A multi-campus research team has created a novel device that can non-invasively measure cervical nerve activity in humans, with potential applications for personalized treatments of sepsis and mental health conditions like PTSD. The device features a flexible array of electrodes that capture electrical activity across different nerves.
Researchers at Princeton University have identified a multi-step biosynthetic pathway that transforms a biologically inert peptide into structurally complex antibiotics, called enteropeptins. Enteropeptins exhibit narrow-spectrum activity and inhibit the growth of specific bacteria, such as Enterococcus.
An international team of researchers found evidence of cooked fish remains at the Gesher Benot Ya'aqov archaeological site in Israel, dating back approximately 780,000 years. This discovery predates previous knowledge by about 600,000 years and sheds light on the evolution of cooking techniques.
An international research team developed an animal-free testing battery to detect developmental neurotoxicity, using human cells instead of animals. The results show that the testing battery is technically feasible and already has a measurement sensitivity comparable to animal experiments.
Collaborative research team led by George Mason University's Bo Han explores innovative approaches to streaming volumetric videos. The project aims to develop demonstrable systems for multi-dimension, multi-modality motion sensing, deep-learning-based content upsampling, QoE modeling and resource/motion adaptation.
An international team has cracked the chemical code driving iodine particle formation, revealing its link to increased cloud cover and ozone layer depletion. The study suggests that iodine plays a catalytic role in atmospheric particle formation, contributing to global warming-related thinning of Arctic sea ice.
A team of UCF faculty will develop REACH hubs that provide critical services like cooling and broadband internet after disasters. The hubs will also serve as hazard-preparedness and STEM education centers.
Researchers identified biomarkers that predict severe Covid-19 cases with neurological symptoms, offering potential targets for drug development to prevent consequential damage. They also found a link between impaired blood-brain barrier and excessive immune response.
The Society for Neuroscience presents eight neuroscientists with Science Education and Outreach Awards, recognizing their contributions to improving STEM education and sparking interest in neuroscience. Award winners Francisco Fernandez de Miguel and Clark Lindgren were honored for their creative ways to reach underserved communities a...
A new MIT-developed heat treatment transforms 3D-printed metal microstructure, enabling energy-efficient 3D printing of blades for gas turbines and jet engines. Researchers discovered a way to improve the structure by adding an additional heat-treating step.
Scientists design genetic devices to perform computations like artificial neural circuits in bacterial cells, creating flexible and dynamically reprogrammable cells. This breakthrough enables potential applications in biomanufacturing and medical fields.
A recent audit by the University of Cambridge found that a third of church buildings cost more money each year than they can raise, with only one in five being financially profitable. Churches will need to find innovative ways to remain financially sustainable and be useful to communities if their future is to be secured.
Researchers found three distinct white matter pathways unique to autistic brains, distinguishing them from those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). These patterns correlated with emotional performance and/or autism severity, shedding light on the biological basis of autism.
Researchers from the Technion and University of Tokyo have discovered cyclic peptides that bind to specific chains of ubiquitin proteins, disrupting DNA repair mechanisms and leading to cell death. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments against cancer cells than existing anti-cancer drugs.
The Society for Neuroscience honors six early-career researchers with awards for their groundbreaking work on neural dynamics and disease states. Linnaea Ostroff wins the Jennifer N. Bourne Prize in Brain Ultrastructure for her research on synapse structure and protein-building machinery, revealing surprising details about learning pro...
A recent study by University of Cambridge researchers found that lack of computer access led to poorer mental health among young people during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The team's analysis of data from 1,387 10–15-year-olds revealed that those without access to a computer experienced a more significant increase in Total Difficulties scores.
Researchers from Osaka University have successfully detected carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in samples from near-Earth asteroid Ryugu using muon non-destructive analysis. The findings suggest that CI chondrites may be contaminated with terrestrial materials, challenging previous understanding of the solar system's chemical compositions.
The Society for Neuroscience honored emerging researchers with notable achievements and research awards at its annual meeting in 2022. Notably, Dr. Sophia Patel received the Early Career Scientist Award, while Dr. Liam Chen was recognized as a recipient of the Travel Fellowship.
A new study found that vulnerable populations, including children, older individuals, and men, faced significant challenges in accessing TB diagnoses due to COVID-19 disruptions. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address these inequalities and ensure equitable access to TB care.
A research team at UNIST has identified subtropical low cloud feedback as a key mechanism driving teleconnections between the Southern Ocean and tropical precipitation. Their findings suggest that this impact is stronger than previously thought, with implications for mid-latitude climate predictions.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences reveal the secret of ultra-slow motion in pine cones, attributing it to unique microtube structures that drive scale movement with humidity changes. They develop mimicking actuators enabling unperceivable motion, two orders of magnitude slower than other reported actuators.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that over 37% of insured Massachusetts residents experienced an insurance transition during the perinatal period. Individuals with Medicaid and Medicaid managed care were more likely to have a transition than those covered by private insurance, suggesting disruptions in continuity of care.
A joint research project by Toyohashi University of Technology found that 78% of Jakarta's river waste is plastic, with PET bottles and bags accounting for over half. The study estimated a daily discharge rate of 7.7-12.6 grams per person, highlighting the need for improved waste management in Indonesia.
A study at Kanazawa University uses high-speed atomic force microscopy to examine the impact of temperature, pH, and salt levels on small extracellular vesicle structure. The research reveals how sEVs' shape, size, and elasticity change under different conditions, providing valuable insights for nanodrug development.
A new study by CABI suggests that a tiny weevil (Stenopelmus rufinasus) can save Great Britain up to £16.8 million in annual management costs of the invasive aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides. The estimated benefits of the weevil's biocontrol range from £800,000 to £1.6 million per year.
Researchers report positive results from the first placebo-controlled trial of anifrolumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting type I interferon receptor in patients with lupus. Treatment with anifrolumab was well-tolerated and sustained reduction in lupus disease activity.
A new UK study of over 3,000 adults found that childhood financial circumstances significantly impact wellbeing in middle age (41-65). Financial hardship in childhood is also a concern for mental health, particularly as child poverty levels increase.
A phase 2 clinical trial has generated promising results for deucravacitinib, an oral inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), in patients with active lupus. The study found that patients treated with deucravacitinib experienced significant improvements in disease activity, with response rates ranging from 34% to 58% compared to placebo.
A recent clinical trial shows that genicular nerve blocks provide short-term pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients who received the blocks reported significant improvement in pain scores, particularly at weeks 2 and 4.
The Society for Neuroscience awards recognize outstanding career and research achievements in neuroscience. Richard Huganir receives the Ralph W. Gerard Prize for his work on synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. Ian Maze wins the Jacob P. Waletzky Award for his groundbreaking research on neuroepigenetics and addiction.
Researchers developed a novel intranasal delivery system that utilizes the trigeminal nerve to deliver antidepressant drugs to the brain. The system showed efficacy at delivering the same dose as intracerebroventricular administration, highlighting a potential new approach for treating depression and other neurological disorders.
Research has found that extreme ocean waves can arise from modulation instability in multi-directional wave systems, challenging previous assumptions. The study demonstrates that crossing sea waves can trigger the formation of extreme waves, posing a growing risk to marine infrastructure and coastal communities due to climate change.
A research team at MedUni Vienna's Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery has discovered a previously unknown ability of the autonomic nervous system to spontaneously restore muscle function following a nerve injury. This finding may form the basis for improving interventions to treat nerve lesions.
A new study by University of Helsinki researchers finds that magma floods can form in thick tectonic plates, contradicting the long-held assumption. The research uses geochemical modelling to demonstrate that high-temperature mantle sources can produce magmas with similar trace element compositions as low-pressure conditions.
Researchers found that Caltech Hall's natural frequencies have increased by 5% in the east-west direction and 2% in the north-south direction over 20 years. This suggests up to 20% variation in the building's stiffness between earthquakes, posing a challenge for seismic structural health monitoring.
A new study from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience used electrodes implanted in epilepsy patients to directly measure electrical activity in the insula, a brain region critical for emotions. The researchers found that neurons in this region respond to the level of pain experienced by others, providing evidence for how we empat...
A new study found that people's favourite songs about relationships reflect their attachment style, with anxious themes dominating. On the other hand, secure and avoidant styles are represented in lyrics, indicating a strong connection between music and relationship experiences.
A nationwide survey in Germany found that 82% of medical and nursing personnel were vaccinated at least once, with 75% having received two doses. In contrast to the general population, unvaccinated healthcare workers had stronger concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness. The study suggests a need for targeted measures to convinc...
According to new research led by the University of Bath, some short-duration gamma-ray bursts are triggered by the birth of supramassive stars, not black holes. This discovery may offer a new way to locate neutron star mergers and gravitational wave emitters.
A team of scientists at the University of Bern's Albert Einstein Center for Fundamental Physics has successfully narrowed the scope for the existence of dark matter using a precision experiment with neutron spin clocks. The results excluded axion-like particles and set new limits on dark matter existence.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison develop nanoparticles to neutralize molecules implicated in IBD, significantly improving treatment outcomes. The probiotic bacteria are equipped with nano-backpacks that target reactive oxygen species, reducing inflammation and promoting weight gain and colon length restoration.
A significant increase in household food insufficiency was observed among lower-income households following the discontinuation of child tax credit payments. The lowest-income households experienced the greatest increase, highlighting the vulnerability of these families to changes in government support.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 causes a significant disruption in vaginal microbiota balance, leading to an increased risk of preterm birth. The research found a 70% change in microbiota and higher levels of pathogenic bacteria in infected women compared to control groups.
A study of over 111,000 veterans found that prescription of anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmacotherapies was underused, particularly among those with risk factors for severe COVID-19 and minority groups. Veterans with limited outpatient access to these treatments were also less likely to receive them.
Adolescents in war-torn regions experienced high war trauma and daily stress, with 60% witnessing armed attacks. The study found elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression compared to those living outside the conflict zone.
A study found that administrative fellowship programs accelerate career progression for both men and women, but the effect is significantly stronger for men. Women account for 80% of the total healthcare workforce but only hold 30% of C-suite positions.
New research finds climate change could lead to more frequent lightning strikes over mountains and Northern Europe, triggering increased wildfire risks. However, relatively fewer lightning hazards are expected over populated areas of Central Europe.
Neuroblastoma tumour cells adapt to mimic embryonic cells, making them resistant to chemotherapy. This understanding can lead to targeted treatments that better reach the entire tumour and avoid resistance development.
Researchers developed a method to learn complex Boolean systems, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses of urinary diseases, cardiac conditions, and financial risks. The technique uses optimal causation entropy to narrow down correct solutions and turn complex diagnostic processes into decision trees.
Experts at Hiroshima University propose a new framework for studying the complex power dynamics between China and the US in the Indo-Pacific. The 'hybrid balancing' concept aims to better understand how China uses its social and economic influence to maintain favorable trade conditions while also quelling liberal Western cultural ideals.
Researchers estimate that the leaked methane from Nord Stream pipelines would raise atmospheric CO2 concentration by only 0.0026 ppm over 20 years. This tiny warming is imperceptible in ecosystems and human society, but highlights the need to control and reduce methane emissions to achieve global warming targets.
Researchers at Shinshu University demonstrate the transformation of isolated skyrmions into bimerons in a magnetic disk, showcasing a potential new operation for future computing architectures. The discovery opens up novel spintronic applications based on different topological spin textures.
Researchers uncover the origins of Kampo, tracing it back to 8th century Chinese monk Jianzhen's herbal medicines and prescriptions. These findings show that Kampo has been integrated into Japan's healthcare system for centuries, influencing traditional Japanese medicine.
Researchers in Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Finland achieved first insights into engineering crystal growth by atomically precise metal nanoclusters. They synthesized gold clusters consisting of 25 atoms, regulating their size and concentration to form well-defined crystals with unique morphology.
The study developed an extended deep Q-network (EDQN)-incorporated context-based meta-RL model that can autonomously detect traffic states, classify regimes, and assign signal phases. The model outperformed existing algorithms in simulation experiments and showed adaptability to new tasks without adjusting parameters.
A study attributes the 2021 Henan extreme precipitation to climate change and convective organization, highlighting its impact on regional and station-scale extremes. The research uses a conditional storyline attribution method and column quasi-geostrophic modeling framework, showing that warming over the past century has significantly...
A team of scientists from The Jackson Laboratory has adapted cancer therapeutic CAR-T cell therapy to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 virus pre- and post-infection in vitro. They have also developed an ACE2-bispecific-based therapy that can target all variants, including Delta and Omicron.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered that people with Alzheimer's disease can be identified before symptoms appear, using PET scans to visualize tau and amyloid proteins in the brain. Participants found to have these biomarkers were at a 20-40 times higher risk of developing cognitive decline in the next few years.
A study by Okayama University researchers found that neuromedin U (NMU) is involved in metabolic processes but its 'anti-hunger' function may not be crucial for rats. Unlike mice, NMU expression is restricted in the rat brain and does not suppress feeding behavior.
A decades-long effort to lower the US stillbirth rate has stalled, with no progress made in reducing disparities between Black and White women. Despite advances in prenatal care and maternal health, excess stillbirths experienced by Black women have remained unchanged since the mid-2000s.