Research suggests that guided play can be just as effective as traditional instruction in developing key skills such as literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Guided play may even improve math skills and cognitive ability in younger children.
Researchers identified MIR3607 as a key regulator of the human cerebral cortex's large size, found in primates and carnivores but not mice. The microRNA promotes neural stem cell proliferation and expansion, contributing to brain evolution.
A research team has developed a new strategy to create molecular compounds without multi-step syntheses, using a system of three catalysts. The catalysts work together to selectively insert an aryl group into unactivated alkenes, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for organic synthesis.
Researchers found that male mosquitoes beat their wings up to 500-1,000 times a second, changing frequency to produce 'distortion tones' more audible to the male ear. This change is partly due to their circadian clock and allows males to detect females in swarms.
Hospital admissions for common and severe childhood infections in England decreased by up to 94% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that non-COVID-19 interventions, such as school closures and social distancing measures, may also reduce transmission of other infectious diseases in children.
A new targeted therapy inhibits specific immune cells associated with lupus nephritis, improving kidney inflammation in animal models. Elevated levels of ALCAM molecules suggest a potential new path toward personalized medicine.
The CHEOPS space telescope has detected the deformation of exoplanet WASP-103b, a rugby ball-shaped world with extreme tides. The planet's Love number indicates similarities with Jupiter's internal structure, suggesting it may be highly inflated due to heating from its star.
Researchers estimated severe SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in youths tested positive in emergency departments, highlighting key risk factors. The study found higher risks of severe illness among younger patients with underlying health conditions.
A new study found that Tasmanian devils have picky diets and only consume their favorite foods, unlike most other scavengers. The researchers tracked the eating habits of 71 devils using whisker samples and found that most devils choose to dine on specific foods.
Research suggests men are more likely to engage in deviant behavior such as lying or cheating when their gender status is threatened at work. In contrast, women's responses to gender threats do not affect their perceived ability to behave autonomously.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a previously unknown protein called SCP4 that plays a crucial role in the survival of acute myeloid leukemia cells. The study found that SCP4 can pair with specific kinases to regulate cell activity, and targeting this pathway may lead to effective treatment options.
A new study uses stem cells to predict schizophrenia symptoms, opening the door to personalized medicine. The researchers found that neurons derived from patients' own stem cells predicted psychosis and cognitive deficits with high accuracy.
A new study by Emory University found that international trade bans on endangered species generally benefit mammals but harm reptiles. The researchers discovered large spikes in legal trade for reptilian species before bans were implemented, which may explain the differential impact of the bans.
Physicians in Colorado are more willing than expected to provide medical aid in dying, with 81% open to discussing the topic and 88% willing to make referrals. However, 46% were unwilling to serve as consultants, highlighting the need for better understanding of the challenges physicians face in this practice.
Researchers found that college graduates between 34 and 43 years old are more likely to return to their hometowns if they had a strong attachment to their public K-12 schools. The study also revealed that rural communities with lower population densities and fewer postsecondary degree holders were more attractive to returning graduates.
The upper ocean has reached record-breaking temperatures for the sixth consecutive year, with the latest data showing a significant increase in heat content. This warming trend is primarily driven by human-induced climate change, which affects ocean acidification and marine life.
Researchers from Korea Maritime & Ocean University found that using LPG as a marine fuel can reduce annual fuel consumption by 7.5-10.4%, fuel cost by 8.8-25.9%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 10-14%. The study also highlights the potential for promoting LPG as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels.
The HKUMed research team successfully repurposed an approved drug, ifenprodil, in combination with the FDA-approved drug sorafenib to treat liver cancer. The study leveraged CRISPR-Cas9 screening platform to identify a common target known as NMDAR1 and its paired targets, which inhibits HCC cells' growth and self-renewal ability.
Researchers discovered RNA can bind two metabolites in a single pocket, regulating gene expression and potentially creating new antibacterial drugs. This finding provides more support for the 'RNA World' theory, which suggests RNA molecules enabled life to evolve 3.5 billion years ago.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a portable brain imaging procedure using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to detect acute impairment from THC intoxication. The technique shows promise in distinguishing between impairment and mild intoxication, with accuracy confirmed by machine learning models.
A study reveals a powerful subset of vascular macrophages expressing CLEC4A2 fosters 'good' macrophage behavior, limiting plaque build-up. This discovery challenges the widely held belief that macrophages only play a harmful role in cardiovascular disease.
The International Cardiac Rehabilitation Registry (ICRR) is designed to assess the quality of cardiac rehab programs worldwide, improving patient outcomes. The registry enables programs in low- and middle-income countries to benchmark their services against international standards.
A potential vaccine stimulating skin antioxidant production may help prevent skin cancer. Researchers at Oregon State University have identified TR1, a protein critical to the skin's antioxidant network, as a key target for this approach.
Researchers developed a recursive composite adaptive control method to improve the accuracy and dynamic performance of robot manipulators in the Chinese Space Station. The new controller reduces computational loads and achieves faster parameter convergence, making it suitable for high-degree-of-freedom robots.
A new study published in Circulation Research found that smoking can increase the risk of a heart attack by activating a gene that affects blood clotting. The researchers discovered that smoking causes changes to DNA methylation at specific sites, leading to increased platelet activity and an increased risk of clotting events.
A comprehensive assessment of scientific integrity in US government agencies reveals sound policies but also issues that undermine public trust and scientist morale. The report identifies best practices to reinforce a culture of integrity and proposes additional principles to strengthen scientific integrity across government.
Dr. Mark S. Parker, MD, FACR, has been recognized as the 2022 ARRS Distinguished Educator for his outstanding contributions to radiological education. He will be formally recognized at the ARRS Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA on May 1, 2022.
A new catalytic approach directly converts solid biomass into natural gas with a low carbon footprint, achieving nearly complete conversion of various agricultural and forestry materials. This process reduces fossil energy depletion and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 26% and 34%, respectively.
Research led by Penn State found that minority individuals are more accepting of a combination influenza-COVID-19 vaccine than COVID-19 alone. The study suggests bundling vaccines may increase future uptake among minorities due to convenience.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures within tumors. These structures contain immune cells and can promote anti-tumor activity when Tfh cells are introduced, leading to improved outcomes in patients with certain types of cancer.
Researchers at Oregon State University identified two cannabinoid acids, CBGA and CBDA, that can block the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing virus entry into human cells. These compounds have a good safety profile in humans and may be effective against variant strains.
Researchers at HKUMed developed a new vaccine regimen that induces robust mucosal immunity, preventing SARS-CoV-2 nasal infection in animal models. The heterologous combination of PD1-RBD-DNA and LAIV-HK68-RBD vaccines demonstrated superior protection against pandemic variants, including Alpha, Beta, and Delta.
A team of researchers at MIT has identified and modeled a major reason for poor performance in electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion systems, which is caused by a local depletion of CO2 gas near the electrodes. By pulsing the current off and on, they can replenish the gas levels, allowing the process to continue efficiently.
A UCLA-led team has improved a method to kill HIV-infected cells, using natural killer cells to target and eliminate them. The approach could lead to reducing or eliminating the virus from infected individuals who rely on medication.
Mathematical modeling can assess toxicants' impact on river populations without endangering the environment. A new model developed by Peng Zhou and Qihua Huang describes the interactions between a population and a toxicant in an advective environment.
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers have identified signaling mechanisms in pancreatic cancer cells that could be targeted for treatment. By inhibiting a specific protein, cancer cells' DNA can become damaged and induce programmed cell death, providing a potential new strategy for treating this aggressive form of cancer.
A computer model developed by Tufts University researchers mirrors the spread of misinformation in real life. The model takes into account pre-existing beliefs, which can influence how individuals accept new information, and provides insight into strategies to counter misinformation.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a new method to prevent the body's proteins from attacking treatment-carrying nanoparticles, allowing for more effective delivery of therapies. By coating nanoparticles with natural suppressors of complement activation, such as Factor I, the team has shown improved protection against immune ...
A UCI-led team identified a molecular feature in prostate cancer associated with ancestry, which may help predict patient risk and tailor treatment. ERV expression signatures also showed promise for identifying patients at greatest risk of progression across different ancestries.
A novel, simple, and extremely compact terahertz radiation source has been developed at TU Wien, enabling high intensities and small size. The technology uses resonant-tunnelling diodes and can be used in various applications such as material testing, airport security control, radio astronomy, and chemical sensors.
A study reveals how CSDE1 coordinates skin cell senescence, slowing down cellular function without causing death. This leads to the formation of a firewall against cancer, suppressing tumor growth.
A new PET/CT artificial intelligence model has been developed to predict the risk of future heart attacks with improved accuracy. By combining information from PET and CT angiography, the model provides a more robust prediction of heart attack risk than clinical data alone.
The ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D has discovered that the youngest generation of stars will eventually stop contributing metals back to the universe. This change affects the composition of the galaxy over time, with around half of the carbon and all elements heavier than iron synthesized by stars like our Sun.
A team of researchers found that animals with strong site fidelity, which is returning to the same places to eat, travel, and raise their young, may not survive or reproduce as well in changing landscapes. This can lead to population declines, especially in species like mule deer affected by human development.
A recent study found that biomass burning aerosols enhance cloud formation in southeastern Asia through aerosol-radiation interactions, leading to significant climate effects. The researchers used a comprehensive approach combining model simulations with multiple data sources to investigate the role of wildfires in low-cloud formation.
A Rutgers study found that phthalates, commonly found in consumer products, can alter the production of essential placental hormones during pregnancy. Higher levels of phthalates have been linked to increased risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
A team of researchers from Osaka University has developed a simple system based on electrochemical reactions that can perform complex calculations. The system uses polyoxometalate molecules and deionized water to process information and solve nonlinear problems.
Researchers advocate for an evidence-based approach to resource allocation, reallocating funds from wasteful healthcare activities to support education systems. This shift would address the significant negative impacts of COVID-19 disruptions on health, particularly among disadvantaged groups.
The NRG Oncology GOG 0261 trial demonstrated that paclitaxel and carboplatin is a non-inferior alternative to paclitaxel and ifosfamide for treating women with uterine carcinosarcoma. This regimen offers improved progression-free survival and overall survival compared to the current standard of care.
Researchers at Waseda University discovered a new protein isoform called Senp5S, which helps regulate Drp1 and mitochondrial dynamics during brain development. The study suggests a novel and vital role for post-translational SUMOylation in neuronal differentiation.
KTU researchers have developed new materials that significantly improve the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. The new materials use a passivation method to prevent degradation, achieving an efficiency of 21.4% in record-breaking solar modules.
The CLASSY gene family controls tissue-specific DNA methylation patterns in Arabidopsis, which has broad implications for agriculture and medicine. The study reveals that CLSY genes modulate DNA methylation patterns in different plant tissues.
Researchers analyzed hospital visits, admissions, and deaths for 50,393 children with asthma to track trends. The study used health information exchange data, revealing a significant increase in pediatric asthma death rates despite a decline in hospital admissions.
Researchers found that adding boron to plasma improves heat confinement and reduces turbulence, a promising concept for fusion power. The study reveals a novel regime for confining heat in stellarators, which could advance the design as a blueprint for future fusion power plants.
Rapid coastal erosion in the Arctic is driven by permafrost thawing, ground ice melting, and sea surface temperature rises. This leads to increased erosion, water pollution, and loss of habitats for local communities.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a single relationship explaining the massive efficiency differences in extracellular electron shuttles. The study found that the transfer of the first electron from the shuttle to iron oxide determines the iron reduction rate, shedding light on a critical step in microbial respiration.
Researchers created a digital chromosome in yeast that stored image information and exhibited genetic and epigenetic features. The artificial chromosome formed chromatin structures with histones and displayed active transcription, overcoming data storage limitations.
A study by USF Genomics program found that prenatal exposure to the Rwandan genocide was associated with epigenetic modifications in genes linked to mental disorders. These 'chemical' changes can have a rapid response to trauma across generations, suggesting a possible link between historical trauma and modern-day mental health issues.
A meta-analysis found that breastfeeding significantly lowers a mother's risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. The review analyzed health data from nearly 1.2 million women across eight studies conducted in different countries.
A new study found that older Europeans who underestimate their health are more likely to adapt their behavior in response to COVID-19 concerns. This group may face increased social isolation and feelings of loneliness as a result.