Scientists have identified three active compounds in sex pheromones of the world's largest hornet, Vespa mandarinia, to attract males and control its reproduction. The discovery could aid in monitoring and controlling the invasive species' spread in North America.
A new research study by the University of Massachusetts Amherst fundamentally changes our understanding of how salt marshes acquire sediment. The majority of sediments are delivered by the ocean during storms, reversing commonly held assumptions about the role of rivers in building and maintaining these ecosystems. This discovery has s...
Researchers discovered that honeybee tongue hairs are hydrophobic, allowing the tongue to bend and reach food in crevices. This unique property enhances durability and flexibility, inspiring design of new materials.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a way to stabilize the cancer-suppressing protein p53 by adding a spider silk protein, creating a more potent variant. This discovery has potential as an approach for cancer therapy.
A new Moffitt Cancer Center study estimates that the actual number of COVID-19 infections in Hillsborough County was twofold higher than reported positive tests. The study, conducted between October 2020 and March 2021, found nearly 100% of persons who had confirmed or suspected infection were antibody-positive.
A new study at Tel Aviv University's Coller School of Management found that employees who use pictures and emojis are perceived as less powerful than those who use words. In various experiments, respondents attributed more power to verbal messages and rated those with visual profiles as less capable.
Researchers identified peripheral tissues as source of blood amyloid beta, which regulates blood glucose levels and suppresses insulin secretion. The study suggests a possible mechanism linking type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer's disease development.
The Texas cold snap highlighted the critical role of electricity in society and the need for improved power system planning to withstand extreme weather events. The event showed that traditional planning based on historical weather patterns is not sufficient, and new information from climate projection models is needed.
A survey study examined changes in children's health over five years, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest a decline in overall health and well-being among children during this period.
A study in Nairobi, Kenya, found that bacteria are shared among humans and animals, with households serving as key gateways for transmission. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding the urban environment to prevent emerging diseases.
Scientists have identified a single-celled marine microbe that can photosynthesize, hunt, and eat prey, making it a secret weapon in the battle against climate change. This microbe can sequester carbon by releasing a heavy exopolymer that sinks to the ocean floor.
Researchers study how brain regions work together to train and perform new skills in laboratory rats. The rats develop unique 'dances' that are essential for performing the task, but these are lost when disrupting connections between brain areas.
Researchers at the Earlham Institute have developed a computational biology method to better understand Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by analyzing differences in gut cell types. They identified how beneficial bacteria communicate with the immune system, which may lead to targeted clinical treatments.
Researchers developed a new method to train people to be creative by making up stories that imagine alternative worlds, shift perspective, and generate unexpected actions. The narrative approach helps individuals tap into their innate creativity, rather than relying on divergent thinking techniques that focus on problem-solving.
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully manipulated dark states in superconducting circuits using microwave radiation. The team's discovery opens up new possibilities for quantum simulations and information processing, which could have significant implications for fields such as chemistry and materials science.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a sustainable way to remove mercury from water using a smart coating made from low-cost chemicals. The coating can also prevent metal corrosion, solvent damage, and acid and water damage of concrete surfaces.
Researchers observed turbulence-driven current in EAST experiment, driven by electron temperature gradient mode. This current helps sustain ultra-high electron temperatures and stationary long-pulse plasmas.
A new study predicts that over the next 30 years, 1.4 million US street trees will be killed by invasive insects, mainly caused by the emerald ash borer. The estimated economic cost of replacing these trees is over $900M. Researchers warn that urban tree diversity is crucial to resilience against pest infestations.
A global survey of science journalists aims to map the values that shape their work, with findings expected to inform the Statement of Guiding Principles for Science Journalism. The project, launched by the World Federation of Science Journalists and the Kavli Foundation, seeks input from over 180 science journalists in seven languages.
A randomized study of 379 women with obesity and unexplained infertility found that intensive lifestyle changes that shed pounds led to no better chances of pregnancy than simply increasing physical activity without weight loss. The study also showed significant health benefits from weight loss, including a decrease in metabolic syndrome.
A new mathematical model reveals high risk of cross-species disease spread on farms with multiple types of livestock. Targeting top 3% of most networked farms can significantly reduce transmission and protect other species.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology improved an algorithm to detect Alzheimer's disease from MRI images, achieving over 98% accuracy. The new model uses a modified neural network and adapts to variations in data, such as differences in hospital equipment and patient positions.
The Bushveld Complex functioned as a gigantic magma body, with a column of melt likely several km thick, contradicting the prevailing theory of non-existent large, long-lived and largely molten magma chambers. This discovery was made possible by 3D high-resolution X-ray computed tomography studies of chromitite.
A national study found a stark paucity of racialized leaders in Canada's high-level healthcare leadership, despite gender parity. Increasing racial diversity can promote culturally sensitive care, address discriminatory policies, and provide a broader perspective on health inequities.
Researchers found that a temporary increase in dopamine levels in the basolateral amygdala initiates transitions from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This discovery may have important implications for understanding changes in sleep state and treating conditions like cataplexy and narcolepsy.
Researchers used lake sediment in the Tibetan Plateau to estimate that high-elevation alpine permafrost will melt faster than arctic permafrost, releasing greenhouse gases and contributing to global temperature rise. The study suggests that up to 60% of alpine permafrost land area may be lost under current warming conditions.
A study compared the antibody response in human milk after vaccination with four COVID-19 vaccines, revealing differences in immune system activation. The findings provide valuable insights into vaccine effectiveness and potential impact on infant health.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating three experimental HIV vaccines based on messenger RNA technology. The study aims to examine the safety and ability of the vaccines to induce an immune response in adults aged 18-55 years.
A new study found that knowledge about breast density and its risks is linked to women's race/ethnicity and health literacy. While most women correctly understand some facts, significant variations were observed across racial and ethnic groups and health literacy levels.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have created a detailed molecular map of the skin's stratum corneum using 3D mass spectrometry imaging. This discovery provides fundamental understanding in skin biology and enables the development of new skin products and treatments.
A team of PSI scientists has developed an achromatic X-ray lens for the first time, allowing researchers to study nanostructures with high resolution. The innovative lens, which combines two optical principles, enables compact X-ray microscopes that can be operated on industry premises.
Researchers warn permafrost peatlands in Europe and Western Siberia are close to a climatic tipping point due to high carbon emissions. Strong action can preserve suitable climates for these ecosystems.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that the vast majority of carbon stored in trees before large wildfires remains in the trees themselves after the fires. The study's findings challenge previous estimates suggesting up to 85% of living trees' biomass combusts in California's big fires.
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that body temperature has a greater impact on lifespan than metabolic rate, contrary to the traditional 'live fast, die young' phrase. The researchers used an unusual experiment where high temperatures increased lifespan by lowering metabolism and reducing body temperature.
Researchers developed a novel genetic barcode system to mark cancer cells with different gene modifications and image their characteristics. The Perturb-map platform identified specific genes controlling lung tumor growth, immune composition, and response to immunotherapy, offering new approaches for targeting anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers studied draughtsboard sharks and found they sleep with eyes open, a trait shared by humans and other animals. Sleep in sharks is linked to lying flat and reduced metabolic rate, aiding energy conservation.
A research team at the Advanced Science Research Center has identified peptidoglycan as the most powerful actuator material. The new water-responsive muscles can quickly expand and contract in response to water absorption and evaporation, enabling rapid actuation of micro and macro structures.
Researchers used geochemical data from 225 hot springs to create a detailed map of the boundary between the Indian and Asian continental plates, revealing processes occurring deep below the surface. The findings suggest that an old theory about the flat position of the Indian plate beneath Tibet is no longer tenable.
Researchers mapped the molecular changes that orchestrate embryonic mouse cell differentiation into diverse cell types. The study provides a roadmap of mouse embryogenesis, which will help researchers understand the molecular programs controlling cell emergence and tissue organ formation.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has developed an implant coating that incorporates the anti-inflammatory drug MCC950, reducing the 'foreign body reaction' to implants. This reduction allows for improved nerve regeneration and potentially transforms long-term implant treatment for serious disability or illness.
The American College of Chest Physicians journal features cutting-edge original research on various chest medicine topics, including asthma, COPD, critical care, and sleep. The March issue includes a special series on nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, offering insights into clinical epidemiology, risk factors, and diagnosis.
Scientists have identified three major components of the Asian giant hornet queen's sex pheromone, which can be used as bait to trap and track the insects. The discovery could help locate and remove the invasive species from North America, where it threatens bee populations and crop production.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Helmholtz Center Munich found that macrophages show altered inflammatory and metabolic expression several months after mild COVID-19. Even though most individuals were symptom-free, their immune systems were more sensitive than those of healthy counterparts.
A Rutgers study found that individuals who die by suicide with a firearm are more likely to disclose suicidal thoughts to others but less likely to seek mental health treatment. Approximately 90% of firearm-related suicides result in death, compared to less than 5% for other methods.
A new Phase 1 clinical trial has enrolled its first 12 participants, evaluating the safety and immune responses of three experimental HIV vaccines using mRNA technology. The study aims to understand how the immune system responds to these vaccines and gain insights into developing an HIV vaccine regimen.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University found that mice can perceive the difference between a picture of an object and the actual 3D object, employing higher-order cognitive processes. The study suggests that mice's hippocampus plays a significant role in associating memories with visual stimuli.
A recent study published in PNAS found that cities can mitigate the impact of urban expansion on species habitats. The research identified hotspot cities with high biodiversity hotspots and highlighted the need for global conservation efforts to include policies protecting species in urban lands.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed a new method to monitor soil freezing, enabling the creation of safer and more stable structures in permafrost regions. The water potential method is fast, inexpensive, and applicable to various soil types, providing accurate estimates of freezing point and unfrozen water content.
Scientists who interact with others during assigned sessions at conferences are more likely to form productive collaborations than those who do not. Virtual conferences are found to be just as effective as in-person conferences in encouraging interactions and sparking collaborations.
Researchers have discovered a new plant species, Castela senticosa, in the Martín García mountain range of the Dominican Republic. The species was found to be rare and endangered due to its limited geographic distribution.
Researchers predict that certain regions will experience perpetual drought or perennial pluvial conditions due to climate change, rendering traditional definitions obsolete. The team's findings suggest a need to adapt water management strategies to account for an ever-changing baseline.
Researchers found that impaired kidney function is preferentially associated with cardioembolic stroke in a large cohort of patients. Low filtration rates and high urine protein levels predicted increased risk of cardioembolic stroke, disability, and mortality.
Researchers at University of Michigan found that postpartum depression rose considerably during the pandemic, with 1 in 5 mothers experiencing major depressive symptoms. The study highlights the need for better resources and education on postpartum depression to reduce stigma and improve recovery time.
Researchers found that over half of autistic people were considered vulnerable adults, but only a quarter received reasonable adjustments. Autistic defendants often experienced meltdowns and stress due to lack of understanding from law enforcement and courts.
Researchers found distinct cellular signals in infant B-ALL, with a notable contribution from early lymphocyte precursors. The closer an ELP cell was to becoming a mature B cell, the better the outcome for the patient. This study provides promising drug targets and raises hopes for effective treatments for infant B-ALL.
A new study by University of Portsmouth researchers suggests that wave reserves, initially aimed at protecting popular surfing spots, can also conserve ecologically valuable coastal areas. The strategy has gained popularity worldwide, with dozens of wave reserves established globally.
Researchers have identified a key gene that confers stripe rust resistance in bread wheat, providing hope for improving crop yields and ensuring global food security. The discovery was made possible by the assembly of the highest-quality genome to date for bread wheat using advanced DNA sequencing techniques.
A new bird species, Fregetta lineata, was discovered in New Caledonia and is believed to be critically endangered. With an estimated population of 100 to 1,000 pairs, the species is already threatened.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a new attack strategy that can deceive industry-standard autonomous vehicle sensors into believing nearby objects are closer or further than they appear. This vulnerability highlights the need for additional redundancy and data sharing between vehicles to protect against such attacks.
A new study by Japanese researchers at Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine found a correlation between maternal lead exposure and an increase in male births. The research suggests that even low levels of lead can affect the sex ratio of offspring, potentially contributing to Japan's declining proportion of male births.
A new study by University of Maryland scientists has developed a five-stage scale to track the progression of salt pollution in freshwater streams and rivers. The researchers found that road salts combined with other pollutants create
Researchers have developed hollow cuprous oxide@nitrogen-doped carbon nanocapsules for efficient chemodynamic therapy. The nanocapsules exhibit excellent antitumor ability without causing systemic toxicity, promising a new approach for cancer treatment.
A recent study found that individuals with a history of neurological or psychiatric conditions are at increased risk of developing a second condition. Women and men differ in their risk, with women being more likely to develop dementia after experiencing an earlier stroke.
A dramatic increase in suicidal ingestions was reported among preadolescent children over the past two decades. The analysis of national poison data showed a significant rise in this trend, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that hydroxychloroquine inhibits pathways that drive resistance to cisplatin in head and neck cancers, restoring tumor-killing effects. The study paves the way for a clinical trial combining hydroxychloroquine and cisplatin to treat chemotherapy-resistant patients.
Researchers found early and persistent activation of neutrophils in patients who developed severe COVID-19. The study suggests that identifying specific gene signatures could lead to effective treatments targeting high-risk patients. This discovery may also inform the development of simple blood tests to prioritize treatment.
The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSPO) awarded $37 million to 32 research teams, with each member receiving $110,000-$125,000 per year. The program supports cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research focusing on complex mechanisms of living organisms.
Scientists from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have successfully embedded enzymes in metal-organic frameworks to enhance their stability. This innovation enables the use of these enzymes in both aqueous and organic solvents, leading to improved productivity and stability in continuous reactors.
A new study assesses the safety and cost-effectiveness of deploying aerosols at an altitude of 25 km, finding that such a height would be more effective but also pose unacceptable risks. The research clarifies the practical limits to solar geoengineering, which is crucial for climate intervention models globally.
A two-year study shows that even a 4m² space can provide a rich habitat for pollinators and support biodiversity. The mini-meadows attracted an average of 111% more bumblebees and 87% more solitary bees compared to control plots.
Researchers studied the Pliocene period, discovering that ice sheet retreat and forest expansion led to wetter conditions in previously dry areas. Current models perform well at simulating these changes, indicating a need for long-term planning to address projected future climate shifts.
The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) has published a special issue of The Anatomical Record examining its complex history and addressing structural racism and questionable ethics. The issue proposes recommendations for creating an inclusive future for the field.
A new study found that severe COVID-19 illness is associated with increased risk of long-term adverse mental health effects. Non-hospitalized patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to experience depressive symptoms up to 16 months after diagnosis, with those bedridden for seven days or more having higher rates of depress...
A comprehensive review of over 60 studies confirms that COVID vaccination is around 80% effective in protecting people with cancer against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mRNA vaccines were found to be the most effective, and multiple vaccinations are recommended for better protection.
A team of researchers found that evolution has an overwhelming preference for simple algorithms, leading to the emergence of highly symmetric structures in biology. This is because simple recipes are more efficient and easier to follow than complex ones, resulting in a higher probability of producing symmetrical outcomes.
Researchers found a tenfold reduction in methane emissions when thawed soil dried up, as conditions changed for microbial production and consumption. Vegetation changes also played a role, with plants like hare's-tail cottongrass decreasing emissions.
Researchers have introduced a new mRNA delivery method to treat muscular dystrophy, which has already proven successful in mice. The method uses messenger RNA to correct genetic defects and has shown promise in clinical trials.
Dialysis facilities referred more incident patients, transplant centers evaluated more, but fewer were placed on the waitlist following KAS implementation. This led to a decline in overall waitlisting nationwide.
A new study found that nearly half of over-35s lack confidence in recognizing cardiac symptoms during strenuous exercise. The survey of 153 Masters football players aged ≥35 years highlights the importance of education and knowledge in mitigating serious cardiac risk.
Researchers discovered a topological charge-entropy scaling relation in the kagome Chern magnet TbMn6Sn6, a material with potential to support intrinsic Chern quantum phases. This finding has vast implications for understanding quantum transport in topological magnets.
A new smartphone app developed by Scripps Research calculates genetic risk for coronary artery disease and finds that users at high risk are more likely to start using statins or other cholesterol-lowering therapies. The app, called MyGeneRank, uses genetic data from 23andMe and outputs a CAD risk score.
The Human Frontier Science Program announced 65 new postdoctoral fellowships to support groundbreaking research in biology. The awardees will conduct innovative studies in fields like antigen recognition, neuromodulation, and bacterial rotary nanomachines.
A new study reveals that intra-tumoral injections of a plant virus-based immunotherapy could lead to groundbreaking therapy for both canine and human inflammatory breast cancer patients. The treatment generated potent local and systemic anti-tumor immune responses, improving quality of life and survival in treated dogs.
Research found a significant drop in new cancer diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for screening cancers like breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. The study estimates around 12,600 cancers went undetected between March 2020 and September 2020.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that men and women in the Army's special operations view mentorship positively, but with differing goals. Men see mentoring as a means to advance their careers, while women view it as a way to survive and navigate a male-dominated organization. The study highlights the need for more robus...
A study found that maternal immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can reduce antimicrobial prescribing among young infants. The research, based on a blinded, multi-country trial, showed that infants of mothers assigned the RSV F vaccine experienced fewer antimicrobial prescription courses over the first 90 days of life.
Researchers used a novel model ensemble to study compound hot-dry-events and found that precipitation trends determine their future occurrence. The frequency of these events is expected to increase fourfold in a two-degree warmer climate, with an uncertainty of up to 48% for precipitation trends.
A study of insurance claims data found that state laws governing opioid prescribing had a negligible effect on opioid prescribing trends. The authors suggest that shifting clinical guidelines, professional norms, or other factors may be driving the decline in opioid prescribing. In contrast, a post-hoc analysis of an ASPREE trial found...
Ben-Gurion University researchers found that participants overwhelmingly preferred virtual reality for short-term cognitive tasks, but split over the long term. A combination of both virtual reality and socially adaptive robots may be key to keeping people engaged in remote cognitive training.
Researchers identify a neural circuit in midbrain, thalamus, and cortex that orchestrates neuronal activity to trigger planned movement. The discovery has important clinical implications for motor disorders like Parkinson's disease.
A new study documents how thawing permafrost is affecting the seafloor in the Arctic Ocean, revealing dramatic changes including deep sinkholes and ice-filled hills. Researchers used advanced underwater mapping technology to track these changes, establishing a baseline for future monitoring.
A research team at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf has successfully tested irradiation with laser-accelerated protons on animals, paving the way for optimal radiation therapy. The method could make a decisive contribution to improving proton therapy, which is currently more complex and expensive than X-ray therapy.
Scientists propose a new mechanism by which oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere, shifting the planet out of its low-oxygen equilibrium. Interactions between certain marine microbes and minerals in ocean sediments may have prevented oxygen consumption, setting off a self-amplifying process.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill are working with community-based harm reduction programs to develop systems to detect and issue public warnings about dangerous adulterants in street drugs. The team aims to use data to reduce overdose deaths and provide timely alerts to protect people's health.
A study by American College of Cardiology reveals that childbearing women cardiologists face discriminatory violations of maternity leave practices, with 75% experiencing potential illegal violations. The survey found a significantly higher rate of pregnancy complications among these women compared to the general population.
A pioneering study of LGBT+ experiences in physics finds that women, trans people, and those from marginalized groups face high rates of harassment and exclusionary behaviors. The study highlights the need for support and equity across institutions to retain LGBT+ physicists.
A study from Keck Medicine of USC found a significant increase in metastatic prostate cancer cases among men 45 and older, coinciding with the end of routine screenings. The incidence rate rose by 41% in men 45-74 and 43% in men 75 and older.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the link between high cholesterol and heart disease may not be as strong as previously thought. The research suggests that statins may have a modest benefit for some individuals, but this benefit varies depending on personal risk factors.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that even moderate light exposure during sleep harms cardiovascular function and increases insulin resistance. Closing blinds and using dim lighting before bed can help mitigate these effects.
Researchers predict Greenland ice sheet will lose up to 3.54 meters of sea level equivalent by 3000, under unabated warming conditions. In contrast, reduced emissions pathway may see a loss of only 0.16-0.4 meters sea-level equivalent.
Health policy experts review existing coverage systems and propose rigorous research to inform the US debate on universal healthcare coverage. They identify areas where additional research and stakeholder input are needed to achieve high-performing universal health insurance.
An international research team analyzed the microbial community living on the carapaces of deep-sea squat lobsters, finding a diverse microbiome that likely provides benefits to both organisms. The microbes utilize energy-rich chemical compounds, while the squat lobsters may use them as a source of nutrients or have them remove toxic s...
The 'Agency for All' project aims to develop social and behavioral research to understand how to promote local voices and agency in health and development programming. The five-year, $38 million grant will fund an international network across Africa, South Asia, and other regions.
Researchers have genetically engineered a rat model of Down syndrome to test new therapies and explore the condition's unique genetics. The rats exhibit cognitive impairments, anxiety, and hyperactivity similar to humans with Down syndrome, providing a valuable tool for medical research.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found a link between ozone levels and an increase in depressive symptoms in adolescents. Higher ozone levels were associated with significant increases in depressive symptoms over time, even in neighborhoods that met air quality standards.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new program called Variabel to accurately identify 'low-frequency' variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. By distinguishing true variants from sequencing errors, Variabel enables rapid characterization of within-host variation, which could aid in discovering future mutations.
A systematic review of 41 studies found that patients with advanced kidney disease who forgo dialysis have improved survival rates and quality of life. The study also showed a significant reduction in healthcare resource utilization and end-of-life care expenses.
The study identifies nine key pathways that seem to be crucial in developing Parkinson's disease, some of which have not been linked before. The findings improve scientists' understanding of genetic risk factors for developing the disease and pave the way for personalized medicine.
A study by Sibani Lisa Biswal and Kedar Joshi shows that magnetically driven colloidal suspensions exhibit behavior consistent with the principles of classical thermodynamics, including vapor pressure, viscosity, and surface tension. The researchers' findings have implications for designing materials with reconfigurable properties.