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.
A randomized controlled trial found that furosemide increases the risk of electrolyte adverse events but no difference in hearing loss or nephrocalcinosis was observed. The study suggests caution when using furosemide in preterm infants at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
New sediment core data from ancient Lake Cahuilla extends the lake's history back 7000 years, providing insights into potential connections between lake filling events and earthquakes on the Southern San Andreas Fault. The research aims to shed light on possible triggering mechanisms and improve earthquake rupture histories.
A UCLA-led team found that an abnormally suppressed immune system, not a persistently hyperactive one, may be to blame for some cases of long COVID-19. The study suggests boosting immunity in those individuals could be a treatment option.
Researchers found a weak correlation between provider and patient satisfaction with anesthesia during ocular surgery, suggesting that providers are poor predictors of patient comfort. The study recommends further research to understand patient satisfaction with anesthesia.
Researchers found a slow, shallow magnitude 8.16 subevent that contributed over 70% to the seismic moment of the 2021 South Sandwich Island earthquake. The event was 'invisible' at first glance and had unusual features, including a massive aftershock area and tsunamis across three oceans.
A UCLA report identifies a link between raising the minimum wage and lower divorce rates among low-income Americans, with a $1 per hour increase reducing divorce rates by 7-15% over two years.
Physicists at UCI have developed a technique to measure electrostatic properties of materials with unprecedented resolution. By using a hydrogen molecule as a quantum sensor, researchers can detect changes in its quantum states and create atomic-scale images of samples.
The new report highlights the pivotal impact of microbes on climate change, with major drivers being producers and consumers of greenhouse gases. The report provides recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and regulators to harness the power of microbes in tackling climate change.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that live music platforms face difficulties in valuing intangible qualities, managing complex tasks, and achieving economies of scale. This is due to the industry's fragmented nature, with different types of gigs requiring unique expectations from clients.
Studies of deep diamonds provide evidence of fluids carried by subducted slabs, suggesting that fluids can no longer be ignored in the story of deep earthquake generation. The diamonds' distinctive chemistry and inclusions indicate a connection to organic material and serpentinized mantle peridotite.
Researchers investigated the use of intranasal human milk as a stem cell therapy for preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage. The study found that preterm infants could tolerate nasal milk therapy without major safety events, paving the way for further research on long-term outcomes.
High blood pressure can cause long-lasting changes in the structure of vascular smooth muscle cells, stiffening arterial walls and increasing the risk of cerebrovascular disease. Researchers found that a signaling pathway triggered by E–T coupling is involved in this process, leading to inflammation and vascular remodeling.
Researchers at KIMS developed rare-earth-saving permanent magnets reducing neodymium (Nd) content by about 30%, while maintaining commercial-grade performance. The technology uses cerium (Ce) and suppresses the formation of unnecessary magnetic particles.
Researchers have developed a new type of optical fiber that generates high-power supercontinuum light in the mid-infrared spectrum, expanding its applications for environmental monitoring and cancer diagnostics. The non-silica graded-index fiber provides a self-cleaning mechanism, enabling efficient generation of broadband sources.
The study reveals the sing saw uses a surprising effect to create its distinct tone: when curved into an S-shape, energy vibrates in a confined area producing a clear, long-lasting sound. This principle can be applied to design high-quality resonators for various applications.
The MechanicalTree is a scalable solution for reducing carbon emissions by collecting CO2 from the atmosphere without the need for blowers or fans. It has the potential to curb greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming by capturing approximately 1,000 tons of CO2 per day.
The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) mission enables new measurements of cosmic X-ray sources, such as pulsars, black holes, and neutron stars. With its state-of-the-art telescopes and detectors, IXPE will provide high-quality polarization data of various sources, including supernova remnants, active galaxies, and blazars.