A team of scientists led by Dr Gerrit Hilgen have won funding to research age-related macular degeneration, a common disease affecting over 190 million people worldwide. The £100,000 award will support the study of human induced pluripotent stem cell models and help develop new treatments for the condition.
Research in NYC neighborhoods suggests gentrification improves mental health outcomes among White populations, yet has adverse effects on Black and Latino communities. The study analyzed data from 2002-2015 to understand the relationship between neighborhood changes and serious psychological distress.
The study reveals that a lack of community involvement and inadequate governance are major contributors to wildfire management in the Amazon region. Local stakeholders identified deficiencies in institutions, staff cuts, and underinvestment as significant vulnerabilities.
Researchers found that weekly and Saturday slaughter capacity utilization interact with live cattle-to-box beef spread, but not in a way that packers control prices. The study suggests Saturday slaughter may be a strategy to increase processing when prices are rising.
Researchers developed a method to characterize nanomaterials using sequential infiltration synthesis in nanostructured polymers. This technique allows for the creation of extremely small structures on semiconductor surfaces, enabling further miniaturization of next-generation microelectronic components.
A multidisciplinary team of experts developed a new dual-target DBS approach targeting two distinct brain regions to simultaneously treat OCD and TS. This approach allowed for optimal and sustained improvement in severe symptoms, providing hope for treatment-resistant patients.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine investigated the protein BVES and its crucial role in muscular dystrophy. They discovered that inhibiting proteasome degradation with Bortezomib can alleviate symptoms of BVES-deficient muscular dystrophy.
Researchers have discovered a novel form of ferroelectricity in a single-element bismuth monolayer that can produce regular and reversible dipole moments. This breakthrough expands the scope for non-volatile memories and electronic sensors.
Job candidates with typos on their resumes are less likely to get an interview due to being perceived as having lower mental abilities, conscientiousness, and interpersonal skills. This study found that a typo-laden resume can result in a 18.5 percentage point decrease in getting an interview invitation.
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope discovered a pair of gravitationally bound quasars inside two merging galaxies when the universe was just 3 billion years old. The finding provides insights into early galaxy mergers and supermassive black holes.
An international team of researchers analyzed medieval texts and ice core data to date some of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. They found that five lunar eclipses occurred within a year or so of major volcanic eruptions, providing new information about the most volcanically active period in Earth's history.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum's Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy found altered brain activity in patients with fibromyalgia, which may contribute to the disorder's characteristic inability to control pain. The research provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain in fibromyalgia patients.
Scientists have developed a new microfluidic sperm selection device to improve IVF success rates. The device replicates the natural sperm selection process, resulting in an 85% improvement in DNA integrity and a 90% reduction in sperm cell death.
Scientists measured and compared amino acid abundances with rocky components of Ryugu particles, demonstrating water's role in their formation. The results suggest more ice was present in the precursor of one particle than the other, which may have contributed to the high abundance of a specific amino acid.
The UK government's introduction of a 45% levy on renewable energy profits may undermine investor confidence and deter low-carbon generators from developing in the country. This could potentially hinder the UK's ability to meet its 2050 emission targets, according to Dr Catherine Caine from the University of Exeter Law School.
A recent study found that antidepressant fluoxetine facilitates the erasure of learned fear responses and enhances spatial learning in mice. The TrkB receptor in Parvalbumin interneurons is primarily responsible for this increased plasticity, suggesting a new target for treating psychiatric diseases.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have found that adding small molecules called immunomodulators to vaccine adjuvants can regulate the body's response to vaccines, reducing negative side effects. The study increased antibody response in flu vaccine models and reduced inflammation in typhoid vaccine models.
A Swansea University study reveals the potential of machine learning in identifying Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients, reducing diagnosis delays from eight years to earlier. The research uses a national data repository to develop a predictive model for AS detection, empowering GPs to refer patients more efficiently.
Cornell University researchers found that teens' trust in COVID-19 news on social media is key to their well-being. Higher levels of trust are linked to a positive sense of social well-being and lower levels can lead to stress. News literacy programs are crucial for young people to discern fact-based sources from misinformation.
A comprehensive review of conspiracy interventions found that only half of the studies reported significant changes in participants' beliefs, with most existing methods being ineffective. Fostering critical thinking and analytical mindsets were found to be more promising approaches.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover that mechanical and chemical itch sensations are encoded by different brain pathways, which act together to drive chronic itch. The study reveals key molecules regulating these pathways and opens avenues for new therapies.
A multidisciplinary team of Emory researchers has discovered a key molecular pathway underlying COVID-19 organ damage in adults. The study found that high levels of fibrinogen cause red blood cells to clump together, damaging the endothelial glycocalyx and altering blood flow.
Researchers found a therapy for babies with early autism signs can reduce long-term disability and associated costs, saving $10,695 per child by age 13. Early intervention may also alleviate strain on health, education, and family systems.
A survey of allergists and immunologists reveals that diagnosing and treating hereditary angioedema can be challenging, particularly for patients in rural areas. Patients living in rural areas are more likely to face barriers to care, including longer travel times to reach medical facilities.
A study found that historical redlining was associated with increased stroke prevalence in New York City communities. The researchers also discovered a significant correlation between these neighborhoods and higher rates of certain cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found higher levels of certain fungi and lower levels of bacteria in children with ADHD compared to healthy controls. The study suggests that a 'leaky gut' may allow toxins into the bloodstream, contributing to inflammation and brain damage.
The University Hospital Bonn has conducted the world's first study on children receiving ECMO therapy with a mobile MRI, successfully diagnosing brain hemorrhages and other abnormalities. The procedure allowed for immediate treatment initiation without compromising patient safety.
Researchers at Janelia have developed the fastest calcium indicators yet, allowing them to tease out individual neuronal signals with unprecedented speed and sensitivity. The new jGCaMP8 sensors can detect calcium ions nearly as fast as they are released from neurons, enabling scientists to study neural computations at the molecular le...
A team of researchers at the Max Born Institute developed a novel method for X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) spectroscopy using a laser-driven plasma source. This breakthrough enables precise determination of magnetic moments in buried layers without damaging samples, and can monitor ultrafast magnetization processes.
Researchers have documented a rare defense mechanism in the Dwarf Reed Snake, which uses active cartwheeling to evade predators. This behavior is the first time such an action has been observed in snakes.
A recent study published in Journal of Animal Ecology has identified disease avoidance strategies in various animal species, including humans. The research provides insights into how emotions like disgust help protect against diseases and has implications for human health and conservation efforts.
A study found that bilingual readers process Latin and Chinese characters in different ways due to the formation of specialized cortical areas within the Visual Word Form Area (VWFA). In English-Chinese bilinguals, areas were only stimulated by recognition of Chinese logograms, while English-French bilinguals showed equal activation fo...
A study by Cornell University researchers found that using AI in conversations improves communication efficiency and positive emotional language, but participants perceive their partner as less cooperative when suspected of using AI-suggested responses.
A new AI-powered worklist reprioritization tool has been shown to significantly reduce both report turnaround time and wait time for pulmonary embolus-positive CT pulmonary angiography examinations. The study found a reduction of 47.6 minutes in report turnaround time and 21.4 minutes in wait time, with no significant difference in rea...
Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa have limited access to digital devices, with varying rates of mobile phone ownership across countries. The study found that wealthier households and homes with high maternal education had greater access to digital technology.
A study of UAE firms found that gender-diverse senior management teams deliver value and innovation contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. This is attributed to their ability to respond effectively to changing economic environments.
A modelling study in Denmark found that universal varicella vaccination significantly reduces chickenpox-related cases and deaths in both children and adults. The study also showed cost-effectiveness of the vaccine, informing policymakers about routine immunization.
Research reveals people misremember events in just seconds, altering memories to suit their expectations. This distortion can significantly impact perceptions of reality.
Researchers observed lithium ions wandering within composite cathodes, revealing limitations in ion delivery that affect battery performance. The findings suggest a previously overlooked development bottleneck for solid-state battery development, highlighting the need to enhance ion transport within cathode composites.
Adult survivors of childhood cancer have a four times higher risk of late mortality compared to the general population. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk by 20%, according to a new study published in The Lancet.
A new type of photonic time crystal has been developed, showing that these artificial materials can amplify electromagnetic waves. This could lead to more efficient wireless communications and improved lasers., The creation of two-dimensional photonic time crystals makes them easier to fabricate and experiment with.
Researchers developed a complex that accumulates in tumour tissue and is activated by ultrasound waves, triggering the release of a toxic compound and eradicating tumours. This method could make cancer treatment less invasive and more effective for large and deep-seated tumours.
A new study suggests that using underground water for thermal energy storage (ATES) can reduce heating and cooling energy demand in the US by 40%, making urban energy infrastructure more resilient. ATES stores energy as temperature underground, leveraging natural geological features to heat or cool buildings during extreme weather events.
A new study found that sunflower pollen's spiny structure reduces infection of a common bee parasite by 81-94% and increases the production of queen bumblebees. The research also suggests that other flowers in the sunflower family may have similar disease-fighting powers.
The Obesity Society joins European, US, and Canadian organizations in promoting the use of people-first language for pediatric overweight and obesity. This approach aims to minimize negative bias, stigma, and discrimination while acknowledging individuals as more than their weight or disease.
A new meta-analysis from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found a significant association between fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and the risk of developing dementia, with a 17% increase in risk for every 2 μg/m3 increase in average annual exposure to PM2.5.
A study found that ponderosa pine forests in California's Sierra Nevada will not recover to pre-drought densities, reducing atmospheric carbon storage. The forests' ability to store carbon is threatened by western pine beetle infestations driven by climate change.
Researchers have developed a new ear tube design that combines liquid-infused materials with optimized geometry to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ear infections. The design enables better performance and reduces complications such as impaired hearing and scarring of the eardrum.
Research shows that SEC challenges can influence how CEOs and CFOs communicate with investors and analysts in private meetings. A study found that the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement depends on perception of the SEC's ability to enforce regulations.
A new study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee found that diversifying US police departments has no significant impact on clearing aggravated assaults against minorities. The study analyzed data from over 350 agencies and nearly 44,000 incidents, but found no association between diversity measures and clearance rates.
A USC study finds that the Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted global grain markets, resulting in food insecurity and economic losses for the world's economy. The study estimates a $1.6 billion loss during the first year of the war.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a type of cell that plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. The authors suggest that understanding CAFs is essential for developing effective cancer therapies. Research targeting CAFs has shown promise, but challenges remain due to their complex nature.
A team of researchers at Tohoku University has uncovered the biological mechanisms of ferroptosis, a type of cell death triggered by iron and lipid peroxidation. The study reveals that lipid peroxides accumulate at the plasma membrane, leading to increased tension and permeability to cations.
A new study published in Neurology shows that younger brain age is associated with superior post-stroke outcomes, suggesting a potential biomarker for stroke rehabilitation. The research team used multi-site data sets and 3D brain structural MRIs to analyze the relationship between brain age and stroke recovery.
A study found that adding rosmarinic acid to sunscreen increases sun protection factor by over 41% and reduces the need for synthetic chemicals. The natural antioxidant also provides anti-aging benefits, making it a potential multifunctional compound for improved skin health.
Astronomers have discovered a closely bound pair of actively feeding supermassive black holes in the same galactic real estate, 10,000 light-years apart. This finding provides crucial information about the nature of cosmic systems on the verge of becoming giant elliptical galaxies.
Researchers at UPF explored brain activation during deductive reasoning triggered by watching visual scenes, providing insight into thought format and structure. The study found similarities in brain regions activated for verbal and non-verbal tasks, highlighting the vital role of prefrontal and parietal networks.
A new imaging technique using a novel nuclear medicine tracer has been developed to improve the treatment of intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease patients. The technique allows for precise differentiation between inflammation and fibrosis, enabling targeted therapy.
A systematic review of existing methods for reducing conspiracy beliefs found that most approaches are ineffective, but those fostering critical thinking show promise. Effective interventions include exposing participants to factual inaccuracies before presenting conspiracy statements.
Researchers discovered that euchromatin, a region of the genome involved in gene expression, is not open but rather condensed and behaves like a viscous fluid at the molecular level. This finding challenges conventional thinking and provides new insights into DNA damage prevention and gene regulation.