A University of Gothenburg study reveals that cigarette filters contain thousands of toxic chemicals and microplastic fibers, which are lethal to aquatic larvae. The researchers urge a complete ban on filters to prevent hazardous waste from entering the environment.
For immigrants with limited education, personality traits of extraversion and openness significantly boost lifetime employment probabilities. These traits facilitate better integration into the labor market, leading to improved job prospects.
A new study suggests combining digital cancer risk assessment with point-of-care genetic testing can help overcome clinical workflow challenges that prevent at-risk patients from accessing genetic testing. The approach more than doubled the average uptake of genetic testing, showing promise for cancer prevention and detection.
A study by Lewis & Clark College researchers found a significant decrease in party registration among Oregon voters automatically registered at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The results show a 66% reduction in partisan affiliation, with little change over time post-registration.
A team of researchers has developed a non-destructive method to extract DNA from bones and teeth, allowing for direct attribution of cultural objects to specific individuals. The breakthrough enabled the recovery of ancient human DNA from a 20,000-year-old pendant, providing insights into Paleolithic societies.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential mechanism behind hallucinations triggered by kappa opioid receptors, aiming to develop painkillers without these side effects. Targeting specific binding sites on the kappa receptor may relieve pain without inducing euphoria and addiction.
A new study reveals racial and rural disparities in telehealth utilization among Medicare beneficiaries in Arkansas. The association between chronic conditions and telehealth use was strongest among White and rural individuals, while urban and non-Hispanic Black or African American beneficiaries showed weaker associations.
A novel stroke model in pigs has been established to mimic human cerebral artery occlusion and study mechanisms of ischemic stroke. The model's translational features make it suitable for testing new therapeutic compounds and devices.
A recent analysis of California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project reveals that electric vehicles primarily reduce air pollution in affluent, white neighborhoods. However, the benefits of cleaner transportation are largely absent from disadvantaged communities, highlighting concerns about environmental justice.
A research team from HKU has developed a new type of electroconductive hydrogels with outstanding mechanical strength and manufacturability, enabling various bioelectronic devices. The material shows high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, making it suitable for applications such as neural prosthetics and cardiac patches.
A clinical trial of 406 patients found that a fluorescent agent allowed surgeons to identify and remove residual tumor tissue with favorable results. The technique showed promising results in detecting tumor tissue missed by standard lumpectomy procedures, potentially avoiding second surgeries for positive margins.
Researchers have visualized the crucial final step of oxygen formation in Photosystem II, a protein complex that powers photosynthesis. The study provides new insights into the interaction between the protein environment and the Mn/Ca cluster, shedding light on the mechanism behind water-splitting and oxygen production.
A meta-analysis of 55 studies on grant awards found women received an average of $342,000 compared to $659,000 for men. Women were also less likely to receive second grants and faced 'discounting of women's science' despite similar funding requests.
A new high-speed two-photon microscope was developed with an unprecedented line scanning frequency of 400 kHz, achieving up to 10,000 frames per second. This allowed for precise observations of complex biological processes in living tissues, including calcium signal propagation and blood flow measurements.
Researchers at University of Queensland have identified a novel pain pathway triggered by the Gympie-Gympie tree's toxins, which could lead to non-opioid pain relief. The gympietide toxin interacts with nerves after injection through fine needle-like hairs on the leaves and requires a partner protein called TMEM233 to function.
Researchers found that regular internet users had approximately half the risk of dementia compared to non-users, regardless of factors such as education and age. The study suggests that online engagement may help develop cognitive reserve, which can compensate for brain aging.
A study by GEOMAR has accurately determined the volume of magma from the Minoan eruption, providing a benchmark for measuring other eruptions. The analysis combines geophysical and geological methods to estimate magma volumes and deposition sizes.
A study analyzing 34,000 people found that lowering sclerostin levels may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that strategies to minimize potential impact on heart attack risk are needed.
Researchers found Sedition Hunters community successfully used Twitter to identify suspects with real value, creating multi-angle composite images and overcoming barriers in first images collected. The team's creativity and law enforcement interest contributed to the community's success.
Moffitt researchers develop CAR T cells that target prostate cancer biomarker PSCA, killing cancer cells and preserving bone health. Zoledronate treatment enhances antitumor activity with minimal toxicity.
The Journal of Dental Research (JDR) has published a special issue on aging and oral health, featuring research on biological mechanisms underlying age-related conditions such as cognitive decline. The issue aims to improve oral health care in older populations, promoting general health and well-being.
The study found that endocrine, musculoskeletal, and vascular diseases were the most common causes of hospitalization in individuals with depression. Depression is considered a potential target for preventing both physical and mental health issues.
A new study by Cornell University sociologists suggests that increasing women's representation in STEM majors will reduce gender disparities in STEM occupations. However, the findings also indicate that labor market factors and policies play a significant role in perpetuating gender segregation. Integrating academic majors can help chi...
A study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that preterm infants' gut microbiomes play a role in the development of dangerous bacterial bloodstream infections. The researchers found that the most common bacteria causing these infections are also commonly found in the gut, and that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of...
A study published in Current Biology reveals that the hippocampus uses a specific neural mechanism to alternate between forming new memories and retrieving existing ones. The researchers found that gamma oscillations are coupled to theta waves, with different frequencies associated with encoding and retrieval processes.
Researchers used human liver organoids to study fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare childhood liver cancer. They found that different genetic mutations underlie different degrees of aggressiveness in the tumors, and uncovered the probable cell-of-origin as hepatocytes.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events and death in patients with NAFLD. The study included 9,374 adult patients with NAFLD and obesity, who underwent either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
A study of 371,159 individuals aged 50 to 71 years found that a healthy low-fat diet was associated with fewer deaths from all causes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. In contrast, unhealthy low-carbohydrate diets were linked to significantly higher mortality rates.
A study published in Neurology found that the transition from daylight saving time to standard time was associated with a brief increase in sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. In contrast, the transition from standard time to daylight saving time did not show any association with sleep problems.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute successfully induced high-temperature ferromagnetism in YTiO3 by applying laser pulses, raising the transition temperature to triple its original value. This breakthrough discovery opens new avenues for exploring and manipulating magnetic properties of materials.
Researchers investigated the cardiovascular effects of glucocorticoids on chicken embryos, finding that Betamethasone (Beta) caused more severe growth restriction, cellular stress, and cardiac dysfunction compared to Dexamethasone (Dex). Dex triggered oxidative stress, while Beta sustained glucocorticoid receptor activation
A new study reveals a higher prevalence of stunting and wasting among poor children, while overweight children live in richer homes. Researchers are calling for an integrated approach to tackle the 'double burden' of child malnutrition.
Researchers from Brown University and the University of Toulouse found that surfactants make Champagne bubble chains stable. The experiments showed that larger bubbles and surfactants help reduce tensions between liquid and gas, creating a smooth rise. This discovery has implications for understanding bubbly flows in fluid mechanics.
Researchers capture elusive missing step in photosynthesis using SLAC's X-ray laser, revealing an intermediate reaction step that sheds light on how nature optimizes photosynthesis. The data provide a blueprint for optimizing clean energy sources and avoiding side products.
A new study reveals a progressive spread of invasive American mink across most European countries over the past decade. The species is now widespread in Northern and Western Europe, but data are lacking for Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
A pilot study found that remote aerobic walking exercise training improved cognitive processing speed in fully ambulatory persons with MS. The study, which showed high adherence rates, supports the design of a large-scale randomized controlled trial.
Researchers developed a method to predict DCIS progression to invasive breast cancer using mice with human DCIS cells. The study found molecular similarities between humans and mice, including the presence of HER2 protein increasing breast cancer risk.
A new onsite deep-learning based FFR-CT algorithm demonstrates excellent diagnostic performance, with high interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility. The algorithm showed AUC of 0.975, sensitivity of 93.5%, and specificity of 97.7% for hemodynamically significant stenosis.
A recent study found concerning levels of anxiety among female farmers in England and Wales, with factors including financial pressures, workload, and isolation contributing to moderate to severe anxiety. The research also highlights the need for greater support and social connections to improve mental health in this group.
A team of researchers from UNLV has named a previously unexplored 500 million-year-old Grand Canyon formation, the Frenchman Mountain Dolostone. The new formation was identified through scientific detective work and is now understood to have been deposited over an interval of 7.3 million years during the Cambrian Period.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new catalyst that converts captured carbon dioxide into acetic acid with high efficiency. The innovation uses electrochemistry to convert CO2 into products with established markets, offering new pathways for improving the economics of carbon capture and storage.
The CEBRA algorithm captures brain dynamics with high accuracy, allowing for the prediction of complex information such as visual stimuli and arm movements in primates. By analyzing brain signals alone, researchers can decode hidden structure in data, enabling new insights into how the brain processes information.
Researchers at University of Waterloo and University of Toronto developed a novel generating system that converts mechanical vibrations into electricity. The system is compact, reliable, low-cost, and green, and has the potential to power billions of sensors needed for Internet of Things devices.
A new study has found that increasing woodland cover in UK uplands will not deter tourists from visiting. The research, conducted by Aarhus University, involved over 500 tourists and showed that most would still visit even with 75% or 100% forest cover. However, the majority preferred a view from the mountain top.
Research found that specific gut bacteria enhance response to PD-1 checkpoint blockade by altering immune molecules PD-L2 and RGMb. This leads to improved detection and destruction of cancer cells, offering potential for enhanced immunotherapy treatment outcomes.
An international research team explores ultra-fast gas emissions from active galactic nuclei, which significantly change galaxy ecosystems. The study confirms the existence of these powerful emissions and their role in regulating star formation.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that sodium content at common NYC chain restaurants did not decrease one year after the enforcement of sodium warning labels. The study suggests that additional time and similar action from other jurisdictions are necessary to reduce the sodium content of menu items.
Researchers have found that corals in the Indo-Pacific region are more flexible and resilient to climate change due to their symbiotic relationships with algae species. These partnerships may help them withstand greater environmental changes, making them better equipped to survive in a warming ocean.
A new systematic literature review reveals that virtual consulting can reduce carbon emissions in healthcare by minimizing patient travel time. The review found significant reductions in carbon emissions through the adoption of telemedicine appointments and video-based visits, which will continue to mitigate climate change as health sy...
The MUSC Hollings community health van has increased access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in South Carolina's underserved communities. The vaccine is linked to six different kinds of cancer, including cervical, throat, anal, penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
The latest May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on new treatments for conditions like trichotillomania, social anxiety disorder, and opioid use disorder. Additionally, a special issue of Focus journal explores suicide preventive interventions and knowledge.
Vogel and Benn's study replicates tissue growth in vitro, revealing the importance of ECM interactions. Myofibroblasts play a key role in wound healing and cancer progression, but their transformation into fibroblasts is influenced by ECM composition and structure.
A new technique called image-free single-pixel object detection (SPOD) can detect the location, size, and category of multiple objects without acquiring images. SPOD uses a small optimized structured light pattern to quickly scan the scene and extract features, achieving an accuracy of over 80%.
New research from UC Berkeley suggests that deep sleep can act as a protective factor against memory decline in individuals with existing high amounts of Alzheimer's disease pathology. This study provides hope for alleviating some of dementia's most devastating outcomes.
Researchers in Brazil and UK develop process to recycle plastic from used coffee pods into conductive and non-conductive filaments. The filaments have various applications, including sensors and machinery parts.
A new study reveals that the earliest Sapiens migrated to Europe in three distinct waves, sharing cultural traditions with ancient Lebanese and French artifacts. The findings challenge previous assumptions about human arrival in Europe and provide insight into the gradual replacement of Neanderthals.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan are working on microbial fuel cells that can harness the energy from discarded fruit waste, a byproduct of agriculture in the Okanagan Valley. The study aims to improve energy output and reduce environmental impacts associated with current waste treatment methods.
The study found that COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity rapidly declines after primary vaccination and booster doses, leading to a decrease in protection against Omicron and Delta infections. The results highlight the need for targeted vaccination strategies to combat the evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus.
A new study by Arianna Anticoagulation Foundation suggests that patients with COVID-19-associated venous thromboembolism may not require prolonged anticoagulant therapy, with a limited duration of 3-6 months being adequate for most patients. The START2-COVID-VTE observational study found low rates of thrombotic recurrences in both groups.
Researchers found that face masks significantly reduced the release of exhaled particles in children, which can help prevent the spread of respiratory infections. The study used cloth and surgical masks to test various activities, including breathing quietly, speaking, singing, coughing, and sneezing.