A unique Canadian study found a 6.3 fold increase in hospitalizations for unintentional cannabis poisoning among children under 10 since legalization. Provinces with edible sales saw an increase 7.5 times higher than those without, highlighting the risk of allowing edibles
Scientists studied lightning's impact on Panama Canal forests, finding that some tree species, like palms, are more likely to die after a strike. Others, with denser wood and larger water vessels, are more resistant and may even store more carbon.
People with news addiction experience stress, anxiety, and physical ill health due to constant exposure. A new study reveals a significant link between problematic news consumption and poor mental and physical wellbeing.
A homemade microspectrometer invented by Dr. Jamie Laird enables scientists to image defects in perovskite solar cells, improving stability and efficiency. This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize next-generation photovoltaics, including space missions.
Researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to pinpoint high-priority areas for deforestation action, reducing the target area by 160,000 km². The study reveals that only 37% of the last three years' deforestation rate was covered by official monitoring in the 11 municipalities.
Researchers found that statins, commonly prescribed lipid-lowering drugs, provide a protective immune function in females. Women taking statins were 75% less likely to be ANA+, suggesting a sex-specific difference in the relationship between lipid metabolism and immunity.
The NIH experts reviewed the current outbreak of monkeypox, noting similarities with early AIDS cases among men who have sex with men. They call for detailed observational studies to learn more about the epidemiology of the current outbreak.
Researchers from the University of Montreal have discovered an exoplanet that could be an 'ocean planet,' completely covered by a thick layer of water. The exoplanet, TOI-1452 b, has a radius and mass similar to Earth but is believed to be rocky with a possible abundance of water.
Researchers have found that an approved drug can block the CD39 enzyme, which protects cancer cells from the immune system. This could lead to new and more effective anti-cancer treatments by activating the body's own defenses against tumors.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science found that adding ethanol to soil helps plants thrive during drought. The study showed that 75% of treated wheat and rice plants survived after rewatering compared to less than 5% of untreated plants.
A new DNA extraction technique has enabled researchers to analyze genetically diverse mollusc species from museum collections, shedding light on their evolutionary history and informing conservation management. The method's success opens up novel research avenues, particularly for endangered or never-before-seen-alive molluscs.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how the Mre11-Rad50 protein complex processes blocked DNA ends, a crucial step in genome repair. The study's findings provide valuable insight into the mechanisms underlying DNA double-strand break repair and its role in carcinogenesis.
A survey study of over 3,000 adults found that psychedelic experiences share similarities with non-drug related near-death experiences in reducing fear of death. Participants reported lasting positive effects, including personal meaning and spiritual significance.
The University of Delaware and the University of New Mexico are collaborating on a $4 million grant to develop quantum photonics technologies. This initiative aims to prepare a skilled workforce for the growing quantum computing market, projected to grow from $486 million in 2021 to $3.2 billion by 2028.
A new study found that social media boycotts of Goya Foods actually caused the company's nationwide sales to rise for a few weeks before subsiding to previous levels. Sales revived after a few weeks, even in geographic areas where customers forgo Goya products, driven by politically motivated first-time buyers supporting the brand.
Public health researchers developed a global vaccine risk index (VRI) to predict vaccine coverage lapses worldwide. The VRI considers factors like measles incidence, vaccine confidence, climate change, education, and income, revealing countries at high risk of disease outbreaks.
A new international study suggests that dog owners who spend more time exercising themselves tend to exercise their dogs more, leading to a perceived ideal body weight. The study found that feeding practices play a main role in owner perception of their dog being overweight, while exercise practices are crucial for an ideal weight.
A mass drug administration (MDA) program with ivermectin is being delivered on a mass scale in the Solomon Islands, a world first. The program aims to prevent scabies, a contagious and itchy skin condition that affects a third of the nation's children.
Scientists reconstruct evolution of complex multicellular organisms using genomic data and computational models, revealing gradual changes that began early in evolution. The research reveals distinct paths taken by animal and fungal lineages, shedding light on their shared eukaryotic supergroup.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that only seven out of 50 largest US cities have strong evacuation plans in place, highlighting a need for improvement in preparing for natural disasters. The study suggests that cities with experience in major hurricanes tend to develop stronger plans.
A research study of African Americans with cardiovascular disease found that higher levels of religious practices and spirituality are associated with greater likelihood of intermediate or ideal levels of heart health. Specifically, private prayer was linked to better diet and smoking habits, while nontheistic spirituality was associat...
Researchers led by Heinz Langhals have found intermolecular interactions that extend beyond 100 nanometers, enabling molecules to interact with their environment at almost macroscopic dimensions. This discovery raises new possibilities for addressing molecular structures macroscopically and may lead to advancements in molecular memories.
A new neurosurgical procedure has been deemed safe for measuring dopamine and serotonin in the human brain. The study, published in PLOS One, found no significant increase in infection rates among patients who underwent the procedure.
A Northwestern University study found that investing in science outreach can improve diversity and trust in science, with women and underrepresented groups more likely to participate. However, lack of time and funding remain major barriers, highlighting the need for academic institutions to incentivize outreach and provide training.
The study found a significant increase in the use of single-encounter thoracoabdominopelvic CT examinations and minor injuries between 2011-18. In commercially insured patients, rates rose from 3.4 to 9.8 for single-encounter thoracoabdominopelvic CT per 1,000 trauma-related ED encounters.
Tiny molybdenum diselenide crystals have been found to exhibit ultrafast overtone signals due to phonon-mediated intervalley scattering processes. The study uses pump-probe spectroscopy and first-principles calculations to uncover the underlying physics.
A study by Nagoya University found that the quality of a thoroughbred's sire, not its broodmare's age, determines its racing success. The researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 horses and discovered that breeding older females with high-performing males resulted in lower win rates.
Researchers observed Swainson's Hawks hunting a dense colony of Mexican Free-tailed Bats using cameras to reconstruct 3D flight trajectories. The study found that hawks steer towards a fixed point within the swarm instead of targeting individual bats, suggesting a new mechanism for efficient prey capture.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that brain regions responding to touch also respond to specific sounds associated with touching objects. This connection may help process sensory information more efficiently and has implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, or anxiety.
A deep learning algorithm can identify non-small cell lung cancer tumors on CT scans within seconds, reducing treatment planning time and improving consistency. Radiation oncologists using the algorithm worked 65% faster and with 32% less variation than those not using it.
Researchers at RCSI found that patients with Long COVID syndrome have a blood-clotting imbalance due to high levels of von Willebrand Factor and low levels of ADAMTS13. The study suggests that this imbalance contributes to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
A Virginia Tech research team has developed a new method for recycling polystyrene, which is widely used in Styrofoam but rarely recycled. The process involves exposing the material to ultraviolet light and adding a chemical catalyst, creating a valuable product called diphenylmethane (DPM) that can be used in various industries.
Researchers developed a digital health system approach to enhance clinical decision-making for low-back pain sufferers. The system combines self-reported pain measures with precise motion-sensing data, revealing functional improvements only after six months of surgery.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have discovered that Asian elephants emit low-frequency rumbles through both their trunk and mouth, a finding that challenges existing knowledge on animal communication. This novel discovery suggests that mammals may be more flexible in their vocalizations than previously thought.
Research on mice reveals that older fathers produce pups with reduced vocal complexity and lower body weights, similar to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study provides evidence for the risk factor of advanced paternal age on infant development.
Physicists at Ural Federal University developed a mathematical model to predict El Niño's behavior, accounting for wind, humidity, temperature, and ocean currents. They found that stronger winds can cause unpredictable weather phenomena.
A new sensor can detect and identify different types of nanoplastics in the air using colorful carbon dot films. The sensor can report the amount of particles from a certain plastic type above or below a predetermined concentration threshold.
A study by Children's Hospital Colorado reveals a 77% surge in newly diagnosed youth-onset type 2 diabetes cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing prevalence of obesity and unhealthy habits since the pandemic's onset are thought to contribute to this rise.
Researchers developed a novel approach to synthesize single-atom ZnNC catalysts using formamide as both solvent and precursor. The catalyst showed high selectivity for O2 production via two-electron transfer oxygen reduction reaction, maintaining over 75% efficiency throughout four batches of recycle synthesis.
The study reveals PKC-SWI6 signaling plays a crucial role in growth, development, and pathogenicity of A. oligospora. AoSWI6 is essential for maintaining DNA stability and repair.
A study by Jerome Adda (Bocconi University) finds that new skills are the main contributor to higher salaries. Routine manual skills increase productivity and earnings in early career stages, while structured training and cognitive abstract skills have long-term effects. Trained workers earn higher wages and are less unemployed.
A study found that genetically unrelated individuals with extreme facial similarities share common genetic variants, but differ in epigenetic and microbiome landscapes. The results suggest a molecular basis for human resemblance, with potential implications in forensics and biomedicine.
Researchers analyzed 843 beach surveys to find that certain beaches and areas accumulate litter in predictable patterns. The study found that beaches with more organic flotsam tend to have more litter, and that litter on the outer coast shows a strong seasonal pattern.
Computer simulations reveal that animals rearing up to smell the air is part of an efficient strategy for locating scent sources. Animals use physics to navigate turbulent environments, pausing and standing on hind legs to catch distant scents in the air.
A study published in Urology Practice found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in surgical procedures for urology residents, but case volumes rebounded sharply in 2021. The research suggests that urology trainees did not suffer prolonged detriment in case volume or surgical training.
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
July numbers showed a slight decrease in unemployment for people with disabilities and people without disabilities. The level of unemployed people with disabilities is returning to baseline pre-pandemic levels, says Dr. Andrew Houtenville, professor of economics at the University of Hampshire.
Researchers have developed a way to print wooden objects that can self-morph into complex 3D shapes after drying. The technique uses a combination of print speed and pathway to control the final shape, which could reduce shipping volume and costs for furniture and other wood products.
A new home-based test, aAP, allows patients to monitor their autonomic responses and make lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms. This test reduces NHS resource demand and provides clinicians with valuable insights into patient triggers.
Researchers created an unnatural monoterpene skeleton using nickel catalysis, enabling enantioselective transformation of bulk chemical isoprene. This work provides a new approach to access terpenoids with different biological activities.
Researchers found that non-growing season nitrous oxide emissions in the Midwest can account for up to 60% of annual emissions. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature drive these emissions, with more intensive freezing causing increased emissions in the southeastern Midwest.
A comprehensive study reveals that nitrogen-fixers are most diverse in arid regions of the US, contrary to expectations. Plants have evolved creative ways to acquire nitrogen, and their diversity increases in these environments due to adaptations such as thicker cuticles.
Researchers discovered that pairs of unrelated 'look-alikes' share similar genetic variations, physical characteristics, and even behavior. Genome-wide analyses found common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine out of 16 pairs, with similarities in weights and lifestyle factors.
A study found that mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods in Vermont led to a 5.9% decrease in sales of GE-labeled products and a 2.5% increase in sales of non-GE products. However, after the law was repealed, sales of GE-labeled products increased by 6%, suggesting improved attitudes toward these products.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Virology suggests that chronic COVID infections are the source of variants of concern. The researchers used a mechanistic, theoretical model to study the emergence of these variants, which were found to acquire a constellation of mutations that make them more transmissible and lethal. By identif...
A new oral drug candidate, JSF-2659, has been developed to eradicate the bacteria causing gonorrhea. It works by simultaneously targeting two molecular targets, making it effective against resistant strains and reducing the risk of drug resistance.
Researchers have discovered that species with stronger selection against transposons experience lower percentages of these 'parasitic genes' in their genomes. This study provides new knowledge on transposons, which could lead to the development of treatments for diseases such as cancer and aging-related disorders.
Researchers found that Marchantia liverworts completely inactivate paternal genes in embryos, ensuring proper development. The mechanism involves Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 and maintains haploid dosage despite the short diploid phase.
A Rutgers University study reveals that nearly 40% of medical marijuana users also use nicotine products, sharply higher than the general population. The study found that therapeutic cannabis users who also used electronic cigarettes or didn't use nicotine at all were more likely to vape cannabis.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are evaluating the potential of AI to improve health outcomes and doctor well-being. Chenyang Lu's team has developed novel methods using deep learning to predict physician burnout and surgical outcomes, transforming clinical data into accurate predictions.