A study of 1.5 million Swedish men found that high BMI in adolescence was associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and intensive care, years later. Obesity in early adulthood also played a role in the severity of the disease.
An analysis of pre-Omicron data found that COVID-19 vaccines retain nearly all their ability to prevent severe disease up to six months after full vaccination. Protection against severe COVID-19 dropped by an average of 10 percentage points over the same interval.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Zhiyong Xiao discovered centimeter-sized translucent glass globules on the Moon's surface during the Chang'E-4 mission. The findings suggest that impact glasses sourced from iron-poor materials, such as pure anorthosites, could be a promising resource for in-situ glass production.
The Colorado potato beetle has evolved rapid resistance to insecticides by leveraging its existing genetic diversity, allowing different populations to quickly adapt and overcome new chemicals. This wealth of diversity will likely make the pest difficult to control in the future.
A new study has found that tubal ligation is no more effective than an intrauterine device (IUD) in preventing pregnancies. The six-year analysis of Medi-Cal claims data showed that hormonal IUDs were more effective, while copper IUDs were as effective as tubal ligation in preventing pregnancies.
A novel technology has been developed for fast and reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples using a flow virometer that utilizes fluorescent light markers. The device achieved high sensitivity and specificity in a blind test on over 50 patients, outperforming commercial antigen tests.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered how microparticles can change direction when an electric stimulus is interrupted and reapplied with the same orientation. This emergent behavior has potential applications in microfluidic pumps for biomedical, chemical, and electronics applications.
Researchers are using satellite imagery and deep learning to analyze ice wedges in the Arctic, which can indicate changes in permafrost. The team has achieved accuracy rates of up to 90% in detecting low-centered and high-centered polygons, providing valuable information for understanding climate change.
A new study of over 1.1 million new mothers worldwide found that first-time mothers, women under 25, and mothers of twins are at higher risk for postpartum depression. Women aged 40 and older having twins are particularly vulnerable to the condition.
The study discovered two tandem binding sites in ABCB11 that enable precise recognition and export of bile acids. The results provide structural insights into the transport mechanism, contributing to understanding of bile acid metabolism and potential therapeutic interventions.
A large study found that patients with a history of allergic-like reactions to iodinated contrast media are susceptible to similar reactions from commonly used MRI contrast agents. Premedication or switching to a different MRI contrast agent may reduce risk in patients who have had previous contrast agent reactions.
Ants have evolved a unique division of labor for over 100 million years, with fossil discoveries providing the first evidence of cooperative behavior in the early Cretaceous period. The study describes two new species of extinct ants, revealing intricate details about their anatomy and social structure.
The University of Essex team has devised a new approach to training neural networks called Target Space, which stabilizes the learning process by tweaking neuron firing strengths. This method enables deeper neural networks with fewer training examples and computing resources, accelerating AI breakthroughs.
A new study reveals a significant shift in the Northern Hemisphere jet stream position, increasing by up to 330 km and speed by 8% during 1871-2011. This shift is linked to warming Arctic winters and decreased temperature gradients, with implications for climate predictions and storm activity.
Researchers develop alternative diagnostic technology to evaluate Li-ion battery degradation mechanism quickly and efficiently. The approach allows for rapid detection of LLI degradation, facilitating real-time monitoring of individual cells' state of health.
A new blood test developed at Washington University School of Medicine has proven highly accurate in detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, with a 93% accuracy rate. The test assesses amyloid plaques based on the ratio of A´2 and A´0 proteins in the blood, providing a low-cost alternative to expensive brain scans and spinal taps.
Research reveals that the brain's electrical rhythms fluctuate between high precision and low precision states several times per second, affecting how relevant information is transmitted. Cross-frequency coupling enables selective attention by modulating the strength of different frequencies, while distinguishing between different type...
A study explores why people dislike certain music, identifying five main reference points: music composition, lyrics, performance, artist, and social environment. Musical dislikes serve similar functions as preferences but are expressed less openly, fulfilling roles such as maintaining mood or expressing identity.
Local communities worldwide report a significant decrease in wild edible plant and mushroom abundance, impacting their nutrition and food security. The study highlights the importance of considering local geographic and socio-cultural contexts to develop strategies for counteracting these changes.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that smoking by mothers during the periconceptional period is associated with delayed embryonic development, smaller foetuses at the 20-week ultrasound scan, and lower birth weights. The delay in embryonic development was found to have a greater impact in the second trimester of pregnancy.
A new study at McGill University found that an AI tutoring system improved surgical skills and learning outcomes among medical students compared to human instructors. The AI-powered Virtual Operative Assistant taught safe techniques and provided personalized feedback, leading to a 36% better performance rate.
Researchers are exploring how bacteria form biofilms, which can be detrimental to health but also have potential uses in medicine and environmental cleanup. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind microbial growth in biofilms and develop new materials and treatments.
A study by University of Miami researchers has identified a gene mutation associated with preeclampsia, a disease that causes high blood pressure and organ damage in mothers and babies. The team tested a possible treatment involving vitamin C and found it alleviated symptoms in models, but its effectiveness is unclear.
The five-year grant will be used to mentor junior scientists, leveraging City of Hope's expertise in cancer treatment and patient care. The program will provide students with hands-on experience in cell-based therapies, regulatory approval, and commercialization.
Researchers at UPV/EHU propose using caesium cations to improve the cyclability of sodium-air batteries, increasing their energy density and range. By adding a caesium salt to the electrolyte, they were able to achieve over 90 charge/discharge cycles.
A study published in eLife found that growing rice alongside carp, mitten crabs, or softshell turtles increases yields by 8.7-12.1% while reducing nitrogen levels in the soil and weeds. This method also allows for increased profits as farmers can sell both animals and rice.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that living through the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to brain inflammation and symptoms like fatigue, concentration difficulties, and depression in uninfected people. The research suggests that societal and lifestyle disruptions during the pandemic may trigger this inflammatory response.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women who experienced sexual assault and workplace harassment are at a higher risk of developing hypertension. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 women and found that experiencing both types of trauma had the highest risk of hypertension.
Researchers found that daily life movement, including housework and self-care activities, significantly benefits cardiovascular health. Women with at least four hours of daily life movement had a 43% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, 62% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death.
A recent study found that headphones increase perceptions of closeness, warmth, and empathy, making listeners more easily persuaded. The research has significant implications for advertising, remote work, and training programs, suggesting that using headphones can be an effective way to create a sense of attachment with the listener.
Northwestern University researchers used live imaging and computational tools to study the development of a fruit fly's compound eye. They found that cells move into position using mechanical forces, not just chemical signals. The discovery provides new insights into pattern formation in tissues.
Researchers at University of Missouri found a long-term association between adolescent psychological well-being and adult cardiovascular disease risk. People who are more optimistic in their youth can lower their chances for heart disease as adults.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found a new approach to impairing antibiotic resistance in deadly bacteria by inhibiting the protein DsbA. This method could potentially restore the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, addressing a global health crisis responsible for millions of deaths annually.
A study found that women with DCIS often face uncertainty about their cancer status and the appropriateness of treatment. The research highlights the need for improved communication between clinicians and patients to address these concerns and promote overall well-being.
Experts recommend individualised multidisciplinary risk assessment for patients requiring elective surgery within 7 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering baseline mortality risk calculation and surgical factors. Patients with persistent symptoms or moderate to severe COVID-19 may require longer delays than 7 weeks.
Researchers found that 1% of US adults taking opioids are also prescribed benzodiazepines and other sedatives. This polypharmacy approach is linked to increased side effects and may pose dangers to vulnerable populations.
Researchers used AI to predict flood damage in the US, finding a high probability of flood damage for more than 1.01 million square miles across the country. The study suggests that recent FEMA maps do not capture the full extent of flood risk, with 84.5% of reported damage not within high-risk flood areas.
A recent study using satellite laser altimetry found that about 54% of lakes showed a significant trend in water-level change from 2003 to 2020, with 80% showing an upward trend. The total water volume of observed lakes increased at a rate of 10.88 ±16.45 Gt/yr during this period.
Young adults are disproportionately excluded from kidney transplantation, with only 1.8% of Black and 4.4% of Hispanic patients receiving the treatment compared to 10.9% of White patients within this age group. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
New research from BYU found that students who participate in multiple field trips during a school year have higher test scores, perform better in class, and exhibit increased cultural conscientiousness over time. These benefits were strongest when students entered middle school.
A new study led by Oregon State University finds that climate change has increased the likelihood of hot, dry, windy autumn weather that can lead to severe fires in the region. The research, which examined conditions during recent large fires, found a 40% increase in extreme fire weather conditions due to human-caused climate change.
A large-scale study analyzing long-term data on insects from over 900 locations worldwide found little evidence for indicator species. Different groups of insects showed different trends, highlighting the importance of monitoring multiple groups simultaneously to provide guidelines for conservation policies.
Researchers discovered that fish generate movable vortex pairs of high- and low-pressure regions to propel themselves forward. This process involves precise control of body fluctuations, which enables the fish to swim with high motion control and flexibility.
A survey study analyzed responses from the 2021 National Firearms Survey to examine firearm storage practices in US households with children. The findings suggest that many households do not store firearms safely, posing a significant risk of accidents and injuries.
Scientists at Linköping University successfully integrated artificial nerve cells with a living plant using printed organic electrochemical transistors. The system mimics the ion-based mechanism of pulse generation in plants, inducing action potentials that cause the leaves to close.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, easy-to-use focused ultrasound device that can precisely target the mouse brain. The $80 device, created using a 3D printer, has been shown to achieve sub-millimeter targeting accuracy and improve drug delivery outcome.
A new study examines how forests' carbon cycle varies with tree diameter, temperature, and precipitation across five continents. Small trees are found to be more important in forest productivity than previously thought, according to researchers.
Scientists at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have created nanoengineered bacteria for photothermal cancer immunotheranostics. The synthesized nanoparticles showed powerful photothermal conversion, high biocompatibility, and excellent tumor selectivity, facilitating clear fluorescent tumor visualization.
A species of African ticks, Argas brumpti, has been found to survive for up to 27 years without feeding, and reproduce healthily long after the last male tick dies. This record-breaking adaptability allows them to conserve water and energy in a dry environment.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that reported cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children and adolescents who had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose were rare. Only one case was estimated per million vaccinated individuals in this age group, according to the CDC.
Researchers analyzed expanded genetic markers to estimate evolutionary distance between Archaea and Bacteria, finding a long branch length that separates the two domains. The study suggests that conventional methods may underestimate true branch length and diversity of Archaea.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the uptake of childhood immunizations in Scotland. Researchers analyzed data from over 439,000 vaccine invitations and found higher immunization rates during lockdown periods compared to pre-pandemic years.
Camera trap surveys in six sites across the Annamite Mountains have provided new insights into the occurrence and distribution of two threatened species, the Annamite striped rabbit and dark muntjac. The study identified factors influencing their presence, including elevation and proximity to human settlements.
The study reveals that seven indicators affect people's decisions, including ornament, material, and line, which influence heritage perception. A model can predict the heritage potential of a building by ordinary people.
The study found that face masks significantly reduce the ability to recognize facial expressions, with accuracy reductions ranging from 10% for fear to 46% for disgust. Individuals with higher social competence and agreeableness tend to perform better in emotion recognition when faces are masked.
Researchers examined reactions to North Carolina's controversial 'bathroom bill' to shed light on how CEO activism affects employees' attitudes and behaviors. The study found that when employees agree with a CEO's public stance, they respond positively, strengthening their commitment to the firm.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet reveals that natural killer cells respond to a specific peptide on the surface of infected cells. This peptide triggers an activation response in NK cells carrying the NKG2A receptor, allowing them to kill virus-infected cells.
A novel detector technology has been developed for sensitive nitrogen dioxide detection, enabling fast and accurate measurements. The new instrument achieves precisions of 35 pptv in 1 s and 8 pptv in 30 s data acquisition time, surpassing previous methods.
A new test procedure using human stem cells identifies chemicals that may cause birth defects in humans. The method assesses the likelihood of toxicity by monitoring disturbances in precisely programmed signaling pathways.
Researchers at Northwestern University and LanzaTech developed a new gas fermentation process that converts CO2 into acetone and isopropanol. The process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 160% compared to conventional methods, making it a promising alternative for industrial scale production.