The article highlights the dangers of biological contamination from space travel, citing examples of bacteria resistant to ionizing radiation and disinfectants found in NASA 'clean rooms'. Researchers propose the use of invasion science to address this threat, leveraging insights on epidemiology, rapid evolution, and early detection.
A team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island found that different types of phytoplankton respond differently to warming ocean temperatures. The study suggests that their growth rates and distribution patterns will be dissimilar, resulting in significant implications for future marine communities.
A functional precision medicine study demonstrates that treatment selection based on results from drug sensitivity testing can be clinically useful in patients with aggressive hematological cancer. The approach combines deep molecular profiling with comprehensive drug sensitivity testing to advance the therapy decision-making system.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Toddlers increased their use of distraction as a mechanism to calm themselves after observing others. Toddlers also benefited from observing both calm and active distraction strategies, regardless of temperament or play preferences. Observing strangers can help toddlers develop emotional regulation skills.
A new study published in Autism highlights the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children diagnosed before 2.5 years old showed considerable improvements in core social symptoms compared to those diagnosed later in life. Early intervention is critical, emphasizing the need for u...
A new UCI study links rising temperatures to higher blaze risk in the Sierra Nevada, predicting a 50% increase in wildfires by 2040. The research analyzes daily temperature spikes and finds that each 1 degree Celsius rise increases fire risk by 19-22%
Machine learning enables better understanding of climate-induced hazards, predicting floods and landslides with high accuracy. The technology combines diverse data sources to assess risk extent, considering both triggering hazards and socio-economic vulnerability.
Research suggests that high stress levels in pregnant women are associated with increased cortisol responses in infants. However, sensitive caregiving by mothers after birth can mitigate these effects. The study's findings highlight the importance of postnatal interventions to support children whose mothers experienced prenatal adversity.
The Zinc Status Index is a new evaluation method developed by Cornell food scientists that uses biomarkers to calculate the physiological status of a subject. It aims to provide a comprehensive assessment tool for zinc deficiency, which affects over 1 billion people worldwide.
Scientists from UCLA develop a do-it-yourself radiative cooler using household materials, achieving moderate to large temperature drops. The design's reproducibility and low cost make it an attractive standard for research settings.
A new study documents that observable social-communication differences for infants with ASD unfold by 9 months, pointing to a critical window for targeted intervention. Infants with ASD exhibit significantly fewer social and early speech skills than their typically-developing peers at 9 months of age.
A new study found that stroke survivors are more likely to continue cigarette smoking than cancer survivors, putting them at higher risk for subsequent strokes and heart disease. Researchers recommend developing robust smoking cessation programs for stroke patients similar to those offered to cancer patients.
Researchers assessed hospital policies to address sexual harassment of physicians by patients, highlighting inconsistencies and areas for improvement. The study aims to inform evidence-based practices to create a safer healthcare environment.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new high-resolution camera that can see hidden objects by indirectly scattering coherent light. The device overcomes limitations of existing NLoS imaging technologies with high spatial and temporal resolution, small probing area, and large angular field of view.
Researchers from the University of Chicago used cryo-electron microscopy to study protein degradation in yeast, describing the structure of a key enzyme involved in ubiquitination. The study provides new insights into the process and its potential role in human diseases such as aging and neurodegeneration.
Researchers develop a new method for characterizing thermal transport properties at the nanoscale, enabling visualization of temperature distribution and molecular interactions. This breakthrough paves the way for advanced nanodevices and deeper understanding of materials.
A study of nearly 500,000 Medicare patients with long-term dialysis revealed COVID-19 risk factors and associated mortality rates. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations.
A study revealed that over half of primary care providers offered telehealth services, while specialists did so at lower rates. The use of telehealth services increased access to care for patients affected by COVID-19.
Researchers used mutant mice to study meiosis, which forms eggs and sperm, revealing that breaks in DNA can lead to unanticipated types of harmful mutations. The study found that when there are too many double-strand breaks, they may not be repaired properly, leading to potentially severe mutations.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new group of small antibacterial compounds that inhibit the formation of bacterial cell walls, showing promise against antibiotic-resistant strains. The molecules work by binding to lipid II, a crucial molecule for bacterial cell wall construction.
A new study analyzing ancient Iberian genomes uncovers genetic shifts and social transformations during the Copper Age to Bronze Age transition. The data suggests that incoming steppe-related ancestry mixed with local Iberian Chalcolithic ancestry, but the paternally inherited Y chromosome lineages show a complete turnover.
Research using ring-tailed lemurs shows that fecal microbiota transplants can stabilize and restore a healthy gut microbiome after antibiotic use. The study confirms the effectiveness of this ancient treatment for reducing the negative effects of antibiotics on the gut, which can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.
A new study published in Gut Microbes found that exercise intervention reduced pain and lowered inflammatory substances in people with arthritis. Exercise increased levels of cannabis-like substances called endocannabinoids, which may help treat certain conditions.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that smoking may be the first sign of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in some individuals. The research, which analyzed data from nine long-term cohort studies, discovered that fatal or non-fatal heart attacks and strokes were more common among smokers, particula...
Acetobacterium woodii bacteria can efficiently metabolize CO2 into formate, providing a sustainable alternative to oil-based products. This process can be genetically modified to produce ethanol or lactic acid, enabling the recycling of CO2 and carbon monoxide.
Iowa State University researchers validated the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy, which prioritized frontline essential workers, older age groups, and individuals with underlying health factors. The model showed that this approach was highly effective in curbing mortality while keeping case numbers at bay.
A new study found that children with persistent, distressing PLEs show impaired cognition, higher levels of psychopathology, and delayed developmental milestone achievement compared to those without these experiences. The researchers highlight the need for early intervention and support for youth who report these experiences.
A study from the University of Illinois examines how spatial proximity affects relationship dynamics in older adult couples. The researchers found that when partners are close to each other, their heart rates synchronize in a lead-lag relationship, indicating a complex interplay between physiological responses and interaction patterns.
A new protocol has been developed to identify potential false-positive COVID-19 results, particularly in asymptomatic non-exposed individuals. The method involved retesting all positive results from such patients, revealing 20 out of 288 initial positives to be false positives.
Children of depressed parents are more likely to develop depression and poor academic performance, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE. The study found that both maternal and paternal depression have significant effects on children's mental health and educational outcomes.
A study of 8-12 year olds reveals that media multitasking is associated with worse mental health outcomes, while videogaming shows a positive correlation. The research highlights the importance of balancing screen time with other activities for children's overall well-being.
A new study found that low energy diets with formula meal replacements are the most effective methods for weight management and remission in adults with type 2 diabetes. Formula meal replacements achieved greater weight loss compared to food-based low-energy diets.
Osaka University researchers developed an ultra-thin film of magnetite with superior crystallinity and conductive properties, overcoming challenges in spintronics technology. The discovery enables the film to undergo a temperature-dependent resistivity change, crucial for implementation in quantum computing technologies.
A review by Abbott researchers highlights five HMOs in breast milk that may provide support for digestive health, the immune system and cognitive development. The study suggests these five core Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) could help influence overall brain health due to their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Researchers discovered a graphene-like material called magnetene that exhibits ultra-low friction, contrary to predictions based on Van der Waals forces. Quantum effects play a crucial role in its behavior, making it suitable for use in micro-electro-mechanical systems and implantable devices.
Researchers developed a novel model to identify specific genes and genetic alterations in multiple myeloma, stratifying the cancer's severity via DNA and RNA sequencing. This model revealed diverse subtypes and high-risk patients beyond current classifications.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that felsic volcanism in South China drove the end-Permian mass extinction, with extreme elemental copper enrichment and light isotopic compositions indicating large-scale eruptions near the studied outcrops. This finding strengthens the case against the Siberian Traps as the sole trigger f...
A clinical trial found that long-term weight loss was similar for those who received 5:2 diet or standard weight management advice, with 18% and 15% of participants losing at least five per cent of their body weight. However, the 5:2 diet group was more likely to recommend the intervention to others or continue with it.
A team of scientists has identified a new force behind the past mass extinction event, finding that volcano eruptions produced a 'volcanic winter' that drastically lowered earth's temperatures. This change added to the environmental effects resulting from other phenomena at the time.
Handwashing, mask wearing, and physical distancing are effective in reducing COVID-19 incidence, with a 53% reduction seen with mask wearing and a 25% reduction with physical distancing. However, more stringent measures like lockdowns need further assessment to weigh their potential negative effects on general populations.
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development study will enroll 7,500 pregnant mothers and their infants at 25 US sites. The findings will provide insight into how environmental exposures, such as poverty and maternal stress, affect brain development from birth to age 10.
Researchers at Penn State have found that the conventional wisdom about the relationship between domain size and piezoelectricity in ferroelectric materials is not always correct. In contrast to existing data suggesting smaller domains lead to higher piezoelectricity, this new study shows larger domain sizes can actually result in bett...
A team of scientists, including Dr Phill Cassey, are calling for greater recognition of the biosecurity risks ahead of the space industry. The research highlights the potential for 'alien organisms' to survive the journey and cause invasive species threats.
A study suggests that affordable plastic shields can substantially reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection for passengers on motorcycle taxis. The research found that a shield between the driver and passenger blocks particles and alters airflow, eliminating airborne exposure.
Physicists at the University of Stuttgart have developed a novel computer simulation strategy using a virtual fluid that allows for the calculation of electrostatic interactions within any material. This approach enables the study of wetting transitions and phase transitions of ionic liquids at metal surfaces, shedding light on unusual...
Researchers discovered that the majority of people worldwide exhibit the 'bouba/kiki effect', matching sounds with shapes, regardless of language or writing system. This finding suggests that iconic vocalisations may form a global basis for creating new words.
Researchers have discovered a protein called CPEB4 that plays a key role in diet-induced obesity. Blocking CPEB4 expression in mice protected them from weight gain, inflammation, and improved their microbiome health. The findings could lead to new treatments for diet-induced obesity and its associated cancer risks.
Researchers developed a predictive model that maps electric activity of mouse, rabbit, and human cardiac cells, allowing translation of findings across species. The model is expected to accelerate drug development and improve understanding of disease mechanisms.
Scientists design a special metamaterial that achieves 'zero index' with infinite effective spatial wavelength, overcoming limitations of short spatial wavelength in the optical regime. DCZIMs offer advantages over other mechanisms, including no ohmic losses and scalable fabricating using standard planar processes.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have uncovered how ExoY toxin becomes activated in human cells by binding to actin filaments, leading to devastating enzymatic activity. This discovery sheds light on a crucial molecular mechanism that underlies the pathogenicity of various toxins.
The American Thoracic Society has published a clinical practice guideline on the use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to guide asthma treatment. The guideline recommends using FeNO in addition to usual care for patients with asthma whose treatment is being considered, suggesting this may be eligible for the measurement.
The CDI laboratory has identified a complex natural pathway that melanoma hijacks to metastasize. The pathway centers around the silencing of bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), leading to abnormal cell signaling and increased cancer cell motility.
Researchers at the University of Trento discovered brain cells acting as a compass for navigating conceptual spaces, similar to those found in physical environments. These 'head-direction cells' signal direction even when movement occurs in abstract spaces, suggesting a complementary mechanism for conceptual navigation.
Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill and UC San Francisco identified two receptors, MRGPRX2 and MRGPRX4, involved in itching. The researchers created high-resolution maps of these complex receptor proteins when bound to compounds causing itchiness, providing a template for designing new anti-itch medications.
A new study by the University of Oslo found that brains with an older appearance are associated with lower birth weights and a genetic tendency towards smaller brain size. The researchers measured the pace of brain aging in 1,500 adults over 10 years and found no strong correlation between estimated brain age and future brain changes.
Researchers have designed a digital camera-based system that can accurately detect jaundice in newborns within one second, sending diagnoses to carers via SMS. The system uses image processing techniques to detect bilirubin levels, triggering blue LED phototherapy and treatment.
Researchers have found two genetic risk variants that may exacerbate the severity of sepsis and COVID-19 in African Americans, who carry nearly 40% of these variants. The study identifies potential pathways to reduce health disparities driven by these gene mutations.
Researchers discovered short bursts of activity in the brain, known as 'events,' which occur regardless of brain state or activity. These events are guided by the brain's structural network and may be tied to the physical structure of brain regions, offering a potential new avenue for understanding brain injuries and disorders.
A systematic review of over 500,000 under 18s found that flavoured vapes are an important aspect of vaping enjoyed by young people, potentially encouraging them to switch from tobacco smoking to less harm vaping. However, the study warns that more needs to be done to prevent young non-smokers from being attracted to vaping.