A long-term study on plastic degradation in oceans reveals significant differences between beach and shipwreck samples. Researchers found that beach-dried plastic pellets had undergone extensive degradation, while those trapped in the wreck showed minimal signs of aging.
A study suggests three roadway treatments - better lighting, shorter crossings, and converted left-turns - can improve the safety of older pedestrians. Research by Oregon State University found that these measures could reduce exposure time for pedestrians in the roadway, increasing their safety.
A new general theory describes how temperature affects living things at all scales, predicting patterns in metabolism, growth rate, and mortality rate. The model combines elements lacking in earlier attempts, providing a universal framework for understanding temperature's impact on biology.
A study by Toyohashi University of Technology found that the human visual system flexibly modulates observers' perception according to their posture. The research used the Necker cube as a visual stimulus and found a significant difference in probability of perception depending on the viewing posture, with a bias towards looking up.
Researchers have discovered neural plastic changes that can improve functional recovery after a cervical spinal cord injury. Using an optogenetic neuromodulation strategy, they found that the intact corticospinal system in the opposite side of the brain and spinal cord can be modulated to take over control of the damaged forelimb, resu...
Researchers at King's College London discovered nine genes associated with metabolic disease risk in fat tissue. The study found that diet can affect belly fat accumulation through epigenetic changes.
A study by Imperial College London found that 64% of calories in school lunches come from ultra-processed foods, contributing to childhood obesity. The analysis revealed higher levels of processed foods in packed lunches and secondary school meals, with lower-income children more likely to consume them.
A meta-analysis of 54 studies confirms that caregiver engagement across healthcare transitions is crucial in preventing rehospitalizations and enhancing patient outcomes. Caregivers play a critical role in facilitating care transitions when the healthcare team actively partners with them.
A study by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that the scaly-breasted wren's song consistently kept time for its duration, even as pauses increased in length. The results suggest that birds can track time more accurately than expected, challenging conventional wisdom on animal cognition.
The study reveals that female Prussian carps use hijacked sperm to reproduce, producing only female clones. This unique reproductive method has allowed the species to colonize new habitats and outcompete native species.
A study found that cannabis use and daily use are more common in US states with recreational cannabis laws compared to those without. Cigarette smokers in these states have even higher rates of cannabis use.
A postdoctoral researcher uses computational tools to characterize light mesons, shedding light on the strong interaction and its role in binding quarks. The study aims to improve understanding of how matter stays together and bridge the gap between experimentalists and theorists.
A Rutgers study found that women are more likely to die or require repeat surgery five years after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The researchers highlighted the need for increased inclusion of women in aortic device creation and trial enrollment, given differences in aortic anatomy between men and women.
Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding the electronic structure of graphite, a crucial component in battery production. The study's findings highlight the importance of surface effects in bulk intrinsic electronic state measurements, revealing new insights into the material's electrical properties.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that older patients respond equally well to rTMS but with slower onset of effects compared to younger patients. The researchers suggest revising treatment protocols to consider longer courses for older adults, making this treatment more accessible.
A study found that non-coding 'junk' DNA can get in the way of genome replication, potentially allowing mutations to accumulate. The researchers believe repetitive patterns of DNA sequences could trigger a damage response signal indicating errors in DNA replication have occurred and require repair.
Astronomers have discovered a unique triple star system consisting of two binary stars and one massive tertiary star. The system is incredibly luminous due to its compact nature and was initially detected by amateur astronomers using NASA's TESS observatory data.
Researchers used AI and 3D Geometric Morphometrics to analyze tooth marks found at the Venta Micena site, revealing that a hyena species was the primary predator. The study's success rate exceeded 90%, providing new insights into ancient ecosystems.
Research reveals cytokine involvement in IgA nephropathy by increasing aberrantly O-glycosylated IgA1 production. The study provides insights into clinical trials using cytokines as therapeutic targets and future directions for treatment.
A new study uses machine learning models to predict cancer patients' responses to immunotherapy based on their gut microbiome features. The research identifies common gut bacterial taxa associated with responders versus non-responders, providing a potential tool for distinguishing and predicting immunotherapy responders.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz discovered that a key genetic mutation in the KRAS gene alters RNA 'dark matter', leading to the release of previously unknown RNA biomarkers. These biomarkers could be detected in the blood through a liquid biopsy, offering a promising step in cancer early detection.
Researchers have discovered that resistivity can cause instabilities in plasma edge, making it more stable when included in models. The study aims to design systems for future fusion facilities with improved plasma stability.
A study by Columbia University found that diverse nurse workforces are associated with reduced risk of life-threatening complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period. Racial and ethnic minorities face higher risks, with Native American mothers having the highest incidence of severe adverse maternal outcomes.
Researchers found an autism-associated mutation in the Hevin protein results in its retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, activating the unfolded protein response in cells. This disrupts normal brain function, contributing to autism pathogenesis.
Researchers found that domesticated maize recruits different microbes from soil than its wild ancestors, including those involved in nitrogen cycling. This shift may be driving the need for synthetic fertilizers, but understanding the ancestral microbiome could help breed crops more sustainably.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine found that higher levels of memory B cells are associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infection. Memory B cells selectively act against specific targets, providing long-lasting immunity and potentially protecting against diverse variants of the virus.
Researchers at the University of Surrey used non-invasive skin swabs to collect sebum from hospitalised patients and found it to be surprisingly accurate in detecting Covid-19. The study compared results with blood and saliva samples, revealing that skin swab tests scored around 0.88, close to the accuracy of blood samples.
Researchers found that current reported rates of carbon capture are overestimated by 19-30%, with actual storage rates being significantly lower. This discrepancy affects the accuracy of climate change mitigation impact assessments and hinders efforts to tackle the crisis.
Studies in rats have found that T-cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to preeclampsia complications. Researchers are exploring ways to dampen this response to reduce the risk of premature birth or worse outcomes for mother and child.
A new study investigates how birds experience neophobia, which could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. The research gathered data on the behavior of captive Bali myna birds, revealing that juvenile birds may be more suitable for reintroduction than adults.
Research found a 5.8% increase in traffic crash injuries and a 4.1% increase in fatal crash rates after legalization. States with retail sales saw an initial jump in injury crash rate before it decreased.
A new clinical model predicts hospital mortality and major adverse kidney events in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. The proposed model exhibits good performance for outcome prediction, enabling timely interventions to promote kidney recovery.
Researchers investigated COVID-19 booster completion among US veterans, identifying associations with demographic, clinical, and social determinants of health. The study aimed to pinpoint vulnerable subpopulations that may require targeted interventions to increase booster dose completion rates.
Researchers have discovered a 50-year-old tortoise on Fernandina Island, doubling the number of known members of Chelonoidis phantasticus. The genome comparison reveals similarities between the two animals, but also raises questions about their evolutionary relationship and conservation status.
A study published in eLife suggests that combining broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) based on viral genetics can help prevent viral escape and rebound in HIV treatment. The researchers identified a combination of three bNAbs, PG9, PGT151, and VRC01, which reduces the chance of viral rebound to less than 1%.
A recent Kaiser Permanente study suggests that fully vaccinated patients who have had COVID-19 may not be at an elevated risk of complications after surgery. The research analyzed records from over 228,000 surgeries and found no significant difference in postoperative complication rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have created the first comprehensive annotation of long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) in four mustard species. The study identifies locations across all four genomes that encoded lincRNAs, proposed functions for them, and confirmed the function of some lincRNAs involved in germination. Th...
Researchers found wearable activity trackers encourage users to walk up to 40 minutes more each day, resulting in a significant weight loss of 1kg over five months. The study, which reviewed almost 400 studies involving 164,000 people, also found benefits for blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Gladstone researchers discovered that BET proteins play two distinct roles in interacting with SARS-CoV-2 infected human cells: giving the virus a window into cells while helping our cells defend themselves. Blocking certain BET proteins worsens disease symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutics.
Researchers used C. elegans to investigate inter-individual variation in metabolism and found genetic variants that affect metabolic differences between individuals. They discovered unique metabolites in different strains of the worm, which could help tailor biomedical recommendations to individual metabolism.
A comprehensive review of research on serotonin and depression found no link between the two, contradicting long-held theories. The study suggests that antidepressants' effectiveness may be due to managing stressful life events rather than correcting chemical imbalances.
A new study finds that large-scale HIV screening and peer support successfully reduced uncontrolled HIV in people who inject drugs by 40% in Haiphong, Vietnam. The intervention improved HIV identification and care among this at-risk population.
Research at the University of Reading found that high-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduced feelings of anxiety and depression in young adults. The study links Vitamin B6 to its calming effect on the brain, which may help alleviate mood disorders.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego launch nationwide clinical trial to investigate benfotiamine as a metabolic treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease. The trial aims to determine the effectiveness of high doses of benfotiamine in benefiting people with mild AD or mild cognitive impairment.
A study found that healthcare workers in non-COVID-19 wards during outbreaks transmitted new infections, highlighting gaps in infection control practices between different acute care wards. In contrast, those working in COVID-19 isolation wards had lower transmission rates.
A study by Yale ornithologist Richard Prum and colleagues found that hummingbirds exhibit the highest level of color diversity among all bird species, with an increase of 56% in known bird-visible plumage colors.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a novel low-cost method for refining boron using ultrasonication, resulting in 95% pure MgB2 superconductors with improved magnetic properties. This breakthrough could make cheap superconductors a reality soon.
A FAU Harbor Branch study demonstrates hydrology impacts through high-resolution simulation model. Increased freshwater discharge contributes to intensified shelf water mixing that favors surface intrusion of Loop Current waters.
A study of 1,415 law enforcement officers and firefighters found that unvaccinated first responders are at a higher risk of developing COVID-19 and holding misconceptions about vaccine effectiveness. The findings highlight the need for increased vaccination efforts among this vulnerable group.
Tree ring growth in Alaska's La Perouse glacier reveals a slowdown of growth as the glacier advanced and an increase in growth rates as it retreated. The findings provide insights into how ecosystems may respond to rapid climate change.
Researchers from Sichuan University developed a new polymer aerogel with superelasticity that functions in a temperature range of -196-500°C, maintaining multifunctional protective performance. The scalable method uses bidirectionally oriented carbon/carbon aerogel composite multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
A new study published in Psychiatric Services finds that large-scale training in suicide prevention is possible, with healthcare professionals reporting improved understanding of suicide and how to respond. The training aims to educate and empower providers to identify at-risk behaviors and discuss limitations of lethal means.
Researchers found that arctic shrub growth is limited by seed dispersal and fire, not just environmental suitability. The study used high-resolution satellite imagery to estimate shrub expansion in the Arctic region, revealing a discrepancy with previous models.
Locations with high marine biodiversity are most vulnerable to oceanic warming, making them particularly susceptible to climate change. This is because species in these regions are ill-equipped to respond to large changes in temperature, requiring them to move at rates rarely seen for marine life.
A new study found that COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in the months following infection. The risk of diabetes returns to baseline levels within 23 weeks, while cardiovascular disease risk decreases after 7 weeks.
A new study found that active interventions can lift conservation units of wild Pacific salmon to green status, which means they are healthy and able to sustain fisheries under Canada's Wild Salmon Policy. Implementing an integrated habitat strategy and improving policies for watershed management can shift up to 17 CUs to green status.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have developed a new method to test malaria vaccines that mimics natural exposure, increasing efficiency and accuracy. The study found the vaccine to be effective in both controlled clinical settings and in the field, with promising results for future mass vaccination programs.
Researchers at OHSU developed an efficient and accurate assessment of placental health using standard MRI, detecting complications early in pregnancy. The method identifies T2* values that provide key information about oxygen availability and placental blood flow.
Researchers applied scRNA-seq to define newly diagnosed MM patients by the R-ISS strategy, identifying plasma cell clusters and specific genes like PDIA6 and LETM1. These findings provide insight into novel molecules, networks, and crosstalk pairs in different R-ISS stages of MM.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified four proteins in saliva that bind to and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry, including neutrophil elastase and histone H2A. These findings may lead to the development of methods to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection.