A review of 15 years' worth of data found that prenatal vitamin D supplementation reduced rates of asthma and wheezing in children compared to standard prenatal multivitamin. Vitamin D levels during pregnancy were associated with a 50% reduction in asthma and wheezing.
A study tracked skin temperature in 600 participants for six months, finding that individual differences were more significant than sex-based variations. The team used wearable devices to monitor skin temperature and found patterns consistent with menstrual cycles in women.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) and the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research have awarded ten one-year fellowships to advance research on aging biology and geroscience. The fellowships provide $75,000 in research support to postdoctoral fellows studying basic mechanisms of aging.
Researchers analyzed data from over 420,000 participants across 41 countries and found no link between left-handedness and improved spatial skills. The study used a video game to measure navigational abilities and confirmed that factors like age, gender, and education do not influence hand preference and spatial ability.
Researchers identified a novel bacterial protein, MceF, that can prolong cell longevity by acting directly on mitochondria. The discovery could lead to new treatments for diseases relating to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as cancer and auto-immune disorders.
A team of researchers has developed a novel experimental system to simultaneously measure the mechanical properties and internal structure of rubber-like materials. The study found that strain within these materials is non-uniform, depending on the shape and size of composite particles.
A study by Cornell University found pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides in managed honeybee hives in New York, posing a risk to bee health and the environment. The chemicals, including acaricides and neonics, were detected in nearly all samples, highlighting the need for better protection of pollinators.
A recent study found that 72% of eczema patients experienced poor mental health symptoms for 1-10 days within the past month. Additionally, 35% reported never discussing their mental health with their allergist and 57% were never asked about it.
A novel computer simulation program 'iBridge' was developed at KAIST to predict gene targets for efficient production of valuable compounds in microbial cell factories. The system successfully established E. coli strains capable of producing three high-demand compounds, including panthenol and nylon components.
Scientists successfully created a live-birth chimeric monkey with a high contribution of human embryonic stem cells, breaking the record for successful chimerism in nonhuman primates. The study showcases the potential for using ESCs to generate complex gene-modified models.
A new study published in BMJ Mental Health reveals that people with severe mental health issues are almost twice as likely to experience multimorbidity, a combination of chronic diseases. The research emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to address this critical issue.
Recent research focuses on improving CO2 reduction with acidic electrolyte to enhance carbon efficiency and energy efficiency. Approaches include adding alkali cations, surface decoration, nanostructuring, and electronic structure modulation to promote CO2 reduction while suppressing H+ reduction.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used quantum biology and artificial intelligence to sharpen the CRISPR Cas9 genome editing tool, improving its efficiency on microbes. The new model revealed key features about nucleotides that enable better guide RNA selection.
Researchers found that mothers increase egg size when they have more female helpers to feed their chicks. The study suggests that helpers allow mothers to invest more in offspring at the egg stage by lightening maternal workloads at the chick-feeding stage.
Two cases report flaxseed as an allergen causing severe reactions, including facial rashes and contact dermatitis. Flaxseed is increasingly used in baked goods, cereals, and oil paints, highlighting the need for awareness about its potential to trigger allergic reactions.
A systematic review found that climate change-related concerns are linked to less positive attitudes towards reproduction and a desire for fewer children or none at all. The study identified four key factors: uncertainty about the future of an unborn child, environmentalist views on overpopulation and overconsumption, meeting family su...
A new USC study reveals that variants of the autism-linked gene SYNGAP1 can disrupt early brain development in the cortex, a region involved in higher-order cognitive functions. The research found that disease-causing variants of SYNGAP1 alter the cells' cytoskeletons and lead to disorganized neural circuits.
Researchers tracked endangered thick-billed parrots using solar-powered satellite transmitters, revealing new critical habitat and migratory routes. Less than 20% of the newly identified habitat is protected from timber industry, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University created a synthetic polymer biomaterial that mimics the pancreatic adenocarcinoma microenvironment, enabling them to identify potential therapeutic targets. The study successfully recapitulates the complex interactions between cancer stem cells and their niche.
Researchers discovered narrow-spectrum Wnt signaling inhibitors can suppress breast cancer tumors and reduce chemo-resistant cells in mice. The treatment, derived from a bacterial toxin, targets specific receptors to minimize bone density side effects.
Researchers create CREATS method for imaging polymerization reactions at single-monomer resolution, revealing the sequence of monomers in copolymers. This allows for fine-tuning of material properties, such as stiffness or flexibility, and provides a guiding principle for designing tailored materials.
The PhRMA Foundation awarded two $500,000 Frontier Awards to researchers William Padula and Surachat Ngorsuraches for their patient-centered value assessment models. Their studies will advance the field of value assessment by applying theoretical models in a real-world context and engaging with patients to ensure their voices are inclu...
A group of 35 scientists calls out conflicts of interest in global plastic treaty negotiations, which have hindered timely action on health and environmental issues. They recommend implementing guidelines to prevent industry influence on the UN's Science Policy Panel on chemicals, citing past examples of pollution protection dilution.
The US has seen a significant increase in wildfire risk, especially in the wildland-urban interface, where houses and vegetation are close proximity. Over 55,000 homes have been lost due to rapid increases in wildfires and new housing expansion in fire-prone areas.
A Mayo Clinic study found patients with lower extremity lymphedema had twice the risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Regular skin cancer screenings are crucial for these patients as early detection is critical.
A recent study suggests that umbilical cord milking is a safe procedure for preterm infants born after 28 weeks, reducing delay and risk of bleeding. The technique involves gently squeezing the cord to push blood into the newborn's abdomen, allowing for faster response times for infants in need of respiratory support.
Patients with post–COVID-19 chemosensory alterations experience improved recovery of smell function over a 3-year period. Taste dysfunction shows lower frequency and faster recovery compared to smell dysfunction.
A COVID Moonshot Consortium has made history by developing a potent SARS-CoV-2 antiviral lead compound through an unprecedented, crowdsourced approach. The project leveraged machine learning and high-throughput structural biology to identify novel compounds with excellent antiviral activity.
A new study found that mixed forests with four species have the highest carbon stocks relative to monocultures, increasing above ground carbon stocks by at least 70%. The results demonstrate the potential of diversification in planted forests to enhance carbon storage and support biodiversity.
A Pitt University study found that individuals with higher education levels are less likely to experience cardiovascular disease events later in life. On average, those with less than a high school education were 1.4-1.7 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to college graduates.
Researchers at Kanazawa University found that genetic alterations underlie the dual function of activins in colorectal cancer. Mutations in genes such as Kras and Trp53 can promote tumor progression while also suppressing it, highlighting the complex role of TGF-ß signaling.
A new five-year research project combines AI, virology, and ecology to anticipate future SARS-CoV-2 strains that could pass between animals and people. The team will use artificial intelligence to predict variants and assess risk of spillover from people to wildlife.
Scientists analyzed body fluids from firefighters after rigorous training to understand the effects of intense physical exercise on the body. They found a decrease in inflammatory signals, which can improve breathing, but also increase vulnerability to viral respiratory infections.
The research team led by Michal Hocek successfully pushes the boundaries of DNA structure and function. They demonstrate that heavily modified double helices are stable enough to be used in medicine, mimicking natural molecules with therapeutic potential.
A new method developed by Caltech's Alireza Marandi enables the creation of ultrafast mode-locked lasers on photonic chips, opening up opportunities for compact and affordable ultrafast photonic technologies. The breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in fields like frequency metrology and precision sensing.
Research reveals that lightning ignitions account for 77% of burned areas in intact extratropical forests, which store vast quantities of carbon. Climate change is projected to increase lightning frequency, posing a significant threat to these forests and the planet's carbon storage.
A study published in mSystems found that mice fed a broccoli sprout diet had milder disease symptoms and richer gut microbial communities compared to those not exposed. The researchers suggest that broccoli sprouts could be used as a treatment strategy for patients with IBD.
A team of researchers at the University of Liège has observed a glow in the night sky over Mars using the UVIS-NOMAD instrument on board the Trace Gas Orbiter satellite. This detection provides new insights into the Martian upper atmosphere and its variations throughout the year.
A new study has identified a brain connectivity variate that predicts psychiatric disorders in adolescents. The finding provides evidence for a transdiagnostic brain-based measure underlying individual differences in developing psychiatric disorders in early adolescence.
Research by the University of Bern reveals that poison dart frog personality traits impact mating success, clutch numbers, and offspring survival. These traits are present in tadpoles and remain stable after metamorphosis.
Regenstrief researchers and experts will address key issues in medical informatics at the 2023 AMIA Annual Symposium. The event features a wide range of scientific sessions on topics such as translational bioinformatics, clinical research informatics, and public health informatics.
The 2023 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards recognized outstanding reporting on the impact of scientific racism, habitat restoration, and climate change. The winners included Ashley Smart and Ilan Goodman for their in-depth pieces on these topics.
The researchers propose a hybrid organic–inorganic gas sensor design that enhances gas sensing performance while maintaining sensing speed. The proposed design outperforms conventional sensors in terms of chemical sensitivity to NO2, showcasing impressive durability and higher potential for long-term installation.
A new study presents a nationwide survey of children and adults with food allergies, revealing common themes around when their allergy developed and coinciding events. The research suggests that eating too much of an allergenic food or genetics may be contributing factors to adult-onset food allergies.
Researchers found a barred spiral galaxy similar to the Milky Way at a redshift of 3, challenging previous understanding of galaxy evolution. The discovery suggests that galaxies matured and became ordered much faster than thought, with implications for theories of galaxy formation and evolution.
A six-year study by four labs found that employing best practices in psychology research, including pre-registration and large sample sizes, resulted in highly replicable social-behavioral findings. The researchers replicated 16 novel findings with an average replication rate of 97% and no evidence of decline over repeated replications.
This study tracks rural settlements' spatiotemporal regularity driven by rapid urbanization, revealing slower growth and widening differences. The analysis reveals uneven spatial distribution, with most counties experiencing a 'Convex-I' change type, often far from urban zones.
A recent study by University of Helsinki researchers found that early humans occupied diverse environments beyond savannah-grasslands when dispersing out of Africa. This challenges the previous assumption that humans required specific habitats and suggests they were more ecologically versatile than thought.
Research on Betula ermanii saplings reveals two distinct mechanisms contributing to poor growth: adaptation to extreme environments and genetic drift leading to inbreeding. Populations at the edge of their distribution range are susceptible to these effects, highlighting the need for conservation measures
The Allergist's Foundation awards grants to support innovative projects addressing health disparities in underserved communities. Six grantees presented their work at the ACAAI National Scientific Meeting, focusing on topics such as cannabis education, food allergy management, and asthma-related outcomes.
Research reveals that individuals with heightened pain sensitivity are more likely to endorse values common to people of their opposite political persuasion. This includes stronger support for politicians from the other party and increased sympathy for opposing viewpoints.
Researchers develop biohybrid material from eggshell membrane, coated with nanocrystalline calcium phosphate apatite, for guided bone regeneration and dental pulp capping. The material shows improved mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and osteoinductive properties.
A study of 458,146 adults found that never being visited by friends or family is associated with a 39% increased risk of death. Participants who received regular social interactions, such as monthly visits from friends and family, had a lower mortality risk compared to those who were isolated.
A new study suggests that gargling with salt water may be an effective remedy to improve respiratory symptoms and reduce hospitalization rates in people with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that both low- and high-dose saline regimens were associated with lower hospitalization rates compared to controls.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified the mechanism by which the MAF protein promotes breast cancer metastasis, revealing a key interaction with the estrogen receptor. This finding opens up new therapeutic options for patients with high MAF levels, who may benefit from treatments aimed at preventing metastases.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to transform a rare-earth crystal into a magnet by using chirality in phonons. Chirality, or the twisting of atoms' motion, breaks time-reversal symmetry and aligns electron spins, creating a magnetic effect.
A novel device, ecO2, produces oxygen at the site to keep cells alive for up to a month in vitro or weeks in vivo. This innovation improves the outcomes of cell-based therapies for diseases and injuries by increasing metabolic demand.
Scientists at University of Leicester investigate sleep's impact on ageing epigenetics using jewel wasp model, finding potential reversible effects on DNA methylation. This study aims to understand the molecular basis of sleep-regulated ageing and its potential for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers developed indoor solar panels to power smart home devices, identifying efficient PV materials and minimizing heat production. Gallium indium phosphide shows promise but is expensive, while perovskite minerals and organic films offer a cost-effective solution.
The combined image reveals galaxies outside the cluster, varied sources over time likely due to gravitational lensing, and transients varying in brightness. The team identified 14 such transients across the field, including highly magnified stars or multiple-star systems and supernovae.