Researchers found a significant rise in abusive head trauma cases among infants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that containment measures may have contributed to this increase, highlighting the need for clinical awareness and preventive actions.
A study found that genetic testing before pregnancy can detect the risk of severe developmental disorders in 44% of cases if parents are related. However, non-hereditary mutations play a larger role in children of non-consanguineous couples, and many genes remain undetected.
University of South Florida researchers found that mangroves have overtaken 83% of oyster reefs in Tampa Bay, leading to a decline in ecosystem function and habitat for threatened species. Climate-driven changes are altering subtropical ecosystems, threatening the very foundations of coastal biodiversity.
The 2022 ACC/AHA guideline updates chest pain definitions and establishes standardized data elements for consistent reporting. The new definitions focus on serious cardiovascular causes of chest pain and acute myocardial infarction, aiming to ensure accurate reporting across clinical trials and registries.
A new study from USC researchers uncovers the sequence of early molecular changes caused by APOE4, a discovery that may help identify potential treatment targets in the brain's blood vessels. The research reveals problems with the blood-brain barrier and synapses, leading to behavioral deficits and cognitive dysfunction.
A researcher will combine ARM data and fine-scale modeling datasets to understand marine boundary layer aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions. The goal is to improve climate models' portrayal of cloud-processing of aerosols and address uncertainty in global climate models.
A new study finds that individuals with stronger religious beliefs tend to have lower sex drives but are more content with their sex lives overall. Researchers also discovered a significant association between educational attainment and reduced sexual satisfaction.
Scientists propose a new therapy for preeclampsia by correcting placental defects with BH4 treatment. The treatment restores placental and fetal weight, lowers blood pressure, and resolves symptoms of excess protein in urine and cardiovascular abnormalities.
New polymer-based membranes developed at KAUST enable greener separation of simple to complex hydrocarbon mixtures, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in crude oil refineries. The membranes' stability and selectivity can be tuned by thermal crosslinking, allowing for higher purity components and removal of byproducts.
A new EAT protocol increases the prevalence of direct breastfeeding in NICU babies without increasing hospital length of stay. The study found that a nurse-led, step-by-step approach and educational materials for parents can encourage more mothers to directly breastfeed their preterm infants.
Land plants evolved about 430 million years ago, transforming river systems and creating thicker soils. The plants' roots helped produce colossal amounts of mud, stabilizing river channels and slowing down sediment transfer to the oceans.
Researchers use human tissue models to study myocardial infarction, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. These models allow for early detection of discrepancies between animal and human responses, enabling faster and safer clinical trials.
Researchers detected a bipolar gas stream flowing out of a young stellar object in the Small Magellanic Cloud, revealing a rotational motion suppressed by molecular outflow during gravitational contraction. This finding suggests that star formation has been common throughout the past 10 billion years.
A large study found associations between steroid use and structural changes in brain white and grey matter, which may explain neuropsychiatric side effects. Steroid use was associated with reduced white matter structure and altered brain structures involved in cognitive and emotional processing.
Despite progress in women's participation and equal pay, sexist scheduling of major mixed-sex sporting fixtures perpetuates unequal opportunities for female athletes. Experts call for a rethink to enable women and girls to realize their full potential on and off the sports field.
A recent study from the University of Notre Dame found that mixed-gender teams in medical sciences publish substantially more novel and impactful papers than same-gender teams. The research analyzed over 6.6 million papers published since 2000, revealing that a team's gender balance is a powerful indicator of scientific discoveries.
A study from researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that social media sharers believe they are knowledgeable about the content they share, even if they have not read it. This rise in confidence is due to the public commitment to an expert identity through sharing.
Researchers created a dual temperature control system to improve isoprene production in S. cerevisiae, achieving 34.5% and 72% improvements in cell growth and isoprene yield respectively.
A novel light-manipulating technology using nanodisk periodic structures has been developed by an international team, including Kyoto University. By controlling bound states in the continuum, researchers can systematically control light distribution states and manipulate near-infrared light within a nanodisk.
Researchers simulated a superheated steam dishwasher, finding it kills 99% of bacteria on a plate in just 25 seconds. The technology could also effectively remove food debris with shock waves, making it ideal for restaurants, hotels, and hospitals.
A study published in the Transportation Research Record found that wildlife crossings in Washington state can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, saving lives and money. The research analyzed collision data from 2011 to 2020 and found a significant reduction in deer-related crashes near bridges.
A study by LSU found that elite student-athletes could safely return to practice and play football after COVID-19 isolation, with their immune system returning to baseline levels. This contrasts with older adults with comorbidities, who are at higher risk for serious side effects.
A study reveals the biological pump's significant role in the Pacific Arctic nitrogen deficit. Phytoplankton's efficient nutrient uptake and export lead to preferential nitrogen removal from upper waters. This process contributes up to half of the nitrogen loss attributed to sedimentary denitrification.
Researchers sequenced giant viruses in the unique freshwater lake, finding a diverse community with distinct genetic repertoires. The study highlights the importance of viruses in biomass turnover and ecosystem balance, particularly in high Arctic environments.
Researchers have developed a new labeling technique to analyze exosomes from specific cell types, providing insights into their role in both health and disease. The technique allows for the identification of protein cargo and RNA in exosomes, enabling the study of cellular communication and potential monitoring of response to treatment.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that better glucose control can improve brain structure and function in youth with Type 1 diabetes. The findings indicate that participants using a hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system showed significant improvement in key brain metrics compared to those receiving standard care.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have made a breakthrough in developing an oral insulin tablet that is absorbed by the body in the same way as injected insulin. The tablet is designed to dissolve when placed between the gum and cheek, releasing all the insulin into the liver without wasting or decomposing it.
Research reveals that wildlife hunting motivations differ across Africa and Europe, shifting from economic to socio-cultural and recreational factors as socio-economic conditions increase. Hunting intensity is surprisingly constant, while densely populated areas experience increased conflict-related killings.
Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute discovered how a build-up of harmful protein starts to happen within neurons in Parkinson's disease. The research found that misfolded alpha-synuclein clumps on the surface of mitochondria, causing holes and interfering with energy production.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that youth engaged in digital self-harm are 5-7 times more likely to have considered suicide and 9-15 times more likely to attempt it. The research highlights the importance of screening for digital self-harm to address underlying mental health issues.
A new study identifies how the suppression of a specific transcription gene triggers changes that impair oligodendrocyte function in Huntington's disease. The researchers believe replacing or fixing defective glia cells may prove a far easier proposition than replenishing neurons lost in the disease.
Researchers discovered a series of seamount chains at Caroline Plate boundary, driven by convergence with the Pacific Plate. The team redefined plate boundaries and reconstructed the evolution of Caroline Plate using structural analysis.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have developed a new Brain-Inspired Replay model that enables continual learning in edge computing systems without storing data. This approach achieves state-of-the-art accuracy and high energy efficiency, overcoming the stability-plasticity issue in traditional models.
Researchers identified a molecule produced by astrocytes that interferes with normal neuron development in Rett, fragile X and Down syndromes. Blocking this molecule reduces disease signs in mice brains, suggesting potential therapeutics to treat these disorders.
A case study in Laos explores the application of climate services for agriculture, demonstrating improved agricultural planning and decision-making through ICT-based platforms like LaCSA. The project successfully co-created agromet services with local stakeholders, increasing capacities and promoting resilience to climate risks.
Beetles of the genus Lagria have evolved specialized 'back pockets' to store symbiotic bacteria, which are then relocated to reproductive organs during metamorphosis. The mechanism behind this process is not yet fully understood.
A new study from Lund University reveals that the most common analytical method in population genetics is deeply flawed, leading to incorrect results and misconceptions about ethnicity and genetic relationships. The method has been used in hundreds of thousands of studies, including medical genetics and commercial ancestry tests.
A new study finds that nearly 40% of businesses are willing to hire workers with criminal backgrounds. Offering employers crime and safety insurance or performance reviews increases demand by up to 68%. The researchers conclude that cost-effective policies can expand labor supply without deterring employers.
A significant increase in help-seeking consultations for domestic violence occurred in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. This rise may be attributed to worsening economic conditions, heightened exposure to exploitative relationships, and diminished social support infrastructure.
Researchers at Brain Chemistry Labs have developed a new blood test for ALS using microRNA sequences, which accurately discriminated between patients and healthy individuals. The test works even with varying environmental conditions, offering hope for rapid diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Research shows that exiled rulers can destabilize politics in their home states through direct and indirect mechanisms, increasing the risk of violence and political instability. The study argues that granting a safe haven to exiled leaders can be a short-term solution but a longer-term problem.
A new study found that regions with high past temperature variability tend to be less sensitive to current and future climate changes, offering hope for forests' ability to adapt. The research highlights the importance of considering legacy effects of past climate conditions in forest management and climate policy.
Researchers identified a group of Ashkenazi Jews who fell victim to antisemitic violence during the 12th century, shedding new light on Jewish medical history in Europe. The study suggests that a bottleneck event shaped the modern-day Ashkenazi Jewish population prior to the 12th century, earlier than previously believed.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that brains synchronize in similar ways during cooperative online gaming, leading to better performance and increased empathy. The study used brainwave synchronization measurements to investigate the connection between inter-brain synchronization and game performance.
Researchers have identified a sex-adapted color-change gene in locusts that signals between males to reduce mating mistakes in swarming conditions. The discovery reveals a previously unknown sexual dimension to desert locusts' phase polyphenism, providing insights into the evolution of phenotypic plasticity.
A new project led by University of Illinois researchers aims to empower librarians with a toolkit for creating data-driven stories. The initiative, backed by an $99,330 grant, will provide easy-to-use templates for visualizing and structuring data narratives.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a highly efficient method to generate human kidney cells, including principal and intercalated cell lines. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for treating congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract, such as polycystic kidney disease.
A study found melamine and cyanuric acid in nearly all pregnant participants' samples, with higher levels in women of color and those with greater tobacco exposure. Regulatory action is needed to limit exposure to these carcinogenic chemicals.
The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia team developed GRACE actuators, 3D-printed structures that mimic muscle tissue in nature. The actuators can be manufactured using various materials and sizes, providing a range of movement options for robots.
Numerical forecasts tend to overestimate precipitation frequency and underestimate intensity, especially in mountainous areas. High-resolution mesoscale models improve forecasting of afternoon intense rainfall but struggle with nighttime events.
Researchers developed a strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition strategy to engineer circular bivalent aptamers, improving their stability, recognition, and binding abilities. This method enables the design of new aptamer-based targeted drug delivery strategies and cell behavior regulation techniques.
Researchers found that patients with longer progression-free survival after BCMA-targeted CAR T-cell therapy had more diverse baseline T-cell repertoires, fewer markers of immune exhaustion, and distinct changes to immune cell populations. These factors were associated with improved responses to the treatment.
Researchers used novel 3D imaging technology to study a human brainstem nucleus and found intriguing complexity and previously undescribed cellular forms of tau pathology. The study reveals dendritic atrophy as an early sign of tau-bearing neuron degeneration, potentially contributing to symptoms like sleep disturbances and anxiety.
The authors propose a metacoupling framework to uncover complexities in the real world, providing an integrated way to analyze human-nature interactions globally. This approach recognizes that global catastrophes have broader, faster impacts than traditional lenses can capture.
A new study reveals that Arctic lakes have shrunk or dried completely over the past 20 years, threatening local Indigenous communities and industries. The research found that permafrost thaw is accelerating lake drainage, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere and exacerbating climate change.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to describe cavitation bubbles in soft porous materials. The model breaks down classic scaling relations and provides new insights into bubble behavior. Potential applications include targeted drug delivery and understanding traumatic brain injuries.
New study reveals that subarctic cave bacterial communities are more diverse and complex than surface soil ones, but climate change poses a significant threat to these unique ecosystems. The scarcity of nutrients in caves drives bacteria to cooperate with each other, which may be affected by global warming.
Researchers used convection-permitting ensemble forecast systems to investigate the predictability of a record-breaking extreme rainfall event in Henan province. They found low accuracy at city scale but improved skill with neighborhood probability of precipitation methods.
Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have successfully applied boron powder to tungsten components in tokamaks, improving plasma confinement and reducing the risk of edge-localized modes. The innovative approach uses a PPPL-developed powder dropper to deposit boron coatings while minimizing disruptions to the magnetic field.
The Graphene Flagship is showcasing the potential of graphene-enabled alternatives to traditional semiconductors, with recent advancements in integrating 2D materials into silicon wafers. The project's European Chip Act aims to mobilize €43 billion in investments to alleviate the global chip shortage.
Scientists discovered that the galaxy stopped forming stars because most of its gas fuel was thrown out of the system as it merged with another galaxy. The result is a first for ALMA scientists and challenges long-held theories about galaxy mergers and deaths.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified a protein called HnRNPK that controls tumor growth by binding to messenger RNA, potentially enabling the development of new cancer drugs with fewer side effects.
Researchers used data from over 66,000 deliveries to create a prediction model that analyzes patterns of changes in women in labor. The algorithm aims to reduce cesarean delivery rates and maternal/neonatal complications by providing real-time risk predictions.
A new mid-infrared sensor chip can accurately monitor liquid concentrations in real-time, enabling precise monitoring of chemical reactions. The sensor combines customized infrared technology and chemical robustness to deliver data within fractions of a second.
A study by Taiwanese researchers found that patients with atherosclerosis are at higher risk for life-threatening vascular infections from non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteremia. The study suggests the use of a scoring system to predict infection risk and identifies interleukin-1 beta as a potential biomarker.
A study of 641 participants found that midlife and older Hispanic/Latinx adults were more likely to experience prolonged loneliness, with 16% persistently lonely. The researchers suggest that culturally important familism was disrupted by social distancing, and reduced access to transportation and community activities may contribute to...
Researchers have developed a novel hydrogel-glass design that enhances indoor illumination while reducing cooling consumption, demonstrating potential for widespread energy savings in buildings. The study published in Frontiers of Optoelectronics shows significant reductions in energy use ranging from 2.37 to 10.45 MJ·m−2 ·year−1.
A quality improvement project at a hospital found that asking patients about food insecurity is feasible and effective. The process, which included two simple questions, identified 6% of patients as needing assistance with food resources, resulting in reduced healthcare costs and improved patient health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that ketamine's antidepressant response in mice is influenced by male administrators. The team discovered a specific brain region, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), responsible for this effect, suggesting new ways to improve antidepressant therapy.
Researchers at Indian Institute of Science create a novel virus-like particle (VLP) to safely study SARS-CoV-2 mutations and trigger an immune response. The VLP is stable, can attach to host cells, and elicit antibodies that neutralize the live virus.
A Brazilian research team has developed a novel method to sort specialty and standard coffee beans using multispectral imaging and machine learning. The technique, which does not require roasting or human intervention, uses images of the beans at different wavelengths to distinguish between quality levels.
Researchers discuss dicarboxylation reactions with CO2 to generate valuable dicarboxylic acids, overcoming limitations of activated substrates. They propose novel strategies, including using CO2 radical anions and low-concentration CO2, to facilitate transformation of inert substrates.
Researchers have demonstrated a prominent superconducting diode effect in a single two-dimensional superconductor using graphene. This breakthrough has significant implications for the study of complex physical behavior in twisted tri-layer graphene and could form the basis for ultra-efficient lossless quantum electronic devices.
Researchers at Tohoku University have created a scaffold that supports the growth of new bone in large jaw defects in mice, bringing them closer to addressing the issue of aging jaw bone loss in humans. The technique uses a polylactic acid scaffold and has shown promise for treating large bone defects.
A new study suggests that timber cities could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using wood as a building material. The researchers found that housing in mid-rise buildings made of wood could avoid more than 100 billion tons of CO2 emissions by 2100, equivalent to 10% of the remaining carbon budget for the 2°C target.
Researchers have identified fascin as a key player in promoting cancer development, with the protein controlling cell movement and invasion. Forcing fascin into the nucleus of cancer cells could prevent their growth and movement.
A recent study found that background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) at surveillance breast MRI is independently associated with an increased risk of future second breast cancer. Women with dense breasts and minimal BPE may no longer need to undergo contrast-enhanced breast MRI every year if other risk factors are absent.
Researchers discovered a genetic mechanism that lowers cadmium accumulation in rice without affecting its quality and yield. The duplicated OsNramp5 gene increases the uptake of manganese, competing with cadmium for translocation to shoots, reducing its accumulation.
During the pandemic, UChicago Medicine's Feed1st pantry program doubled its distribution rates, providing over 42,000 pounds of food to patients and staff. This open-access model maximizes dignity and facilitates use, increasing the likelihood that individuals in need will access food resources.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing reveals how clinical ethicists provided consultation and guidance during the pandemic. The study's findings shed light on the experiences of clinical ethicists during this time and their impact on hospital operations.
Researchers at UBC develop new process to produce T cells, the most essential human immune cells, in the lab with improved efficiency. The breakthrough could lead to cost-effective production of cancer-fighting cells for CAR T therapy, a treatment with an efficacy rate of close to 50%.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have produced nanodiamonds capable of delivering medicinal and cosmetic remedies through the skin, eliminating the need for biopsies. The nanodiamonds can be precisely monitored non-invasively using a laser-based optical method, enabling targeted drug delivery and cosmetics application.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a new model of obsessive-compulsive disorder based on principles of reinforcement learning. The model suggests that imbalanced learning between reinforcement and punishment can lead to disordered behavior in OCD. This work helps explain how OCD develops and may be used t...
Researchers analyzed 306-million-year-old fossilized animal feces and found biomolecular information about long-extinct diets. The study revealed that an unidentifiable extinct animal was a meat-eater or on a predominantly carnivorous diet, with high proportions of cholesterol-derived molecules and a lack of plant-derived biomarkers.
Moffitt researchers used computer modeling to demonstrate the impact of skin homeostasis on driver and passenger mutations. They found that larger subclones are likely due to persistence and older age, not selective sweeps.
A new study found that kidney transplant recipients experience immune insufficiency during acute COVID-19, despite reduced immunosuppression. This phenomenon is associated with increased expression of innate immune pathways and decreased activation of adaptive immune pathways.
Researchers develop a new strategy to activate methane under mild conditions by confining copper atoms in ultrathin two-dimensional Ru nanosheets. This approach enables highly selective and efficient room-temperature conversion of methane to liquid C1 oxygenates with an over 99% selectivity.
Researchers found that under the extreme conditions of the core-mantle boundary, carbon from the core reacts with iron alloy to form diamond. This process may have occurred for billions of years, supplying enough carbon to explain high amounts in the mantle.
A new study from Lund University reveals that PCA, a widely used statistical method in population genetics, is deeply flawed. The method can produce flexible and unreliable results, leading to misconceptions about ethnicity and genetic relationships.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that fentanyl stops breathing before noticeable changes occur, leading to a high risk of death when used illicitly. The discovery could enable safer opioid administration through EEG monitoring.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread disruptions in healthcare utilization, resulting in projected increases of 3.6% in child mortality and 1.5% in maternal mortality globally. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, the pandemic reversed years of progress in women's and children's health, causing thousands of preventable deaths.
A team of scientists from Poland, Germany, the USA, and the UK collaborated to measure the intensities of carbon monoxide overtone lines with high accuracy. Their results showed that different measurement methods and laboratories agreed on a promille level for the first time, paving the way for precise spectroscopic analysis in atmosph...
Researchers from Vanderbilt University and the University of Georgia identify ways scales can be misused in consumer research, emphasizing the importance of using validated measures. The study offers guidance on applying existing scales effectively, reducing the risk of distorted results and streamlining research.
A new wireless laser charging system uses infrared light to transfer high levels of power over distances of up to 30 meters, sufficient for charging sensors. The system automatically shifts to a safe low power delivery mode if an object or person blocks the line of sight, achieving hazard-free power delivery in free space.
Researchers at CSIC-UMH have identified dozens of new regulatory proteins involved in guiding neural axons to their targets, a key process during nervous system development. These findings provide new avenues for understanding brain function and congenital defects.
A new study published in the Journal of Policing, Intelligence & Counter-Terrorism found that most posts in extremist online forums are made by a clique of highly committed members. The research, led by Professor Stephane Baele and Dr Lewys Brace, analyzed over 12 million unique posts across eight far-right, seven Salafi-jihadist, and ...
A team from the University of Tsukuba has developed a mouse model carrying a disease-associated mitochondrial mutation, which reveals that faulty RNA processing is responsible for metabolic disorders. The study provides new avenues for scientific discovery in understanding mitochondria and multiple diseases.
A team of researchers has developed a method to derive the magnetopause position from wide field-of-view soft X-ray imager simulation. The Tangent Fitting Approach (TFA) enables reconstruction of the 3D magnetopause from a single X-ray image, providing clearer views of the Earth's magnetosphere.
The proposed CODE-EHR best practice framework aims to standardize the use of structured electronic healthcare records in clinical research. The framework focuses on identifying and addressing data quality issues, ensuring interoperability between systems, and promoting transparency and trust.
Young people with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome show distinct brain activity patterns during sleep, which may influence psychiatric symptoms. These differences are associated with altered connections within and between brain areas.
A recent study found that poor management is the biggest risk factor for workplace bullying, with a new evidence-based screening tool developed to address the problem. The tool identifies nine major risk areas in day-to-day practices, highlighting the need for organisations to proactively assess and mitigate underlying risk factors.
Researchers have successfully visualized α-synuclein aggregates in the brains of patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) using a new positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent. The agent, 18F-SPAL-T-06, shows high specificity and potential for MSA diagnosis.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have successfully generated up to 14 entangled photons using a single atom, enabling efficient creation of quantum computer building blocks. This breakthrough could facilitate scalable measurement-based quantum computing and enable secure data transmission over greater distances.
Researchers create textile-based pneumatic computers capable of digital logic, onboard memory, and user interaction. The technology aims to assist people with functional limitations in daily tasks without electricity.
Seed system-oriented interventions have shown positive impacts on food security, household resilience, dietary quality, and nutrition status. The review highlights the importance of seed system research for improving diets and nutrition in vulnerable populations.
Archaeoecology examines the past 60,000 years of human-ecosystem interactions, revealing how humans impacted nature and ecosystems shaped human culture. By integrating data from archaeology, ecology, and palaeoecology, this emerging field can provide crucial insights to solve today's environmental challenges.
Diatoms in aquatic ecosystems have a previously unknown ability to store and use nitrate as a nutrient. They can replace oxygen with nitrate, allowing them to thrive in deep sediments and at night.
Researchers developed a method to identify valve dysfunction using complex network analysis that is accurate, simple to use, and low-cost. The diagnostic tool works by analyzing the sounds produced by the heart, creating a graph of connected points, and identifying correlations between nodes.