A novel approach to measuring microbial activity in wetted soil reveals clues about the vulnerability of biocrusts to climate change. The research found that active and inactive microorganisms differ in species richness and composition after being resuscitated by a simulated rain event.
A new study reveals that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher in-hospital mortality and persisted at 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days after discharge. The risk of death was nearly twice that observed in those who were discharged alive from an influenza-related hospital admission.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new fabrication technique to create devices with uniform twist angles and strain profiles in graphene. This allows for the systematic exploration of the material's properties and behavior, potentially leading to breakthroughs in quantum materials science.
Researchers have developed a proof-of-concept technique to attach nanomaterials to living tissue and cells using nanoimprint lithography. The method enables biocompatible integration of smart devices with living tissue, opening up opportunities for biohybrid materials, bionic devices and biosensors.
Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed an AI model to diagnose sarcopenia, a predictor of poor outcomes in head and neck cancer. The tool provides fast, automated, and accurate assessments that can trigger interventions to improve patient care.
A new Rutgers study found that an increase in concealed carry licenses issued leads to a greater number of homicides in the following year. The study analyzed data from 11 states over 9 years, finding no evidence that homicides are reduced where there are more concealed carry licenses.
Researchers found that ranolazine, a heart medication, slows down tumor progression and increases visibility of melanoma cells to the immune system. This combination could improve response rates for immunotherapies in patients with melanoma.
Researchers developed tomoelastography, an imaging technique that maps tumor mechanical properties using MRI. Studies found consistent patterns between changes in tumor stiffness and increasing aggressiveness. The technique allows for precise measurement of tumor fluidity, enabling more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment options.
Scientists at NIST have validated a new approach to measuring extremely low gas pressures, called CAVS, which can serve as a primary standard. This technique uses a cold gas of trapped atoms to measure pressure and has been shown to be accurate and reliable for a wide range of applications.
A new study has found a much smaller range of suitable habitat for the grey-necked rockfowl, a critically endangered African bird species, in Central Africa. The research suggests that changing the species' IUCN conservation status to Vulnerable could help prevent further land use damage.
A new AI model, dubbed the 'ChatGPT Chemistry Assistant,' extracts relevant information from scientific papers on MOF syntheses. The tool predicts crystalline states of MOFs based on conditions extracted from texts.
Researchers tested an automated microscope combined with AI software to diagnose malaria in blood samples. The system achieved 88% accuracy, comparable to expert microscopists, and has potential benefits including reducing workload and increasing patient load.
Researchers used climate modeling approaches to fill gaps in understanding hominin evolution and migration. Their studies found that extreme glacial conditions may have led to the depopulation of Europe and facilitated interbreeding between Denisovans and Neanderthals due to overlapping habitats.
A new technique combining ultrafast physics and spectroscopy reveals the dance of molecular 'coherence' in unprecedented clarity. This shows a vibrational effect, rather than motion for the functional part of the biological reaction that follows.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University found that adolescents who lack traits valued by peers are at risk for adjustment difficulties. The study revealed that low attractive youth and low athletic youth became increasingly unpopular over time, leading to subsequent increases in their loneliness and alcohol misuse.
A new study found that Tsimane women with the APOE-ε4 allele had an increase of 0.5 births and shorter interbirth intervals, allowing them to have about half an additional child. This advantageous effect on fertility could help explain why the allele persists despite negative effects in later life.
A team of UCI biologists has identified a gene change that causes different sex-differentiated vision in butterflies. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that a single gene's jump onto a sex chromosome is responsible for this phenomenon.
A recent study reveals that past climate changes and vegetation shifts played a key role in determining when and where early human species interbred. The research suggests that the overlap of habitats led to increased encounters and interactions among groups, increasing the chance of interbreeding.
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has developed a new method for upcycling plastics into high-value chemicals used in soap production. By heating and cooling polyethylene, they break down the long carbon chains into short-chain waxes that can be converted into fatty acids and soap.
A groundbreaking study has unveiled the positional transmitter of statoliths, a high-density organelle in plants that responds to gravity. The research found that LZY proteins translocate from statoliths to the plasma membrane, generating cell polarity linked to gravity sensing.
Pregnant individuals who received a full course of COVID-19 vaccination and a booster have the strongest immune protection from the disease. Boosting after previous infection increases antibody levels in both mothers and newborns, providing maximum possible protection to infants as SARS-CoV-2 evolves.
Researchers have developed a new gene-editing tool that enables the precise study of single-base mutations in cancer-causing genes. This technology allows for detailed experiments in tissues, which may lead to better understanding of genetic changes influencing patient response to cancer therapies.
A Monash University-led study proposes standardizing medical terminology to capture climate-driven disaster events impacting human health. The research highlights the need for comprehensive clinical terminologies, particularly those linked to environmental factors, to improve disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Paleontologists discovered a tiny fossil mammal that thrived in Arctic conditions 73 million years ago. The 'ice mouse', weighing only 11 grams, likely weathered four months of winter darkness and freezing temperatures.
A new study reveals that extreme glacial cooling around 1.1 million years ago caused the extinction of early humans on the continent. The research suggests that the cooling pushed European climate to levels beyond what archaic humans could tolerate, emptying the continent.
A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that speech production and singing are supported by the same neural network in the brain, challenging previous notions about their separate functions. The left hemisphere plays a crucial role in both abilities, particularly in terms of singing.
Researchers have identified a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease by finding that inhibiting an ion pump can slow down cognitive decline and partially restore brain function. The study's findings suggest that maintaining the ion pump could be key to preventing or reversing the disease.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Augusta University have identified a link between
A new species of extinct whale, Tutcetus rayanensis, has been discovered in Egypt's ancient sea, providing unprecedented insights into the life history and phylogeny of early whales. The discovery sheds light on the transition from land to sea and the evolution of whales.
Researchers develop methods to upcycle polyethylene and polypropylene plastics into alcohols, aldehydes, surfactants, and detergents through thermal depolymerization reactions. These approaches aim to create a sustainable supply of high-value chemicals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Scientists developed an AI algorithm to recognize and characterize white and red blood cells in microscopic images of blood samples. The Haemorasis algorithm can suggest diagnoses of blood disorders and distinguish genetic subtypes, revealing correlations between certain cell morphologies and diseases.
A new approach to immunotherapy has shown long-term survival rates exceeding 50% in children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Stem cell transplantation from a parent provides a renewed immune system that responds better to immunotherapies, improving outcomes.
A team of researchers from Harvard and Hong Kong Baptist University identified patterns to predict extreme heat and ozone days in China. The model correlated sea surface temperature anomalies with increases in heat waves and ozone about 80% of the time, providing a forecast for the government to prepare resources.
Scientists discover unique immune cells in skull's bone marrow, facilitating movement of immune cells between brain and skull, offering new possibilities for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases. Non-invasive skull imaging may enable early detection and monitoring of conditions like Alzheimer's and stroke.
Researchers at UC San Diego demonstrate that hematopoietic stem cell transplants can protect against multiple signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's in a mouse model of the disease. The therapy leads to enhanced microglia health, which protects against Alzheimer's pathology, including β-amyloid build-up and neuroinflammation.
A new study out of the University of Alberta found that high-intensity interval training poses little risk to expecting mothers and their babies. The research suggests that engaging in physical activity during pregnancy can reduce the risk of major complications by 40%.
A new study has identified four genetic variants associated with the direction of human scalp hair whorls, revealing a polygenic inheritance pattern. The findings may help unravel biological processes related to abnormal neurological development.
Research found that electrical activity between melanocytes and keratinocytes is critical to melanoma initiation, with GABA signaling playing a key role. The study's findings suggest that molecules carried by vesicles from melanocytes to keratinocytes may trigger the secretion of tumor-promoting proteins.
Researchers identified a new approach to treat poxviruses by targeting a cellular protein, making the virus more susceptible to natural defences. Existing immunosuppressive drugs can restrict replication and spread of poxviruses.
Entanglement with lost and discarded fishing gear accounts for most turtle strandings and injuries in the Maldives. The study reveals a high prevalence of ghost net entanglement in sea turtles across 12 years.
A team at Osaka University has simulated photon-photon collisions to produce electron-positron pairs, paving the way for experimental confirmation of quantum physics theories. The simulation uses ultra-intense laser pulses and demonstrates the feasibility of creating matter solely from light.
Researchers from Macquarie University have found that the Earth's gradual cooling led to a flip in the deep cycling of carbon and chlorine between the surface and interior. Most carbon accumulates into solid carbonate sediments, while chlorine typically returns to the surface as volcanic gases.
Researchers explore CDK9 inhibitors as a promising combination partner in treating hematological malignancies. They discuss the role of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in these diseases and highlight the potential synergism with other drugs.
Scientists have found several genes that produce minimal RNA fluctuations, shedding light on gene expression and noise. These ultra-low noise genes provide a unique window into understanding how cells function optimally.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch deployed an autonomous wave glider to survey marine managed areas off Puerto Rico, recording grouper mating calls and determining spatiotemporal distribution of the two species. The study highlights the importance of spatial and temporal expansion of existing regulations to protect threatened species.
A WVU team is developing technology to detect and track lethal non-trackable space debris. The project aims to identify objects that can cause mission-ending damage to satellites and other space assets. The researchers will use a digital twin and simulation environment to test and evaluate their findings.
A small pilot study found associations between specific microbe species and infants' performance in tests of social attention and rhythmic processing. The researchers observed higher levels of Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium microbes in infants with better cognitive abilities.
Researchers found that carpets are a stubborn reservoir of thirdhand smoke contaminants, and ozonation is only partially effective at removing them. Replacing carpets may be the best solution to eliminate these pollutants.
A new survey confirms the need for more menopause education in US residency programs, with only 31.3% of directors reporting a standardized curriculum. Most residents feel they lack knowledge on managing menopause symptoms and related conditions.
Researchers found that dopamine and acetylcholine hormones follow constant 'ebb and flow' cycles in the brain, enabling self-driven learning and memory formation. This discovery challenges current understanding of how dopamine and acetylcholine work together in the brain.
Researchers have discovered a potential fertility benefit associated with the APOE-ε4 allele, which is also known for increasing the risk of Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease. Tsimane women with one or two copies of the allele had an average increase in live births compared to those without the allele.
A research team discovered deposits of salts forming a hexagonal pattern in Martian sedimentary layers, indicating a regular climate with dry and wet seasons. This environment is thought to provide ideal conditions for the formation of complex organic compounds essential for life.
Researchers found a pre-historic climate tipping point that explains why the Horn of Africa is getting drier despite rising temperatures. The study suggests that the region will become even drier in the future, contradicting most climate models' predictions.
Researchers developed Fibro-Gel, an injectable hydrogel with tunable release profiles and biocompatibility, addressing limitations of conventional drug delivery via hydrogel. The system promotes wound healing with accelerated rates of new tissue regeneration and de novo tissue formation.
A new University of British Columbia study found that simple home workouts using exercise apps can effectively reduce depressive symptoms in healthcare workers. The research suggests that offering accessible, easy ways to exercise could be a major tool to combat the global mental health crisis in the sector.
A study in Cancer Medicine reveals that access to assisted suicide does not decrease conventional suicide among patients with cancer. In fact, the percentage of cancer-associated deaths by assisted suicide increased over time, while conventional cancer-related suicides showed a downward trend.
A new DNA study reveals that the intermingling of hunter-gatherer groups in Europe was strongly linked to geography, with certain groups remaining isolated for thousands of years. The research adds detail to the puzzle of European Stone Age history.
Climate change scenarios may increase Grand Canyon heat-related illnesses by 29-137% by 2100. Shoulder season months are at highest risk due to visitors' lower preparedness for extreme heat.
Researchers have made a significant discovery in gene therapy, showing that genetically engineered blood stem cells can be created while still in the bone marrow. This approach eliminates the need for chemotherapy and transplantation of corrected cells, cutting costs and improving access to critical treatments.
A team from Chiba University created an AuNi alloy on Au electrodes, showing increased hydrogen evolution reaction activity due to surface defects formed through Ni dealloying. The study used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and surface X-ray diffraction techniques to analyze the surface properties of the AuNi/Au catalyst.