A new study reveals that the retia mirabilia in cetacean brains help protect against blood pressure pulses generated by swimming. The findings suggest a previously unknown function for the retia mirabilia in protecting the delicate cerebral vasculature from damage.
Researchers developed an AI-based screening method that models drug and target protein interactions using natural language processing techniques. The technique achieved high accuracy in identifying promising drug candidates, which can accelerate the exploration of new medicines and repurpose existing ones.
A Rutgers study analyzing data from 9,174 households found that chronic conditions like asthma and heart disease significantly contribute to medical debt. The study revealed that medical debt affects middle- and higher-income households as well, making it a society-wide issue.
Researchers have developed a new method to generate surface Hall circulating current and topological magnetoelectric response in ferromagnetic axion insulators. This discovery provides a promising platform for experimentally realizing the topological magnetoelectric effect.
A scientific review found that cold water swimming can reduce 'bad' body fat and improve insulin sensitivity. However, the health benefits are uncertain due to limited study quality and variability in participant profiles.
The UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has awarded £19 million to five world-class teams investigating bold ideas in bioscience. These projects will advance our understanding of fundamental rules of life, with potential implications for agriculture, health, biotechnology, and the green economy.
A new University of Toronto study finds an additional 514 deaths should be added to the official Hurricane Maria death toll due to displaced Puerto Ricans in the US. The study suggests undercounting and highlights the need for equitable disaster preparedness and cross-jurisdiction data sharing.
A new international study reveals termites' pivotal role in wood decay, contributing to the earth's carbon cycle, and their sensitivity to temperature and rainfall. Termites may increasingly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions with climate change.
Researchers warn that pharmaceutical companies' pursuit of psychedelic treatments threatens Indigenous and counterculture traditions. Magic mushrooms have spiritual significance for many people, but corporations seeking patents and monopolies on these medicines are being criticized for their approach.
A new analysis of nutrient omission trial data reveals that balanced fertilizer application can significantly improve maize and rice yields in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that doubling current yields through balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can lead to more consistent results across regions.
A new study examines convenience-store robberies, finding that employees on the sales floor are more likely to be injured when robbed. The research suggests revised safety protocols could mitigate this risk and improve employee health and safety.
A recent study found that only 35% of eighth and ninth graders in the child welfare system have received information on birth control, and even fewer know how to access it. The study highlights a significant gap in sexual and reproductive health education for this vulnerable population.
A global consortium study aims to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain, with researchers evaluating over 1,000 participants worldwide. The study, led by UT Health San Antonio, uses advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function and identify potential causes of long-term brain changes.
University of Queensland researchers have discovered metal compounds with antifungal properties, showing promise in developing new treatments for resistant fungal infections. The study found that one in five metal compounds displayed activity, with low toxicity in preliminary tests.
A literature review suggests a significant increase in monkeypox cases globally, with human-to-human transmission now the primary mode of transmission. The study highlights the need for improved surveillance and investigation into potential risk factors and treatments.
Researchers from NAU and University of Washington collaborate to create a safe and effective vaccine for Valley Fever, a fungal infection spreading due to climate change. The project aims to address the growing threat of emerging epidemics and prevent disease through vaccination.
The study estimated vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic Delta and Omicron infections and severe outcomes. Vaccines showed moderate protection against these variants' serious consequences.
An international team found that more than 90% of fine aerosol particles detrimental to health and the climate originate from human-made sources. The study revealed high concentrations of nitrogen oxides, exceeding WHO guidelines, and linked air pollution to an annual excess mortality rate of 745 people per 100,000 in the region.
Mayo Clinic researchers identified critical genomic changes associated with abiraterone acetate/prednisone resistance in advanced prostate cancer. An 11-gene drug panel predicted a worse prognosis for a subset of patients, and whole-exome sequencing data revealed mechanisms of acquired resistance.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a gene marker that may lead to more effective precision treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The protein METTL16 is correlated with accumulated DNA damage and suppresses DNA repair, suggesting it as a potential biomarker for PARPi treatment.
A study from University of California, Davis, and Harvard Medical School reveals multiple new sirtuins in early branching animals like jellyfish, sea sponges, and sea anemones. These proteins are involved in metabolism and DNA repair, playing a crucial role in the unique longevity strategies of these animals.
Researchers have cloned minipigs with a mutation in the SORL1 gene, which is linked to early onset Alzheimer's disease. The pigs can be used to test new drugs and understand the early changes in brain cells that occur before dementia sets in.
Researchers used Raman spectroscopy to identify and analyze Escherichia coli persister cells, finding they have enhanced metabolic activities despite being in a dormant state. This new understanding could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers have developed high-performance three-dimensional porous carbon-based materials for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption. These materials, which include graphene and biomass-derived materials, offer improved conductivity and stability while minimizing density.
A study reveals that global warming will impact major astronomical observatories worldwide, increasing temperature and atmospheric water content by 2050. This could lead to reduced observing time and quality in ground-based astronomy.
Researchers have discovered that two distantly related RNA viruses perform chemical choreography in strikingly similar ways, forming a symmetrical icosahedral shell. This finding has potential applications in improving pharmaceutical delivery and engineering, as well as understanding protein folding mechanisms.
A team from UNIGE and HUG identified a protein regulation mechanism that reduces melanoma cells' capacity to adapt and resist treatment. They found that targeting this mechanism with an enzyme inhibitor reduces therapeutic resistance in all melanoma cells.
A team of researchers developed a comprehensive guide to making fieldwork safer and more equitable for students from diverse backgrounds. The document addresses risks such as mobility challenges, cultural sensitivities, and structural inequality, providing resources for leaders to create inclusive teams.
A study found an association between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and the first 5 years of life with altered white matter structural connectivity in children's brains. Exposure to fine particulate matter was also linked to changes in brain volume, particularly in preadolescents.
New research finds that purple needlegrass thrives in areas with sheep grazing, especially during wet weather, creating space for new growth and reducing competition from non-native grasses. The study's findings aim to inform effective management strategies for this long-lived species and its potential role in mitigating climate change.
Admissions to drug treatment programs declined by nearly one-quarter in the US during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant declines observed among people of color. The study suggests that this trend may be linked to the recent surge in drug overdose deaths.
Research finds strong association between enterovirus infection and type 1 diabetes; individuals with T1D eight times more likely to have an enterovirus infection than others. Vaccines aimed at preventing enterovirus infection may help prevent T1D development.
Researchers have developed a chemically sensitive lidar method that can map and identify the composition of environments, augmenting human interactions and industrial processes. The new technique resolves chemical information by detecting sub-nanometer surface deformations due to photothermal absorption.
A study published in Psychological Science found that babies react to flavors from foods eaten by their mothers while still in the womb. The researchers used 4D ultrasound scans to observe fetal facial reactions to carrot and kale flavors.
A school-based educational program successfully lowered mental health stigma among Black and Latinx adolescents, particularly eliminating disparities among girls. The intervention was more effective than contact alone, but showed variation in outcomes among boys of color.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical cocktail in human skin that summons disease-spreading mosquitoes. The combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acids, elicits a scent that attracts female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vectors of Zika and other viruses.
A £7M NIHR award will scale clean energy access to improve health, gender equality and climate in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to address household air pollution, a significant risk factor for global disease, and will focus on informing national strategies to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 7.
A peer-reviewed study detected PFAS in all 'stain-resistant' school uniforms tested from nine popular brands, with concentrations as high as those in outdoor clothing. The presence of PFAS in school uniforms poses a risk to children's health through skin absorption and inhalation.
A new study shows that precipitation events decrease atmospheric aerosol concentrations, particularly sulphate, in boreal forest environments. The researchers found significant formation of sulphate mass in non-precipitating clouds, which can improve the accuracy of climate models estimating aerosol transport.
A new study finds that consistently losing an hour and a half of sleep per night can negatively impact immune stem cells, leading to increased inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Even after catching up on sleep, the effects of disrupted sleep remain long-lasting.
Women who underwent a hysterectomy before age 45 have a 52% increased risk of developing incident type 2 diabetes, according to a study of over 83,000 French women. The risk remains even if ovaries are not removed and is unrelated to diet and physical activity.
Researchers found that a 'slow delivery, escalating dose' vaccination strategy can prompt B cells to spend months mutating and evolving their antibodies, leading to more effective long-lasting vaccines. This breakthrough has implications for vaccines against pathogens like influenza, malaria, and SARS-CoV-2.
A four-legged robot trained through artificial intelligence has mastered jumping to navigate the Moon's rugged terrain. The robot can collect samples and deploy scientific instruments, overcoming limitations of traditional rovers in loose soil and steep slopes.
Citizen scientist Gerald Eichstädt presents 3D renders of Jupiter's cloud tops using JunoCam data, revealing textured swirls and peaks. The team uses solar illumination to pinpoint elevation, aiming to unveil the chemical composition of the clouds.
Researchers have developed SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs) that can mimic the virus's behavior, allowing for safer vaccine development and testing. These VLPs could help scientists understand how the virus invades the central nervous system and potentially lead to more effective vaccines.
A study analyzing millions of tweets reveals that Republican Congress members share more links to untrustworthy sources, compared to their European counterparts. This trend is particularly concerning given the upcoming US midterm elections and the role of social media in shaping public perceptions.
The Event Horizon Telescope collaboration successfully captured an image of the black hole at the center of our galaxy, a major breakthrough in astrophysics. This achievement will enable scientists to test fundamental predictions of general relativity and gain insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies.
Julie Castillo-Rogez and Martin Jutzi have made significant contributions to understanding asteroids, including their origins and dynamical evolution. Their work has advanced our knowledge of asteroids, from small bodies to planetary scales, with implications for ongoing space missions.
A study finds that rising sea temperatures will negatively impact adult survival rates of Bulwer's petrels in Azores, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. The tropical population of Cape Verde is expected to be the most affected due to its narrow temperature range and resident nature.
UCI and national lab researchers have created a cobalt-free cathode for lithium-ion batteries that exhibits unprecedented volumetric change, stability over repeated cycles, and high temperatures. The innovative material could lead to safer, longer-lasting power storage for electric vehicles and devices.
A team of researchers from Münster and Pittsburgh has discovered that chiral oxide catalysts can align electron spin, improving the efficiency of chemical reactions. The findings have potential applications in spin-based electronics and fuel cells.
Researchers at the University of Basel have successfully differentiated triple-negative breast cancer cells into normal-like cells, opening a new avenue for treatment. The breakthrough uses inhibitors of polo-like kinase 1 to induce estrogen receptor expression, leading to reduced cell growth and tumorigenicity.
The US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade may limit medical treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases, as abortion bans take effect in more states. Providers will need to balance evidence-based clinical recommendations with personal and professional risks of violating reproductive rights.
A team of UCF researchers has developed a nanomaterial-based disinfectant that can kill several serious viruses, including SARS and Zika. The disinfectant uses white light activation to regenerate its antiviral properties, making it effective in minimizing surface-to-surface spread of viruses.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a chiral structure to block all vibration modes in a specific frequency band, effectively reducing any vibration. This innovation has significant implications for various fields like mechanical structures, buildings, and civil engineering.
Researchers developed an electronic laboratory notebook that uses knowledge graphs to describe material properties and experimental processes. The platform enables automated analysis, lossless sharing, and discovery of new materials with potential applications in energy-related devices.
A new study reveals that smoking is the main cause of preventable cancer and death in England, with socio-economic disparities in cancer incidence attributed to smoking prevalence. If everyone had the same smoking prevalence as the least deprived quintile, over 5,000 cases per year could have been prevented.
Research at the University of Birmingham suggests that people who experience frequent bad dreams in middle age are more likely to be diagnosed with dementia later in life. The study found that middle-aged individuals with weekly nightmares were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline over a decade.
A team of researchers found that aged mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited impaired type I interferon signaling and reduced levels of type II interferon IFN-γ, leading to increased susceptibility to severe disease. Treatment with IFN-γ protected these animals from severe illness.
A study by the University of Bristol and Namibian Ministry found no statistically significant differences in population growth factors between dehorned and horned black rhinos. The research suggests that dehorning is not a hindrance to black rhino reproduction or survival, reassuring its use as an anti-poaching deterrent.