A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that racial inequities in newborn drug testing rates remained similar after recreational cannabis legalization in Michigan. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 births between 2014-2020 and found that Black newborns were more likely to receive a drug test than white newborns. Impl...
The SCENTinel 1.1 test successfully discriminated between different types of smell disorders, including quantitative and qualitative olfactory dysfunction. It identified parosmia, a distorted perception of odors, with high accuracy and has the potential to be used as a rapid screening tool for olfactory dysfunction.
A team of researchers has discovered a potential therapeutic that can synergize with existing drugs to more effectively kill certain leukemia cells. The therapy targets a DNA repair protein and shows promise in clinical trials.
A study reveals a rapid increase in ocean plastics since 2005, with an estimated 170 trillion plastic particles in the world's oceans by 2019. The researchers predict that without policy changes, plastic pollution will accelerate sixfold by 2040.
Researchers found that mothers can transfer microbes to their babies via alternative routes, including skin and respiratory tracts. Cesarean-born babies make up for receiving less of their mother's gut microbiome by drinking in breastmilk.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota identified key neuropeptides involved in Alzheimer's, which may offer new avenues for early diagnosis and treatment. The study suggests that simulating neuropeptide activity could prevent cognitive decline.
The five finalists of the Bright SCIdea Challenge will compete for a £5,000 prize by pitching their scientific business ideas that could benefit society. The project ideas include burn treatments and environmental calculators.
A new study published at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases found that healthcare workers infected with the original SARS-CoV-2 virus were more likely to experience long Covid symptoms than those who had the omicron variant. The research suggests that omicron may be less likely to lead to long Covid, p...
The parasitoid Eiphosoma laphygmae is likely to be the best classical biological control from the Americas against the devastating fall armyworm pest, according to a review by CABI scientist Dr. Marc Kenis. This natural enemy of the pest has been found to have high specificity and importance in most native ranges.
A University of California, Riverside study found that people's memories for celebrity faces are sharper but less accurate than those for non-celebrity faces. This 'variance-bias tradeoff' suggests that humans prioritize precision over accuracy to accommodate the natural variability in face recognition.
An international team of researchers analyzed data from 93 studies on cardiovascular diseases and exposure to radiation, finding a modestly increased excess risk of heart disease with low dose radiation. The study suggests that mechanisms for these cardiovascular effects are poorly understood and that further research is needed.
A new approach by the Medical University of South Carolina aims to increase clinical trial participation, especially from diverse populations. By making patients eligible for research opportunities by default, while allowing opt-out, the team saw a significant increase in potential participants.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a surprising way to trap microparticles using the combined effects of electrostatics, hydrodynamics, and random Brownian motion. This phenomenon enables the capture of particles in complex environments, such as winding channels, and could revolutionize microfluidic applications and...
A Rutgers-led study reveals that women who believe they have more time for an encounter are more likely to pursue orgasms, while those who think their partner prioritizes his own pleasure are less likely. Women use cues and adjust their pursuit of orgasm depending on the situation, with the goal of achieving orgasm being a key factor i...
A comprehensive study of 200,000 Swedish children found a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates between 2018 and 2020, with obesity rates rising by 30%. The greatest increase was seen in morbid obesity, highlighting the challenges faced by those who were already struggling before the pandemic.
Researchers have identified a new method to predict which sarcoma patients will benefit from a potential new treatment. By inhibiting the plk1 gene, they were able to target and slow down the growth of sarcoma cells. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options for sickest sarcoma patients in 5-10 years.
After six months of disrupted schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, German students scored substantially lower on intelligence tests compared to earlier cohorts. The gap in test scores persisted even after sixteen months of irregular schooling.
Researchers developed models to estimate individuals' risk of fall-related injuries in nursing homes, achieving good discrimination and excellent calibration. The models can be used by clinicians to target preventive strategies and accurately determine patient risk.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Arizona State University $90.8 million to advance x-ray science, including the construction of the world's first Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser. This technology will enable researchers to explore complex matter at atomic length and ultrafast time, paving the way for breakthroughs in human ...
Researchers developed a technique to predict how quantum systems behave when connected to their environment, turning a problem into a solution. The approach combines techniques from quantum many-body physics and non-Hermitian quantum physics, providing a crucial tool for real-world applications of quantum technology.
Australian scientists have discovered an enzyme called Huc that converts air into energy by using the low amounts of hydrogen in the atmosphere. This discovery opens the way to create devices that produce energy from thin air, offering a sustainable alternative to solar-powered devices.
Researchers at Leipzig University discovered that nanoplastics from PET particles accumulate in organs and cause liver function impairment, oxidative stress, and behavioral abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. The study provides insight into the toxicity pathways induced by PET nanoplastics.
A new study has identified the steps by which immune cells recognize and respond to cancer cell mutations, providing insights into why some treatments work for certain patients but not others. Researchers believe their findings will lead to better, more personalized immunotherapies for patients whose immune systems currently do not app...
A study found that Spp24 inhibits osteosarcoma tumor cell proliferation, invasiveness, and promotes apoptosis. It achieves this by neutralizing bone morphogenetic protein 2.
Researchers have created a bacterial 'suicide squad' that targets tumors and attracts immune cells to destroy them. The engineered E. coli bacteria release their contents when they reach a quorum inside a tumor, triggering an immune response.
Research suggests that participants in psychology studies are more likely to exhibit symptoms of personality disorders, which could impact the validity of study results. The prevalence of these disorders may be due to self-selection biases in participant recruitment.
A new study reveals that the earliest fossils of Bryozoans, a group of tentacle-bearing animals, are actually green algae from China. The discovery suggests that evolution continued over a longer period after the Cambrian explosion and challenges conventional theories about the origins of animal life.
A comprehensive review of 137 studies from around the world found minimal changes in mental health during the pandemic. Women and certain groups experienced worsening symptoms due to multiple responsibilities and care work.
The Global Young Academy has welcomed 41 new members from 31 countries, with a maintained gender ratio of 104 female/93 male/2 non-binary. The new cohort includes representatives from Armenia and Palestine, increasing international representation.
The study highlights the complexity of microplastics as a pollutant, affecting sea animals' feeding behavior, reproductive outputs, and causing developmental anomalies. Researchers call for more research into plastic contamination and synthetic additives to understand and prevent further environmental health problems.
Scientists have identified a dozen new materials with high carrier mobility in 2D semiconductors, which could revolutionize electronic device capabilities. The discoveries were made using quantum-mechanical calculations and are an exception to the conventional wisdom that finding such materials is extremely challenging.
Higher body mass index patients undergoing unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) experience lower revision rates with cementless implants, according to a new study. Cementless fixation is preferred in higher-BMI patients, reducing the risk of revision surgery by up to 40%.
Scientists have identified a key molecular mechanism linking gene expression to synaptic plasticity in the aging human brain. The study reveals that age-related reductions in neurotransmitter receptor genes contribute to alterations in synaptic function, providing potential targets for Alzheimer's disease therapy.
Researchers have found a possible new target for therapies aimed at treating age-related neurological diseases by linking increased presence of immune cells to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, can adopt a dysfunctional state that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 strains and found that a class of oral drugs can block this pathway, potentially treating all SARS-CoV-2 variants. The findings suggest the potential for a new therapeutic approach to combat drug resistance.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variant that helps Amazonian populations resist Chagas infection, a parasite that affects approximately 6 million people in Latin America. The PPP3CA gene variant reduces the risk of infection by the Chagas pathogen and is expressed in heart tissue and immune cells.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine suggests targeting T cells to prevent neurodegeneration and treat Alzheimer's disease. The research indicates that microglia partner with T cells to cause brain damage in the disease, and blocking their entry can avoid most neurodegeneration.
A new AI study suggests dementia prevalence rates in India could be up to 8.44%, affecting 10.08 million older adults, higher than previous estimates and comparable to countries like the US and UK
A new study reveals that school shootings are associated with a 7-14% increase in stress-related emergency department visits in surrounding communities. The research also highlights the need to prevent gun violence to mitigate community-wide costs. School shootings were found to worsen mental health and increase health system costs.
A study of fossilized bones from Brazilian species found that hollow bones with air sacs enabled dinosaurs and pterosaurs to become larger, as they circulated more oxygen and stayed cooler. This trait evolved independently in different groups, including sauropods, herrerasaurids, and birds.
A recent experiment by UC Riverside astrophysicist Stephen Kane demonstrates that a terrestrial planet in this location would have disastrous effects on the solar system. The simulation found that such a planet could destabilize Earth's orbit, making it far less habitable and potentially ejecting Mercury and Venus from the solar system.
Contracting a lower respiratory tract infection in early childhood is associated with a higher risk of dying from respiratory disease as an adult. Children who had a LRTI by age two were almost twice as likely to die prematurely in adulthood.
A Chinese research team developed a silver-modified polyoxometalate photocatalyst that simultaneously cleaves carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bonds under visible light, unlocking new avenues for sustainable chemicals. The compound can be reused up to six times without loss of activity.
Scientists have developed a conductive polymer coating called HOS-PFM that can significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The coating ensures battery stability and high charge/discharge rates while extending battery life by up to 15 years.
A new study found that poor sleep is associated with compromised cardiovascular health in middle and old age, with men losing nearly 7 years of heart disease-free life compared to healthy sleepers. Women also experienced a significant loss of normal heart health, with up to 2 years lost due to general poor sleep.
The Geological Society of America's joint meeting explores key issues in eastern US geology, including sea-level rise and climate change. The event also features field trips and short courses on topics like stormwater management and luminescence dating.
Researchers found smart senior towns scored higher on every quality-of-life dimension compared to vulnerable senior towns, citing better medical services, shopping options, housing, child services, and entertainment venues. Small towns with a larger population tend to support more resources for community foundations and local services.
A global study aims to better understand the burden of Human papillomavirus (HPV) among girls and women in low- and lower middle-income countries. The study will inform effective strategies to prevent infection and introduce HPV vaccine into national programs, protecting the health of girls and women and reducing rates of cervical cancer.
A new study published in The Lancet found that contracting a respiratory infection in early childhood is associated with a higher risk of dying from respiratory disease as an adult. Children who had a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) before the age of two were 93% more likely to die prematurely from respiratory disease, account...
Researchers have developed novel biomimetic polypeptides that activate M1-like macrophages, a type of immune cell involved in fighting cancer. The new immunomodulators, known as BMPPs, exhibit excellent biocompatibility and efficacy, making them a promising tool for cancer therapy.
A US FDA mandate to limit acetaminophen dosage in pills combining it with opioids significantly reduced hospitalizations and acute liver failure cases. Researchers found a persistent decline in yearly rates of these cases after the mandate was implemented in 2014.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting will explore cutting-edge approaches in biochemistry and molecular biology. Leading experts will discuss the latest discoveries and advancements in fields such as AI, RNA regulation, and carbohydrates in health and disease.
Researchers found that angel care and embalming can effectively prevent virus transmission, allowing family members to say goodbye. The study provides evidence for national guidelines to address emotional distress caused by COVID-19 restrictions on cremation practices.
A new study found that consumers prefer conventional spelling over unconventional ones for brand names. In various studies, participants showed less positive responses to brands with misspelled names, perceiving them as less sincere and more gimmicky. Established brands may still benefit from non-standard spellings in certain contexts.
Women with clogged leg arteries are more likely to be misdiagnosed or undertreated due to biological, clinical, and societal factors. The condition is often asymptomatic or presents with atypical symptoms, making diagnosis challenging.
Reducing mRNA methylation promotes migration of macrophages into the brain and clearance of toxic protein amyloid-beta. This pathway provides a potential new target for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that genetic and socioeconomic factors interact to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study's findings suggest that interventions to improve socioeconomic deprivation may decrease metabolic diseases at the individual and community levels.
A new study finds that releasing captive-bred native fish into the wild negatively impacts entire ecosystems, disrupting delicate balances and leading to reduced genetic diversity. The practice, which has been used for over a century, may be doing more harm than good.
A study from the University of Georgia found that whistleblowers who once trusted journalism are now losing faith due to a decline in media's ability to motivate change. The erosion of media's reach has led to a decrease in trust, with many whistleblowers seeking alternative mediums to spread their message.
Machine learning models can automatically detect individual heads on grain crops in images taken from drones, providing a simpler alternative to manual counting. The study provides a detailed pipeline outlining the use of these models, covering data preparation, model validation, inference, and yield-specific metrics.