A national analysis found that children with poorly controlled asthma are more likely to require hospitalisation than those with well-controlled asthma or without asthma. Vaccinating this group can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and associated illness.
A recent study found that carboxymethylcellulose, a widely used food additive, alters the intestinal environment of healthy individuals by reducing beneficial bacteria and nutrients. The research suggests that long-term consumption of this additive may promote chronic inflammatory diseases, highlighting the need for further study.
A UK study found that children exposed to persistent poverty and poor parental mental health are at increased risk of socioemotional behavioral problems, cognitive disability, drug experimentation, and obesity. The analysis also identified six trajectories of poverty and family adversity, highlighting the need for interventions address...
Scientists have developed a unique measurement technique to study oxygen exchange pathways on pristine SOFC cathode surfaces, revealing that different materials follow the same mechanism. This breakthrough enhances understanding of defects and optimizes material performance.
A new study from Swansea University introduces a framework to calculate the material properties of two-dimensional curved hexagonal lattices, potentially improving mechanical metamaterials. The research team developed generalized closed-form expressions, expanding design space and flexibility.
A research team from India identified a previously unknown species of kukri snake, Oligodon churahensis, found in the Churah Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The discovery was made possible by an Instagram photo shared by Virendar K. Bhardwaj, which caught the attention of a herpetologist and led to further investigation.
A recent study by the University of Cincinnati found that tweens spent more time using media during the 2020 pandemic summer, highlighting the need to reassess notions of 'too much' screen time. The research suggests that media use can have both positive and negative effects on children's lives, with some finding connection with peers ...
A study found that male animals have a greater genetic variance in reproductive success compared to females, which translates into purging deleterious mutations. This suggests that sexual selection on males bolsters adaptation and reduces the risk of extinction when facing challenging environmental conditions.
Researchers at Northern Illinois University and NREL have developed a cost-effective Scotch-tape-like film that captures 99.9% of leaked lead from damaged perovskite solar cells. The film alleviates health and safety concerns without compromising performance or operation.
A dental device to reduce snoring improves cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The maximum breathing rate during uninterrupted periods of sleep can differentiate healthy individuals from those with Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment. Improved sleep may slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
A three-year study found that taking older blood thinners like warfarin and clopidogrel, as well as aspirin, significantly increases the risk of delayed intracranial hemorrhage. Researchers recommend follow-up CT scans for patients taking these medications after head trauma.
Scientists at UC San Diego create nanoparticles that mimic the flu virus's ability to escape endosomes, enabling efficient delivery of mRNA into cells. This breakthrough could lead to improved delivery of mRNA vaccines and therapies.
A recent study found that adopting a reduced meat diet can significantly improve human health, animal welfare, and the environment. The researchers compared different diets, including a Mediterranean diet with more fish and seafood, and a vegan diet, to a reference diet based on German Nutrition Society recommendations.
A team of nurse-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center doubled the hospital's ICU capacity by 93% to care for critically-ill patients. They developed a proning team, redeployed staff, and implemented modifications to hospital rooms to minimize staff exposure to the virus.
A large observational cohort study of 134,672 people with HIV found significant disparities in the uptake of dolutegravir, a preferred HIV medication, among women of reproductive age. Only 29% of female patients aged 16-49 years had initiated dolutegravir, compared to 58% of male patients.
A $4.5 million civil engineering study simulates the impact of explosives on structures using a virtual reality platform to develop strategies for combat operations and protect people. The research, led by Hussam Mahmoud, aims to create more resilient structures that can withstand blasts and other forms of damage.
Researchers discovered that under stress conditions, proteasome molecules assemble into structures that induce cell death, a process linked to apoptosis and potentially preventing cancer. The study highlights the importance of understanding the normal functioning of cells and their connections to cancer development.
Researchers at HSE University have created a new, standardized test battery to diagnose language disorders in people with brain damage. The test, the first of its kind in Russia, has been validated through large-scale data collection and uses modern neurolinguistic models.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a new method to enhance wound healing using 3D printing of platelet-rich plasma. The technique showed promising results in improving vascularisation and reducing fibrosis, leading to faster and more successful wound healing.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that teriflunomide reduced new or enlarged lesions in children with multiple sclerosis, suggesting potential benefits. However, the medication did not delay time to the next clinical relapse.
A randomized controlled trial found that assistance dogs significantly improved wellbeing, mental health and independence for people with severe or profound hearing loss. Participants reported better mental well-being, fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduced social isolation.
Researchers found that individual self-interest creates an ideal temperature zone for the group, where all penguins have perfect temperatures. This phenomenon is similar to how bacteria communicate and optimize their environment.
New Cornell University research suggests that social connections can distort voting behavior, favoring minority candidates. The study found that complacency and dejectedness – conditions caused by social connections – can skew election outcomes.
A large UK study found that individuals with atopic diseases like eczema or hay fever had a 23% lower risk of developing COVID-19. In contrast, people of Asian/Asian British ethnicity and those in crowded households faced a higher risk. The study suggests that some risk factors for severe disease may differ from those for infection.
Researchers at McGill University create injectable hydrogel that forms stable structure allowing cells to grow and repair injured organs. The material's toughness and porosity make it suitable for heart, muscle, and vocal cord repair.
Physicists investigate the act of measuring a quantum particle, revealing that non-linear models can reconcile quantum behavior with classical measurement outcomes. The study sheds light on the elusive crossover between quantum physics and the everyday world.
A nationwide survey of 387,000 US adults found that high-frequency cannabis use was associated with characteristics such as younger age and lower educational attainment. The study suggests that sociodemographic factors may play a role in cannabis use patterns.
A new artificial intelligence framework called TinNet combines machine-learning algorithms and theories to identify new catalysts for efficient energy production. By understanding how catalysts interact with different intermediates, researchers can design robust catalytic processes that improve daily life.
Using 2D materials, researchers have built superconducting qubits that are significantly smaller than previous designs. The new capacitors store energy without interfering with qubit information storage. This breakthrough paves the way for smaller quantum computers and could lead to new applications of 2D materials.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found three distinct combinations of personality traits associated with financial outcomes. The Resilient group, characterized by extroversion, openness, and agreeableness, was linked to successful financial decisions. In contrast, the Under Controlled group's high extroversion and neurotic...
Researchers used animated avatars to study nonverbal cues influencing people's behavior. Participants were more willing to cooperate with friendly avatars than reject unfair offers from unfriendly ones.
Researchers discovered that humidity-driven movement in spore-bearing leaves is the key mechanism behind the unique timing of spore dispersal in the sensitive fern. The study found that dead fronds open when dry and close when wet due to differential cell expansion, a process also observed in pine cones.
The AACR and Pelotonia launch a grants program to recognize five influential female researchers in breast and gynecologic cancers. Nomination deadlines are January 14, 2022, with awards presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2022.
Researchers have identified a key gene responsible for the pod-shatter resistance in OR88 rapeseed variety, which can help increase yields by up to 100%. The discovery paves the way for more efficient and cost-effective rapeseed cultivation.
A new approach for identifying shared patterns in immune cell receptor sequences may help determine if a person has previously been infected or vaccinated against a given pathogen. Researchers have developed software called tcrdist3 to facilitate this process.
Scientists from Stanford University and Google Quantum AI have successfully created a time crystal, a new phase of matter that repeats in time without energy input. The achievement opens up opportunities to explore new regimes in condensed matter physics, providing insight into non-equilibrium quantum systems.
A team of researchers from Northern Arizona University discovered that water briefly existed in the Arabia Terra region on Mars. The study used thermal inertia to understand how rock layers were formed, revealing that the deposits could have only had water for a brief period.
A large-scale study of over 1.2 million people found breakthrough COVID-19 infections are rare but more frequent and severe in those with weakened immune systems. The study supports the introduction of a third vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals to increase protection.
A study of over 950 children with asthma found that those with well-controlled symptoms were less likely to be bullied, but reported worse control if teased about their condition. Children who experienced bullying/teasing were more likely to report activity restrictions and had poorer asthma control.
A team led by Sarah Jacquet from the University of Missouri created 3D virtual models of ancient worm armor plates, discovering two new species and gaining insights into convergent evolution. The study used micro-CT imaging to analyze the individual components of the armor, determining how they protected the worms until extinction.
The German Research Foundation has approved a new Collaborative Research Center (CRC) focused on developing sustainable iron alternatives to replace toxic or rare elements. The CRC will investigate iron's potential as a building block for the future, aiming to enhance its properties and make it more affordable and resource-efficient.
A team of researchers has discovered a new mechanism by which antibodies can disable viruses. By distorting the virus particles, rather than just blocking their surfaces, antibodies prevent them from infecting host cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by Zika and dengue viruses.
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a wood boiler system that improves bird health and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by drying litter and creating dry heat. The system has the potential to replace propane heating systems in poultry farms, benefiting both animal welfare and the environment.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that only half of Americans surveyed believe sports teach love of country, while men, heterosexuals, Christians and Republicans were more likely to agree. Surprisingly, some lower-status groups were also more likely to recognize these messages.
Bats build prediction models of prey movement by analyzing echoes of their own vocalizations. This acoustic information facilitates navigation and foraging in total darkness. By integrating representations of prey echoes, bats can determine distance, size, shape, and density, as well as identify what they are tracking.
A new strategy for ultrafast and energy-efficient all-optical computing is proposed based on convolutional neural networks. The approach uses cascaded silicon waveguides to control light amplitude and phase, achieving ultrafast computing times of several picoseconds with low energy consumption.
The Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability aims to create new, vital knowledge and expertise in functional materials. The programme will focus on advancing the limits of knowledge in materials science to promote sustainable technologies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified genes that help ovarian cancer evade the immune system. These findings could lead to more effective immunotherapy for ovarian and other types of cancer.
A RAND Corporation survey of 173 gun policy researchers found strikingly polarized views on the merits of various policies, with differing estimates of their effects on firearm homicides and suicides. The study highlights areas where experts agree and disagreements exist, providing a roadmap for future research to resolve uncertainties.
Researchers from Kanazawa University found that exogenously introduced Aβ seeds primarily induce Aβ depositions in blood vessels, rather than brain parenchyma. This discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and highlights the risk of iatrogenic transmission.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed that a fast-tracked stroke drug, 3K3A-APC, protected mice from injury to the brain's white matter, a leading cause of dementia. The drug may also be effective in slowing down progression of cognitive impairment.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a method to precisely and rapidly correct genetic alterations in cultured patient cells. The new technique combines two Nobel Prize-winning approaches to produce genetically corrected autologous pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers found that less than two-thirds of children living with HIV are virally suppressed, with viral suppression rates being poorer in children compared to adults. The study highlights the need for a global scale-up of viral load testing to address this issue.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including ICU admission, preeclampsia, and cesarean section. Vaccination may help protect these women, especially those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infections.
The IMPOWR-ME research center will focus on developing evidence-based treatments for people with both conditions. The center aims to provide integrated care access, test novel treatments, and engage the community in advancing health equity.
A new study by UCI researchers confirmed the connection between impaired DNA repair and increased DNA damage in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, a condition that affects coordination and movement. The study identified PARP inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets for the currently incurable disease.
The US HIV treatment population is projected to increase by 36% by 2030, with older adults making up nearly a quarter of users. The population is expected to shift towards more older age groups, with nearly one in four people with HIV aged 65 or older by 2030.
A third of first-year university students experience moderate to severe depression or anxiety. Socializing and getting involved in student clubs is associated with a lower risk of developing symptoms and improving recovery rates. In contrast, increasing drug use heightens the risk of mental health issues.
Researchers at Duke University developed a holographic system that can image and analyze tens of thousands of cells per minute to spot signs of disease. The technique distinguished between healthy samples and cancerous or pre-cancerous cells with nearly 100% accuracy, using just four basic cellular physical parameters.
A team of researchers at UC Davis Health has developed a novel PET imaging-based tool to detect liver inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The tool uses dynamic PET imaging and mathematical modeling to measure glucose transport from blood to liver tissue, allowing clinicians to quantify liver inflammation.