A study published in Hepatology reveals that the EGFR protein plays a crucial role in the entry mechanism of hepatitis E virus into human hepatocytes. The researchers found that suppressing the activity of the EGFR protein significantly reduced cell infections, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for approved cancer drugs.
A new USC Dornsife study comparing national law enforcement databases with the Fatal Encounters open-source database found significant discrepancies in reporting of officer-involved deaths. In California counties where sheriffs also serve as coroners, these incidents are underreported more often than in separate agencies.
A study conducted in Colombia found that online storytelling improved cognitive functions and boosted motivation among people with dementia. The program, adapted from the 'TimeSlips' method, increased appreciation for resilient capacities, leading to greater participation and agency.
A new biomaterial platform mimics human skin to analyze mosquito feeding behavior, using machine learning models and video monitoring. The results show an average precision of 92.5%, with potential applications for developing more effective repellents to combat diseases.
A CU Boulder study estimates that 1,182 animals were affected by the Marshall Fire, with most being fatally injured due to rapid-onset disasters and poor emergency notification systems. Researchers emphasize the need for pet owners to create evacuation plans and designate trusted contacts to help rescue pets in case of an emergency.
Rice University researchers have developed an innovative system to study mosquito feeding behavior using fake skin made with a 3D printer, eliminating the need for live volunteers. The system was tested on various mosquito repellents and showed promising results, suggesting it could be scaled up for future studies.
A team of researchers from UNC and CDC developed an injectable implant that can release HIV PrEP medications for up to six months, providing full protection. The technology has shown promise in non-human primates and could potentially be adapted for human use.
A team of researchers at UConn has discovered the genetic basis for the emergence of a new species of monkeyflower, which lost its yellow pigment but gained pink and later red. The study reveals that unique genes are responsible for this phenomenon, contradicting previous theories on evolution.
A study found that competition preparation temporarily reduces resting energy expenditure in physique athletes, primarily due to reduced energy intake and lower levels of thyroid hormone T3. This reduction can complicate weight loss and make it difficult for athletes to compete.
Lichen-forming fungi have evolved unique gene clusters to produce orange 'sunscreen' pigments, allowing them to thrive in sunny environments. The discovery of a critical ABC transporter gene within the pigment gene cluster provides a potential hypothesis for toxicity avoidance in these organisms.
A mutant SRSF1 gene may cause severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), researchers have found. Mice lacking the gene develop all three hallmarks of NASH: excess fat, inflammation, and scarring in the liver. The study suggests that DNA damage in liver cells triggers this pathology, highlighting the need to protect the genome.
Researchers found that white guests are less likely to book with non-white hosts if they see featured reviews from previous white guests, but this effect is more pronounced for Black and Asian guests. Same-race endorsements on Airbnb can actually reduce racial discrimination in host selection.
Scientists develop two-beam ultrafast laser scribing technology to fabricate ultrafine graphene patterns with sub-diffraction feature size. The technique overcomes the diffraction limit barrier, allowing for precise control over patterned structures.
The cichlid fish species Lamprologous callipterus has a unique reproductive system where males are 12 times bigger than females, but also has a smaller male morph that is 60 times smaller. A new study found that the genetic mechanism underlying this size-determining sex chromosome is linked to the growth hormone regulator gene GHRHR.
Researchers are exploring how a kind of clay can soak up carbon dioxide and store it, potentially reducing the impact of climate change. The study found that carbon dioxide is more stable in wet clay nanopores than in plain water.
A study published in PLOS Digital Health found that ChatGPT scored between 52.4% and 75.0% on the USMLE exams, exceeding the passing threshold of approximately 60%. The model demonstrated high concordance rates and produced significant insights for most responses.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique revealing abnormal circulation patterns of brain fluid in developing brains. Disruptions to cerebrospinal fluid flow may underlie cognitive deficits and developmental delays in conditions like hydrocephalus.
A recent study by the University of Surrey found that classrooms have higher levels of air pollution, particularly coarse particles and CO2, than outdoor areas. The researchers recommend installing real-time pollutant monitoring devices and strategic placement of air purifiers to minimize these levels.
A recent study found that 27% of twelfth graders in medical marijuana states reported vaping cannabis, compared to 19% in states where all adult use is prohibited. The researchers suspect that the context of medical cannabis and availability may contribute to the higher rates of teen vaping.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed a new strategy to increase target molecules for radionuclide therapy in pheochromocytoma tumors, delaying tumor growth. The combination of valproic acid and decitabine prior to therapy doubled the radiation dose absorbed by the tumor.
A physician-anthropologist proposes a national decarceration program with a new federal department of community safety and repair. The program would hire two million community health and justice workers to repair the long-term health and economic harm of mass incarceration.
A team of researchers at MUSC discovered a neural circuit that inhibits motivated behaviors, which can prevent reward-seeking behavior in high-risk contexts. Administering opioids causes immediate disruption of this circuit, leading to even riskier behaviors.
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a prognostic method using a combination of immune cells to provide clearer disease prognoses and predict which patients will respond best to immunotherapy. The method was shown to be associated with patient fate in several types of cancer.
A University of Jyväskylä study found that estrogen deficiency affects systemic signaling in response to exercise. Exercise typically induces changes in micro-RNA molecules, but estrogen levels impact this process in postmenopausal women.
A new study found that high physical activity does not offset obesity risk among preteens with high screen time, highlighting the importance of limiting screen time. Parents are advised to encourage physical activities, such as sports and outdoor play, to help combat childhood obesity.
Tiantian Yang aims to develop an integrated solution addressing precipitation variability and uncertainty with a novel AI and data mining tool. His research will be tested in collaboration with U.S. agencies, aiming to better inform water management decisions.
A recent UK study found that participating in nature-based 'citizen science' projects improves both participants' well-being and their connection to nature. The research involved 500 volunteers who completed a range of activities, including wildlife recording, and showed increased scores in wellbeing and pro-nature behaviour.
A recent study at Ruhr-University Bochum found that interactive online teaching can increase students' physiological state of arousal compared to passive online or face-to-face teaching. Students in interactive online classes reported feeling more involved and attentive but also experienced increased anxiety.
The study found that estimated national costs of self-injury mortality rose by 143% from $0.46 trillion to $1.12 trillion over a 20-year period, primarily driven by increases in opioid and alcohol-related deaths. West Virginia has the highest per capita cost at $6,534, with total suicide costs increasing 58% to $502.7 billion.
Scientists developed an automated algorithm using machine learning to identify image content related to illegal wildlife trade in digital spaces. The method uses feature visualization and achieves high accuracy in distinguishing between natural and captive contexts.
Researchers developed an operando reflection interference microscope to study lithium-ion batteries. The microscope provides critical insight into the working mechanism of the solid electrolyte interphase layer, a key component in determining battery performance.
Assistant Professor Tracy Hookway at Binghamton University has received a five-year, $500,000 National Science Foundation CAREER Award to study the interplay between sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons on heart cells. Her research could lead to better understanding of cardiac health, including heart transplants, neurodegenerative d...
Researchers investigated a remote dietary intervention to reduce chronic cancer-related fatigue in lymphoma survivors, with encouraging preliminary data suggesting effectiveness. Participants showed significant improvement in self-reported fatigue and overall healthful eating patterns.
Researchers from The University of Queensland have identified new active compounds in Hericium erinaceus that promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons. This discovery could lead to treatments and protection against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured the start of Saturn's spoke season, a mysterious phenomenon that appears across the planet's rings during its equinox. The cause of the spokes remains unknown, but scientists believe they may be linked to Saturn's variable magnetic field and charged particles in the solar wind.
Researchers reveal thermal instability of halide perovskite solar cells due to surface treatment with large positively charged ions. However, their work also provides a direction for engineers to improve the stability of this technology, potentially leading to more efficient and stable solar technologies.
Researchers have identified a blood protein snapshot that documents changes in patients with severe liver disease caused by heavy drinking, potentially leading to a simple blood test for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Researchers have developed a new synthetic skin, made of hydrogels, to study how mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases. The hydrogel system can mimic different blood vessel patterns, allowing for more consistent testing and analysis. This breakthrough may help identify ways to prevent the spread of disease.
Research suggests that using cannabis in the first six to 14 weeks of pregnancy is associated with poor fetal growth and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy. The study analyzed urine samples from over 9,200 participants and found a significant link between cannabis use and adverse placental function.
Researchers developed a novel method to convert CO2 into formic acid using ruthenium complexes, achieving a high turnover number of 63. This technology has the potential to decrease global warming and provide valuable organic compounds.
A well-preserved fossil assemblage from China reveals a rapid recovery of the marine ecosystem after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. The Guiyang Biota provides an unprecedented snapshot of a highly diversified marine ecosystem only one million years after the extinction event, forcing scientists to rethink their interpretations.
Researchers at MLU and partners developed a new process coating implant materials with a gene-activated biomaterial that induces stem cells to produce bone tissue. This method, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, stimulates bone healing in a targeted manner with fewer side effects than existing methods.
A large international study has identified 27 genetic variants that increase the risk of ADHD, more than twice as many as previous studies. The study found that these variants affect genes involved in brain development and dopamine regulation.
A new modeling and visualization tool assists transit agencies in making the transition to electric buses, considering both cost and environmental equity. The bi-objective optimization framework model enables agencies to explore the interdependency of an electric bus transit system and a city's energy infrastructure.
A study led by University at Buffalo physician Elana Tal found that people in states with restrictive abortion policies are less likely to receive optimal care after a miscarriage. The researchers found disparities in the management of early pregnancy loss, including lower rates of uterine aspiration and mifepristone prescription.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found a promising cathode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries, achieving better cyclability and high battery capacity. The Mg1.33V1.67O4 system with substituted vanadium and manganese shows superior charge-discharge properties.
Researchers have found that relatively oxidized fluids fed Earth's earliest hydrothermal systems, which may have supported prebiotic organic synthesis. The discovery provides new insights into the geochemistry of these ancient systems and their potential role in the emergence of life on Earth.
A single injection of pegylated interferon lambda has been shown to effectively treat early-stage COVID-19, reducing the need for hospitalization and emergency room visits. The treatment has also been found to work on all variants of the virus, making it a potential pan-virus intervention.
A new review suggests that remote symptom reporting systems can significantly reduce outpatient waiting lists by enabling patients to monitor and report their symptoms digitally. This allows clinicians to make informed decisions in near real-time, reducing the need for unnecessary clinic appointments.
Researchers have generated large-scale muscle-controlling nerve cells from ALS patients, revealing striking differences in gene expression between males and females. The study, published in Neuron, used over 450 lines of stem cells to create motor neurons that can potentially lead to the development of new therapeutics.
A new study found that excessive salt intake disrupts the energy metabolism of regulatory T cells, leading to dysfunction. This may have implications for autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. The research suggests that sodium can alter gene expression and trigger malfunctions in mitochondrial energy generation.
Researchers developed a new non-mechanical 3D lidar system that combines scanning and flash illumination using a chip-based light source, enabling safe navigation in dynamic environments. The system can measure the distance of poorly reflective objects and track their motion, making autonomous driving safer.
Humans have added approximately 900 square miles of land to urban coastlines since 2000, primarily for industrial ports and luxury residential areas. The study found that coastal wetlands are particularly hard-hit, with more than half of tidal flats lost in the Yellow Sea due to reclamation.
A UCalgary study has found a significant link between the diversity of fungal species in an infant's gut and their body mass index (BMI) in early childhood. The research also identified other contributing factors, including maternal diet and exposure to antibiotics, as influencing BMI.
A recent study suggests that doubling protected lands for biodiversity could lead to substantial regional shifts in land use and potentially fail to protect world's most biodiverse hotspots. The research also found that the land used for growing crops for biofuels could be significantly impacted by the doubling of current protected areas.
A large study of 2.8 million patients found no direct link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset alcohol use disorder, suggesting other factors at play during the pandemic
Researchers analyzed 400 videos from top child-influencers on YouTube, finding branded food and beverages appeared 38% of the time. Candy brands were most frequent, while healthy options made up only 9% of appearances.
Researchers have developed a new device that can effectively redistribute noise and reduce its impact on quantum measurements. By 'squeezing' the noise, they can make more accurate measurements, enabling faster and more precise quantum systems. The device has the potential to improve multi-qubit systems and metrological applications.
Researchers have made progress toward fast-charging lithium-metal batteries by growing uniform lithium crystals on a lithiophobic nanocomposite surface. This approach enables charging in about an hour, competitive with today's lithium-ion batteries and overcoming a significant roadblock to widespread use.
A single oral dose of azithromycin can reduce postpartum sepsis and death among women who deliver vaginally by one-third, according to a large clinical trial. The study enrolled over 29,000 women in seven low- and middle-income countries and found that only 1.6% developed sepsis or died within six weeks after delivery.