in bacteriophage S-2L. The pathway was identified through a homolog of the known enzyme succinoadenylate synthase and indicates that new bases can be enzymatically incorporated into genetic material.
A study published in The Lancet found that a minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratio policy in Queensland, Australia resulted in fewer deaths, readmissions, and hospital days, while reducing costs by $70 million. This improvement in patient outcomes was linked to better quality of care and reduced burnout among nurses.
Interdisciplinary consultations support primary care physicians in managing complex pain and addiction. PCPs express needs for expertise, safe prescribing, and communication strategies to effectively care for patients with chronic pain and addiction.
A retrospective study found that most COVID-19 patients in a home-based hospital care program did not require care escalation to traditional hospitals. The study suggests that physician hesitation may play a role in deciding which patients are enrolled in such programs.
Researchers at NTU Singapore discovered a 32-year 'slow-motion' earthquake that led to the catastrophic 1861 Sumatra earthquake. The study highlights potential missing factors or mismodelling in global earthquake risk assessments.
A recent study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found a significant rise in young children swallowing magnets over the past 5 years in the UK. Nearly half of these cases required surgery for retrieval, highlighting the dangers of small, powerful magnets, especially those intended for toys.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University design an information engine that converts random particle motion into stored energy, extracting power comparable to biological systems. The engine achieves speeds of over ten times that of previous implementations, pushing the capabilities of this type of engine beyond its limits.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that successfully treated 48 out of 50 children with ADA-SCID, a rare life-threatening disease. The treatment involves removing stem cells, delivering a new copy of the ADA gene, and returning the corrected cells to produce healthy immune cells.
Research reveals that just three amino acid changes can dramatically alter an enzyme's function, allowing microbes to thrive in diverse ecosystems. This discovery has significant implications for understanding disease-causing bacteria and developing remedies.
A recent study found that combining two medications can double the effectiveness of gout treatment. Researchers at Michigan Medicine discovered that adding immunomodulation drug mycophenolate mofetil to Pegloticase infusions significantly increased the success rate, reducing urate levels below the therapeutic target in 86% of patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that brief educational videos can reduce patients' expectations for antibiotic treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. However, the doctors' actual prescribing habits showed no significant change.
Researchers from JAIST have synthesized high-performance BioNylons using itaconic acid and amino acids, which degrade under the pepsin enzyme found in mammal stomachs. These novel materials show improved thermal/mechanical performances compared to conventional nylons.
A new analysis found that third-generation fluoroquinolones are not associated with an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture, unlike first- and second-generation antibiotics. The study suggests these newer antibiotics may present a reduced risk of tendon ruptures.
A three-year study in Tanzania found that farmers who learned about sustainable crop-growing methods, gender equity, and nutrition improved the diversity of their children's diets and increased food security. The approach combined agroecology with peer mentoring and attention to nutrition and gender equity.
A combined molecular dynamics and experimental study reveals a two-step process that enables the formation of phase-pure α-FAPbI3 at lower temperatures. The researchers used metadynamics to simulate the transformation from PbI2 to perovskite, which was confirmed by in situ x-ray and thin-film experiments.
A study suggests reintroducing jaguars into the US Southwest could be a viable alternative to recovery, as the region provides suitable habitat for 90-150 jaguars. Reintroduction could also enhance local economies and ecology.
Patients who survive sepsis are more likely to die within a year or suffer from long-term complications. Alterations in defense cell metabolism may explain this phenomenon, which is linked to frequent reinfections, cardiovascular alterations, cognitive disabilities, and poor quality of life.
Researchers used advanced imaging technology to film Zebrafish brains while they were alive, revealing that the activation of stem cells responsible for generating neurons is not random, but rather coordinated. This finding has important implications for understanding brain development and may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerati...
New guidelines for coral reef restoration aim to optimize efforts for ecosystem benefits and human protection from flooding. Research suggests targeting shallow, energetic areas for restoration to reduce coastal flooding.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a specific ingredient in pyrethrum, a centuries-old natural insecticide, that helps mosquitoes avoid its toxic effects. The compound, called EBF, activates a smell receptor in the mosquito's antenna, making it unappealing to the insects and helping to prevent bites.
Researchers at University of Toronto and Istanbul Technical University have discovered a new geologic process in plate tectonics that reveals early damage to areas of Earth's crust long before they are geologically altered by known plate-boundary processes. This challenges current understandings of the planet's tectonic cycle.
Scientists have discovered that the nitric oxide pathway is overactivated in Marfan Syndrome and causes aortic aneurysms. Inhibiting this pathway completely reverses the disease in a mouse model. The study identifies new therapeutic targets and markers for monitoring disease status.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a panel of genes that are active in smokers and ex-smokers who experience faster loss of lung function. These genes may be useful to predict which people are most at risk for smoking-related decline in lung function, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment.
Research shows that severe obese children experienced negative impacts on physical activity, eating habits, and quality of life during the first Netherlands lockdown. Children with pre-existing psychosocial problems or high emotional eating scores were particularly at risk.