Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital observed a surge in atopic dermatitis and eczema cases during the summer of 2023, coinciding with peak carbon monoxide levels from wildfire air pollution. This correlation suggests that exposure to pollutants from wildfires may contribute to the development or worsening of skin conditions.
A recent study from Carnegie Mellon University estimates the time required to develop, approve, and implement a geologic sequestration site in the US, identifying six clearance points that must be passed for a site to become operational. The findings suggest that on average, there is a 90% probability that the time required for a site ...
A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.
A study published in Environment International found that air conditioning reduced heat-related mortality in Spain by up to 31.5%, while heating systems contributed to a decrease of 50.8% in extreme cold-related fatalities. However, the effect may be attenuated by an ageing population.
Researchers used AI to analyze electroretinogram signals from children's eyes, identifying unique features associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The test, completed within 10 minutes, shows promise for diagnosing ASD more accurately and efficiently than current methods.
A study of over 1,000 patients and clinicians found that patient self-assessments were undervalued, with clinicians ranking them lowest in diagnostic decisions. Experts call for a more collaborative approach valuing patients' 'lived experiences', citing potential benefits including improved diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology & Endoscopy found that narrow-band imaging at low magnification can detect lesions missed by white-light imaging. Annual endoscopic examinations using LM-NBI revealed a threefold higher detection rate of neoplastic lesions compared to conventional magnifying endoscopy.
Researchers have discovered a new control mechanism that drives the maturation of human stem cell-derived heart muscle cells, providing fresh insight into cardiac regenerative therapy and disease modeling. The study identifies RBFox1 as a key intrinsic regulator of heart muscle cell maturation.
Scientists at Niigata University successfully produced marmoset eggs and embryos from xenotransplanted ovaries, offering a new method for generating genetically modified marmosets. The novel egg production system is expected to facilitate research into human diseases and contribute to regenerative medicine.
The research team proposed learning label-specific features for each decomposed binary classification problem to consider the specific characteristics in its positive and negative examples. Experiments validate the effectiveness of this approach, showing superiority over original features.
Researchers from National University of Singapore have synthesised a redesigned yeast chromosome XV, comprising 1.05 million base pairs. The novel technology, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mitotic recombination with endoreduplication (CRIMiRE), speeds up the assembly process, allowing for rapid reconfiguration of the synthetic chromosome.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing CO2 conversion technology, addressing challenges such as low conversion rates and stability issues. The study highlights the importance of optimizing the technology from a comprehensive perspective, focusing on catalysts, interfaces, electrolyzers, and cell stacks.
A University of Otago-led study found that early primates primarily consumed soft fruits, as indicated by dental chipping patterns and cavities. The research, published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, analyzed fossils from the Fayum Depression in Egypt and compared them to data from living primates.
A world-first brain stimulation treatment is being developed to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and epilepsy using ultrasound technology. The endovascular focused ultrasound technique could significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of people living with neurological diseases.
A recent study discovered enhanced antioxidant potential in water-soluble lignin-carbohydrate complexes, with polysaccharide content significantly correlated to antioxidant activity. The investigation revealed diverse structural characteristics and a nuanced relationship between structure and function dynamics.
Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center discovered a correlation between gut microbiome composition and postoperative infections in liver transplant patients. The study found that metabolites in fecal samples could predict infection risk with high accuracy, providing a potential diagnostic tool.
A team of scientists has decoded the evolution of Marek's Disease Virus, a fatal disease in chickens, using ancient DNA from up to 1,000-year-old chicken bones. The study found that the virus was already widely distributed over 1,000 years ago and became increasingly aggressive due to global chicken farming and vaccine use.
A study of 18,000 academic physicians reveals one-third report moderate intention to leave within two years. Burnout and professional fulfillment are associated with physician turnover, highlighting the need for comprehensive well-being approaches.
A team of researchers at Ghent University and imec developed a silicon photonic temperature sensor that measures up to 180°C. The sensor was realized in the framework of the European SEER project, where partners focus on integrating optical sensors in manufacturing routines for composite parts.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Lehigh University $6 million to develop a comprehensive, inclusive and accessible research translation ecosystem. The award supports the university's work in engineering, science, health, humanities, business, education and other areas to translate discoveries into practical solutions.
Researchers discovered the potential role of oxygen levels and HIF1A gene in determining nucleus pulposus cell behavior, particularly its implications on lipid metabolism. The study may inform novel therapeutic approaches for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.
A study of 2,329 Mexican-inspired fast food restaurants in six US locations found that consumers purchase fewer calories at restaurants with calorie labels. Consumers are sensitive to calorie information on menu boards, leading to reduced calorie purchases.
Researchers develop a versatile imaging system for targeted spectroscopy in the eye fundus, allowing for continuous color imaging and spectral measurements. The system enables users to select targets and move them to any location within the eye fundus region without realignment or fixation changes.
A team of UVA civil and environmental engineers and environmental scientists have developed a web-based decision-support tool, called the Climate Equity Atlas, to help residents deal with the challenges caused by climate change. The tool combines historical environmental data and socioeconomic data to create a sophisticated predictive ...
A new study introduces the Slash Pine Shoot Counting Network (SPSC-net) using a feature pyramid module for accurate new shoot detection in slash pines. SPSC-net outperforms other models like YOLOX and Efficientnet, achieving the lowest MSE and MAE in density regression.
A recent US study found that parents overestimate the value of free play in children's learning, while undervaluing guided play. Guided play is more effective for teaching skills like mathematics, language, and STEM subjects. By educating parents on this approach, they can create engaging 'learning' moments during everyday activities.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phthalates can lower the odds of getting pregnant, but not lead to pregnancy loss. The researchers also discovered associations between preconception phthalate exposure and changes in women's reproductive hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
A new study reveals altered gene activity in Alzheimer's patients' olfactory mucosa after SARS-CoV-2 infection, potentially leading to exacerbated COVID-19 outcomes. The research found heightened oxidative stress and altered immune responses in infected cells.
Researchers are investigating various strategies to overcome self-discharge in redox electrolyte-enhanced supercapacitors, including separator modification, electrolyte modulation and electrode design. Optimizing pore size distribution, ion selectivity and polarity can limit self-discharge rates.
Researchers discovered a novel therapeutic target BAMBI that suppresses immune cells, reducing the effectiveness of radiation therapy and inducing therapy resistance in cancer patients. BAMBI's expression is associated with improved survival rates, suggesting it as a promising approach to overcome radiation therapy resistance.
Researchers developed a physics-based metric to predict aortic aneurysm development, measuring 'fluttering' in blood vessels. The 'flutter instability parameter' forecasted abnormal growth three years prior to occurrence with 98% accuracy.
Researchers have discovered that immune cells play a crucial role in directing the growth of human lung tissue during development, revolutionizing our understanding of early lung development. The findings also suggest that early immune disturbances could manifest as pediatric lung disease.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel, low-cost hydrogel using seaweed extract that prevents wound expansion and promotes healing. The hydrogel demonstrates significantly lower adhesion and swelling compared to conventional hydrogels, making it an excellent alternative for treating skin wounds.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a new method to study how bacterial signaling proteins react to treatment, paving the way for effective killing of MRSA. The method has shown a combination of two substances kills MRSA more effectively than when used separately.
A mathematical framework for evo-devo dynamics integrates age progression, explicit development, and evolutionary dynamics to describe the evolution of developmental phenotypes. The framework recovers evolutionary dynamic equations in gradient form, showing that genotypic and phenotypic evolution must be followed simultaneously.
Researchers found that cytoglobin, a protein similar to hemoglobin, plays a vital role in the correct left-right pattern of the heart and other asymmetric organs. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic interventions for rare birth defects affecting cilia function.
Researchers at Ohio State University are testing the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar to help with wildfire detection and improve first responders' ability to predict and respond to deadly forest fires. The new tool has potential for tracking wildfires from start to finish, monitoring soil moisture, and discerning flame-prone areas.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that ChatGPT can identify location-specific environmental justice challenges in large, high-density population areas. However, the tool was limited in its ability to provide contextualized information on local environmental justice issues.
Researchers found that pesticide-adjuvant combinations used in almond orchards can interfere with honey bee communication. The study suggests that these chemicals can alter the antennal responses to brood and alarm pheromones, potentially disrupting colony function.
A UC San Diego study found biomarkers in blood that can help identify individuals at high risk of becoming suicidal, offering a new approach to personalize mental health care. The researchers also discovered sex-based differences in how depression impacts cell metabolism and identified potential targets for future drugs.
Research by Dr Janina Steinmetz found that people are more likely to see others as having good self-control if they blame a lack of money rather than time for abandoning New Year's resolutions. Studies involving around 1,200 participants showed that excusing financial constraints leads to better perceptions of self-control.
Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.
Researchers identify Caribbean Islands as prone to rapid drought conditions known as flash droughts. A new drought index considers atmospheric demand for moisture to predict drying conditions earlier.
Klick Applied Sciences unveils LOVENet, an AI framework that rapidly identifies new therapeutic indications for existing drugs. The algorithm integrates large language model and structured knowledge graph technology to offer a fresh perspective on new potential applications.
Researchers used a fiber optic cable to study the Arctic seafloor's seismic structure and temperature. They identified areas with large amounts of ice and detected changes in temperature over seasons, which will help understand global climate change.
A clinical trial found that an experimental drug, BI 690517, reduced albuminuria in 70% of patients when paired with a standard-care medication. The study also showed that the combination of the two drugs mitigated the risk of hyperkalemia.
A diagnostic study of 1,890 eyes supports the use of artificial intelligence in screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and assessing symptom severity. Retinal photographs may improve accessibility to specialized assessments by reducing resource strain.
A study found that cutting daily social media use by 30 minutes per day improves job satisfaction, mental health, and reduces stress. Participants who reduced their social media time reported feeling less overworked, more committed to their jobs, and experiencing decreased Fear of Missing Out.
A recent study published in One Earth suggests that triggering positive tipping points is crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change. The research highlights examples like Norway's rapid transition to electric vehicles as evidence of human systems exhibiting positive tipping points, which can help achieve decarbonisation goals.
A study by Waseda University explores the effects of different vascularization strategies on brain organoids, improving cell differentiation and transcriptome profiles. Vascularized cerebral organoids exhibit a gene expression profile closer to fetal human brains than non-vascularized ones.
Scientists at Medical College of Wisconsin create biased agonists that reduce hallucinogenic effects while preserving therapeutic potential. These compounds, designed to selectively activate serotonin receptors, show promise in treating depression and other mental health conditions.
A $161 million grant from the DOD will support research into tunable thermal conductivity and latent heat storage effects in materials. The new equipment enables analysis across a wide temperature range and various pressures and humidity levels, paving the way for adaptive materials with dynamically tunable phase change properties.
Child marriage declined nationally in India, but one in five girls and nearly one in six boys remain married as children. The practice has become more prevalent in some states/union territories, with a significant increase observed between 2016 and 2021.
Researchers found that Wnt signaling pathway dysfunction can lead to increased immune infiltration and activation, resulting in a heightened responsiveness to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer patients with mismatch repair deficiency. This study suggests a potential new strategy for treating MSI-positive CRC patients.
A team of experts led by Deah Lieurance evaluated 460 species and ranked them according to their likelihood of invasion and potential ecological, economical, and human health impacts. The top 40 species pose the greatest threat to Florida's natural areas, with some, like the crab-eating macaque, already established in the state.
The study found that solely the omicron variant influences cell cycle genes, leading to increased p21 expression and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. This results in premature cellular senescence, potentially contributing to the reported cytokine storm and development of long-COVID.
Researchers explore quantum optical technology to solve scalability and accuracy issues in quantum computing, aiming to develop new drugs faster and more efficiently. Photon-based systems offer a solution by reducing physical components, increasing opportunities for scaling and stability.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown layer of dispersed lead in the ground layer of Rembrandt's The Night Watch, using advanced analytical techniques. This finding sheds light on the artist's inventive approach to painting and highlights his efforts to improve the durability of his masterpieces.
Researchers from EPFL and University of Bologna used asteroseismology to calculate star distances, providing accurate measurements and validating Gaia's parallax data. The study analyzed over 12,000 oscillating red giant stars, measuring their vibrations and oscillations to determine stellar properties.
Researchers at Indiana University have completed the final gaps in the Arabidopsis genome sequence, revealing how ribosomal RNA genes are organized and regulated. The study found that one NOR is nearly completely silenced in growing plants, while the other accounts for almost all ribosomal RNA gene activity in its central region.