A $4.6 million NSF grant will provide microelectronics and nanomanufacturing training to military service members and veterans through a consortium of nine academic institutions and eight industries. The program aims to address the growing need for skilled workers in the US semiconductor industry.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that efficiently produces hydrogen and oxygen from both seawater and freshwater using a single compound. The catalyst simplifies the engineering challenges of water splitting and reduces costs, making it an attractive option for producing clean energy.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a protein called GarD that cloaks Chlamydia bacteria from the host cell's immune system, allowing it to evade detection and elimination. Mutating this protein makes the bacteria vulnerable to destruction, offering new avenues for treatment.
A comprehensive genomic analysis reveals the origins and global expansion of domestic donkeys over thousands of years. The study found a single domestication event in eastern Africa around 7000 years ago, followed by expansions into Eurasia and Asia.
Researchers discovered seven sperm whale vocal clans in the Pacific Ocean, each with unique dialects and identity codas. The study suggests that whales use these vocalizations to distinguish themselves from other groups, similar to human ethnic markers.
Threespine stickleback fish evolved resistance to freshwater tapeworms by forming scar tissue around them, which prevents the worms from growing. However, this defense has a significant fitness cost for female sticklebacks, as they are 80% less likely to successfully breed due to the accumulated scarring.
A research team analyzed the economic feasibility of in situ upgrading technology by assessing the energy consumption ratio. They found that appropriate well spacing and minimum total organic content are crucial for efficient energy use. The study aims to promote the application of this technology for optimized oil shale exploitation.
A study at Washington State University has identified sulfatase-2 as a critical protein driving damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery sheds light on molecular processes behind inflammation in the disease and could lead to improved treatments.
Researchers have developed a new display technology using quantum dots that can increase the efficiency and lifespan of LED displays. The new technology uses a single layer of quantum dots as the emissive layer, which can reduce voltage loss and improve light extraction efficiency.
Scientists have identified 30 distinct compounds responsible for the Appalachian truffle's aroma, including six previously unknown to other truffle species. The findings may lead to future studies on the unique properties of this North American variety.
A new study reveals a strong link between residential exposure to petroleum refining pollutants and stroke rates in the southern United States. Living near petrol refineries accounted for 5.6% of strokes in adults, with sociodemographic factors influencing the prevalence of strokes.
Researchers have found a way to control spin in Hafnium diselenide, a material that could lead to more efficient spintronics. This discovery provides an entirely new route towards generating spin-polarised currents from transition metal dichalcogenides.
A study of 219 patients with long COVID and neurologic symptoms found that 64% had an impaired sense of smell. Patients with impaired smell may experience severe and lasting loss of smell, even after recovery from acute COVID-19.
A new study reveals that many exoplanets around M-dwarf stars may be composed of half water and half rock, rather than having surface oceans. The discovery suggests that these planets are likely to have water embedded in the rock or in pockets below the surface.
Scientists have discovered a potential path against inherited neurodegenerative diseases by increasing the activity of TRAP1, which promotes mitochondrial protein-folding and corrects lysosomal dysfunction. This approach may have implications for treating multiple disorders affecting the central nervous system.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found wide genetic variation in SARS-CoV-2 viruses among 360 patients, showing that all individual infections include multiple variants of the virus. The study highlights the importance of examining variations that are historically considered noise to better understand how these genetic ch...
Researchers propose using wastewater epidemiology to monitor monkeypox spread, detecting viral DNA in sewage and potentially identifying low infection rates. The method could be optimized for community-level monitoring, providing a valuable framework for developing robust programs.
The study found that hospitals vary in their stocking practices and often rely on wholesale distributors or neighboring facilities to acquire non-stocked antimicrobials. Researchers recommend improving information sharing and collaboration among local hospitals to reduce barriers to timely treatment.
Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics controlled the fine structure splitting of lead halide perovskite quantum dots by inducing lattice distortion. This allows for coherent quantum beating, a crucial phenomenon in quantum information science.
A new study reconstructs the skeletal structure of Coelurosauravus elivensis, a Late Permian reptile that likely used tree canopy changes to facilitate its evolution. The research reveals the gliding apparatus was supported by either the gastralia or musculature of the trunk.
A recent study of 17,000 participants found that COVID-19 boosters or third doses were generally well tolerated by pregnant and lactating women. The study suggests that these vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy and breastfeeding, addressing concerns about vaccine uptake among this demographic.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed a new approach to analyze splicing variant data to identify disease-associated genetic variations. The study reveals that analyzing the coding sequences of gene splicing variants can help uncover the genetic basis of many diseases.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy that rescues cilia defects in retinal cells affected by Leber congenital amaurosis, a disease causing blindness in early childhood. The therapy restores opsin protein concentration in photoreceptor outer segments, suggesting functional NPHP5 may stabilize the primary cilium gate.
New research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry found that green household consumer products (HCPs) can be either less toxic or more toxic than their conventional counterparts. The study involved testing various HCPs on grass shrimp and Daphnia Magna, a type of freshwater crustacean.
Researchers have developed a synthetic drug that stops cancer cells from producing energy by blocking oxygen conversion. The tiny hairs formed by the drug's molecules can kill even aggressive and untreatable cancer cells within four hours.
Poor periodontal health is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Tooth loss alone increases the odds of cognitive decline by 23% and dementia risk by 13%.
A new study has successfully predicted ovarian cancer in patients with a pelvic mass using a simple blood test. The liquid biopsy technology captures circulating tumor cells, allowing for genetic analysis in just a couple of hours, which can help diagnose the disease earlier.
A study by Prof. Weiwei Liu's group reveals a negative correlation between plasma density and THz radiation intensity, with maximum radiation at minimum plasma density. The researchers attribute this to the electron drifting velocity, which dominates THz pulse generation.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) method that uses battery- or solar-powered electricity to purify water. The method has shown promise in treating ground and brackish water, but needs improvement for more highly concentrated sources like seawater.
The PROSPER RCC trial showed no difference in recurrence-free survival between arms, with higher adverse events reported in the nivolumab arm. The trial's results inform future research on neoadjuvant trials in high-risk renal cell carcinoma.
The International Journal of Dermatology calls on dermatologists to take action against climate change by reducing carbon emissions through increased use of telehealth. The authors also emphasize the need for funding prioritization for climate-health research to improve healthcare sustainability and decarbonize the profession.
A study by Rutgers researchers found that rural Americans have a higher smoking prevalence and a harder time quitting than urban residents. The odds of quitting were 75% lower in rural areas compared to urban areas between 2010 and 2020.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center found that metabolic imaging, combined with traditional treatment response assessment methods, can provide critical information to guide therapy for pancreatic cancer patients. The use of positron emission tomography (PET) with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) tracer adds significant pr...
Dr. Nathan Hogaboom has won the prestigious Ernest Bors, MD Award for Scientific Development for his pioneering work on regenerative rehabilitation research in spinal cord injury. His award-winning study applied novel principles to treat debilitating shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.
Researchers found that vagus nerve stimulation increases coupling between the stomach and brain, particularly in regions already communicating with the stomach. This improvement can be produced almost instantaneously and spread rapidly.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that rural Americans are more prone to smoking and have lower chances of quitting. According to the study, in 2020, current smoking prevalence was higher in rural areas (19.2%) compared to urban areas (14.4%), while quit ratios were similar.
A Rutgers University study found that over 18% of previously abused LGBT residents reported increased intimate partner violence during the early days of the pandemic. Those living in the South and with moderate to severe depression were particularly affected, being more than four times as likely to report increased instances of IPV.
Researchers analyzed water's role in heterogeneous acid-base catalysis, finding that polar surface functionalities and H-bonding characteristics significantly impact reactions. The review provides insights into the chemical origins of water effects and their catalytic consequences.
Researchers found tropical soil microbes decline in diversity and increase CO2 emissions with simulated global warming. The findings threaten rainforest ecosystems and carbon storage, emphasizing the urgency for conservation.
A recent study published in npj Vaccines found that receiving at least two doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dramatically reduces long-term symptoms. Eight of the ten most-commonly reported symptoms were reported between 50 and 80% less often among vaccinated individuals compared to those who received no doses.
Champalimaud Foundation researchers have developed a new biomarker, IgG-positive EVs, to assess treatment response in pancreatic cancer patients. These extracellular vesicles increase during disease progression and decrease in response to therapy, offering a more reliable tool for evaluating tumour status.
Scientists at EPFL have created an intelligent microscope that uses artificial neural networks to automate image acquisition and reduce sample stress. The technique can capture more detailed images of bacterial division and mitochondrial constrictions, leading to a better understanding of these rare biological events.
The University of California, Davis has received a $10 million grant to continue its work on managing and preventing mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. Researchers will focus on finding effective methods to stop these diseases while training the next generation of public-health scientists.
Researchers found that early weight loss is strongly associated with short and medium-term success in weight management programmes. Those who fail to lose at least 0.5% of their body weight after three sessions are unlikely to succeed. The threshold of failing to achieve 0.5% body weight loss was 95% accurate at identifying participant...
John Barrows, a postdoctoral researcher at Kennesaw State University, has earned a two-year NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship grant worth $138,000 to study DNA-binding proteins within bacteria. The funding will enable further research and mentoring of undergraduates in the lab.
The study reveals that between 90 and 99 percent of all deforestation in the tropics is driven directly or indirectly by agriculture. The majority of deforestation results in land speculation or abandoned projects, rather than actively producing agricultural production.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a new wound dressing to overcome obstacles to healing in people with diabetes, including chronic inflammation and delayed growth of new blood vessels.
A new study reveals that frequent El Nino events drive dramatic faunal turnover in eastern Pacific coastal ecosystems, causing declines in phytoplankton and zooplankton. This tipping point has important implications for understanding changes to the region's future ecosystems.
Researchers have developed a mouse embryo model using only embryonic stem cells, achieving a high level of developmental stages including beating hearts and brain formation. This advancement opens up new avenues for understanding human pregnancy loss and developing organs in culture.
Researchers found that soil microbiota facilitates the growth of invasive garden lupine and provides defense against herbivores. The plants grown with natural soil microbes produced compounds that deter snails, while those with reduced microbiota showed no such effect.
A WVU professor is developing advanced software and a simulation lab to enhance power grid crisis response. The research aims to create flexible, precise, and rapid responses from both network infrastructures and human grid operators.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have quantified glacier mass loss on Kamchatka Peninsula, revealing a total ice loss of 4.9 billion tons between 2000 and 2016. Rising temperatures are driving this change, which contributes to global sea level rise.
Researchers have successfully visualized stable spiral waves in human ventricles using high-resolution optical mapping, providing new insights into the complex behavior of the heart during conditions like fibrillation. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapies for treating arrhythmias.
A new ASU study estimates that more than 1.1 million sea turtles have been illegally killed and trafficked between 1990 and 2020, with a slight decline in reported exploitation over the past decade. The majority of poached turtles came from healthy, low-risk populations.
A recent study proposes updating alcohol container warning labels to inform consumers about the risks of moderate and light drinking. The researchers argue that the current label is vague and misleading, while suggesting more detailed warnings with visual elements could lead to healthier behaviors.
A Swedish study found that babies who gain weight rapidly in their first six months are more likely to have an increased weight-to-height ratio at 5 years old. The study also identified a link between rapid weight gain and parental body mass index (BMI).
Researchers have developed a sensitive setup for detecting luminescence spectra in rare-earth doped crystals, enabling remote measurements of magnetic fields with high precision. The detection capabilities allow for accurate measurement of magnetic fields down to 17 μT and direction determination.
New research warns that climate change is putting the availability of biomass fuels and technologies at risk, as temperatures rise and crop yields decrease. The study highlights the need for urgent action to reduce fossil fuels in favour of bioenergy and other renewables to avoid severe food shortages and accelerated climate change.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a universal mechanism for lysosomal repair, known as the PITT pathway, which helps maintain cellular longevity. The study reveals that damaged lysosomes are quickly repaired through the PITT pathway, but defects in this process can contribute to age-related diseases such as Al...
A new Northwestern University study finds that pregnant women with fluctuating stress levels have infants who exhibit more fear, sadness, and distress at three months old. The researchers measured mothers' stress in real-time and found a link between lability and infant temperament.