A study found that Tibetan Buddhist monks with long-term deep meditation practice had distinct gut microbiome profiles, associated with lower risks of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Their gut microbiota was enriched with beneficial bacteria that may influence mental health.
Researchers at the University of Bath show that separating patient preparation from operating theatre schedules can significantly improve theatre availability and reduce waiting times. The study found a 40% improvement in theatre idle times and benefits for patient waiting times when surgery procedures are reconfigured.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a thin film device that can dynamically control electromagnetic wave shielding using MXene materials. The device can convert from shielding to quasi-electromagnetic wave transmission by electrochemical oxidation, making it suitable for various security applications.
Researchers identified a new type of flagellin in the human gut that binds to Toll-like receptor 5 without inducing an inflammatory response. This discovery provides a mechanism for the immune system to tolerate beneficial microbes while remaining responsive to pathogens.
Researchers identified 92 proteins in the spider's venom, including cysteine-rich peptides with potential therapeutic applications. The toxins were found to be effective in paralyzing crickets and may become active ingredients for pharmaceuticals and biological insecticides.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that human-ignited fires are responsible for over 67% of small smoke particles called PM2.5 in the US, leading to 20,000 premature deaths annually. The research highlights the need for ignition-focused management plans to reduce human-ignited fires and minimize health impacts.
A study reveals that endogenous retroviruses awaken during aging, leading to cellular senescence and acceleration of aging. Researchers propose a new theory of programmed and contagious aging induced by ERV resurrection.
A pooled data analysis of international evidence finds that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy nearly doubles the risk of maternal death and severe illness. Babies born to infected mothers are also at increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum develop a technique to create complete five-element material systems on a carrier roughly the size of a human hair. This enables them to efficiently search for new catalysts with high catalytic activity, crucial for environmentally friendly energy conversion processes.
Research shows pressure from coaches and management forces sports psychologists to share confidential conversations with players, leading to mistrust. To build trust, sports psychologists can work as clients, use case formulation, or establish a built-in consent process.
A new test developed by Cambridge researchers uses single strands of DNA as 'bait' to detect multiple respiratory viruses, including influenza, rhinovirus, RSV, and COVID-19, with highly accurate results in under an hour. The test has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the use of antibiotics.
A novel long non-coding RNA, MIR144HG, has been identified as a key player in the immune escape of pathogenic Vibrio in teleost fish. It negatively regulates antibacterial immunity and enhances bacterial escape by suppressing the expression of MyD88 and p65 proteins.
Researchers found that inhibiting HSF1 signaling reduces hepatoblastoma growth and induces apoptosis, suggesting it as a viable pharmacologic target. The study also identified HSF1's role in tumor aggressiveness and its potential association with mortality.
A Canadian study found that prison subcultures hinder the spread of radicalized messages, with key factors including local norms, beliefs, and behavioral expectations. The research suggests that sociocultural influences play a crucial role in understanding the relation between radicalization and prisons.
Researchers detect radio signal from record-breaking distance galaxy, measuring gas composition and gaining insights into the early universe. The signal was amplified by a factor of 30 using gravitational lensing, allowing scientists to study a previously inaccessible region.
Researchers found that nitrified urine fertilizers, such as Aurin and CROP, can be used safely and productively in agriculture. The study tested these fertilizers on cabbage cultivation, with results showing yields comparable to conventional fertilizer products.
A new species of aquatic insect, Potamophylax humoinsapiens, has been discovered in the Sharr Mountains of Kosovo. The species was named to raise awareness about human activities that have degraded habitats and led to extinction. Researchers hope this naming convention will make insects 'talk' to humanity's collective consciousness.
Researchers analyzed 100 ancient genomes to understand kinship and marriage rules in Minoan Crete and Mycenaean Greece. They found that cousin marriages were common, with over 90% of sons marrying within their own family's hamlet.
Researchers found that patients with low comorbidity groups who received more frequent phone calls had improved outcomes, including reduced mortality and longer hospital stays. The intervention involved regular calls from nurses to monitor patient response and address any unusual symptoms.
A European consortium has successfully guided lightning using a high-power laser installed at the top of Mount Säntis in Switzerland, increasing the radius of protection from 120m to 180m. The Laser Lightning Rod (LLR) works even in poor weather conditions, such as fog.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found a specific colonization of microbes in the reproductive tract is commonly found in women with ovarian cancer. The discovery strengthens evidence that the bacterial component of the microbiome is an important indicator for early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of ovarian cancer.
A new toolkit enables researchers to map individual RNA data to a more diverse 'pantranscriptome', addressing reference bias and increasing the accuracy of gene expression mapping. This approach builds on pangenomics, allowing for the comparison of an individual's genome to genetically diverse cohorts of reference sequences.
Researchers have developed a novel blood-based biomarker, brain-derived tau (BD-tau), that specifically measures non-phosphorylated tau originating from the brain. This breakthrough addresses an unmet need for a blood test that tracks neurodegenerative changes in Alzheimer's disease but not in other dementias.
A new species of bent-toed gecko from the genus Cyrtodactylus has been identified in Timor-Leste, a remote region in Southeast Asia. The newly discovered species, named Cyrtodactylus santana, is the first of its kind to be formally described as a species in Timor-Leste.
A systematic review found that livestock production is associated with improved height-for-age Z scores and weight-for-length/height Z scores in under-five children. However, it also increases the risk of disease transmission through water, food, and insects.
A team of researchers from Chung-Ang University evaluated three different MALDI-TOF MS approaches used in domestic clinical settings for the identification of molds. They compared the performance and diagnostic accuracy of the Bruker Biotyper, ASTA MicroIDSys, and Vitek MS instruments.
Scientists have mapped and analyzed DNA methylation profiles in 580 different animal species, providing insights into the evolutionary conservation of epigenetic mechanisms. The study reveals that DNA methylation constitutes a cancer-protective mechanism in large animals with long lifespans, contradicting Peto's paradox.
Researchers found that a pro-oxidant mixture of resveratrol and copper can inactivate cell-free chromatin particles, reducing chemotherapy toxicity. The treatment also showed promise in preventing aging and sepsis.
Researchers developed HippoCamera, a new smartphone app that significantly improves memory recall by boosting attention to daily events. Users record videos and audio descriptions of everyday experiences, which are then replayed to reinforce memory consolidation.
Researchers from the University of Seville and Bristol have discovered a mechanism to explain the unstable movement of air bubbles rising in water. The simulations closely match high-precision measurements, revealing that bubbles deviate from straight-line motion when their spherical radius exceeds 0.926 millimeters.
Researchers developed a novel, efficient, and low-cost strategy to eliminate surface impurity phases in layered nickel-rich materials. The use of acidic treatments with boric acid has been shown to improve the electrochemical performances and reduce capital costs.
TU Wien researchers have developed a method to overcome errors in tiny transistors by considering circuit-level behavior. This approach enables significant advances in chip miniaturization and performance.
Research at Kanazawa University reveals that certain cancer cells lose metastatic potential due to negative selection, which eliminates cells with detrimental traits. These eliminated cells often have reduced growth and survival rates, and are unable to form tumors in healthy mice.
The shift from foraging to farming led to increased conflict, violence, and infectious diseases. Humans adapted genetically to dairy consumption around 5,000 years ago, while early agricultural communities faced social challenges, including limited diets and kinship organization.
A study of 13 dog breeds found breed differences in cognitive traits like social cognition, problem-solving ability, and inhibitory control. The results suggest that different breeds excel in specific tasks, highlighting the complexity of canine cognition.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that frequent visits to urban green spaces were associated with lower use of prescription meds for depression, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and asthma. The frequency of green space visits was linked to a significant reduction in medication use, particularly am...
Research by Nicole Bolleyer and colleagues found that parties formed by existing parliamentarians are more likely to dissolve. Parties with social organization roots are less likely to dissolve early or late in their life cycle. The study analyzed data on 204 political parties in 22 democracies between 1968 and 2016.
Researchers developed a low-concentration cryoprotective agent vitrification method to preserve mouse preantral follicles, improving survival rates by 1/3. The approach integrated microencapsulation and physical heating techniques for enhanced cell protection.
A new study reveals that active galactic nuclei are even more powerful than previously believed, with their far ultraviolet light dimmed by a large factor due to dust. This discovery implies that these objects are putting out an order of magnitude more energy than thought in the ultraviolet range.
A researcher at the University of Copenhagen solved a 30-year-old problem in computer science by applying Petri nets to forecast COVID epidemic development. The breakthrough enables individual-oriented modeling, which can be used in epidemiology and other fields.
Researchers found that abnormal methylation processes lead to disruption of gene expression essential for brain development in people with Williams syndrome. The study suggests targeting treatments to correct these disruptions.
A team of scientists from the USA conducted a study on toddlers' behavior towards helping dogs. The researchers found that children aged 2-3 years were twice as likely to help a dog reach a treat or toy when it showed interest, with factors such as the dog's liveliness and the object being a treat increasing the likelihood of assistance.
The study, published in Physical Review X, demonstrates the quantum properties of 2D Cherenkov radiation and reveals a record-breaking electron-radiation coupling strength. Every electron emitted radiation, improving the interaction efficiency by over two orders of magnitude.
New research from the University of Sheffield reveals genetically modifying rice to reduce stomata can make it more salt-resistant and survive in environments with high salt levels. This adaptation could help tackle food insecurity caused by climate change.
Prof. Shahar Kvatinsky's neuromorphic chip integrates storage and processing functionalities, achieving 97% handwritten letter recognition accuracy with low energy consumption. The chip's design enables potential applications in camera sensors, eliminating the need for digital image enhancement.
Researchers have developed a novel substrate boosting square-tensile-strain, promoting four-variant spontaneous polarization and defect-dipoles. This breakthrough enables reversibly controlled ternary polar states and ferroelectric bias.
Researchers use red-shifted TERS to track tip-induced molecular configurational changes of a single CO molecule on Cu(100) surface, revealing the weakening of C−O bond and tilting angle.
A new study found that multiple negative faecal immunochemical tests can significantly reduce the risk of advanced neoplasia in a colonoscopy surveillance program. This could lead to longer intervals between screenings for people at above-average risk, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Coral hosts can punish selfish algae by limiting nutrient supply, promoting more beneficial species. This finding sheds light on coral survival and potential interventions to prevent bleaching due to climate change.
A new study from Flinders University found that a telehealth program delivering individualized coaching improves self-management and reduces suffering for people with chronic pain. The program, called Rethinking Pain, provides access to care and support for those living in rural areas who face long wait times for specialist care.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered a protein called PDGF-B that not only promotes muscle growth but also enhances myotube maturation, leading to increased contractile strength. The findings offer a game-changing approach to treating muscle injuries and atrophy.
A new compact flow battery cell configuration reduces size and cost by 75%, increasing volumetric power density and enabling more efficient energy storage. The technology could revolutionize residential and commercial energy systems, with potential applications in electrolysis and fuel cells.
Researchers found a strong correlation between birds captured outside their expected range and geomagnetic disturbances. The study suggests that birds rely on magnetoreceptors for navigation, which can be affected by solar activity and other factors. This knowledge can help scientists understand threats to birds and the ways they adapt.
A recent study found that social support has a significant impact on depression risk, particularly in individuals with high genetic risk scores. The research used data from two groups: first-year doctors and recently widowed older adults, showing that those who gained social support during stressful times had lower depressive symptoms.
A recent study found that strong ethnic identity can buffer feelings of depression and low self-worth when Black men experience sexual objectification by white men online. Conversely, a strong commitment to ethnicity intensified feelings of low self-worth when rejected by those of their own race.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully discovered new materials using artificial intelligence and self-assembly. The AI-driven technique led to the discovery of three new nanostructures, expanding the scope of self-assembly's applications in microelectronics and catalysis.
Researchers successfully fabricated one-dimensional optomechanical crystals to enable simultaneous phonon and photon lasing, narrowing the linewidth by four orders of magnitude. The findings pave the way for silicon-based photonic and phononic lasers to meet new technologies' demands.
Researchers have created a supercapacitor that combines high power and energy density using a 'breathing' electrode with chlorine gas. The new device achieves rapid charge separation and mass transfer, increasing its energy storage capacity.
Research published by the American Psychological Association finds that following daily political news can negatively impact people's mental health and well-being. Disengaging from politics also comes with a cost, as it reduces motivation to take action on political causes.
A team of researchers has identified the key stumbling block of a common solid-state hydrogen material, MgH2. The study, published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A, reveals that a 'burst effect' during dehydrogenation leads to sluggish kinetics, hindering commercial application.