Researchers at Lehigh University have received a $1.2 million NSF grant to purchase a new plasma focused ion beam system for studying material deformation at the nanoscale. The system enables in situ mechanical testing and EBSD analysis, allowing for detailed study of microstructural elements and
A new meta-analysis commissioned by WHO informs updated treatment guidelines for uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study finds that artemether-lumefantrine is as safe and possibly more effective than non-artemisinin-based treatments, including quinine, with significant reductions in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
USC research is advancing the state-of-the-art in machine learning to make AI systems more interpretable and trustworthy. Additionally, USC researchers are accelerating MRI scans using a novel deep learning algorithm that combines convolutional neural networks with transformer-based architectures.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Immunology found that four proteins - WFDC2, GDF15, CHI3L1, and KRT19 - are associated with severe COVID-19 progression. These proteins may serve as biomarkers to predict prognosis in patients with critical COVID-19.
A new study found that increasing protein intake by 25g a day and drinking regular cups of tea or coffee can reduce the risk of hip fracture in women by up to 14% and 4%, respectively. The study, which analyzed data from over 26,000 middle-aged women, also discovered that underweight women may experience greater reductions in risk.
Researchers have developed a chemical-biological method to upcycle polyethylene waste into valuable and complex compounds of pharmacological interest. Genetically engineered fungi convert carboxylic diacids derived from PE waste into natural products, including asperbenzaldehyde, citreoviridin, and mutilin.
Researchers at HPSTAR have successfully synthesized a three-dimensional crystalline carbon nanothread (CNTh) from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a biomass precursor. The resulting CNTh shows excellent electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium batteries.
A new study published in the KeAi journal Global Transitions found that consuming a high sodium, low potassium diet can increase the risk of cognitive decline in elderly people. Participants who replaced 1000mg/day of sodium with an equal intake of potassium showed an average increase of ~1 point on their cognitive test score.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from 233 patients with ovarian cancer and found that precise localization of BRCA gene mutations is crucial for effective treatment. The study suggests that PARP inhibitors can be highly effective in patients with mutations in the DNA-binding domain, leading to improved overall survival rates.
A modelling study allocates vaccines to cities with higher epidemic potential and more initial cases. This maximizes the impact of a limited supply. The study emphasizes global vaccine equity and a population-level perspective in responding to outbreaks.
A Rutgers researcher has created a machine learning model that can estimate arsenic contamination in private wells without sampling the water. The model identifies geological bedrock type and soil type as primary contributors to higher arsenic concentrations, highlighting the need for targeted well testing programs.
A recent study by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT found that global deforestation proceeded as expected during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite lockdowns. Deforestation rates likely remained unchanged due to persistent dynamics driving forest loss before the pandemic.
A Japanese research team successfully constructed the first polymeric Weaire-Phelan structure, a previously theoretical form predicted to be the most efficient solution for a century-old tessellation problem. The structure was achieved through a novel polymerization-induced phase separation method.
Researchers discovered a unique anatomical design in octopus nerve cords that connects arms symmetrically, providing new insights into alternative nervous system structures. This discovery may aid in the development of new engineered technologies, such as robots and autonomous underwater devices.
A new chemical probe selectively inhibits human COQ8A in cells, targeting ubiquinone biosynthesis and providing a potential therapeutic strategy for diseases such as cancer. The inhibition of COQ8 has been linked to increased lifespan in certain organisms, suggesting its role in metabolic processes.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus have identified a less invasive way to treat HPV-unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas by combining radiation with immunotherapy. The approach resulted in remarkable success rates, including 75% of patients experiencing major pathological responses or complete responses.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have identified a new method for scheduling radiation therapy that could be up to 22% more effective at killing cancer cells. The algorithm takes into account the differing radiation resistances of stem cells and non-stem cells, allowing doctors to predict how a tumour will respond to treatment.
A study analyzing data from 13 studies found that approximately one third of children born to mothers infected with Zika virus during pregnancy presented with abnormalities consistent with Congenital Zika Syndrome. The most frequently observed manifestations included microcephaly, neurological impairments, and sensory abnormalities. Ri...
A study found that providing only housing to young mothers struggling with substance abuse does little to help them. In contrast, those receiving housing and supportive services showed significant improvements in reducing substance use and increasing self-efficacy.
Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new system to control the behavior of nematode worms using two different light-sensitive proteins called opsins. The researchers found that exposing the worms to white light triggered avoidance behavior, while UV light stopped movement and green light restarted it.
A new study reveals that standard goose harassment efforts are ineffective, especially in winter when birds should be most susceptible to scare tactics. Canada geese return to their territories despite harassment, prioritizing access to resources over energy conservation. The research team found that geese adapt to urban environments, ...
A team of international researchers has designed new kinds of materials that are potentially tougher, more versatile and more sustainable than what humans can make on their own. These materials mix different proteins and molecules to achieve properties not possible with traditional metals or plastics.
The pandemic saw an increase in productivity for all astronomers, but women lagged behind, with fewer papers published than men. Despite this, some countries experienced equal productivity rates before the pandemic, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address gender disparities.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati examined workplace stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing that increased workload and perception of COVID-19 exposure were major stressors. The research aimed to provide insights for organizations to reduce workplace stress and improve worker mental health.
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences developed a new modeling approach to understand how extinct species like the Steller's sea cow impact ecosystems. The study found that including the
A community pharmacy-led vaccination scheme in South East London successfully supported over 6,000 patients to overcome initial hesitancy around Covid-19 jabs. The programme, which ran for six months, found that a lack of understanding about the vaccine was the biggest reason for patients' hesitation.
Eating a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and legumes is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in men. The study found that men who consumed the highest amounts of healthy plant-based foods had a 22% lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who ate the lowest amounts.
New research reveals mangroves can withstand heavy metal contamination without adverse health impacts. Grey mangroves were found to tolerate high lead and zinc levels in contaminated sediment, highlighting their role in stabilising polluted regions.
A new study warns that oil palm expansion could harm a third of threatened species, including the blue-throated macaw and giant pangolin, due to habitat loss and disruption. Sustainability commitments may not protect tropical grassy and dry forest habitats.
A new bulk copper-based alloy has demonstrated the largest tensile elastic strain at room temperature, exceeding 4.3%, thanks to reversible lattice strain in its BCC single phase structure. This material exhibits a low Young's modulus and high Poisson's ratio, making it highly elastic and strong.
A group of international scientists transformed a top-down process into one that provides electricity to remote Amazonian communities. The "Inclusive engineering" approach engages with local values and preferences, ensuring the system is maintained by the community.
Researchers have discovered that oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) play a crucial role in synaptic pruning, cleaning up unwanted connections between neurons. By analyzing a massive dataset of 3D brain cell structures, the team found OPCs digesting parts of neighboring neurons.
A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 patients, especially those treated with antibiotics, experience significant disruptions in their gut microbiome balance. This imbalance may lead to the development of targeted probiotic supplements to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers have developed an AAV-based gene therapy to treat glutaric aciduria type I (GA-I), a rare genetic disorder causing accumulation of glutaric acid in the central nervous system. The treatment has shown promising results, with a survival rate of 100% in mice treated intracerebroventricularly.
The River Thames ecosystem has suffered a drastic decline in mussel numbers since the 1960s, with native species dwindling to nearly nothing. The invasive zebra mussel and Asian clam have also taken hold, further threatening biodiversity.
A recent study published in Nature investigates the evolution of kagome superconductors and finds evidence of pressure-independent charge fluctuations. This suggests electronic correlation effects in the 2D kagome lattice, potentially leading to unconventional superconductivity.
The study analyzed over 180,000 patients, finding that depression, addiction, and stress reaction disorder are the most uncertain diagnoses. Doctors can use this data to predict treatment outcomes and improve care for patients, ultimately leading to better evidence-based follow-up.
A four-year experiment combined with a 40-year observation in Inner Mongolia found that previous-year extreme droughts can create strong positive legacies for current-year community productivity. The mechanism driving this effect is the coupled increase of annuals and an early less, middle more precipitation pattern.
Researchers have found that cyclones and fires can interact in devastating ways, causing more damage than either event alone. The study suggests that high-intensity bushfires could be followed by cyclones, encroaching on previously low-risk areas and extending damage zones.
A new study reveals that gynecology prioritizes childbirth and fertility over women's health issues such as pelvic damage, sexual pleasure, and menopause. The study proposes separating obstetrics from gynecology and incorporating feminist studies into medical training to prioritize women's needs.
A new bioreactor system developed by KAUST scientists delivers gases to maintain physiological environments, reducing unpredictable shifts in cell growth. The system allows for more accurate and reproducible experiments in biomedical research.
A study involving 8,000 primary pupils found that COVID-19 closures severely ruptured the social and emotional development of Ethiopia's poorest children. Children lost at least a third of an academic year in learning, with those already disadvantaged educationally being particularly affected.
Researchers have developed a sensor system that can detect seizure-preventing drugs in saliva, enabling patients with epilepsy to monitor their medication levels from home. The system aims to reduce the risk of toxic side effects and improve treatment outcomes.
A long-term study found that eating more than 100 micrograms of vitamin K1 daily reduced the risk of fractures and hospitalizations by 31-49%. Dark leafy vegetables and one-to-two serves of vegetables are recommended for optimal benefits. Vitamin K1 has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health and promote bone health.
Researchers have launched five projects to investigate the impact of pollution on UK rivers, which fail to meet good ecological status due to pollutants like chemicals, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. The projects aim to improve water quality, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.
Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a method to store high-dimensional orbital angular momentum quantum states for an extended period. The team used a guiding magnetic field combined with clock state preparation to achieve a storage time of up to 400μs, surpassing previous records.
A team of researchers has developed a bioorthogonal molecular system that selectively transports nitrite ions to the endoplasmic reticulum, where they are released, triggering cell death in cancer cells. The system demonstrates synergistic effects with various cancer therapy drugs.
A new collaborative research centre, DECIDE, will investigate the interactions between pathogens and the human immune system, aiming to improve treatment strategies. The centre combines research on various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and will involve numerous young researchers.
A study published in Nature Climate Change found that climate scepticism is growing rapidly on social media, with sceptic tweets shared 16 times more during COP26 than COP21. This increase is attributed to growing 'right-wing activity' opposing climate action, which may be a backlash against climate activist groups.
A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science reveals that a domestic dog lived in the Palaeolithic period 17,000 years ago in the Erralla cave in the Basque Country. The bone remains identified as Canis lupus familiaris, making it one of Europe's most ancient domestic dogs.
Researchers found that football crowds can manipulate professional referees to award more red and yellow cards to away players. However, recent studies suggest that Premier League referees are less susceptible to these influences, indicating a narrowing of the gap between home and away yellow cards.
The study found significant biases in research effort towards lions and against striped hyena, with African wild dogs also receiving less attention. The authors recommend increasing research in under-represented regions, particularly northern, western, and central Africa, to inform conservation decisions.
A new report reveals that animals are key to forest recovery by carrying a wide variety of seeds into deforested areas. Animals disperse over 80% of tree species in the tropics, and their presence near old-growth forests can improve restoration efforts.
A research team successfully manufactured a thermo-tunable broadband metamaterial that can adjust its electromagnetic response by controlling the solid–liquid phase state of different metamaterial units. The material exhibits ultra-wideband absorption performance and does not change with temperature changes.
A recent study published in National Science Review found that large amounts of methane gas can form during prograde metamorphism in cold subduction zones, particularly in the West Tianshan region of China. The researchers estimated a potential CH4 flux of ~10.8 Mt/y from worldwide modern subduction zones.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a crucial DNA sequence in jawed vertebrates that plays a major role in shaping the joint surfaces during embryonic development. This finding has significant implications for understanding the evolution of vertebrate jaws, which is believed to have occurred around 423 million years ago.
Engineers at Tokyo Tech demonstrated a simple approach to improve AI classifier training using limited sensor data, increasing quality without extra cost. The proposed method promises to address the challenge of classification accuracy in real-world applications, where reliable answers are crucial.
Researchers have discovered a new height-reducing gene, Rht13, which enables reduced-height wheat varieties to be planted deeper in dry conditions without seedling emergence issues. This breakthrough could lead to more climate-resilient wheat and improved yields.
Research finds a strong link between economic inequality and addictive social media use in teenagers, who often escape negative feelings by using these platforms. The study, involving over 179,000 schoolchildren worldwide, highlights the need for new strategies to promote responsible social media use.
Researchers studying exotic atom muonium aim to detect deviations from the Standard Model, which could reveal new physics. By measuring energy levels with unprecedented precision, they may uncover evidence for additional particles or forces that explain the muon's misbehavior.