Recent advances in femtosecond laser direct writing of fiber Bragg gratings in multicore fibers enable the development of shape sensors, fiber Raman lasers and high-power fiber lasers with improved spectral features. The technology also allows for complex optical integral elements and biosensors to be fabricated.
Researchers are developing novel graphite coatings with the goal of reducing energy consumption and equipment failure in industrial conveyor systems. The new coatings will be thinner, more durable, and environmentally superior to traditional lubricants.
A randomised trial found that poor sleeping habits may contribute to regaining weight after weight loss in adults with obesity. Exercise sessions per week can help maintain better sleep and aid in weight loss maintenance.
A new study from the University of Warwick has identified a critical step in cancer formation during cell division, where chromosomes get trapped in membranes that prevent proper sharing. This discovery suggests that preventing this process may be a way to treat disease and could lead to more effective cancer prevention.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal shows that MRI is superior to echocardiography for diagnosing heart failure and predicting patient outcomes. The research found that MRI can accurately measure left ventricular filling pressure, leading to improved diagnosis and reduced need for invasive assessments.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a system that kills SARS-CoV-2 viruses using UVC light, with optimal results achieved between 260-280 nanometers. The study's findings provide a scientific basis for standardizing and regulating claims from manufacturers of UV disinfectant devices.
Research suggests that reducing adult-to-child ratios and group sizes in early childhood education may increase positive adult/child interactions, reduce coercive interference, and promote prosocial child behavior. However, high-quality studies are scarce, highlighting the need for more contemporary research on this topic.
Scientists have discovered a single master gene that programs ear hair cells into either outer or inner ones, overcoming a major hurdle in restoring hearing. This discovery is a major step towards developing specific cells to produce sound.
A new LMU study finds that social origin significantly influences career development, with university graduates from low-education backgrounds facing greater difficulties launching their careers. The study suggests organizing career support events for these individuals and promoting more inclusive hiring practices.
Researchers studied the genomes of squid, octopus, and cuttlefish to understand how they developed complex behaviors and organs. The studies found that cephalopod genomes are highly rearranged, with novel gene families that contribute to their unique traits, such as large brains and camouflage capabilities.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have created a new qubit platform using solid neon, which offers a robust environment for electrons and demonstrates competitive coherence times. This breakthrough could lead to the development of future quantum computers with improved performance.
Companies are turning to biobased surfactants and renewable biomass feedstocks to make their products greener. These alternatives can have a lower carbon footprint than traditional surfactants, but may also be more expensive.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to characterize chromosomes with unprecedented detail. This allows for the detection of hidden chromosome defects that can cause miscarriages.
A team of scientists at Argonne National Laboratory has developed a new qubit platform formed by freezing neon gas into a solid and trapping an electron there. The platform shows great promise in achieving ideal building blocks for future quantum computers, with promising coherence times competitive with state-of-the-art qubits.
The study found that fires in 2020 followed an accelerating trend of increased burn area, severity, size, and costs to society and the economy. Human-caused fires accounted for nearly 60% of fires, but lightning-sparked fires burned more than five times the area burned by human-caused fires.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that gene editing can reverse epigenetic changes in the brain caused by adolescent binge drinking, leading to a decrease in anxiety and excessive drinking behavior. The study used CRISPR-dCas9 technology to manipulate histone acetylation and methylation processes at the Arc gene.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that stimulating cerebellar nuclei cells can prevent abnormal brain activity associated with absence seizures. The study used mice and optogenetic stimulation to confirm the therapeutic potential of targeted cerebellar stimulation.
A Yale-led study identifies surprising risk factors that trigger heart attacks in young women, differing from those in men. Seven risk factors, including diabetes and depression, are more prevalent in women, emphasizing the need for a sex-specific approach to prevention.
Asymptomatic malaria infections have been found to suppress the immune system, preventing it from eradicating parasites from the bloodstream. This new information provides a framework for considering new policies supporting screening and treatment of asymptomatic malaria in endemic areas.
Researchers analyzed changes in gender-affirming surgery across US regions between 2008-2017, finding that policy shifts and insurance coverage significantly influenced surgical rates. The study suggests a positive correlation between increased insurance coverage and higher rates of gender-affirming surgery.
A new lab test has been developed by Rutgers scientists to identify COVID-19 variants. The test uses molecular beacon technology and can detect eight different mutations in the spike protein, increasing the transmissibility of the virus and evading immune defenses.
Researchers found that a 2019 landslide on the Amalia Glacier in Chile caused it to grow in size and slow down its melting process. The study suggests that landslides can have a major impact on glacier movement, which could help scientists better predict future changes due to climate change.
Researchers found a correlation between Parkinson's gene alpha-synuclein and vocal production in zebra finches. The study suggests that this link could lead to earlier diagnoses and treatments for Parkinson's patients.
Researchers developed a deep learning-based model to predict drug-drug interactions using gene expression data. The DeSIDE-DDI model can identify potentially dangerous pairs and act as a drug safety monitoring system, helping establish the correct usage of drugs in the development phase.
Scripps Research scientists found that COVID-19 patients develop more robust antibodies against coronaviruses causing common colds and SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. This increased antibody response may lead to improved vaccine development, targeting a broader range of viruses.
A team of scientists at Argonne National Laboratory has created a new qubit platform using neon gas, freezing it into a solid and trapping a single electron. The system shows great promise as an ideal building block for future quantum computers.
Chelsea Vickers' paper analyzed the 'enzymatic dark matter' in enzymology, revealing a limited number of biochemically characterized enzymes from certain species and phyla. Ryan Woloschuk's paper designed a photoswitchable binding protein using the Z domain, showcasing its potential applications.
Researchers identified OR2H1 as an effective target for CAR T cells in solid tumors, inhibiting growth in lung and ovarian cancer. The study suggests that targeting this protein could lead to the development of new CAR T therapies for a wide variety of patients with solid tumors.
A study published in The BMJ finds substantial differences in heart attack care across six high-income countries, including low use of blood vessel procedures in England and Netherlands, and high death rates in the US and Taiwan. This research highlights areas for improvement in these nations.
A new $1.25 million NIH grant provides teaching resources and professional development for middle school teachers to boost disciplinary literacy skills and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The program aims to help traditionally underrepresented groups feel confident about potential careers in STEM.
Researchers found that dogs process human and canine vocalizations differently in their brains, responding to emotional content and distinct neural pathways. This groundbreaking study provides new insights into the neural functions of canine auditory perception.
A new study reveals that Asia and Africa have a similar aging burden to the West, with a Health-Adjusted Dependency Ratio (HADR) that indicates the impact of ill-health on dependency ratios. The HADR metric suggests that demographic age is not the only factor determining dependency, and that health levels play a significant role.
Researchers have re-examined ancient fossil material from Brazil, revealing two distinct species: Maehary bonapartei and Faxinalipterus minimus. The discovery contradicts previous assumptions that Faxinalipterus was a flying reptile, instead confirming it as a primitive reptile.
A 10-country survey of adolescents with obesity found that nearly 24% are unaware they have the condition, while two-thirds believe it's their sole responsibility to lose weight. Most participants worry about the impact of obesity on their future health.
Researchers at NC State University have created a stem cell-derived model that sheds light on the effect of dopamine on gene activity in neurons, revealing gene desensitization in human cells. The study provides a blueprint for future research into the relationship between dopamine and addiction.
A recent Dartmouth study using mobile technology compares emotional well-being of college students before and during the pandemic, finding significant differences in mental health and behavior. The research identifies two groups with differing experiences, with one group showing poorer mental health, anxiety, and stress.
The study successfully generates second-harmonic generation (SHG) under low pump power, reducing it by three orders of magnitude. The device also exhibits broadband tuning and self-enhanced SHG, offering potential applications in optical fiber communication and sensing technology.
Researchers from the University of Bayreuth have shown how RNA polymerase II is activated in nerve cells, stimulating gene expression. They discovered that enhancer RNAs play a key role in activating Pol II by detaching NELF from it.
A study involving hypothetical COVID-19 vaccines found that effectiveness and risk of side effects significantly influence people's vaccine preferences. The attributes of actual vaccines may not be as crucial for those already open to vaccinations.
Researchers used weather radar data to identify areas where large numbers of migrating birds fly through the rotor-swept zone and stopover in high densities. This information can guide the placement of new wind energy development and turbine operation to minimize collisions and habitat loss.
A new study led by UTHealth Houston found that patients with recent cancer diagnoses had a higher risk of death and hospitalization, but those with cancer more than one year ago were not significantly associated with increased mortality. The research also confirmed racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients.
A recent study by Weill Cornell Medicine and Dana Farber Cancer Institute reveals that CDC7 is replaceable by CDK1 in cell division, opening up new avenues for cancer therapies. The finding highlights the complex molecular orchestration of the cell cycle and suggests a powerful new strategy against cancer.
Researchers at Princeton University demonstrate how specialized genetic sequences coordinate gene expression during early fly embryonic development. Tethering elements bring distant genes together in three-dimensional space, facilitating their co-expression.
A study by American Chemical Society researchers reveals that 54 of the 93 surveyed items contained fluorine, an indicator of PFAS. The team found that 19 products had precursor compounds that can be transformed into highly stable perfluoroalkyl acids, which are linked to various health issues.
Researchers propose an integrated conceptual framework for examining cold-survival strategies in animals, recognizing that species often combine multiple strategies to cope with freezing temperatures. This framework can help resolve discrepancies in Bergmann's rule and provide insights into animal responses to climate change.
A research team has developed a genetic score to predict the likelihood of needing knee or hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. The score was validated in a study involving 12,093 individuals and found that those with high risk scores had a higher odds of needing replacement surgeries.
A recent analysis found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) does not appear to increase college enrollment rates. The study suggests that complex subsidies like EITC may be ineffective at altering college going. Researchers recommend providing tax credits as grants instead of tax credits to increase college enrollment rates.
A new analysis by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that substituting 20% of meat from cattle with microbial protein could halve deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Microbial protein can be produced in fermentation tanks, reducing pressure on land and methane emissions.
The BMJ recommends offering additional cholesterol-lowering drugs to adults at high heart disease risk, particularly those with 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels above 70 mg/dl. Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors are recommended for the high and very high risk group, but not for those in the low risk category.
A new study found that endurance exercise improves mitochondrial function in some patients with primary mitochondrial diseases, but not others. The research highlights the importance of considering individual genetic status when recommending exercise as therapy.
A new study found positive trends in long-term patient outcomes after a heart attack, but disparities persist among low-income and Black communities. The 10-year recurrent AMI rate was 27%, three times higher than previously reported, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce health inequalities.
Researchers tested two valved N95 masks and found one to be substantially better at filtering out respiratory particles than the other. The study suggests that valved masks should be avoided in public health settings.
Researchers at Caltech developed Neural-Fly, a deep-learning method that enables drones to adapt to wind conditions in real-time. The method achieved significant improvements in drone performance compared to existing adaptive control algorithms.
Researchers developed a comprehensive regional diagnostic method using DNA testing, allowing for precise identification of microorganisms and estimation of their abundance. The technique has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the ocean's food web and its role in removing greenhouse gases.
The study found a significant increase in US alcohol use disorder-related mortality rates across all age groups and sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers used vital statistics data from 2012 to 2019 to project mortality rates for 2020 and 2021, revealing a notable rise in mortality related to alcohol use disorders.
Scientists discovered that intermittent dosing of PI3Kδ inhibitors can reduce toxicity while maintaining anti-tumor immunity in patients with head and neck cancers. This finding holds promise for improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.
A systematic review of 71 studies finds paranormal beliefs associated with differences in cognitive function, particularly intuitive thinking style. Methodological quality has improved over time, but areas for improvement remain, including discussion of limitations and generalizability to the population.
Researchers have identified potential biomarkers in lupus nephritis through large-scale protein analysis, which may replace invasive tests. The study's findings could lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Scientists have discovered a master gene that programs ear hair cells into either outer or inner ones, enabling the development of these cells to restore hearing. This breakthrough could provide a previously unavailable tool to create specific hair cells and improve treatments for age-related hearing loss.
A new study reveals that urban residents have a simplistic understanding of coastal ecosystems and are less likely to take pro-environmental actions. The research highlights an issue known as urbanized knowledge syndrome, which can harm natural ecosystems and undermine community resilience.