Researchers discovered a novel way to control the optical properties of silicon nanoantennas using vectorial light fields. The technique enables high-contrast reconfigurable optical scattering by switching structured polarization beams.
Researchers developed a new software tool, called 'meta-transcriptome detector,' that integrates genetic sequencing analysis of hosts and their microbiomes. The tool enables analysis of gene expression activity in both microbes and hosts simultaneously, allowing researchers to spot relationships between them.
A study by Kobe University researchers has illuminated the characteristics of Myeloid immune cells in coronary plaque, a major contributor to acute coronary syndrome. The findings suggest that macrophages and monocytes accumulate in the plaques of patients with acute coronary syndrome, leading to increased inflammation.
The CRISPR/Cas system is being utilized for the treatment and diagnosis of infectious diseases using biosafety materials, highlighting its design principle and efficacy. Advanced biosafety materials are used to detect viral nucleic acids and inhibit viral replication.
Initiation of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy before age 50 among women is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Guidelines now recommend that women initiate colorectal cancer screening before age 50 to reduce the risk, including cases diagnosed before age 55.
A study found that higher levels of active brown adipose tissue are associated with early metabolic dysfunction and pre-cooling glucose, insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, and triglyceride levels. Activated brown fat was recruited to counteract 'pre-prediabetic' states, potentially serving as a first-line protective mechanism.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine highlights disparities in leadership roles and academic rank among women and underrepresented groups. Women are less likely to be promoted to professor or in leadership positions, with educational roles being undervalued.
The Ustilago maydis effector Rip1 targets and binds Zmlox3, a maize gene from the lipoxygenase family, to suppress PTI and reduce susceptibility to fungal infection. This action leads to reduced ROS-burst formation in infected plant cells, highlighting the complex co-evolutionary forces between host and pathogen.
A flexible sensor embedded in a diaper measures multiple components in urine, sharing results over Bluetooth for fast bedside analyses. The technology has potential to provide quick and painless urinalysis for incontinent, elderly or infant patients.
Researchers find that oxybenzone sunscreen is converted into a phototoxin inside cells of anemone and coral, making them more susceptible to damage. This conversion may help explain why oxybenzone-based sunscreens are harmful to bleached coral reefs.
A study found that vaccines induce immune responses beyond neutralizing antibodies, involving T cells and the Fc receptor, to control viral replication and prevent severe disease. The researchers observed dose-dependent effects on these immune mechanisms, providing insights for future vaccine design and boosting.
Current mining practices can be improved through effective policies and stakeholder involvement. A more sustainable extractive industry can supply key raw materials for renewable energy technologies and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this, diverse stakeholders must participate in governance at different levels.
Researchers have discovered that lunar soil can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels, paving the way for sustainable space exploration. The team proposes an 'extraterrestrial photosynthesis' strategy using lunar soil to electrolyze water and produce desired products.
A study of 1,365 deaths in Brazil found that up to 18% of COVID-19 cases were misclassified as other causes on death certificates. This undercounting could significantly impact Brazil's vital statistics and COVID-19 mortality rates.
Scientists at Stockholm University have successfully studied the surface of a copper-zinc catalyst during CO2 reduction to methanol, revealing that zinc is alloyed with copper at the surface. This discovery opens up possibilities for more efficient materials and a green transition in the chemical industry.
Researchers analyzed 364 social media posts by six German-speaking influencers and found that 75% of the featured food and drinks were high in salt, fat, or sugar, exceeding World Health Organization advertising standards for children. Chocolate and sweets were the most commonly posted about products.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that starting endoscopic screening at age 45 can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in women. The study included 111,801 women and showed a 50-60% lower risk of CRC among those who started screening at this age.
A recent study published in Ecology found that climate change and biological invasions are altering the predator-prey landscape in California's coastal estuaries. This interaction increases stress on native species, making them more vulnerable to invasive predators.
The study proposes four types of firms: craft specialists, craft generalists, commercial specialists, and commercial generalists. Craft specialists focus on aesthetic perfection, while commercial firms prioritize profit maximization. The article highlights the intersection of these goals in various industries, including coffee.
Four rapid antigen tests were found to be less sensitive to the Delta variant than the Omicron strain. The study suggests that continuous assessment and updating are needed for these tests to remain effective in detecting COVID-19 infections. Continuous improvement is necessary to ensure they meet public health testing goals.
Researchers developed a soft robotic sleeve controlled with a microfluidic chip that reduces treatment cost, weight, and power consumption for lymphedema treatment. The device promotes fluid flow in the lymphatic system by sequentially inflating balloons and pushing fluid upwards.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham call for more diverse patient groups in clinical trials and practice to ensure representative data collection. The team identifies barriers such as access to technology, disability, language, and cultural requirements that hinder participation.
Researchers developed a novel gene expression approach to identify potential blood biomarkers associated with suicide in major depressive disorder. The study analyzed data from non-preserved blood samples and found significant differences in gene expression changes linked to stress response, immune dysregulation, and telomere maintenance.
A recent study reveals that massive carbon emission during the Late Paleozoic Ice Age led to anoxic areal extent equivalent to 20% of the seafloor and significant biodiversity loss. The research team used geochemical signals, sedimentology, and climate modeling to simulate the effects of a 300,000-year warming event.
MIT researchers develop ExSum, a framework to formalize explanations of machine-learning models into quantifiable rules. This allows for testing assumptions about model behavior and reveals unexpected insights, such as negative words having sharper contributions to model decisions.
The Chemical Insights Research Institute has received a prestigious award from the National Institutes of Health to study the link between electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) usage and periodontal disease. The researchers will analyze consumer vaping behavior data and biosamples to identify biomarkers of exposure and injury, aim...
The vaquita porpoise, the world's smallest marine mammal, has relatively healthy genetics and can potentially survive if illegal 'gillnet' fishing ceases promptly. Inbreeding poses a threat, but the species may rebound due to its naturally low genetic diversity.
The article examines the avian literary motif in the Standard Babylonian Gilgameš Epic, exploring its cultural significance and literary devices. Bird calls are linked to deities and assign specific sounds to each bird, with some foreshadowing events like Enkidu's transgressions against the gods.
A study found that protected conservation areas in Madagascar experienced unprecedented spikes in fires during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when on-site management was suspended. The team suggests that governments should consider keeping some staff in protected areas to mitigate this impact.
Researchers found that restricting calories and eating at the right time of day can lead to a longer, healthier life. Mice on a reduced-calorie diet lived up to 35% longer when fed at night, extending their median lifespan by nine months.
Researchers have identified 2,320 sex-heterogeneous SNPs linked to various health traits and diseases, including schizophrenia, type 2 diabetes, and ADHD. These SNPs play a role in early-life biological processes that shape distinct biology and traits between sexes.
A study found that frequent-flyer program members are more likely to choose higher fares and earn points when their home airport is the airline's hub, resulting in a potential 7% cost savings for companies. This behavior changes when travelers must pay out of pocket, with an average increase of 8% in price paid.
A new study suggests that up to 1 in 4 cases of congenital hydrocephalus may be linked to genetic mutations affecting neural stem cell growth, leading to underdeveloped brains and enlarged ventricles. This paradigm shift could lead to targeted therapies such as gene editing or drugs to optimize neurodevelopment.
Artificial Intelligence can now identify legendary batting techniques used by Sir Donald Bradman and modern players. Researchers developed a deep learning computer vision AI model to detect lateral backlift batters from straight ones.
Biosafety materials have emerged to address global concerns about COVID-19, with unique strategies for preventing infections by pathogenic microorganisms. Researchers have developed novel protocols for rapid detection and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms.
A new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a dramatic increase in fires within globally-important protected areas in Madagascar, with excess fires rising by 76-248%. The team used decades of past data to estimate the impact of the pandemic on fire patterns.
A new Stanford University study reveals that sunscreens containing oxybenzone can damage coral reefs, hastening their demise. The researchers found that oxybenzone forms damaging radicals when exposed to sunlight and can also disrupt coral defense mechanisms.
Researchers successfully reprogrammed non-controllers' CD8+ T cells to acquire properties of natural HIV controllers, enabling them to suppress viral load and survive without exhaustion. This breakthrough could lead to a cell therapy strategy for achieving HIV remission, with potential applications in cancer treatments.
A $66,000 NIH grant will support Karry Weston's two-year study on the lack of breastfeeding in rural Missouri. The goal is to identify cultural factors influencing mothers' decisions, with a focus on improving maternal care in rural communities.
Researchers at Rice University have created a 'metalens' that transforms long-wave UV-A into a focused output of vacuum UV radiation. The technology uses nanophotonics to impart a phase shift on incoming light, redirecting it and generating VUV without the need for specialized equipment.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are applying AI to analyze protein dynamics, identifying potential target sites for new drug therapies. The approach can simulate protein changes related to conditions like cancer, enhancing the chances of successful therapies.
Researchers developed a digital subtraction technique to identify viral DNA in tumor samples, achieving comparable results to standard clinical methods. The study discovered novel associations between specific tumors and viruses, warranting further investigation.
A team of researchers used a CRISPR-based approach to study the evolution of lung cancer cells, tracking their history from the first activation of cancer-causing mutations. The study revealed significant diversity between subpopulations of cells within the same tumor, with certain groups becoming more fit and aggressive over time.
A new study reveals that innovative restoration practices can replicate natural landscape-building processes in wetlands, enhancing their carbon-storing potential. Successful restorations require dense plant clumps or large areas restored in one go to mimic the plants' landscape-forming properties.
A clinical trial found that sodium selenate stabilizes escalating behavioural issues and slows brain shrinkage in patients with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. The treatment has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with reduced rates of cognitive and behavioural symptoms.
Researchers used worms to study how hunger signals in the gut communicate with the brain, leading to riskier behavior. The findings suggest that proteins in intestinal cells move dynamically to transmit signals about hunger, driving worms to cross toxic barriers.
A new study uses artificial intelligence to predict bone fractures in cancer patients by creating a digital twin of the vertebra. The AI-assisted framework, ReconGAN, simulates how tumors affect the spine and predicts fracture risks, offering medical experts better treatment strategies and patient decisions.
Researchers found that individuals with a diverse population of macrophage cells, which include M2 and regulatory macrophages, are better protected against severe COVID-19. The study suggests that a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses is key to preventing the worst symptoms.
Scientists have developed a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict the lifetimes of different battery chemistries using as little as a single cycle of experimental data. The technique could reduce costs and accelerate the development of new battery materials, enabling researchers to quickly evaluate and test multiple ma...
A new genetic analysis suggests that vaquitas can recover if deaths from gillnets are halted, despite initial concerns about inbreeding depression. The species' natural resilience and genetic diversity provide a high probability of survival.
A new genetic study suggests that inbreeding will not doom the endangered vaquita to extinction. Despite low genome-wide diversity, vaquita individuals have remained healthy and able to breed with weakly deleterious genetic mutations accumulating over time.
A recent study in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery reveals that thyroid cancer patients in the US experience substantial financial burdens. The researchers propose a novel framework to help guide future research and inform cancer care providers on cost considerations.
Researchers propose using quantum repeaters to regenerate signals and prevent data loss in ground-based quantum networks. Another approach involves taking quantum networks into the air via drones or satellites, enabling longer-distance transmission and greater flexibility.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that combining diuretics and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors with ibuprofen can lead to acute kidney injury in people with certain medical profiles. The combination may be a 'triple whammy' that exacerbates dehydration, which is a major factor in acute kidney injury.
Researchers have found a deep sub-ice stream groundwater system in West Antarctica, containing more than ten times the volume of shallow hydrologic system above. This discovery highlights the critical role of groundwater hydology in understanding ice sheet dynamics and its potential impact on sea level rise.
A new study found that extended space flight increases perivascular spaces in the brains of first-time astronauts, but not those who previously served in space. No neurological deficits were detected despite the changes.
UTSW researchers have identified a subset of cancer-associated fibroblasts that can be targeted to enhance immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients. The study found that these cells, known as antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts (apCAFs), interact with immune cells by displaying proteins called antigens on their surface.
A new study predicts that agricultural water scarcity will worsen in up to 84% of croplands globally by 2050, with green water availability changing under climate change. Effective solutions include conserving agricultural water through mulching, no-till farming, and improving irrigation infrastructure.
Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells can prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes associated with immune checkpoint cancer therapy. MSCs secrete factors that protect pancreatic cells against immune attack, suggesting a new approach to preventing this debilitating side effect.
Researchers have developed a method using nanomagnets to perform artificial intelligence, slashing energy costs and offering huge efficiency gains. The technology uses 'nanomagnetic states' to process and store data, cutting out the need for software simulation.