A new spectroscopy probe could improve the accuracy of deep brain stimulation procedures for Parkinson's patients by providing real-time information on brain tissue. The probe uses optical fibers to perform spectroscopic measurements, which can help neurosurgeons navigate instruments inside the brain.
The Southern Flying Squirrel has been rediscovered in Honduras after 43 years, with records from 1935 to 1979. The discovery confirms the country's southernmost distribution and highlights the need for conservation efforts due to habitat destruction and climate change.
The study successfully generated functional patient-specific T-cells and thymic epithelial cells from human pluripotent stem cells using thymus organoids. This breakthrough provides a new experimental model system to investigate thymic insufficiency and function, potentially leading to cell-based treatments for thymic defects.
A new analysis of innovative approaches to project economic impacts along climate mitigation pathways reveals near-term emissions reductions are globally economically optimal, with central estimates for 'optimal warming' around 1.8-1.9°C by 2100. The study estimates that one euro invested in climate solutions saves the world about 1.5 ...
A study published in the Journal of Infection found that mNGS was significantly more effective at detecting bloodstream infections than conventional microbiological tests (CMTs), identifying 187 infection cases compared to CMTs' 81. Viral infections were the most common type, with CMV being the leading cause.
The CDC report found a continued rise in autism prevalence among 8-year-olds, with girls now surpassing 1% prevalence rate, while boys remain more likely to be diagnosed. The report also showed shifts in racial and ethnic backgrounds of children identified with ASD, with non-white populations having greater diagnostic access.
A new report reveals that children born into the poorest fifth of families in the UK are 12 times more likely to experience poor health and educational outcomes by age 17. This clustering of adverse outcomes is linked to early childhood disadvantage, with modest reductions seen when lifting families out of poverty.
A new series in The Lancet calls for governments to legislate higher standards for marketing harmful products and businesses to commit to ending lobbying against pro-health policies. The authors also congratulate commercial actors adopting alternative financing models that create social value and promote positive health outcomes.
A major study found that climate change could decline the diet quality of fish by up to 10% as zooplankton communities shift towards more carnivorous groups. This could exacerbate declines in fish biomass, with potential implications for human societies relying on fisheries for food and livelihoods.
A new mouse model of RP58/ZBTB18 haploinsufficiency shows impaired motor learning, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. The study suggests that excitatory synaptic defects underlie intellectual disability caused by RP58/ZBTB18 haploinsufficiency.
A new study from Aarhus University reveals that women with endometriosis can significantly improve their quality of life through psychological therapy, reducing symptoms such as pain and constipation. The trial shows that mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions are equally effective in improving quality of life.
Researchers found that older adults with depression exhibit accelerated biological aging, poor physical and brain health, and worse cardiovascular health. This association suggests opportunities for preventive strategies to reduce disability associated with major depression in older adults.
A new survey found that nearly a third of Americans worry more about obesity due to COVID-19, with 28 million people considering weight loss methods. The survey also showed that nearly 90% with obesity have tried to lose weight at some point in their lives, but many underestimate the effectiveness of treatments like weight-loss surgery.
A robust phase extraction method for overcoming spectrum overlapping in shearography has been proposed, achieving high-quality phase extraction. The method uses a linearly transformed elliptical window to maximize the use of spectrum information and improve phase extraction quality.
A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that lawmakers are only slightly more likely to respond to AI-generated messages than human-generated ones, highlighting the potential risks of emerging technologies on democratic representation. The research used a field experiment to investigate the impact of natural language mod...
A recent study has identified a rare strain of Toxoplasma gondii, COUG, in sea otters that caused fatal steatitis and toxoplasmosis. The strain is virulent and can rapidly kill healthy adult otters, posing a health threat to other marine wildlife and humans.
A new study has uncovered the brain's internal compass, which helps it navigate changing environments. The research found that the brain uses a mechanism called 'network gain' to reorient itself after being disoriented, allowing for rapid recovery of its sense of direction.
Researchers discovered previously unknown details about Margaret Bryan's background and family through a paper published in Notes and Records: The Royal Society Journal of the History of Science. Girolami found that Bryan was born around 1759, married William Bryan in 1783, and had two daughters, Ann Marian and Maria.
A recent study published in Communications Biology used thermal imaging to capture the social dynamics of 'pee-shy' mice, revealing that males adjust their urine marking behavior based on their past interactions. The research provides insight into how animals manage their social signaling, a crucial aspect of their survival and evolution.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed the first molecular therapeutic for Angelman syndrome, a devastating neurogenetic disorder. The therapy targets an evolutionarily conserved region in the UBE3A-AS transcript and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
The new 7-Tesla MRI machine will enable researchers to map and measure brain structures with unprecedented precision. The machine, part of the Center for Advanced Medical Engineering, is available for research purposes and will accelerate neuronal research with AI-based algorithms.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that a fun, technology-based climate change education program increased climate change literacy by 9.4% in primary school children and 4.5% in secondary school children. The Heat-Cool program encouraged pupils to use infrared cameras to explore urban heat islands, stimulating interest in ...
A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that consuming small amounts of high-fat and high-sugar foods regularly rewires the brain, leading to a preference for these types of food.
A new study found that working for a big company or in an HR role does not lower the likelihood of showing unconscious bias against disabled people at work. Despite large firms' efforts to address EDI and unconscious bias through training, levels of implicit bias remain roughly the same across different sized companies.
A study analyzed 25 countries' baseline mercury emission estimates and found that they rarely provide enough information to determine whether changes are due to actual change or data uncertainty. This lack of transparency hinders efforts to draft meaningful mercury reduction targets in national action plans.
A research team has made critical achievements in antiferromagnetic spintronics, revealing emerging frontier distinguished by coherent spin dynamics. Key findings include spin generation and transport, electrically driven spin rotation, and ultrafast spintronic effects.
Researchers Jennifer Bergner and Darryl Seligman suggest that 'Oumuamua's acceleration can be explained by the outgassing of hydrogen gas as the comet warmed up in the sunlight. The comet's small size allowed for a significant effect, with the tiny push from hydrogen spurted out of ice altering its gravitational deflection around the sun.
The new medicine has shown promising results in a Phase 1 clinical trial, with 70% of patients stable after six weeks and one patient remaining stable for over two years. Developed by NTNU researcher Marit Otterlei, ATX-101 targets cancer cells' stress regulation system, leaving healthy cells unaffected.
Researchers from China have identified inosine as a potential broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agent that improves survival in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. The study also highlights TBK1 as a promising target for inhibiting cytokine storms and mitigating acute inflammatory lung injury.
A systematic review found considerable uncertainty around analgesic effectiveness and safety for acute non-specific low back pain. Clinicians and patients are advised to use analgesics with caution due to limited high-quality evidence.
Researchers analyzed DNA from Beethoven's hair to shed light on his chronic health problems, including progressive hearing loss. They found genetic risk factors for liver disease and evidence of a hepatitis B virus infection, which likely contributed to his death.
A research team reveals the mechanism behind non-uniform diamond film formation on tools, identifying carbon filaments as a key factor. Inhibiting carbon filament growth is crucial for developing dry processing methods that reduce environmental waste.
A comprehensive roadmap for converting waste energy into clean power has been proposed by global experts. The guide outlines strategies for future research to harness the potential of energy harvesting materials, enabling seamless integration into everyday objects and environments.
A clinical trial found that moderate salt restriction reduced blood pressure and depressive symptoms without adverse effects in patients with primary aldosteronism. The study suggests a feasible approach to improving care for these patients and may also benefit those with essential hypertension.
Researchers developed a novel design for the chip using a crossbar layout, outperforming state-of-the-art photonic counterparts in terms of scalability and technical versatility. The synergy of powerful photonics with the novel crossbar architecture enables next generation neuromorphic computing engines.
A new study finds that smokeless tobacco products increase the risk of developing peripheral artery disease by two-fold compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from 14,344 participants and found a significant association between smokeless tobacco use and PAD, with a rate of 4.4 cases per 1,000 person years.
A Danish cohort study reveals significant health risks associated with bereavement in older adults. The study found that men are disproportionately affected, with an increased mortality rate after spousal loss.
Scientists have identified clouds made from silicate particles on a distant planet using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The team discovered an atmosphere constantly rising and mixing, bringing hotter material up and pushing colder material down.
Researchers at McGill University have found a way to predict the movement of species in fragmented habitats, which is key to their survival. By combining lab experiments and mathematical modeling, they determined that the survival of species lies in the interplay between their patterns of movement and the orientation of habitat corridors.
Researchers developed a new method to collect data on animal behaviour and environment using drones and computer vision. The method allows for the extraction of information on spatial distribution, movement, and behaviour, providing rich insights into the social and environmental context of group-living animals.
The study sheds light on Beethoven's health problems, including progressive hearing loss and chronic gastrointestinal complaints. Genetic risk factors for liver disease were identified, and evidence of a hepatitis B virus infection was found in the composer's final months.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers found that COVID-19 subvariants like BA.4 and BA.5 evaded the body's natural defense, leading to rapid spread. Early treatment with Paxlovid may have left patients more susceptible to re-infection due to a weakened immune response.
A study published in Cell Death & Disease reveals that a protein cross-linking enzyme called TG2 exacerbates kidney fibrosis by polarizing M2 macrophages. The researchers hope to develop treatments for diseases caused by inflammation imbalance, such as fibrosis, cancer, and atherosclerosis.
Researchers analysed wastewater from 10 cities to detect chemical and biological markers of health, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and disease-causing viruses. The study found that analysing wastewater on a large scale could spot new outbreaks of diseases in communities early on.
Researchers found giant gas giants orbiting low-mass stars, challenging the widely accepted planet formation model. The study used NASA's TESS satellite data and identified 15 potential giant planets, with five confirmed as actual planets.
Researchers suggest studying well-preserved grains of space dust for potential signs of life, as they could contain fossils of microorganisms. The idea estimates that around 100,000 such grains could land on Earth every year.
The study found that statin use for primary prevention was low among all racial and ethnic groups, despite varying levels of 10-year ASCVD risk. Improving access to care may help increase equitable use of primary prevention statins in Black and Hispanic adults.
The Cinereous Vulture has been reintroduced to Bulgaria after being extinct for 36 years. The successful re-introduction campaign, led by Green Balkans and other organizations, involved importing 72 birds from Spain and European zoos. The team recommends the aviary method and delayed release for establishing a new core population, and ...
Scientists have discovered a new way to extract energy from photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient ways of generating clean fuels and renewable energy.
A new study suggests that climate change could lead to increased pesticide toxicity on bee populations and their pollination services. Environmental temperature can influence the degree to which pesticides affect bees' behavior, with certain temperatures causing a 'tipping point' in their ability to tolerate pesticide exposure.
Research suggests Medicare reimbursements for complex cataract surgery are far lower than simpler procedures, resulting in a 'negative' margin. This disparity affects ophthalmologist practice patterns and patient accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The caterpillar-bot uses a novel pattern of silver nanowires to control its movement, with the ability to steer in both directions and navigate through tight spaces. The robot's movement is driven by heating and cooling cycles that allow it to 'relax' before contracting again.
Researchers discovered that SMN deficiency harms neurons by impairing Hspa8 protein, which assembles critical communication links between motor neurons and muscle cells. A potential new treatment pathway for SMA was identified through mimicking the protective effect of a specific variant of the Hspa8 gene.
A team of researchers has designed fully biodegradable artificial muscles using gelatin, oil, and bioplastics, demonstrating potential for sustainable technology. The new materials system shows outstanding performance and is electromechanically competitive with non-biodegradable counterparts.
A new method for global profiling of in-situ RNA–RNA contacts associated with specific RBP has been developed, revealing positional mechanisms by which PTBP1-associated RNA loops regulate cassette exon splicing. The study found that PTBP1 can modulate cassette exon splicing via mediating specific RNA loops in a position-dependent manner.
New research reveals coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by lowering inflammatory biomarkers in the body. A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that a one cup per day increase in coffee consumption was associated with a 4-6% lower risk of T2D.
Researchers are using air flow modeling and simulations to understand how pathogens transport through spaces, shedding light on the impact of building design on human health. The study aims to develop interdisciplinary ventilation strategies to mitigate microbe spread and improve disease prevention.
A new study published in The BMJ found that a decision tool for health professionals reduced unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for frail older adults by 50%. The multifaceted training program, which included education and action planning, was effective in improving patient safety while reducing antibiotic use.
A recent study published in Age and Ageing journal found that increasing fiber intake by 5g per day can lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults with the ApoE ε4 genotype. This association was not observed in those without this genetic variant.
Researchers warn that Arctic sea ice may soon vanish during summer months, mirroring a phenomenon from 10,000 years ago. This could lead to increased global warming and disrupt marine ecosystems, which rely on the sea ice for food chains.