Colombia's membership in the Earth Biogenome Project aims to preserve biodiversity and drive sustainable development. The project's sequencing efforts will provide valuable insights into Colombia's unique ecosystems and potentially discover new species with health benefits.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technique to enhance immunosuppression using nanoparticles, targeting specific cells related to transplants without suppressing wider immune responses. This approach enables more effective control of the immune system and reduces side effects.
Researchers at the University of Auckland have developed a shipping container-based unit to disinfect N95 masks and other PPE, allowing for potential reuse and recycling. The method uses dry heat, which is effective in killing SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria, while minimizing environmental harm.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method for creating chemical subunits using blue LEDs and copper, reducing the need for precious metals. This breakthrough has potential applications in pharmaceutical and photoelectronic development.
A team from UNIGE analyzed over 200 scientific articles on 'nudge' strategies, classifying them into three groups: information, structure, and assistance. They found that techniques in the second group ('structure') are the most effective, particularly in influencing food choices.
A new statistical model has improved understanding of northern resident killer whale behaviors, revealing patterns in energy expenditure and prey capture. The enhanced hidden Markov model captures high-frequency information, providing insights into the whales' diving habits and conserving energy.
A study published in Translational Psychiatry found that virtual companions can reduce anxiety in socially anxious individuals, particularly women. The researchers used a virtual reality setup with either a real or avatar companion to test the effects of social support on fear responses.
Researchers create two new polymers from sugar-based starting materials that retain common plastic qualities but are degradable and mechanically recyclable. The polymers' unique shapes and stereochemistry-dependent degradation rates offer a promising solution for sustainable plastics, with potential applications in various industries.
A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that implementing lifestyle interventions in preschool can significantly improve cardiovascular health habits in children. The SI! Program, which included more than 3,800 children aged 3-5 years from 50 schools across three countries, showed a significant inc...
Physicists at the University of Bath and Michigan discover a new photonic effect in semiconducting nanohelices, accelerating drug discovery and development. The effect enables chirality measurement in tiny volumes, potentially revolutionizing high-throughput screening for life-saving medicines.
Researchers studied archival images from the Palomar Observatory's Zwicky Transient Facility and found that Starlink satellite streaks now appear in almost 20% of twilight images. Software can help mitigate potential problems, but the impact on astronomy is still a concern, especially for future surveys like Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released two new clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of diverticulitis. The guidelines recommend that clinicians manage most patients with uncomplicated disease in outpatient settings without antibiotics, while patients with complicated disease should be referred for colonos...
Scientists create artificial liver cells that function like real ones, but excrete less urea, until they induce aquaporin 9, enabling them to break down ammonia into urea. The new model is being used to test OTC chaperones for therapies.
A University of South Australia study suggests that nature-based citizen science projects can alleviate stress and isolation, while improving mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. By engaging with natural environments, individuals can experience lower stress levels, improve their wellbeing, and feel connected to a community.
A new composite vanadium oxide-based catalyst material has been developed to reduce NOx emissions at low temperatures. The catalyst's increased durability delays poisoning and extends its lifespan up to 7 times compared to conventional commercial catalysts.
A study by Kyoto University found that migratory shrimp significantly enriched streams with nutrients, outperforming aquatic insects. The research highlights the crucial role of these small crustaceans in maintaining ecosystem balance and suggests integrating landscape management to support nutrient cycling.
A molecule of RNA called CARMN has been found to play a crucial role in maintaining healthy smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel wall, which can help prevent atherosclerosis and angioplasty-induced restenosis. Restoring healthy CARMN levels may lead to new approaches for treating heart disease.
A study from Tohoku University reveals that ion size in electrolyte affects response time scale, enabling tuning for effective control. This discovery provides rational design guidelines for neuromorphic devices, paving the way for applications in artificial neural networks.
Researchers have discovered that Earth's interior is cooling at a faster rate than expected, with implications for plate tectonics and the planet's overall activity. The study suggests that this increased heat flow will accelerate mantle convection, leading to a faster cooling of the Earth.
A recent study published in Psychological Research found that movement can boost creative thinking by providing freedom to make self-determined movements. Small movements while sitting can have the same positive effects as walking, and forced or suppressed movement can hinder cognitive processes like creativity.
A study investigated the common use of extended radiation therapy for patients with metastatic cancer nearing the end of life. Despite guidelines advising against this practice, researchers found that it is still used in many cases. The study aims to shed light on this treatment approach and its implications for patient care.
A new framework, the 'impact universe,' helps policymakers think holistically about the potential impacts of IoT systems and devices. This approach considers environmental, social, economic, and other factors to develop effective policy and societal controls.
A study highlights the importance of cohesive, cross-sectoral strategies to promote nature-based solutions in Asia. The research emphasizes the need for national and international governance frameworks to effectively implement NbS for climate security, socioeconomic development, and eco-sustainability.
A research team has found a new dual benefit mode of action for the drug candidate Zapnometinib or ATR-002, which can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus proliferation and reduce exaggerated immune responses.
A comprehensive study of exercise performed at different times of the day has identified distinct health-promoting signaling molecules produced by the body in an organ-specific manner. The findings suggest that exercising at the right time can optimize health benefits, particularly for individuals at risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Nagoya University revealed a new energy transfer pathway between high-frequency plasma waves and low-energy ions, generating low-frequency plasma waves through collisionless plasma. This discovery could contribute to improved space weather forecasting and safer satellite operations.
A new study finds that 'hawkish' politicians who adopt tough policies to re-elect themselves often inflame global conflicts. Researchers modelled a land dispute scenario and found that voters favoring ideology over ability tend to support hawkish leaders, leading to tougher settlements and increased conflict probability.
A new study identifies a set of cellular receptors for eastern equine encephalitis virus and other alphaviruses shared across mosquitoes, humans, and animals. The researchers tested a decoy molecule that successfully prevented infection and slowed disease progression in cell and animal models.
A new study shows that treating mice with glioblastoma with interleukin-7 in combination with radiation improves survival rates. The therapy increases T cell numbers and activity against cancer cells, offering promise for patients with low lymphocyte counts.
A new study reveals that infant kidney transplants offer improved survival rates and lower graft failure rates after the first year. Early transplantation avoids adverse effects of waste buildup on neurodevelopmental outcomes and growth.
Researchers discovered that pathogens can hijack mitochondrial defense mechanisms by mimicking host proteins, effectively disarming the mitochondria. This allows the pathogen to acquire essential nutrients and evade the host's immune response.
A study analyzing 676 US health care systems found features associated with overuse of health care include having fewer primary care physicians and being investor owned. These factors were less likely to include a major teaching hospital, contributing to the overuse of healthcare within US health systems.
A team of scientists found that a specific species of jumping spider lacks the ability to see red colors, despite having vibrant red and black coloration. The study suggests that these colors may be used for defensive camouflage rather than mate attraction.
A mathematical model developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified biological markers that can predict treatment responses in COVID-19 patients. The model reveals differences in patient characteristics and response to therapy, enabling clinicians to provide optimal care for diverse patients.
The University of Delaware is leading a research team to create new, environmentally friendly plastics using biomass. The goal is to minimize fossil fuel use and enhance recycling efficiency. The project aims to develop polymers with properties comparable to PET, a common plastic used in consumer products.
A new report by Berkeley Lab outlines systemic changes needed to advance equity in electric utility regulation. The report recommends considering energy justice goals, allocating funding for low-income households, and accounting for energy inequities in designing electricity rates.
Researchers have discovered two proteins, IGF-1 and IGFBP5, in urine samples that are significantly lower after a concussion. These biomarkers could help diagnose concussion and monitor recovery. The study suggests that urine testing could be an early and inexpensive way to detect concussions.
A study in rats found that consuming sweeteners like aspartame or stevia during pregnancy can lead to changes in the offspring's gut microbiome and increased obesity risk. The findings suggest that a mother's diet during pregnancy plays an important role in determining her child's health later in life.
Scientists discovered a link between disrupted brain cell development and increased risk of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Genetic factors disrupting brain development were found to be concentrated in specific sets of genes, which can contribute to disease through disruption of both early and mature brain function.
Researchers aim to develop a biopolymer-based material to replace conventional cement in construction projects. The material has the potential to reduce environmental footprint, minimize dust, and improve soldier health. Biopolymers are naturally produced by living organisms and are safe for human consumption.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a method to reverse insecticide resistance in mosquitoes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. By replacing an insecticide-resistant gene with its susceptible counterpart, they have successfully restored genetic susceptibility to these chemicals.
A Canadian study published in JAMA found a very low incidence of false-positive results among rapid antigen tests used to serially screen asymptomatic workers. The study showed only 0.05% of over 900,000 tests administered had false-positive results.
A recent study from Texas A&M University found that repeated exposure to major disasters can lead to reduced mental health scores, with cumulative impacts being more significant. The study highlights the need for public health interventions targeting individuals and communities affected by hazards.
A study found that governments must be accountable, act quickly, and establish frank dialogue with the public to maintain trust. Effective measures included containment health policies, economic support, and honest communications.
Ancient Mesopotamian societies produced equid hybrids called kungas by crossing domestic donkeys with wild asses, offering a unique combination of strength and control. These animal hybrids were used for warfare and travel before the arrival of domestic horses in the region.
Researchers analyzed the impact of COVID-19-related lockdowns on nearsightedness progression in schoolchildren in Hong Kong. The study found that these measures can contribute to the worsening of myopia among children.
Research from University of Nebraska–Lincoln found that 40% of Americans blame politics for causing stress and an estimated 50-85 million people experience fatigue, anger, and compulsive behaviors due to politics. The results remained mostly stable after nearly four years, suggesting a potential health crisis.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) may be rooted in impaired and inefficient muscle tissue regeneration, which enables unwanted bone growth. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting both extra-skeletal bone formation and muscle function.
Day centres in care organisations were severely impacted during the coronavirus crisis, often having to suspend services due to the pandemic. The study highlights the need for crisis support funds, staff training, and involvement in planning crisis strategies to better meet the needs of vulnerable clients.
Researchers at Duke University developed an artificial intelligence platform that analyzes potentially cancerous lesions in mammography scans. The algorithm is interpretable, showing physicians how it came to its conclusions, making it more trustworthy and useful for training students and aiding physicians in sparsely populated regions.
A new algorithm, FusionM4Net, has been developed to classify skin lesions with improved diagnostic accuracy. The algorithm uses a multi-stage data fusion process and outperforms previous state-of-the-art algorithms.
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by a build-up of fat in the legs and arms, causing pain, swelling, and easy bruising. Researchers at Virginia Tech and Temple University will study its causes and treatments using innovative techniques and computational models.
Researchers discover that ion channel TRPML3 plays a key role in regulating MMP12, a molecule that contributes to the development of COPD. Inactivating TRPML3 leads to increased MMP12 levels and lung damage.
Scientists have discovered a new type of wave that replaces electromagnetic waves called whistler waves in the solar wind, allowing for better understanding of energy flow near the sun. This discovery can help predict 'space weather' events that affect satellites and astronauts in space.
Researchers from King's College London discovered how obesity affects the heart's shape and structure in children, leading to potential future cardiovascular risks. The study used data from over 2,600 children aged 10, showing significant changes at a BMI of 19.
A Kyoto University-led team has created a novel hydrogen plant design that harnesses fully renewable resources to produce clean hydrogen with minimal associated CO2 emissions. The SABI-Hydrogen system uses solar heating and biomass gasification to produce hydrogen, resulting in an emission rate of only 1.04kg CO2/kg hydrogen produced.
A study found that telemedicine increased access to surgical care, but disparities persisted among low-income and older Americans. Virtual consultations were more common among white patients than Latinx and Hispanic patients, while Black patients were more likely to use video conferencing.
Professor Alexander Ecker is awarded a Starting Grant to develop machine-learning methods to describe neurons' shape and function, leveraging a large dataset from the US Brain Initiative. The research aims to uncover how a neuron's shape relates to its role in sensory information processing.
A new study reveals that health insurers are covering most of the cost of ivermectin prescriptions for COVID-19, despite the drug's ineffective treatment against the virus. The study estimates that U.S. private and Medicare plans may have paid $2.4 million for ivermectin prescriptions in a single week alone.
Researchers successfully engineered mesenchymal stromal cells to carry and deliver therapeutics specifically to targeted tissues, offering a precise and reliable approach for treating diseases. This novel cargo-carrier, dubbed 'Cargocytes,' retains most of its cellular functionality while greatly enhancing therapeutic capacity.