An updated Cochrane review found no effect of vitamin D supplements on reducing the risk of asthma attacks or improving control of asthma symptoms in children and adults. The review analyzed data from 20 randomized controlled trials involving over 2,200 people with mild to moderate asthma.
Scientists made a groundbreaking discovery that lymphatic vessels can produce both red and white blood cells, challenging the long-held belief that blood cells come solely from bone marrow. The study suggests that lymphatic vessels may play a role in fighting infection and could be important for treating certain blood cancers.
Researchers have identified superfast muscles in mouse legs using new technology, opening up possibilities for therapeutic interventions to improve human limb movements. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind fast twitch muscles and fatigue-resistant oxidative muscles.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a method to produce specific hexose and heptose sugars using microwave irradiation, improving the sustainability of industrial chemical production. The new process increases reaction efficiency and purity, paving the way for more environmentally friendly chemicals manufacturing.
A large international study found no robust difference in blood pressure, heart rate, lipids, and glucose measurements between children conceived naturally and those conceived using assisted reproductive technologies. Children conceived via ART had slightly higher cholesterol levels in childhood, which did not persist to adulthood.
Researchers at University of Delaware examine transnational agricultural land acquisitions and forest loss, revealing threats to biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The study uses largest global dataset of georeferenced agricultural land investments to quantify the impact of these investments on forest cover.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that matador bugs wave their legs to signal aggression or to advertise their toxicity to predators, not for sexual attraction. The study revealed no differences in waving behavior between males and females.
A team of Oregon State University researchers found that widespread tree scorch in the Pacific Northwest during the 2021 heat dome was primarily caused by direct exposure to solar radiation and extreme heat. The study challenges previous hypotheses that linked the damage to drought conditions.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new calibration algorithm for HumTouch technology, which converts AC hum noise into touch location data. The algorithm improves accuracy and speeds up calibration, enabling nearly any surface to be turned into a touch sensor with high precision.
A new study found a negative relationship between honey bee abundance and wild bee species richness, with small species being most affected. The research suggests that honey bee population increases may be threatening local wild bee communities in urban areas.
A study published in Science Advances found a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, which is measured as the spread in age at death. The researchers analyzed mortality data for 162 countries and found that the most violent countries have the lowest life expectancy and highest lifetime uncertainty.
Scientists discovered strong-field-induced dissociation dynamics beyond the well-accepted resonant one-photon dissociation scenario in H2+ molecules. Rabi oscillations lead to different kinetic energy releases through rolling and looping pathways.
A study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that pregnant individuals living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 109,000 births in New York City and found a significant association between neighborhood walkability and reduced risk of GD.
A new study from Kyushu University examines the spillover effects of rising energy prices following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The research finds that a 20% increase in energy prices has little impact on global prices and social surplus, with only a small effect on certain sectors.
A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that even dormant volcanoes release a surprisingly high amount of sulfur into the Arctic atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for understanding Earth's atmosphere and its relationship with climate and air quality.
New research from Center for BrainHealth demonstrates the positive impact of online Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics (SMART) training on mental health symptoms. The study found improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in healthy adults, with lasting effects six months post-training.
School of Veterinary Medicine researchers have identified a cellular pathway that hampers the Ebola virus' ability to exit human cells. By targeting the protein VP40, host cells activate autophagy, a process that digests and recycles proteins, reducing viral particle release into the bloodstream.
A new study led by Penn State scientists sheds light on the temperature sensitivity of silicate rock weathering, a process that helps control Earth's climate. The research combines laboratory measurements and soil analysis to create a global estimate for how weathering responds to temperature changes.
A study identified an antibody candidate that blocks the protein VEGF-B, presenting a possible therapeutic option for fatty liver disease. The treatment method involves keeping fatty acids in adipose tissue to prevent liver accumulation.
The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking has renewed support for EuroCC and CASTIEL, two initiatives promoting a consistent standard of expertise in HPC, HPDA, and AI across Europe. The projects have helped strengthen the continent's computational research infrastructure and industrial competitiveness.
A new study found Black South Africans who migrated to find work reported better emotional well-being and were at lower risk for depression after the move. The research may help policymakers tailor mental health resources to underprivileged migrants and those seeking economic mobility.
Replacing biomass-burning cookstoves in sub-Saharan Africa could save 463,000 lives and $66 billion in health costs. However, adoption has been sluggish due to high upfront costs, with many households unable to afford cleaner alternatives.
A study by HKUST researchers found that children and adults preferentially view naturals as more competent and friendly than hard workers, a preference that endures into adulthood. The naturalness bias impacts children's interactions with peers perceived as talented or hardworking.
Scientists discovered a new hexameric structure of RepB protein, which initiates DNA replication for antibiotic resistance plasmids. The study highlights the importance of developing new antibiotics and understanding how resistance spreads.
A single test can now identify all three genotypes of the Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV), a deadly virus that primarily affects fish. The development of this test has significant implications for fisheries and aquaculture, as ISKNV poses a substantial threat to these industries.
A new study published in PeerJ Life & Environment has found that hand-rearing affects kākāpō clutch fertility, particularly in males, while improving chick survival rates. The research emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to conservation management, considering both short-term and long-term benefits.
Researchers discuss the construction, properties, and applications of 2D/quasi-2D perovskite-based heterostructures. These heterostructures offer novel functionalities for photovoltaic solar cells, LEDs, and photodetectors.
The prevalence of disabilities among American adults aged 65 and older declined substantially between 2008 and 2017. In 2008, 12.1% reported limitations in daily living, while in 2017, this percentage dropped to 9.6%, saving an additional 1.27 million Americans from ADL limitations. Furthermore, the percentage of functional limitations...
A new study reveals that violent countries have significantly shorter life expectancies and more unpredictable lives, affecting both young people and women. The study finds a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, highlighting the need to consider indirect effects of violence on mortality patterns.
The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation has announced 42 finalists for the 2023 Hertz Fellowships, selected from over 750 applicants. The finalists will advance to a culminating round of interviews for one of the most competitive Ph.D. fellowships in the nation.
A Rutgers study found that people who know someone who became ill with COVID-19 or died from the disease are twice as likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The study also found that essential workers and those with better health status were more likely to get vaccinated.
A recent study from the University of Bergen found that elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with suspected or verified coronary heart disease. Higher plasma MMA levels were linked to reduced renal function and low vitamin B12 status, but also p...
Researchers found that arginine levels are limited in human cancers, prompting cancer cells to manipulate proteins to take up the amino acid. Starving cancer cells of arginine may lead to mutations that make them more recognizable to the immune system.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered a new treatment approach that can kill prostate cancer cells by targeting the PI5P4Kα enzyme. This finding has significant implications for addressing treatment resistance in prostate cancer and may lead to improved treatments for other cancers.
Researchers found that children perceive time differently than adults, with a shift in bias around age 7. Children tend to overestimate the duration of an eventful video and underestimate that of an uneventful one, while adults exhibit the opposite bias. This switch is unexpected based on biological models of time perception.
A team of scientists led by Thomas Blankenstein presents a mechanism that prevents the immune response from overshooting its mark. The KRKR motif, a short sequence of four amino acids, is crucial in binding to connective tissue and preventing interferon-gamma from spreading throughout the body.
A University of Houston engineer has made a groundbreaking discovery that could improve pharmaceuticals by controlling the growth of ammonium urate crystals. By manipulating tautomers, researchers found that a small fraction can control crystal growth, potentially preventing crystallization and related health issues.
According to a UTHealth Houston survey, breakthrough COVID-19 infections occurred in 7.5% of vaccinated Texans, with higher odds associated with Hispanic ethnicity, larger household size, and multiple comorbidities. The study also found that healthcare workers had higher reports of breakthrough infections.
Researchers developed an ethical algorithm to distribute risk fairly in autonomous vehicles, considering multiple factors such as responsibility and traffic regulations. The new approach enables more nuanced decision-making in critical situations, weighing risks and avoiding aggressive maneuvers.
Two studies published in Science Immunology reveal that TE-exon splicing junctions can differentiate tumors from healthy tissue, offering a potential solution to the field of immuno-oncology. The research identifies novel recurrent, cancer-specific targets and validates Mnemo's antigen discovery platform.
Researchers found that low-grade inflammation in adolescents can lead to higher blood pressure, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also suggests that dietary factors, such as consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich foods, can help prevent premature vascular damage.
A new study finds that age-related abdominal fat is associated with lower muscle density, leading to less effective muscle function. This accumulation of visceral adipose tissue may represent a modifiable risk factor for poor musculoskeletal outcomes with aging.
A new study has shed light on the complex interplay between our body clock, sex, and age, revealing sex-dimorphic gene expression rhythms and reduced rhythmic programs with age across various biological functions. These findings may lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating pathologies such as sleep disorders and metabolic diseases.
A recent study found that brown bears in Romania's Carpathians have a higher predation risk for cows near villages and forest edges, while sheep are more prone to predation in remote areas. The researchers believe that differences in grazing regimes and bear abundance contribute to these findings.
A new method of analyzing cancer cells using Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been developed, enabling oncologists to tailor treatments to individual patients. By identifying key genes essential for a cancer cell's survival, researchers can target specific proteins to kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.
A new methodology analyses ideology and polarisation of European countries using Facebook posts, revealing changes in political trends month by month. The EU Political Barometer website allows for comparisons across countries at different times.
A new open-access syllabus is training professors in public administration to develop the digital skills needed for post-pandemic governance. The project, initiated by Ines Mergel and David Eaves, provides teaching materials and resources to support instructors in adapting to the digital age.
Two studies found that kisspeptin improves sexual responses in women and men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, boosting attraction brain pathways. The researchers believe the results lay the foundation for kisspeptin-based treatments for millions of people worldwide.
Cancer screening rates for breast and lung cancers persisted despite initial pandemic surges, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study found that successful strategies to improve screening rates must address pandemic-related barriers.
The study reveals that phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release large amounts of energy, providing a cooling effect in winter and a warming effect in summer. In colder climates, the energy payback period of using PCMs is the shortest, with annual energy savings ranging from 0.24 to 29.84 kWh/m2a.
A mindfulness-based intervention program significantly decreased subjective anxiety and improved emotional regulation in AN patients. The study found changes in brain regions involved in anxiety, emotion arousal, and self-referential processing.
A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that day-long implicit bias-oriented training programs for US police departments are unlikely to reduce racial inequity in policing. Despite increased knowledge and motivation among officers, actual policing behaviors showed little change just one month after the training session.
Researchers found a unique, silent frog species in Tanzania's Ukaguru Mountains, highlighting the importance of conservation and understanding diverse ecosystems. The discovery provides critical information for protecting this critically endangered species and its habitat.
A new study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment for early stage lung neuroendocrine tumors. The three-, six- and nine-year local control rates with SBRT were 97%, 91% and 91%, respectively.
Biologists from the University of Pennsylvania explored how symbiotic relationships between species evolve to become specific or general, cooperative or antagonistic. They found that cooperative partnering strategies could persist in populations with one specialized host and a corresponding specialized symbiont.
Macrophages adapt their metabolism according to the organ they reside in, reveals Spanish scientists. This discovery highlights a vulnerability of macrophages that contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases and could be exploited therapeutically for conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona solved the structure of a functional amyloid protein, hnRNPDL-2, which forms stable and non-toxic fibres in humans. The discovery changes the concept of disease origin and treatment, suggesting that molecules stabilising or facilitating fibre formation could be the key to therapy.
A new study finds that salp blooms can offset as much CO2 as emitted by millions of cars, with some estimates suggesting up to 28,000 vehicles. Salps' unique features and rapid reproduction lead to large amounts of carbon being exported to the deep sea.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a crucial gene (tfec) controlling reptile pigmentation and specifically the classic piebald trait. By combining whole-genome sequencing, gene-editing, and electron microscopy, they found that this mutation affects color-producing cells in reptiles.
A retrospective review of 27,710 medical records found no clinical measurable difference in AFP levels between non-Black and Black patients. The study urges an end to race-based adjustments for AFP prenatal testing, citing a lack of scientific basis for the practice.