A team of scientists has discovered the oldest modern-looking crab, Cretapsara athanata, preserved in 100-million-year-old amber. The fossil is remarkably complete, including delicate tissues and well-developed gills, revealing an aquatic to semi-aquatic animal that defies explanation for its preservation in tree resin.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a novel method called Repair-seq to understand genome editing tools, revealing complex mechanisms of DNA repair. This work improves the CRISPR gene-editing method by identifying new pathways and optimizing systems.
A newly discovered ancient crab fossil, Cretapsara athanata, has shed new light on the evolution of crabs. The 100 million-year-old fossil, found in amber, provides evidence that crabs transitioned to land around 100 million years ago, bridging a previously unknown gap in their evolutionary history.
New research from the University of Arizona suggests that a slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will intensify extreme cold weather in the US. The study found that without the AMOC, extremely cold winter weather would become more frequent and severe.
A new study found that most people maintain their pre-retirement level of social support after retirement, with women and those with high social support experiencing an improvement in mental wellbeing. The research also shows an increase in life satisfaction for couples where either the man or woman retired.
Researchers analyze competition among high-profile Twitter users and suggest a revenue-sharing program to increase user engagement. The study found that sharing revenues with all tweeting players, not just top performers, is more effective and less expensive for the platform.
Researchers identify a twist-angle dependent exciton in WS2/WSe2 heterobilayers, characterized by an intralayer exciton with transition dipole moment parallel to the atomic plane. The exciton's orientation and energy are found to be independent of the twist angle.
Researchers at Yale Cancer Center are launching a new tissue mapping center to study the role of senescent immune cells in development, aging, and disease. The goal is to develop strategies to target senescent cells to battle aging and cancer.
Scientists develop injectable hydrogels to effectively prevent post-surgical adhesions, reducing complications and hospital costs. The hydrogel barriers demonstrate superior mechanical properties and effective prevention of cell adherence.
A team of international scientists has shown that skeletal muscle cells from people with type 2 diabetes have a different circadian rhythm, leading to altered mitochondrial metabolism. The study suggests that considering cellular rhythms when prescribing treatments for type 2 diabetes could optimize their effectiveness.
Researchers create maps of senescence in heart and lung cells, comparing different types of senescent cells across the lifespan. The goal is to understand how senescent cells contribute to age-related diseases and develop therapies called senolytics.
Researchers developed a biodegradable polymer called polylactide (PLA) with RNA-inspired breaking points, which can break down faster in seawater. The degradation rate of the polymer can be tailored depending on the amount of breaking points, offering a potential solution to marine pollution.
A Chinese research team reconstructed past 6,000-year history of Modified Circumpolar Deep Water (MCDW) intrusion into the Ross Sea using ornithogenic sediments. The study found two periods of enhanced MCDW intrusion linked to changes in sea ice and ecological patterns.
The Lancet Countdown report highlights the urgent need for globally coordinated action to mitigate climate change and address health inequities. Countries are under-prepared for the health effects of climate change, with only 49% having a national plan or strategy.
A study of 9,739 adults found that those with stable overweight and obesity had elevated cardiac troponin I levels, a marker of subclinical heart injury. Long-standing obesity is associated with injurious effects on cardiac health before symptoms occur.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory University have developed an innovative method for delivering vaccines, including those for COVID-19, using a handheld electroporator. The device is powered by a BBQ lighter and uses microneedle technology to reduce the complexity and cost of vaccine delivery.
The new AI-CARING initiative aims to develop robotics and artificial-intelligence systems to help seniors manage daily activities, including medication schedules and meal preparation. The project also seeks to grow employment opportunities and educational programs in the field of AI-robotics, with UMass Lowell as a key partner.
A recent study published in Nature Machine Intelligence challenges the long-held assumption that accuracy and fairness are mutually exclusive in machine learning. Researchers found that optimizing models for accuracy does not necessarily compromise fairness, particularly when adjustments are made to data, labels, and scoring systems.
LGBTQ+ surgical residents in the US reported higher instances of prejudice, often perpetrated by attending surgeons, leading to a hostile environment. The study aims to shed light on this issue and inform strategies for improving inclusivity in medical training.
Researchers challenge long-held notion that humans are bad for ecosystems, finding no correlation between remoteness and coral reef resilience. Instead, areas with higher human influence may recover faster from disturbances due to shifts in coral population dynamics.
A new supplemental issue of The Journals of Gerontology, Series B investigates motivation's role in healthy aging. Motivation science examines desires, dislikes, and fears to understand goal pursuit and aging processes.
Researchers found that urban waste products applied to agricultural fields in France contained higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) than livestock manures. The study also detected a shift towards more persistent PFAS compounds over time, raising toxicity concerns.
The University of Ottawa has launched the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH), a leading research center examining biological, social, economic, and cultural determinants of Black health. The ICBH aims to identify priorities in research on physical and mental health disparities among Canada's Black communities.
Researchers at GIST create an optical technique called optical speckle image velocimetry that can image dynamic changes in cerebral blood flow, allowing for the diagnosis of brain health. The technique provides high-time resolution and measures both speed and direction of blood flow.
Scientists linked SOS data to grain prices in five African countries, increasing predictive power by up to 25% in some cases. The study's findings enable earlier forecasts of potential famine, with implications for humanitarian aid.
Severe vomiting during pregnancy, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, drives women to terminate wanted pregnancies. The condition also affects mental health, with 25.5% experiencing suicidal thoughts. Improving support systems is crucial for these women.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh and Prairie View A&M University developed an algorithm to repurpose cancer drugs for pulmonary hypertension, a devastating lung disease. Two compounds improved human cells and rodent markers, supporting broader drug-repurposing platform use.
Researchers found that somatostatin interneurons can cause seizures when they go haywire, disrupting the brain's balance. The study identified a rare epilepsy syndrome and developed mouse models to understand the neurological dysfunction, paving the way for new treatments.
A new study from MIT reveals that calorie-restricted diets slow tumor growth in mice by reducing fatty acid availability, while ketogenic diets have limited effect. The findings offer insight into how dietary interventions might be combined with existing or emerging drugs to help patients with cancer.
Scientists at Wuhan University have developed a novel method to synthesize 2D rare earth oxides (REOs) with specific facets. The technique uses a facet controlling assistor to control the growth mode and direction of crystals, leading to anisotropic growth of non-layered REOs materials.
A new study from the University of Southampton demonstrates a safe method to clean and reuse facemask respirators using advanced low-temperature plasma technology. This technique can remove 99.99% of coronavirus while maintaining filter performance, reducing plastic waste by approximately 70%.
Researchers have identified a gene called Nup54 that plays a crucial role in regulating female reproductive behaviors in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual conflict and its impact on evolution.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can communicate with and slow the development of cancer cells. The nanoparticles aggregate in cancer cells, reducing metabolic activity and growth, and are activated by MMP-9 enzyme secreted by cancer cells.
A research team from the University of Zurich has identified a common genetic variant in the AQP1 gene that affects treatment efficacy and patient survival on peritoneal dialysis. Patients carrying this variant have a higher risk of death, but researchers found a way to circumvent the problem using colloid osmotic agents.
A new NLP model developed by researchers at Harbin Institute of Technology achieves higher AUC scores than existing models. The Heterogeneous Graph-Based Sequential Multi-Grained Information Aggregation Framework (HGM-GIF) uses a combination of word-level, event-level, and sentence-level information to improve stock market predictions.
Researchers found that as icebergs melted, vegetation became scarce, making it difficult for the giant animals to survive. The team analyzed ancient environmental DNA and sequenced plant remains to draw globally significant conclusions.
A new study suggests that patient-specific plates can provide superior performance in terms of anatomical fit and fracture stability. Custom-made plates designed through computer modeling have shown potential in improving healing outcomes for clavicle fractures.
A new interactive US county map shows that ticks carrying disease-causing bacteria have been found in 116 counties not previously identified by the CDC. Lyme disease was detected in 293 counties, while tick-borne relapsing fever and anaplasmosis were found in 80 and 128 counties respectively.
The NY-CDTR promotes collaboration and research on effective strategies for improving diabetes prevention, care, and self-management, with a focus on health equity. The center will expand its efforts to address diabetes health disparities experienced by Latinx individuals through community partnerships and national initiatives.
A deep learning algorithm from VUNO improved radiologists' sensitivity for detecting reticular opacity on chest radiographs in patients with mild to severe interstitial lung disease. The algorithm accuracy reached 98.5% and improved interobserver agreement, suggesting its potential for screening suspected ILD patients.
A new study reveals that a female elephant seal's age and experience are more important than ocean conditions in determining the condition of her pup at weaning. Higher population densities lead to smaller pups, but older females outperform younger ones.
A new study found that racial and ethnic disparities in pediatric kidney transplantation decreased significantly after the implementation of the Kidney Allocation System in 2014. The study showed no racial disparities in waitlist time until transplantation before or after the policy change, but disparities remained for time on dialysis...
Researchers have identified a rapid mechanism for muscle repair that relies on the rearrangement of muscle fibre nuclei and does not involve stem cells. This process allows for efficient protection against minor lesions, paving the way for a deeper understanding of muscle biology, physiology, and disease.
Researchers have developed hardened wooden knives that are 23 times harder and nearly three times sharper than stainless-steel dinner table knives. The material can be used to produce wooden nails as sharp as conventional steel nails and has potential applications in hardwood flooring and other wood products.
Pediatricians and public health officials should present a united front against controversial state masking bans for schools, as these policies contradict evidence-based recommendations. The Delta variant overwhelmed pediatric emergency rooms and hospitals, highlighting the need for effective mitigation strategies.
Researchers found that African greys waited up to 29.4 seconds for preferred food, while blue-throated macaws only waited 8.3 seconds. Pacing was the most effective waiting behaviour among parrots.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that college students misuse prescription drugs more often during the week and when they are alone at home. The study, which surveyed 297 students, suggests that there may be different motivating factors underlying prescription drug misuse compared to other substances.
University of Michigan researchers have identified a zinc and calcium ion permeable channel within a cell's lysosome that can be targeted to selectively kill cancer cells. Targeting this channel with small molecule pharmaceuticals triggers rapid and selective cell death in cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
A team of international scientists has discovered a 5-millimeter crab in 100-million-year-old amber, pushing back the age of non-marine crabs to at least 100 million years ago. The find provides new insights into the evolution of true crabs and their spread across the world.
Overdose deaths involving cocaine or methamphetamine increased triply in the shadow of the opioid epidemic. Most fatal overdoses (70%) involved multiple substances, with most being opioids and stimulants. The study highlights disparities in overdose risk from stimulants among Black veterans and rural residents.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) by sending two laser beams together, reducing distortion caused by atmospheric turbulence. This innovation promises to improve wireless communication speeds and security for applications such as high-speed internet, airplanes, drones, and satellites.
The NIH has awarded $7.5 million to Washington University School of Medicine to study senescent cells, which are thought to contribute to aging and disease. Researchers will map the location and function of senescent cells in bone marrow and liver tissues.
Researchers applied a physics method to Balinese rice irrigation practices, finding that a balance between water stress and pest stress is crucial for equilibrium. The traditional method, which involves synchronized flooding, can help maintain social harmony and prevent chaos in water schedules.
Researchers discovered a resemblance between magic graphene's superconductivity and high-temperature superconductors, shedding light on the mysterious ceramic compounds. The study provides evidence for unconventional superconductivity in magic bilayer graphene.
A 100-million-year-old crab fossil discovered in amber is helping scientists understand the evolution of non-marine crabs. The fossil, named Cretapsara athanata, provides crucial evidence that these crustaceans colonized land around 125 million years ago, bridging a long-standing gap in the fossil record.
A pilot study examines graph-theoretical properties of brain networks in traumatic brain injury and controls, showing association with balance impairment and structural damage. The study uses EEG-based functional connectivity measures during a balance perturbation task to explore underlying neural mechanisms.
A research team at USTC achieved measurable control over the magnitude of BPVE under applied electric field, incident light field, and temperature conditions. The findings suggest that ultrathin 2D ferroelectrics hold potential for developing high-efficiency third-generation solar cells beyond the SQ limit.
A study published in BioScience found that genetic factors contribute to concern for nature and pro-environmental behavior, with moderate heritability (30-40%) reported. The researchers also observed high genetic correlations between these traits, suggesting a partially shared genetic basis.
A study published in Psycho-Oncology found that breast cancer patients with low resilience are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and poor health-related quality of life during chemotherapy. Patients with high resilience, on the other hand, were less likely to develop depression and reported better health outcomes.
A new study by University of Miami researchers observed immediate reductions in both alcohol-related crashes and DUI arrests following the March 2020 lockdown. The analysis showed a staggering reduction of over 800 fewer DUI arrests and almost 150 fewer alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes.
A team of astronomers used Hubble and Gran Telescopio Canarias data to study faint galaxies, revealing a 'fitful' start to the Universe. The first stars likely formed in bursts, followed by long periods of inactivity.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet finds that two vaccine doses increase antibody levels in the airways after COVID-19, while a second dose after recovery also boosts levels. The results highlight the importance of completing vaccination with a second dose to achieve optimal immune responses and reduce transmission.
A study of 699 Black participants found that transitioning to an integrated school between grades 1-6 was associated with improved cognitive aging outcomes. Those who attended integrated schools had statistically significant advantages in executive function and semantic memory compared to those who only attended segregated schools.
Researchers found that histone trimethylation regulates the carotene isomerase gene, increasing astaxanthin content. Low-temperature plasma treatment increases strigolactone and abscisic acid levels, leading to increased astaxanthin synthesis.
A new test separates people into different groups based on their platelet response, potentially leading to more precise treatments for strokes and heart attacks. Researchers developed a computer software to analyze and classify data from human participants' blood samples.
A first-in-human study at Cleveland Clinic found that targeting the dentate nucleus with deep brain stimulation was safe and feasible for promoting post-stroke rehabilitation, enabling significant functional improvement in upper extremity hemiparesis. The study's adaptive design allowed for extended treatment duration if patients conti...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, women researchers faced increased domestic duties and homeschooling, leading to a drastic drop in scientific production. The study found a 20% decrease in women first authors, 12% decrease in last authors, and 20% decrease in corresponding authors compared to pre-pandemic data.
Researchers developed a new method for activating carbon-nitrogen bonds using uranyl photoredox catalysis. This process enables the efficient synthesis of phenols from anilines, with gram-scale amplification and high efficiency demonstrated.
Researchers created EpiPolicy software system to model epidemics, maximizing public health protections while minimizing economic and social costs. The model uses Monte Carlo and reinforcement learning techniques to design intervention strategies automatically, taking into account risk and uncertainty.
Recent Mason bioengineering research appears as cover articles in Nature, discussing cell census and atlas of the motor cortex. The studies aim to develop technologies for investigating neural circuits and understanding brain diseases.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a vaccine that offers cross-protection against SARS coronaviruses by targeting the conserved core region of the spike protein receptor-binding domain. This approach has the potential to protect against future outbreaks, including those caused by novel viruses.
Researchers discovered a new candidate for the sister group of eukaryotes, named Njordarchaeota. The analysis suggests that this group is closely related to eukaryotes and may have played a key role in their origin.
About 42% of U.S. adults are considered clinically obese due to increased risk of health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. New weight-loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) show promise in safely aiding weight loss, but long-term side effects and sustainability remain concerns.
Researchers aim to understand language development in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and Fragile X syndrome by examining grammar skills and executive functions. The study will gather data on a two-year developmental window, providing comprehensive insights for families and potential improvements in communication.
Researchers from South Ural State University discovered the reasons for the stability of salts, attributing it to the properties of electron density distribution. The study reveals the importance of chemical bonding in multi-centre character, paving the way for predicting material properties.
A global review found that 80% of crop diversity loss is due to economic, agricultural, technological, climatic, and political changes. Conservation efforts can mitigate losses by strengthening ex-situ repositories and duplicating unique collections.
Researchers found that a coagulation method using electricity effectively removes and inactivates nonenveloped viruses from untreated water. The process involves the use of iron electrodes to produce hydroxyl radicals, which aggregate with viruses, making them easier to remove.
Researchers found that bacteria create tiny liquid droplets from proteins to help them survive harsh environments and reduce the risk of being killed by antibiotics. These droplets, called aggresomes, are highly dynamic structures that allow bacteria to respond quickly to changes in their environment.
Researchers have discovered evidence of a giant impact that occurred in a nearby star system, stripping part of the planet's atmosphere. The team observed carbon monoxide gas around the star, which they believe was released from a massive impact involving two proto-planets.
A new study elucidates the fundamental response of topological insulators to terahertz radiation, revealing rapid energy transfer between electrons and crystal lattice. The results hold promise for faster mobile data communication and high-sensitivity detector systems.
A recent study has revealed that Fusarium wilt of cotton is more aggressive and diverse than previously understood, affecting Pima and Upland varieties. The researchers identified a population shift towards FOV4, a fourth race of the fungus, which has overcome some resistance in commercial Pima varieties.
Researchers found that adding interferon to bone marrow transplant significantly reduced leukemia relapse among high-risk patients, improving outcomes. The study suggests a potential new strategy for treating advanced acute myeloid leukemia, with further research needed to confirm the findings.
A team of scientists discovered that Europeans were present in the Americas in 1021 AD, marking the earliest known point of Atlantic crossing. This date also signifies humanity's circumnavigation of the planet.
Researchers have developed a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator that mimics the movement of seaweed to efficiently convert surface and underwater waves into electricity. The device has been shown to generate power even at low water pressures, making it suitable for powering marine sensors in coastal zones.
A postgenomic study reveals that an enriched environment stimulates sensory perceptions by regulating synapses and altering lipid metabolism. The researchers found 178 proteins and 20 lipids to be significantly regulated depending on the environmental condition.
A study from Michigan State University found that partisan politics played a significant role in local decisions about in-person schooling during the pandemic. In heavily Democratic counties, schools were nearly three times more likely to open fully remote, while Republican counties were nearly 1.8 times more likely to offer in-person ...
A recent study suggests that infants conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be at a higher risk of developing craniosynostosis, a type of skull deformity. The four percent prevalence rate among IVF-conceived infants is considerably higher than the estimated one case per 1,800 to 2,200 births. Further studies are needed to c...
Researchers found that glial cells are activated by interferon gamma in response to pathogen invasion, releasing signals to attract immune cells to fight infection. In the absence of disease or injury, blocked activation led to tissue inflammation, highlighting their role in maintaining healthy intestinal tissue.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that students who felt their university failed them during the pandemic were more likely to experience trauma symptoms. The authors analyzed data from a large group of undergraduate students and discovered a significant association between institutional betrayal and trauma symptoms.
Researchers found that genes in the lung are associated with the largest impact on type-1 diabetes risk, potentially linking respiratory viral infections to disease onset. The study suggests a new target for drug development and could lead to a vaccine to prevent the condition.
New York City public schools have made progress in reducing lead levels in drinking water, with Black students showing the largest reduction in lead exposure. However, most schools still have elevated lead levels due to varying testing protocols.
Research finds that online dating app tailoring affects users' perceptions of recommended partners. Users who provide information about their partner preferences tend to identify more date-worthy partners, while those without experience benefit from customizing their preferences.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new path forward for processing titanium. Cryo-forging at ultra-low temperatures produces extra-strong nanotwinned titanium with improved strength and ductility. The material maintains its structure and properties at extreme temperatures, demonstrating its versatility.
A Michigan Medicine study found that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are associated with significantly higher rates of first-time cesarean deliveries among low-risk pregnant women. The study suggests that identifying and treating these disorders in pregnant women may help reduce the risk of cesarean section deliveries.
ImCheck's ICT01 selectively activates Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through all three isoforms of BTN3A, overcoming prior limitations. The therapy demonstrates anti-tumor activity in solid and hematologic cancer models.
A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences provides immediate actions for the world's largest coral restoration program. Researchers found significant variation in the heat tolerance of staghorn corals, with certain strains exhibiting higher resistance to warming oceans.
CABI has been awarded a $4.5 million contract from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to increase capacity for managing FAIR data standards. The project aims to ensure available data on agricultural development is based upon Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable principles.
A study of cross-cultural differences in COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes found that people in Europe and the US had the lowest knowledge and adherence to safety measures. In contrast, people in the Middle East and Asia were more aware of COVID-19 and took greater precautions.
Researchers discovered that nickel can catalyze the cross-coupling of aryl ethers through a nickelate anion. This reaction pathway relies on the formation and stability of the catalyst, providing an alternative to traditional palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
Researchers quantified COVID-19 vaccine uptake disparities by race and ethnicity within US states, revealing substantial coverage gaps among older adults. The study's findings underscore the need for targeted vaccination strategies to address these disparities.
The UK's new visa for Hong Kongers is framed as a haven for Britain's former colonial subjects, but Professor Michaela Benson warns of 'undoubtedly colonialist overtones'. The visa scheme has been criticized for its selective nature and perceived biases towards certain migrants.
A multi-year study found that both short and long sleepers experience greater cognitive decline than those who slept a moderate amount. Researchers separated out the effects of poor sleep and Alzheimer's disease on cognition, suggesting a middle range or 'sweet spot' for total sleep time where cognitive performance is stable over time....
Researchers found that people's pupils dilate more in response to metaphors than to literal or concrete statements. The study suggests that everyday metaphors, often considered clichés, play a significant role in engaging our brains and conveying richer meaning.
The study of 686 Finnish women found that postmenopausal bone loss is approximately 10% over a 25-year period. Taking hormone replacement therapy and gaining weight during follow-up were linked to lower postmenopausal bone loss rates.
Researchers identify a hydrogen utilization pathway for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of phenol, improving its efficiency with PtRh/MCN bimetallic catalysts. The study shows that specific adsorption of phenol enhances intrinsic activity for producing adsorbed hydrogen from water electrolysis.
Researchers identified a protein leakage related to chronic airway diseases, which restricts breathing. Decreasing this leakage could improve asthma and COPD management by relaxing airways.
A new study found a 1.1-percentage-point increase in stillbirths and a 0.72-percentage-point increase in newborn deaths in Nigeria during the pandemic. This increase of 22% and 23%, respectively, threatens the hard-won gains in child survival made over the past two decades.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that blocking the excess production of MIF could lead to disease remission and prevent disability and mortality linked to SpA. Researchers have successfully tested a MIF blocker, called MIF098, in pre-clinical models.
A study in Brazil's Santos city showed that citizen science collaboration between civil society and academia can achieve progress toward ocean conservation goals. The project developed a methodology for integrating civil society and academia, including training and validation of monitoring protocols.
The study found that advances in iron metallurgy, horse riding, and agricultural productivity played a significant role in the development of military machines. Mega-empires emerged as societies supporting tens of millions of inhabitants and covering vast territories.
A new study suggests that vigorous exercise during leisure time is not associated with an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, intense physical activity at work hours was linked to a higher risk, possibly due to repetitive motion or exposure to chemicals. Moderate exercise, even after symptoms begi...
The study shows that COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is substantial in adolescents, with a 93% decrease in symptomatic cases and a 90% decrease in documented infections after the second dose. Vaccine effectiveness was lower but still significant before the second dose.
Scientists developed a cascade-responsive nanobomb that generates multiple severe ROS storms at the tumor site, effectively inhibiting tumor growth and preventing metastasis. The device uses a domino effect to activate systemic immune responses while minimizing external energy stimulation.
Researchers found that excess carbohydrates can lead to metabolic distress by blocking the synthesis of important antioxidants and increasing insulin levels. This study provides new insights into the relationship between carbohydrate overfeeding and metabolic health.
A mathematical model based on 30 years of pollen data predicts a decline in pollination in Bavarian forests due to climate change. The study forecasts a reduction in birch trees in the region by the end of the century, with warmer summers initially favoring pollen production but ultimately leading to a decline in plant populations.
Researchers have discovered that red blood cells bind to cell-free DNA during sepsis and COVID-19, leading to their removal from circulation and triggering inflammation. This finding opens the door to new treatments for inflammatory diseases and acute anemia.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that vaccination is over 90% effective in preventing deaths from the Delta variant of Covid-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines were found to be highly effective, with the former showing a 90% effectiveness rate and the latter at 91%.
A meta-analysis of pooled estimates found that healthcare professionals exhibit implicit weight bias, but the extent and nature of this bias are mixed. The study highlights the importance of addressing weight bias in healthcare settings to improve patient care and outcomes.
Research found that individuals with higher anxiety levels have altered perceptions of their breathing, reduced sensitivity to changes, and altered brain activity. This can lead to a negative cycle of emotions, creating even more anxiety. The study aims to improve treatment strategies by understanding how body perception affects anxiety.
Researchers successfully implanted a microelectrode array in the visual cortex of a blind volunteer, allowing her to identify lines, shapes and simple letters. The implant stimulated neurons to produce phosphenes, creating an image and demonstrating safety and efficacy.
A new study found that telephone cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively improve sleeplessness and pain in older adults with osteoarthritis-related insomnia, reducing clinical and financial burdens. The study showed that telephone CBT reduced healthcare costs without increasing them.
Researchers investigated whether continued magnetic seizure therapy (MST) could effectively prevent the relapse of treatment-resistant depression. The study found that MST was associated with a lower relapse rate compared to earlier research assessing one-time, acute MST.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients with acute kidney injury who receive continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) have a high incidence of needing CRRT reinstitution after removal. This contributes to poor 90-day outcomes. Successful CRRT liberation is marginally associated with fewer major adverse k...
A study of 2,329 academic journals found a significant gender gap in manuscript submissions during the first COVID-19 wave, with women submitting fewer papers than men, especially in health and medicine.
A new study found that retired male elite rugby union players aged 50+ who suffered three or more rugby-related concussions during their career have no worse average cognitive function than those with no, one, or two concussions. However, over-75s with a history of multiple concussions showed significantly worse cognitive function on a...
Researchers analyzed primary sludge from a Connecticut wastewater treatment plant, revealing trends in pandemic-related chemicals like hydroxychloroquine. The study found increases in drugs of abuse and antidepressants, as well as seasonal changes in sunscreen chemicals.
A study led by Ludovic Orlando found that modern domestic horses were first domesticated in the Pontic-Caspian steppes around 2000-2200 BC. The genetic profile of these horses spread rapidly across Eurasia, replacing other horse populations and facilitating their conquest of the region.
Dampwood termites exhibit brain changes in anticipation of cognitive demand, specifically in visual processing regions. This experience-expectant plasticity is seen before the individual molts into a king or queen, highlighting the insects' adaptability and unique role within the colony.
A VCU study found that people with advanced liver scarring caused by obesity and diabetes are dying from liver disease, underscoring the need for new treatments. The research provides a roadmap for future therapies to prevent liver transplants and save lives.
Plant biologists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed the first artificial scaffolds that can support individual plant cells, mimicking the properties of plant cell walls. The scaffolds demonstrate promising results for studying plant cell adhesion and growth.
Researchers from The University of Electro-Communications and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that sintering porous media inside heat transfer tubes increases the area available for heat exchange, reducing thermal resistance and enhancing heat transfer performance. Heat transfer in these tubes is five times greater...
A new analysis spanning 10,000 years of history and ten major world regions found that world population size, major technological advances, and geographical connectivity are key drivers of military technology evolution. The study's methodology employed a resource called Seshat: Global History Databank to empirically test prior hypotheses.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2021
Researchers found that humanlike chatbots raise unrealistic expectations, leading to lower satisfaction and purchase intentions in angry customers. To mitigate this effect, companies should deploy non-humanlike chatbots in customer service situations where customers tend to be angry.
Researchers develop conductive, wash-durable yarn for wearable heaters using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(4-styrenesulfonate). The treated yarn can distribute heat at a safe operating voltage when sewn into fabric, providing steady warmth even in cold conditions.
Older adults who lived at home with family and friends were more likely to be discharged home after surgery. Patients who relied on informal caregivers had a higher risk of readmission, highlighting the importance of their role in post-operative care.
A randomised controlled trial found that increasing daily milk, yoghurt, and cheese intake reduced the risk of all fractures by 33%, hip fractures by 46%, and falls by 11% among older adults in residential care. This approach has widespread implications for fracture prevention as a public health measure.
KAUST researchers propose a radical new mechanism for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formation, which consumes fewer radicals than current hypotheses. The mechanism involves resonance-stabilized radicals, allowing successive addition reactions to occur without activation.
A team of scientists has discovered that male-female differences in protein expression occur immediately after embryonic cells become heart cells called cardiomyocytes. This finding provides new opportunities for research into cardiac disease and treatment, as well as advancing the biological study of sex differences.
Researchers at Buck Institute will identify and characterize senescent cells in human ovaries, breast tissue, and skeletal muscle to better understand their role in age-related diseases. The study aims to develop therapeutics to improve human health by quelling the damaging effects of senescent cells.
A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that declines of Pacific salmon and trout are associated with 40 years of changes in their combined marine and freshwater ecosystems. The study reveals that stressors in both environments combine to impact fish resiliency, resulting in lower survival rates in rivers and the sea.
A recent study from Penn State and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has discovered a natural protein called lanmodulin that can recover and purify radioactive metals like actinium. The protein-based approach simplifies the purification process, reduces costs, and enables the production of higher-purity actinium.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that immune checkpoint inhibitors can generate promising results in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMD), a rare complication of cancer. The treatment showed increased activity in cancer-killing immune cells and expression of particular genes within cells.
The study utilizes gas-phase electrophoresis (GEMMA) to separate nanovesicles from proteins in natural samples. This allows for accurate attribution of effects to transport vesicles, crucial for understanding cellular communication and metabolism. The method has significant implications for extracellular vesicle research and its releva...