A UC Davis study analyzed millions of Twitter posts to find that social media can both amplify and disrupt individual issues, leading to both unifying and divisive outcomes. The research highlights the complex nature of social media's impact on public discourse, revealing an oscillation between integrated and segregated communication.
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing lymphoma, particularly those with Crohn's disease. The risk is driven by both the disease activity and treatment, including immunomodulating drugs.
A nurse has shared her experience of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) after a mild COVID-19 infection. She highlights the importance of clinicians including SSNHL as a potential side effect of COVID-19 and recommends high-dose corticosteroids as treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism found that a 'typography as image' approach was most effective for grabbing attention and conveying messages on trailside signs. The design strategy combines attention capture and elaboration to prompt users to provide more information.
A new study analyzing US National Health Interview Survey data found significantly higher levels of pain among LGBTQ+ adults compared to straight adults. Psychological distress was the most strongly linked factor driving these differences.
A study involving hibernating brown bears and chronically immobilized humans found reduced expression of platelet protein HSP47 to be protective against thrombosis. This finding is supported by research in pigs and mice, suggesting a conserved mechanism across several mammalian species.
A recent study found that over 42% of healthy mothers carrying fecal transplant material tested positive for harmful pathogens, making the procedure risky. The research aims to assess whether postnatal FMT can safely restore normal microbiota in C-section babies.
Researchers have developed an implantable nanofluidic device that delivers CD40 monoclonal antibodies to shrink pancreatic tumors, reducing treatment dosage by fourfold. The device's long-term controlled release avoids systemic side effects, offering a promising alternative for cancer patients.
A team of scientists at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light developed a method to quickly and accurately diagnose cancer using artificial intelligence and real-time deformability cytometry. The method reduces analysis time from hours to under 30 minutes, enabling faster decision-making during surgery.
A study by the University of Exeter and Bayer AG found that pollinators produce a conserved family of cytochrome P450 enzymes to tackle alkaloid toxins in plants. These enzymes allow bees to safely consume nectar and pollen from toxic plants, shedding light on insect tolerance mechanisms.
A UTSA-led research team has discovered a new exoplanet using indirect methods. The exoplanet, HIP 99770 b, is about 14 to 16 times the mass of Jupiter and orbits a nearly twice-as-massive star. This breakthrough opens a new avenue for scientists to discover and characterize exoplanets.
A novel study finds that hospitals with positive patient safety climates and high standard precaution adherence have lower rates of healthcare-associated infections and occupational injuries. The study suggests that improving these factors could lead to better patient and worker outcomes.
Research finds that flash droughts are becoming more frequent due to human-caused climate change, posing a major challenge for climate adaptation. The transition to flash droughts is predicted to accelerate in a warmer future, with irreversible impacts on ecosystems.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified key themes in the biology of pancreatic cancer that can serve as hallmarks for therapy. These themes include genomic alterations, metabolism, and immunotherapy, which can be combined to improve treatment outcomes.
A new computational model suggests that reducing hormone doses in contraceptives could effectively suppress ovulation. The model found that hormone doses could be lowered by up to 92% in estrogen-only contraceptives and 43% in progesterone-only contraceptives, while still preventing ovulation.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2023
The James Webb Space Telescope has observed six galaxies that defy the standard model of cosmology, with masses billions of times that of our sun. These findings suggest alternative theories on galaxy formation and expansion rates shortly after the Big Bang.
Climate change is driving a shift towards more frequent flash droughts worldwide. The study, published in Science, reveals that regions with limited time for preparation are at highest risk. Early warning systems can help mitigate the impacts of these rapid-onset events.
Researchers at RIKEN have created a composite material that can channel mechanical energy in one direction but not the other, allowing for efficient use of random vibrations. This property is essential for various biological functions and has potential applications in electronics, photonics, magnetism, and sound.
Research discovers that reduced levels of Hsp47 protein can prevent blood clots in humans, pigs, and bears, even when immobile for extended periods. The study's findings could lead to new medicines for people with inherited blood clotting disorders.
A WVU research team has created an OPTIMAL model to help students overcome fears of learning code and enhance critical thinking skills when using ChatGPT, a popular AI chatbot. The model facilitates chatbot-aided scientific data analysis and aims to improve coding skills and prompting abilities.
Researchers will use seismoacoustic instruments to study the OSIRIS-REx capsule's re-entry, gathering data on shockwaves, infrasound, and atmospheric dynamics. This campaign aims to improve models of meteoroid flight and refine relationships between size, velocity, and infrasound signatures.
A new study by NYU researchers found that students' brainwaves in sync with their classmates and teacher are more likely to learn better. The study used EEG to track brain activity during lectures, finding that synchrony between brainwaves predicted higher post-lecture test scores.
Researchers developed an antisymmetrized quasicluster model to represent both cluster and shell structures in a single framework. The model applied to carbon and oxygen revealed significantly different density distributions compared to traditional assumptions.
A study found that two-thirds of staff and residents in long-term care facilities in England were infected with COVID-19 between March 2020 and March 2022. The analysis, which included over 5,000 individuals, estimated that the true rate of infection was higher due to under-diagnosis during the pandemic.
Scientists uncovered fossils of palm leaves, hydrangea flowers and extinct plants from the same family as basswood, providing clues about climate conditions 40 million years ago. The discovery sheds light on the warmer temperate to subtropical climate that existed in the area during the late Eocene era.
Researchers at the University of Michigan suggest that ape ancestors lived in seasonal woodlands with broken canopies and ate leaves, not fruit. This new model for ape origins pushes back the origin of grassy woodlands from 7-10 million years ago to 21 million years ago.
A global study of 9,555 individuals found a 4% increase in heavy bleeding days and total bleeding quantity after COVID-19 vaccination. Changes often resolve by the first post-vaccination menstrual cycle.
A study examining the link between hearing aid use and dementia found that those using hearing aids had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to non-users. The study was retracted due to an error in data processing, which rendered the findings inaccurate.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered a two-dimensional magnetic material that can work in room temperature. This breakthrough paves the way for energy-efficient and faster data storage and processing in computers and mobile devices.
The CHEST journal April issue features cutting-edge research on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sarcoidosis. Key findings include the potential of efzofitimod as a treatment for managing sarcoidosis. The journal also showcases innovative approaches to clinical practice and education in chest medicine.
A new AI stop smoking app, Quit Sense, detected triggers and provided support to help smokers manage urges to smoke in specific locations. The study found that four times more people who used the app quit smoking six months later compared to those only offered online NHS support.
The Center for Ethics in Science and Science Journalism (CESJ) will oversee a residency program for science journalists in research institutions across Europe. The program aims to promote independent and ethically responsible science coverage, providing training and capacity building opportunities.
Researchers found bivalent boosters to be 67% effective in preventing hospitalization and death, with effectiveness waning after four weeks. The boosters also reduced the risk of infection and death against newer omicron strains.
Researchers used a novel method to study tectonic plate movement, finding two significant slowdowns in the South American plate over the past 15 million years. These events may have contributed to the widening of the Andes mountain range by causing unstable material to tear free and sink into the mantle.
Native bees in Oregon's Coast Range are diverse and abundant in clearcut areas within years of timber harvest, but numbers drop sharply as the forest canopy closes. Management practices that promote open conditions can enhance floral resources and promote bee diversity.
Scientists discovered that feces from coral-eating fish contain beneficial microbes that help coral thrive, while feces from algae-eating fish cause damage. The study suggests that corallivores may contribute to natural dispersal of 'coral probiotics', promoting reef health.
A meta-analysis found that Indigenous populations in these countries face significantly higher rates of influenza-related hospitalizations compared to non-Indigenous individuals. The study highlights the increased vulnerability of Indigenous populations to severe influenza outcomes.
Researchers developed a nano-excitonic transistor that controls excitons to process massive amounts of data at the speed of light with minimal heat energy loss. This technology has potential applications in optical computing and realizing an era of data explosion driven by AI.
Despite the decline in most services, FQHCs reported an increase in patient visits for substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, and sexually transmitted infections. Quality-of-care measures also plummeted, with only one measure returning to pre-pandemic levels.
A new clinical RNA sequencing platform at SickKids is helping researchers understand complex genetic conditions and improve diagnosis for patients with rare diseases. The platform has been validated to be used in the clinical space, providing valuable diagnostic information that complements genome sequencing.
A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that virtual fitting rooms can have a negative impact on consumers with a high body mass index (BMI), leading to decreased self-esteem and lower product evaluations. However, the technology appears to enhance sales for shoppers with a low BMI, highlighting the need for marketing...
A new study suggests that volunteering with any organisation reduces the effects of physical pain on the ability to work more than donating money to charity. Volunteering has a larger effect, with approximately 10 times the pain easing effect compared to each additional year of age.
Researchers at Max Born Institute have developed a hybrid laser pulse that controls ultrafast light-induced currents in giant materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of valley-currents and spin-currents, vital for future valleytronics technology.
Researchers at the University of Stirling found that microplastics can transport harmful bacteria from wastewater to beaches in Scotland. The study suggests that these bacteria can survive for up to 7 days on beach sand and show resistance to common antibiotics.
Astronomers have mapped the M87 galaxy's 3D structure and determined its supermassive black hole has a mass of 5.37 billion times that of the sun. The galaxy's asymmetrical shape allows for more precise measurements, including the rotation rate of 25 kilometers per second around an axis 40 degrees from the long axis.
Researchers recognize the need for improved COVID-19 vaccines to prevent transmission and infection. Mucosal vaccines targeting the respiratory tract could be effective in blocking SARS-CoV-2 transmission and reducing disease burden.
A multi-state study confirms the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness in children and adolescents against moderate and severe COVID-19 outcomes. The study found that vaccination provided significant protection, but effectiveness decreased during Omicron dominance, with a booster dose increasing protection.
Researchers found that starting early intervention coaching at 18 months old led to greater gains in language, social communication, and daily living skills compared to waiting until 27 months. The study provided high-quality evidence for earlier intervention and highlights the importance of screening for autism at 18 months.
A new AI model, MOMA, accurately predicts colon cancer survival, treatment response and disease recurrence for patients. It can guide clinicians to follow up more closely or consider aggressive treatments for patients with worse predicted prognoses.
Researchers discovered how zebrafish use their hair cells to detect movement, a discovery that sheds light on the mechanisms of human hearing and balance. The study's findings suggest that the structure and function of zebrafish hair cells are nearly identical to those found in humans.
Research finds extreme precipitation days will become more frequent, with up to 20-30% increase in moisture release. The LOCA2 climate projections cover the lower 48 US states, southern Canada, and northern Mexico, providing granular-level information for local planners.
An international team of astronomers has discovered an exoplanet using a combined approach of direct imaging and precision measurements of a star's motion on the sky. The newly found planet, HIP 99770 b, is 14-16 times more massive than Jupiter and orbits just over three times further from its star.
Researchers suggest that 'network immunity', generated by core members of the sexual network, halted the mpox epidemic. The theory proposes that as core members were infected first, they developed infection-induced immunity which slowed transmission.
Researchers develop a new technique to measure blood attenuation using a fluorophore-coated guidewire, improving the accuracy of near-infrared fluorescence in cardiovascular imaging. The method provides accurate information on vessel walls and outperforms existing correction methods.
Recent studies published in Science have reconstructed early ape fossil sites in eastern Africa, showing a wide range of habitats existed before the emergence of bipedalism. Researchers gathered thousands of fossil remains and data to redefine the ancient environments.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that exciting electrons with strong light leads to exotic quantum effects, enabling new functions on demand. The team made an unforeseen discovery: Floquet bands form after a single optical cycle, paving the way for ultrafast electronics and tailored quantum functions.
Researchers have solved the mystery of why orchid bees concoct their own fragrance. The bee fragrance serves as a sex attractant and increases the reproductive success of males. The study found that the females are attracted to the scent and that it triggers mating behavior in them.
A new study reveals that a Brazilian forest policy aimed at restoring natural vegetation has been less effective on private lands than in all conservation areas, resulting in the loss of 14.6 million hectares of agricultural land and 2.5 gigatonnes of carbon sequestration potential.
Scientists discover carbonated water's impact on low-methoxy pectin hydrogel formation and properties. The study shows that CO2 from carbonated water increases mechanical strength and gelation rate of hydrogels.
Origin-of-life chemists suggest glyoxylate reaction scenario could have yielded simple sugars without drawbacks of formaldehyde-based reactions. The researchers aim to demonstrate this hypothesis in the laboratory and explore potential commercial applications.