A recent study by Esther Blanco found that landowners in Colombia continued to protect their ecosystems even after receiving payments for ecosystem services ended. This challenges the concern that monetary incentives can displace original motivations for environmental protection, known as the 'crowding out effect'.
New research suggests that early Mars experienced high-frequency wet-dry cycling in the Gale Crater, pointing to possible seasonal weather patterns or flash floods. The findings could mean that Mars once had an Earth-like wet climate and may have supported life at some point.
Researchers have found that human milk oligosaccharides can stop common prenatal infections in human tissues and pregnant mice, potentially preventing preterm births. The sugars were tested against Group B streptococcus infection, reducing inflammation and bacterial numbers without the need for antibiotics.
A new tree forensics project, Gigante, aims to investigate the deaths of large tropical trees using drone surveys and on-the-ground observations. The team expects to identify the causes of death for up to 10,000 trees over three years, shedding light on the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems.
Researchers used phage PASA16 to treat tough Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, achieving an impressive 86.6% success rate. The study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of phage therapy as a valuable alternative to conventional antibiotics in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
At one Antarctic research station, contaminant levels have persisted for 18 years, exceeding international guidelines. Historic practices at Casey station have polluted the local ecosystem, affecting marine environments.
A new antibiotic strategy has been found to defeat gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli by interfering with the outer lipid layer of the bacteria. The compound, LPC-233, is a small molecule that works fast and is durable in animal tests, with potentially vital applications against stubborn urinary tract infections.
A survey study found that gender-affirming mastectomies result in low levels of decisional regret and high satisfaction among patients. This suggests that current validated instruments may not be suitable for assessing post-surgical outcomes.
A new study found consistent increases in premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) death and disability due to particulate matter air pollution globally. The analysis, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, revealed a 8.1% rise in age-standardized CVD deaths attributed to outdoor PM pollution between 1990 and 2019.
A large study published in ERJ Open Research found that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to have poor lung function and experience respiratory issues. The research suggests that vitamin K may play a role in keeping lungs healthy, but further studies are needed to confirm this link.
A team of researchers analyzed lake sediment cores to reconstruct eastern China's climate, vegetation, and human activities over the past 5100 years. The study found significant ecological shifts and human impact on the landscape, including deforestation and reforestation.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered a non-ectodermal and mesodermal origin for large numbers of enteric neurons born after birth. This finding overturns decades of scientific dogma and offers hope for disease-modifying cures to aging patients.
Researchers found that molnupiravir efficiently blocked SARS-CoV-2 transmission when administered at a human effect size-equivalent dose, but paxlovid did not. The study used ferret animal models and found that molnupiravir completely suppressed transmission at all tested doses.
Researchers from the University of Bonn have developed a new method to calculate global water distribution, combining satellite data with hydrological models. The study reveals that droughts are significantly more common across the world than previously thought, with localized droughts often missing from satellite data.
Scientists at NIFS have created a stable and strong High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) large-current conductor, named STARS, that can be applied to fusion reactors. The new conductor overcomes challenges in twisting and transposing thin wires, achieving higher current densities than Low-Temperature Superconductors.
A new Northwestern Medicine study measures resilience in biomedical scientists during COVID-19, revealing that resiliency did not guarantee career advancement. The study found that women scientists faced greater household responsibilities and social pressure to advance their careers, leading to significant career setbacks.
A pilot study reveals microplastics in heart tissue samples from patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with evidence suggesting direct introduction during procedures. The findings suggest various microplastics can accumulate and persist in the heart's innermost tissues.
A recent study published in Neurology found an association between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and a higher risk of dementia. Researchers followed 5,712 participants for a median duration of 5.5 years and discovered that those who took the drugs for more than 4.4 years had a 33% higher risk of developing dementia.
Research from Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute reveals that gray whales feeding off the Pacific Northwest coast are shorter than their counterparts in the Arctic. The females average 3 feet and males average 1.5 feet shorter, with slightly smaller skulls and flukes.
A study by Stanford University reveals that European public attitudes towards refugees have remained stable over time, with support for asylum seekers and preferences for certain traits increasing from 2016 to 2022. The research found that Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion were welcomed due to their demographic profile, but ...
A Kaiser Permanente study found that drinking alcohol after a breast cancer diagnosis does not impact a patient's prognosis. The research used data from over 4,500 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and tracked their lifestyle changes and outcomes over 11 years.
A team of researchers developed a one-of-a-kind spatial light modulator capable of ultra-fast, amplitude-only modulation without modifying the optical phase. The device uses chalcogenide phase change materials, achieving improvements that could be exploited in wavefront shaping experiments and communications.
A recent study from Drexel University's A.J. Drexel Autism Institute found that only 1.1% of working-age autistic adults are receiving employment services, with stark gaps between Medicaid and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. The research highlights a dire need for policy changes to improve employment services systems in the US.
Researchers have identified a protein called Hmga1 that may help prevent bone loss associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Increasing the expression of this protein in rats partially reversed bone loss in ovariectomized animals, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
The rare moss Takakia has developed unique adaptations to survive frost, high UV radiation, and extreme altitudes. Climate change is altering its natural habitat, posing a threat to this ancient species.
A national survey found that few US adults recognize climate change has a disproportionate impact on socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Despite broad scientific consensus, many people believe climate change affects all groups equally or do not perceive its impacts at all.
Researchers from Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that a subcategory of brain cells responds to stress in a totally different manner in males and females. The findings could lead to better understanding of health conditions affected by chronic stress, such as anxiety and depression.
Yale researchers have created a functional humanized liver in living mice, enabling scientists to study human-specific mechanisms for regulating cholesterol levels and treating chronic liver diseases. The discovery uses progenitor stem cells and mature cells from a human liver to mimic the cellular functions of a healthy human liver.
A study published in PLOS ONE has discovered parasite eggs in a 200-million-year-old coprolite from Thailand, providing insight into the life of an ancient aquatic predator. The discovery is significant, as it is one of only a few known examples of nematode eggs preserved within the coprolites of Mesozoic animals.
The study found that the inclusion of superheroes in the course significantly increased student motivation, deepened their understanding of the material, and made it more approachable. Students reported that pop culture references expanded their knowledge and boosted their desire to perform well in the class.
A new tool helps evaluate pesticide toxicity at high resolution and suggests targeting a few pesticides in watersheds could significantly reduce aquatic toxicity in California. The Environmental Release Tool (ERT) quantifies pesticide applications and toxicity by watershed, covering hundreds of commodities.
Researchers found that occasional long-distance dispersal events between North and South Brazil allow red mangrove trees to exchange genetic material, maintaining their unique populations. Mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecology and carbon storage, making conservation efforts crucial.
Researchers have developed a sensitive and selective nerve gas sensor using human scent receptors. The device reliably detected dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) in simulated tests, even at concentrations as low as 0.037 parts per billion.
Neuroscientists at Penn Medicine identified a brain mechanism that enables focus despite visual distractions. By analyzing neuron activity in animal models, they discovered 'beta bursts' in the lateral prefrontal cortex, which suppress distracting stimuli and direct attention towards tasks.
Researchers propose a novel theory of aging that suggests cell competition is a key factor in the process. The selective destruction theory (SDT) proposes a mechanism of aging that is independent of accumulating damage and consistent with epigenetic rejuvenation.
A joint research team from DGIST and Seoul National University developed an imaging platform to study the reaction intermediates in the degradation process of semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots. They found that cadmium sulfide (CdS) decomposition forms amorphous intermediates, leading to surface structural degradation.
A team of investigators developed a novel technology to diagnose immunothrombosis, a major cause of morbidity among patients with sepsis or severe COVID-19. By measuring thrombin activity through breath gas, they can provide unprecedented knowledge of key enzymatic activity anywhere in the body.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the inner workings of Ebola virus replication inside host cells, revealing 'viral factories' that form clusters of viral proteins and genomes. These microscopic structures are formed in host cells and play a crucial role in the virus's life cycle.
A new imaging technique, tau PET, has been shown to predict cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients with greater accuracy than current methods. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers aim to create machine learning tools that can analyze and quantify shape information from images, enabling more accurate diagnoses and improving patient care. A new family of deep neural networks, called DSNNs, will be developed to tackle AI's blind spot in image analysis.
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge developed a way to incorporate human error into machine learning systems, improving their performance in handling uncertain feedback. However, they found that even with uncertainty accounted for, hybrid systems still perform worse than standalone machine learning models.
A study published in Liver Research found that glucokinase activators (GKAs) improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice with diet-induced obesity. However, GKAs also induced hepatic lipid accumulation, which activated the PERK-UPR signaling pathway.
Embryos orchestrate complex tasks by temporarily relocating neurons to create space for incoming progenitor cells, ensuring harmonious organ development. This study's findings have implications beyond retinal development and may shed light on human developmental disorders.
A study found that border-associated macrophages play a crucial role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Deleting MHCII from these cells reduced neuroinflammation, suggesting they are essential for presenting alpha-synuclein antigens to T cells.
New research reveals that dams have flooded over 1.13 million acres of tribal land in the US, exacerbating land dispossession and cultural heritage destruction. The study calls for dam removal, tribal ownership, or funding for repairs to address this issue.
The oldest and fastest evolving moss in the world, Takakia, may not survive climate change. Despite its rapid adaptation capabilities, the species is declining in population size due to warming temperatures and increasing UV radiation, threatening its very existence.
City of Hope will conduct Phase 1 clinical trials for novel cell and gene therapy treatments for patients with HIV, acute myeloid leukemia, and severe aplastic anemia. A CAR T therapy for HIV is also being developed to potentially target other diseases.
A randomized clinical trial found that exercise significantly reduced depressive symptoms and burnout in healthcare workers, while improving mental health. However, low adherence to exercise programming was noted towards the end of the study.
Researchers analyzed aerial images of seal colonies to study distribution patterns and found harbour seals stay at larger distances from conspecifics than grey seals, suggesting an evolutionary response to respiratory virus susceptibility. This finding provides opportunities to gather more information about pinnipeds in remote regions.
A new machine-learning method, BigMHC, can accurately predict cancer-related protein fragments that may trigger an immune system response. By leveraging massive data through transfer learning, BigMHC enables scientists to develop personalized immunotherapies and vaccines by identifying the most likely to provoke an immune response.
Research reveals US municipal bonds are priced higher for communities with larger Black populations, despite lack of correlation with climate risk. This association adds up to an estimated $900 million cost penalty per year across all Black Americans.
A study of highly migratory fish predators finds widespread losses of suitable habitat and redistribution in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico by 2100 due to climate change. The impacts are already observable, with potential loss of up to 70% of suitable habitat for some species.
Researchers have developed a highly efficient organometal halide perovskite photoanode that suppresses internal and external losses associated with photoelectrochemical water splitting, enhancing reaction kinetics. The new design achieves an unprecedented applied bias photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 12.79%.
Scientists developed a novel Double Machine Learning approach to model bird population trends, removing confounding factors caused by changing human behavior. The result is detailed trend maps for each species down to an eight-mile radius, providing valuable insights for local conservation efforts.
A systematic review demonstrates that citizen science has the potential to monitor 48 out of 58 health and wellbeing-related indicators, primarily at local and community levels. Citizen science can increase data availability, quality, and timeliness, filling critical gaps in monitoring efforts.
Researchers at University of Miami and UC Irvine develop PRIMo to model flooding scenarios, enabling stakeholders to explore benefits and drawbacks of potential response measures. The project aims to address social inequalities in flood adaptation, informing action plans for local governments.
Researchers discovered that continuous consumption of secondary microplastics acts as neurotoxins in the brain, leading to increased inflammation and cell death. The study found that artificially generated secondary microplastics from plastic leaked into the environment trigger severe brain inflammation in rats.
Researchers identified a mutation in the TMCO3 gene in two sisters with short stature, and found it regulates expression of proteins controlling bone growth. A mouse model lacking the gene confirmed its role in longitudinal growth.
A new platform for integrated spectrometers has been proposed using solution-processable semiconductors, enabling ultra-narrowband detection and spectral tuning. The platform exploits conjugated-BIC photonics, allowing for high spectral resolution and wide tunability.
Researchers at the University of Queensland believe AI can help feed 10 billion people by 2050. The technology can identify optimal genetic combinations, analyze large-scale images, and predict breed performance.