Scientists have discovered a new, high-resolution view of the rabies virus glycoprotein, which could lead to more effective vaccines. The study's findings suggest that a better-shaped vaccine could provide lifelong protection against the deadly disease.
Researchers at Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena create a material that can emit visible or invisible light in response to ultrasound, also providing feedback on local temperature. This innovation could enable new applications in medicine, such as photodynamic therapy, and other areas where targeted light and heat are required.
Scientists at Institut Pasteur developed potent neutralizing antibodies from convalescent COVID-19 individuals effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants. These human antibodies are promising candidates for immunotherapies to prevent severe forms and/or treat COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients.
Researchers from Tohoku University found that virtual training can decrease psychosocial stress response and lower anxiety levels, comparable to real exercise. The study used immersive virtual reality to simulate physical activity, inducing physiological changes and cognitive benefits in young healthy subjects.
EpiMoRPH aims to develop locally customized models for decision-making, addressing the limitations of previous disease modeling systems. The project will use two virus-based diseases as case studies and provide a framework for characterizing meta-population disease models.
A new study published in iScience found that the co-development of the gut microbiome, immune system, and respiratory system is correlated with a baby's respiratory health. Disruption of any of these systems resulted in greater respiratory morbidity for infants, highlighting the importance of timing in intervening with therapies.
Researchers sequenced the whole genomes of three species of carpenter bees, gaining insights into their gut microbiome, diet, and viral load. They found beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, which protect against fungal pathogens and boost the immune system.
Researchers found significant decrease in national Kawasaki disease cases in 2020, coinciding with school closures and masking mandates. KD cases rebounded after lifting of masks and return of in-person schooling, hinting at respiratory portal of entry as trigger.
Researchers at the University of Haifa have identified a new process involving the 'murder' of live newly-generated cells in fruit flies. The study found that phagocytic cells can kill normal cells during cellular differentiation, which could contribute to understanding and developing treatments for cancer.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a novel hydroxy-iodide (HSbOI) cluster compound with large, positively charged clusters. This finding may open up new possibilities in the design of solid-state catalysts.
A team from UNIGE has identified a molecular mechanism that causes degeneration of photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease leading to blindness. The discovery could lead to therapeutic treatments targeting this mechanism.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have measured the speeds of spin and charge excitations in a narrow wire, finding that they travel at fixed but different speeds. This discovery opens up new possibilities for spintronics and our understanding of quantum matter.
A team of researchers developed a new, fully biodegradable cellulose membrane that can effectively separate oil and water. The membrane is composed of 'all cellulose' material with improved mechanical properties, making it suitable for various applications in pollution treatment.
A recent study by ICTA-UAB researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in public expectations, with many citizens becoming more pessimistic about future climate action. However, some respondents expressed positive views on the impact of COVID-19 on consumption habits and environmental awareness.
Scientists made a breakthrough in understanding the structure and function of serotonin receptors, revealing the molecular mechanism of selective coupling with G-proteins. The study provides insights into ligand recognition and could lead to rational structure-based drug design for treating diseases linked to serotonin imbalance.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to addiction treatment for adolescents and young adults, particularly those with private health insurance. Prescription claims data shows a significant decline in buprenorphine prescriptions among this age group, especially among those with commercial insurance coverage.
A new study finds that four in five apps target preschool-aged children with manipulative designs, keeping them engaged longer and encouraging purchases or watching ads. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected, highlighting inequities in how young children's attention is exploited for monetization.
The integrated tool allows tracking of clinical trial enrollment and cost effectiveness, enabling study teams to ensure trials are the best fit for the enterprise. It also enables standardization of data collection and reporting, giving the institution a competitive edge.
New research from University of South Australia and Flinders University uses retina recordings to identify distinct signals for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing a potential biomarker for each condition. Children with ADHD showed higher overall energy, while those with ASD sho...
Researchers discovered that nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles damage SARS-CoV-2 viral envelope, protein, and RNA, reducing its infectivity. The particles' reactive oxygen species (ROS) are responsible for this damage, posing a promising alternative disinfection method.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has identified barriers and motivators to blood donation for people from ethnic minority groups in Ireland. Factors that motivate people from minority ethnic backgrounds to give blood include religious reasons and a desire to help others in their own communities.
A Finnish research group developed a wearable device to assess infants' motor abilities during playtime, allowing for accurate tracking of neurological development. The smart jumpsuit enables out-of-the-lab assessments, supporting early clinical diagnostics and therapies.
A study found that despite PrEP's effectiveness in reducing HIV risk by 99%, many male couples underestimate its benefits and experience high levels of stigma. Joint education for male couples may improve PrEP adoption rates, and providing information to both partners can facilitate open discussions and concerns about the medication.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released an updated recommended minimum gene list for the reporting of secondary findings. The update adds five new genes, four associated with dilated cardiomyopathy predisposition and one with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, a cause of heart failure. The new list aims to...
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key enzyme involved in producing a new class of lipids with therapeutic effects for patients with diabetes. The discovery, published in Nature, could pave the way for new treatments to protect insulin-producing cells and improve blood sugar control.
Scientists at KAIST have discovered a new polymer mesophase structure that forms through a random copolymer sequence. This unique structure is characterized by a bilayer-folded lamellar mesophase, which exhibits properties such as birefringence and viscoelasticity.
A team of researchers from Indian Institute of Science used computer simulations to analyse speech aerosols and found the risk of infection was higher when one person acted as a passive listener. The study also suggests that turning heads away by about nine degrees can reduce the risk for speakers
A new research centre, PRESIS-DIA, will study the causes of diabetes development over a lifetime and integrate genetics, cell biology, and clinical information. The centre aims to develop customised, unique treatment for individuals, enabling better diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
A research team led by Prof. Gan Jianping found a three-layered structure in the SCS rotating circulation with 'hotspots' of intensified currents along steep continental slopes. This discovery clarifies previous misunderstandings of water mass motion and demonstrates the first-ever 3D simulation and visualization system for ocean circu...
A new study published in Frontiers found that virtual reality environments with green vegetation and colorful patterns increase heart rate and promote a pleasurable experience. Conversely, colorful patterns alone stimulate interest and fascination without the same restorative effect as nature.
Researchers developed a way to manufacture idealized two-dimensional semiconductor materials, overcoming the challenge of InAs's 3D lattice structure. The breakthrough enables the creation of ultrathin, flexible, and transparent materials suitable for next-generation electronics and optoelectronics.
A recent review of 25 years of data on herbicide-resistant crops found they can play a key role in integrated weed management, reducing herbicide use and weed population selection pressure. However, growers often rely solely on these crops, leading to widespread herbicide-resistant weed populations.
Researchers have discovered a new application of holographic interferometry, enabling the measurement of real-time vibrations on reflective surfaces. This technique has significant implications for industries such as aviation, where it can help prevent engine failure and improve overall efficiency.
A study found that malaria vaccines elicit a weak and limited immune response against the naturally occurring Plasmodium falciparum pathogen, resulting in short-lived protection. The researchers suggest that inducing a broader spectrum of T helper cells could generate longer-lasting immunity.
The study investigates the perspectives of Latinx individuals who were unvaccinated, hospitalized for COVID-19, providing insight into their experiences with vaccine hesitation. The researchers aimed to understand the reasons behind this behavior and how it relates to healthcare access and cultural factors.
Researchers at Champalimaud Centre found that Wg/Wnt signaling molecule helps mount a regenerative response to brain damage. Neurons sense tissue distress, triggering dormant neural stem cells to activate and produce new neurons.
Unemployment-related health insurance coverage loss was substantially higher in non-expanded Medicaid states, whereas expanded eligibility helped buffer households. Researchers found that Medicaid expansion reduced periods without health insurance coverage due to job loss.
Scientists have discovered a significant genetic link to humans' ability to move in sync with music. The study identified 69 genetic variants related to beat synchronization and found connections between rhythm and health, while acknowledging that environment also plays a crucial role.
Cases of Kawasaki disease fell in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained low during masking and school closure. The findings suggest a respiratory portal of entry for the trigger agent(s), consistent with social behavior influencing exposure.
A new Imperial analysis found that biogas and biomethane supply chains release more than twice as much methane as previously estimated, with 62% of leaks concentrated in a few 'super-emitters'. The researchers call for better monitoring and fixing of leaks to ensure the continued use of these climate-friendly gases.
A multi-institutional study found that diagnostic mammography outcomes vary across racial and ethnic groups, with higher accuracy in non-Hispanic white women and lower accuracy in Hispanic women. The study suggests that imaging facility and concurrent use of breast ultrasound or MRI may contribute to some disparities.
A new analysis demonstrates that mangrove and coral reef restoration can be a cost-effective solution for coastal flood reduction. The study found that the benefits from reduced flood damage exceed the costs of restoration, making nature-based solutions an attractive option for funding.
A new study of patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) shows that those who struggle with complex words compensate by using simpler ones. Healthy volunteers also exhibit a similar balance between word complexity and syntactic structure, suggesting a fundamental property of language production.
Researchers from the University of Bath have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how a type of gene regulates essential nerve cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in controlling brain development and function, particularly during embryonic development and early life.
Researchers discovered a 'volcano-shaped' relationship between polysulfide adsorption and catalytic activity in lithium-sulfur batteries. This finding modifies the long-standing principle that strong adsorption leads to good catalytic activity, suggesting catalysts should be designed separately to improve performance.
A study found that preoperative MRI significantly reduces postoperative complications in prostate cancer patients. However, the use of MRI is limited, with only 28.2% of patients receiving one before surgery.
Life expectancy in the US increased by 2.3 years between 2000-2019, but gaps among racial and ethnic groups remain. The study found that Black populations have higher life expectancy in most counties, while American Indian and Alaska Native populations face lower life expectancy and significant gaps with other groups.
Encounter rates for physical abuse in children decreased by 19% during the pandemic, but reasons are unclear. Pediatricians worry that less recognition of child abuse while kids were away from in-person school might be to blame.
Researchers at Portland State University created a two-stage stochastic programming model to optimize e-scooter placement, charging, and rebalancing in Tucson. The model uses data from the City of Tucson to answer questions on demand uncertainty, idle periods, and customer satisfaction.
Researchers found that using analytical language when describing weight loss goals led to greater weight loss success and lower dropout rates. Analytical language, such as focusing on what's important and why, was associated with more weight loss and less program attrition.
A new study utilizes cell phone data to optimize pandemic lockdown policies, resulting in a reduction of infections by up to 23%-42% while minimizing economic losses. By targeting specific areas with targeted closures, the approach achieves higher economic activity compared to uniform citywide closure policies.
Researchers at Kyoto University identified the mechanism behind active inflammation and immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments. EP2/EP4 inhibitors suppress tumor growth by allowing regulatory T cells to infiltrate and activate within tumors, benefiting patients with certain cancers.
Researchers found a sharp S-isotopic decrease coincided with the terrestrial extinction in the Sydney Basin, linked to climatic perturbations of short-term cooling and longer-term global warming. The study provides new evidence for the massive deposition of atmospheric sulfate, potentially contributing to the EPE on land.
Researchers use machine learning to automatically analyze Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) data, enabling faster and more efficient discovery of new materials. The study focused on surface superstructures in thin-film silicon surfaces and identified optimal synthesis conditions using non-negative matrix factorization.
An interdisciplinary team has created a large public database of standardized wordlists for over 2000 language varieties, providing insights into the structure of human languages. The data reveals patterns of independent parallel evolution in linguistic diversity, with many languages using similar words for related concepts.
A new precipitation record suggests that persistent droughts in southern Arabia contributed to the decline of the Himyarite kingdom and the emergence of Islam. The droughts, which lasted from 500 to 530 CE, coincided with a turning point in Arabian history marked by political and socioreligious transformations.
New research from King's College London found that members of the British Armed Forces who were physically injured while fighting in Afghanistan are more likely to experience poor mental health, including depression and PTSD. The study also suggests that the type of injury sustained can influence the overall outcome.
A recent study led by psychologists at the University of Bath challenges the idea that people have unlimited wants. Most people from 33 countries surveyed believed their 'absolutely ideal life' could be achieved with $10 million or less, suggesting a moderate level of wealth is desired.
Researchers have discovered that changes in dopamine D2 receptors in specific cerebellar cells can alter sociability and preference for social novelty. This finding has implications for understanding psychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, bipolar mood disorder, and schizophrenia.
A new algorithm can analyze thousands of genomic variants to estimate a person's risk of developing chronic kidney disease, with the highest scores indicating tripled risk compared to the general population. Early detection may prevent many cases of kidney failure and reduce the need for transplant or dialysis.