Researchers have successfully genetically modified grass to detoxify residues of the military explosive RDX, contaminating groundwater and posing a threat to drinking water supplies. The genetically modified switchgrass plants removed 27 kg of RDX per hectare, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for environmental cleanup.
A study published in Nature Communications found that rucaparib is effective in treating ovarian cancers with inherited or somatic mutations in DNA repair genes. The drug targets the Achilles heel of cancers with defects in DNA repair, outperforming chemotherapy in early treatment stages.
Scientists have created a cube-shaped iron-sulfur cluster that can support a multiple bond between iron and nitrogen, a structural motif involved in biological nitrogen fixation. The discovery shows the cluster's ability to accommodate an unusual bond without distorting its structure.
Bai lab creates a stable, efficient anode-free sodium battery that achieves high performance while eliminating the need for a traditional anode material. The new design uses a thin layer of copper foil as the current collector, resulting in significant improvements in size and cost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
The study examines changes in adolescents' e-cigarette, cannabis, and alcohol use as well as physical activity behaviors following the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Researchers found significant increases in substance use and decreases in physical activity among California adolescents during this time.
A recent study suggests that climate change may cause a decline in plant diversity, particularly in dryland regions. The researchers found that changes in precipitation levels have a greater effect on plant diversity in drylands compared to wetter regions.
A study by researchers from the University of Leeds and colleagues found that 80% of community water supply systems in Ghana, Mali, and Niger had at least one lead-containing component. Sixty percent of tested water samples contained lead, with nine percent exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines.
Seagrasses can recover from extensive losses without human intervention, according to a 20-year study. The study found that remnants of seagrass and multiple species present increased the likelihood for recovery.
Repeated transcranial direct current stimulation of the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex boosts the pain-relieving placebo effect while blunting the pain-enhancing nocebo effect. This suggests a potential new approach to modulating placebo and nocebo effects and improving pain management outcomes.
Scientists used uGMRT to determine that AT 2018cow has an extremely patchy environment. The study provides the first observational evidence of inhomogeneous emission from an FBOT, which sheds light on its progenitor star's mass shedding rate and magnetic field strength.
Porphyrin molecules have electrical and optical properties that can be tailored for molecular-based materials and quantum information technologies. Researchers will develop a comprehensive database for porphyrins and metal-porphyrins with experimental and theoretical values, including response functions and conductance curves.
A new study warns that major reductions in wetlands will disproportionately affect Afrotropical migratory waterbirds. The research highlights the urgent need for a holistic conservation strategy to address climate change impacts.
Researchers have developed 29 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers to accurately census endangered Sumatran rhinos. These markers are ideal for non-invasive wild sampling and can help determine genetic diversity, aiding conservation plans.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant increase in child abuse hotline inquiries was observed, with a notable rise in calls from previously unscreened individuals. The study suggests that this shift may be attributed to increased isolation and reduced supervision among children.
Researchers found that healthcare workers' infection data closely related to the entire population's after adjusting for differences in testing rates. This suggests using healthcare worker data to inform decisions on implementing restrictions and countermeasures before widespread testing is available.
Researchers at George Mason University are studying the impact of castrating parasites on an estuarine crab host in the Chesapeake Bay. They will investigate how environmental salinity affects parasite survival and metamorphosis.
A team of international scientists identified 47 problems hindering tsunami prevention and mitigation. The review highlights the need for unified databases, research, and improved analysis methods to better understand and prepare for tsunamis.
Researchers discovered subtle changes in potassium, calcium, and sodium levels regulate heartbeats. Increasing sodium and calcium levels together reduces distances between cells, improving cardiac conduction.
Researchers developed a genetic material-based catalogue to predict antibiotic resistance in MDR-TB, enabling accelerated treatment development. The study found that 99% of predicted drug combinations were effective in traditional microbiological testing.
A research team at City University of Hong Kong developed a new microneedle technology to deliver living cells in a minimally invasive manner. The cryomicroneedles showed robust immune responses against tumors in mice, providing a promising alternative to conventional vaccination methods.
A new study by the University of California - Davis suggests that rapid solar development may harm rare desert plant species more than common ones. The research found that weather and landscape features influenced how plants respond to solar panels, with rare species facing potential threats from panel shade.
Researchers have developed a 3D model using patient cells to simulate the disease, enabling fast and cost-effective testing of drugs. The model has validated the effectiveness of previously tested drugs, opening new avenues for finding personalized treatments.
A new commentary suggests that more extensive use of minimally invasive non-endoscopic tests for Barrett's esophagus (BE) screening could lead to better early detection and prevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a deadly form of cancer. BE is often asymptomatic, but endoscopic treatment can reduce the risk of progression to cancer.
Hilary Martens receives $443,000 grant to investigate the structure of the Earth's interior using GPS observations of ocean tides. The project aims to improve understanding of plate tectonics and surface hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes.
A new study by the University of California, San Francisco found that US adults with fever are often not tested for coronavirus, contributing to community transmission. The research suggests that increased access and timely testing could reduce the spread of the virus.
Researchers analyzed data on over 20,000 COVID-19 patients and found that mortality rates fell by 38% between March and May 2020, but remained stable thereafter. The study suggests that overloaded hospitals and changes in treatment may be contributing factors.
Researchers assess underwater habitat to understand how spawning fish would fare in the river's blocked stretch, finding acres of suitable habitat. The study reveals that hundreds of miles of streams are available to support both adult and juvenile salmon.
Researchers Lynne Maquat and Joan Steitz recognized for elucidating key functions of RNA, a workhorse molecule in cell function. Their discoveries inform RNA-based therapies for diseases like COVID-19 and muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at UniSA identified an enzyme, NEDD4-2, that regulates sodium reabsorption in kidneys. Low levels of the protein are linked to chronic kidney disease progression, even without high blood pressure.
A team of researchers, including Saket Navlakha and Dr. Sejal Morjaria, developed a computational tool to predict COVID-19 severity in cancer patients. The tool has an accuracy rate of 70-85% and prevents unnecessary expensive testing, improving patient care.
A longitudinal study found that people with relapsing-remitting MS exhibit significant social cognition deficits, particularly in facial emotion recognition and empathy. These deficits are associated with psychological outcomes of daily living, such as depression and anxiety.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center have created a powerful computational tool called REDIAL-2020. This online suite of models enables scientists to quickly identify small molecules capable of disarming COVID-19, narrowing the field for future experiments and accelerating the discovery process.
Scientists have developed a new method to assess earthquake and tsunami hazards in offshore subduction zones, finding that hazards might be systematically underestimated. The study's findings have important implications for the mitigation of risk in affected areas worldwide.
Researchers developed a 3D 'lung-on-a-chip' model to study COVID-19's effects on cells and develop new treatments. The model replicates human alveolar lung tissue, allowing scientists to investigate how various therapies impact viral spread and test potential treatments.
Researchers discovered a mutant corn line with enhanced sugar levels due to the Maize ufo1 gene. The finding has implications for breeding crops that can thrive in a warming world, with potential benefits including improved stress tolerance, seed development, and biomass production.
University of Rochester researchers developed a novel technology using freeform optics and metasurfaces to deliver high-quality images with socially acceptable optics. The metaform component gathers visible light rays from all directions and redirects them directly into the human eye, achieving a significant improvement in image quality.
Researchers found that older lithium-based batteries are safer due to reduced energy potential, leading to more efficient designs and improved safety. The study's results will aid in deriving safety factors for subsequent use of used batteries.
Researchers at Stockholm University found little evidence that animals avoid mating with relatives, contradicting long-held assumptions. This study synthesizes 139 experimental studies across 88 species and has implications for conservation breeding programs aimed at maintaining genetic diversity.
Researchers developed an intranasal influenza vaccine using recombinant hemagglutinin and found it enhanced immune responses in mice. The vaccine showed superior immunoenhancing properties and conferred protection against both same and different virus strains.
A study published in Nature Communications found that a drug called Osanetant reduces fear memory in male mice but increases it in female mice. The research reveals sex-based differences in the Tac2 neuronal circuit involved in fear memory formation.
A Yale University study found that genetic factors control developmental abnormalities, including pregnancy loss and autism. Researchers examined placental data from nearly 50 sets of twins and discovered similar frequencies of abnormal cell growths in identical twins, suggesting genetics play a key role.
Athletes in caring environments, supported by staff, reported greater psychological well-being and support from coaches and teammates. They also experienced more hope, happiness, and ability to cope with pandemic stress.
Researchers at DGIST developed new algorithms to estimate min-entropy, a key metric for cryptography, using less data and improving speed. The new approach can be used in memory-constrained devices like Internet-of-things devices.
Researchers used live human cortical tissue to identify functionally important features that make human neurons unique, revealing a massive amount of diversity among human neocortical pyramidal cells. The team found distinct electrophysiological features between neurons located at different layers in the human neocortex.
An international research team found that ants and flies play a vital role in pollination for cocoa, while leaf-litter management enhances tiny cocoa pollinators. The study emphasizes the need to prioritize biodiversity-friendly habitats for pollinator conservation in cocoa agroforests.
A recent Baycrest-Sunnybrook pilot study found that low-dose radiation therapy showed remarkable improvements in behavior and cognition within days in individuals living with severe Alzheimer's. The treatment used a CT scanner to deliver low doses of radiation, stimulating the body's natural protection systems to work harder.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a device that seals tears and holes in blood vessels using an electrically-activated glue patch applied via a minimally invasive balloon catheter. The Voltaglue system has the potential to replace open or keyhole surgery for patching up internal blood vessel defects.
Northern Red Sea corals have been found to be resistant to higher temperatures due to their symbiotic algae and bacteria. The study reveals that these corals can withstand average temperatures up to 5°C higher than usual, offering hope for saving coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers developed a technique to automatically search for simulation configurations that test various behaviors of automated driving systems. The proposed method uses evolutionary computation to discover configurations leading to specific features of driving behaviors, such as high acceleration and deceleration.
The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA) releases a report calling for enhanced European exchange and coordination to tackle science disinformation. Key strategies include inoculation, debunking, fact-checking, and media literacy, as well as innovations in science communication.
A definitive review finds that systemic racism perpetuates disadvantage in neighborhoods, leading to increased risk of psychosis. Trauma and stress experienced by marginalized racial groups are also associated with higher rates of psychosis.
Researchers at George Mason University will use a new GPU-based computing cluster to develop software and algorithms for complex simulations, including hypersonic flow and combustion. The cluster will also support research collaborations with national labs and industries.
A new study using 7T brain scans suggests that compromised energy metabolism may be an early indicator of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found a correlation between the energy reserve index and cognition levels, providing new insights into the disease.
A study found that people who customize their online spaces with a strong sense of identity are less likely to adopt health advice. In contrast, those who feel a sense of control are more likely to perceive the ads as threatening, leading to negative reactions. Researchers suggest customizing interfaces to preserve users' sense of cont...
Early human arrival on islands may not have contributed to insular fauna extinction. However, anthropogenic activity increased during the Holocene Epoch, accelerating extinctions.
A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management finds that using social values primarily for self-interested purposes like profit or reputation can diminish their special status. The research cautions that even subtle normalization of such uses can lead to erosion of people's commitment to these values.
Echolocating bats use time-based distance estimates, regardless of air conditions. The study found that bat accuracy improved when closer to targets, suggesting an innate ability to discern surroundings in terms of time.
A study by University of Zurich found that more than half of young women experienced symptoms of depression, while nearly half reported anxiety. The lockdown also showed a significant decrease in risky alcohol use, particularly among women.
Scientists from UNIGE and UZH used a statistical physics approach to study wound healing, identifying the scales of dominant cell interactions that govern tissue growth. The results allow for better analysis of cell front behavior in both healthy tissue and tumour development.
Researchers at Stanford University simulated the risk of fracking-triggered earthquakes on the Eagle Ford shale formation, finding that densely populated areas face the greatest risk of damage. The study aims to provide a shared frame of reference for discussing risks and evaluating tools for managing earthquake hazards.