A new study by Scripps Research analyzed sensor data from wearable devices to track physiological responses to the COVID-19 vaccination. The findings show that resting heart rate increased significantly after vaccination, with stronger effects in younger individuals and those who had prior COVID-19 infection.
Scientists at the University of Freiburg have developed a novel process for 3D printing small and complex components made of transparent glass. Using Glassomer materials and Computed Axial Lithography, they can create structures with thicknesses as low as 50 micrometers in just a few minutes.
Research reveals that the compound eye tile pattern is controlled by geometrical patterns based on concentric circle growth, not just physical stability. The study found that individual eyes show a hexagonal pattern when evenly distributed, but change to square-type when the compound eye extends in the vertical direction.
A study found that small genetic variations impact an organism's ability to utilize energy from various nutrients. Researchers identified several genes contributing to sugar tolerance in fruit flies, which are also present in humans and linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London identified a way to overcome resistance to cancer drugs in leukemia cells by manipulating cellular pathways. By using a sequential treatment approach, the team was able to kill about 50% of leukemia samples and potentially develop a new treatment strategy for this devastating disease.
The April issue of SLAS Discovery highlights innovative approaches to accelerating lead identification for pancreatic cancer therapies. Authors explore the potential of completely scaffold-free 3D models and automated organoid assays to improve disease modeling and drug discovery.
Researchers developed an algorithm to analyze wearable heart rate data, discovering new signals indicating COVID-19 infection and disease progression. The study's findings could enable the use of wearables in tracking disease at home or during pandemics.
Researchers created two scales to measure factors related to time spent in nature, finding correlations between TSN and self-efficacy, intentions, and age. The study aims to inform future interventions to increase outdoor activities among adults.
A new model predicts how oil and gas wells heat up the surrounding permafrost, causing it to thaw and release methane. The study shows that operating a single well for 30 years can melt the surrounding permafrost in a 10-meter radius, releasing up to 500,000 cubic meters of methane.
Researchers at ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering have identified a less toxic dye called pigment red 254 (PR254) as a greener alternative to current anthraquinone dyes used in signal smokes. PR254 forms a red-colored smoke cloud more effectively and is thermally stable, making it suitable for use in heat-generating systems.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered that amyloid fibrils in the brains of patients with frontotemporal degeneration are composed of the protein TMEM106B, not TDP-43 as expected. This finding may lead to new focus on TMEM106B in FTLD and similar brain diseases.
Five medical societies release recommendations for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in hospitals. The new guidance highlights the need to strengthen infection prevention programs amid worsening rates of these infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study of 118 PPA autopsies found five diseases causing language impairments, each impacting a distinct part of the language network. The findings can inform targeted interventions and treatment approaches for patients with PPA.
The 9th World Congress on Targeting Microbiota 2022 will focus on recent advances in the microbiota field and therapeutic strategies. Key findings include research on probiotic strains, natural mineral waters, and extracellular vesicles.
A study published in Brain reveals a dedicated neural circuit responsible for post-sepsis anxiety and depression. The researchers identified a potential pharmacological treatment by silencing the amygdala circuit during sepsis, reducing the risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Deforestation in Indigenous lands, particularly in Apyterewa Territory, poses a significant threat to Brazil's ability to meet its international climate change mitigation targets. The Brazilian government must take effective action to enforce environmental laws and protect the Amazon region.
Girls perform better in English than boys from ages three to seven, leading to a possible explanation for the STEM gender gap in adults. Parents who invest more time teaching math to their children show weaker association with later-life math skills.
A new study has identified a strong predictor for the development of clinically important liver problems in people with Hemochromatosis. Researchers found that 84% of those with advanced liver fibrosis also had arthritis, highlighting the importance of early detection and monitoring.
A study in eLife found that fine air pollution particles can increase the risk of lung cancer by altering lung tissue structure and reducing immune cell infiltration. The researchers identified peroxidasin as a key enzyme responsible for this effect, which could lead to new approaches for preventing or treating lung disease.
Researchers have developed a new optical microscopy platform that allows them to visually track the timing and location of fat storage within intact cells of fruit flies. The tool is being used to untangle links between diet and phenomena like obesity, diabetes, and aging.
A survey study found increased risk factors and worse outcomes among transgender and gender-questioning high school students compared to their cisgender peers. The study highlights the need for targeted support and interventions to address these health disparities.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new way to 3D-print glass microstructures using computed axial lithography (CAL), which produces objects with higher optical quality and design flexibility. The CAL process enables smooth surfaces and complex geometries, making it ideal for manufacturing microscopic glass objects.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet study how the immune system protects against malaria, finding that people who have contracted the disease before develop a tolerance that prevents severe disease. This knowledge can aid in the development of more effective vaccines.
Researchers are taking stock of advancements in ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) photodetectors with deep UV capabilities, highlighting their efficiency and potential for solar-blind applications. Further work is needed to optimize device performance, particularly in assembling materials over large area substrates.
Researchers have developed a new treatment for chronic inflammation by targeting the ASC protein with nanobodies, which can dissolve harmful molecular complexes and counteract inflammation. The treatment has shown promising results in mouse models, alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Scientists have created a 3D model of two rare neuromuscular diseases using a tissue chip platform. The model mimics the biology of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and multifocal motor neuropathy, allowing researchers to study how a drug could potentially treat these devastating conditions.
The University of the Basque Country is taking steps to cut its environmental and social footprint by analyzing its impact through life-cycle assessment and modeling. By identifying areas for improvement, such as reducing transportation emissions and extending computer lifespan, the university aims to reduce its impact by up to 30%.
A new study by Hiroshima University introduces a novel AI-based technique for estimating site amplification factors from microtremor data. The model demonstrated potential as a predictive tool for characterizing site amplification factors, but notes are needed for further optimization with a larger dataset.
Researchers have shed light on how immune checkpoint protein LAG3 modulates T cell activity, providing crucial information for the development of new LAG3-blocking therapies. The study found that LAG3 suppresses T cell activation by disrupting coreceptor-Lck association, even in the absence of MHC Class II molecules.
A new report from Oak Ridge National Laboratory identifies supply chain must-haves for maintaining the pivotal role of hydropower in decarbonizing the nation's grid. The report also highlights advances in safer battery technologies and innovative electron microscopy techniques for imaging lithium in energy storage materials.
The conference features over 2,000 technical presentations, plenary speakers Dana Anderson, Hui Cao, Peter Delfyett, and Michal Lipson, and showcases market-ready technologies in lasers and photonics. Industry-leading companies demonstrate new products and technologies
Researchers at KIST developed a new charging technique that uses ultrasonic waves to charge batteries of underwater devices, such as sensors, and body-implanted electronic devices. The method improves efficiency by up to 4% and can transfer more than 8mW power over short distances.
Researchers at Ural Federal University improved the composition of borate glasses by adding heavy metal oxides, significantly increasing their density. The new glass samples showed good results as radiation shielding material in low and medium energy gamma radiation.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology discovered that tocotrienols, a subtype of vitamin E, can lower body weight, reduce white adipose tissue, and protect the liver in mice fed with a high-fat diet. The study suggests a potential compound to prevent obesity and its secondary diseases.
A Stanford University team developed a solar-powered technology to improve the quality and quantity of dried agricultural produce, increasing incomes for smallholder farmers in India. The equipment boosted prices by 14-22% compared to traditional open-air sun drying methods.
A simulated crisis-care event revealed the moral distress experienced by triage team members who had to prioritize patients for scarce resources. The study aimed to operationalize a process for making life-and-death patient decisions, but triage-team members struggled with balancing individual patient needs with fair resource allocation.
Scientists at UF/IFAS have recorded the first North American case of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense' in yellow nutsedge, a highly invasive and aggressive weed. This discovery poses significant threats to agriculture and ornamental industries in the US.
A new UC Riverside study finds that the timing of rainfall is crucial for drought-stricken plants, with summer rains resulting in higher plant biomass. In contrast, winter rains have less impact on plant growth and may lead to negative effects.
The Linyi Lagerstätte, a new middle Cambrian fossil site in North China, has provided valuable insights into the evolution of animals during this period. The discovery has shed light on the morphological disparity and community structure of marine fauna following the Cambrian explosion.
The new computational tool, AF2Complex, predicts the structure of protein complexes and their interactions, offering insights into biomolecular mechanisms. The model is based on AlphaFold 2 and performs well in predicting protein structures and complex formations.
A recent study published in Public Opinion Quarterly found that anxiety about crime is a key predictor of presidential approval, with individuals who believe crime has worsened being more likely to punish presidents for it. The researchers also discovered that racial differences play a significant role in how Americans hold presidents ...
Scientists at OSU have developed a new nanotechnology approach for locating and removing endometriosis lesions using magnetic nanoparticles. These particles accumulate in lesions, making them easier to see via MRI, and can be heated to high temperatures, allowing for safe removal through non-invasive procedures.
A study by Cornell researchers found that recreational marijuana access significantly decreases prescriptions for pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, psychosis, and seizures in state Medicaid programs. This reduction could lead to significant cost savings for state Medicaid programs.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that hydrocephalus is caused by problems with brain stem cells, not fluid circulation. Genetic analysis identified a key gene mutation, TRIM71, which disrupts neuroepithelial cell development, leading to underdeveloped brains and cerebral cortex compression.
A team of scientists from KAIST has developed a method to directly measure the frequency of floral scent emissions in lilies using optical interferometry. This technology reveals the temporal pattern of scent release and provides new insights into the ecological evolution of plant-pollinator interactions.
A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers has demonstrated that a computationally-light model can simulate complex brain cell responses, including periodic and quasi-periodic responses. The Izhikevich neuron model was found to be capable of reproducing both types of responses at lower computational cost.
Researchers developed an automated system called Clinical Antimicrobials Susceptibility Test Ramanometry (CAST-R) to identify the best antibiotics for treating acute blood infections. The system uses Raman microspectroscopy and machine learning to achieve rapid and accurate results, outperforming conventional methods in just three hours.
Researchers from Flinders University have discovered microplastics in blue mussels and intertidal water at popular beaches in South Australia. The study found that single-use plastic was the main source of pollution, with concentrations four times higher near larger towns and cities.
The brain detects unwanted memories and proactively inhibits them using the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). If inhibition fails, the ACC triggers a reactive alarm to alert other regions to stop the intrusion. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms of controlling intrusive thoughts.
The study found that vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reduced the risk of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations in children ages 5–11 years and adolescents ages 12–18 years by two-thirds during the Omicron period. Protection against critical COVID-19 requiring life-supporting interventions remained high in vacc...
The Rice University lab has improved the recipe for synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a highly sought-after material for its semiconducting properties. By using iodized salt, the team was able to speed up the synthesis process while reducing growth temperatures.
Researchers at Clemson University and SSSIHL discovered a novel way to combine curcumin and gold nanoparticles to create an electrode that efficiently converts ethanol into electricity. The discovery brings replacing hydrogen as a fuel cell feedstock one step closer, with potential applications in sensors and supercapacitors.
A new Michigan Medicine study found that for children with a pelvic tilt and lower lumbar spine tilt of fewer than 10 degrees, the pelvis did not need to be included when inserting growing rods. This could help avoid painful complications such as skin breakdown and infection.
Recent advances in nanomaterial-based antiviral strategies have generated promising results, including antiviral nanodrugs, drug nanocarriers, and nanovaccines. These nano-sized particles can be useful for targeted delivery of antiviral treatments, leading to improved efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed an algorithm that generates whisper-quiet sounds to block smart devices from spying on users. The system works by predicting the characteristics of spoken language and generating a signal that can disrupt automatic speech recognition models.
A bundled care Medicare program has led to reductions in some outcome disparities for Black patients compared to White patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery. The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) Model has improved key outcomes such as hospital readmission rates, length of stay, and Medicare payments.
Researchers found that favorable local climate change led to chronic warfare in ancient Peru, as neighboring regions experienced droughts and migrants put pressure on the agricultural economy. The study suggests that climate change can harm all populations, either directly or indirectly, through destabilization and refugee crises.
Researchers, led by University of Miami associate professor Kenneth Feeley and graduate student Riley Fortier, have rediscovered Gasteranthus extinctus, a tropical plant species believed to be extinct for nearly 40 years. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity in Ecuador's Centinela Ridge, which is home to h...
A study of 309 people with long COVID found that fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of sense of smell were the most persistent symptoms. The research also revealed that factors such as history of hospitalization, diabetes, and body mass index increased the risk of developing Long COVID.
Fossil analysis reveals mollusk communities were resilient to major climatic shifts but struggled under human-induced changes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.