The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has been selected by the National Science Foundation to develop a coral reef digital twin, which aims to create a smart, integrated, and connected ecosystem for ocean innovation and sustainable utilization. The project will translate digital twin technology into environmental solutions and bring...
Researchers at Arizona State University explore alternative approaches to catalysis, a chemical process crucial for industrial applications. The study aims to develop synthetic catalysts that can improve on nature's designs, leading to the production of carbon-neutral fuels.
Researchers have identified that moment-to-moment brain signal variability can reliably predict the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder. This finding suggests that neural variability may be a reliable indicator of individual differences in treatment response, particularly when using ...
A nationwide study of nearly 625,000 births in Israel found consistent links between high and low temperatures and lower birth weight. Exposure to extreme temperatures, particularly heat in the second and third trimesters, was associated with reduced fetal growth.
Researchers discovered that zinc oxide degrades other UV absorbers, reducing UVA protection by up to 91.8% after two hours of sunlight exposure. This could lead to increased formula toxicity and decreased sunscreen effectiveness, prompting calls for innovative new ingredients.
Researchers found that environmental factors and genetic traits contribute to the emergence of deadly variants of Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium. The study's findings could help create a model for other human pathogens.
A study found that climate change is favoring the spread of West Nile Virus in Europe by creating favorable conditions for mosquitoes and the virus. Warmer winters allow infected mosquitoes to survive, spreading the virus earlier and increasing disease outbreaks.
Researchers have created superionic ice phases XVIII and XX by subjecting water to record-breaking pressures and temperatures. The study provides insights into the formation of these conductive forms of ice and their potential role in explaining the mysterious magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune.
A cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine has effectively provided protection against the flu in children and adolescents. The study found that the vaccine produced a sufficient immune response in children aged two to 18 years, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 54.6 per cent.
A new protocol combining patient monitoring and monoclonal antibody therapy reduced hospitalizations by half and deaths to zero for eligible patients. The study, conducted at Keck Medicine of USC, shows improved outcomes among liver and kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19.
Researchers found that microbes' growth rate decreased over 15 years of warming, and a loss of soil carbon may be responsible for the slowdown. Rare bacterial taxa were among the fastest growers, highlighting the importance of considering different organisms' responses.
Exposure to environmental stressors like air pollution, noise exposure, and climate change significantly contributes to the high incidence of cardiovascular disease. The review discusses solutions and mitigation measures to lower the impact of environmental risk factors on cardiovascular health.
A team of researchers used paleomagnetism models and historical documents to create a map of the auroral zone over the last 3,000 years. They found that the auroral zone has moved significantly over time, with notable changes occurring in the 12th century and 18th century.
A study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke is associated with extensive physical health effects, high levels of anxiety and depression, and sleep loss. The survey of over 2000 residents revealed a significant negative health burden not previously accounted for by official statistics.
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science has been awarded a $2 million matching grant to develop and open state-of-the-art wet lab space for collaboration with industry partners. The funding will also benefit Lake County communities by attracting biotech companies and creating new jobs, internships, and training programs.
The study found that negative smells trigger a physical avoidance response, indicating an unconscious and rapid reaction mechanism. The olfactory bulb processes smells rapidly, with signals reaching the brain within 100-150 milliseconds.
A multi-university study found that higher doses of intensive therapy improve upper arm and hand abilities in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy, while a lower dosage produces fewer gains. The therapy can be life-changing for children, increasing their willingness to tackle new activities.
Researchers from Technion, Wageningen University and Wetsus have developed an effective method to remove toxic boron from desalinated water while reducing costs. The new technique uses capacitive deionization and found optimal conditions for boron removal, including the placement of electrodes in a specific order.
A new analysis suggests that the continuous arrival of infected individuals has a significant influence on the evolution and severity of local outbreaks. The researchers found an association between the number of seed arrivals and the speed of spread, final number of people infected, and peak incidence rate.
Scientists have fabricated chains of triangular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with spin 1, exhibiting Kondo resonances characteristic of spin ½ quantum objects. This breakthrough enables the exploration of linear spin chains and two-dimensional networks for quantum computation.
Researchers identify key neurons and signaling pathway regulating female activity before ovulation. Discoveries could lead to new treatments for menopause that sidestep estrogen and reactivates the circuit with CRISPRa technology.
Researchers have successfully used photosynthetic micro-organisms to provide oxygen to nerve cells in tadpole brains. This breakthrough demonstrates a novel means of controlling oxygen levels in tissues and has potential applications in cell culture and organ research.
A woman-owned spinout company, Chosen Diagnostics Inc, has received a $2.1M NIH grant to develop and commercialize a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker test for necrotizing enterocolitis. The test, called NECDetect, identifies 93% true positives and 95% true negatives in diagnosing the disease.
A new study reveals that sea otter predation promotes eelgrass genetic diversity through physical disturbance. The longer otters are present in an area, the more genetically diverse the eelgrass communities become. This underappreciated process highlights the importance of considering indirect effects of predators on ecosystems.
Research published in BMJ Open finds that UK austerity measures since 2010 are linked to tens of thousands more deaths than expected. The study shows that additional spend on social care is more productive in saving lives than healthcare expenditure.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a simple spatial light modulator made from gold electrodes covered by a thin film of electro-optical material. This device can control light intensity and pixel by pixel, enabling compact, high-speed, and precise optical devices.
Climate change-driven reductions in precipitation and river discharge will diminish the Amazon's hydropower capacity, according to a new study. As a result, alternative energy sources like solar and wind are expected to become more important.
A University of California, Davis researcher suggests that private companies manufacturing these tools are effectively shielded from public scrutiny, leading to concerns about a lack of balance between police needs and individual rights to privacy.
Researchers analyze iron-mass fraction of low-mass rocky exoplanets and find correlation with host star compositions, suggesting role of planet formation processes in shaping final composition. The study reveals distinct populations of super-Earths and super-Mercury class exoplanets with differing compositions.
A University of Illinois Chicago clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of a healthy diet on asthma management in adults. Participants with uncontrolled asthma will be assigned to either an education-only group or a group receiving dietary counseling and guidance on the DASH eating plan, a diet approach proven for hypertension mana...
A special issue of Science explores the far-reaching impacts of mass incarceration on Black Americans and poor communities. The Reviews reveal how public and private groups profit from the system, while policy interventions can prevent incarceration and enhance family wellbeing.
A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
After a mass extinction event 66 million years ago, early snakes evolved novel dietary adaptations and prey preferences, capitalizing on the ecological opportunity. This rapid diversification of snake diets was driven by the emergence of mammals and birds as prey species.
A new hydrogel treatment kills drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA, and induces the expression of naturally-existing antimicrobial peptides in human skin cells. The gel is non-toxic, biodegradable, and scalable.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a method to cultivate millions of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, a rare immune cell crucial in fighting diseases. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for cancers and viral infections, with clinical trials expected within the next few years.
A new study found that prior financial circumstances had the biggest bearing on food insecurity among young families in Peru. The Peruvian government's Bonos payments did not improve food security for those who received them compared to others in similar situations.
A study in rats found that a diet of highly processed foods led to inflammation and behavioral signs of memory loss in the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented these effects almost entirely. The study suggests that limiting processed foods and increasing DHA consumption may help prevent rapid memory decline in old...
Researchers at QBI have discovered a new understanding of how fundamental biological switches regulate processes like cell differentiation and growth. The study highlights the importance of sensitivity in regulating complex tasks and reveals distally located allosteric sites that can affect switch function.
An 18-year study found a significant increase in ultra-processed food consumption among US adults, contributing to obesity and chronic diseases. The study recommends policies to reduce ultra-processed food intake, such as revised dietary guidelines and taxes.
Researchers developed a new risk measure, Universal Influenza-like Transmission (UnIT) score, that outperformed existing models in predicting weekly case count forecasts. The model used 10 years of influenza hospitalization data to identify patterns and improve COVID-19 spread predictions.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology have developed a new production method for germanium-based photoinitiators, making them cheaper and more efficient. This enables their use in contact lenses, prostheses, and artificial human tissue, among other applications.
Researchers found that defects in both organic and inorganic perovskites cause comparable levels of recombination, but the organic molecule in hybrid perovskites actually decreases efficiency due to hydrogen loss. The study suggests all-inorganic materials have potential for outperforming hybrids.
Fish from the Gobiidae family change color more efficiently and effectively when alone, contrary to previous assumptions. This is likely due to reduced stress levels, allowing for faster and more accurate camouflage.
A special collection of articles investigates the potential habitability of Venus' cloud layer, exploring its possibility as an astrobiology target and the detection of phosphine in its atmosphere. The research proposes investigations into habitable zones within clouds and Venus-like exo-atmospheres.
Researchers found that optimizing energy metabolism through autophagy can improve the immune system response in HIV-affected cells, providing a potential therapeutic approach. This metabolic optimization enables CD4 lymphocytes to better defend against HIV-1 by secreting IL-21, a key protein in defense against the virus.
The discovery suggests a long-term presence of a water vapor atmosphere only in Europa's trailing hemisphere. This finding advances our understanding of the atmospheres of icy moons and paves the way for future studies of Europa by probes like NASA's Europa Clipper mission.
A new species of frog, Bishop's frog Leiopelma bishopi, has been discovered from fossils in North Canterbury and named in honor of late Professor Phil Bishop. The finding provides significant insights into the evolution of New Zealand's frogs and highlights the impact of climate change on isolated island ecosystems.
A meta-analysis by the University of Basel found that no-till farming alone does not achieve desired results in sustainable agriculture. Retaining crop residues on fields after harvest prevails over no-till farming in promoting carbon storage, soil protection and increased yields.
A study by University of Gothenburg found that people with obesity were overrepresented among adults in Sweden receiving intensive care for COVID-19, with a 50% increase in mortality risk compared to normal-weight individuals. Obesity also boosted the risk of ICU stays lasting more than 14 days.
A new study found that physicians are more likely to switch between vaginal and cesarean deliveries based on past experiences, rather than the best clinical decision for each patient. This 'heuristic' approach can lead to small but significant suboptimal effects on patient health outcomes.
Researchers found that Disney films combine entertainment with life lessons about love, friendship, and social values. The study suggests using Disney movies as tools for parents to improve communication with children about difficult topics, such as death, loss, and acceptance of differences.
A team of researchers has discovered a unique organism that lacks essential genes for copying and distributing its DNA. The free-living protist Carpediemonas membranifera is unable to produce kinetochore proteins, which separate chromosomes during cell division.
Researchers warn that global warming could make the Amazon barren, the Midwest tropical, and India too hot to live in by 2500. Climate models project a future where vegetation and crop-growing areas shift towards the poles, leading to drastic changes and potential human fatalities.
Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new type of super-stable glass by mixing up to eight different molecules. This breakthrough material exhibits ultralow fragility and superior glass-forming ability, making it suitable for applications in display technologies, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers developed a new technique using Raman spectroscopy to determine the effects and effectiveness of immunotherapy treatment on colon cancer tumors. The study showed that the technique can detect early biochemical changes in tumors, differentiating between responders and non-responders.
A new study by researchers at the University of Cambridge and the University of Sussex suggests that children who increased their connection to nature during the pandemic had lower levels of behavioural and emotional problems. The study found that nearly two-thirds of parents reported a change in their child's connection to nature, wit...
New research reveals that a layer of 'hot', electrically conductive ice could be responsible for generating the magnetic fields of ice giant planets. The study found two forms of superionic ice, one of which may exist in the interiors of Uranus and Neptune.
A new technique using in situ synchrotron X-ray microtomography has been developed to study the effects of acid on teeth. The technique enabled researchers to build clear 3D images of dentine's internal structure with sub-micrometre resolution, revealing that acid dissolves minerals at different rates in different structures of dentine.
A scientific team at Tufts University developed a new tool to guide consumers and policymakers towards healthier choices. The Food Compass system scores foods from 1 (least healthy) to 100 (most healthy), providing a nuanced approach to promoting healthy food choices.
The UvA scientists have developed a fully operational standalone solar-powered mini-reactor that can synthesise drugs and other chemicals in economically relevant volumes. The system is capable of stand-alone operation in remote locations, making it suitable for applications such as Mars bases.