A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that living donor liver transplants can reduce waitlist time and deaths in Western countries. Long-term outcomes were excellent despite relatively low use of this procedure, with high patient survival rates and similar mortality risk among three countries.
Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism that controls MR1, a protein responsible for alerting white blood cells to bacterial infections or cancer. By regulating MR1's activation, the immune response can be stimulated or inhibited, offering new potential for harnessing and controlling immunity.
Research found that STEM subjects have a social hierarchy based on stereotyped views of ideal students, which affects underrepresentation of women, people of color, and disabled students. Attitudes must shift to make STEM more inclusive and accessible.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Shinya Hosokawa analyzed the atomic configurations of Pd42.5Ni7.5Cu30P20, a champion bulk metallic glass, and found its characteristic configurations that lead to its excellent glass-forming ability.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that people accept human nurses overruling patient autonomy but reject similar decisions made by robots. The researchers suggest that human empathy is required to consider robot-made solutions equally acceptable as those made by humans. The findings imply that machines cannot comprehensively ...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that fat cells near breast tumors can transform into other cell types, creating a fertile ground for the disease. This transformation allows these cells to supply energy to neighboring tumor cells, contributing to their growth.
A study by researchers at Linköping University and the Oregon Health and Science University has discovered that many cells in the inner ear react simultaneously to low-frequency sound, making it easier to experience these sounds. This new understanding may lead to improved cochlear implants for people with severe hearing impairments.
Researchers find that midwinter suppression in the North Pacific is driven by differences in upper- and lower-level eddy growth properties. The study reveals that upper-level eddies are more complex, with growth suppressed during cold season, but near-jet exit can grow normally.
A Providence study found that booster doses of an mRNA vaccine add about 70% extra protection for 4-5 months, resulting in a significant decrease in hospitalization rates. Boosters are associated with decreased odds of severe COVID-19 among fully vaccinated individuals.
Researchers at Duke University developed a new AI message decoder based on simulated bacterial growth patterns, forming corresponding letters. The method uses specific initial conditions to create unique patterns for each letter, offering a novel encryption approach.
Researchers discovered that ancient Maya cities in Mesoamerica were heavily polluted with mercury, contaminating the soil and water. The pollution was caused by the frequent use of mercury and cinnabar paints, powders, and other products, which leached into the environment and pose a potential health hazard today.
A new study by Eurac Research confirms negative global trends in mountain areas, with an average decline of 15 days of snow on the ground over 38 years. Snow cover has decreased by 4% globally, with peaks of 20 or more fewer days in Canada's western provinces.
Researchers discuss benefits of using humanoid musculoskeletal robots and soft robotic systems as bioreactor platforms for producing clinically useful tendon constructs. These systems provide physiologically relevant mechanical stimulation, overcoming the translational gap in current conventional bioreactors.
Scientists at Drexel University have created a new secondary-ion mass spectrometry technique to study the atomic layers of MXenes and MAX phases. The technique allows for deeper understanding of the materials' structure and composition, leading to breakthroughs in their properties and potential applications.
Researchers studied cloud responses to quadrupled CO2 over East Asia, finding that slow cloud responses can cause cooling effects in certain regions. The study suggests that understanding these changes is crucial for predicting future climate effects.
A study found that the 2021/22 influenza vaccine had only 36% effectiveness against A(H3N2) in Canada, with a mismatch between the vaccine strain and the circulating virus. This suggests that the replacement of the vaccine strain for the upcoming season is necessary.
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
Researchers have discovered a drug candidate that can prevent lethal lung inflammation in mice by inhibiting PTP1B, a protein that accelerates neutrophil aging and reduces tissue damage. The treatment shows promise for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other inflammatory conditions.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a strong connection between the gut microbiome and certain blood metabolites. The research, led by Uppsala University, analyzed fecal and blood samples from over 8,500 participants in the SCAPIS study, identifying novel associations between gut bacteria and plasma metabolite s...
Researchers at University of Liège discovered a carp virus's ability to inhibit host cell defense mechanisms through the Zα protein domain. This finding broadens our understanding of Zα domain-containing proteins involved in immune system diseases such as cancers and autoimmune diseases.
A $1 million NIH grant will help MU researchers analyze the effectiveness of a HIPAA-secure text messaging platform in nursing homes. The study aims to improve quality of care and prevent costly hospital transfers by speeding up decision-making.
A new paper provides guidance for healthcare workers on recognizing signs of reproductive coercion, which can involve psychological pressure, emotional blackmail, and physical violence. Doctors are advised to ask specific questions and establish a professional relationship with patients to gather more information and provide support.
Researchers at PNNL and UW discover a flow-based method to isolate pure magnesium salt from seawater, skipping energy-intensive purification steps. This approach could revolutionize US domestic magnesium production and enable more efficient processing of seawater.
Temporal variation in precipitation caused by climate change negatively affects crop growth, leading to declining yields and increasing reactive nitrogen losses. The study found that adjusting fertilizer application amounts can reduce nitrogen losses, but may not increase crop yields.
A new biomaterial has been developed to prevent bleeding complications after vascular surgeries, adhering to both human tissue and grafts, reinforcing suture lines, and withstanding high vascular pressures. The material outperforms existing products in terms of safety and efficacy, paving the way for clinical translation.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery that could boost platelet production on demand to alleviate blood shortages. The finding offers hope for patients with thrombocytopenia and those receiving cord-blood transplants.
UC Riverside engineers develop low-cost robotic clothing to help children with cerebral palsy. The soft machine garments contain sealed regions that inflate to provide force for movement, enabling natural limb functioning.
A new study finds that air pollution can worsen the social costs of carbon emissions, affecting human health, economies, and agriculture differently depending on where the pollutants are emitted. The research highlights how aerosol pollutants can increase climate change impacts by as much as 66% in some regions.
A new project aims to explore the tension between managing hurricane risk and achieving equity and economic prosperity in coastal communities. Researchers will develop methods to model long-term hurricane hazards and create a framework for designing policy interventions.
Higher temperatures shorten the lifespan of fig wasps, making it difficult for them to pollinate fig trees. This could have major consequences for animals in tropical forests that rely on figs as a food source.
Researchers found that participants who remained in treatment programs less than 90 days had significantly higher initial cortisol levels, indicating a higher risk of early discontinuation. Lower cortisol levels were associated with longer treatment retention.
A new study published in Joule provides energy systems models for quickly eliminating EU and UK dependence on Russian natural gas. Researchers at Binghamton University offer several paths to achieve this goal, which could help mitigate the ongoing crisis.
The ExoClock project, supported by European Space Agency's Ariel mission, has presented 450 candidate exoplanet target orbits and received contributions from 217 professional and amateur astronomers. Small telescopes can successfully observe most targets, highlighting the value of amateur community involvement in space research.
Non–safety net hospitals maintained positive operating margins throughout the pandemic, while safety-net hospitals experienced significant losses, with California safety-net hospitals' net operating losses exceeding $3.2 billion between Q1 2020 and Q2 2021.
A recent study finds that exposure to proteins in common foods, vaccines, bacteria, and viruses can prime the immune system to attack SARS-CoV-2, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that individuals with a history of exposure to these agents may be less susceptible to severe illness.
A recent study supports fourth vaccination for cancer patients to protect them against COVID-19. Patients with solid tumours and hematological cancers showed a significant increase in antibody levels after a fourth dose of one of the currently approved vaccines.
A new study found that the newer clot-busting drug tenecteplase outperforms traditional treatment for ischemic strokes in several key areas, including better health outcomes and lower costs. The shorter preparation and injection time with tenecteplase eliminated dosing errors and initiated transfers to advanced care sooner.
Researchers at UCI have made significant progress in precision genome editing for treating inherited retinal diseases, enabling precise gene correction and disease rescue. The study highlights the potential of this technology to revolutionize treatment of genetic disorders of vision, with over 270 causative genes identified.
Astronomers detect massive light burst from 'infant' Universe, revealing properties of cosmic explosions. The GRB was triggered by a space explosion that occurred when the Universe was less than 900 million years old.
The 2022 EXPLORE Lunar Data Challenge identifies hazards on the Moon's surface using images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Participants train models to recognize craters and boulders, then create a map of optimal rover routes to avoid hazards.
A large US population study found that receiving a third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 by approximately 60% compared to receiving only two doses. The association was strongest when measured within three months after booster vaccination.
Imperial College London researchers have developed a new low-cost sensor thread called PECOTEX that can be embedded into clothing to monitor vital signs. The sensors, which cost $0.15 to produce, can track breathing, heart rate, and gases like ammonia, potentially leading to diagnosis and monitoring of disease.
A new study led by ICM-CSIC has revealed the complex geometry of the Alboran Sea faults system, which has been absorbing most of the deformation from plate collision. The research demonstrates that this region is one of the most important fault systems in the western Mediterranean and has a significant tsunami risk.
Researchers investigated how paper wasps adapt their behavior when the queen is removed or dies, finding that they counterbalance genes that establish queen-like behavior with aggressive fighting. This enables societies to distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic perturbations, allowing for plasticity in response to changes.
Researchers discovered that humans automatically integrate extralinguistic information into grammatical processing, improving communication. The study used EEG data from 37 native Russian speakers, finding both linguistic and extralinguistic features processed simultaneously.
Scientists have discovered a massive heat wave in Jupiter's atmosphere, extending over 10 Earth diameters and reaching temperatures of 700 degrees Celsius. The heat wave was triggered by solar wind plasma impacting the planet's magnetic field, distributing energy globally around Jupiter.
The study revealed an alternative pathway for cysteine biosynthesis in animals, using enzymes similar to those found in fungi and bacteria. This challenges the previous assumption that corals rely on symbiotic relationships with algae for cysteine production.
Researchers at the Max Born Institute have used novel ultrashort soft X-ray spectroscopy to study the fate of molecular nitrogen when an electron is kicked out. They found that the B state has a similar degree of excitation as the X state, contradicting previous models. Instead, a coherent interplay between light fields enables lasing ...
Providing low-cost water filter pitchers to low-income families increases their water consumption and decreases sugary drink intake. The studies found that improved water safety and flavor perception led to a reduction in sugary drinks, particularly among Hispanic communities.
A cohort study of 4,443 patients with first-time strokes found that early recovery curves and long-term decline patterns varied across functional domains. Clinical factors such as age, sex, and stroke type significantly impacted activities of daily living performance at 60 months.
A study from the University of Amsterdam found that right-wing individuals, especially neoliberals, are more susceptible to 'political bullshit' - vague and meaningless statements used in politics. The research suggests that these statements can positively correlate with support for free market ideologies.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have developed a testable hypothesis to explain the initiation of autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that metabolic communication between immune cells and pancreatic beta-cells plays a crucial role in the disease's progression.
Researchers at Georgia State University have discovered a way to prevent and treat gonorrhea by generating a mutation in a key molecule. The study found that inhibiting the bacterial pathogen's ability to hijack human immunity proteins could block gonorrhea infection.
A potential new treatment for glioblastomas, a deadly form of brain tumor, is being researched using the medication letrozole. Studies have shown that letrozole can be effective in killing tumor cells and reaching target tissue safely.
The Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2022 was awarded to Dr. Kosmas Gazeas and the team behind 'Planets In Your Hand', an interactive tactile exhibition that provides a multisensory experience of planetary surfaces. The exhibition has been traveling to schools, universities, and organizations, reaching thousands of visitors.
Researchers at Tufts University have created silk-based materials with exceptional water-repelling properties, surpassing those of current nonstick coatings. The modified silk can be molded into various shapes and forms, making it suitable for a wide range of consumer products and medical applications.
Researchers found the moths originated from the Baja Peninsula and Arizona, with a new subspecies discovered in western North America. The study recommends using synthetic pheromones to control the invasive pest.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have discovered that some viruses can sense their environment and
A recent study has found an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset type 1 diabetes among pediatric patients. The study analyzed data from electronic health records and found that children who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to develop new type 1 diabetes compared to those with other respiratory infections.
A new study proposes reducing toxic proteins in the blood as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease. By doing so, it aims to improve memory and learning capacity, as well as correct cognitive impairments. The next step is to test this treatment at a clinical level.