Dmitry Beyder has been elected as the 2022-23 president-elect for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS). As president-elect, Beyder will focus on guiding technologists out of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the nuclear medicine technologist workforce and professional pipeline.
Researchers found that individual variation in primary visual cortex size and brain tissue can predict contrast sensitivity, with larger V1 areas and more cortical tissue leading to better vision at specific locations. The study reveals a new link between brain structure and behavior.
A HKUST research team developed a microscope combining 3PM with adaptive optics, achieving high-resolution imaging of neuronal structures in mouse cortices up to 750µm below the skull. This technology holds great potential to advance in-vivo imaging techniques and facilitate study of living brain.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that receiving red blood cells from female donors does not increase the risk of death in transfused patients. The study controlled for lower haemoglobin levels in women's blood and found no difference in survival rates between male and female donors.
Researchers analyzed data from 599 patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and found that 34% have attempted suicide, with high rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and self-injury among women. The study highlights the need for accurate diagnosis and screening of suicidal ideation in patients with PMDD.
Protecting 30% of global lands by 2030 will yield huge environmental benefits, including saving 1,000 species and reducing climate change effects. The study found that achieving this target will nearly double the environmental benefits if 50% of global lands are protected.
A Penn State-led team created an artificial skin that exhibits both elasticity and cognitive functions like cephalopod skin. The device retains its neurological behaviors when deformed, enabling potential applications in neurorobotics, skin prosthetics, and artificial organs.
Researchers used nanopore sequencing to detect specific genomic disorders in a fraction of the time it takes traditional testing. The study showed that diagnosis of larger chromosomal alterations could be made in one day, while smaller CNVs took two days.
A research team led by Miriam Unterlass successfully produced a hybrid material that combines organic and inorganic substances in a single process. The method uses hot water instead of toxic solvents, creating a reusable catalyst with potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
A prospective randomized study found that an AI support platform reduced chest CT interpretation times by 22.1%, saving approximately one hour per day for radiologists. The platform provided automated analysis of cardiac, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal findings, resulting in shorter interpretation times.
The SNMMI has launched the Mars Shot Fund to support innovative nuclear medicine and molecular imaging research. The fund aims to secure $100 million in funding and is currently at $600,000, following generous donations from individuals and organizations.
A simplified surgical tool called RAIS has been developed to enable laparoscopic surgery in low-to-middle income countries. The device uses a mechanical retractor and does not require CO2 gas or a general anaesthetic, making it more accessible and affordable for rural surgeons.
Researchers identified a set of proteins called antiactivators that prevent signal short-circuiting in quorum sensing, allowing bacteria to communicate effectively as a group. This finding opens the door to potential new antibiotics and provides background knowledge for synthetic biology applications.
A new study suggests that sustainable irrigation can boost crop productivity to feed 1.4 billion more people, reducing environmental impacts and clearing natural land for agriculture. However, climate change may complicate this calculus, requiring additional research on water management strategies.
A Penn State-led team examines the shift to biotechnology platform-based vaccine manufacturing, which enabled rapid production of COVID-19 vaccines. This approach could be applied to future virus research and development, facilitating modular manufacturing and mass customization.
Researchers developed a nanocomposite coating method using Langmuir-Blodgett technology to improve wig durability, reducing UV damage, breakage, and static electricity. The new coating provides better coverage than previous methods and can be scaled up for mass production.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment that combines CAR-T cell therapy with interleukin-7 to enhance its effectiveness in treating blood cancers. The treatment results in significantly increased anti-tumor activity, improved survival rates, and reduced tumor growth in mice.
Children using trampoline centers are at a higher risk of serious injuries and hospital admissions compared to those using trampolines at home. Mandatory safety standards for trampoline centers are urgently required, highlighting the need for public awareness and evidence-based safety measures.
Research linked to PFAS exposure in middle-aged women reveals a stronger association between combined exposure and blood pressure risk. The study suggests strategies to limit PFAS use may help reduce high blood pressure incidence in midlife women.
A randomized clinical trial involving 16,000 participants found that receiving text messages had no significant impact on COVID-19 vaccination rates compared to telephone calls. The study suggests that alternative communication methods may be more effective in promoting vaccine uptake.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a simple process to upcycle ABS, a popular thermoplastic used in everyday objects, into a more robust material compatible with industry 3D-printing methods. The upcycled version boasts enhanced strength, toughness and chemical resistance.
A new study published in PNAS Nexus shows how artificial light at night alters the natural seasonal processes of plants in urban regions of the United States. The study found that levels of artificial light during nighttime hours lengthen pollen season for many plants, affecting city dwellers with allergies.
Women with a history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have a 2.4-fold increased risk of developing hypertension 10 years post-pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of screening for hypertension in this population and suggests that routine screening can help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
A new study by the University of North Carolina Health Care found that 30-40% of parents experienced employment disruptions due to childcare difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents of children with special healthcare needs were disproportionately affected, with almost a quarter experiencing such disruptions.
Researchers found four large groups of social and emotional effects resulting from difficulty eating in groups among people with disabilities. Difficulty eating can lead to feelings of loneliness, shame, and reduced self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of considering these issues in healthcare.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, childcare-related employment disruption increased by approximately one-third. Caregivers for children with special health care needs experienced significantly higher disruptions, as did those from low-income families and racial and ethnic minority groups.
A UT Southwestern study reveals that RNA exosomes are crucial for B cell development, which is critical for the immune system's ability to fight infection. The findings also explain why patients with a rare disease associated with RNA exosome deficiency experience immunodeficiency and recurrent infections.
Helen Nadel, MD, FRCPC, has been named president-elect of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). She plans to address issues such as global communication, government and industry relationships, and diversity initiatives. With over 30 years of SNMMI membership, Nadel brings extensive experience to her role.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that extreme weather events exacerbate gender-based violence by creating socioeconomic instability, structural power inequalities, and mental stress. This can lead to physical injury, unwanted pregnancy, and long-term consequences for victims.
FeRh, a metal with antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic phases, has its phase transition kinetics measured using ultrafast techniques. The study reveals new insights into the ultrafast dynamics of magnetic materials.
A new study found that Americans with low incomes eat less seafood high in Omega-3s, while higher-income groups consume more of these nutritious species. This disparity affects nutrient-dense seafood options, including mackerel and herring, which are lower-priced but have favorable nutrient profiles.
A team of mathematicians from the University of Texas at Arlington is leading a national initiative to equip students with skills in climate-smart agriculture. The project aims to increase workforce diversity and create technology- and data-savvy workforces.
Researchers found that flower shape is a key predictor of parasite transmission to bees, with wider, shorter flowers increasing the risk. The study suggests that identifying floral traits and species associated with lower parasite transmission rates could help create pollinator habitats with reduced disease risk.
Scientists at Chung-Ang University have created a new catalyst that can efficiently generate hydrogen from water without the need for expensive noble metals. The innovative heterostructured material boosts both the half-reactions, improving its overall performance and paving the way for large-scale industrial applications.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that Native Americans have to travel up to 103 miles farther than non-Hispanic whites to reach the nearest radiation therapy facility. This significant burden can lead to delayed or foregone treatment, resulting in poorer cancer outcomes.
A new study has found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, revealed that among 892 children with NAFLD, 6.6% developed type 2 diabetes, with the incidence rate rising by 3% annually.
A study of 1548 people aged 13 to 77 found that passion and growth mindset decrease with age, while grit increases, suggesting that older individuals can still develop new skills. Notably, women tend to have a stronger growth mindset than men.
Krystle W. Glasgow has been elected as the 2022-23 president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section, aiming to increase membership and enhance communication and educational offerings for nuclear medicine technologists.
Researchers from Uppsala University have identified new inherited retroviruses in the koala genome, including novel ERV lineages related to the squirrel monkey retrovirus. These findings provide a potential model for studying retroviral establishment and health effects in real-time.
Researchers develop crosslinked polymers that can be triggered to degrade by light, offering a promising approach for producing sustainable plastics. The method uses a vanillin derivative and recovers up to 60% of the monomers without loss of quality.
A new study at 21 US children's hospitals found that patients with limited English proficiency are less likely to question their child's hospital care due to language barriers. The researchers called on hospitals to ensure that families who speak languages other than English have an equal opportunity to speak up and potentially interce...
Researchers found that wetter pre-growing seasons reduced soil nitrogen through leaching, but applying more fertilizer can mitigate this effect. The model also showed that cold pre-growing season temperatures limited early growth in ways that affected yield potential, making extra fertilizer less effective.
A study reveals an epigenetic switch that restricts early embryo cells from differentiating into certain tissue lineages. The research identifies PRC2 as a key regulator of gene expression in embryonic development, allowing for better control of stem cell specialization and blastoid formation.
Andrei Iagaru has received the inaugural Sam Gambhir Trailblazer Award from the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) for his outstanding contributions to transformative research and exceptional mentorship. He is recognized for his work in PET/MRI, PET/CT, and targeted radionuclide therapy.
Researchers observe fruit bat migration patterns mirroring seasonal landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting a unique role in plant pollination. The study reveals the ecologically underestimated fruit bats transport plant seeds along the 'green wave', potentially affecting local ecosystems.
Research by Duke University shows the US is still indirectly buying Russian crude through highly globalized supply chains. The analysis highlights three ways to mitigate exposure: Buy American, Made in America, and secure supply chains through renewable energy investments.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to alter the type of synapses between brain cells using enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for brain disorders caused by faulty synaptic information processing and exchange.
Researchers found that increasing serotonin levels in mosquito blood reduces their flight speed and motivation to seek second blood meals, making them less efficient vectors of malaria parasites. This discovery provides a promising new avenue for insect-targeted interventions to prevent malaria transmission.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified a 'cellular brake' protein that may help prevent autoimmune responses in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment. This finding could enable clinicians to closely monitor high-risk patients and develop preventative strategies.
Charité is leading four new EU projects tackling environmental impact on mental health, developing a cell therapy for IgA nephropathy, and improving AI-assisted stroke care. The projects aim to advance research and innovation in these areas.
Scientists have identified a key mechanism causing the heart's muscle to thicken, leading to irregular rhythms and heart failure. A new peptide treatment could prevent or stop further thickening, offering hope for patients with cardiac hypertrophy.
Researchers studied over 500 stars in a region of Andromeda called the Northeast shelf, finding conclusive evidence of an ancient collision. The findings provide insights into how material from collisions shapes a galaxy's appearance and makeup.
A novel study has identified metabolic defects, impaired protein secretion, and altered phosphoproteomic signatures in alcohol-associated cirrhosis and hepatitis. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for a disease with limited treatment options.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign created a remote laboratory activity to teach undergraduate students about enzyme kinetics. The at-home kit included basic equipment and protocols that allowed students to conduct experiments and collect data, providing an alternative to traditional lab techniques.
Chemists have successfully developed a new multi-component reaction involving ketyl radicals and palladium catalysis, enabling the rapid production of complex structures in a single step. This approach is considered environmentally friendly and has potential for further unforeseen synthetic transformations.
Healthcare workers must be vigilant in detecting and managing suspected monkeypox cases while avoiding stigmatization of affected communities. The authors stress the importance of careful infection control practices and community allyship with men who have sex with men to combat the outbreak.
A world-first study from the University of South Australia found a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of dementia and stroke. The study analyzed data from 294,514 participants and found that up to 17% of dementia cases might have been avoided by boosting vitamin D levels.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that a professional development intervention improved an educator's teaching skills and boosted students' abilities to solve word problems, especially for Hispanic English-learning students with math learning disabilities. The program helped develop a 'feedback loop' between educator and ...
Both Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines have a low risk of adverse events over a 38-week period. The study found rare adverse events after both vaccines, particularly when compared to the health risks driven by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Scientists have demonstrated nonlinear generation and topological tuned confinement of THz waves in an engineered lithium niobate chip. Topological control of THz waves may bring about new possibilities in the realization of THz integrated circuits, reducing scattering loss and decay.