The 2022 Student Research Achievement Awards recognized 31 students for their exceptional contributions to biophysical research. The Biophysical Society selected these students based on their outstanding presentations during the poster competition, with winners coming from various institutions worldwide.
A field cage study in Switzerland found that a parasitoid was highly specific to the invasive fruit fly Drosophila suzukii, with only 15% parasitism rate. In contrast, non-target species showed a very rare parasitism rate of 0.02%. The results support previous laboratory experiments and suggest low risk for non-target effects.
Researchers are developing a new SWIR surgical microscope system to detect and remove cholesteatomas, a type of chronic otitis media. The microscope uses short-wave infrared light to illuminate blood, bacterial biofilms, cartilage, and soft tissue, making them distinguishable from each other.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that AI-powered apps reduced business risks during the pandemic by 3.1%. The use of AI apps was also linked to lower profits (2%) and overall business risk (1.2%). Only 26% of small enterprises are currently using these applications.
Researchers have identified a crucial nuclear transport mechanism essential for organ growth and development, involving the protein YAP. The study shows that YAP interacts with importin-7 to control its nuclear entry, regulating cell and tissue growth, and potentially targeting diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer.
Scientists used data from 1 million marine mammal sightings to identify areas of high marine mammal diversity along the US East Coast. The study found that the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument has some of the richest marine mammal diversity, particularly in the northern part of the Atlantic Coast.
A new DNA test has been developed to identify a range of hard-to-diagnose neurological and neuromuscular genetic diseases quicker and more accurately than existing tests. The test uses Nanopore sequencing technology to scan for abnormally long repeats within patients' genes, which are the hallmarks of disease.
A U-M study defines how a cytokine and fatty acid combination triggers ferroptosis, a type of cell death previously studied with synthetic molecules. This natural mechanism could make immunotherapy treatments more effective, particularly for cancers where the treatments currently work for only about 30% of patients.
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine demonstrated 31% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 after one dose and 65% after the second dose in a Brazilian favela community. The study aimed to assess vaccine effectiveness in socially vulnerable populations, which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Researchers have leveraged quantum information theory techniques to amplify entanglement in the Hawking effect, a process previously difficult to test due to the faint nature of Hawking radiation. By illuminating event horizons with appropriately chosen quantum states, they can tunably stimulate entanglement production.
A recent study analyzed the genomes, methylomes, and transcriptomes of calli and sweet orange calli cultured in vitro for 30 years. The results show dynamic somaclonal variation patterns during dedifferentiation and reprogramming, affecting somatic embryogenesis. The findings offer a deeper understanding of in vitro variation and its a...
The MagTrack study successfully completed a collaboration between Georgia Tech and Brooks Rehabilitation, creating a user-ready version of the assistive technology. Participants showed improved performance in controlling their power wheelchairs and connected devices with ease and comfort.
A new Northwestern University study found that pregnant women often continue to experience depression and anxiety symptoms even with antidepressant treatment. The study suggests that these women require closer monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum to tailor their treatment and alleviate symptoms.
The Indochina Peninsula plays a significant role in inducing and maintaining the Asian summer monsoon, with both land-sea thermal contrast and orography contributing to its development. The study found that the orographic effect increases South Asian rainfall while reducing it over other regions, whereas the land-sea contrast has oppos...
A research team at Leibniz-HKI has developed a new method to produce complex natural products, including the precursor to THC, in amoebae. By leveraging the natural properties of the amoeba, they were able to produce a functional inter-kingdom hybrid enzyme that produces olivetolic acid without additives.
Geologists study ancient sheath folds that demonstrate extreme subhorizontal shear strain, similar to modern plate tectonics. The article also reports on the Oligocene onset of uplift in the Cascadia forearc basin, southern Oregon Coast Range, USA.
A comprehensive analysis suggests that cardiac computed tomography (CT) provides a safe alternative to cardiac catheterization for patients with stable chest pain and suspected CAD. The trial confirms CT's diagnostic accuracy, while also showing lower procedure-related complications.
Researchers found that replacing internal-combustion-engine vehicles with battery-electric vehicles results in significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, especially for larger vehicles. Battery-electric pickups offer the greatest reduction of 74 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent over their lifetime.
A new study by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Baylor University found that self-regulation on Airbnb platforms can lead to a 5% reduction in average crime rates, but may also increase theft incidents. Self-regulation is critical to reducing crime linked to commercial listings.
Researchers highlight recent advancements in pear genome sequencing, genetic transformation, and breeding technologies. The study provides a roadmap for future research, focusing on genome development, resequencing, and integrated omics technologies.
Researchers have demonstrated control of graphene's relaxation time, allowing for novel functionalities in devices such as light detectors and modulators. This work paves the way for the development of ultrafast optical devices with potential applications in photonics and telecommunications.
Research in Centre County, Pa., finds that behavioral interventions protected local non-student population from COVID-19 cases. Non-student residents experienced fewer cases per capita than neighboring counties due to self-imposed stay-at-home behaviors.
Physicists at ETH Zurich demonstrate that vacuum fluctuations can cause a breakdown of topological protection in the integer quantum Hall effect. Exposing a quantum Hall system to strongly enhanced quantum vacuum fluctuations of a tight cavity provides a novel route to modify quantum states.
Researchers used the history of microchip development to predict advancements in synthetic biology, citing potential for exponential growth in transistors on a single computer chip. The study suggests that synthesizing an artificial human genome could cost approximately $1 million and simpler applications like custom bacteria could be ...
A meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials found that visualized personalized risk information can reduce smoking, improve diet and physical activity, and increase oral hygiene behaviors. This suggests that medical imaging technologies could be used to motivate behavior change and reduce disease risks.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine reveals that transposons, repetitive DNA sequences, accumulate in the genomes of older animals with mutations, leading to genomic instability. The researchers successfully improved RNA interference pathways, which helped prevent transposon accumulation and increased lifespan.
A study of over 2,700 men with localized prostate cancer found that initial treatment choice didn't affect depression or emotional well-being. However, factors such as age, overall health, and initial depressive symptoms were linked to declines in mental health outcomes.
Researchers found that showing total case counts makes people view the pandemic as more serious, leading to increased caution and reduced risk-taking behavior. Conversely, presenting new daily cases can make the data seem less impactful.
A new study suggests that mummification in prehistory was more common in Europe than thought, dating back to 8,000 years ago. The researchers found evidence of desiccation and hyperflexion in skeletal remains from the Sado Valley in Portugal.
Researchers have identified a way to improve bacterial vaginosis treatment by targeting the vaginal microbiome. By analyzing over 1,200 vaginal Lactobacillus genomes and growing a novel strain of Lactobacillus iners in the lab, scientists discovered that this species requires external cysteine sources, which can be blocked using inhibi...
Researchers studied a large lava flow from Popocatépetl to better understand possible future eruption scenarios. The study found that a similar lava flow today could severely damage infrastructure and displace local residents, highlighting the need for preparedness and awareness of volcanic hazards.
A research team has discovered how the Covid virus reproduces itself by taking over the cell's protein factory. The team identified a specific structure in viral mRNA that allows the virus to access the ribosome and produce its own proteins, while blocking cellular production. This discovery opens up new avenues for antiviral treatments.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that working during non-traditional hours can decrease intrinsic motivation for schoolwork and work. Intrinsic motivation refers to the enjoyment and interest one feels in their work or activities. The study involved three experiments, including one with college students who were remi...
A new study led by Kaiser Permanente investigators found that home blood pressure monitoring is a better option for making new diagnoses of hypertension than clinic settings. This method allows for multiple readings to be collected and averaged, providing a more accurate representation of an individual's average blood pressure.
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin uncovered that conceptual knowledge is tied to perceptual and experiential information. They used fMRI to measure neural activity while participants read hundreds of words, finding that experiential information was key to understanding word meaning.
The case study examines Rutgers' comprehensive universitywide plan, leveraging internal expertise to develop a swift and effective response. The university required vaccinations for students, promoting resilience and community, and demonstrated the role institutions can play in addressing significant issues.
Researchers at the University of Cologne's Institute of Organic Chemistry have created a novel method for producing synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA) with site-specifically introduced non-natural nucleotides. This approach allows for better therapeutic applications and study of cellular processes.
Researchers at the University of Kansas will investigate improved detailing in steel bridges to prevent constraint-induced fractures, which can lead to bridge failures. They will also evaluate university curricula for graduate students studying bridge design to address gaps in education and improve continuing education.
Researchers used simulations to compare Einstein's theory and modified gravity, finding that 'dark gravity' may be equally good at explaining data from binary neutron star collisions. This could lead to the discovery of new phenomena detectable by next-generation gravitational interferometers.
Researchers created two types of hydrogenous-rich composites for shielding space radiation, which showed higher shielding abilities than traditional aluminum. The simulations also revealed that these new composites can reduce the mass needed for shielding by up to 77% when the thickness is larger than 10 g/cm².
Researchers found that mindfulness meditation can reduce feelings of guilt and lead to less generous behavior in social situations. However, it may also cause individuals to focus outward on others rather than inwardly considering their own emotions.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have discovered a way to extend the longevity of germline stem cells in fruit flies by halting egg production during diapause. This process, studied in detail for its potential to inform future medical discoveries, found nearly every step to be put on hold, extending the stem cells' viability.
Scientists discovered that a gene family regulates plant immune response, with some genes promoting defense and others inhibiting it. The research has implications for sustainable agriculture and food security.
Researchers developed a machine learning technique that can identify different bacteria in arbitrary media with accuracies of up to 98% using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and deep learning. The technique, called DualWKNet, enables rapid detection without the need for bacterial separation steps.
A meta-analysis of 280,660 cases of colorectal cancer and 14,139 cases of adenoma found that taller individuals have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and precancerous colon polyps. The study suggests that adults over 4 inches (10 cm) above the average U.S. height may be at increased risk.
Scientists have successfully produced fully functional pancreatic beta cells from stem cells for the first time, offering a breakthrough in treating type 1 diabetes. The study's findings demonstrate that these stem cell-derived beta cells can regulate insulin secretion and manage glucose metabolism in both cell cultures and mice studies.
A study of nearly 312,400 adults found that consuming wine with meals was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The analysis suggested that moderate drinking may have health benefits for glucose metabolism, but the exact mechanism is unclear.
Astronomers have discovered that fast radio bursts originate from old stars in a globular cluster of the nearby spiral galaxy M 81, approximately 12 million light years away. This is the closest detection of a source of fast radio bursts, contradicting previous findings of young, massive stars surrounding these events.
A team of researchers has developed a DNA-based data storage platform with an expanded molecular alphabet, enabling the storage of vast amounts of digital information. The new system uses nanopores to distinguish between natural and chemically modified nucleotides, increasing storage density and sustainability.
A study by EMBL researchers sheds light on how gene placement impacts its expression and neighboring genes, revealing general principles for designing genomes. The team found that transcriptional context alters RNA output, even when the sequence itself remains unchanged.
The Chinese science grant system is helping to facilitate problematic or false science due to limited sanction and enforcement tools. To improve research integrity, Tang proposes suggestions that could help strengthen funding agencies' roles in addressing these issues.
A new study found that cervical cancer incidence is increasing in low-income US counties, while plateauing in high-income counties. The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2018 and estimated trends by county-level household income and smoking prevalence.
Research from the University of Surrey found that FFP2 respirator masks are five times more efficient at filtering Covid-19 particles than cloth masks. The study suggests that switching to an approved FFP2 mask significantly improves protection and reduces transmission.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School implemented a cohorting model during the pandemic, which provided high-quality care to infectious patients and contained outbreaks. The study found a 2% improvement in in-hospital survival rates and reduced complications for COVID-19 patients.
A team of researchers at NGI and NPL demonstrated that slightly twisted 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) display room-temperature ferroelectricity. This characteristic can be used to build multi-functional optoelectronic devices with built-in memory functions on a nanometre length scale.
New research suggests that slow degradation of recreational fisheries is common due to changes in technology, infrastructure, and angler attitudes. Anglers and managers can stabilize and improve fisheries by embracing challenges, reducing fishing mortality, supporting monitoring funding, and managing high catch rates.
A new study found a causal link between blood group and severe COVID-19, identifying six proteins that may increase the risk of hospitalization or respiratory support/death. Meanwhile, eight proteins were linked to protection against these outcomes. The research suggests potential new targets for treatments.
Researchers studied adherence to three healthy eating patterns (Alternative Mediterranean Diet, Healthy Eating Index, and Plant-based Diet Index) in 10,766 Hispanic/Latino adults. Higher scores in any of these diets were associated with lower cardiovascular risk, suggesting that people have more choices for healthy diets.
Researchers at ASU's Holman Research Group have developed a technique called external radiative efficiency (ERE) to measure internal voltage in CdSeTe devices. The new approach reveals that selectivity losses, caused by imperfect semipermeable membranes, are the main limitation to performance.
Researchers found that mRNA vaccines lose effectiveness against all three Omicron subvariants, BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2, while only bebtelovimab remains effective as a treatment. The study highlights the need for booster shots to sustain immunity.