Citizen science project in Arctic reveals 1/3 of plastic debris comes from Europe, with significant contributions from Germany. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved local waste management and reduced global plastic production to tackle pollution in remote ecosystems like the Arctic.
A study by Brown University researchers found that night shift nursing home staff had significantly lower rates of COVID-19 testing and primary vaccination compared to day shift staff. The study highlights the importance of considering work shifts in designing workplace health interventions.
A national COVID-19 study found that Asians and lower-income households reported less confidence in accessing community resources crucial for their health and wellbeing during the pandemic. The study also revealed disparities related to sociodemographic characteristics and health-related characteristics, emphasizing the need for target...
Scientists at Nagoya University developed an index to estimate a bird's wing use based on coracoid bone strength and body mass. This new tool sheds light on how ancient birds evolved to fly, including the flapping abilities of extinct species.
A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.
A synthetic biosensor created at Cornell University enables the study of proteins in ways previously impossible, leading to potential applications in drug development and environmental sensing. The system uses cell-free synthesis to produce proteins directly into an artificial membrane, allowing for dual optical and electronic readouts.
Physicists from the University of Vienna successfully demonstrated a universal rewinding protocol that can reverse certain quantum processes, including the time evolution of a single photon. The protocol uses an intricate optical setup and demonstrates reversibility without knowing the interactions with the quantum system.
A mysterious, extremely remote celestial body has been identified as a young, compact galaxy forming stars at an incredibly high rate of 1000 times the Milky Way's. Its features were finally described by a team from SISSA using ALMA interferometer technology.
A new paper reviews the exclusion of Latin American and Caribbean researchers in ornithology, citing language hegemony, publication costs, and North-biased views. The authors argue that this systemic barrier is not only unjust but also detrimental to scientific rigor and bird conservation.
Researchers used computational simulations to model Charon's internal ocean freeze and its effects on the moon's surface. The study found that the freezing of an internal ocean may have formed deep depressions along Charon's girth but was unlikely to lead to cryovolcanoes erupting with ice and water in its northern hemisphere.
Researchers discovered that certain microorganisms dominate burned soil after a wildfire, with some species increasing in abundance and others consuming charcoal. This finding could help revive megafire dead zones and provide insights into the human microbiome's response to stress.
The study of two Antarctic blue whales tagged in the east Antarctic sector of the Southern Ocean reveals significant logistical challenges and provides initial insights into foraging ecology, habitat preferences, distribution, movement rates, and feeding patterns. The satellite tracks will assist the International Whaling Commission's ...
New research from the University of Georgia reveals that artificial intelligence can be used to find planets outside our solar system. Machine learning can analyze environments where planets are still forming, helping scientists overcome difficulties such as distance and data thickness.
A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found a significant association between methotrexate use and an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and cutaneous malignant melanoma. The study suggests that higher doses of methotrexate may increase the risk of SCC and BCC, while no dose-response relationship...
Researchers suggest that individuals with resources can offset their subsistence emissions by paying for climate adaptations in low-income countries or through emission offset schemes. This approach aims to balance individual needs with environmental responsibility.
Researchers found that AI significantly improved the detection of lung nodules on chest X-rays, detecting actionable nodules at a rate of 0.59% compared to 0.25% without AI assistance. The study suggests that AI may work consistently across different populations.
A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that phytoplankton productivity in the Southern Ocean contributes to dense clouds that reflect sunlight. The high density of water droplets in these clouds helps regulate global temperatures and precipitation patterns.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine has demonstrated altered dopamine signals in the brain's striatum region related to counterfactual information and relief. Dopamine levels were lower in participants with a history of alcohol use disorder, suggesting impaired decision-making processes.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is hosting its annual meeting, #DiscoverBMB, featuring award lectures by high-profile speakers. The event will take place March 25-28 in Seattle, with topics including quorum sensing and developmental mechanisms in African Trypanosomes and precision oncology.
An international team of researchers has created a detailed genetic map of two sea turtle species, revealing surprising similarities and differences. The study finds that green turtles have evolved more immune-related genes, while leatherbacks have historically lower population levels and reduced genetic diversity.
Researchers found that salt concentration is crucial for icicle ripple formation. With increasing salt levels, ripples become stronger and more visible. This discovery explains the rippled patterns on gutters and car bumpers during winter.
Researchers analyze penguin swimming movements to understand their underwater turning maneuvers. They found that body banking and wing upstroke generate centripetal force during turns. This study sheds light on the physics behind penguins' aquatic prowess.
A Chinese research team has successfully synthesized a stable polymer with a nickel backbone that exhibits conductive, thermally stable and interesting optoelectronic properties. The new material can be processed in solution and demonstrates strong length-dependent light absorption with narrow band gaps.
A new Stanford-led study highlights the importance of coordinated policies governing biodiversity in Colombia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries. The research found that biodiversity is governed by nearly 200 distinct policies covering various ecosystems and conservation approaches.
A systematic review found that higher vitamin D intake was associated with a 15% decreased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes. Inexpensive vitamin D supplementation could delay the development of diabetes in over 10 million people worldwide.
Researchers have discovered that over-the-counter heartburn drugs can shorten the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and reduce the chances of drug-resistant bacteria. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, may mean TB can be cured with shorter treatments.
The iCPH platform combines physical and cyber elements to capture human motions, using musculoskeletal analysis and machine learning. It generates contact motion networks for humanoid robots and simulates human behaviors, enabling smooth interactions with humans.
A new set of guidelines has been established to quantify hepatitis B virus DNA in infected liver cells, crucial for preclinical and clinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies. The standards were developed based on a study that identified the importance of sample type-tailored methods for accurate measurement.
Researchers studied pollen data from North America's Neotoma Paleoecology Database to understand plant migration patterns and climate fidelity. Most plant species have exhibited long-term climate loyalty over the past 18,000 years, while some plants adapt locally in response to climate change.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered keanumycins in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas, effective against plant fungal diseases like grey mould rot and human-pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans. The natural product could be an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method using cooperating catalysts to perform challenging dearomative carboxylation reactions. This process enables the production of α-amino acids, which are potentially useful for drug development, and offers greater freedom in designing and synthesizing molecules with carboxyl ...
A study of 1,981 women found that pre-infection healthy lifestyle was associated with a lower risk of post–COVID-19 condition. Lifestyle interventions may help reduce PCC symptoms or mitigate the development of other post-infection syndromes.
Researchers have identified seven distinct species of whitefish in the Reuss river system, with two new species found in Lake Lucerne and one in Lake Zug. Eutrophication led to the extinction of several species, but the discovery highlights the unique characteristics of each lake's ecosystem.
A research group has reported efficient near-infrared photon upconversion sensitized by lead-free semiconductor nanocrystals, demonstrating its novel application in solar synthesis. The study achieves external quantum efficiency of 16.7% and enables rapid organic synthesis under indoor sunlight.
A new diagnostic test can detect people with dormant Plasmodium vivax parasites, which are difficult to treat due to their ability to remain dormant in the liver for years. The test has the potential to improve malaria control programs and accelerate eradication efforts.
Researchers at Cornell University found that wild bumblebee queens are being killed in commercial hives due to their attractive colors and smells. The study used queen excluders to test the hypothesis that these hyper-attractive cues are attracting usurping wild queens, leading to their deaths.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found that an anti-inflammatory drug can turn back time in mice and reverse some of the effects of age on the hematopoietic system. By targeting the aging niche, the study suggests a new strategy for maintaining healthier blood production in older adults.
Researchers found that some states, such as Ohio and Nevada, have the highest per-capita visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions, while others, like Colorado and West Virginia, have the lowest. Heavy reliance on emergency departments is problematic due to a lack of suitable care in these areas.
Researchers evaluate an integrated NGS system, delivering accurate diagnoses in under 24 hours and expanding targeted treatments available to patients with myeloid neoplasms. The assay identified 80-92% of genetic variants, demonstrating promising results for accelerating precision therapies.
Researchers developed a method to document plant organ development in real-time using MorphoLeaf software, revealing identical early developmental trajectories for wild-type and mutant plants. This approach can inform strategies for optimizing plant growth and has potential applications in animal studies.
Researchers found that a small molecule called ortho-benzyne can drive the chemical evolution of molecules in cosmic stellar nurseries. This discovery provides new insights into the complex chemistry happening in these environments.
Researchers found that urine-diverting toilets expelled fewer virus particles than traditional toilets during flushing. The study simulated an average excretion event from a sick person and estimated viral emissions for different types of toilets.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that stressed individuals tend to connect with others who are similarly overwhelmed, exacerbating feelings of stress. Certain personality traits, such as high neuroticism and low conscientiousness, can buffer the transmission of stress in social interactions.
A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that the brain functions like a resonance chamber, with distant areas exhibiting correlated activation patterns. The researchers used ultrafast MRI to detect these patterns in rats and found that they are driven by resonant waves, explaining correlations observed in slow imaging.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new type of CAR T-cell therapy that effectively attacks and destroys ovarian cancer cells, significantly prolonging the lives of mice with the disease. The treatment has shown promising results in reducing tumor size and curing several mice.
The James Webb Space Telescope has enabled the detection of compact structures of star clusters inside galaxies, known as clumps. Researchers have studied the link between clump formation and galaxy growth in distant galaxies, providing new insights into the early stages of galaxy formation.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Cryogenic Electron Microscopy will be held at the University of São Paulo from July 10-27, 2023. The event will cover theoretical and practical foundations of advanced CryoEM techniques, featuring renowned researchers and hands-on practical sessions.
Researchers at Heidelberg University developed tailor-made metal complexes with exceptional stability, suitable for use in medical imaging and potential applications in personalized precision medicine. The complexes exhibit improved MRI efficiency compared to existing substances.
Researchers found that Nepalese tigers crossed highways significantly more times during the COVID-19 lockdown, with one tiger's home range tripling in size. The study suggests that reducing vehicle traffic can lead to quick conservation benefits by enabling tigers to roam freely.
A study by University of Otago researchers found removing the $5 prescription charge significantly reduces hospital admissions and length of stays, especially for those with high health needs and low incomes. The authors recommend eliminating or reducing charges to address health inequities.
A new study suggests that current coal exit efforts are unlikely to succeed without stronger policies, including carbon pricing and phase-out of coal mining. China plays a critical role in achieving this goal, as it produces and consumes over half of global coal, and its swift action can help propel Paris-aligned momentum.
A global analysis of pharmaceutical sales data reveals that as COVID-19 cases rose, so did antibiotics prescribed to patients, averaging less than 10% bacterial coinfection rates. This study emphasizes the importance of responsible antibiotic use during pandemic treatment.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that exposure to a pro-sustainability opinion in conversation can persuade people with anti-sustainability views to support environmentally friendly initiatives. In contrast, individuals with a pro-sustainability viewpoint remain unpersuaded by opposing viewpoints.
Researchers estimate that UK laundry releases between 6,860 and 17,847 tonnes of microfibers every year, equivalent to around 600 to 1,500 double-decker buses. Fabric characteristics have a greater impact on microfiber release than washing conditions.
Researchers decipher metabolic mechanisms of Comamonas testosteroni to digest complex carbons, enabling potential for biotechnology platforms that recycle plastic waste. The study reveals a novel approach to upcycle plastic waste into industrially relevant polymers.
Researchers have discovered that KSHV and EBV use the human protein barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (BAF) to evade the innate immune response. This allows the viruses to spread and cause disease. Disrupting BAF activity with targeted therapies could prevent virus replication and transmission.
A team of scientists developed a new model for high-power terahertz emissions from laser pulses, observing multi-mJ THz emission from 100-TW-laser-driven LWFA. The correlation between electron beam properties and THz output energy reveals that low-energy but high-charge electrons can produce stronger terahertz radiation.
Research by University of Cambridge scientists reveals that a rare genetic disorder, Gaucher disease, provides protection against TB due to an unusual fatty chemical that acts as a microbicide. The study suggests that Ashkenazi Jews, who are more susceptible to Gaucher disease, may be less likely to contract TB infection.
Researchers found two distinct climate intervals where sea ice and ice-free summer conditions likely supported early human migration along the Pacific coastal route. These conditions, occurring from 22,000 to 24,500 years ago and again from 14,800 to 16,400 years ago, may have facilitated movement by providing a more traversable surfac...
The study found that implementing the Shed-MEDS protocol before discharge to a post-acute care facility reduced patients' medication burden. The intervention also decreased exposure to potentially inappropriate medications, with effects persisting for at least 90 days.