A new study by Penn Medicine found that the discontinuation of pandemic-related SNAP benefits led to a significant increase in food insufficiency in the US. The study found that households affected by the benefit cuts experienced a 21% relative increase in both food insufficiency and food insufficiency among children, affecting over 2 ...
Research suggests football participation is associated with a higher odds of developing parkinsonism or Parkinson's disease. Longer football play duration and intensity are linked to an increased risk of diagnosis, highlighting the potential health risks for athletes involved in contact sports.
A new malaria vaccine candidate has shown promising results in a cohort of Tanzanian infants, with substantial anti-RH5 immune responses achieved safely through vaccination. The vaccine targets the RH5 protein used by the malaria pathogen to invade red blood cells, providing a second line of defense against disease.
A group of leading scholars in pediatric ethics have published six recommendations for guiding parents and clinicians in medical decision-making for children. The recommendations aim to provide a unified set of principles that will be more accessible and applicable for clinicians, parents, and legal guardians.
Researchers find immunotherapy treatment anti-CTLA-4 leads to greater survival in mice with glioblastoma and discover new way cells kill cancer by triggering microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for human brain cancer.
Researchers at EPFL develop a superconducting circuit optomechanical platform with ultra-low quantum decoherence, enabling high-fidelity quantum control and long-term quantum storage. The breakthrough achieved record-breaking thermal decoherence rates of only 20 Hz.
A research group at Kyoto University has successfully developed a self-fertile buckwheat variety and a new type of the crop with a sticky texture. This breakthrough could contribute to the efficient breeding of less-common orphan crops, addressing the world's growing food demands.
Researchers from the University of Bern found that maize roots secrete chemicals that improve soil quality and increase wheat yields. The study demonstrates potential for using specialized plant compounds to enhance crop productivity through variety-specific rotations.
A new study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that effluents from treated wastewater treatment plants alter invertebrate communities in Hesse's waters. Pollution-tolerant taxa like worms and crustaceans increase, while sensitive species like stonefly and caddisfly larvae decline.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a gene therapy that can stop cell division in a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting the drivers of the disease. The study suggests that this technology can become a platform for treating other fusion-driven cancers, such as lung cancers and sarcomas.
A study published in Science has identified 135 previously unknown genes associated with pigmentation, shedding light on the regulation of melanin production in humans. The research could help protect lighter-skinned individuals from skin cancer and develop new treatments for vitiligo and other pigmentation diseases.
A new type of ultrafast laser technology is being developed to create high-precision microstructures, such as those needed for smartphone displays. The project aims to make the technology cheaper and more efficient, with potential applications in glass processing, polymer ablating, and future laser surgery.
A team of scientists discovered evidence for sustained wet-dry cycling on early Mars, essential for prebiotic chemical evolution and the emergence of life. The findings suggest that ancient Martian mudstones may have hosted conditions conducive to complex organic molecule formation and pre-biotic chemistry.
The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) has played a vital role in recognizing and mitigating environmental pollution and climate change in the Arctic. Its efforts have led to significant reductions in pollutants in the Arctic and influenced global agreements, inspiring similar initiatives in other regions.
A new study by Kyu-Hyun Chae found conclusive evidence for the breakdown of standard gravity in low acceleration limit using up to 26,500 wide binaries observed by Gaia. The results show a boost factor of 30-40% higher than Newton-Einstein prediction, meeting conventional criteria of 5 sigma significance.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination generates antibodies in pregnant people that cross the placenta and protect their newborns against severe COVID-19 disease. Booster doses also increase maternal and newborn immune defenses against COVID-19, supporting the use of vaccination during pregnancy.
Researchers have developed a novel catalysis scheme that enables previously impossible chemical reactions without the use of rare and precious metals. The method uses light to activate the catalyst, allowing for the optimization of the process.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that stratified sampling is more effective at catching contaminants in infant formula than random sampling. The researchers used computer models to simulate testing finished formula and suggest ways to improve safety plans.
A multidisciplinary team analyzed soil samples from underneath decomposing human bodies to understand the release of elements such as sulfur, phosphorus, and calcium. The study found unexpected concentrations of these elements in the soils, which could aid investigators in locating missing persons and estimating time of death.
Researchers Dr. Robert Lemanis and Dr. Igor Zlotnikov propose that intricate shell structures may have been nature's defense strategy against predators, providing crucial reinforcement against external forces. This new insight offers a glimpse into the distant past, where survival against the odds was paramount.
Researchers in Africa have developed a roadmap to create better AI-driven tools for African languages, addressing the limited availability of language data. The study identifies key players and themes to consider in designing effective language tools, including writers, linguists, software engineers, and entrepreneurs.
Researchers used AI to predict Z-DNA fragment locations that overlap with known mutations causing severe hereditary diseases. These fragments can influence traits and body processes, including hair color, height, weight, and cholesterol levels.
Adults increasingly perceive daily cannabis smoking as safer than tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure, despite existing science suggesting otherwise. This survey study of 5,035 adults found a significant shift in perceptions over four years.
A new research case study published in The Lancet highlights the need for greater awareness of the 'blue legs' symptom associated with Long Covid. Acrocyanosis, a venous pooling of blood in the legs, can be a symptom of dysautonomia and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in patients with Long Covid.
Researchers have developed a new method to guide light in a 2D configuration, enabling the creation of tiny photonic circuits and opening up new possibilities for technology. The innovation uses extremely thin glass crystals that can trap and carry light over long distances.
A new study investigates whether artificially dimming the sun could prevent the melting of West Antarctic ice sheets. The results show that artificial influence does not work without decarbonization and entails high risks, highlighting the importance of rapid climate mitigation measures.
A new digital headset can detect subtle forces exerted on the skull as the heart contracts, revealing brain changes even in athletes whose symptoms have subsided. The device could help clinicians and coaches make more informed decisions about when athletes are ready to return to play after a concussion.
Researchers develop a new method to assemble arrays of quantum rods onto patterned DNA scaffolds, enabling precise control over light emission and polarization. This breakthrough could enhance virtual reality devices and microLEDs with improved depth and dimensionality.
Researchers found long-term disruptions in Saturn's atmosphere, caused by past megastorms, which persist for hundreds of years. The study revealed that ammonia gas is being transported from the upper to lower atmosphere via precipitation and reevaporation processes.
A panel of genetically diverse mice has been created to accurately model the variable human response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mice exhibit different levels of disease severity, ranging from asymptomatic to lethal, and can help scientists discover biomarkers of disease severity and evaluate countermeasures.
Scientists at Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung developed a machine learning model that enhances predictive accuracy in alloy design, uncovering new corrosion-resistant compositions. The model combines numerical and textual data, enabling the identification of optimal alloy formulas.
Patients with caregivers at higher depression risk experienced poorer quality of life and increased emergency department use. Additional caregiving resources could improve patient outcomes in Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have developed a synthetic extracellular matrix that can support the growth of mini endometria in a dish for at least two weeks. This allows researchers to study its role in healthy and diseased states, such as endometriosis, by extrapolating from patient samples.
Researchers found that GSDMD's N-terminal fragment induces the transcription of MHCII molecules in intestinal epithelial cells, leading to an increase in Type 1 regulatory cells and ultimately food tolerance. The study provides new insights into the treatment of food allergies.
A recent study by Bay Area Environmental Research Institute and NASA reveals that two degrees of warming will lead to increased heat stress, fire weather, floods, and droughts globally. The NEX-GDDP dataset provides daily climate projections for regions, enabling local leaders to develop targeted adaptation and mitigation plans.
A study published in Blood journal found that children with diverse gut microbiota before stem cell transplant had significantly better overall patient survival and fewer complications. Higher microbiota diversity was also associated with lower risk of acute graft-versus-host disease.
Recent studies have found no link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden cardiac arrest in athletes. However, a small decrease in VO2 Max has been observed after vaccination, which may be temporary and have minimal clinical relevance.
Researchers found that social determinants of health significantly impact healthy ageing across countries. Machine learning models were used to analyze complex interplay of factors associated with ageing. The study highlights the need for region-specific data-driven health strategies in Ireland.
Research suggests gut microbiota plays a crucial role in shaping immunotherapy response, with alterations contributing to cancer progression. The study aims to discuss the effect of microbiota on cancer immunotherapy and potential applications for improving treatment outcomes.
A study by Duke University researchers has found microplastics in the fats and lungs of two-thirds of marine mammals, suggesting that ingested plastics can travel into tissues. The presence of polymer particles and fibers in whales' fat and organs may cause harm, including hormone disruption.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences successfully reversed hearing loss in mice by activating a defective gene. The researchers found that introducing a special enzyme at a young age significantly improved hearing, with positive effects becoming less potent with time.
A study found that longer duration of type 2 diabetes is associated with decreased brain structure and increased white matter hyperintensities. Despite this, cognition was not affected, highlighting the need for early screening for cognitive disorders in diabetic patients.
Research reveals that a healthy gut microbiome can play a role in the acquisition and severity of HIV and EBV infections. The study found that animals colonized with resident microbiota had higher rates of HIV infection and increased viral loads, suggesting that altering the gut microbiota could be a potential therapeutic approach to c...
The study analyzed the Parnaíba and São Francisco River basins, highlighting vulnerabilities to deforestation, fire, drought, poverty, and climate change. The SEVI index measures socio-environmental vulnerability, revealing 'very high' levels in 53% of the São Francisco basin.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in particle physics, releasing the world's most precise measurement yet of the muon's magnetic moment. The result bolsters evidence for new physics beyond the Standard Model and sets up a showdown between theory and experiment over 20 years in the making.
A University of Trento study has demonstrated that inorganic structures can incorporate organic molecules to form primitive cell-like membranes, a key step in the origin of life on Earth. The findings open up new research opportunities for recreating life on other planets and improving drug effectiveness.
A study of 15,000 adults found that alcohol consumption and risky drinking behaviors were prevalent among cancer survivors. The findings highlight the need for additional research to address the emerging concern of alcohol consumption in cancer patients.
Researchers found that children with autism and macrocephaly exhibit excessive growth of excitatory neurons, while others show a deficit. The study's findings could help doctors diagnose autism and identify potential treatments for specific cases.
Australia's ancient ecosystems and oldest continuous indigenous cultures face extreme wildfire, flooding events, and biodiversity loss due to climate change. Integrating Indigenous knowledge into policies is crucial for addressing the climate crisis.
Researchers have identified a new pathway for HIV to enter the cell nucleus, and synthesized molecules that can target this pathway. The study found three proteins critical to the invasion, and their interaction, which could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer
A new study found that global ecosystem water use efficiency has stagnated since 2001, likely due to an increased vapor pressure deficit and intensifying evapotranspiration. This decline may undermine human reliance on nature-based climate solutions for carbon neutrality.
Researchers developed two versions of a survey to measure the experience of communication between families of inpatients unable to make decisions for themselves. The five-question survey provides a brief snapshot of the experience, while the 10-item survey adds questions about information and emotional support.
Researchers found an abnormal imbalance of excitatory cortical neurons in people with autism spectrum disorder, depending on their head size. The study used human 'mini-brain' models called organoids to recreate the brain development alteration that occurred in patients during fetal development.
A team of researchers has developed a new screening method to identify defective sensors, enabling the mass production of reliable graphene sensors for detecting toxins in water. The sensors can detect multiple contaminants simultaneously and provide early warning for contamination.
Researchers in East Europe have recalculated the carbon sinks in the region, finding that they stored most of Europe's carbon between 2010 and 2019. However, data shows a decline in carbon absorption over time, with timber extraction having the biggest influence on the land-based carbon sink.
Researchers have engineered bacteria that can detect tumor DNA in a live organism, using CRISPR technology. The bacteria, Acinetobacter baylyi, were designed to respond to specific DNA sequences associated with cancer, allowing for early detection and potentially preventing disease progression.
Four major clinical trial networks are partnering with the Good Clinical Trials Collaborative to enhance clinical research in low resource settings. The collaboration aims to promote principles-based guidance and education, promoting high-quality trials globally.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management suggests that restaurants can encourage customers to choose healthier food options by adjusting the font size of nutritional information on menus. By representing calorie values incongruously, businesses can effectively 'nudge' customers towards making heal...
A new study found that a massive North Atlantic cooling event led to the disruption of early human occupation in Europe, with climate stress changing the course of early human history. The study used observational and modeling evidence to document the unprecedented climate anomaly.
A third COVID-19 vaccination dose significantly improved antibody responses in transplant recipients, offering better protection against variants. However, cross-protection was only partial, highlighting the need for multiple vaccine doses to maintain immunity in this vulnerable population.