A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.
Researchers at MIT developed an AI method that constrains machine-learning models to suggest molecules with producible chemical structures. The approach guarantees quality and speed, outperforming existing methods in proposing high-quality molecular structures.
Researchers predict widespread increases in flash flooding events across the US, with a predicted 10% increase in the Southwest and 8.6% in the central US. Climate change may lead to more frequent and intense flash floods, requiring improved infrastructure and early warning systems.
A recent study by MUSC shows that quality improvement efforts have decreased complications for all patients and narrowed the gap in surgical outcomes between black and white patients. The research, led by Dr. Thomas Curran, analyzed data from over 30,000 patients who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2020.
A team of scientists has identified the last two DNA and RNA nucleobases missing from extraterrestrial samples, shedding light on the potential origin of life on Earth. The discovery suggests that chemical reactions in asteroids can create essential ingredients for life.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that having a parent with type 1 diabetes may be linked to lower school performance in children. The research involved over 622,000 Danish children and suggested a negative association between parental type 1 diabetes and cognitive development.
Osaka University researchers have created a nanocellulose paper semiconductor with 3D network structures that can be tuned for use in various sustainable electronic devices. The treatment process allows for heat-induced conductivity without damaging the nanostructure, enabling flexible macro-scale structures and detailed designs.
Professor Holger Frey's innovative research aims to preserve PEGylation benefits while avoiding immune system recognition. His project RandoPEGMed seeks to create modified polymers for medicinal agents, potentially solving the problem of increasing antibody resistance.
A new study using quantitative MRI (qMRI) found differences in brain structure among adolescents born extremely preterm, which may help predict atypical development. The study collected data from 368 adolescents and compared those with typical vs. atypical development, highlighting potential for qMRI to improve outcomes.
The Pediatric Academic Societies 2022 meeting will feature over 60 specialties presenting on various topics, with 500 hours of content available. The event will also include keynote speakers and a full scientific program with oral abstract presentations and posters.
New research reveals that infants as young as 4 months can differentiate between speech and song based on acoustic features such as pitch and rhythm. The study also found that exaggerated pitch is related to better neural tracking of infant-directed speech.
Researchers have found that the UK's existing copper network cables can support faster internet speeds, but only up to a certain frequency, and will not be able to support high-speed internet in the longer term. The study highlights the importance of investing in future technologies to make high-speed internet available to all.
The study found that freshwater pearl mussels significantly affected biofilm bacterial dynamics, particularly with increased Bacteroidales and Clostridiales abundance. The presence of mussels also alleviated nitrogen deficiencies by recycling nutrients.
A new study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduced the risk of suicide among patients with depression in the year following hospitalization. The study, which analyzed data from over 67,000 patients, showed a 50% lower risk of suicide among those who received ECT compared to those who did not.
Scientists have discovered six new species of frog in Mexico's forests, with one being the country's smallest, the 13mm-long Craugastor candelariensis. The newly discovered species are known as 'direct-developing' frogs, emerging from eggs as perfect miniature frogs.
The US Multisociety Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommends genetic evaluation and personalized surveillance plans for patients with hamartomatous polyps. Genetic testing is critical in cancer prevention, allowing for tailored cancer surveillance to prevent progression and save lives.
A new study suggests that early self-awareness of autism leads to better quality of life and a sense of well-being in adulthood. The research found that autistic university students who learned about their diagnosis at a younger age reported more positive emotions and a greater sense of empowerment than those diagnosed later in life.
A European Research Council-funded project aims to understand brain activity during program comprehension using a multimodal and interdisciplinary approach. The researchers, led by Sven Apel, will investigate mental processes involved in reading and understanding program code.
A study by Rice University found that Chinese public's perception of the US significantly worsened during the Trump presidency. The survey, conducted before and after the 2020 presidential election, showed that 76% of respondents believed the US did not consider China's interests in foreign policy decisions.
Friedhelm von Blanckenburg's project DEVENDRA explores the weathering of basalt and carbonate rocks, measuring their transformation into soil and subsequent erosion. The goal is to establish a novel method for calibrating the laws governing weathering and CO2 drawdown.
Researchers found no widespread systematic measurement bias in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) across race and sex. However, the study suggests potential underdetection of autism in certain groups, warranting further research to improve diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers developed a new set of privacy-preserving tools to automatically detect and filter spam on WhatsApp. These tools can safeguard users' privacy without compromising on safety goals.
A significant decline in cigarette smoking prevalence was observed among US adults with major depressive episode or substance use disorder between 2006 and 2019. The study included nearly 560,000 participants and found a notable reduction in self-reported cigarette smoking during this period.
A mathematical model reveals that spontaneous symmetry breaking in chemical reactions leads to homochirality, optimizing energy harvesting from the environment. This phenomenon could explain how life developed on primordial Earth and has implications for the synthesis of chiral drug molecules.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at the University of Córdoba uses Artificial Intelligence to predict crops' water needs with greater accuracy and precision. The algorithm requires fewer meteorological variables than traditional methods, making it a more efficient tool for managing water resources.
A new paper by UBC researchers suggests reviving cultural burning and promoting Indigenous-led fire stewardship to achieve multiple objectives, including reducing wildfire risk and enhancing biodiversity. However, barriers such as lack of understanding and funding limitations hinder the implementation of these practices.
Researchers used whole-brain virtual models to simulate neurostimulation effects on aging human brains, identifying key brain regions for therapeutic interventions. The study found that stimulating the precuneus region could induce a brain state similar to that of younger participants.
Neanderthals occupied a lightly wooded lakeshore about 90,000 years ago in a relatively temperate climate. Stone tools found at the former campsite attest to activities such as woodworking and plant processing.
The ALLOMAN hexapod robot combines leg and arm functions to achieve mobile manipulation, increasing flexibility and efficiency in legged robots. This novel platform has been successfully developed by the Robotics Institute of Beihang University, China.
The US Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility has established a new Research and Technology Partnerships Office to facilitate the commercialization of its scientific advancements. Led by Marla Schuchman, the office aims to support inventors in bringing their intellectual property to market.
Researchers at MIT and University of Waterloo propose stimulating the Unruh effect to increase its probability of detection, potentially shaving wait time from billions of years to just a few hours. The new approach, known as acceleration-induced transparency, enhances the Unruh effect while suppressing competing effects.
Research using a network model and air pollution data before and during COVID-19 outbreaks found that surrounding traffic conditions influenced air quality in certain cities. Pollution tended to peak in cities as they contained the virus, with some cities experiencing worse air quality than ever.
The USPSTF recommends against initiating low-dose aspirin use for primary prevention of CVD in adults 60+, but suggests its use for those with a 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk. The net benefit is small, and those willing to take daily aspirin are more likely to benefit.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are searching for the ideal exosuit design to reduce muscle load and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The study found that commercially available exosuits have limitations, with the Auxivo LiftSuit being stiff and uncomfortable during prolonged wear.
A study of over 15 million COVID-19 vaccine doses found a potential link between vaccination and the development of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. The research assessed the risk of GBS after vaccination with Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine are awarded a $4.2 million NIH grant to detect behavioral markers for Alzheimer's disease that appear early in the course of the disease. The study aims to identify people at risk and develop new preventive strategies.
Researchers at UNIGE develop new method using eye-tracking to evaluate social-emotional and perceptive abilities in children and adolescents with severe multiple disabilities. This approach enables assessment of individual skills and preferences, allowing for personalized stimulation and care devices.
The new protocol, published in PLoS ONE, uses a multidisciplinary approach to select representative bioindicators of an area, including species, habitats, and ecological processes. The methodology optimizes resources for biodiversity monitoring and is analysable in most Mediterranean ecosystems.
A clinical trial is underway to test the safety and efficacy of PhytoSERM, a dietary supplement that promotes estrogenic action in the brain without affecting reproductive tissue. The study aims to reduce menopausal symptoms and lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease in post- and perimenopausal women.
A new study indicates that artificial intelligence can accurately predict who will develop pancreatic cancer based on pre-diagnostic CT scan images. The AI tool was trained to analyze textural differences in the pancreas and achieved an accuracy rate of 86% in identifying those who would eventually develop the disease.
Scientists develop high-power hybrid laser emitter for volumetric photoacoustic imaging, improving penetration depth and quality of medical diagnosis. The technology enables accurate measurement of water content in deep tissue, opening avenues for biological research and disease diagnosis.
Researchers used lipidomics to identify lipids associated with cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, finding a link between unsaturated fatty acids in the diet and reduced risk. The study's findings support replacing saturated fats with unsaturated ones for preventing these diseases.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a hybrid, data-driven approach to the Travelling Salesperson Problem that significantly outperforms current methods. The new approach converges to optimal solutions at a faster rate and produces high-quality solutions under restricted computation time.
A new study by Cornell University found that rare and endangered insects and spiders can be easily purchased without adequate oversight through basic internet searches. Many species, including those with valuable ecological services like ladybugs and pollinators, are being sold illegally online.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed an 'optomemristor' device that facilitates three-factor learning and emulation of biological computations, making it possible to perform complex machine learning tasks. The device uses both light and electrical signals to interact and consume very little energy.
A new study examines childhood obesity disparities within integrated and segregated schools, finding larger gaps between Latino, Black, and Filipino children compared to White children. The study suggests that school segregation fosters obesogenic conditions disproportionately affecting these groups.
A new microsimulation model projects that the Japanese population will live longer and experience a decrease in years spent living with dementia. However, older women with less than a high school education are more likely to be affected by both dementia and frailty.
A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that undertreatment with thyroid hormone replacement can lead to longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates. Patients with high TSH levels before hospitalization had a 49% higher risk of 30-day readmission.
A study found significant reductions in cigarette use among U.S. adults with major depression, substance use disorder, or both from 2006 to 2019. Smoking cessation efforts remain critical for people with these conditions.
A team of researchers has developed a method for non-destructive 3D elemental analysis using muonic x-rays and a CdTe double-sided strip detector. This technique allows for the creation of 3D images of sample composition without damaging the material, with potential applications in archaeology and planetary science.
Researchers Francesca Ferlaino, Kathrin Thedieck and Hans Briegel will investigate new systems for quantum matter simulation, control of mTOR-dependent metabolic processes, and AI-driven quantum experiments. Their work has the potential to revolutionize fields such as physics, computer science and medicine.
A gene defect among people of Inuit ancestry has been discovered, putting children at risk of dying from child vaccines or simple viral infections. The defect is found in 1 out of 1500 Inuits and can be screened for using heel prick blood test samples.
A study found that large mammals and birds essential for seed dispersal in the Atlantic Rainforest are disappearing due to deforestation. In contrast, smaller animals have lower interaction levels with plants.
A study published in eLife has identified genetic variants linked to age-related mobility changes. The research suggests that variations in a mitochondrial enzyme may contribute to the loss of strength and mobility as people age. The findings have important implications for understanding age-related muscle health.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that a poor diet is associated with a 30% increased risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of genetic risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 35,000 US adults and found that both genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to individual susceptibility to the disease.
More than half of Michigan pharmacies offer naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdose, without requiring a prescription. The standing order allows pharmacists to dispense the drug in emergency situations.
Researchers developed a disposable electrochemical sensor using graphite-based molecularly imprinted polymers to detect theophylline levels. The sensor can identify low concentrations of theophylline (2.5 μg/mL) in whole blood within 3 seconds, enabling real-time monitoring and potential overdose prevention.
A survey of 441 Germans found that environmental concerns do not drive demand for meat substitutes, but rather attitudes towards animal welfare and health. Manufacturers are advised to highlight the ecological advantages and healthier composition of their products.
Researchers identified key chemical marks that speed up and slow down gene expression in mRNA, opening new possibilities for genetic therapies. The discovery could lead to targeted protein production with minimal risk, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines.
A new Swansea-led project will analyze the chemistry of ancient oak trees to reconstruct the climate of north-west Europe and improve dating accuracy for wooden structures. The QUERCUS project aims to develop the first annually-resolved tree-ring isotopic chronologies for the UK and north-western Europe, extending back 4,500 years.