A new University of Michigan study found that pandemic pregnancies reported more distress and anxiety, but also unexpected benefits from enforced alone time. Social distancing measures contributed to increased guilt, isolation, and depression in moms, highlighting existing shortcomings in maternal care.
A new University of Copenhagen study reveals that well-functioning fat tissue is crucial for overall health and may help prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity. High levels of lifelong exercise have been shown to improve mitochondrial function in fat cells, reducing oxidative stress and damage.
A study of 24,506 participants from 16 countries found that middle-income nations were disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with a higher risk of financial difficulties. People with lower educational attainment in lower-middle-income countries fared worse than those in high-income countries.
A new project led by Assistant Professor Yun Huang is developing technologies to improve the accessibility of online STEM learning for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and non-native English speakers. The project will create effective Q&A mechanisms and interaction designs, including chatbots, to enable collaborative caption generation.
A recent global study found that more than a quarter of the world's rivers had pharmaceutical concentrations at potentially toxic levels. The study, which included data from over 258 rivers across seven continents, also revealed concurrent contamination by multiple classes of pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at MIT found that different types of dendrites process incoming information in distinct ways before sending it to the neuron's body. This specialization enables neurons to integrate various inputs and generate an appropriate response, particularly in navigation and planning movements.
A team of astronomers has discovered a rare pair of brown dwarfs that have the widest separation of any brown dwarf binary system found to date. The two brown dwarfs are about 12 billion miles apart, or three times the separation of Pluto from the Sun.
Yushan Yan, a University of Delaware engineering professor, has been recognized by the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to sustainable chemical engineering and electrochemical systems. He is also an inventor on over 20 patents and founder of Versogen, a Wilmington-based startup.
Researchers analyzed new kinds of atomic-scale microscopic images using artificial intelligence to understand why rechargeable batteries wear out. They discovered nanofractures caused by mechanical strain on materials, which could lead to the development of more indestructible batteries.
Researchers found that consumers scrutinize social distance in negative reviews to protect their identities and brands. Displaying reviewers' profiles can highlight social distance and consistency, protecting and benefiting identity-relevant brands after negative reviews. This strategy helps managers cultivate strong brand relationships.
Researchers at MIT have performed a systematic study on how different-sized polymer nanoparticles circulate in the body and interact with platelets to stop bleeding. They found that intermediate-sized particles (150 nanometers) were the most effective, with less likelihood of accumulating in off-target sites.
SMART researchers identified a novel phage lysin, Abp013, with promising antimicrobial ability against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study demonstrated Abp013's ability to effectively target complex bacterial environments and could advance treatment methods for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
Patients who discontinue biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) before orthopaedic surgery are more likely to experience a disease flare following surgery. However, discontinuing bDMARDs does not appear to increase the risk of surgical site infections or delayed wound healing. The review and meta-analysis highlights ...
Researchers have designed METPlatform, a drug screening platform compatible with patient biopsies, to investigate patients' own tumour tissue. The platform has identified new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for aggressive brain metastases, suggesting HSP90 inhibitors as potential treatments.
A study published in American Journal of Infection Control found that 90% of high-touch surfaces in LTC facilities were positive for crAssphage or had organic material levels indicating contamination. This suggests that auditing programs to improve infection prevention could benefit LTC facilities.
Researchers revealed key sources of uncertainty in projecting the South Asian summer monsoon's circulation under global warming, attributing it to tropospheric meridional thermal contrast. A novel diagnostic method identified atmospheric dynamics, cloud radiation effects as dominant contributors to uncertainty.
A Bournemouth University study found that gamers who play video games with loot boxes experience negative feelings, overspending, and impulse buying due to lack of transparency. The researchers suggest more support and regulations are needed to prevent these risks.
A new study found that Transport for London's policy restricting junk food advertising led to a 1,000 calorie decrease in energy from unhealthy products. This corresponds to a reduction of 317.9 kcal per week in chocolate and confectionary purchases.
A study of 1.7 million New Zealanders found that those with mental health issues had three and a half times the risk of developing dementia than those without. The link holds true for both early and late onset dementia, as well as Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's forms.
A $3.9 million research project will examine COVID-19's impact on pregnancy, maternal health, and infant development in diverse communities across Pennsylvania. The study aims to identify associations between COVID-19, psychological distress, and long-term maternal health outcomes.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have pinpointed a key driver gene, SARM1, that contributes to impaired vision and blindness. Deleting this gene shows promise in preserving vision, suggesting targeted therapies may offer long-lasting preservation of sight for various ocular conditions.
Rice University's Gang Bao receives $1 million CPRIT grant to develop a three-pronged strategy combining magnetic nanoparticles, free radical generation, and immune checkpoint blockade to kill cancer cells. The approach aims to increase the efficacy of cancer therapy, potentially leading to a clinical trial.
A new study found that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a prolonged detrimental impact on mental health, with women in their twenties and early thirties experiencing the biggest increase in mental health problems. The research also showed that older men were the least impacted by the pandemic.
Researchers have developed a new framework to evaluate the health impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemical mixtures. A large cohort study found that prenatal exposure to these chemicals may be associated with language delay in children, highlighting the need for risk assessments to account for mixture effects.
Researchers propose a novel evaluation framework to assess energy neutrality in wastewater treatment plants, integrating energy efficiency and recovery. The study evaluated 970 plants in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, identifying 98 energy benchmark plants and 112 fully energy self-sufficient facilities.
A study discovered that fungus Cyanodermella asteris synthesizes valuable compounds in plant Aster tataricus, influencing its growth. The interaction reveals a two-way dialogue between the microbe and host, with the fungus producing beneficial compounds while also being influenced by plant hormones.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a unique class of medications that act as blood thinners by inhibiting an enzyme in tick saliva genes. These new anticoagulant medications show great promise in treating patients with various coronary issues, including heart attacks and strokes.
Annual MRI screenings starting at ages 30-35 may reduce breast-cancer mortality by more than 50% among women who carry certain genetic changes in three genes. The predictions involve pathogenic variants in ATM, CHEK2 and PALB2 genes – which collectively are as prevalent as the much-reported BRCA1/2 gene mutations.
A recent study led by Dr Simon Fraser from the University of Southampton found that painkiller prescriptions decreased during the pandemic, but high-risk individuals continued to receive them. The research highlights the need for greater caution when prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent kidney damage.
Scientists at Flinders University have developed a new petri-dish that can grow and age live brain cells from patients, enhancing future studies on conditions like dementia, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and autism. The innovation could lead to more effective targeted drug treatments with reduced wait times.
Stanford researchers have made a breakthrough in developing protein circuits that can enable cell-to-cell communication, mimicking the natural process of cells interacting with neighboring cells. The new platform, RELEASE, allows proteins to be secreted and displayed on the cell surface, enabling cells to respond to these signals.
A study of 296 children aged 5-14 found that self-collected nasal swabs were effective for COVID-19 surveillance testing. The method was deemed feasible and with minimal errors.
A recent online survey found that pandemic-related school closures have a disproportionate negative impact on students with autism. The study reveals differences in the psychological impact of the pandemic on neurotypical and autistic children, highlighting the need for alternative ways to support autistic children's educational goals.
A new study found that Amazonian forests are impacted by high maximum temperatures, causing tall trees to shed their leaves and branches. The study, led by the University of Helsinki, used LiDAR to track the effects of fragmentation and climate change on plant phenology.
A new study reveals that fewer rainy days are leading to an earlier arrival of spring for plants in northern climates. The researchers found that as rainy days decline, spring arrives earlier due to increased solar radiation and clearer skies.
Researchers found that kitchen sponges provide an optimal environment for microbial diversity by mimicking the separation and communal spaces found in healthy soil. This complex structure supports both solitary and diverse bacterial communities, leading to higher biodiversity levels.
A study of 31 patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) reveals a high correlation between ulcerated plaque in the femoropopliteal artery and poor angiographic runoff scores, suggesting a possible origin for arterial embolism. This discovery could lead to improved treatment methods for PAD.
Yang Wang's research focuses on usability of privacy technologies and artificial intelligence. Researchers will conduct semi-structured interviews, surveys, and co-design sessions with users from India and Bangladesh about their experiences with targeted ads.
A study by McGill University researchers found that child marriages in 14 US states violated statutory rape laws, often due to exemptions allowing sex between married couples. The research highlights the need to reexamine marital exemptions and raise the minimum legal age for marriage to avoid inconsistencies.
A new study by Imperial College London reveals that London is releasing more methane than previously thought, primarily due to natural gas infrastructure leaks. The findings suggest that upgrading leaky pipes could significantly reduce emissions. This research highlights the importance of atmospheric measurements in tracking progress t...
Regulated hunting can reduce population density, allowing fewer animals to compete for resources during harsh winter conditions. This approach can stabilize population fluctuations and buffer the impacts of extreme climatic events on species with limited food resources.
A groundbreaking study has revealed widespread and frequent lead poisoning in North American bald and golden eagles, affecting both species' populations. Lead exposure is causing population growth rates to slow for bald eagles by 3.8 percent annually.
A Swiss-French team has identified a mechanism that could lead to the development of new therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia, a particularly dangerous form of cancer. The selective activation of AMPK triggers apoptosis in tumour cells by initiating the cell's stress response.
Researchers identified a novel mutation in 9% of relapsed pediatric AML cases, suggesting a new subtype of the disease. The UBTF tandem duplication is associated with poor survival rates and higher likelihood of minimal residual disease positivity.
Researchers in Brazil and Portugal create biodegradable plastic film using eutectic solvents and natural pigments extracted from yeast. The process is environmentally sustainable and has potential applications in smart packaging with antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management finds that residents in low-income and rural areas are disproportionately affected by increases in fuel carbon taxes. The researchers discover significant differences across regions and income groups, with higher price pass-through rates in rural areas.
A study found that supermarkets provide the healthiest assortment of foods, followed by grocery stores, while convenience stores have lower availability and higher prices for fruits and vegetables. The research has important implications for regions with high obesity rates and limited access to healthy food options.
Scientists have developed a new approach to mimic synapse functions using magneto-ionics, which drastically decreases power consumption. The study reveals that thinner films of cobalt oxide exhibit faster magnetization generation and can emulate 'learning' and 'forgetting' functionalities.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland used molecular modeling to investigate nano-plastic transport into cell membranes. The study found that some microplastics can passively penetrate the membrane, potentially causing adverse health effects.
Researchers used AI to identify detrimental dams and reveal lost environmental benefits from existing 158 hydropower dams. The study considers six socio-environmental criteria, including river flow and energy production, to optimize dam selection across the entire Amazon basin.
A new 10-year analysis shows that only half of individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity receive lifestyle support from their GPs. Lifestyle interventions can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A population-based study found that reducing ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration led to significant improvements in laboratory test results for kidney function, including increased glomerular filtration rate and decreased blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels.
Scientists are creating a global audio collection of aquatic life to monitor changing marine life and identify new species. The GLUBS platform uses ocean hydrophones, AI, and citizen science to analyze soundscapes and track biodiversity on reefs and other ocean habitats.
The new schedule includes revised guidance on the hepatitis B vaccine for adults aged 60 years and older, as well as simplified recommendations for pneumococcal vaccinations. The updated schedule also recommends co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines.
Researchers discovered a sucking pump in millipedes that is similar to those of insects, enabling them to ingest more liquid food. The study found that the functional tools for liquid-based diets have evolved independently in all major subgroups of arthropods.
Scientists have discovered a new subtype of relapsed pediatric AML characterized by a specific gene mutation called UBTF exon 13 tandem duplication (UBTF-TD), which is associated with poor outcomes and an increased incidence of minimal residual disease. This mutation can be used to identify high-risk patients and guide treatment.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found that remote learning programs in labs continued to be effective during the pandemic, with students praising quality mentorship and skills development. However, they also reported missing informal interactions and structure.
A new imaging method, combining optimal imaging and machine learning, can determine cell viability without chemical staining. The approach achieved a 95% accuracy rate and has the potential to be applied in hospitals and research labs.
Researchers have discovered a protein that plays a key role in the malaria parasite, leading to a potential new way to fight the disease. Deactivating this protein reduces the growth of the parasite by over 75%, making it a promising target for treatment development.
Researchers demonstrate a two-terminal tandem solar cell with enhanced efficiency through spectrum splitting, achieving a 5-6% gain in absolute efficiency. The design uses planar and Lambertian spectral splitters to effectively distribute sunlight among the top and bottom cells.