Researchers have discovered that feedforward and feedback signals converge onto single neurons in the parietal regions of the neocortex, enabling us to integrate sensory and cognitive information streams. This understanding can help develop future treatments for conditions like schizophrenia, ADHD, and sensory-processing disorders.
Scientists from the University of Rochester have provided a more accurate simulation of the impact that formed Earth’s largest crater two billion years ago. The new research suggests the impactor was much larger, about 20 to 25 kilometers in diameter, and traveling at a velocity of 15 to 20 kilometers per second.
A recent study found that climate change could increase suitable habitat for the brown marmorated stink bug in the US by 70%. The insects are a generalist herbivore, known to feast on nearly 170 different plants, including crops and ornamental plants.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified target genes of the MYC oncogene responsible for its growth-promoting effects. By modifying these genomic binding sites, they slowed down cell growth. This finding has significant implications for developing new cancer treatments.
This study found that sea-level fluctuations, rather than redox conditions, drive the enrichment of redox-sensitive trace elements in marine sediments. Sediment Mo and U concentrations are coupled with glacio-eustatic fluctuation, revealing a complex relationship between benthic redox history and seawater circulation model.
A recent poll found that rising food prices have a disproportionate impact on the diets of older adults, especially those in lower-income households and with fair or poor physical or mental health. The study also shows that these groups are more likely to experience food insecurity and eat less healthy diets due to increased food costs.
Researchers found that smartphones and social media can exacerbate feelings of attachment and anomie, rather than providing purpose and meaning. Identifying a satisfying purpose in life can provide a protective effect against these negative effects.
A collaborative home-based palliative care model has been shown to improve health care outcomes for adults with chronic heart failure. The study found that patients who received this care were less likely to die in the hospital and more likely to die at home compared to those who received usual care.
A new study found that individuals experiencing stressful life events are more likely to notice their spouse's negative behavior, such as breaking promises or showing anger. This shift in focus can have a toll on the relationship, even during the 'honeymoon' phase.
A new study found that vulnerable workers react to unfair claims processes with confusion, anger, and disappointment, highlighting the need for improved communication and support. The research aims to inform worker compensation systems and policymakers to address procedural unfairness and promote better outcomes for injured workers.
A new University of Montana study found that increased plant growth in northern regions has offset rising CO2 emissions from thawing permafrost. The research revealed a strong warming trend led to enhanced photosynthetic CO2 uptake, making the permafrost tundra region a carbon sink.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found that opioid deaths in Cook County have been undercounted by up to 15%, with the majority of missed cases occurring in hospitals. The study highlights the need for better data collection and reporting to combat the opioid crisis.
Scientists have confirmed 68 strong gravitational lenses, transforming our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter. The discovery uses machine learning algorithms to identify thousands of potential lenses, opening a new window into studying mass distribution in distant galaxies.
Researchers have identified four genes in corn and Arabidopsis that regulate root growth in response to gravity, a trait essential for drought tolerance and efficient water use. The study's approach, leveraging genomic comparisons between distantly related species, has the potential to be applied to other traits.
A new study finds that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and externalizing psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders, are associated with a higher risk of premature death. The researchers discovered that a cellular marker called GrimAge, measured through DNA methylation patterns, is linked to adverse clinical outcomes ...
A mortality prediction model for older adults with dementia can guide discussions about financial resources, treatment preferences, and reduce unnecessary medical interventions. The model considers factors such as age, sex, body mass index, chronic conditions, and ability to perform daily activities.
The European Association of Urology warns that bladder cancer is often overlooked due to lack of awareness. A new survey found that over half of adults do not recognize common symptoms such as changes in urine color, leading to delayed diagnosis and poorer treatment outcomes.
Researchers develop a novel approach to increase proton transfer kinetics, enabling efficient industrial-scale water splitting. The new strategy, which integrates molecular-level proton acceptors into the catalyst, improves oxygen evolution reaction rates and achieves high current densities at low overpotential.
Researchers replicate aggressive lymphoma to identify gene responsible for drug resistance, offering new targets and causes of resistance. The CRISPR activation technology enables the replication of complex diseases on an unmatched level.
A new study explores the use of light radiation to disrupt viral functionalities and eliminate viruses, including HIV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. The researchers reviewed rapid advances in physical irradiation methods for viral inactivation, showcasing recent validation experiments toward efficient viral elimination.
Researchers at NUS have developed a method to produce cell-based meat using magnetic pulses, reducing reliance on animal products and increasing efficiency. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the food industry and improve regenerative medicine by stimulating the growth of healthy cells.
Scientists successfully inhibited cancer cell growth using a modified pyrrolizidine alkaloid that avoids liver damage. The approach uses 'on-site synthesis' near cancer cells to limit toxicity.
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that living donor liver transplants can reduce waitlist time and deaths in Western countries. Long-term outcomes were excellent despite relatively low use of this procedure, with high patient survival rates and similar mortality risk among three countries.
Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism that controls MR1, a protein responsible for alerting white blood cells to bacterial infections or cancer. By regulating MR1's activation, the immune response can be stimulated or inhibited, offering new potential for harnessing and controlling immunity.
Research found that STEM subjects have a social hierarchy based on stereotyped views of ideal students, which affects underrepresentation of women, people of color, and disabled students. Attitudes must shift to make STEM more inclusive and accessible.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Shinya Hosokawa analyzed the atomic configurations of Pd42.5Ni7.5Cu30P20, a champion bulk metallic glass, and found its characteristic configurations that lead to its excellent glass-forming ability.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that people accept human nurses overruling patient autonomy but reject similar decisions made by robots. The researchers suggest that human empathy is required to consider robot-made solutions equally acceptable as those made by humans. The findings imply that machines cannot comprehensively ...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that fat cells near breast tumors can transform into other cell types, creating a fertile ground for the disease. This transformation allows these cells to supply energy to neighboring tumor cells, contributing to their growth.
A study by researchers at Linköping University and the Oregon Health and Science University has discovered that many cells in the inner ear react simultaneously to low-frequency sound, making it easier to experience these sounds. This new understanding may lead to improved cochlear implants for people with severe hearing impairments.
Researchers find that midwinter suppression in the North Pacific is driven by differences in upper- and lower-level eddy growth properties. The study reveals that upper-level eddies are more complex, with growth suppressed during cold season, but near-jet exit can grow normally.
A Providence study found that booster doses of an mRNA vaccine add about 70% extra protection for 4-5 months, resulting in a significant decrease in hospitalization rates. Boosters are associated with decreased odds of severe COVID-19 among fully vaccinated individuals.
Researchers at Duke University developed a new AI message decoder based on simulated bacterial growth patterns, forming corresponding letters. The method uses specific initial conditions to create unique patterns for each letter, offering a novel encryption approach.
Researchers discovered that ancient Maya cities in Mesoamerica were heavily polluted with mercury, contaminating the soil and water. The pollution was caused by the frequent use of mercury and cinnabar paints, powders, and other products, which leached into the environment and pose a potential health hazard today.
A new study by Eurac Research confirms negative global trends in mountain areas, with an average decline of 15 days of snow on the ground over 38 years. Snow cover has decreased by 4% globally, with peaks of 20 or more fewer days in Canada's western provinces.
Researchers discuss benefits of using humanoid musculoskeletal robots and soft robotic systems as bioreactor platforms for producing clinically useful tendon constructs. These systems provide physiologically relevant mechanical stimulation, overcoming the translational gap in current conventional bioreactors.
Scientists at Drexel University have created a new secondary-ion mass spectrometry technique to study the atomic layers of MXenes and MAX phases. The technique allows for deeper understanding of the materials' structure and composition, leading to breakthroughs in their properties and potential applications.
Researchers studied cloud responses to quadrupled CO2 over East Asia, finding that slow cloud responses can cause cooling effects in certain regions. The study suggests that understanding these changes is crucial for predicting future climate effects.
A study found that the 2021/22 influenza vaccine had only 36% effectiveness against A(H3N2) in Canada, with a mismatch between the vaccine strain and the circulating virus. This suggests that the replacement of the vaccine strain for the upcoming season is necessary.
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
Researchers have discovered a drug candidate that can prevent lethal lung inflammation in mice by inhibiting PTP1B, a protein that accelerates neutrophil aging and reduces tissue damage. The treatment shows promise for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other inflammatory conditions.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a strong connection between the gut microbiome and certain blood metabolites. The research, led by Uppsala University, analyzed fecal and blood samples from over 8,500 participants in the SCAPIS study, identifying novel associations between gut bacteria and plasma metabolite s...
Researchers at University of Liège discovered a carp virus's ability to inhibit host cell defense mechanisms through the Zα protein domain. This finding broadens our understanding of Zα domain-containing proteins involved in immune system diseases such as cancers and autoimmune diseases.
A $1 million NIH grant will help MU researchers analyze the effectiveness of a HIPAA-secure text messaging platform in nursing homes. The study aims to improve quality of care and prevent costly hospital transfers by speeding up decision-making.
A new paper provides guidance for healthcare workers on recognizing signs of reproductive coercion, which can involve psychological pressure, emotional blackmail, and physical violence. Doctors are advised to ask specific questions and establish a professional relationship with patients to gather more information and provide support.
Researchers at PNNL and UW discover a flow-based method to isolate pure magnesium salt from seawater, skipping energy-intensive purification steps. This approach could revolutionize US domestic magnesium production and enable more efficient processing of seawater.
Temporal variation in precipitation caused by climate change negatively affects crop growth, leading to declining yields and increasing reactive nitrogen losses. The study found that adjusting fertilizer application amounts can reduce nitrogen losses, but may not increase crop yields.
A new biomaterial has been developed to prevent bleeding complications after vascular surgeries, adhering to both human tissue and grafts, reinforcing suture lines, and withstanding high vascular pressures. The material outperforms existing products in terms of safety and efficacy, paving the way for clinical translation.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery that could boost platelet production on demand to alleviate blood shortages. The finding offers hope for patients with thrombocytopenia and those receiving cord-blood transplants.
UC Riverside engineers develop low-cost robotic clothing to help children with cerebral palsy. The soft machine garments contain sealed regions that inflate to provide force for movement, enabling natural limb functioning.
A new study finds that air pollution can worsen the social costs of carbon emissions, affecting human health, economies, and agriculture differently depending on where the pollutants are emitted. The research highlights how aerosol pollutants can increase climate change impacts by as much as 66% in some regions.
A new project aims to explore the tension between managing hurricane risk and achieving equity and economic prosperity in coastal communities. Researchers will develop methods to model long-term hurricane hazards and create a framework for designing policy interventions.
Higher temperatures shorten the lifespan of fig wasps, making it difficult for them to pollinate fig trees. This could have major consequences for animals in tropical forests that rely on figs as a food source.
Researchers found that participants who remained in treatment programs less than 90 days had significantly higher initial cortisol levels, indicating a higher risk of early discontinuation. Lower cortisol levels were associated with longer treatment retention.
A new study published in Joule provides energy systems models for quickly eliminating EU and UK dependence on Russian natural gas. Researchers at Binghamton University offer several paths to achieve this goal, which could help mitigate the ongoing crisis.
The ExoClock project, supported by European Space Agency's Ariel mission, has presented 450 candidate exoplanet target orbits and received contributions from 217 professional and amateur astronomers. Small telescopes can successfully observe most targets, highlighting the value of amateur community involvement in space research.
Non–safety net hospitals maintained positive operating margins throughout the pandemic, while safety-net hospitals experienced significant losses, with California safety-net hospitals' net operating losses exceeding $3.2 billion between Q1 2020 and Q2 2021.
A recent study finds that exposure to proteins in common foods, vaccines, bacteria, and viruses can prime the immune system to attack SARS-CoV-2, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that individuals with a history of exposure to these agents may be less susceptible to severe illness.
A recent study supports fourth vaccination for cancer patients to protect them against COVID-19. Patients with solid tumours and hematological cancers showed a significant increase in antibody levels after a fourth dose of one of the currently approved vaccines.
A new study found that the newer clot-busting drug tenecteplase outperforms traditional treatment for ischemic strokes in several key areas, including better health outcomes and lower costs. The shorter preparation and injection time with tenecteplase eliminated dosing errors and initiated transfers to advanced care sooner.
Researchers at UCI have made significant progress in precision genome editing for treating inherited retinal diseases, enabling precise gene correction and disease rescue. The study highlights the potential of this technology to revolutionize treatment of genetic disorders of vision, with over 270 causative genes identified.