Two UMass Lowell researchers, Meg Sobkowicz-Kline and Akshay Kokil, have received $1 million in grants to redirect plastic waste and develop a sustainable circular economy. Their projects focus on improving plastic film packaging recycling and creating a future workforce for plastics, aiming to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.
Researchers have created a set of computational models to predict the structure, mechanical properties, and functional performance outcomes of granular hydrogels. The new framework could make it easier to design materials that can be injected for different types of applications.
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that breast MRI was superior to other supplemental screening methods in detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts. This is because breast MRI can detect even the smallest of cancers, making it a valuable tool for identifying high-risk patients.
A new microbiome therapeutic, SER-109, has been shown to improve the quality of life of patients with Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections by reducing symptoms and restoring colonization resistance. The treatment was found to be associated with significant improvements in health-related quality of life scores as early as Week 1.
A study found that receiving medical cannabis for thirty days or more can lead to a significant reduction in prescription opioid dosages among patients on long-term opioid therapy. Patients who were on higher baseline dosages of prescription opioids experienced larger reductions in opioid dosages.
Researchers found that calibrating rates of information delivery to match individual brainwave cycles speeds up cognitive skill improvement. This technique, called entrainment, increases capacity to absorb and adapt new information.
A study found white-tailed deer are harboring SARS-CoV-2 variants that were once widely circulated but no longer found in humans. The deer may have become infected through contact with humans, and the virus has adapted to the deer population, potentially making it more transmissible between them.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a laser-driven neutron source, enabling extremely rapid elemental analysis. The study found that increasing laser intensity yields neutrons proportional to the fourth power, allowing for faster identification of elements in samples.
Researchers found that giving donors control over charitable project allocation increases donations and loyalty. Donors who value agency are more likely to be loyal, active, and generous, increasing fundraising effectiveness.
Researchers developed a new way to increase vaccine potency by changing the structural location of antigens and adjuvants. This approach, called 'rational vaccinology,' allows for precise dosing and tailored presentation of vaccine components, leading to improved immune response and cancer cell targeting.
Researchers developed a method to efficiently couple terahertz waves with spin waves, clarifying fundamental mechanisms previously thought impossible. This breakthrough enables the development of novel spin-based technologies for data processing.
Researchers found that academic emigration rates decrease with economic development until a certain GDP threshold, then increase. This challenges the assumption that economic growth leads to brain drain in low- and middle-income countries.
A Yale-led clinical trial found improved rates of survival and reduced risk of recurrence in patients taking osimertinib for non-small cell lung cancer. The study showed prolonged disease-free survival and reduced local- and distant-recurrence of symptoms.
André Martins, a Portuguese researcher, has won a European Research Council Consolidator grant to study artificial neural networks applied to natural language processing. He aims to find solutions to fundamental problems in NLP using an innovative interdisciplinary methodology.
Researchers generated cochlear avatars from stem cells, recreating hair cell function and transmitting electrical signals. This breakthrough enables the investigation of sensorineural hearing loss mechanisms and potential treatments.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that COVID-19 vaccination does not interfere with cancer immunotherapy in previously vaccinated patients. The study supports recommending vaccination to patients with cancer, including those receiving systemic therapies.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new technique called histotripsy, which uses sound waves to break apart tumors and trigger an immune response in mice. This approach has shown promising results in preventing tumor growth and recurrence, and could potentially offer a new treatment option for patients with cancer.
A modelling study suggests that increasing urban tree cover to 30% could decrease deaths from higher summer temperatures by a third. The study found that tree cover reduced urban temperatures by an average of 0.4 degrees during the summer, resulting in 6,700 premature deaths attributable to hotter urban temperatures.
A team of scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed PETEOS to capture 'snapshots' of translation in the cell. The non-labeling methodology enriches and rapidly captures pep-tRNAs, enabling analyses that current methods cannot, with potential applications to any organism.
Researchers found that clearance of p16Ink4a-positive cells did not impact β-cell mass, but improved β-cell function and proliferative capacity in a subset of HFD mice. The targeted subpopulation of β-cells is non-proliferative and non-SASP producing.
Employing individuals experiencing houselessness leads to more positive perceptions from customers, resulting in improved feelings towards the company and its responsible actions. This study highlights the potential win-win for all involved, as organisations can improve customer trust while helping those in need.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and language models in writing manuscripts has sparked debates about the integrity of scientific publication. AI-generated content can lead to misinformation and compromised academic standards, posing significant risks to medical knowledge.
Autism research focuses on understanding heterogeneity between individuals, with Prof Michael Lombardo's project testing stratification by functional skills. The goal is to isolate specific biological markers and treatment responses.
An international task force led by UNIGE and HUG has developed a preventive protocol to address the growing number of people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The guidelines focus on four pillars: risk assessment, risk communication, risk reduction, and cognitive enhancement.
A CSIC study suggests that injecting billions of tonnes of atmospheric CO2 underground can safely store the gas for millions of years, even with fractured rocks. The technology, called geological CO2 storage, has the potential to achieve carbon neutrality and mitigate climate change.
Pusan National University researchers have identified a novel gene, SURF4, that regulates cell death and differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study found that suppressing SURF4 expression increases cell differentiation, cell death, and accumulation of ROS, leading to arrested tumor growth in mice.
Researchers found that benzene and toluene emitted by ocean plankton contribute significantly to aerosol production, increasing organic aerosols by up to 80% in the Southern Ocean. This biological origin of these gases is a significant factor in cloud formation and climate accuracy.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a method to grow engineered skin in complex, three-dimensional shapes, making it possible to construct seamless 'glove' of skin cells that can be easily slipped onto a severely burned hand. The new skin grafts have better mechanical and functional properties than c...
A new vaccine has shown efficacy in protecting against three common fungal pathogens responsible for fatal fungal infections. The experimental vaccine targets Aspergillus, Candida, and Pneumocystis, with broad, cross-protective antifungal immunity demonstrated in preclinical animal models.
A long-term study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identified three distinct paths of intellectual development in autistic children: persistent intellectual disability, an increase in IQ, or average IQ. The study used IQ trajectories to track changes in communication and behavioral development over time.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a sustainable biorefinery that turns organic waste, including lignin, into valuable products. The process involves a microbial electrolysis cell that breaks down lignin into aromatic compounds with medicinal properties.
Substance use decreased among youths and young adults between 2019 and 2020, except for tobacco use reductions. Cannabis use increased among adults aged 25 and older during the pandemic. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to differences in data collection methods.
A global survey of large carnivore attacks found that attacks in high-income countries occurred mostly during recreation, while those in low-income countries were linked to livelihood activities. The study also highlighted the importance of tailored approaches to prevent such attacks.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a non-invasive method called sonobiopsy that uses focused ultrasound to release neurodegenerative biomarkers into the blood, facilitating diagnosis of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The technique has shown promising results in releasing tau proteins and another biom...
A genomic study of the Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak revealed its origin as international travelers from areas where Shigella was common. The study also found that multi-drug resistant Shigella has become a growing global health concern, primarily affecting men who have sex with men and those experiencing homelessness.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have successfully synthesized ring-shaped nanostructures via the self-assembly of chlorophyll derivatives, mimicking the arrangement of chlorophyll pigments observed in nature. This discovery enables efficient sunlight absorption and could lead to novel smart materials with tunable properties.
Researchers identified 11,378 viroid-like cccRNAs in 4,409 species-level clusters, exceeding previously known elements. These findings reveal viroids are more common and abundant than thought, with distant relatives of human Hepatitis Delta Virus discovered.
The JIPipe software enables automated analysis of images generated in research without requiring programming skills. Users can create flowcharts and perform automatic image analyses using artificial intelligence.
A research team led by Professor Xiang David LI has developed a novel chemical tool called photo-ANA to investigate bacterial interactions with the host in real-time. This approach enables scientists to comprehensively profile host–bacteria protein interactions during infection, revealing known and newly discovered interactions.
The University of Kansas has established the International Center for Avian Influenza Pandemic Prediction and Prevention (ICAIP3) with $1 million in NSF funding. The center aims to predict and prevent future avian influenza pandemics by monitoring viral strains and identifying potential outbreak areas.
The ISSCR 2023 Annual Meeting will showcase the year's most compelling stem cell research and clinical breakthroughs. Attendees can participate in dedicated poster sessions and interact with presenters.
The SWOG S1416 clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of PARP inhibitor veliparib in patients with triple-negative breast cancer and a 'BRCA-like' phenotype. Patients treated with veliparib experienced longer progression-free survival times compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone, with median PFS of 5.9 months versus 4.2 months.
A new study found that individuals with a strong sense of purpose in life are less likely to drink heavily when craving alcohol. This discovery opens the door for new strategies to discourage binge drinking in college students by focusing on their mission, values, and goals.
A study found that unintentional weight loss in people with Down syndrome coincides with brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, indicating it could be an early predictor. The researchers suggest that weight loss may be a useful tool for making an earlier diagnosis.
A team of researchers has created a highly accurate map of the universe's matter distribution, combining data from two major telescope surveys. The analysis reveals that matter is less 'clumpy' than expected, suggesting potential inconsistencies with the current standard model of the universe.
A new study by Cornell University researchers has discovered the benefits of positive everyday racial encounters for Asian Americans. The study found that experiencing 'racial uplifts' - such as bonding over ethnic music or food, or sharing culture with others - reduces negative feelings and increases positive feelings and self-esteem.
A recent study estimated that shifting from in-person visits to telemedicine for patients with cancer can result in substantial carbon emissions savings. By reducing the need for transportation, telemedicine can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.
Researchers discovered that fluid flows direct protein pattern formation in E. coli, allowing patterns to move with or against the flow direction. The study's findings could lead to novel tools for controlling protein patterns and understanding molecular mechanisms.
A new study analyzes the microstructure of eggshells from living and extinct flightless birds, shedding light on their evolutionary history. The research finds that wedge-like microstructures in rhea eggs evolved from ancient ancestors, while prism-like structures in ostrich and tinamous eggs likely developed independently.
A recent study conducted in Japan found that moderate and intense physical activity favors good sleep in middle-aged Japanese women. The research used an isotemporal substitution approach and replaced sedentary behavior with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, resulting in improved sleep quality. Interestingly, this association was...
A study of 1.4 million individuals found β-blocker use associated with a 13% lower risk of violent crime and an 8% lower risk of hospitalization due to psychiatric disorders. The findings suggest that β-blockers may be considered as a way to manage aggression and hostility in individuals with psychiatric conditions.
A water droplet acts as a model of an atom when illuminated by laser light, allowing researchers to study resonance phenomena and energy levels. The droplet's size changes due to evaporation, creating a visible 'optical atom' that can be used to analyze water quality and detect pollutants.
A new study found that central pain mechanisms and peripheral pain sources contribute to post-knee replacement pain, suggesting a need for targeted pain management strategies. The research suggests that managing other sites of pain may be important in ameliorating persistent knee pain.
A new randomized controlled trial found that self-help metacognitive therapy significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms in recovering heart disease patients. The study suggests this treatment approach may be beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular disease who struggle with rumination.
Researchers at Oregon State University found a relationship between surface gravity waves and infragravity waves that fuel sneaker waves. Longer waves with more energy can run further up the beach, but not all long waves turn into sneaker waves.
A new study suggests that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods may be linked to an increased risk of developing and dying from cancer. The study found that each 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption was associated with a 2% increase in cancer incidence, as well as a 6% increase in mortality from cancer.
A recent study found that AI technologies exhibit more pronounced biases in facial age perception than humans, with exaggeration of smiling faces' aging effect and decreased accuracy for older adults. The research suggests these biases stem from visual cues rather than preconceptions.
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel, tiny device to observe liquid-phase electrochemical reactions in energy devices at nanoscale. The device enables real-time and high-resolution visualization of complex electrochemical processes.
A new project led by the University of Exeter will assess climate change impacts on Cayman Islands sea turtles, including rising temperatures, storminess, and sea-level rise. The team will develop ways to protect turtles and improve coastal management.
Scientists at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have made progress toward building a novel quantum simulator. The device can simulate interactions between two quantum objects, paving the way to study complex systems and answer fundamental questions in physics.