A new federal grant will develop training for thousands of future faculty in evidence-based teaching practices, aiming to foster interest and support all STEM students. The project, led by PSU Associate Professor Erin Shortlidge, has the potential to increase student success and close the opportunity gap for marginalized students.
A new music intervention called Musical Bridges to Memory sparks an emotional connection between patients with dementia and their caregivers. The program enhances social engagement and reduces neuropsychiatric symptoms in both patients and caregivers.
The study found that a booster shot's effectiveness is the primary factor influencing people's willingness to receive it. Those who believe in vaccine efficacy are more likely to accept the booster shot, especially if it is made by Moderna or Pfizer. A partisan divide persists, with Democrats more willing and Republicans less willing.
A population-based retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth. The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can inform evidence-based decision-making about its safety.
Researchers have used state-of-the-art technology to study the prehistoric Trilophosuchus rackhami, a tiny crocodile found in north-west Queensland. The analysis reveals distinctive ridges on its skull and brain cavity similarities with distantly related terrestrial extinct crocs from Africa and South America.
Researchers developed a novel way to visualize densely packed molecules using expansion microscopy, allowing for the first time their imaging. The technique enables visualization of nanostructures found in neurons and Alzheimer's-linked amyloid beta plaques.
A study published in Cell found that a Western-style diet high in sugar alters the gut microbiome, leading to metabolic disease, pre-diabetes, and weight gain. Eliminating sugar from the diet restored the protective effects of Th17 immune cells, which were depleted by the sugar.
Researchers developed a light-based therapy, photodynamic therapy (aPDT), to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The treatment showed promise in weakening bacteria, allowing lower doses of current antibiotics to effectively eliminate them.
Researchers designed a centered error entropy-based sigma-point Kalman Filter to enhance the filtering algorithm's robustness in spacecraft attitude determination. The proposed CEEUKF outperformed classical methods and other robust algorithms in simulating non-Gaussian noise, achieving higher accuracy and faster convergence rates.
A prospective cohort study found that drinking two or more cups of black tea per day is associated with a moderately lower mortality risk. The findings suggest that tea can be part of a healthy diet.
A new method for generating realistic images in driving simulations uses machine learning to improve visual fidelity. This enables better testing of driverless cars and study of driver distraction, ultimately enhancing safety and interaction between humans and AI on the road.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a machine learning model to predict melting temperatures for any compound. The model enables faster and more accurate calculations of melting points, which is critical for designing high-performance materials in various industries.
Researchers at Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered new hafnium polyhydrides exhibiting superconductivity above 80K, a temperature threshold previously unattained by any 5d transition metal hydride. The study reveals these compounds display high critical fields and Ginzburg-Landau superconducting coherent l...
A novel mutation in the Kcnc3 gene causes learning deficits in mice, specifically in spatial learning and memory. The study uses a forward genetics approach to identify the causal mutation, providing new insights into the genetic basis of learning and memory.
The Chang'E-4 mission has provided the first in-situ temperature measurement of lunar regolith on the far side, revealing a particle size of ~15 μm and thermal conductivity values. The study's findings will aid in designing future in-situ temperature probes and provide crucial 'ground truth' for global temperature observations.
The study found that ultra rapid lispro (URLi) provided superior control of postprandial glucose excursions compared to insulin lispro. URLi showed non-inferiority for HbA1c reduction and improved PPG excursion control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
A study published in Circulation found that moderate or vigorous physical activity can lower the risk of developing heart failure. The research, which analyzed data from over 94,000 adults, suggests that increasing physical activity duration and intensity may provide greater protection against heart failure.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant link between early onset of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension and the development of primary open-angle glaucoma. The study suggests that these conditions may predispose individuals to POAG, highlighting the importance of early detection and screening protocols.
Research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant association between paid sick leave requirements and reduced mortality among US adult workers. The study found that state preemption laws hindering local mandates contribute to increased workforce mortality.
Scientists create a novel dual-metal precursors method to grow non-layered 2D transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) with controlled thickness and unique properties. The method enables the growth of various TMCs, including Fe1-xS, Co1-xS, Cr1-xS, and V1-xS, with ordered cation vacancies.
A recent study found that 38 Chinese cities have achieved emission peak, reducing emissions significantly for at least five years while economy and population increased. The cities' decoupling of emissions and social development indexes was a key factor in this achievement.
A massive landslide in Nevada's Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area flattened an area larger than downtown Cincinnati, covering over 7 square miles. Geologists studied the landslide to better understand its dynamics and predict future landslides, which are a growing concern in areas with significant topography.
A pilot clinical trial found that implanted brain-stimulating devices dramatically reduced bingeing episodes and helped patients lose weight in two patients with loss-of-control binge eating disorder. The study used a device to monitor activity in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in processing pleasure and reward.
Researchers found that integrated membrane system (IMS) technology can remove up to 98% of microplastics from wastewater, preventing their entry into coastal waters. This breakthrough could help reduce ocean pollution and solve water resource shortages.
Rice University's ROBE Array algorithm slashes the size of DLRM memory structures, allowing training on 100 megabytes of memory and a single GPU. The method matches state-of-the-art DLRM training methods with improved inference efficiency.
Physician-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that despite FDA deauthorization, a large number of doses of ineffective COVID-19 treatments were administered to patients in 2022, with wide variability by state. The study highlights the need for improved transparency and regulation of COVID-19 therapies.
A new study reveals that partner-drug resistance facilitates artemisinin resistance in malaria parasites. The research collaboration found a 10-fold increase in partner-drug resistant genotypes led to earlier artemisinin resistance establishment among these parasites, resulting in significant treatment failures globally.
A national collaboration will focus on creating durable and scalable soft semiconductor technologies for low-cost, highly efficient solar fuel production. Organic polymers offer 'exquisite control' over material properties, allowing for tunability and dynamic adjustment to maintain equilibrium.
A recent study by K-State researchers found that reintroducing bison to grasslands can significantly increase plant diversity. The study revealed that the return of bison led to long-running and resilient increases in grassland biodiversity.
New research from the University of Ottawa finds that climate change is waking bumblebees earlier from winter hibernation, putting the species at risk. The study found that this early emergence timing puts bees out of sync with their food sources, leading to smaller colonies and lower survival rates.
A new study suggests that the nuclear receptor TLX can inhibit the growth and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. TLX+ cells showed lower tumor growth, migration, and invasion rates compared to those without TLX expression.
The study developed a high-throughput method for screening non-photochemical quenching rates in field-grown plants using pulse amplitude modulated chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. This approach enables testing hundreds of genotypes within a day, paving the way for genome-wide association studies.
The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) collaborated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to increase virus research capacity and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. IBS and NIAID discussed potential research cooperation opportunities, including joint symposia and resource sharing.
A team of researchers from Ritsumeikan University in Japan has elucidated the mechanism behind the liquid-solid phase transition of FUS protein that leads to ALS. They discovered a new therapeutic target, arginine, which suppresses FUS aggregation and could delay ALS progression.
Researchers have discovered that viruses modify the host's translation machinery to optimize protein production. The chikungunya virus genome is enriched in non-optimal triplets, yet it expresses viral proteins efficiently. Viral infection induces a change of language in the cell, enabling efficient expression of viral proteins.
A team led by Jianxi Gao developed equations to measure and compare distances to tipping points across various mutualistic systems, allowing for the triage of declining ecosystems. This method enables the identification of areas that need intervention most urgently, providing a critical sense of urgency to mobilize resources.
A clinical trial has shown that full-dose anticoagulation therapy is more effective than standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation in preventing blood clotting complications in COVID-19 patients. The study found a significant reduction in venous or arterial clotting complications among patients who received full-dose treatment.
A 21% relative risk reduction in reported high-risk HIV behavior was found for single mothers with a State-level Earned Income Tax Credit (SEITC) of 10% or above the Federal EITC. A 10 percentage-point increase in SEITC was also linked to a 38% relative reduction in high-risk behavior.
A recent study has identified genetic variants in 10 genes that elevate a person's susceptibility to Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease. The research highlights the causal role of mesenchymal cells in intestinal inflammation, shedding light on the genetic roots of inflammatory bowel disease.
A new preclinical model of thymic cancer reveals how a common mutation sparks tumor formation and identifies potential targets for therapy. The model, developed by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers, shares molecular characteristics with human thymic tumors, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History found that frog forelimbs are not just for jumping, but also for fighting and grasping mates during reproduction. The fused radius and ulna bones provide strength and weight reduction, while also increasing stress on the tendon connecting to the bone.
Kaunas University of Technology researchers collaborated with citizens to create a sustainable takeaway food package made from cardboard. The innovative design features heat-resistant materials, adjustable inserts, and clear recycling instructions, reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
Researchers discovered that a naturally insulating material, lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP), emits bursts of superfluorescence at room temperature and regular intervals. This property is valuable for quantum optical applications, such as faster microchips or neurosensors.
Research from the University of Georgia found that physically active high school students were 23% more likely to use e-cigarettes than their less active peers. The study linked physical activity levels to risk of e-cigarette use among American adolescents.
A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Tel Aviv University are investigating the connection between neuroimmune serotonergic interactions and Alzheimer's-related mood disorders. By studying mice with AD-linked mutations, they aim to determine if immune-serotonin crosstalk plays a role in depressive traits.
Researchers found that brief rapamycin exposure in early adulthood can prevent age-related decline and extend lifespan. The study used fruit flies and mice to test the effects of short-term drug administration, showing protection against intestinal pathology and increased health span.
A large cross-sectional study found that baseline plasma antigen levels are highly associated with both the severity of pulmonary illness and clinically important patient outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Higher antigen levels were linked to increased risk of pulmonary worsening and delayed hospital discharge.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that AI-based risk profiling can improve treatment outcomes for women with heart attacks. By accounting for sex-related differences, the novel score refines current risk models and reduces mortality rates among female patients.
Researchers found that certain molten salts can suppress dye aggregation in dye-sensitized solar cells, improving their performance. The introduction of these ionic liquids enhances photovoltaic parameters without significantly impacting dye adsorption.
A new type of extravascular ICD using a lead placed behind the sternum effectively terminated acute and chronic life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The device delivered anti-tachycardia pacing to terminate 70% of ventricular tachycardia episodes, with a defibrillation success rate of 98.7%.
A combination of anemia and weak muscles in older people increases the risk of death by 64% for men and 117% for women. The two conditions together pose a significant risk, especially for elderly women, according to a study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
A new clinical decision support system, MPX-CDSS, has been developed to aid frontline clinicians in identifying and treating patients at risk for monkeypox. The tool is embedded in electronic health records and provides structured screening questions and image upload capabilities.
Researchers assessed neutralizing antibody levels in children up to 16 months post-infection, finding varying immunity levels across age groups. The study's findings suggest a need for personalized vaccination strategies for this vulnerable population.
Researchers from Tsinghua University Press developed an electrocatalytic NO reduction reaction method for producing ammonia, achieving high power density and improved faraday efficiency. The new process has the potential to replace traditional methods and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Higher SARS-CoV-2 antigen levels in hospitalized patients correlate with worse pulmonary function and longer hospital stays. Antigen levels also predict disease severity and outcomes, suggesting their potential as a biomarker for COVID-19 treatment.
Chapman University biologist Patricia C. Lopes' research shows that our bodies can shift into defense mode before becoming sick, triggered by information from diseased individuals. This physiology change could have major impacts on disease spread and human care.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have identified a critical immunosuppressive pathway and developed an experimental inhibitor to protect T-cells from weakening. The CBL-B inhibitors show great potential in enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, making patients' T-cells more effective in killing cancer cells.
A clinical trial found that long-term use of evolocumab led to further reductions in cardiovascular events compared to shorter treatment. Participants who received evolocumab for over 5 years had lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization.
A new study from the National Institutes of Health RECOVER initiative found that post-acute COVID-19 in children is less common than in adults, but more frequent than hospitalization rates for acute COVID-19. Children with medical complexity and those younger than five years old are at higher risk of long COVID-19.
A PSU study reveals that Republican voters and Black people are among the most hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The research suggests a regional approach may be more effective than a universal one in boosting vaccination rates.
Researchers developed an alternative metric called Ortega parameters to measure income inequality, distinguishing between low- and high-income earners. This new approach reveals links between inequality and health outcomes, such as obesity and education rates.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin researchers shows that water fluoridation has the lowest environmental impact among community-level caries prevention programmes, offering a sustainable solution to prevent dental decay. The study also highlights its cost-effectiveness and ability to reduce disability-adjusted life years.
Researchers found that intracellular bacteria known as symbionts protect their host amoebae against giant viruses. This discovery suggests a positive effect of the bacterial symbionts on the ecosystem, influencing the flow of nutrients in food webs and potentially impacting ecosystem dynamics.
Neurobiologists identified mechanisms underlying atypical protein tangles that kill neurons in neurodegenerative disorders. Engineering Drosophila adults with human Tau revealed a 'traffic jam' effect, where reduced retromer activity accelerates neurodegeneration. Inhibiting the shortened form of Tau could stall neuron loss.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted medical school diversity programs aimed at increasing the diversity of the physician workforce. Long-term outcomes of these disruptions are unknown.
Researchers found that heightened awareness around GMO-related topics leads to an increase in demand for non-GMO products. The shift in consumer preferences was quantified as a 36% increase in new non-GMO product adoption tied to legislative activity, suggesting the role of indirect awareness effects.
A long-term study found that older homeless people are at a high risk of dying, with a median age of death of 64.6 years old. The study also found that people who first became homeless at age 50 or later were about 60 percent more likely to die than those who had become homeless earlier in life.
KU and UChicago researchers are working on identifying human gene sequences that respond to drug therapies through RNA splicing. They hope to overcome the 'undruggable proteome' problem, where approximately 70% of proteins cannot be targeted by drugs.
Children with Down syndrome have a unique preference for food textures, preferring crispy and oily foods over brittle or gooey ones. Researchers found that adding nutritional value to these preferred foods could help improve the children's eating habits and reduce choking incidents.
Research at Karolinska Institutet reveals the glymphatic system malfunctions during bacterial meningitis, causing a buildup of toxic garbage that damages brain cells. The study found increased signs of neuroinflammation and neuronal damage in rats infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae.
A study found that inactivating a specific protein complex, PRC2, leads to impaired gene silencing and loss of neurotransmitter production in nerve cells. This is linked to Parkinson's disease-like symptoms and mental health problems.
The KERI research team developed a one-dimensional Li-confinable porous hollow carbon host to improve Li deposition/dissolution efficiency. The designed Li host showed excellent cycling performance of over 500 cycles under high current density, meeting practicality with mass production technique.
Scientists developed a simple and rapid method to identify multiple food poisoning bacteria using nanometer-scaled organic metal nanohybrid structures that bind via antibodies to specific bacteria. The method can detect various types of bacteria in one hour without culturing, improving food safety.
Researchers from TU Wien and Hebrew University develop 'light trap' that allows complete absorption of light in thin layers using mirrors and lenses. The system works by steering the light beam into a circle and then superimposing it on itself, blocking any escape.
Researchers create new 'roadmap' for turbulence by analyzing weak turbulent flow between two independently rotating cylinders. They discover that turbulence follows a predictable pattern of recurrent solutions, which explain the emergence of coherent structures in turbulent flows.
The Human Brain Project has identified seven new areas in the insular cortex using statistical mapping of cytoarchitecture, providing new insights into its structural organisation. The findings are now available online for future studies addressing relations between structure and function in this complex brain region.
A review of ERAS programs in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery reveals improved patient recovery, reduced postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stays. Implementing ERAS protocols also reduces opioid consumption without increasing complications or healthcare costs.
Researchers have found the oldest visible planetary nebula, a rare celestial jewel, hosted by a 500 million-year-old galactic cluster. The team determined that the PN has a 'kinematic age' of 70,000 years and estimates its progenitor star's mass and residual core's mass.
A Northwestern University study reveals that X-shaped radio galaxies can form through a surprisingly simple process. The simulation, which tracked galactic gas far from the supermassive black hole, found that the galaxy's characteristic X-shape resulted from interaction between jets and infalling gas.
A new analysis by Devin McPhillips reveals that the recurrence interval for earthquakes along some California faults may be 16% longer than previously estimated. This is due to the incorporation of event likelihood, a variable quantifying how likely it is that a past earthquake is real and unique.
Researchers found that adolescents with faster dental biorhythms (5-6 day cycle) weighed less and gained less weight over 14 months. Those with slower biorhythms (7-8 day cycle) produced the greatest weight gain, suggesting a link between tooth growth patterns and metabolic rate.
A new study found that 41% of teenagers can't tell the difference between true and fake online health messages. The researchers suggest focusing on health literacy and media literacy training, as well as skills like analytical thinking and scientific reasoning to help teenagers spot editing cues.
A University of Kentucky-led project aims to understand how aquatic biodiversity in the Great Rift Valley is affected by climate change. The five-year study, funded by $2.5 million from the NSF, will assess scenarios of climate change and its effects on lake ecosystems using high-resolution geological records and genetic tools.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed AquaApp, a mobile app that enables underwater messaging on billions of existing smartphones and smartwatches using software. The app uses acoustic signals to transmit messages and can accommodate up to 60 unique users on its local network.
A study from the University of Minnesota Medical School examines support programs for pregnant and postpartum individuals in six US state prisons. The research highlights the importance of collaboration between program facilitators and prison sites in determining program success.
A new RAND Corporation study found that higher-cost Medicare Advantage plans provided only slightly better care on average compared to lower-cost plans. However, quality varied substantially within each premium cost tier, and some high-quality care was observed among many plans in each tier.
Male bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay form complex alliances to increase access to females and reproductive success. Their multi-level alliance network, the largest outside humans, shows cooperative relationships can emerge without unique human features.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has revealed that PIF7 and auxin proteins accelerate plant growth when exposed to warm temperatures and canopy shade. This discovery will help scientists predict how plants respond to climate change and increase crop productivity, enabling the development of more resilient crops.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the molecular mechanisms of supratentorial ependymoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. By targeting the Hedgehog signaling pathway and primary cilia formation, scientists discovered new potential treatments that overcame resistance to existing drugs.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that a 20-minute non-invasive treatment regimen can improve both short-term and long-term memory in individuals 65 years and older. The treatment involves electrical brain stimulation delivered through scalp electrodes, and its effects were observed to last at least one month.
Researchers at CSU found that a gene called MSH1 helps keep plant mitochondrial genomes mutation-free, allowing for quick sorting of normal and diseased DNA. This process is more efficient in plants than in humans, where mutations are passed down through generations.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have tested color-coded fundus autofluorescence as a supportive novel diagnostic method for posterior uveitis. The results indicate that this ratio can be very characteristic and helpful in differentiating various posterior uveitis subtypes.
Fused-ring electron acceptors (FREAs) have revolutionized the field of organic solar cells, achieving unprecedented efficiencies over 20% and potential operational lifetimes approaching 10 years. The properties of FREAs can be modulated through variations to their electronic structure or molecular packing.
The study found that integrated interventions, which prioritize people and nature coexistence, positively impact local human wellbeing. In contrast, single-sector interventions like high-input conventional agriculture and strict protected areas have negative impacts on human health and ecosystems.
A team of Japanese researchers used reinforcement learning to study fluid mixing during laminar flow, achieving exponentially fast mixing without prior knowledge. The method also enabled effective transfer learning, reducing training time for new mixing problems, and has potential applications across various industries.
Researchers have found that human antibodies can incorporate foreign genetic material from the mitochondria and ends of chromosomes, leading to increased immune diversity. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that antibody diversity results solely from gene mutations.
A large number of patients received anti–SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies despite FDA deauthorization due to their limited effectiveness against the Omicron variant. This widespread use resulted in significant Medicare spending, estimated at over $71 million.