A newly developed wearable sensor patch worn on the neck may predict concussion risk in high-impact sports like American football or judo. The device detects sudden neck strain, such as whiplash, and has shown a strong positive correlation with results from sensors inside a test dummy.
The American College of Radiology has issued risk mitigation guidance to help healthcare institutions conserve contrast media supplies amid a global shortage. Two healthcare systems, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina, have implemented strategies that reduced their contrast use by at least 50%.
A new analysis of ancient and contemporary genomes shows that more than half of historical groups experienced founder events, leading to reduced genetic diversity. This research has significant implications for scientists studying human genetic variation and the discovery of disease-causing mutations.
A new study reveals that over half of human populations worldwide have experienced sharp dips in population size due to founder events, associated with geographic isolation, hunter-gatherer lifestyle, or cultural practices. This analysis technique, ASCEND, will help identify groups at high risk of genetic diseases.
Researchers developed a bioadhesive containing allantoin and epidermal growth factor to promote wound healing. The study found that the bioadhesive effectively revived skin without sutures, resulting in minimal scarring and hair follicle loss.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that states with hate crime laws protecting LGBTQ populations have lower rates of suicide attempts among both sexual and gender minority students, as well as heterosexual students. Overall, suicide attempt rates decreased by 16% in those states.
A fourth dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provided high protection against severe outcomes from Omicron infection among elderly residents in Israeli long-term care facilities. The vaccine also offered modest protection against COVID-19 infections among this population during a surge in Omicron variant cases.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have developed a precise model for the stinging organelle of the starlet sea anemone, revealing its complex architecture and firing mechanism. The findings could lead to beneficial applications in medicine, including microscopic therapeutic delivery devices.
A new study in Science found that many species of turtles and tortoises have slowed or switched off senescence, challenging evolutionary theories. Out of 52 species, 75% show extremely slow senescence, and 80% have slower senescence than modern humans.
A multidisciplinary study by the University of Minnesota found that girls and boys show similar rates of concerns for autism spectrum disorder when screened earlier. The research identified subtle differences in core symptoms but corrected for these biases to reveal a 'high concern' group with an equal sex ratio.
Researchers have developed a method to understand chromosomal instability in aggressive cancers, allowing for improved analysis and selection of effective therapies. The study defines biological causes of different types of chromosomal instability and its relation to tumour types.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found significant disparities in breast biopsy delays among non-white women, with Black women experiencing the longest delays. Structural racism within healthcare facilities and screening site-specific factors contribute to these disparities.
Scientists develop nanoparticles that break down physical barriers around tumors to reach cancer cells, releasing gene editing systems like CRISPR-Cas9. The new therapy effectively stops ovarian and liver tumor growth in mice.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created the first heat-tolerant, stable fibers from boron nitride nanotubes using a wet-spinning process. The fibers assemble themselves into liquid crystals, making them easier to process and suitable for large-scale applications in aerospace, electronics, and energy-efficient materials.
A mathematical modelling study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases estimates that COVID-19 vaccines have prevented approximately 19.8 million deaths worldwide in the first year of the vaccination program, a reduction of 63%. This represents nearly 80% of potential deaths that would have occurred without vaccination.
Inherited mutations in the MINAR2 gene cause deafness in four families, with progressive hearing loss in some affected individuals and mice. The study suggests these cases may be suitable for intervention with genetic therapies.
A narrative review of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) highlights its potential as a minimally invasive weight loss procedure. The review concludes that ESG induces significant weight loss and improves obesity-related conditions, with the technique's success attributed to delayed gastric emptying. Researchers support the use of ESG...
A new gene, RAP1GAP2, has been identified as a potential contributor to the disparity in heart disease diagnosis and treatment between men and women. The study aims to analyze how this gene affects cardiac disease risks among women of different racial and ethnic groups.
A WHO-guided digital health intervention reduced depression and mental health symptoms among Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The study suggests this intervention may also benefit other refugees with access to digital technology.
A novel liquid biopsy test can accurately detect cancer DNA in the blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer within five hours, potentially helping oncologists determine if treatments are working. The test's diagnostic accuracy is 85%, correctly detecting cancer 83% of the time and ruling out cancer 92% of the time.
Scientists have developed a biomass-derived plastic similar to PET that meets the criteria for replacing several current plastics. The new plastic can be produced in one step using inexpensive chemicals and retains its sugar structure, making it easy to degrade.
Researchers propose that massive continent stretching triggered a sudden and extreme warming of the planet, leading to the 'Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum' (PETM) event. This theory suggests that intense volcanic activity released large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, causing global warming.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that the APOE4 gene is unique to patients with Alzheimer's disease and causes specific defects in human brain cells. The study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of the gene, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies to combat the condition.
A study conducted at Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station discovered high levels of microplastics in the lake's surface waters. The research, led by Dr. Xiong from China's Institute of Hydrobiology, identified three main ways microplastics enter the lake: atmospheric deposition, river inputs, and shoreline sources.
Fossilized specimens of Vampyronassa rhodanica, an ancient cephalopod related to octopus and squid, display robust suckers for active hunting. The species is thought to have used these suckers to create a watertight seal and manipulate prey.
A new study found that teams with stable hierarchies exhibit cooperative speaking patterns, while unstable or unspecified hierarchies lead to competitive interruptive patterns. Team gender composition also plays a role, with majority-female teams benefiting from cooperative patterns and all-male teams from competitive patterns.
Researchers investigated aging in turtle species, finding surprisingly little evidence of senescence. Protective adaptations and life history strategies contribute to the negligible aging in long-lived species. Some turtle and tortoise species may even reduce physical aging in response to better environmental conditions.
The study used synchrotron radiation X-ray computed tomography (CT) to observe internal nonuniform deformation of a material in several dozens mm. They found that performing deformation evaluations at both macroscale and microscale can provide insights into the vibration damping mechanism of rubber materials.
The Tibetan Plateau's water supply is under strain due to rapid melting of snow and upstream glaciers. This scarcity could lead to increased risks of international and intranational disputes in countries relying on it.
A study found that citizen science volunteers are predominantly white and educated, with a high percentage of STEM professionals, highlighting the need for more diverse recruitment strategies. Many volunteers join multiple projects, indicating a willingness to participate in scientific research.
The Impact Acceleration Account supports critical early-stage translation of UK research to transform public services, create new businesses, and jobs. The programme provides funding to unlock the value of UK research, including commercialisation of new technologies.
A new study reveals that more than half of American adults gained 5% or more body weight over a 10-year period, while women and Black women experienced the greatest average weight gain. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address obesity in high-risk groups.
A Brazilian patient with a rare genetic disease was treated with breast milk donated by a vaccinated woman, boosting her IgA levels and eliminating the virus. The treatment was successful after a week, with the patient testing negative twice at ten-day intervals.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have proposed three guiding principles for improving AI, inspired by infant learning. The new approach aims to enhance machine learning with in-built preferences and developmental trajectories, using richer datasets that capture multiple senses.
The project aims to develop expansive and interdisciplinary data fluencies combining arts and humanities with critical work in the data sciences. Researchers will cultivate the next generation of end-users, innovators, humanists and critical thinkers to create technologies that tell more diverse stories and increase equitable access.
A study of 45,000 women found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the time it takes to receive a biopsy after an abnormal screening mammogram result. Factors such as individual characteristics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and healthcare access were also associated with delays in biopsies.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have released a comprehensive data standard to standardize definitions for COVID-19-related cardiovascular conditions. This framework will help pool or compare data from various sources to assess its applicability to clinical practice and research endeavors.
A team of researchers created an in vitro human model of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) using the Human Organ Chip technology. The EED Chips recapitulate features of EED found in biopsies from human patients, including inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between malnu...
Researchers find that microplastics impede internal activity of seeds during germination, leading to stunted growth. The study used a novel technique called biospeckle optical coherence tomography (bOCT) to demonstrate the effects of polyethylene microplastics on lentil seedlings.
A study of 64 vaccinated and 26 unvaccinated cancer patients found that COVID-19 vaccination frequently triggers cytokine release syndrome-associated cytokines, but rarely causes symptoms. Vaccination appears to improve overall survival in vaccinated patients.
A new analysis method reveals that the original SARS-CoV-2 viral strain used a sugar binding feature to infect human cells, which was later lost in variants. This discovery raises questions about the origins of the virus and its transmission to humans.
A new study found that transitioning from in-person to virtual conferences significantly reduces travel-related carbon dioxide emissions, with an estimated 80% reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers estimated CO2 emissions associated with conference attendance before and during the pandemic.
The new recommendations aim to replace the one-size-fits-none model with a more tailored approach, utilizing flexible care delivery models and provider settings. The Michigan Plan for Appropriate Tailored Healthcare in pregnancy (MiPATH) provides practical guidance on implementing these changes.
A research team discovered oxygenate-based routes in syngas conversion over oxide-zeolite (OXZEO) bifunctional catalysts using solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The study revealed the mechanistic difference between OXZEO and traditional zinc oxide and zeolite catalysts.
A Jurassic cephalopod, Vampyronassa rhodanica, was likely an active predatory hunter, featuring robust suckers and sensory appendages. Its exceptional soft-tissue preservation provides new insights into the evolution and palaeoecology of vampyroteuthids.
Climate change affects mangrove forest's 'blue carbon' system through rising sea levels and ocean acidity. Mangrove forests store over 1,000 tons of carbon per hectare, crucial in mitigating climate change.
A multi-institutional study found that a virtual approach can be more efficient than traditional trials, with enrollment being about five times faster. The study showed improved symptoms and health status in patients taking a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) drug.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals molecular tumor profiling of pediatric tumors can clarify diagnoses and treatment with targeted, precision cancer drugs. In 24% of cases, patients responded to the therapy or experienced durable clinical benefits.
This volume of Oncotarget features groundbreaking research on various cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, and neuroblastoma, as well as novel drug targets for bladder cancer. The studies also delve into the role of BRCA in breast and colorectal cancers.
Pitt and Princeton engineers develop a system that converts chemical energy into mechanical action, allowing two-dimensional polymer sheets to rise and rotate in spiral helices without external power. The self-assembly process creates a complex, three-dimensional structure resembling twisted yarn being formed by a rotating spindle.
Scientists have developed artificial photosynthesis to produce food in the dark, bypassing sunlight's need. This technology converts CO2, electricity, and water into acetate, a key component of vinegar, boosting food production's conversion efficiency up to 18 times.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba develop a model that combines multiple theories to simulate motor learning in humans. The study found that larger amounts of motor exploration aid in learning sensitivity derivatives and transforming errors into motor corrections.
This study found that consuming high amounts of free sugar between 18 months and 4 years increases the risk of dental caries at 4-6 years of age. The study, which analyzed data from over 863 children, also found that limiting free sugar intake reduced the risk of dental caries.
A study of over 45,000 women found racial and ethnic disparities in postpartum care accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that Black and Hispanic women experienced slower access to postpartum care compared to their white counterparts.
A new study reconstructs the natural pace and pattern of carbon storage in forests over centuries, revealing that woody biomass nearly doubled during the last 8,000 years. This finding highlights the importance of preserving large trees to maintain carbon sequestration processes and buffer climate change.
A new study found that 85-90% of the increase in contraception use is due to meeting demand for reproductive control, not avoiding pregnancy. Women are successfully carrying out their preferences and achieving what they want, refuting the idea that decreased desire for children is driving the rise in contraception use.
A new modeling study predicts that coastal marsh migration will release more carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. As marshes move inland due to sea level rise, they convert land from a net carbon sink to a net carbon source, releasing stored carbon into the air.
Climate change is transforming ecosystems, leading to loss of species and addition of others. Proactive approaches, such as restoring connectivity and conserving habitats, can help ecosystems adapt and maintain resilience.
The study reveals a surprising 8,000-year accumulation of forest biomass in the Midwest, driven by climate change and ecological succession. This finding challenges previous assumptions about forest stability before industrialization.
The UK's first major AI ethics research program will inform the ethical development and use of AI, addressing concerns over algorithmic decision-making and data-driven technologies. The £8.5 million program aims to build public confidence and create a responsible AI ecosystem.
A team of researchers has developed an approach to minimize off-target mutations caused by the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool. The new method, dubbed spacer-nick, uses a modified pair of molecular scissors that make nicks on opposite strands of the DNA at two different points, reducing errors and increasing precision.
Women led a larger proportion of articles in top-cited samples and saw an increasing trend in publication rates over time. Gender disparities were observed across dental disciplines, countries, authorship positions, and time period.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a potential more effective treatment for HER2 mutant metastatic breast cancer, poziotinib. The drug reduced tumor growth and multi-organ metastasis in laboratory tests and animal models.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified an unexpected molecular target of a common treatment for alopecia, a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles. They found that glucocorticoid hormones instruct regulatory T cells to activate hair follicle stem cells, leading to hair growth and regeneration.
The report shows that the number of cancer survivors in the US has grown to 18 million as of January 2022. More than two-thirds (67%) of these survivors are aged 65 years or older. Racial disparities have been found in treatment and survival rates for common cancers.
The study clarifies the role of photoperiodism in regulating rice flowering time. Phytochrome B makes connection between light and Evening Complex, while active ELF3-1 protein triggers late flowering. Evening Complex plays essential role in inducing flowering, with inactive proteins leading to no flowering.
Researchers at Ural Federal University found that zinnia and tobacco plants can survive and even flourish in copper-contaminated soil, suggesting a possible use for landscaping areas. The study showed that these plants adapt by accumulating copper in their roots and limiting its transport to other parts of the plant.
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a simple yet effective approach for on-demand tactile sensing in minimally-invasive surgery. The Smart Laparoscopic Forceps (SLF) system measures grasping force and angle, providing surgeons with relative stiffness index of tissue to help with decision-making during operations.
Researchers will evaluate COVID-19 vaccination safety in 1,800 pregnant participants and monitor immune response. The study aims to provide information on vaccine efficacy for mothers and babies.
A comprehensive study reveals that turtles, crocodilians, and salamanders have low aging rates and extended lifespans. Protective phenotypes like hard shells contribute to slower aging, with some species experiencing 'negligible aging' or lack of demographic aging.
Researchers identify key features of a gene mutation responsible for 15-20% of melanomas, establishing a link between the frequency of specific NRAS mutations and spontaneous melanoma formation. The study could help pinpoint early events required for melanoma formation and develop targeted treatments.
Research shows that default options on carbon offsetting websites can lead to faster CO2 compensation, even at higher costs. The study found that as costs increase, the effectiveness of these defaults decreases. This suggests that people are price-sensitive when it comes to high-cost defaults.
Studies by UC Davis MIND Institute found predictive protein patterns in expecting mothers' blood and links between maternal autoantibodies and higher autistic traits. MAR ASD patterns were associated with autism before birth, with certain patterns predicting autism in previously diagnosed children.
Researchers created a wearable sensor that can measure biomarkers and substances using Raman spectroscopy. The sensor is robust and sensitive, with potential applications in glucose monitoring and virus detection.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed self-powered smart implants that can monitor spinal fusion healing in real-time. The implants use a new class of multifunctional mechanical metamaterials to record pressure and stresses, generating their own power and providing crucial information about the healing process.
A new study predicts a temperature-linked decrease in the production of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for fish and human consumption. The researchers analyzed planktonic lipids in the global ocean, finding a significant decline in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) under worst-case climate scenarios.
Scientists have created a membrane made from a waste by-product of vegetable oil manufacturing that can filter out heavy metals from contaminated water. The membrane uses proteins derived from peanut or sunflower oil production to attract and trap heavy metal ions, purifying water to international drinking standards.
Researchers developed a framework to investigate the bidirectional relationship between masking and disease. They found that without proper enforcement of masking, mass vaccination may not be enough to reduce epidemic size.
The team at Arecibo Observatory successfully captured data on the mysterious asteroid 2019 OK, revealing it was a fast-rotating C-type or S-type asteroid with a diameter of .04 to .08 miles. The findings provide insights into asteroid composition and rotation rates, which can help inform deflection techniques to protect the planet.
A new study found a significant increase in unprotected sex, drinking, smoking, and cannabis use among rejected minorities. Researchers discovered that social rejection is associated with a 9.1% rise in tobacco consumption and a 12.5% increase in cannabis use.
A new cross-disciplinary paper from Edith Cowan University suggests that tourism can provide real health benefits for those with mental health issues or conditions. Lead researcher Dr. Jun Wen found various aspects of going on holiday, such as social meals and physical activity, could have a positive impact on dementia patients.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have improved the ability of a protein to repair oxidative DNA damage, creating a new drug development concept. The technique can lead to improved treatments for diseases involving oxidative stress.
Researchers have developed a new method to assess the three-dimensional structure of the human genome, revealing that groups of simultaneously interacting regulatory elements may affect gene expression. The study found that cooperative groupings of DNA elements occurred around genes associated with cell identity.
Scientists discovered a new species of giant filamentous bacterium, Thiomargarita magnifica, with DNA clustered within membrane-bound compartments. This unique organism challenges traditional understanding of bacterial morphology and genomic complexity.
University of Missouri researchers develop wearable smart bioelectronic devices, including a 'smart' face mask that can monitor physiological status and detect respiratory problems. The masks also use laser-assisted fabrication to provide breathable soft electronics for better real-time health monitoring.
A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing investigated the use of novel graduate-level sleep education curriculum for primary care nurse practitioners. The program positively impacted a range of learning outcomes, including improved recognition and evaluation of sleep disturbances and disorders.
Global river sediment flux is changing due to human activities like land use change, dam building, and climate change. Sediment flux decreases in the northern hemisphere but increases in the southern hemisphere, with SSC on average rising by 41% since 1980.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that many Joint Commission rules for hospitals and nursing homes are not supported by evidence, despite being backed by accreditation and funding. The study suggests that these unproven rules can waste money and resources, diverting attention from more important patient care initiatives.
Researchers developed a smartphone app that harnesses weather forecasting data to provide individuals with a granular understanding of their COVID-19 risk. The app would blend various types of data, including surveillance testing and wearable sensor data, to forecast the spread of disease across a network of human contacts.
A major new research project launched in Leicester aims to provide solutions to the NHS staff shortage crisis by helping veterans transition into civilian healthcare careers. The project, funded by Health Education England, will include a survey of existing Allied Health professionals with a military background.
Scientists have discovered a way to optimize thermoelectric properties in one material by exploiting the Anderson transition, where electrons move freely, enabling efficient energy conversion. This breakthrough could lead to improved performance in thermoelectric devices and applications, such as power generation and waste heat recovery.
Researchers discovered that midgestation leptin surge in preeclampsia leads to endothelial dysfunction, blood vessel constriction, and restricted fetal growth. This finding highlights the crucial role of leptin in pregnancy and its potential consequences on maternal and infant cardiovascular health.
A new study published in Biology Letters found that climate change is negatively impacting bumble bees, with six species decreasing in population and 22 increasing, while the remaining 18 remained stable. Temperature changes were found to have a primary negative impact on bumble bee populations.
Researchers found that college towns experienced lower COVID-19 case rates when classes were held online or accompanied by regular on-campus testing. This suggests that implementing regular testing could help mitigate future community infections in these settings.
Researchers have discovered a prominent network of silencing interneurons in the human cortex, which could be linked to enhanced working memory and reasoning abilities. This unique network relies on abundant connections between inhibitory interneurons and is distinct from those found in mice.
Researchers found a giant bacterium, Thiomargarita magnifica, that can be seen without a microscope and has a complex membrane organization. The discovery suggests that large and more complex bacteria may be hiding in plain sight.
Researchers used CT and MRI perfusion techniques to analyze 19 patients with successful free flap reconstruction and five with wound failure. The study found that both methods showed significant differences between the two patient groups. Early postoperative scans could help surgeons intervene earlier, potentially reducing hospital stays.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that newer Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 escape neutralizing antibodies induced by both vaccination and previous infection. These variants are now responsible for over 21% of new cases in the US, highlighting a shift in the COVID-19 landscape.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new Listeria-based booster that improves the protection of vaccines against recurring colon cancer. The combination of viral and bacterial vaccine approaches shows safe and far more effective results than either approach alone.
Research at Kyoto University found that estradiol suppresses severe skin inflammation in females compared to males, revealing its therapeutic potential. The hormone regulates immune cells and reduces IL-17A and IL-1β cytokines production.
Lithium niobate photonics has developed rapidly, enabling compact devices with high performance. Thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) structures have shown significant improvements in refractive index contrast, paving the way for more integrated photonic devices.