A study by Boston University researcher Jennifer Zuk found that the brain's organizational pathways, known as white matter, set a foundation for language learning abilities within the first year of life. This is reflected in children born with higher indications of white matter organization having better language skills five years later.
A systematic review presents evidence that environmental obesogens, such as hormone-disrupting chemicals, play a significant role in childhood and adult obesity. Dr. Leonardo Trasande recommends simple policies to reduce exposure and suggests economic benefits of limiting public exposure.
A new grant initiative aims to increase Tennessee's hardwood exports to Vietnam, leveraging the state's top three hardwood lumber-producing status. The project will assess market opportunities and provide trade insights, with the goal of capturing increased market share in Vietnam.
The EPFL team proposes a nature-inspired approach to recycling plastics by mimicking protein assembly. This method could break down synthetic polymers into different color-coded components, similar to proteins in nature. By applying this concept, the researchers aim to develop a sustainable circular economy for plastic recycling.
Female vampire bats with close social bonds leave the roost separately but reunite when hunting, indicating a preference for cooperative foraging. The study also reveals three distinct call types used during foraging trips, including one that may help identify friends and foes.
Researchers at WVU aim to characterize autism patients' behaviors using behavior-tracking technology. They plan to use artificial intelligence to identify traits associated with ASD, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized interventions. The study also has the potential to improve early detection in young children.
Researchers at WashU Medicine and University of Pittsburgh discover that Rift Valley fever virus uses a protein linked to cholesterol metabolism to infect cells. The finding could lead to therapies preventing or reducing the virus's impact by interfering with its entry into cells.
Research at CNRS reveals that compressed cell nuclei can lead to DNA damage and accelerated aging in healthy cells. In breast tumors, this damage enables tumor cells to invade neighboring tissues with increased risk of metastasis.
Scientists propose Source-independent Radiometric Calibration (SIRC) for high-accuracy infrared remote sensing, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. SIRC requires only temperature information and modeling to implement calibration, providing a more reliable and traceable way.
Researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya developed a scientific method to determine the best measures to ensure social distancing between pedestrians. European cities are found to be the fairest towards pedestrians, while US cities struggle with this balance.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has invested $300 million in 33 new investigators, who will focus on tackling tough questions in biology and medicine. The scientists, from 21 US institutions, will receive funding over a seven-year term to explore uncharted scientific territory.
By reading electrical signals in a bird's brain, researchers can predict specific syllables and when they will be sung. This breakthrough technology has the potential to develop vocal prostheses for humans with speech disorders.
A new study analyzes how micro (income) and macro (business cycle) conditions influence grocery shopping behavior, finding that households adjust their spending without changing budget constraints. Micro conditions primarily affect basket value, while macro conditions impact both basket value and allocation to store formats.
Researchers developed a feature selection algorithm that uses boosting to select relevant features from high-dimensional data sets. The algorithm outperforms other methods in terms of accuracy and number of features used, making it more scalable and explainable.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that COVID-19 disease severity is linked to the characteristics of white blood cells called granulocytes. Combined measurements of granulocyte characteristics and widely used biomarkers can predict key clinical features such as respiratory function and multiorgan failure.
Recent genome research has led to significant progress in understanding human evolution, cancer, polygenic traits, and functional genomics. New laws and technologies are also being developed to balance privacy and public safety, enabling the use of consumer genetic data in law enforcement investigations.
Researchers have identified four molecular factors controlling the formation of suberin in plant roots, allowing for the development of more resistant plants. These modifications optimize nutrient acquisition while protecting against environmental stresses like salt and toxic elements.
New research from Shibaura Institute of Technology reveals that spark plasma sintering produces highly dense MgB2 bulks with improved mechanical and superconducting properties. The resulting samples exhibit superior strengths and high trapped field performance, making them suitable for space applications and electric machines.
Researchers developed an AI technique, pMTnet, to predict which cell surface peptides are recognized by the immune system. The algorithm shows high accuracy in identifying binding or nonbinding combinations of neoantigens and T cell receptors.
A team of scientists developed a simple-to-implement plasmonic optical fiber biosensing platform to detect estrogenic endocrine disruptors. The platform can detect EEs down to 1.5 ng L^-1 estradiol equivalent concentration, the lowest limit of detection for any estrogen receptors-based detection reported to date.
Artificial neurofiber transistors with fibrous architecture similar to neurons can form artificial neural networks. The devices mimic signal summation functionality and have been used to create a 100-synapse system achieving recognition accuracy of 88.9% via speech recognition experiments.
Researchers developed avidin-conjugated nanocellulose, enabling attachment of biotinylated molecules and promoting 3D cell culture. The material supports efficient integrin signaling and high cell viability, indicating its suitability for applications like cell differentiation and tissue engineering.
A new study found that only 2% of randomized controlled trials in primary care were contradicted over 12-17 years. The majority of trials remained stable, supporting the use of evidence-based medicine. Researchers analyzed 408 trials published from 2002 to 2005.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente identified a blood cystatin C test as an alternative to estimate kidney function, eliminating the need for racial considerations. The study showed that this approach produces similarly accurate results and may promote equity for people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
A new study found that children who experienced sexual or physical abuse or neglect are more likely to die prematurely as adults. Adults who reported experiencing sexual abuse had a 2.6 times higher risk, while those who experienced physical abuse had a 1.7 times higher risk of premature death.
Scientists from UNIGE and UNIFR discovered that the brain misperceives tactile vibrations when their amplitude varies, creating an illusion. Humans are more sensitive to lower frequencies (around 250 Hz) but struggle to differentiate between higher and lower frequencies when amplitudes are not matched.
A new study suggests that extending the life of current cars can reduce CO2 emissions significantly more than replacing them with new, green vehicles. By keeping and using cars longer, the decrease in manufacturing emissions offsets additional emissions produced by existing cars.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a treatment combining casirivimab and imdevimab for patients with non-severe COVID-19 who are at highest risk of hospitalization. For severely ill patients, the recommendation is based on data showing reduced deaths and need for mechanical ventilation in seronegative patients.
A new machine vision system detects and quantifies radiation-induced defects in real-time, accelerating the development of nuclear components. The system uses a convolutional neural network to analyze electron microscope video frames, providing instant results on structural integrity.
A study analyzing online food ordering and delivery in Singapore found unhealthier eating habits during the pandemic, which continued even after lockdown measures ended. The results suggest a significant shift towards less healthy eating patterns during this time.
Researchers developed kirigami-processed cellulose nanofiber films that dramatically improve cooling functionality, reducing thermal resistance by about one-fifth. These films can be used to create new cooling devices for wearable electronics, addressing bulkiness and inflexibility issues.
Mental health professionals play a crucial role in encouraging COVID-19 vaccination by understanding individuals' thoughts and feelings about vaccination. The study highlights the importance of social experiences and direct behavior change opportunities for effective vaccination promotion.
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a chemoenzymatic system that converts CO2 into starch with an efficiency 8.5-fold higher than natural biosynthesis. This innovative technology has the potential to produce starch from CO2 on a large scale, reducing the need for cultivated land and freshwater resources.
A new study reveals that the waters off New York and New Jersey provide an essential feeding ground for humpback, fin, and minke whales. The research highlights the importance of understanding whale behavior and habitat use in coastal regions to inform management decisions and mitigate human impacts.
Research by the University of Bristol found that children born to depressed mothers are more likely to develop depressive symptoms by age 24, with scores almost three points higher than offspring of non-depressed mothers. The study highlights the importance of antenatal and postnatal depression support.
Engineers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a carbon dioxide reactor that can convert CO2 into methane, a potential fuel source for Mars. The process, known as the Sabatier reaction, could reduce fuel needs by half for astronauts returning to Earth, making it a promising solution for future Mars missions.
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,200 brain metastatic tumors and discovered that different types of cancer tend to spread to specific parts of the brain. The study's findings may help predict where a particular cancer will metastasize and inform treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to study the action of SARS-CoV-2, enabling the examination of individual virus particles and their spikes. This analysis can help fine-tune prevention and treatment by providing insights into viral load, spike distribution, and cell infection potential.
Pollinators contribute significantly to global food production, particularly for small-scale farmers who rely heavily on these services. The author emphasizes the need for increased support and research efforts to maintain biodiversity and improve crop yields.
Researchers have identified a new complex formed by dopamine and noradrenergic receptors that could be a therapeutic target for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impulsivity. The α2AR-D4R complexes are associated with the manifestation of ADHD and may offer a new perspective for designing future drugs.
A new study suggests that COVID-19 may trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome in some patients, particularly those over 50 years old. Researchers analyzed data from an international cohort of Guillain-Barré syndrome patients and found a strong association between COVID-19 infection and the development of the condition.
Researchers have successfully reconstructed the atomic structure of poxvirus RNA polymerase, which can produce mRNA independently. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and a better understanding of zoonotic diseases.
A medieval Spanish individual, known as the 'Segorbe Giant,' has been analyzed using ancient DNA. The research found that he had a mix of North African and local Spanish ancestry, suggesting a complex history of migration and intermixing. This study sheds light on a dark event in medieval Spain's past.
Researchers at University of California San Diego created a high-performance all-solid-state battery using pure-silicon anode, showing safe, long-lasting, and energy-dense properties. The new battery technology offers a promising path forward for silicon anodes, which were previously limited by liquid electrolytes.
TB202-3 binds to a specific area of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that has not been impacted by most viral mutations, making it an important candidate for clinical testing. The antibody demonstrates potency against multiple strains of COVID-19, including those with various mutations.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team has provided a definitive view of the biological process leading to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a dangerous inflammatory disease that can destroy a premature infant's intestinal lining. The loss of enteric glia leads to intestinal dysmotility, which is a key factor in NEC's genesis.
A new study found that schizophrenia is associated with a loss of excitation but an increase in inhibition, resulting in hallucinations. The researchers used EEG data from 107 participants to demonstrate decreased synaptic gain, which may guide pharmacological and neurostimulation treatments.
A new $3.8 million NSF EPSCoR RII Track-2 grant will enable the expansion of Future Factories Lab at the UofSC McNair Aerospace Center, investigating interactions between humans and automation in manufacturing facilities. The project aims to create a manufacturing resilience ecosystem with significant workforce development opportunities.
A new study uses a 'systems lens' to understand the interconnected health risks from human-caused changes to the climate and environment. The research found that agricultural activities, air pollution, and climate change are closely linked and require a comprehensive approach to mitigate their impacts.
Digital holography enhances non-contact, precise, and dynamic measurements for complex amplitude analysis. Common-path configurations share paths between object and reference beams, improving temporal stability.
The University of Helsinki-led research project partners with UCSF to develop new therapies targeting MYC cancer gene vulnerabilities. The goal is to create next-generation cancer drugs that selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
Researchers have developed a new type of photodetector using MXene and GaN materials, showing improved responsivity, dark current, and noise in the blue-green light spectrum. The use of MXene-GaN van der Waals interfaces reduces defect states and improves the device's performance.
Researchers tracked 50 vampire bats, including those with social relationships, to find that they hunt together and coordinate their efforts. The study suggests that forming friendships in the roost can create more interdependence among socially bonded bats, increasing their success at obtaining blood meals.
A recent survey found that nearly half of Black parents (48%) were hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine for their child. Researchers attribute this hesitancy to a lack of trust in certain sources of information. To address this, targeted outreach efforts are needed to reach these vulnerable populations.
Researchers at MUSC have discovered that hnRNP E1, a tumor suppressor protein, not only binds RNA but also DNA to maintain genome integrity and sense or prevent DNA damage. The protein's binding is sequence- and structure-specific, suggesting its potential role in preventing cancer metastasis.
A new study led by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that changes in ocean salinity due to a more intensified water cycle lead to reduced surface warming. This phenomenon enhances ocean heat uptake into the deep ocean, moderating the pace of global warming.
Researchers discovered that adrenal gland metastases are unresponsive to checkpoint inhibitors due to the secretion of corticosteroids. Surgical removal is the current best course of action for patients with these metastases. The study's authors hope to develop a nonsurgical treatment option in the future.
A Stanford study has linked insulin resistance to an increased risk of major depressive disorder. The research found that individuals with insulin resistance are twice as likely to develop the condition, even if they have never experienced depression before.
A new quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) network has been demonstrated by a team of scientists, enabling 15 users to communicate securely over long distances. The network uses time-energy entanglement and sum-frequency generation (SFG), achieving a fidelity of greater than 95% for entangled states shared between users.
A new study reviews sustainability standards for crop and livestock production, finding moderate positive effects on the environment through reduced agrichemical use. However, economic benefits vary by region and standard, and assessments are complicated. The study also raises concerns about labor practices and inequalities in the rura...