A review article in Nature suggests that the Earth was likely warmer 6,500 years ago and followed a cooling trend until human-caused warming began. The study's findings highlight uncertainties in climate models and underscore the need for further research on natural climate variability.
An international research team from the Global South emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in tropical ecology and conservation. They suggest ten actions for researchers living in the Global South to improve their inclusivity and participation in international research collaborations.
Researchers developed a bionic finger that can create 3D maps of internal shapes and textures by touching an object's exterior surface. The device uses carbon fibers to detect stiffness or softness and creates detailed maps of complex objects.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona have identified a new molecular mechanism that allows planarians to regenerate their bodies. The study reveals that the modulation of the Wnt pathway modifies chromatin and lets wound stem cells know the fate of the new tissue, which is crucial for regenerating heads or tails.
A new study found that daily prune consumption for 12 months altered the gut microbiome in postmenopausal women, enriching beneficial bacteria like those from the Lachnospiraceae family. This may contribute to improved gut health and reduced inflammation.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that human T-cell receptor genes exhibit unexpectedly high variability among individuals, with each person having a unique set of gene variants. The researchers identified 175 new gene variants originating from Neanderthals, which are present in up to 20% of modern humans in Europe and Asia.
The 6th Annual Meeting of the Labroots Drug Discovery & Development Virtual Event Series will bring together specialists to discuss ongoing research in drug discovery and development. Keynote speaker Professor Kevin Pfleger will present novel pharmacology findings, while attendees can earn free CE credits.
A study by Yunfeng Lu and Songfa Zhong found that high contactless real-time heart rates are associated with poor performance in elite archers. Athletes' age and gender did not significantly influence the relationship between stress and performance, but factors like competition ranking and score influenced the results.
A comprehensive review of 68 trials found that school-based programs are more effective in preventing dating and relationship violence than gender-based violence. Long-term programs with simple, straightforward approaches work best to reduce the global issue of youth violence.
HemaChrome, a digital health startup, has won phase 1 of the National Institutes of Health's RADx Tech for Maternal Health Challenge. The company uses smartphone technology to noninvasively measure blood hemoglobin levels, making them accessible and affordable for nearly everyone.
Research found that being bullied based on sexual orientation or gender identity was significantly correlated with feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as well as suicide attempts. Cyberbullying, social bullying, and bullying based on race also had significant correlations with mental distress and suicide attempts.
A recent study published in the Academy of Management Review explores the impact of underdog narratives on team behavior and motivation. The research suggests that adopting an underdog identity can lead to increased risk-taking and a greater sense of well-being, but also highlights potential drawbacks such as sabotaging competition.
Participants with high extraversion, agreeableness, and openness scored higher on face focus; those with social anxiety, depression, and alexithymia focused less. Face preferences are linked to both personality and psychopathology levels, with 17% of viewing time spent on faces.
The addition of antioxidants to cell cultures can improve the production of monoclonal antibodies by reducing oxidative stress and increasing cell viability. This has potential benefits for therapies targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Recent research reveals that ozone depletion leads to Antarctic upper-stratospheric warming during winter months, with temperatures rising significantly since the 1970s. The study highlights the importance of understanding the coupling between atmospheric chemistry and climate in the southern upper stratosphere.
A new Northwestern University study suggests that COVID-19 boosters may be less effective due to pre-existing antibodies from initial vaccinations. The study found that these antibodies can rapidly clear the booster from the body, limiting its efficacy. Increasing time between vaccinations is also beneficial for the immune response.
Researchers developed a new polymer-based device that efficiently handles record amounts of energy while withstanding extreme temperatures and electric fields. The device has outstanding dielectric properties, especially at high electric fields and temperatures.
A Finnish study found that lowering alcohol prices led to a short-term increase in abortions and adverse birth outcomes, particularly among low-income women. Both factors returned to normal levels after several months. The research suggests that cheaper alcohol may lead to increased drinking and prenatal exposure to alcohol.
Researchers developed a new organic solar cell material with reduced energetic disorder, leading to improved performance and lower material costs. The non-fused-ring design enables more uniform surface electrostatic potential distribution and smaller intermolecular interactions, reducing non-radiative energy loss.
A study by North Carolina State University found that PFAS chemical GenX and another chemical, PFHxA, can suppress the neutrophil respiratory burst, a method used by white blood cells to kill invading pathogens. The research highlights the potential toxic effects of PFAS on the human immune system.
Scientists at the University of Adelaide have constructed the first reference genome for psyllium husk, a versatile plant-derived product used to improve gut health and control blood cholesterol. The discovery will pave the way for improvements to the quality and quantity of psyllium crops.
A new study suggests that radiotherapy does not improve survival rates in older breast cancer patients with early-stage breast cancer. The 10-year study found that adding radiotherapy to breast-conserving surgery and hormone therapy did not increase death rates among patients aged 65 or older.
Experts warn that scrapping England's long term plan for cancer will lead to wide variations in access to effective treatments and quality of care. The current proposal jettisons decades of global consensus on the need for dedicated cancer plans.
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry have developed a single score to describe the level of cytokines in saliva, which correlates with the severity of clinical gum inflammation. The study found that higher levels of cytokines in saliva match greater gum inflammation.
A new study has identified the top factors that determine the success of large carnivore relocation efforts, highlighting the importance of protecting existing habitats. The findings could support global rewilding efforts and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Glacial lake outbursts are becoming smaller in volume and peak discharge due to accelerated glacial melt, but occurring earlier in the year. Researchers found that lakes with documented outbursts are now on average 250-500 meters higher than 120 years ago.
The study, conducted by the University of Malaga and others, analyzed the skeleton and brain architecture of Miracinonyx trumani, finding that it had retractable claws and was able to grapple with its prey like cougars. Its brain surface also showed differences from cheetahs, suggesting an intermediate form between the two species.
Researchers from Japan highlight the decline of native squirrel species due to introduced non-native sciurine species. The study emphasizes the importance of early action in addressing ecological concerns and conserving rare endemic species, with successful eradication efforts reported in four locations.
A new study found that people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes who took pioglitazone were less likely to develop dementia, with reduced risks of 16% and 54% among those with a history of ischemic heart disease or stroke. The benefit increased with longer drug use periods.
Researchers at DZNE discovered that centrosome controls neuronal migration but not axon growth. The study used novel molecular tools to show that centrosomal activity influences radial migration of projection neurons.
A community co-design model targeting Indigenous diet and diabetes uses a ketogenic eating plan, which aligns with pre-colonisation eating patterns for Australian Indigenous people. The project aims to explore how Indigenous peoples are advantaged by adopting a keto diet and monitor physiological, social, and economic outcomes.
A team at Harvard Medical School identified a novel mechanism of DNA repair that occurs exclusively in neurons, allowing them to maintain their function over time despite intense repetitive work. The NPAS4–NuA4 complex initiates a pathway to repair DNA breaks induced by neuronal activity.
A new study published in the British Journal of Criminology found that the number of stoves exempt from UK smoke control regulations has increased ten-fold since 2010. The Deregulation Act 2015 removed obstacles to manufacturers certifying their appliances as 'exempt', contributing to nationwide air pollution problems.
An investigation by The BMJ found that only 30 of 200 private hospitals treated COVID-19 patients in April 2020. Meanwhile, some private hospitals devoted 60% or more of their capacity to treating private patients during the pandemic.
Researchers investigated psychostimulants' effects on dopamine transporter, discovering persistent binding determines sustained effects. The study found that varying binding times between substances result in different durations and intensities of effects.
A new analysis of Swedish workers' employment timelines highlights varying patterns of active work and work interruptions over 15 years. Women were found to be more likely to have longer periods of interruption due to parental leave and sickness-absence benefits, independent of socioeconomic factors.
Researchers at MIT have proposed a new approach to making qubits and controlling them using beams of light from two lasers of slightly different colors. This method enables the direct manipulation of nuclear spin, allowing for precise identification and mapping of isotopes, as well as improved coherence times for quantum memory.
Researchers create advanced imaging-based method for studying mitochondria, enabling detailed mapping and measurement of structural changes. This technique has potential applications in understanding diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancers where mitochondrial function is disrupted.
A new genetic test can identify dogs at risk of a potentially deadly disorder resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising after surgical procedures. The DEPOHGEN test will allow for preventative treatment by administering antifibrinolytic drugs to dogs with the mutation before surgery.
A new protein degrader, AK-2292, shows promise against STAT5, a key player in leukemia and other cancers. By targeting the protein's degradation, researchers have overcome previous challenges in designing small molecule inhibitors.
A novel scheme uses deep reinforcement learning to optimize mode selection and resource allocation in NAFD systems. The proposed scheme improves system performance and adapts to changing user demands, while reducing the cost of collaboration between APs and slices.
A study by the University of California, Davis, finds that most Amazon land mammals are threatened by climate change and projected savannization. Camera trap surveys revealed that only a few species preferred savanna habitat, while most species, including those using both habitats, chose forest habitats.
The IMPACTIVE project aims to develop a sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical production methods. By leveraging mechanochemistry, the team hopes to reduce waste and emissions in the industry. The initiative has already shown promising results, with potential cost savings of up to 12%.
A new study documents the human scale of Utah's coercive eugenics and its lasting legacy among 54 suspected survivors still living today. The state's sterilization law, passed in 1925, targeted people confined to institutions, often without their consent.
A MIT experiment equipped second-hand bicycles with mobile trackers to track their whereabouts over time, revealing that most stolen bikes remain in the local area. The majority of bikes were resold and re-used within the city's bike fleet.
A $10 million USDA grant will help increase the production of seafood in the Midwest, which is healthier and more sustainably produced than land-based foods. The project aims to promote aquaponics and reduce reliance on imported seafood, which can be affected by volatile markets and environmental issues.
A global study reveals how schools use marketing techniques to attract higher-performing pupils and climb league tables. Marketing practices often prioritize recruitment over quality of teaching, exacerbating social inequalities.
Researchers developed an 'AutoPLP' technique to detect new variants of zoonotic pathogens. The tool uses computer program designs customized probes with specific sequences, yielding higher accuracy and efficiency in molecular diagnostics. This breakthrough could help rapidly combat evolving pathogen variants.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an affordable technology that removes over 99.9% of acidic gases from natural gas furnaces, producing an ultraclean furnace. This technology can also be applied to other natural gas-driven equipment, reducing emissions and pollution.
Researchers propose using engineering principles to raise island heights or build new ones to help the Maldives withstand long-term sea level rise due to climate change. The approach could allow the entire population to live on just two islands built at a significantly higher elevation than natural islands.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered that hydrogen atoms play a crucial role in twisting iron, enabling more efficient chemical reactions. Additionally, the lab has developed technology to reuse old electric vehicle batteries as energy storage systems for the grid, reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
Pregnant women who fast during Ramadan tend to give birth to babies with lower weights. However, this effect is reduced in women consuming a high-fat diet outside of fasting hours, according to new research.
A recent study found that PrEP was well received by justice-involved individuals, demonstrating high uptake among those eligible. The approach provided HIV prevention services to a large proportion of incarcerated people, including men aged 25-29 years.
Researchers from Drexel University found that microbes help break down biodegradable materials and release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment. PFAS have been linked to serious health problems and accumulate in soil, crops, and groundwater.
A dolphin-like species of kentriodontid, which lived in the western North Pacific, may have gone extinct 14 million years ago. Global cooling is thought to be a key factor in their extinction.
Vegetation in North America's mountains is shifting to higher elevations at an unprecedented rate, driven by climate change. This shift is occurring faster than many animal species can adapt, with widespread changes observed across diverse ecosystems.
Researchers call for grassroots action to raise awareness about soil biodiversity's role in promoting human health and wellbeing. Cities' loss of biodiversity, pollution, and decline of green spaces reduce exposure to beneficial soil microbes, increasing allergies and illnesses like asthma.
A recent study from the University of Toronto found that greater screen time is associated with more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young people. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 adolescents and young adults and found that social media use, texting, TV watching, and video chatting were linked to muscle dysmor...
Researchers have designed a novel imaging and experimental preparation system to record the activity of the enteric nervous system in mice, providing new insights into the complex processes of digestion and waste elimination. The findings suggest that physical distention of the gut controls how the entire neural network is coordinated.
A new subset of B lymphocytes has been found to play a crucial role in promoting the clearance of microbes by enhancing the production of innate immune cells. The discovery highlights the importance of adaptive immune cells in responding to infections and could lead to new strategies for combating serious diseases.