Researchers have developed a single-cell PV design integrated with nonreciprocal optical components to provide 100-percent reuse of emitted radiation, breaking the Shockley–Queisser limit. This breakthrough enables a quasimonochromatic radiation converter to reach the theoretically maximum Carnot efficiency.
Researchers created VoxLens, a JavaScript plugin that allows screen-reader users to interact with visualizations by gaining high-level summaries, listening to graph translations into sound, or using voice-activated commands. The tool shows improved accuracy and interaction time for users compared to those without access to the plugin.
Ingmar Weber's research focuses on societal computing, using computer science methods to understand and improve society. He collaborates with various stakeholders, including the UN, to develop solutions for humanitarian crises.
A Washington State University research team developed a system using cameras and small drones to detect and deter pest birds. The system successfully reduced bird counts by four-fold in vineyards, resulting in a 50% reduction in damaged fruits. Further refinement and industry partnerships are needed for commercialization.
A new UC Davis study found that young adults' early relationships are often characterized by emotional connection and attachment, rather than physical attractiveness. The researchers surveyed 208 college students and found that markers of attachment were strong predictors of sustained interest in a partner.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a chemical compound that stops the final events in the pathway linked to brain cell death in Parkinson’s disease. The compound, PAANIB-1, blocks the protein parthanatos without affecting its other critical activities, potentially halting neurodegenerative progression.
A team of MIT researchers has developed drug-carrying nanoparticles that can efficiently penetrate the brain and kill glioblastoma cells. Using a human tissue model, they showed that the particles could get into tumors and deliver chemotherapy drugs, including cisplatin, which effectively killed tumor cells.
Researchers discovered how electric fish evolved electric organs by modifying a sodium channel gene. The finding highlights the potential for this genetic mechanism to contribute to human diseases. By studying electric fish, scientists can gain a better understanding of evolutionary processes and their applications in human health.
A research team developed a photocatalyst that boosts the transformation of methane into ethane and hydrogen with high selectivity. The newly constructed photocatalyst enabled durable photocatalytic nonoxidative coupling under mild conditions.
Researchers investigate microplastic risks using nanotoxicology lessons, standardizing particles for reproducible studies. Scientists aim to replicate real-world situations in lab simulations to understand human gut and lung cell effects.
A team of researchers has proposed an atomic terminated concept to design a facet <em>single-crystal architecture</em> for Li-S batteries, harvesting high-density/efficient surface active sites to significantly boost electrocatalyst performance. They achieved a high efficient surface-active sites concentration of more than 69 percent, ...
A new study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in stroke survival, with Black and Hispanic patients facing higher mortality rates for specific types of strokes. The research found that these disparities vary by stroke type and may be attributed to factors such as access to healthcare, high blood pressure, and structural racism.
A new study in Marketing Science found that five-star ratings increase over time due to inflation, making the system less informative. The researchers' model suggests that reputation systems, which play a critical role in online marketplaces, may be built on an unstable foundation.
Researchers developed a hot-carrier multijunction solar cell that maintains high conversion efficiency with nonoptimal materials, expanding the scope of candidate designs. The novel architecture showed superior resilience to design imperfections, widening the range of suitable materials and operating conditions.
A team from Nagoya University created an artificial neural network model that performed the delayed matching-to-sample task and analyzed its behavior. The model was able to evolve to exhibit human-like metamemory, adapting to its environment by learning and evolving. This breakthrough aims to create machines with memories like humans.
A new analysis found over 10 million tonnes of PCB-containing materials remain globally, posing public health and environmental threats. The Stockholm Convention's deadline for elimination is nearing, but most countries are not on track to meet it.
Scientists have discovered how microscopic crystals grow and change shape in molten metals as they cool, leading to a better understanding of the tensile strength of alloys. The research, published in Acta Materialia, used high-speed synchrotron X-ray tomography to study the changing crystal structures in molten alloys.
A study estimates that old wind turbines can be deadly for protected bat species, with some turbines claiming up to 70 bat victims per year. The researchers recommend adjusting the operation of old turbines to current regulations, or even dismantling them if they are located in unfavorable sites.
A new preliminary study from the US suggests that aromatherapy can reduce post-surgical opioid use by half in patients with anxiety before their operation. The study found that levels of anxiety, depression, and catastrophising were reduced in the aromatherapy group, resulting in lower opioid consumption.
Researchers discovered how genetic mutations hijack blood cell production over a lifetime, leading to age-related diseases. The study tracked nearly 700 blood cell clones from 385 individuals aged over 55, revealing how age-dependent clonal behaviors mirror the frequency of emergence of different types of blood cancers.
Researchers developed an in vitro stem cell model to map disease risk variants in human neurons, which could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. The study focuses on mapping cis-regulatory elements linked to psychiatric disease heritability.
Computational fluid dynamics simulations reveal the formation of shock wave patterns during champagne cork popping. The study's findings could provide insight into supersonic flow behavior in various applications.
Researchers reconfigured perovskite interfaces using R4NBr addition reaction to improve interfacial stability and open-circuit voltage. The resulting solar cells achieved high efficiency and sustained performance, offering a promising avenue for perovskite surface modification.
An international team analyzed five ultraluminous galaxies with dim visible wavelengths, finding no significant metal deficiency when observed in infrared wavelengths. The study reveals that these galaxies have a metallicity consistent with the fundamental metallicity relation determined by stellar mass and star formation rate.
Researchers discovered that plant species can 'sense' the surrounding oxygen levels at altitude, controlling chlorophyll synthesis to match toxic chemical levels. This mechanism helps plants adapt to changing environments, providing new understanding for crop breeders to enhance high-altitude growth capabilities.
Researchers discover protective genetic factors against myopia, a condition characterized by nearsightedness, and related ocular biometric parameters. Genetic variants on ABCC5 and CHAT were found to be associated with reduced risk of myopia and high myopia.
A study by UC San Diego Health found that sending patients a text message when their doctor is ready can reduce wait times and improve patient satisfaction. The 'telemedicine untethered' option showed a 55-minute time savings in clinic operations, with zero late appointments and increased flexibility for both patients and providers.
A University of Minnesota-led team discovered how subtle structural changes in strontium titanate alter the material's electrical resistance and superconducting properties. The research found that small changes in electron concentrations directly impact the material's conductivity.
Research from the University of Washington found that narcissistic executives can prevent knowledge sharing among business units, despite boosts to performance. Narcissists overestimate internal knowledge value and underestimate external ideas.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals Cueva de Ardales was a canvas for artwork and burial place for Neanderthals and modern humans from 65,000 to 35,000 years ago. The site provides a unique history of human activity in Spain and sheds light on the development of European culture.
A study from the University of California San Diego found that expressing gratitude between teammates improved their cardiovascular responses to stress, allowing for increased concentration and confidence. This can have long-term health impacts, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment.
A team of astronomers found that black holes played a crucial role in preventing rejuvenated star formation in massive quiescent galaxies. By analyzing the combined light from thousands of galaxies, they discovered a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus that may have heated the galaxy's gas, preventing new stars from forming.
A new species of leopard gecko, Eublepharis pictus, has been discovered in India's relic forests. The Painted Leopard Gecko measures 11.7 cm in length and is strictly nocturnal, actively foraging along trails in the forest after dusk.
Researchers have discovered a membrane lipid called PI(18:1/18:1) that significantly involves in preventing programmed cell death. This finding opens up new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as diabetes, cancer and neurodegeneration.
New research reveals that age-induced changes in lung fibroblasts reactivate dormant melanoma cells, promoting growth and metastasis. The study found that WNT5A signaling pathway regulates tumor cell dormancy and metastasis initiation, with increased sFRP1 secretion facilitating reactivation in the aged lung.
A study by CHOP researchers found similar diagnostic rates for telemedicine and in-person visits, but challenges persist in collecting genetic samples. Lower rates of telemedicine use among families from historically marginalized backgrounds indicate possible disparities in care.
New research challenges centuries-old scholarship on animal classification by morphology, instead favoring molecular data for a better fit with geographical distribution. Convergent evolution is found to be widespread and often misleading, with famous examples such as flight in birds, bats, and insects
The US physician workforce is underrepresented by Black and Hispanic doctors, with a significant deficit estimated. To address this, medical school matriculation rates would need to increase substantially for these groups to reach equal representation in the workforce.
Disbanding city police departments has no effect on overall crime rates, but leads to fewer police-related deaths. However, communities that disband their police departments are less likely to report their crime statistics to the FBI.
The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services address mental health disparities and structural racism. These journals provide a platform for collaborative responses to behavioral health emergencies, shedding light on important topics in the field.
A new Stanford University-led study reveals that reducing nitrogen oxides emissions by half can improve crop yields by up to 25% in certain regions. The analysis used satellite images to map NOx levels and their impact on agriculture, providing valuable insights into the effects of air pollution on food production.
A new article in BioScience argues that incremental changes are insufficient to address planetary emergencies, and calls for broader system-wide changes to governing interactions between climate, biodiversity, and society. The authors hope their work will inform the setting of biodiversity objectives and targets.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that dispositional mindfulness can significantly reduce and protect elite athletes from stress. Athletes who demonstrated greater mindfulness had lower levels of stress, both immediately after a COVID-19-related shutdown and at the end of their competitive season.
Research by University of Texas Institute for Geophysics reveals how ancient global warming affected the Gulf of Mexico's marine life and chemistry. The study found that radiolarians thrived in the Gulf due to nutrient-rich river sediments, providing valuable lessons about current climate change.
A novel brain cell type, named theta off-ripples on (TORO), has been discovered in the hippocampus, playing a key role in the formation of memories. TORO neurons are activated during sharp wave ripples and inhibit other brain areas, propagating SWR information broadly in the brain.
A new study by SMU psychology professor Nathan Hudson found that practicing activities like donating money to charity or talking to strangers can decrease all three Dark Triad traits after four months. The surprising twist is that people who wanted to increase their dark traits also wanted to become more agreeable.
Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed a version of interleukin-12 that is activated only when it reaches a tumor, reducing side effects. The new 'masked' molecule has shown promising results in eliminating cancer cells and outperforming existing immune therapies.
Researchers found that inhibiting caspase 11 reduced inflammation, tissue injury and blood clots in lung tissue of infected mice. This suggests potential therapeutic targets for treating severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Scientists have developed a sustainable method to create valuable aroma compound mixtures from limonene, the main compound in orange peel oil. The process generates an amber-colored liquid with a pleasant odor and 17 different compounds with fruity, herbal, citrus, and resinous notes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly one-quarter of over 24,000 patients had mitral annulus calcification, a chronic degeneration of tissue at the base of the heart's mitral valve. This condition is associated with higher mortality rates and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study published in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice found that mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all incidents in developed countries, resulting in 816 deaths. The research identified distinct characteristics of US mass shootings, including ideological motives and relationship problems.
A new study reveals that Manx shearwaters use dynamic soaring to harvest wind energy and travel efficiently across the ocean. The birds' ability to adapt their flight patterns to optimize energy gain suggests a potentially game-changing strategy for drones and other aerial vehicles.
Oregon State University scientists have created a hydrogel-based technology that helps surgeons identify nerves during procedures, reducing the risk of nerve damage. The innovation uses pluronics, polymers with FDA approval, to create a fluorescent probe that selectively labels tissues within the surgical field.
A new MIT study finds that noradrenaline helps the brain learn from surprising outcomes by stimulating behavior that leads to a reward, particularly in uncertain situations. The researchers also discovered that noradrenaline promotes taking a chance on getting a reward, even when the outcome is unknown.
A large-scale study found that team sport participation is associated with lower mental health difficulties in children and adolescents. In contrast, exclusive individual sport participation may lead to greater mental health issues. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 US kids and adolescents.
Scientists at Stanford University developed a soft implantable probe called NeuroString that can measure dopamine and serotonin in the brain and gut. The probe has potential applications in diagnosing and monitoring intestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and treating Parkinson’s disease.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Matthew L. Niemiller has rediscovered the Shelta Cave Crayfish, a rare and ancient species thought to be extinct for 30 years. The discovery was made in a cave system in northern Alabama and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect threatened species.
Scientists at Scripps Research discovered a genetic mutation in PIEZO1 ion channel that impacts tendon biology and boosts the physical performance of mice. Mice with the PIEZO1 mutation had wider tendons, more compliant structures, and could store three times more energy.
A joint research team has discovered ancient continental rocks at the Southwest Indian Ridge, dating back 2.7 billion years. The rocks' composition suggests they were recycled from the neighboring African continent through the asthenosphere, challenging current understanding of oceanic crust formation.
A Cornell University study found that consumers will use milk carton QR codes to better depict how long the milk is drinkable, potentially reducing agricultural and food waste. The use of QR codes could also help retailers discard less food by providing consumers with more accurate 'best-by dates'.