Researchers have developed enzymes that can efficiently break down plastic, reducing its environmental impact. However, over-reliance on these technologies may not address the root issue of excessive plastic production.
A Brazilian study found that prenatal exposure to cannabinoids increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, breathing difficulties, and impaired control of breathing. The study suggests that consumption of cannabis or derivatives during pregnancy can have severe effects on the fetus's neural and physiological functions.
Researchers in China developed a method to increase the efficacy of membrane separation technology using nanofibrous membranes with silver nanoparticles. The technology is up to 99% effective at separating oil from water, promoting a stable hydration layer that impedes oil droplets and enhances antibacterial properties.
Monthly buprenorphine initiation rates in the US rose from January 2016 to October 2022, then plateaued prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests factors beyond the pandemic contributed to this trend.
A team at Cardiff University developed an AI-powered tsunami early warning system that uses real-time classification of underwater earthquakes to detect tsunamis more reliably and earlier. The system enables faster evacuation by identifying the size and scale of tsunamis through acoustic-gravity waves, reducing false alarms.
The article discusses the fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), which have unique properties and potential for exploring condensed matter physics. Various strategies for fabricating vdWHs were developed in the past decade, leading to promising functionalities in diverse fields.
Researchers developed a living yeast-based dual biosensor that can detect peptide variants with a visible readout, enhancing the capabilities of their original biosensor. The new sensor can distinguish between specific peptide variants using a protease-cleaving catalytic enzyme.
Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have demonstrated a new chip-scale approach using OLEDs to image magnetic fields, offering a potential solution for portable quantum sensing. This technique enables small, flexible, and mass-producible sensing without requiring input from a laser or cryogenic temperatures.
Researchers found Dark Matter does not consist of ultramassive particles but rather ultralight particles that travel like waves. The discovery resolves an outstanding problem in astrophysics and provides new insights into the nature of Dark Matter.
Research by DRI researchers found that increased winter temperatures are driving more extreme variations in stream flow across the US. This is impacting floods, droughts, and ecosystems. The study examines over 500 watersheds and finds that snow-dominated watersheds are receiving more precipitation as rain than historically.
A recent study found that males on reduced calorie diets showed greater fat loss and improvements in blood sugar levels compared to females in young adulthood. However, when dieting began at older ages, there was no significant difference in fat loss between sexes.
A team of researchers has achieved unparalleled precision in measuring the time delay between two photons using frequency-resolving sampling measurements. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient characterisation of nanostructures, including biological samples and nanomaterial surfaces.
Astronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole consuming a giant star, producing a long-lived transient object that is orders of magnitude brighter and more energetic than any recorded before. The object, named Scary Barbie, has lasted over two years and may be visible for years to come.
Researchers propose a new theory on how cancer cells actively adapt to evade the immune system, losing and gaining tumor-associated antigens. This adaptation makes it difficult for immunotherapies to target cancer cells effectively, but may also create new vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted.
The guideline provides guidance on definitive local therapy options for non-small cell lung cancer with limited extracranial metastases. It emphasizes the need for a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to treatment decisions.
Researchers found that CUDC-907 selectively induces apoptosis in cells driven to senesce by p53 expression. The compound showed senolytic properties in different models of stress-induced senescence, depending on its inhibitory effects on HDACs and PI3K.
Researchers developed an ecofriendly disposable sensor that can check levels of glucose and other biomarkers in saliva using a wooden tongue depressor. The device uses low-power diode lasers to create conductive electrodes, making it cheaper and easier to produce on-site at medical facilities.
A study of 436 cognitively normal older adults found that unawareness, rather than awareness, of memory decline was strongly associated with future clinical progression. The research suggests that discordant self- and informant-reported cognitive decline may provide important information to practitioners.
Lutz Grossman aims to create a protein-rich food source using hydrogenotrophic bacteria, which require no agricultural inputs. His goal is to produce a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, addressing global food security concerns.
Researchers developed a new sociotechnical framework to assess eHealth tool quality and impact. The framework balances technical, social, and organizational aspects and considers implementation challenges.
A new study by researchers at McMaster University examined a child's behavioral, affective, and physiological responses to a speech task. The findings showed that approximately 10% of children may be characterized as temperamentally shy, while 25% may experience shyness as an emotional state in some situations.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique using laser speckle imaging to visualize microvasculature in donor hearts and detect abnormal blood flow. The method enables precise visualization of blood circulation, potentially identifying hearts suitable for transplantation.
NASA solar observatories have discovered that asteroid Phaethon's comet-like tail is not composed of dust, but rather sodium gas. The findings contradict previous theories and suggest a new explanation for Phaethon's behavior, which is the source of the annual Geminid meteor shower.
A study by Oregon State University found that a metal bar installed on the crab-sorting table can reduce the strain on fishermen's bodies and prevent injuries. The researchers tested different banger bar configurations and found that higher bars and triangular bars were the most effective in reducing muscle activity and joint moment.
A large-scale study has linked accelerated biological aging to an increased risk of depression and anxiety in older adults. Adults with more advanced biological age were found to be more likely to develop depression and anxiety over time compared to peers who were biologically younger.
Researchers developed a model to describe the interaction between a rocket plume and planetary surfaces, providing insights into erosion and contamination. The simulation estimates plume shape, temperature, and pressure, as well as material eroded or displaced, for safer landing sites and spacecraft design.
Researchers found that agricultural antimicrobial peptide use can generate broad cross-resistance to the human innate immune response. This has major implications for the design and use of therapeutic antimicrobial peptides.
A study found that high-quality labeling of images boosts perceptions of training data credibility, leading to increased trust in AI systems. However, biases in the data can reduce trust in certain aspects.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a self-driving laboratory called Polybot, which automates electronic polymer research and frees scientists' time to work on tasks only humans can accomplish. The tool combines AI and robotics to streamline experimental processes and accelerate discovery.
Researchers at the University of South Australia analyzed Instagram fitspiration accounts, finding nearly two-thirds published dubious fitness information. Hyper-sexualized content, objectification, or nudity was present in around a quarter of accounts, promoting unhealthy body shapes and driving body image issues.
Astrophysicists have discovered that intermediate-mass black holes eat stars in a series of violent passages, ejecting the leftovers across the galaxy. The star's remains create a signature that might help astronomers pinpoint these elusive objects.
Researchers have developed a bioengineered AAV3B capsid variant with improved transduction to human liver cells and reduced seroreactivity to human serum samples. The variant, AAV3B-V04, demonstrates enhanced hepatocyte tropism and immune evasion, making it a promising candidate for gene therapy.
A new study by an international team has documented 35,000 years of recurrent visits to the Nerja Cave in Spain, dating back over 8,000 years. The research uses fossilized soot and charcoal from torches to reconstruct the history of human presence at the site.
The University of Central Florida has developed the Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA), a large-scale system for extended reality human subjects research. This project aims to facilitate human subjects research and improve extended reality technologies, making them more inclusive for underrepresented groups.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that nitrous oxide, LSD, and ketamine induce similar changes in brain connectivity, particularly in the cortical 'hot zone' where conscious experience is determined. This common biology may hold the key to using psychedelics as therapeutics.
Ten researchers have received $100,000 grants to support clinical stroke research in Canada, aiming to reduce the burden of stroke, prevent recurrence, and improve patient outcomes. The new program is part of a larger initiative by Brain Canada, Heart & Stroke, and the Canadian Stroke Consortium.
Pregnant women with SLE are more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and fetal morbidity, with higher risks of premature birth, growth restriction, and acute renal failure. The study highlights the need for informed counseling and care for patients with SLE during pregnancy.
MIT researchers developed a miniature vacuum pump for portable mass spectrometers, overcoming design limitations of traditional pumps. The 3D-printed pump can create and maintain lower pressure vacuums, increasing the device's lifetime and enabling its use in remote locations and space exploration.
According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hispanics with disabilities have recovered to historic levels in the labor force, surpassing non-Hispanic black/African Americans. However, a gap between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white civilians remains due to social determinants of health and language barriers.
A UToledo-led study found early exposure to pyrethroids may increase the risk of autism and developmental disorders in mice. The researchers discovered behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, which are similar to symptoms seen in human patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new Raman probe, 9CN-JCR, has been developed for detecting multiple enzyme activities in heterogeneous biological tissues. The probe exhibits high sensitivity and multiplexing ability, making it a promising tool for cancer diagnosis and research.
A new study comparing outcomes between Ontario and New York State found patients in Ontario more likely to die within a month of procedure due to inadequate availability and long wait times. The study suggests that improved access to TAVR may lead to better post-procedural outcomes.
A new study found that turning off MRIs overnight reduces their energy use by 25-33% and switching to 'power save' mode decreases energy use by 46-51%. This technique could save U.S. healthcare between $8 million and nearly $11 million annually.
The new NIH Toolbox V3 iPad App allows doctors to quickly screen patients for cognitive functions such as memory, emotion, and vision. The app covers a wide range of tests spanning four domains, enabling clinicians to assess patients in under 30 minutes.
Smart city technologies track foot traffic, driving patterns, and air quality, raising concerns about community impact. Americans worry that smart city tech may contribute to racial disparities in policing and negatively affect low-income neighborhoods.
A study found that horses living in groups and large paddocks were better at following human indications than those kept in individual stables. The research showed that social interaction and space availability play a crucial role in the horses' ability to follow instructions.
A new study finds that children with more autistic traits exhibit shame-like avoidance after transgressions, rather than less guilt and embarrassment, contradicting previous assumptions. This association is not fully explained by lower Theory of Mind abilities.
A new study finds that buprenorphine initiation rates and six-month retention rates remain flat despite policy changes aimed at increasing access to the medication. Only 22% of patients who started treatment kept refilling their prescriptions for at least six months, highlighting barriers to prescribing enough of the life-saving drug.
Researchers developed a new deep learning algorithm that restores motion-blurred images and improves crop and weed segmentation. The WRA-Net method outperformed other databases in terms of segmentation accuracy, making it a promising solution for efficient weed control.
The new edge sampling algorithm called E-MCBN makes sample results stable and balanced while preserving outliers. It adopts an edge-based and multi-class blue noise based sampling scheme to reduce visual clutter and improve the readability of MSV.
A study funded by the NIH found that children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) have unique biochemical indicators of cell injury and death. The researchers developed a method to distinguish MIS-C from other conditions, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for these patients.
A new study highlights regions such as Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, and Central America, which are under-prepared for scorching temperatures. The research emphasizes the need for policy makers in hotspot regions to consider action plans to reduce heat-related deaths and harms.
Researchers have developed an electrolyte to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion into useful hydrocarbons. The study found that controlling the concentration of the electrolyte is crucial in regulating product formation, with too much potassium leading to clogage and reduced selectivity.
Researchers developed an algorithm to accurately extract rapeseed silique morphology from 3D imaging data, achieving high accuracy in yield estimation and phenotyping. The new approach can differentiate between various branching patterns and has the potential to support global oilseed rape breeding operations.
The Barcelona Supercomputing Center's new AI method combines CALIOPE-Urban predictions with urban data to provide accurate air quality maps and predict pollution limit exceedances. The study identifies the Eixample district as the worst-affected area in Barcelona, highlighting the need for effective policies to improve air quality.
A new genetic therapy, BIIB080, has been shown to safely lower levels of the harmful tau protein in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The trial found a greater than 50% reduction in tau protein concentrations after 24 weeks in treatment groups.
A study of working men in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea found that alcohol-tolerant individuals do not earn more than their intolerant colleagues. Despite the cultural pressure to drink, better social drinkers did not experience a wage premium in terms of working hours or earnings.
Researchers found that nearly half of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) continue to experience symptoms six months after the injury. The study suggests that increased connectivity in a specific region of the brain may be linked to poor prognosis and longer recovery times.
A new class of immunotherapy has shown promising results in targeting and treating the most aggressive form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. The study developed an IgE antibody that activates the immune response to fight cancer and slows melanoma growth in mice.
Researchers at the University of Bristol collected 840 hours of underwater sound recordings from five ponds in England, revealing clear daily acoustic activity cycles. The study provides insights into the health of freshwater ecosystems and the potential for assessing species presence without disturbing the environment.