A new study suggests that climate change is favoring La Niña events in the Pacific Ocean. The researchers found that temperature patterns at the ocean's surface have changed, with the Pacific off South America cooling and the western Pacific warming more than elsewhere. This has led to a strengthened temperature difference between the ...
Researchers have developed an easy-to-use online prediction tool to estimate complication risks for patients undergoing laparoscopic and open hysterectomies. The study found that women of Asian background are at higher risk of major complications after abdominal hysterectomy, with adhesions being the most significant risk factor.
A new study analyzing data from 57 coral reefs in French Polynesia found no correlation between fish populations and coral recovery. Instead, the researchers suggest that other location-specific attributes are critical for reef resilience and should be considered when managing fisheries.
A Boston University researcher proposes a new explanation for consciousness, suggesting it evolved as an unconscious memory system. According to the theory, our decisions and actions are made unconsciously, but we perceive them consciously only after a brief delay.
Researchers have developed a method to synthetically produce EBC-46, a cancer-fighting compound, using an abundant plant-based starting material. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for various diseases, including AIDS and Alzheimer's disease.
A study led by Dr. Hugo Bellen has identified a new syndromic intellectual disability caused by a spontaneous mutation in the MTSS2 gene. The research used fruit fly models to investigate the genetic alteration, which resulted in a functionally-altered MTSS2 protein leading to symptoms similar to those seen in patients with the condition.
Researchers found that cataract surgery patients experienced fewer systemic complications than those undergoing other low-risk procedures, even without anesthesia experts present.
The researchers will conduct multimodal imaging of 100 human vagus nerves using high-resolution technologies, providing unprecedented data on the vagus nerve's organization. This work aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of existing vagus nerve therapies, offering potential for novel neuromodulation therapies.
A Japan Science and Technology Agency research group developed high-performance catalysts for efficient synthesis of value-added chemicals from polyester and vegetable oil. These catalysts enable nearly 100% selectivity in converting polyester into raw materials, offering a promising solution to chemical recycling.
Scientists developed a novel cell-free protein crystallization (CFPC) method that allows rapid and direct formation of protein crystals without purification processes. The technique has enabled the analysis of unstable proteins, increasing knowledge of cellular processes and functions.
The study found that a combination of NOX1, loss of function, and TNF leads to an abnormal increase in microfold cells, driving increased recruitment of immune cells. Reversing the defect with reactive oxygen species restored healthy gut balance. Further studies on reactive oxygen species-stem cell modulation therapy are proposed.
Women with severe preeclampsia treated with extended-release nifedipine during labor and delivery had lower rates of dangerously high blood pressure, reducing the need for IV treatment. This study contributes to optimal management of hypertension during pregnancy and delivery.
Researchers found strong and linear associations between social media use and depression across all personality traits. Young adults who used more social media were 49% less likely to become depressed if they had high agreeableness compared to those with low agreeableness.
Researchers attribute low vaccination rates in children to misconceptions about vaccine safety and Covid-19 vaccines. Misinformation about vaccine safety predicts reluctance to vaccinate both adults and children.
A nationally representative study of 594,000 persons in England found an increased risk of suicide associated with dementia diagnosis before age 65. The study identified younger patients diagnosed within the 3-month post-diagnostic period as high-risk groups for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Researchers found bacteria can adapt by generating metabolic mutations and integrating genetic material from viruses, leading to increased survival. This study provides insights into bacterial evolution in the mammalian gut for thousands of generations.
The October issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry focus on diagnosis and treatment of opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder. Psychiatric Services features research reports on issues related to mental health services for people with serious mental illness.
A new study analyzes the benefits and harms of prior authorization policies in Medicare Advantage, highlighting their impact on patients and clinicians. The researchers propose several measures to improve the use of PA in Medicare, including electronic-based processes and enhanced transparency.
A team led by Prof. Alan Tennant and Dr Allen Scheie gain deeper insights into the interactions between spins in KCuF3, a simple model material for Heisenberg quantum spin chain. They use neutron scattering to study spatial and temporal evolution of spins.
A study by Duke University and Appalachian State University reveals that coal ash pollution has been more persistent and widespread than previously known, with large quantities deposited in lake sediments. The contaminants can leach into the aquatic food chain, posing chronic risks to ecosystems.
A team of scientists from the University of Exeter has made a key breakthrough in predicting fluctuations in the rotation of the Earth and the length of the day. They used mathematical modeling to show that changes in the atmosphere can be predicted more than a year in advance, linking geodesy with climate prediction.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed an artificial enzyme that can split water into oxygen and hydrogen with high efficiency. The enzyme-like catalyst was designed to mimic the natural process of photosynthesis, and its development is a significant step towards sustainable hydrogen production.
A Northwestern University study found that physicians may deny care to people with disabilities due to bias and lack of knowledge about accommodations. The study's results suggest a need for changes in medical education and approach to improve accessibility for patients with disabilities.
Researchers found that certain fungal species in tumors are linked to inflammation and reduced cell-to-cell adhesion, features associated with late-stage cancer spread. High levels of these fungi may serve as biomarkers for metastasis risk and lead to more effective treatment choices.
Researchers at UTA analyzed how seven reef-building coral species in the Caribbean respond to white plague disease, identifying three consistent patterns of gene expression and adaptation. The study provides a novel framework for understanding broad coral disease resistance traits and their relationship to immune responses.
Researchers have discovered a novel sexual reproduction process in Galdieria microalgae, which has significant implications for biotechnology applications. The discovery could lead to the development of new industrial uses for microalgae, including wastewater treatment and food ingredient production.
A Rutgers-led study statistically evaluated government data to determine if COVID-19 vaccination increases the incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The results show no significant association between any COVID-19 vaccinations and the disease.
A new research paper has demonstrated that psychological factors, such as feeling unhappy or being lonely, add up to 1.65 years to one's biological age, significantly impacting overall health and longevity.
A study assesses and optimizes the landscape visual aesthetic quality of street pedestrian spaces in Jinan, China's historic downtown, using panoramic images and deep learning methods. The research finds that urban streets with high aesthetic quality serve as corridors among mountains and natural landscapes, improving city image.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found a strong association between prenatal phthalate exposure and reduced lung function in children. The researchers analyzed data from 641 mother-child pairs and discovered that gestational phthalate exposure was associated with decreases in forced vital capacity and forced expirat...
Injured mice that received gabapentin showed improved rehab compliance due to mental barriers. Removing dividers between individual exercise lanes increased willingness to participate in group rehab, boosting performance and recovery. The study suggests social support may be beneficial for individuals with spinal cord injury.
The new computer chip uses a transistor-free design that eliminates data transfer time and minimizes energy consumption. It offers up to 100 times faster performance than conventional computing architectures, making it ideal for AI applications.
A two-week intervention targeting the circadian system helped shift teens' bedtime by an hour and a half earlier, increasing total sleep time by approximately an hour. The study also found improved concentration, reduced irritability, and better morning alertness in participants.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC's Stevens INI has received a $149 million grant to study Alzheimer’s disease among diverse communities. The HABS-HD study aims to develop biomarkers that determine risk for developing the disease, addressing health disparities among Hispanic and African American populations.
COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was found to lower the risk of severe outcomes including preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage. Vaccination during pregnancy is now recommended to protect against COVID-19 infection.
Researchers have discovered that small eddies, swirling at the edges of massive ocean currents, are a key source of nutrients for phytoplankton. These nutrient-rich eddies help maintain healthy populations of phytoplankton, which are essential for carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change effects.
A newly developed composite sponge-based air filter has demonstrated strong potential for applications in automobiles and industry, with high efficiency in removing particulate matter under harsh conditions. The filter's unique design and materials ensure good structural stability and adaptability to various environments.
Researchers found that warmer nighttime temperatures increase sleep disturbance, comparable to the impact of heatstroke, in Japan's residents. The study suggests that measures like air conditioner use or reducing outdoor temperatures may help mitigate this issue.
A new study found that fewer Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients qualify for anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatments, which may slow Alzheimer's progression. The treatment's effectiveness depends on the presence of amyloid plaques, with lower incidence in minorities.
A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that fostering positive attitudes toward math and science early in students' lives can address gender and socioeconomic gaps in STEM. The study analyzed data from over 21,000 students and found that having a science or math identity in ninth grade can increase the likelihood of enrolli...
A University of Houston professor has developed a nonreciprocal solar energy harvesting system that surpasses the thermodynamic limit and clears the way to use solar power 24/7. The new system can achieve significant efficiency boosts, paving the way for practical applications in power plants.
Scientists have discovered a way to use nanoscale, low-power laser beams to precisely control magnetism within two-dimensional semiconductors. This technique has implications for studying the emergence of correlated phases and designing new optoelectronic and spintronic devices.
Researchers analyzed data from 145,000 pregnancies and found that antidepressant exposure was not associated with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests that antidepressant use during pregnancy may not increase the risk of these conditions in children.
A cross-sectional study of over 70,000 Asian Americans found significant variation in obesity prevalence among subgroups, with Filipino Americans having the highest rate at 28.7% and Chinese Americans the lowest at 13.2%. The study highlights the need for tailored strategies to address obesity disparities among Asian American populations.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Arizona are developing biotechnology foundations that employ synthetic anaerobic bacteria to capture and convert methane. The goal is to create scalable biological reactors that can harness methane before it escapes to the atmosphere, producing electricity or valuable chemicals.
Researchers found that calf muscle stiffness contributes to passive ankle joint stiffness, especially when dorsiflexed. The study suggests that exercises to relieve triceps surae stiffness can improve joint flexibility and reduce injury risk.
Researchers develop custom vaccines that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies to protect against HIV variants. The team uses a modified HIV spike protein to prime the immune system, paving the way for an effective HIV vaccine.
Scientists at UC San Francisco's Neuroscape Center have developed video game interventions that improve key aspects of cognition in aging adults, including short-term memory, attention and long-term memory. The games use adaptive closed-loop algorithms to challenge players, keeping them engaged while adapting difficulty levels.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside successfully modeled the formation of SARS-CoV-2 using coarse-grained models, revealing key ingredients and components contributing to its packaging. The study could inform the design of effective antiviral drugs to arrest coronaviruses in their assembly stage.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new satellite tag that allows long-term tracking of whale feeding behavior. This innovation will help better understand key whale behaviors, identify important habitats, and inform conservation efforts to protect whales from human activities such as ship traffic.
Researchers found a way for peptide-forming reactions to occur in water, solving a decades-long puzzle about early Earth chemistry. The process requires rapid reactions on the margins of water droplets, where amino acids can transform into life's building blocks.
Scientists have identified estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) as a key molecular driver of retinoblastoma. Blocking ESRRG kills retinoblastoma cells, even under low-oxygen conditions. This breakthrough discovery offers new hope for treating this rare cancer.
Researchers at Boston University have found a way to manipulate emotional memories using optogenetics, allowing them to rewrite and reduce the potency of negative memories. The study reveals that positive and negative memories are stored in distinct regions of the brain and communicate through different pathways.
A new study confirms that plants can adapt to diurnal or nocturnal pollinators through evolutionary changes. In a Costa Rican plant species, insect pests were found to exclusively pollinate during the day, using a previously unknown scent compound.
Researchers at Penn State developed a stretchy, wearable synaptic transistor that enhances and weakens device memories using artificial intelligence and neuronal behavior. The device can 'learn' and adapt to its environment, enabling robots and wearables to mimic human brain function.
A new study predicts that the frequency of rainy days in the Arctic could roughly double by 2100 as a result of rapid warming. This shift is expected to increase permafrost melt and speed up the loss of sea ice cover, with far-reaching consequences for Arctic ecology and Indigenous communities.
A new study from Uppsala University found that using a weighted blanket at bedtime increases melatonin production by about 30 percent. The researchers also discovered that the weight of the blanket (12% of participant's body weight) reduced stress system activity, but had no effect on oxytocin and cortisol levels.
Purdue researchers have developed a new formulation of the world's whitest paint that is thinner and lighter, achieving nearly the same benchmark of solar reflectance as the original. The new paint incorporates hexagonal boron nitride and voids of air, providing reduced weight and increased cooling capabilities.
Researchers found that people wearing masks in China were less likely to engage in deviant behavior, such as running red lights or cheating for money. Mask-wearing was associated with increased moral awareness, leading some individuals to behave more ethically.
A new species of iris has been discovered in the Langeberg Mountains of South Africa, known as Geissorhiza seracina. The plant boasts a unique deep cherry-pink color and is one of the first new Iridaceae species to be found in over a decade.