A new pilot study led by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that an AI voice-based virtual coach improved depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as problem-solving skills, in patients. The Lumen app delivered a form of psychotherapy, resulting in changes in brain activity and reduced psychological distress.
A new study using thermoluminescence dating has challenged the prevailing theory about the early inhabitants of the US Virgin Islands. The research team found that multiple cultures coexisted on the islands simultaneously, contradicting the widely accepted theory of three major waves of immigration.
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a potential therapeutic target, IL-21, to reduce endocrine autoimmune side effects from checkpoint immunotherapy. A specific group of immune cells play a central role in this autoimmune attack and blocking IL-21 prevents thyroid autoimmunity.
A systematic review of 64 intervention studies and 41 implementation studies found that case management increases wellbeing in the short term but has no impact on employment, mental or physical health, or substance use. Intensive in-person meetings with a case manager are more beneficial than mixed remote/in-person meetings.
A new analysis of the STEP TEENS trial shows that nearly half (45%) of adolescents using semaglutide lost enough weight to drop below the clinical cut-off for obesity. Treatment with semaglutide reduced the proportion of participants with severe obesity from 37% to 14% after 68 weeks.
The Chinese consensus highlights non-acid reflux as a significant form of reflux, with nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux being a common subtype. The consensus also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care in diagnosing and treating GERD, with various treatment options available.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new method using NIR spectroscopy to detect three types of allergens in quinoa flour. The method is non-destructive, non-invasive, and highly accurate, providing real-time results that can be performed with minimal training.
A study of skeletal remains from 19th-century England found high incidences of growth delays, vitamin deficiencies, and respiratory disease among child laborers. The analysis suggests low-protein diets and harsh working conditions led to the health consequences.
Researchers developed AI model QUADL that can create online assessment questions indistinguishable from human-written ones. Instructors found QUADL's questions as effective as those written by humans in assessing student learning objectives. The study suggests QUADL can be a useful tool for instructors and course developers.
A team from the University of Illinois has created 3D reconstructions of C4 plant cell structures, revealing new information on chloroplast size and plasmodesmata distribution. This work aims to improve modeling and production of biodiesel and biojet fuel.
The Critical Online Reasoning in Higher Education (CORE) research group explores how students work with online sources and information for learning. The study will analyze students' processes in solving tasks, including search terms and source selection.
A study by Newcastle University found that tonsillectomy reduces sore throat episodes in adults by 50%, improving quality of life. The procedure is also cost-effective compared to painkillers and antibiotics for eligible patients, aged 16 and over.
Researchers at McGill University have made a major breakthrough in understanding the fundamental structure of melanin, a pigment that gives humans their skin, eye, and hair color. The study revealed that a specific component of melanin can convert light into heat across all wavelengths, providing broad-spectrum protection.
A strong link has been found between the extent of deprivation and the number of children going into care in English family courts. Each £1000 increase in social care spend per child leads to a 12% decrease in compulsory family court proceedings.
Researchers have uncovered the oldest known architectural plans of human-made mega structures, dated to between 7,000 and 8,000 years ago. These engravings depict desert kites used to trap wild animals, showcasing a milestone in intelligent behavior and spatial representation.
Researchers use spectroscopic imaging scanning tunneling microscope to map atomic positions and measure electric charge, revealing link between electron density and atomic arrangements. The discovery sheds light on the emergence of a 'charge density wave' that distorts lattice vibrations and locks atoms in place.
A study found an association between gut microbiota and postoperative delirium in elderly patients, with higher levels of Parabacteroides distasonis positively associated with delirium. The findings suggest a possible pathogenesis of postoperative delirium and may lead to targeted interventions for better outcomes.
A recent study found that marijuana users are at a significantly increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease, with users being three times more likely to develop the condition than non-users. The study highlights the importance of early and frequent screening for this progressive disease, which can drastically impact quality...
A research group led by Osaka University found that plant mesophyll cells can detect mechanical pressure and differentiate into epidermal cell types via ATML1 gene upregulation. This study reveals the mechanisms involved in plant regeneration and offers new insights into position-dependent cell fate determination.
A recent French study reveals lesbian and bisexual women have worse cardiovascular health scores than heterosexual women, while gay and bisexual men tend to have better scores. Rural-residing sexual minority men also experience poorer cardiovascular health compared to heterosexual men.
The SEQUINS project aims to create a smart, equitable, and interoperable electrical grid in the Pacific Northwest. Over two years, it will develop plans to overcome obstacles through academic research, entrepreneurship, and workforce training.
A new source-device-independent quantum random number generator (QRNG) protocol has been developed, operating securely and independently of source devices. This allows for practical applications in secure quantum information tasks, with a reported generation rate of 4 megabits per second.
The study reports a positive magnetodielectric effect of up to 12% in the compound, with significant increase in electric polarization under magnetic field. Spin-polarized computational calculations reveal that the effect is mainly derived from spin-orbit coupling between Fe II and Cl2 An– under the magnetic field.
A Chinese study found that households with highly open and conscientious leaders tend to make greater charitable donations. The research used the 'Big Five' personality traits framework to analyze donation behavior in China.
A global clinical trial found that bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents in treating coronary artery disease. The study, led by a researcher from the Mount Sinai Hospital, showed improved outcomes for patients when properly implanted.
Research finds that E171 nanoparticles are rapidly absorbed through the buccal cavity, causing oxidative stress and damaging DNA in human oral epithelial cells, potentially affecting cell regeneration
A team of researchers has discovered a group of brain cells that boosts appetite during obesity by producing the appetite-stimulating molecule NPY and making the brain more sensitive to it. These findings have the potential to take the development of anti-obesity medication into a new direction.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a new nutrient source that pancreatic cancer cells use to grow in the absence of glucose. Uridine is found in the tumor microenvironment and its exact source remains unknown. Blocking uridine metabolism may lead to new treatment options for pancreatic cancer.
A recent study by Doshisha University found that anime 'moe' characters used in tourism promotion can perpetuate a male gaze, reducing local history to simplistic narratives. This practice also promotes heteronormative notions of masculinity and alienates audiences who reject moe ideals.
Experts warn that shared decision-making policies for prostate cancer testing lead to high rates of unnecessary testing and harm, particularly in older men and those from disadvantaged areas. A comprehensive risk-based approach or restricting testing to symptomatic cases could reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
The Purdue-led USDA project, IMPACT2, aims to double the impact of climate-smart agriculture in the Midwest by addressing near-term and long-term issues faced by farmers. The project will offer scenario-based activities, training, and information to diverse stakeholders, with a goal of reaching 2,000 participants via an online portal.
A recent study published in Nature challenges traditional views on human origins in Africa, proposing that modern humans emerged from the interaction of multiple populations across the continent. By analyzing genomic data from diverse African groups, researchers found evidence of gene flow and mixing over hundreds of thousands of years.
A new study published in Science Advances has found that certain antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus can mistakenly target the brain and spinal cord, causing damage in multiple sclerosis patients. The research reveals a potential link between EBV infection and MS, with implications for personalized therapies.
The SLU Institute for Healing Justice and Equity has launched a new podcast called Critical Futures, which explores alternative futures and anti-racist health policies. The first episode features discussions on reimagining community partnerships and addressing disparities in Black maternal health.
Researchers discovered that African killifish muscles reverse to an early-life state towards the end of life, slowing mortality. The study suggests mechanisms preventing further deterioration and may lead to new treatments for age-related muscle loss.
Researchers found variant cells in lungs of IPF patients that can drive fibrosis and inflammation. These cells may be targeted for future therapy, offering new hope for treatment.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that college students were less consistent in their decision making during the 2020 fall semester compared to previous years. Students were more likely to cycle between relying on gut instincts and thoroughly evaluating information depending on how scenarios were described.
A new treatment, emodepside, has shown high cure rates for soil-transmitted helminth infections, including whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms. The study found that a single dose of emodepside cured up to 83% of people infected with whipworm.
Researchers from CNRS discover that liver cells control the biological clock in mammals, synchronizing peripheral clocks. This finding suggests a connection between liver health and overall metabolism, with potential implications for metabolic disease and sleep disorders.
Research reveals liver cells play a crucial role in regulating the body's internal circadian clock, influencing sleep patterns, hormone secretion, and metabolism. Studies on mice with humanized livers show that altered liver function can disrupt circadian rhythms, highlighting potential new treatments for metabolic diseases.
A study found that siblings who share similar 'Big Five' personality traits are more likely to leave home together. Introverted siblings were particularly likely to follow in the footsteps of their similarly introverted sibling, highlighting the role of personality similarity in this transition.
Researchers developed a new tool to predict heart disease risk in those over 40 based on their total exposure to heart disease risk factors. The study found that black patients have a 46% greater risk of developing heart disease compared to white patients.
A new study by AWI researchers finds that manganese nodules can contain high levels of radioactive substances, including radium-226 and thorium-230, which exceed radiation protection limits. Handling these nodules without protective gear poses a health risk to humans.
Researchers at City College of New York have created two-dimensional optical metamaterials that host structured light spinning like vortex beams. By manipulating the metasurface pattern, they can trap and guide structured optical modes.
A new study found that hundreds of U.S. counties lack access to safe and accessible play areas for children. The researchers used machine learning technologies to determine the county-level disparities in physical activity environments.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center successfully transformed spoken words into patterns of vibration that activated the brain's auditory speech recognition system. The study opens doors to novel sensory substitution devices replacing lost sensory function, aiming for effortless and natural perception.
A study of treatment-naïve transgender youth found that nearly two-thirds reported eating an unhealthy diet, over three-quarters did not engage in physical activity, and half did not get enough sleep. The research highlights the need for individualized medical and nutrition interventions to protect their long-term metabolic and cardiov...
Researchers at UCLA and Harvard have identified 10 pesticides toxic to dopaminergic neurons, which play a key role in voluntary movement. The study used California's pesticide use database and found that co-exposure of certain pesticides increased toxicity, with combinations involving herbicides like trifluralin producing the most harm.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new technique to increase 5G mmWave network accessibility. The 'mmFlexible' system leverages antenna arrays to divide frequency bands into multiple usable beams, reducing lag by 60-150%. This innovation addresses the challenge of efficient data distribution in millimeter wave networks.
Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet, LP 791-18 d, which orbits a small red dwarf star in the constellation Crater. The planet may experience volcanic flare-ups as frequently as Jupiter's moon Io, potentially making it habitable for life. However, more research is needed to confirm its atmosphere, water content, and hab...
Researchers have identified a new mechanism of communication between fat cells, opening up avenues for novel obesity treatments. The discovery centers on tunnelling nanotubes, which allow distant cells to communicate directly and transfer cargos.
A new fluorine-containing electrolyte has been developed to perform well in sub-zero temperatures, addressing the issue of cold weather affecting electric vehicle battery effectiveness. The research demonstrates how to tailor the atomic structure of electrolytes for low-temperature applications.
Researchers at Children's Cancer Institute Australia have developed a targeted drug delivery system that can selectively target leukaemia cells, reducing toxicity and improving treatment success. The approach has shown promising results in laboratory tests and living models of the disease, with potential applications for other types of...
A recent Asian humid heatwave was made at least 30 times more likely by climate change, according to a new attribution study. The high vulnerability of the region amplified its impacts, causing widespread hospitalizations, damaged roads, and fires.
The study found that racial and ethnic health disparities cost the U.S. economy $451 billion in 2018, with education-related health disparities reaching $978 billion. The economic burden of health inequities is significant, but could be reduced by addressing structural contributors like racism and socioeconomic inequalities.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg found that replanted eelgrass meadows can restore biodiversity rapidly, with up to 80% of invertebrates returning after just three months. The study's findings suggest smaller plot sizes can be used, saving money on restoration efforts while maintaining ecosystem health.
A large-scale clinical trial has found that spironolactone is an effective treatment for persistent acne in women, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, recruited over 400 women with acne that had persisted for more than six months.
Researchers use chromosome structure to determine that comb jellies were the first lineage to branch off from the animal tree, followed by sponges. This finding sheds light on how animals arose and evolved into the diverse species we see today.
A study in Barcelona finds low temperatures increase the risk of sickness absence, particularly for women, young people, and those working in indoor spaces. Sickness absences tend to last between two to six days after a period of low temperatures.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a potential link between hormonal birth control and an increased risk of postpartum depression. The study suggests that women who experienced depression related to hormonal changes before pregnancy may be more susceptible to postpartum depression.