A recent study found worsening disparities in cancer drug trial participant diversity from 2000 to 2018, highlighting systemic biases and unequal access to new treatments. The findings underscore the need for increased diversity in phase 1 clinical trials to ensure equitable access to life-saving treatments.
A CABI-led study proposes seven key steps to strengthen Burundi's plant health system, aiming to enhance food security and tap into valuable export markets. The research found inadequate skills and capacity in diagnosing crop pests, hindering agricultural productivity.
Researchers at CÚRAM developed an interdisciplinary framework to characterize ECM-based hydrogels, providing a concise guide for chemists, material scientists, and biologists. The review aims to bridge the gap between material science and biomedicine, facilitating further interdisciplinary work to create solutions for chronic illnesses.
Elisa Riedo's team has discovered a fundamental friction law, leading to the design of two-dimensional materials capable of minimizing energy loss. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient manufacturing processes, greener vehicles, and a sustainable world.
The Human Brain Project researchers have developed a unique method called 3D Polarised Light Imaging (3D-PLI) to visualize nerve fibers at microscopic resolution. By combining different experimental methods and integrating data into multilevel atlases, the team gained new insights into brain connectivity.
A novel framework for building a low-cost, monocular visual-tactile sensor is presented for robotic manipulation tasks. The proposed design uses a marker-based approach to detect contact locations and estimates the location of contacts using ARUCO markers.
Researchers have developed an animal model of West syndrome, which exhibits a progressive increase in epileptic spasms and learning and memory deficits. The study, published in Epilepsia, establishes this as an ideal model to identify underlying molecular mechanisms and discover targeted therapies for the condition.
The University of Minnesota has received a 5-year, $2.5 million NIH grant to fund the Minn-KPMP project, a recruitment site for the Kidney Precision Medicine Project. The project aims to understand and treat chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury using precision medicine.
Researchers have developed a semi-nonlinear etchless lithium niobate waveguide that harnesses bound states in the continuum to achieve efficient second-harmonic generation. The device boasts low propagation losses and large nonlinear modal overlap, enabling high conversion efficiency.
Recent research on Regime I fires, also known as window-ejected fire plumes, has focused on understanding the physical processes and mechanisms of these events. The study's authors review various external boundary and ambient conditions that affect window-ejected fire plume dynamics and propose further areas of investigation.
A study by CeMM researchers and the University of Dundee identifies mutations in E3 ligases that mediate resistances in cell cultures, but also finds that these mutations can be targeted by chemically modified degraders. This understanding has clinical relevance and enables further improvement of cancer therapy drugs.
Researchers developed an isothermal chemical vapor transport (ICVT) method for growing high-quality monocrystals without temperature gradients. This technique simplifies the growth process and produces crystals with excellent crystallographic quality.
Researchers at Jacobs University have found that a compound in coffee, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, can inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE-2 receptor, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that regular coffee drinkers may be less likely to contract the virus.
A new pretreatment technology has been developed that can convert more than 85% of organic material in sewage sludge to biogas, producing 98% more methane than current practice. This efficient process could help communities lower their waste treatment costs while promoting the circular economy.
A new poll finds that more than half of people over 50 have helped at least one person over 65 with various tasks, including health care needs, home repairs, and finances. The experience can be rewarding but also challenging, especially for those helping individuals with complex needs.
A field experiment shows that competition for light drives the decline of plant diversity in grasslands under eutrophication and lack of grazing. Adding light to low-growing plants reduces this loss.
Researchers used human brain organoids to show how SARS-CoV-2 infects and destroys synapses in cortical neurons. Sofosbuvir effectively inhibited viral replication and rescued impaired neurons, suggesting a potential treatment for Long COVID.
A computational study found that adding more than two stratification factors to a phase 2 trial can significantly reduce its statistical power, making it harder to detect a positive result. For modestly sized trials with 84 participants, using four or six stratification factors resulted in power decreases of 13% and 25%, respectively.
Researchers found that Omicron variant requires ventilation rates up to 50 times greater than the ancestral strain, with specific rates varying depending on exposure time and presence of N95 masks. Air purifiers were ineffective in reducing transmission without masks.
Astrophysicists have identified a potential test to rule out cosmic inflation, a theory explaining the universe's origins. The cosmic graviton background (CGB) could provide evidence against inflation if detected, and its impact on the early Universe's expansion rate could be measured by next-generation probes.
Researchers have developed a unique anapole probe to measure photonic spin structures, enabling advancements in spin photonics. The probe can characterize topological spin properties associated with magnetic fields, opening doors for applications like data storage and metrology.
Researchers at University of Jyväskylä used machine learning to predict ACL injuries in elite athletes but found a low overall accuracy rate. The study analyzed the largest data set ever collected and provided valuable insights into the challenges of predicting injuries in individual athletes.
Researchers have discovered a way to modulate the band-edge states and charge distribution of 2D halide perovskites using external pressure, enabling controllable emission properties. This breakthrough has significant implications for the design and production of high-performance electronic devices.
A new study found that large river dams are significant barriers to platypus movements, leading to increased genetic differentiation and vulnerability to threats. This restriction of movement limits gene flow between groups, making separate populations more susceptible to inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive genetic variation.
A multidisciplinary panel has developed actionable recommendations to end COVID-19 as a public health threat. The consensus-based approach prioritizes preparedness, surveillance, and collaboration among key stakeholders.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that the timing of pediatric lead testing was affected by the Flint water crisis, with children receiving tests earlier after the crisis announcement. However, the proportion of Medicaid-eligible children who received tests did not change over time.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz develop an electrochemical technique to recover halogens without burning carbon structures, reducing emissions and stabilizing energy supplies. The project aims to contribute to a circular economy of halogens and reduce dependence on fossil reserves.
A recent study has found that simple tests can accurately predict the risk of secondary disease in hepatitis C patients after treatment. Non-invasive tests such as liver stiffness measurement and platelet count have been shown to be effective in identifying patients at high risk of developing portal hypertension.
Researchers found that people with substance use disorders are more likely to die from or experience shorter life-expectancies when developing certain physical health conditions. The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, analyzed patient records from Czech nationwide registers and suggests a link between substance use disorders an...
Researchers found elevated C4A levels in first-episode psychosis patients who later developed schizophrenia, correlating with increased IL-1beta and synapse density. This suggests a link between inflammation and genetic risk variants in schizophrenia.
A team of researchers has discovered a steady stream of neutrinos emitted by the active galaxy NGC 1068, using the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. This detection provides valuable information about the extreme particle acceleration and production processes occurring within the galaxy's central region.
A team of scientists developed a near-infrared spectropolarimeter based on an electrically-tunable liquid crystal metasurface. The system simultaneously measures polarization and spectral information using a tunable metasurface with high-quality-factor guided-mode resonances combined with a computational reconstruction algorithm.
A new study reveals that rising temperatures in the Arctic are driving an exponential increase in megafires, with some areas burning at unprecedented rates. The research shows a clear link between temperature anomalies and fire risk factors, indicating a doubling of fire risk by the end of the century.
Researchers developed an AI-based algorithm to predict major adverse kidney events within 90 days of discharge. The algorithm accurately predicted 19.7% of patients' development of acute kidney injury or chronic disease.
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that parental discord and divorce may be indicators of children's genetic risk for future alcohol misuse. Researchers found that exposure to parents' relationship discord or divorce is associated with increased risk of alcohol use disorder symptoms in adulthood.
A population-level study found that COVID-19 vaccine doses 2-3 were associated with a higher relative risk but small absolute increase in glomerular disease relapse. Most flares were mild, and the benefits of vaccination outweighed the risks.
The book delves into the concept of emergence in two domains: condensed matter physics and quantum gravity. It reveals surprising connections between seemingly disparate areas of physics, shedding light on how mysterious materials work and the origins of space and time.
Researchers have developed a new gene therapy that selectively targets overactive brain cells, reducing excitability and suppressing seizures in mice. The treatment shows promise for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and pain disorders.
Researchers uncover abnormalities in neuronal connectivity and synaptic structure in cells lacking sacsin protein, leading to Purkinje cell death. The study expands knowledge of sacsin's functions and suggests a possible link between ARSACS and other brain disorders.
A new study by researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients with cancer and a weakened immune system who receive immunotherapies are more likely to experience severe COVID-19. The study also found that patients treated with other systemic treatments have milder symptoms, but still face increased risk of complications.
A team of researchers at McLean Hospital identified brain networks responsible for different types of dissociative symptoms, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and dissociative identity disorder. The study aims to reduce stigma around dissociation and improve treatment options.
The invasive spotted wing drosophila competes strongly with other fruit-eating species, causing massive ecological impacts on forests. The fly's presence alters fruit composition and visual cues, reducing consumption by birds and potentially disrupting seed-dispersal mutualisms.
A UK-wide study found that 60% of home-compostable plastics do not fully disintegrate in home compost bins, ending up in soil. The study highlights the need to revise and redesign sustainable plastic waste management systems.
The uEXPLORER PET-CT scanner provides a comprehensive atlas of glucose uptake across the entire human body, enabling researchers to explore the effects of age, sex, and laterality on glucose uptake. This study demonstrates the utility of PET/CT in understanding human metabolism and metabolomics.
Researchers have discovered a new role for VWF in regulating immune responses at sites of blood vessel injury, leading to potential treatment options for inflammatory and blood clotting disorders. The study found that VWF plays a key role in repairing damaged blood vessels, which could help prevent heavy bleeding and blood clots.
Researchers have found potential in metal chalcogenide materials for thermoelectric power generation. These materials can capture waste heat and convert it into electricity, offering a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
Care4Rare has made significant progress in diagnosing and discovering genetic causes of rare diseases, providing answers for 34% of participating families. The organization has also developed platforms for data sharing and collaboration to solve ultra-rare diseases.
Researchers at Cracow cyclotron study excited states of carbon-13 nuclei, revealing new insights into atomic nucleus behavior and decay patterns. The discovery paves the way for further measurements on other light isotopes.
A recent study published in Oncotarget reveals that Nectin-4 is widely expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), with significant correlations to clinico-pathological parameters. Non-smokers and p16-positive HNSCC showed higher expression of Nectin-4, leading to better survival rates for positive tumors.
A new study found that Arctic wildfires burned nearly 4.7 million hectares in 2019 and 2020, accounting for 44% of total burned area in the region over almost 40 years. The study suggests an exponential relationship between fire and temperature, with potential consequences for global warming and climate feedback loops.
A recent study by University of Cologne researchers found that the public is more willing to support costly climate policies if other countries contribute as well. This increased willingness is due to individuals expecting these efforts to be fairer and more effective. The team surveyed over 10,000 citizens in four countries and discov...
A recent study reveals significant gaps in scientific evidence supporting the sustainability of four food technologies: vertical farming, plant-based alternatives, blockchain technology, and food deliveries. While some show promise, others have limited or no tangible environmental benefits.
Researchers found distinct gut microbiomes in wild marten from pristine and heavily impacted areas, highlighting a tool for assessing ecosystem health. The study's findings suggest that human disturbance affects carnivores' diets, reflected in their gut microbiomes.
Researchers uncover critical shape-change in cereblon protein that CELMoD drugs must cause to work effectively. The finding enables the development of more effective cancer-fighting treatments.
Researchers at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found an upward trend in skate populations in the North Sea, with a significant increase off Scotland's north coast. The study also revealed that skates mainly eat shrimp, providing ecological potential for more fish to thrive.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed an AI-powered method to identify optimal amino acid mutations in enzymes. This approach accelerates the enzyme engineering process, allowing for tailored enzyme designs suitable for various biochemical environments.
An AI-based model has been developed to predict patients' risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is common in intensive care units. The model was validated in four medical centers and showed accuracy in predicting AKI 24 hours ahead of time.
A new online personal health record tool has significantly increased adherence by colorectal cancer survivors to national guidelines. The tool, developed by the Regenstrief Institute and other researchers, provides a patient-centered platform for tracking follow-up care, managing symptoms, and connecting with healthcare providers.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that genetic variants linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may also provide protection against severe COVID-19 infection. The researchers identified TYK2, a gene involved in interferon production, as the key locus behind this protective effect.
A study by University of Essex research revealed that therapeutic community gardening helped reduce loneliness and improved mental health during the COVID-19 crisis. The study found a 9% increase in self-reported life satisfaction and mental well-being among participants.