The Swift Observatory team, led by Maia Williams, detected the brightest gamma-ray burst ever recorded, GRB 221009A. The burst was incredibly bright and had an afterglow that was more than 10 times brighter than any previous observation.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in Canadian fast-food packaging, contaminating the food people eat. The study suggests that PFAS can enter the environment through waste streams and never break down, posing significant health risks.
A global research team found that long-term methylphenidate treatment does not increase the risk of growth impairments or psychiatric events, but may lead to modest increases in blood pressure. The study suggests potential disparities in ADHD medication access by country-income levels.
Researchers discovered that even in the absence of predators, escape events occur frequently but rarely spread to many fish. The study suggests that this robustness to false alarms is due to dynamic adjustments in sensitivity to socially acquired information.
A new study reveals that even drought-tolerant species in the Sonoran Desert are declining and shifting downwards due to warmer temperatures. Plants with shallower root systems and faster growth rates, such as brittlebush and ocotillo, are better adapted to the changing climate.
A recent renaissance in psychedelic research investigates the cognitive effects of these drugs, shifting from mathematical modeling to behavioral and clinical studies. Studies have found that psychedelics can increase spontaneous creative insights while decreasing task-specific creativity, as well as affect memories in a malleable way.
Salt marshes along the US East Coast have accumulated soil more quickly over the past century to keep up with rising waters. However, this rate of growth will eventually slow down as sea levels continue to rise, and many coastal wetlands may not be able to adapt in time.
Two new subtypes of insulin-producing beta cells, ß <sub> HI </sub> and ß <sub> LO </sub>, have been identified with distinct characteristics. The study suggests epigenetic dosage as a driving force behind the decision of ß cells to become these subtypes, offering a new target for potential diabetes treatments.
Researchers used eye-tracking software to study how building inspectors assess structures, finding that experts focus on specific issues for longer periods. The study aims to develop an algorithm to inform autonomous robots for building inspections.
Two new studies examine the Late Triassic tectonic stress field of the southwestern Ordos Basin and its implications for regional geology. The research also explores a new Cambrian stratigraphic unit in the Grand Canyon, USA, and the progressive unroofing of the Big Maria and Riverside Mountains in southeastern California.
A comprehensive tool assessing burden of chronic conditions shows valid and reliable results compared to clinical surveys in patients with COPD, diabetes, and asthma. The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) scale integrates patient experience into daily care, facilitating shared decision making and self-management.
A new study highlights the risks of cryptocurrency investors engaging in online gambling, with cryptocurrencies posing extreme price volatility. Cryptocasinos present a double danger, allowing gamblers to bet on sophisticated products using cryptocurrencies.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory identified specific proteins that regulate plant-microbe signaling, enabling plants to distinguish beneficial microbes from disease-causing ones. This breakthrough could accelerate gene function identification and improve crop performance in sustainable bioenergy crops.
Researchers used a novel brain imaging technique to visualize subtle brain changes in pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's patients. They found that individualized brain fingerprints can detect variations in brain function associated with worsening information processing.
A team of scientists has designed a molecule that targets the PLpro enzyme in SARS-CoV-2, limiting its replication and hampering the host's immune response. The covalent inhibitor shows promise as a new treatment for COVID-19 and other viral diseases.
A team of physicists and physical chemists from the University of Würzburg and the University of Ottawa has developed a new method to separate single and multiple excitations in laser spectroscopy. This breakthrough resolves a decades-old problem, enabling accurate analysis of materials and fundamental physical phenomena.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that CD9-positive exosomes derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts can inhibit the growth of malignant melanoma cells. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for skin cancer.
Researchers develop innovative test to produce pure intergranular fractures on embrittled high-strength steel samples, allowing for unprecedented study of fracture mechanisms. Lattice defects and plastic deformation are identified as key factors in hydrogen embrittlement.
A study published in PNAS found that climate change is destabilizing mouse lemur populations on Madagascar, increasing their risk of extinction despite high reproductive output. The data analysis revealed opposing trends of rising mortality and reproductive rates, which have prevented population collapse but accelerated the life cycle.
The conference brings together hundreds of journalists to discuss science journalism and biodiversity issues. Keynote speakers include Colombian biologist Brigitte Baptiste and Director of the conference Ximena Serrano Gil.
A study of 3,101 adults found that taking 8,000 steps or more per day, even just a couple days a week, can have meaningful health benefits and lower mortality risk. The findings suggest that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on overall health.
Scientists have identified an autoinflammatory disease called Lyn kinase-associated vasculopathy and liver fibrosis (LAVLI) linked to mutations in the LYN gene. The research suggests that Lyn kinase may be a potential therapeutic target for drugs treating non-syndromic small vessel vasculitis and inflammation-induced liver fibrosis.
An international research team has developed a framework to evaluate government preparedness for ocean acidification, a pressing threat to marine ecosystems. The framework identifies six aspects of effective policy and specific indicators, enabling policymakers to assess their own preparedness and identify areas for improvement.
Researchers at Sogang University and Harbin Institute of Technology developed artificial mitochondria and chloroplasts to create sustainable cells. These organelles can produce energy through sunlight or glucose breakdown.
The new center aims to amplify biomedical research and human health applications, fostering collaboration among innovators. BRIC members will have access to resources and support for applying their nuclear physics expertise in new areas.
A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has created an implantable fuel cell that uses excess blood sugar to generate electrical energy. The device powers artificial beta cells that produce insulin, effectively regulating blood glucose levels.
Scientists at TU Wien have developed a technique to control the shape and size of nano gold structures using highly charged ions. The experiment shows that the impact force is not the decisive factor, but rather the electrical charge of the ions, which deposits energy at the point of impact and disrupts the crystal structure of the gold.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering have successfully integrated arrays of electrochemical random-access memory (ECRAM) onto silicon transistors, creating a practical AI accelerator. This innovation eliminates energy costs associated with data transfer and enables efficient deep learning operations.
A study of 32 Black patients with type 2 diabetes found that humanistic communication, family involvement, and clear medical information are crucial for effective shared decision making. The research team offers recommendations to improve SDM in safety-net primary care settings.
A multi-site randomized controlled trial found Health TAPESTRY to have widespread reach and adoption, but no significant clinical benefits on hospitalizations and physical activity. The study tested implementation and reproducibility of the program across diverse primary care practices.
Research finds that comprehensive care services delivered by Canadian family physicians have decreased over 20 years, with no difference in decline between early-career and experienced physicians. This suggests that factors other than training or interest are driving the decrease.
University of Illinois researchers create an electrode that attracts and captures short-chain PFAS, a type of 'forever chemical,' using electrosorption. The design allows for selective fluorophilic interactions, enabling the capture of these persistent contaminants from environment.
Almost 40% of family practitioners work collaboratively with behavioral health professionals, highlighting gaps in access to integrated services in independently owned practices and Southern US locations.
Scientists used Insight-HXMT and GECAM-C to accurately measure the brightness and energy released by GRB 221009A, which is 50 times brighter than previous records. The burst's isotropic-equivalent energy is about 10^55 erg, equivalent to 8 solar masses.
Nanophysics researchers at LMU München discover that twisting ultrathin layers of semiconducting materials creates unique phenomena. The twist leads to moiré interference, affecting electron and exciton properties.
The EU-funded B-Cubed project aims to transform biodiversity monitoring by standardizing access to data from various sources. By leveraging data cubes and the Essential Biodiversity Variables framework, policymakers can proactively address biodiversity change and inform evidence-based decision-making.
A new study published in Radiology found that a minimally invasive procedure combining pulsed radiofrequency and epidural steroid injection treatment leads to better pain reduction and disability improvement. The results showed significant benefits at four, 12, and 52 weeks compared to steroid injections alone.
A team of researchers has created a two-stage device that uses acoustic forces to aggregate and remove microplastics from water samples. The device, made with steel tubes and pulsing sound waves, can remove over 70% of small plastics and 82% of large ones, making it a promising solution for removing microplastics from waterways.
Patients who experienced severe illness and instability within two months of their clinical encounters were 45% more likely to be hospitalized. The study found this association remained consistent across a range of diagnoses and demographics.
Astronomers analyzed data from numerous spacecraft and observatories to characterize the brightness of a gamma-ray burst detected on October 9, 2022. The burst, known as BOAT, was found to be 70 times brighter than any previously seen, occurring once in every 10,000 years.
A team of astronomers discovered a population of reddish Neptunian asteroids, which are thought to have formed beyond the transition boundary between neutral-colored and redder objects. The red coloration suggests these asteroids contain more volatile ices, providing insight into the early Solar System's conditions.
Researchers found that cocklebur fruit extracts encouraged collagen production, sped wound healing, and exerted a protective effect against UVB radiation. However, high doses of the extract can be harmful and further research is needed to determine its safe use in cosmetic applications.
Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.
A new inverse rendering framework enables fast and efficient cloud tomography, allowing for accurate analysis of atmospheric dynamics and energy balance. The path recycling and sorting algorithm speeds up the process, overcoming computational limitations.
A recent study led by BioFunLab found that urban parks store an equivalent amount of carbon in their soils as natural areas near cities, highlighting the importance of these green spaces in mitigating climate change. The research also revealed that soil microbes play a key role in regulating carbon sequestration in urban parks.
Researchers have found a way to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by introducing a simple additive, sodium bicarbonate. This new process can sequester up to 15% of the total carbon dioxide associated with cement production, making concrete a more environmentally friendly material.
A literature review published by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging reveals how nuclear medicine brain imaging can help evaluate biological changes causing chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. The findings confirmed the impact of chemotherapy drugs on cognitive function and highlighted the utility of various SP...
Scientists have developed a DNA editing tool called SAGE that makes it easier and faster to engineer microbes for various applications. The technology revolutionizes the process of modifying microbes, allowing researchers to advance fundamental biology and bioengineering.
Researchers have developed a method to measure coral biodiversity by extracting environmental DNA from seawater samples, allowing for accurate detection of coral species without direct observation. The technique has been confirmed to work with over 91% accuracy and may indicate presence of corals difficult to detect by human eyes.
A new study found that a professional development program helped rural teachers collaborate and identify innovative solutions to support multilingual learners. The program consisted of six hybrid graduate-level courses with onsite meetings, coaching, and classroom support. Researchers found that the collaboration among teachers led to ...
Researchers found that social comparisons and financial incentives are more effective than knowledge-based interventions in changing behaviors. The meta-analysis of over 400 primary studies showed a relatively small effect on proenvironmental behaviors, with an average increase of just 7 percentage points.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to track human aging using retinal scans, which are less expensive and more accurate than other aging clocks. The study found that changes in the eye can provide an actionable evaluation of gero-protective therapeutics, offering a new tool for tracking aging.
Researchers found that fish in large schools are more willing to take risks and tune down their sensitivity to social cues, reducing the likelihood of responding to false alarms. This dynamic adjustment allows individuals to maintain control over their behavior, suggesting a potential evolutionary advantage in coping with misinformation.
Scientists at DKFZ developed a new detection method that analyzes epigenetic fingerprints to determine animal origin. The method uses DNA sequencing to identify chemical markers on the genome, allowing researchers to distinguish between free-range organic chicken, factory-farmed chicken, and other species.
Research suggests that early life stress may increase pro-inflammatory processes during pregnancy, which can have long-term effects on maternal and child health. The study found that mothers who experienced higher levels of early life stress had increased pro-inflammatory factors but decreased immune cell development.
Researchers have developed a mouse model to study NPC1L1-mediated cholesterol absorption, revealing the formation of endocytic vesicles containing free cholesterol. This breakthrough provides a new tool for evaluating cholesterol absorption in vivo and has implications for treating hypercholesterolemia and related diseases.
The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology has developed a smart sensor that detects subtle changes in slope and triggers an LED warning light to alert those in the situation room. The sensors can be installed at high-risk areas and are expected to help prevent and respond to collapses.
A meta-analysis of commercially available STI tests found vaginal swabs to be more sensitive than urine specimens in detecting chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. The study supports the CDC's recommendation for vaginal swab testing as the optimal sample type for women.
A team of astronomers has discovered an ultramassive black hole in the foreground galaxy, with a mass estimated to be over 30 billion times that of our Sun. This massive object was detected using gravitational lensing and supercomputer simulations.
Researchers have developed a cubic molecule platform that can improve the properties of hydrocarbons like cubane, which was previously overlooked due to limited synthesis. This breakthrough enables the incorporation of nitrogen atoms, facilitating biologically desirable interactions and expanding options for chemists.