Researchers have made a key breakthrough in developing a new treatment for hereditary blindness by using lipid nanoparticles to deliver messenger RNA to the photoreceptor cells. The technology, inspired by COVID-19 vaccines, shows promise in animal models for treating blindness associated with rare genetic conditions.
Researchers advocate for descendant community involvement in ancient DNA research to ensure benefits and risks are shared fairly. Without such guidance, the science can be exploitative, perpetuating colonial practices and harming modern Indigenous groups.
Computer modeling by Oregon State University scientists shows that Douglas-fir trees are likely to experience more stress from drier air as the climate changes. This is crucial for understanding forest sensitivity to a shifting climate, given their widespread ecological, cultural and economic significance.
A new model predicts US recessions and slowdowns by analyzing the aggregate probability of financial misreporting in the economy. The model improves recession prediction by about 25% over existing models, providing regulators with more lead time to prepare for a recession.
Research suggests that six minutes of high-intensity exercise can increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for brain formation, learning, and memory. BDNF promotes neuroplasticity and neuronal survival, potentially delaying age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers have developed a system using microvesicles from algae that promote skin cell proliferation and migration, leading to increased collagen synthesis. The findings show promising results for the treatment of wounds and skin regeneration.
Researchers recreated the brain's edge-of-chaos state to develop an AI device with high information processing performance. The device operates similarly to a neural network, producing electrical responses with spike and relaxation patterns similar to those of synaptic responses in the brain.
A new study found that COVID-19 primarily affected patients with a moderate to critical course, often with comorbidities, whereas many had mild courses despite metastatic melanoma and systemic therapy, recommending continued treatment whenever possible.
Research published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates social isolation is common among older U.S. adults and increases their likelihood of developing dementia. Nearly one-quarter of participants were socially isolated, and being isolated was associated with a 28% higher risk of dementia over 9 years.
Researchers at UConn have identified a protective bacterial culture, Hafnia alvei B16, that can prevent infection by two strains of Salmonella, including those resistant to multiple antibiotics. The culture works by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and reducing their virulence, potentially providing a new path forward in combating su...
A new classification system, MPATH-Dx Version 2.0, has been developed to simplify diagnoses of melanocytic skin lesions. The system categorizes lesions into four classes, providing guidance on treatment and surveillance for patients.
A preclinical study shows CAR T cell therapy can eliminate residual tumor cells after surgery in mice with breast and pancreatic cancer. The treatment involves applying a gel containing human CAR T cells to surgical wounds, allowing the mice to survive where they would otherwise succumb to tumor recurrence.
Scientists have created a multinetwork polymer that exhibits sensitivity to mechanical forces triggered by solvent swelling, leading to a notable color change. This innovation sheds light on the process of swelling in polymer networks and paves the way for designing stimuli-responsive materials.
Researchers developed a new model to predict U.S. recessions and economic slowdowns based on financial statement manipulation. The study found that high levels of potential manipulation in financial statements can improve recession prediction 5 to 8 quarters away.
Researchers at Imperial College London have designed a low-cost external fixator for broken bones, made from stainless steel and aluminium, which can be manufactured locally. The device has shown similar stiffness to commercial devices in cadaver leg bones and is being tested in Gaza, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine.
A team of Penn State researchers developed a material that gradually delivers heparin over time and directly to blood clots. The new delivery system, which combines heparin with a peptide fragment, increases the drug's half-life from 60-90 minutes to nearly 24 hours.
Researchers discovered a new enzyme with molecular protection against oxygen, increasing its resistance by genetic modification. This breakthrough aims to improve protein dynamics and control inorganic centre reactivity for carbon-neutral hydrogen production.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Epidemic Preparedness will bring together researchers from various fields to discuss core tracks such as mathematical modeling, genomics, epidemiological surveillance, and public health policies. Participants will engage in simulated situation rooms and hands-on experience with leading faculty.
A new study led by UCL researchers found small causal effects of childhood maltreatment on internalising and externalising disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The study analysed 34 quasi-experimental studies involving over 54,000 people and suggests that preventing eight cases of child maltreatment could prevent on...
Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed computer models to determine a drug candidate's binding affinity to proteins. The models use computational physics and experimental data to estimate the effective energy of the ligand at every grid point, allowing for accurate estimation of binding affinity.
A recent study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with a decrease in eviction judgments and rates across states. The association varies by state and county, suggesting that Medicaid expansion may have different effects on housing stability.
Ringlike peripheral high iodine concentration maps from dual-energy CT can help guide management in patients with known lung cancer and an indeterminate solitary nodule. This finding showed excellent interobserver agreement, high specificity, and independently predicted pulmonary metastasis.
A phase II clinical study has found that nearly 50% of patients with inoperable locally advanced liver cancer can be cured using the tri-modality therapy. The 'Reduce and Remove' approach, which combines TACE, SBRT, and immunotherapy, results in a 90% two-year survival rate with minimal side effects.
A team of researchers found that repeated vaccinations with the Comirnaty mRNA vaccine lead to an increased number of non-inflammatory, spike-specific IgG4 antibodies. These antibodies show promise in providing protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
Researchers found that global wave models can vary in their estimates of extreme wave heights by up to 20 feet, which can lead to underprotected areas during extreme events. The study emphasizes the need for considering multiple models and modern observational data to better assess offshore and coastal risks.
Researchers found that combination therapy of buprenorphine and naloxone was as safe as buprenorphine alone during pregnancy, with similar outcomes in maternal health and newborn health. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers have developed shortwave-infrared and thermal imaging techniques to accurately diagnose active dental caries. SWIR-based approach shows superior results in detecting lesions, while thermal imaging proves less effective.
The UN reports that roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide will lose an estimated 23% to 28% of their combined original storage capacity by 2050, resulting in a loss of around 1.65 trillion cubic meters of water. This loss will undermine water security, irrigation, power generation, and other essential services.
A group of over 100 researchers identified priorities for synthesis research in ecology and environmental science, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. The study aims to address pressing issues and adapt to complex shifts in the environment by incorporating diverse perspectives and data.
A new breeding strategy enables rapid production of tomatoes with various fruit colors, including red, yellow, pink, and green, using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex gene editing. This method requires less time and produces transgene-free plants with desirable traits, offering a promising approach for improving multigene-controlled traits.
The article discusses the development of the metaverse through digital twins, emphasizing their focus on simulating real-world processes and entities. Digital twins are virtual replicas that synchronize data between the physical and virtual worlds, while the metaverse focuses on human interaction and connection.
Research by Dr. Jessie Turner and colleagues highlights the impact of water-clarity metrics on seagrass and light-loving organism restoration goals. The study suggests that different measurement methods can misrepresent underwater light climates, emphasizing the need for clear communication of methods used.
A new study finds that over 90% of US households will see a reduction in transportation energy costs with electric vehicles, but the lowest-income households may not benefit equally. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to promote energy justice and increase EV accessibility for low-income communities.
The SafeCare study found that adverse events occur in 23.6% of hospital admissions, with medication-related harm being the leading cause. The study recommends improved tracking of adverse drug effects, reliable data collection, and a culture prioritizing safe care.
A team of Penn State researchers discovered a way to render cellulose nanocrystals highly redispersible in aqueous mediums while retaining their functionality. This breakthrough enables the easy storage and transportation of these bio-based nanomaterials, which are valuable for water treatment, packaging, and electronics.
A recent study found that patients treated at centers that don't perform transplants have a 79% higher odds of being denied bridge-to-transplant designation. This change could exacerbate existing disparities in access to heart transplantation, according to the research team.
A new ultrafast camera developed by INRS scientists can stream real-time video at 100 frames per second (fps) and up to 12,000 fps offline. The device has broad applications in photonics, biophotonics, combustion analysis, and detection of hazardous gases.
Researchers explore challenges and propose next-generation vaccine strategies for mucosa-replicating viruses, which evade full immune response due to short incubation periods and nasal mucosa replication. To overcome immune tolerance, significant knowledge gaps must be filled on ideal vaccine formulations, dosage, and techniques.
A research team at USTC discovered a novel long-range ordered porous carbon (LOPC) crystal formed by charging C60 molecules with Li3N, preserving periodic stacking of nanomaterials. LOPC exhibits characteristics of both long-range order and partially broken C60 molecules, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers have decoded the genetic composition of self-incompatibility in grasses, enabling new breeding strategies. The study found that two loci control self-incompatibility, allowing for more diverse populations to be bred.
A team at City University of Hong Kong has developed a novel approach to converting environmental temperature fluctuations into clean chemical energy using pyroelectric catalysis. By combining pyroelectric materials with localized plasmonic heat sources, the researchers achieved significantly faster and more efficient pyro-catalytic re...
The meta-analysis of 47 studies and 1 million patients suggests a vital role for social determinants of health variables in developing strategies to achieve equity. Incorporating these variables can significantly impact prostate cancer–specific mortality and overall survival among men with prostate cancer.
Researchers from top universities examined when to send review reminders and found that timing affects both likelihood and quality of reviews. The study suggests companies should adjust their practices to elicit more consumer feedback.
Plant biochemists have discovered a new level of regulation in the biochemical machinery that plants use to convert organic carbon into aromatic compounds. The research reveals new strategies for controlling plant biochemistry, including genetic tools to precisely control which compounds get produced in different parts of a plant.
A freely available measure of autism symptoms can help screen for autism and monitor changes over time in symptoms. The Autism Symptom Dimension Questionnaire (ASDQ) was applied to 1,467 children and adolescents, including 104 with autism spectrum disorder, and found to be reliable and valid.
A new biography of Mary Anning, written by George Roberts in the final years of her life, has been published for the first time. The manuscript reveals details of her discoveries of fossil reptiles, including ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, as well as her struggles with breast cancer.
Researchers developed a hybrid system combining optomechanical and magnomechanical cavities, enabling ultrawide microwave-to-optical conversion. The system exhibits high-quality optical measurement of mechanical state, with applications in signal transduction and sensing.
The American Thoracic Society will host ATS 2023 in Washington, DC from May 21-24. The event will cover the latest developments in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Register now to attend or access recorded sessions.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that pregnant women who struggle with executive functions – planning and regulating their behavior – tend to consume more fat. Coaching these skills may be key to improving dietary outcomes.
A new study provides insights into the conservation of eastern US migratory landbirds by identifying key stopover hotspots and habitat associations. The researchers found that small pockets of deciduous forest, particularly in areas with high concentrations of food and shelter, are crucial for birds to complete their migration.
A multidisciplinary team led by Northwestern University has developed an electric motor that can convert electrical energy into unidirectional motion at the molecular level. The motor's design is based on a catenane molecule and has the potential to make a huge difference in medicine, particularly in biomolecular motors in the human body.
A six-year study involving 146 patients found that antivenom reduced the risk of skin necrosis in those bitten by brown recluse spiders. Administration of the substance was safe with minimal adverse effects, particularly when given within 48 hours of the incident.
A new study uses mobile game apps to promote healthy decision-making among adolescent girls in India, presenting them with challenges and conflicts that mirror real-life situations. The game aims to build agency and awareness about health issues such as menstrual hygiene management.
A retracted Frontiers journal article contained undisclosed conflicts of interest among its guest editors and peer reviewers, according to Digital Science company Ripeta. The analysis found that three of the four peer reviewers were directly or indirectly affiliated with an anti-abortion organization, which was not disclosed.
The university is implementing curricular changes to increase access to early intervention and reduce stigma around substance use disorders. The program will cover 30 hours of instruction and add another tool to the kit of nursing graduates, aiming to provide more treatment options for those struggling with opioid addiction.
Deep-sea squat lobsters are reclassified after Harvard researchers discovered five new species, showing wider geographic distribution ranges and shallower genetic diversity. The discovery highlights the importance of molecular data in understanding evolutionary history.
A global study of nearly 40,000 adults found that neighborhoods with diverse land use, street connectivity, and safety features encourage more walking and cycling. The research suggests that these environmental factors play a crucial role in promoting physical activity.
A new analysis of distant galaxies imaged by the James Webb Space Telescope shows they are extremely young and share similarities with 'green peas,' a rare class of small galaxies. The galaxies include what might be the most primitive galaxy identified so far, with some containing only 2% the oxygen of our own galaxy.
Researchers found that natural gas-fired power plants could emit up to 3.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, but reducing this by 71% is possible with efficient technologies like carbon capture and storage and improving plant efficiency.
A new approach to gene therapy for inherited blindness uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA inside the eye, targeting light-sensitive cells and creating proteins that edit vision-harming gene mutations. The technology has shown promising results in animal studies, including mice and nonhuman primates.