A new study by Ohio State University found that a token donation program reduced plastic bag use by about 30% at two convenience stores on a college campus. The program, which offered customers a 5-cent token in exchange for declining a disposable bag, was effective in nudgeing shoppers away from single-use plastics.
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment found that forests can reduce storm flows, but only when small-scale floods occur. In contrast, forests offer little to no protection against larger and more devastating flood events.
Scientists have detected a significant acceleration of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the only ocean current that circumnavigates the planet. The study found that climate change is causing the ACC to speed up, with prevailing westerly winds energizing ocean eddies and facilitating property exchange between ocean basins.
Researchers identified two novel mutations in the LRP6 gene associated with a rare form of hand polydactyly and tooth agenesis. The study expands the genetic spectrum of LRP6-related disorders, enabling clinicians to differentiate diagnosis and facilitate genetic research.
Researchers found that high avocado consumption led to reduced caloric energy intake, lower dairy and meat consumption, and improved fiber and nutrient intake. However, unexpected decreases in calcium and certain minerals were also observed.
Researchers found offering surgery to current smokers can lead to more equitable care, reducing disparities in lung cancer outcomes. A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery shows that risk of complications and death following surgery is similar between current and former smokers.
A recent study found that women are underrepresented in leadership teams at US healthcare organizations, holding only about 15 percent of CEO positions. The study's results highlight the need for increased representation of women in leadership roles to improve healthcare outcomes.
Researchers from diverse fields have converged on a new definition of quantum nanoscience, placing coherence at its center. The review highlights the nanoscale's role in harnessing useful quantum effects, with applications for industries and governments.
Researchers have developed a method to identify 'highly recombinogenic' individuals in natural populations, which can be used to breed new plant varieties with increased recombination. This approach allows for the efficient design of breeding selection programs and can predict recombination rate variation with accuracy.
A team of researchers found evidence that solar wind altered the chemical composition of ancient asteroid grains, producing water molecules and providing a possible source for Earth's oceans. The discovery could help future space missions find sources of water on airless worlds.
Researchers evaluate various technologies for extracting lithium from hot, saline brines, facing technical challenges due to high heat and dissolved minerals. The Salton Sea region in California is identified as a major domestic source of lithium, with the goal of developing environmentally friendly 'green' lithium sources.
The study found that cervical cancer rates in NYC neighborhoods with low socioeconomic status are significantly higher than those with high socioeconomic status, highlighting the need for neighborhood-level interventions to increase access to preventive services.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered that neurons deep in the brain's cortex process information from borders first, then send clues back to upstream areas. This supports the importance of the 'feedback' pathway for deciphering borders.
A new study finds that schools with high levels of student substance use and depressed feelings have a higher prevalence of discipline, out-of-school suspensions, and police contact. Schools with lower levels of safety and support also experience higher discipline rates.
Researchers at Osaka City University developed a new quantum algorithm that calculates potential energy curves of molecules without controlled time evolutions. This addresses issues with conventional quantum phase estimation algorithms, enabling parallel processing and efficient full-CI calculations.
Researchers found a strong correlation between irradiation damage and the mechanical, thermal, and tritium release performances of tritium breeding materials. The study provides guidance for material optimization and design of fusion reactor blankets.
Researchers used GLS tracking data to study sooty terns' migration patterns, showing they range up to 2,900 km from breeding colonies and cover 47,000 km during an eight-month migratory period. The largest breeding population of terns is on Ascension Island, which was designated a Marine Protection Area in 2019.
A new study reveals how Earth's volatile elements, such as hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon, were formed through a combination of deep Earth processes, oceans' formation, and meteor impacts. The research suggests that these elements played a crucial role in creating the habitable environment necessary for life to emerge.
Researchers developed a method to identify multiple coordination states adopted by nickel in molten salts, providing elusive information about their structure and dynamics. The study also revealed that changes in salt composition can significantly impact chloride exchange dynamics around nickel ions.
A new study explores the use of Picture Pile, a citizen science tool, to contribute to SDG monitoring and close data gaps. It found that Picture Pile can help monitor eight indicators and support seven more, providing supplementary information.
Recent clinical trials showed promising results with cardiosphere-derived cells, improving heart parameters in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Researchers investigate using cell-derived products like exosomes to boost endogenous repair pathways, while aiming to reverse cardiomyocytes' proliferation limitations.
A new marine reptile fossil from 130-million-year-old rocks in Colombia has revealed a unique dentition allowing it to eat large prey. The discovery clarifies the evolutionary tree of ichthyosaurs and tests new ideas on their evolution.
Researchers have developed a device that detects viruses in seconds from blood samples with 95% accuracy, significantly improving over current rapid tests. The optical sensor uses nanotechnology to accurately identify viruses, making it a promising technology for early treatment and virus detection.
Researchers compared genetic expression profiles of canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma and human oral tumor ameloblastoma, finding similarities in molecular mutations. The study lays groundwork for potential translational medicine, as the dog model may represent a useful clinical model of the disease.
A catalyst innovation has improved the stability of direct-ethanol fuel cells for nearly 6,000 hours, solving three key problems. This breakthrough could lead to mass adoption of clean cars powered by DEFC technology within five years.
Researchers from South Ural State University and international universities reviewed over 200 sources to identify parameters that extend tool life in superalloys. The study suggests various methods, including tool tip texturing, flood cooling, and hybrid machining, to reduce wear and improve surface integrity.
Researchers found that DNA polymerases derived from E. coli are more prone to errors under microgravity, increasing the mutation rate and potentially leading to cancer. The study's results highlight the importance of designing rotating spaceships with artificial gravity to prevent negative effects on astronauts' health.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prostacyclin treatment reduced damage to vital organs and halved mortality rates among critically ill Covid-19 patients. The research team hopes to investigate larger patient populations in future studies.
A recent study by NTU Singapore has found a strong link between increasing air pollution and the rise of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. The study also discovered that declining smoking rates are associated with lower incidence of lung squamous cell carcinoma.
A new approach has been developed to identify proteins affected by pollutants and chemicals, allowing for early detection of harmful biological effects. The method, called PISA, can be used to study the interactions between chemicals and proteins, revealing potential toxicity pathways.
Researchers found that 1.5 million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa face a one-hour drive to the nearest health facility, with many more struggling due to limited resources. Expanding healthcare access is crucial for reducing HIV incidence and addressing COVID-19.
A team of researchers has developed a polymer that can form folded (ordered) and unfolded (disordered) domains using UV irradiation. The polymer's structure is controlled by non-bonding interactions between monomers, allowing it to be manipulated after formation.
The study aims to dismantle frameworks supporting racial biases in medicine and presents a blueprint for schools to identify problematic instances of racism. Key recommendations include challenging biological notions of race, embedding structural practices, and promoting institutional climate change.
Researchers discovered a new species of parasitoid wasp that forms star-shaped cocoon masses suspended by threads up to 1 meter long, providing protection against natural enemies. The structure can accommodate over 100 cocoons and is believed to help the wasps survive during critical periods.
A team at Heidelberg University has successfully demonstrated a programmable control of spin interactions in isolated quantum systems. By adopting methods from nuclear magnetic resonance, the researchers used microwave pulses to modify the atomic spin and stall its reorientation. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for Quantum...
Researchers found that Arctic krill respond to visual changes during the Arctic polar night by swimming up or down in search of food and avoiding predators. The study revealed that even small changes in light intensity can entrain the biological rhythms of krill, helping them navigate their environment.
A recent study in mice has uncovered a protein called BMI-1 that gets turned on too early in B cells during chronic viral infection, resulting in low-quality antibodies. Targeting this protein can change the nature of the B cell to produce higher quality antibodies, potentially providing a new therapeutic pathway.
A team of international researchers has developed a globally-applicable ethical code for ancient human DNA research, aiming to address social and cultural implications. The code proposes cooperation with stakeholders, minimal damage to human remains, and respect for indigenous communities' perspectives.
Researchers have created a microcrystal that utilizes self-continuous reciprocating motion for propulsion, enabling the microrobot to move itself sustainably in water. The microrobots exhibited different styles of propulsion and were affected by fin length, ratio, and elevation angle.
Scientists at Kobe University have successfully generated testosterone-producing Leydig cells from human iPS cells, a significant step towards developing a regenerative medicine treatment for late-onset hypogonadism. The induced cells expressed genes specific to Leydig cells and produced functional testosterone.
Pharmacy standing orders led to a significant increase in naloxone dispensing in Massachusetts, but gaps in access persist in rural communities and Hispanic neighborhoods. Communities with higher rates of opioid overdose deaths and buprenorphine treatment also dispensed more naloxone.
A study found that whales near big cities in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf ingest around 3 million microplastics per day. Researchers estimated this amount by analyzing whale scat and food consumption patterns.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
A study published in iScience reveals that strategic disinformation can outperform honesty in winning over and retaining human clients in a competitive environment. The researchers found that misreporting evidence about facts that clients care about is an effective strategy for social influencers to gain an advantage over their rivals.
Research from the University of Göttingen reveals that milk producers in Cameroon employ strategies such as dairy-focused training and farm diversification to maintain their livelihoods after a supply chain disruption. The study's findings highlight the importance of adequate support for smallholder producers.
A new study shows that quantum systems can exist in a superposition of forward and backward time flows, blurring the traditional concept of time. This phenomenon has practical implications for quantum thermodynamics, potentially offering advantages in thermal machines and refrigerators.
Researchers at UMass Amherst found that anglers who experienced shark depredation were more likely to target sharks for harvesting, highlighting the need for human-centered conservation strategies. Over 77% of respondents reported having a fish taken by a shark at least once in the last five years.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made a breakthrough in reversing memory deficits and slowing disease progression in female mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that activating a specific receptor was effective in treating females, who make up two-thirds of diagnosed cases.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 12.4% of patients who received implantable cardiac devices and filled an opioid prescription within two weeks of surgery developed persistent opioid use. Higher initial prescriptions were associated with a higher risk of persistent opioid use.
A team of researchers led by Guy Genin and Stavros Thomopoulos found a previously unknown fibrous architecture in the shoulder joint, revealing new features of the attachment system. The discovery sheds light on how the rotator cuff functions and why repairs fail frequently.
The Health Advances in Underrepresented Populations and Diseases (HARP) PhD Programme aims to address health disparities by training 32 healthcare professionals to research diseases affecting underrepresented groups. The programme provides support for clinicians to gain research experience, with the goal of improving health outcomes fo...
Researchers create large molecular rings that self-assemble into a sheet-like structure on surfaces, allowing for adjustable mesh size and attachment of bulky molecules. This technology has the potential to enable novel catalysts and measure nanomechanical properties of proteins.
A team of researchers has extracted and analyzed ancient proteins and DNA from nearly 4,000 bone fragments at Denisova Cave, yielding five human bones with intact biomolecules, dating back to 200,000 years ago. The findings provide robust insights into the first occupants of the cave and their archaeological signature.
Researchers found that low-contrast preferring neurons in primary visual cortex increase after repeated experiences, enabling perception of familiar objects. This flexible mechanism allows for consistent perception of objects with varying contrast.
A Charité study confirms the efficacy of gene therapy in improving muscle function and reducing mortality in children with spinal muscular atrophy. The treatment, onasemnogene abeparvoven, was found to be effective in children under two years of age, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers developed a machine learning method to assign NMR spectra of organic crystals probabilistically from their 2D chemical structures. The approach uses a database of chemical shifts for organic solids, reducing computational cost by up to 10,000 times compared to current methods.
Researchers at Université de Montréal developed a statistical model using blood biomarkers to predict which patients are most at risk of dying from COVID-19. The model is based on the amount of viral RNA in the blood and has been validated on two independent cohorts, showing high predictive accuracy.
Researchers develop a multimodal recommender library to improve recommendation accuracy and interpretability. The library, Cornac, provides a variety of algorithms for comparing different models and identifying the most effective ones.
Researchers at Göttingen University have developed a new X-ray imaging method to detect changes in neuronal cell nuclei, indicating altered activity of neurons. This technique enabled the identification of changes in neurons in Alzheimer's disease.
A team led by Prof. Dr. Maria Hoflund developed a method to focus broadband XUV radiation with a high demagnification factor, enabling the creation of high-intensity XUV pulses with attosecond pulse duration.