Researchers at Baylor University have synthesized a new, one-step Lewis superacid called tris(ortho-carboranyl)borane (BoCb3), which has applications in the production of common plastics. The compound is more efficient to produce, safer for the environment, and could potentially save billions of dollars in manufacturing costs.
Researchers have unveiled the mechanism behind monkeypox virus genome replication using cryo-microscopy. The findings could guide the development of antiviral drugs and may aid in preventing future outbreaks.
A new study by UCLA and USC found that people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County are 2.35 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population. The researchers suggest that accelerated aging among the homeless may be a contributing factor to this increased risk.
Researchers compiled a comprehensive map of the world's airborne microbes, providing fresh insights into how these species interact with the surface environment. The atlas reveals that human activities have changed the structure of microbiomes in natural ambient air, particularly with higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria in urban air.
Research reveals therian mammals (placental and marsupials) evolved in Gondwana 50 million years ago, diversifying before migrating to Asia. Advanced imaging techniques helped identify key fossil findings, rewriting the theory of mammal evolution.
Rosin powder increases friction by over 20%, reducing variation in friction between participants and pitches. A wax-like sticky substance doubles this effect, potentially increasing ball spin rates. The study suggests MLB balls could be made less slippery for improved ball control.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed thousands of new galaxies more distant and ancient than previously documented, with data hinting at potential life-supporting abilities of exoplanets. The telescope's capabilities have also shed light on planetary atmospheres, providing valuable insights into the universe's past.
Scientists at University of Cambridge uncover dynamical fractal in spin ice material, with fractals visible in both dynamic and static properties. The discovery was made possible by analyzing magnetic noise from the material's electron spins.
Researchers discovered that starvation causes changes in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) structure in human cells, leading to impaired mitochondrial function and severe energy deficiency. This mechanism is crucial for understanding the progression of X-linked centronuclear myopathy.
A new study uses drone-mounted technology to deter bats from flying into wind turbines, reducing fatalities by 40% and allowing turbines to operate efficiently. The device transmits ultrasonic signals and lights to warn bats of danger, leading them to fly over the turbine and out of harm's way.
A three-year project aims to determine if contact with immigrant athletes fosters positive attitudes towards immigrants. The researchers will conduct web-based surveys, develop social media campaigns, and implement post-test surveys to measure the impact of these interventions.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that breast cancer cells use complex immune-modulatory programs to evade immune clearance, leading to treatment resistance. They identified 16 immune checkpoint genes and found that chemotherapy triggers a program of immune checkpoints that shield cancer cells from different lines of attack.
Research at Leipzig University finds that socially disadvantaged individuals have a higher risk of dementia due to modifiable health and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle interventions may mitigate socio-economic differences in cognitive performance.
Researchers have discovered that stem cells can regenerate the enthesis, a critical layer of tissue connecting tendon to bone, in rotator cuff injury models. This breakthrough could lead to improved shoulder surgery outcomes and reduced repair failure rates, potentially benefiting millions of people worldwide.
A new subspecies of bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus nuuanu, has been identified in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This subspecies is smaller than other common bottlenose dolphins and prefers deep offshore waters between southern Baja California and the Galapagos Islands.
Researchers fabricated Li-S batteries with ultra-long cycle life over 2000 cycles via multifunctional separator design. The novel hollow and hierarchically porous Fe3O4 nanospheres effectively regulate LiPSs behavior, achieving high sulfur utilization and excellent electrochemical performances.
Researchers found that transgender individuals do not exhibit different economic behaviors compared to their cisgender counterparts. The study controlled for priming exercises and hypothesized that same-gender identities would lead to similar decision-making patterns. This unexpected finding suggests that traditional views on gender's ...
Researchers used VR to teach language to participants, finding that those who learned in unique environments recalled more words (92%) compared to those who learned in the same environment (76%). Immersion in the VR world also played a key role in learning retention.
Researchers developed an all-optical approach to pumping chip-based nanolasers, enabling dense arrays of highly precise devices. This method could aid in meeting the growing need for faster data processing, streaming ultra-high-definition movies and gaming.
The device converts pressure into structural colors, imaging gaseous properties. It has applications in environmental monitoring and healthcare.
Two temperate Earth-mass planets orbit GJ 1002, a cool and faint star suitable for atmospheric analysis. The discovery increases the number of known habitable planets to seven near the Sun.
A recent study found a female zebra shark reproducing via parthenogenesis even with healthy males present, contradicting previous assumptions about the process. The discovery has implications for conservation efforts and the care of zebra sharks in zoos and aquariums.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that patients often misunderstand medical phrases used by doctors, leading to confusion in health care plans. The study highlighted phrases like 'positive' lymph nodes and 'impressive' X-ray results being misinterpreted by patients.
A comprehensive assessment evaluates the removal of 38 emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors, using microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, UV radiation, and powdered activated carbon adsorption. PAC adsorption shows high removal rates for most compounds.
Researchers found reduced serotonin release capacity in individuals with depression, suggesting a blunted serotonin system. The study used novel imaging techniques to measure serotonin levels in the brain, providing crucial insights into the pathology of depression.
Regular follow-up clinic visits with a nephrologist after hospital discharge significantly reduce mortality risk in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). This study found that such visits, focusing on cardiovascular disease and kidney complications management, lead to lower mortality rates by 29% compared to standard care.
A new research project led by Associate Professor Marta Victoria aims to describe periods of extreme weather and design strategies for reliable renewable energy systems. The project, funded with DKK 6.2 million, will run for four years and focus on predicting and adapting to multiple adverse events.
Researchers developed a biodegradable material that decomposes in weeks to months, replacing toxic metal components of electronic devices. The starch-based polymer uses natural enzymes and has the right properties for sensors, offering an alternative to complex polymers and reducing e-waste.
A new study found that only 23% of US neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) screen for social determinants of health, despite AAP recommendations. Clinical leaders believe addressing SDH is feasible and beneficial for infants and families, but lack resources and inadequate referrals are major barriers.
The study suggests that increased demand for energy transition metals could be more disruptive to some communities than winding back production of thermal coal. An additional 115.7 million people would be at risk from disruption by ETMs.
The percentage of adolescents reporting substance use in 2022 held steady, with most commonly reported use of alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis. Levels generally remained at or below pre-pandemic levels, but there was a concerning increase in overdose deaths among young people ages 14-18 due to fentanyl contamination.
Researchers have developed a novel air-laser-based standoff Raman spectrometer with high temporal and frequency resolutions. The device enables remote detection of chemical species in real time, monitoring their rovibronic levels and populations in the frequency domain.
Researchers developed a Quenchbody fluorescent immunosensor that detects SARS-CoV-2 with exceptional speed and sensitivity. Adding a crowding agent enhances performance, allowing for lower detection limits and faster results. The technology shows promise for rapid and cost-efficient diagnosis of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed an advanced wireless haptic interface system called WeTac. The system provides a vivid touch experience with personalized tactile sensation data and overcomes the shortcomings of existing bulky gloves.
Researchers have developed a nano-scale platinum-cobalt alloy to reduce the need for rare and expensive platinum in hydrogen fuel cells, enhancing performance and stability. The new alloy achieves superior results at lower costs, paving the way for wider adoption of fuel-cell technology.
A study by University of Basel researchers found that global warming is causing alpine plants to age faster, leading to earlier senescence and longer periods of brownness in the grassland. The majority of plants stopped growing after 5-7 weeks, regardless of when they were roused from winter.
A team of researchers at KAUST has developed a new method to replace toxic chlorinated solvents with plant-derived alternatives in organic solar cell manufacture. The study reveals that terpene-based solvents can be used without affecting the light-capturing performance of the cells, resulting in an 85% lower carbon footprint.
A government policy that pushed back the sowing of rice in northwest India led to a delay in harvests and agricultural burning, exacerbating air pollution. Without this delay, cities like New Delhi would have seen an average of 11-21% less smoke-related air pollution between 2008 and 2019.
A new study suggests that schools should incorporate relationship education to promote good health and wellbeing. Experts argue that children need to learn how to build and sustain strong partnerships, managing expectations and conflict, to prevent public health problems such as alcohol misuse and poor mental health.
Wild potato varieties have evolved multiple resistance factors to combat pathogens like Pectobacterium species. Researchers have identified protease inhibitors that prevent bacterial malignance by interrupting their communication system and degrading plant cell walls.
Researchers have created a chemical compound, Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS), which can counteract the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in lab experiments. The compound works as a molecular container, binding to drugs and reversing their biological properties.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have successfully induced a gastrulation-like event in human pluripotent stem cells, mimicking the early stages of embryonic development. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for studying human development and creating personalized body tissue or organs using hydrogel materials.
A national survey of healthcare providers reveals that nearly 60% believe telehealth is 'dangerous' for older adults, while another 60% say it's an unrealistic option. However, 68% of clinicians report often or always working to prepare and account for older adults' physical and cognitive differences.
Researchers discovered a species of grass, seashore paspalum, that can tolerate diverse stresses and aid in crop development. The study revealed the plant responds to nutrient deprivation by doubling its production of a sugary molecule called trehalose, which helped corn seedlings grow faster and larger without added nutrients.
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that when Ceratocystis ficicola and Fusarium kuroshium fungi are combined, fig saplings experience rapid wilting. The two fungi work together to cause more damage than either one alone, highlighting the importance of considering co-occurring microorganisms in disease control strategies.
A new study found the annual incidence of Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. to be nearly 90,000 cases per year, a 50% increase from previous estimates of 60,000 diagnoses annually. The increased incidence is attributed to an aging population and highlights the need for more research and better treatments.
A new study links drought spells to the intensification of raiding activity by Hunnic peoples, who responded to climate stress by adopting new strategies and changing their social organization. The research suggests that extreme drought in the Carpathian Basin contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.
A study examines the UN's terrorist list and its ombudsperson, highlighting problematic processes and potential flaws in the sanctions regime. The researcher argues that the ombudsperson embodies a new trend in international law, offering a compromise between Western standards for the rule of law and state interests.
Researchers will investigate the relationship between heart function and aorta stiffness to identify risk factors for heart failure in Hispanics/Latinos, who are disproportionately affected by this condition. The study aims to develop new methods for predicting and preventing heart failure in underrepresented populations.
The project aims to explore the experiences of students who are both children of immigrants and the first in their families to pursue a bachelor's degree. In-depth interviews will analyze resources FGC students bring to senior-year transitions and shape strategies for navigating them.
The COVID Support Our Schools (SOS) program, developed by Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, assisted 11 school districts and one Boys and Girls Club in historically underserved areas across New Jersey. The program provided personalized task forces with medical students and faculty experts to address various challenges such as vac...
The discovery of microRNAs in octopus species reveals a common role in advanced brain development and cognition, linking the evolution of intelligent life. MicroRNAs regulate protein expression, diversifying cell function and enabling complex organisms to perform specialized tasks.
Researchers found that sea urchin larvae exposed to high levels of plastic pollution developed significant developmental abnormalities, including malformation of the skeleton and immune cells. The study reveals how newly made PVC pellets and beach-collected fragments cause harm to the embryos.
Researchers developed an AI-based neural network to detect early knee osteoarthritis from x-ray images, matching doctors' diagnoses in 87% of cases. This method could help reduce unnecessary examinations, treatments, and even knee joint replacement surgery.
A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates vary widely across the US, with underserved communities facing significant barriers to access, including cost, insurance coverage, and transportation. The analysis showed that people in these areas were 34% less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
A global registry for gene-drive modified organisms could facilitate transparent communication, monitor ecological impacts, and inform local decision-making. Experts agree that a registry is necessary for the fair development, testing, and use of gene-drive technologies.
The December issue of CHEST journal features articles on COVID-19 lessons learned and future pandemic preparedness. The journal also explores various topics in chest medicine, including asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine.
Researchers discovered significantly elevated plasma TDP-43 levels in patients with Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), a newly recognized form of dementia. This finding could lead to the development of new diagnostics for LATE, currently poorly understood and difficult to identify in living patients.
A modelling study in 90 low- and middle-income countries estimates that herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections drive significant healthcare cost savings and improved quality of life. The study suggests that widespread HSV-2 vaccination could prevent millions of quality of life years lost due to HSV-2 and HIV co-infections.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have uncovered new correlations between genetic mutations and cleft lip and palate. The study found that new mutations near the SPRY1 gene and transcription factor Musculin may contribute to disease risk, providing new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying the condition.