Research finds fungi and bacteria can thrive in post-megafire soils, with certain microbes increasing in abundance. These microbial 'cousins' are genetically related and share adaptive traits to respond to fire, improving prediction of their responses.
A team of scientists has identified a protein called SsPINE1 that allows the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to overcome plant defenses. This discovery could lead to new avenues for controlling white mold stem rot pathogens and potentially even more effective, targeted breeding to make plants naturally resistant.
A recent study by Boston Children's Hospital found a significant increase in adolescent suicide rates during the pandemic. The analysis of data from 2015 to 2020 revealed a sharp rise in suicides among youth aged 10-19, with 14 states experiencing particularly high numbers.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in infants, potentially impacting growth and brain development. Researchers emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women to avoid long-term adverse consequences for their infant.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a new material that combines natural inspirations with engineering innovations. The porous objects feature spinodal microstructures, allowing for customizable performance based on material and geometry.
A recent study by UT Southwestern and Parkland Health scientists found that pregnant women were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a higher rate during the Omicron surge compared to previous phases of the pandemic. However, they were less likely to develop severe illness, with Omicron cases being about 80% less severe than Delta cases.
A new study estimates the national economic burden of PTSD at $232.2 billion for 2018, with civilians accounting for 82% of the total costs. The study calls for increased awareness, effective therapies, and expanded evidence-based strategies to reduce the clinical and economic burden of PTSD.
Michelle Williams, Assistant Professor at George Mason University, received $9,999 to host a lung cancer screening webinar series targeting healthcare providers in Mississippi. The goal is to decrease lung cancer incidence and mortality rates through increased screenings and smoking cessation.
Deleting or inhibiting a protein called lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) may curb the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma tumors. The study found that disrupting LSD1 promotes anti-tumor immunity, which can help fight cancer. The discovery could lead to new and potentially more effective therapies for oral cancer patients.
Vervet monkeys have excellent cognitive skills for quickly appraising social context and planning routes accordingly. They make complex, multifactor decisions that consider contextual information, such as individual skill, rank, and competitor distance.
Researchers found a surprising duality between two scattering processes in proton collisions, indicating unknown details of the standard model. This connection suggests that theoretical calculations can be simplified by using one calculation to answer more complicated ones.
A team of scientists from the German Cancer Research Center discovered that reprogrammed macrophages produce a cocktail of metastasis-promoting proteins that support the growth of breast cancer cells in distant organs. The study identified new targets for therapy to restrain the spread of breast cancer.
A new study found that primate ecotourism is causing stress-related behaviors in monkeys, including self-scratching, increased aggression, and reduced feeding. The researchers propose guidelines for tourists and guides to minimize the impact of motorboat approach speeds on primates.
Urban mammals adjust their daily activities to evade human encounters, altering predator-prey dynamics and increasing human overlap. This multi-species study reveals the timing of mammalian behavior changes in response to urbanization.
Researchers found that post-starburst galaxies condense their gas instead of expelling it, raising questions about the process. The compact, turbulent gas is less efficient at forming stars than expected, suggesting alternative energy sources may be driving its behavior.
Researchers from IRB Barcelona and Merus have discovered MCLA-158, a bi-specific antibody targeting cancer stem cells. The treatment prevents metastasis and slows primary tumor growth in experimental models of cancer.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a low-cost, minimally invasive wireless device that uses photodynamic therapy to kill cancer cells. The device enables precise and safe treatment options during surgery, potentially reducing the need for additional treatments like chemotherapy.
A new combination of ulipristal acetate and meloxicam has emerged as a promising candidate for an on-demand contraceptive pill. The study found that the combination disrupted ovulation in 89% of women, with treatment cycles being around 3 days longer than baseline cycles.
Scientists have created a material that can reversibly switch between high and low thermal conductivity by changing its crystal structure dimensionality, opening up new possibilities for thermal management. The material's ability to alter its thermal conductivity allows for more efficient heat flow control.
A study of 20 full-scale WWTPs found MBR performed better than CAS in terms of energy consumption and environmental benefits, with increased marginal environmental benefit and average net profit. The techno-economic feasibility of retrofitting from CAS to MBR is confirmed, especially under strict effluent standards.
Research found that 3.4% of pregnant women who caught COVID-19 passed antibodies to their babies, providing some protection. However, these antibodies gradually decrease over time and disappear within 100 days after birth.
A new study has found that analyzing sodium levels in breast cancer tumors can accurately indicate how aggressive a cancer is and whether chemotherapy treatments are taking effect. The researchers developed a sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to detect salt levels, which showed promising results.
A study found that infants aged 5-8 months preferentially perceive faces in the upper visual field. The bias emerges around 7 months and is specific to faces, with no observed bias for non-face images. This suggests an important role of experience with faces in daily life in shaping this perceptual bias.
A recent US study found higher rates of antibiotic-resistant infections in COVID-19 patients and SARS-COV-2 negative patients compared to pre-pandemic periods. The analysis of 271 hospitals across the USA revealed significant increases in AMR, with rates rising by 20% during the pandemic.
A study of over 20,000 Canadian adults hospitalised with COVID-19 found that vaccination significantly lowers the risk of ICU admission and death. Vaccination with one, two, or three doses reduced the likelihood of ICU admission by 34% and odds of dying by 22%.
A large nationwide study of 853,219 COVID-19 patients found that all-cause mortality rates remained unchanged at 16%, while survival improved for most levels of disease severity. However, ICU use and mortality rate increased for critically ill patients on invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO.
A pioneering study led by the University of Bristol found that humans have 'nutritional wisdom,' choosing foods to meet their need for vitamins and minerals. The study suggests that people combine meals in a way that increases exposure to micronutrients, contradicting the long-held view that humans evolved to favor energy-dense foods.
A study discovered that a common gut parasite, Blastocystis ST4, has beneficial properties by stabilizing the bacteria ecosystem and promoting quicker recovery from inflammation. The parasite may potentially be translated into probiotics to treat inflammation in patients.
Research presents a promising path forward for early identification and intervention of Alzheimer's disease through the study of executive function and biomarkers. A link to genetics research is also being explored to better understand genetic and environmental factors that influence cognitive and brain aging.
The HAIRPLUS gene reveals epigenome involvement in glandular trichome formation, leading to improved pest resistance in tomato plants. This genomic tool provides valuable insights for improving crop yields and disease resistance.
A new study suggests that pregnant women are five times more likely to be hospitalized and six times more likely to require intensive care treatment compared to non-pregnant women. Vaccination can significantly reduce this risk, with healthy pregnant women being over five times more likely to be hospitalized without vaccination.
A study found that chickenpox in childhood results in £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. Working women are significantly more likely to provide care for sick children, missing an average of 5 days per child. The true cost is likely higher due to underreported cases.
A research team revealed the mechanism of oxygen activation on Barium-containing perovskite materials. The study discovered that BaO/BaO2 nanoparticles precipitated on the surface of Ba-containing materials under high-temperature oxygen-rich conditions had ultra-high activity for oxygen activation.
A population-wide study in Chile shows that a mix-and-match approach to booster vaccination provides the best protection against COVID-19. The study found that heterologous booster vaccines, such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Astra Zeneca, were more effective than using the same vaccine for all three doses.
Inadequate PPE management in Belgian testing centres caused major cross-contamination of samples, resulting in a high rate of false positive results. Scientists found that lack of glove changes between patients was the primary source of contamination.
University of Virginia professor Rachel Letteri's lab designs polymers for healthcare applications, using peptide fragments to create hydrogels with tunable stiffness and lifespan. The team aims to develop materials that can support cell growth and guide tissue regeneration, with potential applications in regenerative medicine.
A Danish study found that the superbug C. difficile can be transmitted from pigs to humans, suggesting a link between animal agriculture and human infections. The study identified multiple antibiotic-resistant genes shared between pig and human isolates, highlighting the potential for zoonotic spread of antimicrobial resistance.
A UK study of over 2,000 COVID-19 patients found that only around 25% feel fully recovered after one year. Women and obese individuals are more likely to experience lower recovery rates. The study highlights the need for effective interventions to address long-term symptoms and improve patient care.
The study uses many-body perturbation theory to predict the optical properties of negatively charged boron vacancies in hBN, showing that phonons are largely responsible for luminescence. The results suggest that this defect can be used as a nanoscale thermometer with high temperature sensitivity.
Researchers found a notable decline in postpartum insurance loss during the pandemic, primarily due to growing Medicaid enrollment. The study suggests that large increases in consistent Medicaid coverage contributed to this trend.
Researchers verified the existence of an atmospheric acoustic duct using rocket launch data. Infrasound signals were detected within the duct, related to a Blue Origin rocket launch in April 2021. The duct may channel a variety of natural and anthropogenic sounds, including signals from earthquakes and ground explosions.
Researchers found no evidence that early selective treatment with ibuprofen reduces death or moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extreme preterm infants. However, treatment reduced the risk of an open patent ductus arteriosus and surgical treatment for a symptomatic PDA.
Researchers used satellite spectral albedo data to develop a scheme that optimizes albedo parameters at the local level, significantly reducing model albedo overestimation and improving snowfall simulations. This improves the accuracy of water cycle modeling on the Tibetan Plateau.
A group of researchers from Harvard University developed a novel technique to print entire volumes without support structures, eliminating the limitations of traditional layer-by-layer approach. By using an upconversion process and nano capsules, they create self-supporting resin that hardens in three dimensions.
A study examines adolescent perspectives on TikTok's mental health benefits and risks, including how the algorithm enables unique connections with peers around interests and mental health struggles. Participants also discussed excessive use, peer comparison, and challenges in regulating their TikTok use.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that federal research funding has a positive 'ripple effect', stimulating investigations in new areas and providing unexpected benefits. The study showed that funding mostly goes to hiring people who work on the projects, leading to an increase in productivity and quality of research.
Physicists discovered that chaotic systems can synchronize due to the emergence of stable fractal structures. As systems are coupled, these fractals assimilate, causing synchronization. Strong coupling leads to complete synchronization through the 'Zipper Effect', where dominant fractals become identical.
A new study reveals that freshwater habitats have the highest animal species richness per area, with more than 99% of known animal species inhabiting land and 12% ocean habitats. The research suggests that preserving freshwater ecosystems can protect more species and evolutionary history.
A randomized clinical trial found that outreach messages were minimally effective at promoting scheduling of adolescent well care visits, but had limited impact on completing visits. Efforts to address widening disparities are needed.
Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center will train future medical professionals to translate nanotechnology advances to the clinic, focusing on cancer diagnosis and treatment. The five-year program aims to recruit 16 fellows from underrepresented groups.
A new study by Brown University found that postpartum insurance loss decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent Medicaid coverage among postpartum participants increased during the pandemic, suggesting that the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was a primary factor in reducing postpartum Medicaid loss.
Researchers have identified a new oxygen sensing mechanism in spinal cord neurons capable of triggering activation of the sympathetic and respiratory nervous system. This discovery suggests that SOS are critical for autoresuscitative reflexes and contribute to physiological regulation in health and disease.
A team of scientists from the University of East Anglia has developed a new method to estimate regional fossil fuel CO2 emissions more accurately and in near real-time. Using atmospheric measurements of O2 and CO2, they can detect changes in emissions with higher frequency and provide valuable insights for climate change policies.
A University of Alberta researcher says cancer is not just a genetic disease, but also influenced by environmental and metabolic factors. This new perspective could lead to more effective treatments and prevention strategies.
A Cornell-led project has created synthetic nanoclusters that can mimic the hierarchical self-assembly of natural systems, from DNA to butterfly wings. The resulting thin films have perfect periodic patterning and chiral optical properties, opening up new avenues for developing technologies inspired by nature.
A study by New York University researchers found that people perceive gender through speech, particularly when using binary terms like 'female' and 'male', which are more distinct from 'feminine' and 'masculine'. The study used a rating scale to assess listeners' perceptions of speakers' genders.
Researchers have developed a key experimental device for future quantum physics-based technologies by coupling nanomechanical oscillators with qubits. This enables the manipulation of quantum states in mechanical oscillators, generating quantum mechanical effects that could empower advanced computing and precise sensing systems. The de...
A recent study published in Microbiome found that a calorie-reduced diet can alter the gut microbiome, improving metabolism and delaying immune senescence. Researchers used a low-calorie diet to investigate its effects on the gut microbiome and its impact on metabolism and the immune system.
A University of Essex-led study found that athletes who fixate on their mistakes and strive for perfection are at risk of psychological difficulty. The research suggests that perfectionistic concerns can lead to athlete burnout, causing them to view achievements as inadequate and create a self-fulfilling performance prophecy.
Unemployment rates for people with disabilities increased in March, while those without disabilities still lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, people with disabilities are continuing to outperform their non-disabled counterparts in the labor market.