A team of neuroscientists has identified specific neurons in the auditory cortex that only respond to sounds that violate expectations, sending a message that a mistake has been made. These 'prediction-error neurons' may play a vital role in learning how to speak or play musical instruments.
A new study led by researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, proposes a way to improve the effectiveness of conservation funding by giving organizations more freedom to allocate funds. By doing so, the team found that conservation projects can offer a high return on investment and make a greater impact on species protection.
A study published in Gastroenterology validated pyrvinium as a potential preventative treatment for stomach cancer. The drug induces cell death in precancerous lesions by targeting specific stem cells through dual MEK/ERK and STAT3 inhibition, suggesting lower adverse effects on tissue regeneration.
Researchers have observed a unique stage in the development of planetary systems by detecting a smooth protoplanetary disk around the young star DG Taurus. This discovery provides new insights into the conditions at the start of planet formation, challenging current theoretical expectations.
Researchers have pinpointed the molecular mechanism by which a large portion of BRCA1 mutations cause cancers in women. The study found that the E3 ligase activity of BRCA1 is crucial in several stages of DNA repair and tumor suppression, reinterpreting previous findings.
Researchers have discovered that gamma delta T cells are crucial to preventing bowel cancer. The study found that patients with higher concentrations of these immune cells had better outcomes and improved survival rates.
The Nuclear Science Advisory Committee has released a new long range plan, prioritizing the capitalization of substantial research investments to advance discovery in nuclear physics. The plan recommends increasing the research budget and continuing effective operation of national user facilities.
A new study has identified two main pathways involved in Alzheimer's disease, with one acting through amyloid and tau proteins and the other based on immune system reactions. The research also found that certain genes have opposite effects in men and women, suggesting a need for further investigation.
Researchers have developed high-speed and high-responsivity photodetectors on a thin-film lithium niobate platform, achieving a 3-dB bandwidth of 110 GHz and responsivity of 0.4 A/W at 1550-nm wavelength. The devices demonstrate potential for ultra-high-speed optical communications and multi-function integrated quantum photonics.
New study uses flume-tank experiments to observe changes in sediment deposits and current velocities, revealing insights into past ocean currents. The findings have huge application potential for understanding climate, pollution transport, and benthic ecology.
A groundbreaking study reveals that linear defects in diamond can spread at speeds exceeding the speed of sound, which could impact our understanding of material strength, failure, and manufacturing. This discovery may lead to new insights into earthquake ruptures, structural failures, and precision manufacturing.
Researchers at IBS Center for Quantum Nanoscience created a novel electron-spin qubit platform assembled atom-by-atom on a surface, demonstrating ability to control multiple qubits. This breakthrough enables application of single-, two-, and three-qubit gates.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified promising cancer drug targets by combining precise genome engineering and protein activity profiling. They used base editing to alter thousands of possible drug targets, then integrated the data with chemical proteomic information to pinpoint hundreds of potential targets.
Researchers at BYU and Duke University found that AI can improve conversation quality and promote civil dialogue in online interactions. By using AI-generated rephrasings of users' messages, participants exhibited greater willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints and reported higher conversation quality.
A study found that socio-economic factors, school type, and location greatly impact access to bilingual education in Andalusia. Public schools offer bilingual education to a much lesser extent than semi-private or private ones. The researchers propose reconfiguring areas of influence, changing admissions models, or encouraging low-inco...
A new study reveals that changing nutrient use can reprogram immune cells, potentially treating cancer and infections. By blocking choline metabolism, researchers found a 'tremendous reprogramming of the immune profile' in mice, suggesting this knowledge could lead to novel therapies.
A study of 132 people found that classical music induces synchronisation in physical responses among concert audience members. Personality traits such as agreeableness and openness are associated with increased likelihood of synchronisation. Synchronisation was observed in movement, heart rate, breathing rate, and skin conductivity.
The study successfully observed the chiro-optical effect at the nanoscale, demonstrating the ability to analyze the chiral structure of matter using light. Different images were obtained when illuminating with right- or left-circularly polarized light, clarifying that local handedness can be distinguished.
Recent advances in ancient DNA have greatly expanded our knowledge of evolutionary history, including the study of non-European regions. Finer-scale investigations can provide insights into past histories of neglected communities and inform conservation efforts.
Researchers mapped the global supply chain of cigarettes from farm to factory, revealing a direct link between industry operations and interference with public health policies. Countries with higher numbers of transnational tobacco leaf companies experience weaker tobacco control measures.
A new study published in the Journal of Marketing presents the Comparative Method of Valuation as a more accurate way to measure customers' willingness to pay. The study finds that existing methods can provide vague and inaccurate results due to their inability to capture relevant comparisons or context.
Researchers have discovered a way to make solar hydrogen production economically viable by co-producing high-value chemicals like methylsuccinic acid. By coupling the photoelectrochemical (PEC) process with hydrogenation, the cost of hydrogen drops significantly, making it competitive with fossil gas.
A Phase IIIb study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that esketamine nasal spray achieved higher remission rates (27.1%) compared to quetiapine extended-release (17.6%) in patients with treatment-resistant depression, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for this population.
Researchers using H.E.S.S. observatory in Namibia have detected the highest energy gamma rays ever from a dead star called a pulsar, with energies reaching up to 20 tera-electronvolts. This observation challenges our previous knowledge of pulsars and requires a rethinking of how these natural accelerators work.
Researchers at Washington State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Fischer Tropsch process, a key step in converting coal, natural gas, and biomass into liquid fuels. The team found that the process exhibits self-sustained oscillations, which can be harnessed to enhance reaction rates and product yields.
A large epidemiological study found a higher incidence of stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstruction in patients taking GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss. The study, published in JAMA, highlights the need for updated warning labels to inform patients of these potential risks.
A new study finds that racial and ethnic disparities in chronic pain after acute traumatic injury are driven by differences in the nature of and health care response to acute injuries. Factors associated with disparities include mechanism of injury, severity of injury, pain in the hospital, and length of hospital stay.
A new UC Davis study investigates the complex mix of attitudes and concerns about the state of democracy in the US. While most respondents reject political violence altogether, some believe it is usually or always justified to advance political objectives.
A new generative AI model enhances clinical accuracy and textual quality of chest radiograph reports, surpassing traditional methods like teleradiology. Its implementation could enable timely alerts for life-threatening conditions, aiding imaging interpretation and documentation.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that prior exposure to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) significantly reduces the risk of birth defects and miscarriage during pregnancy. The study found that pre-existing immunity effectively limits transmission and protects against associated birth defects.
Ancient human footprints discovered in White Sands National Park have been confirmed to be over 20,000 years old. Multiple independent age estimates from radiocarbon and optically simulated luminescence methods support the previous study's claims, showing humans inhabited southern North America during the Last Glacial Maximum.
The Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme will support up to eight new sea restoration projects across Europe. This funding aims to create resilient ecosystems that benefit nature and people. The programme's third phase will focus on expanding large-scale restoration projects, including those focused on Europe's seas.
A Dartmouth-led study found that tweets featuring K-pop group BTS generated 111 times more virality than similar tweets without the artist's name. This highlights the power of entertainment in driving public health messages and bridging cultural divides.
Researchers investigated whether marketing can influence men's perceptions of vegan food. They found that while short-term interventions may not change consumption habits, long-term approaches could lead to improved attitudes towards veganism.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a cellulose-based thickener to reduce environmental risks associated with liquefied stabilized soil. The thickener prevents bleeding, loss of fine particles, and unwanted settling, while maintaining soil strength.
Researchers found that seabird couples with compatible personalities have better parenting success and lower divorce rates. This is because they can make informed decisions together when one parent is away finding food at sea.
A study of 4,070 insured adults with diabetes found persistent disparities in poor glycemic control, even after adjusting for social, healthcare, and behavioral factors. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the barriers contributing to these disparities.
A team from Michigan State University discovered that, on a warming planet, plants like oaks and poplars will emit more of a compound called isoprene, exacerbating poor air quality. This finding has significant implications for understanding the impact of climate change on air pollution.
Researchers at the University of Seville have developed a more efficient configuration for proton-exchange membrane fuel cell batteries, increasing their performance by up to 10%. The new design outperforms other options and reduces energy consumption, making it suitable for use in electric vehicles.
A recent study found that animals in the Greater Kruger National Park react with alarm to hearing human voices, fleeing waterholes and abandoning their habitat. The researchers used custom sound systems to compare the fear response of mammals to humans versus lions.
The Heidelberg team developed a hybrid metal-halide perovskite semiconductor with high photoluminescence quantum efficiency and strong chirality, generating bright circularly polarised light. This breakthrough material combines the best of inorganic and organic semiconductors, enabling applications in optoelectronics and information pr...
Research reveals that low muscle mass is associated with a two-fold risk of death from cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes. The study found that body composition, not just weight loss, plays a crucial role in managing weight in people with diabetes.
New research reveals a profound connection between spirituality of science and positive wellbeing. The study found that scientific sources of spirituality may be psychologically similar to religious spirituality, paralleling the positive effects observed in religious people.
Researchers developed a promising strategy to reduce adverse reactions to nanoparticles by using complement inhibitors. The study showed that regulators being studied effectively inhibited complement activation by nanoparticles in human serum in vitro and animal models.
Researchers find evidence supporting Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) as an alternative to Planet Nine hypothesis. MOND predicts precise orbital clustering in the outer solar system, which could be indicative of a modified law of gravity at play.
A new study reveals that grasses can transfer DNA from other species into their genomes through lateral gene transfer, giving them an advantage in growth and adaptation. This process could inform future work to improve crop productivity and resilience.
Researchers have created artificial hybrid molecules combining DNA and peptides, paving the way for the development of viral vaccines and artificial life forms. These building blocks can be used to create nanomachines that drill through cell membranes or target cancerous tumors, holding promise for combating difficult-to-cure diseases.
Scientists at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have found evidence of a sixth basic taste detected through ammonium chloride detection. They discovered that the tongue responds to ammonium chloride through the same protein receptor that signals sour taste.
Research by the American Psychological Association finds that parents and mentors often underestimate girls' chess abilities and perceive them as having a less supportive environment. This study highlights the need for continued structural support to improve girls' experiences in chess.
The Isis journal has published a special bibliographic issue on the history of pandemics, gathering current and important historical scholarship on infectious disease. The issue features nineteen essays with accompanying bibliographies and is available for free online.
A new study published in AJIC found that enhanced pandemic-related infection prevention and control measures significantly decreased healthcare-associated infections, including C. difficile, CLABSI, and RVIs. The findings suggest prioritizing evidence-based IPC practices can reduce HAIs even among vulnerable populations during extreme ...
A research team developed a kit-type technology to rapidly detect microplastics in the field without pre-treatment. The technology uses surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and machine learning to identify types, numbers, and distributions of MPs, enabling accurate detection even in complex environments.
A study has identified genetic markers that can predict whether rheumatoid arthritis will improve or worsen during pregnancy. These markers were found in white blood cells and genes related to B cells, and may help women plan their treatment and avoid unnecessary medication exposure.
The planned releases of radioactive wastewater from Fukushima Daiichi will have negligible effects on the environment, according to a study published in Science. The predicted radiation doses from the discharges are smaller than exposure to natural radiation or medical x-rays, posing no real threat to local seafood consumers.
The study reports that UK natural science collections hold over 137 million items and contribute significantly to scientific, commercial, and societal benefits. Digitalizing these collections can unlock a seven- to ten-fold economic return on investment.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a key signaling pathway that influences auditory sensory cell function and is downregulated with age. Removing this pathway from mouse hair cells leads to rapid hearing loss, highlighting its importance.
A new study examines cannabis use patterns, motivations, and risk factors among college students at a large public university in the southeastern US. The researchers found that top reasons for cannabis use were relaxation and social pressure, while daily users reported higher quantity of cannabis per day.
Researchers found that former football players with medical and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are at higher risk of receiving an unverified CTE diagnosis. The study highlights the need for accurate diagnoses and access to proven treatments.
A new study found that people who viewed career goal failures as a steppingstone to new opportunities never lost self-esteem, while those who thought their failures left them worse off showed a drop-off in self-esteem. The study suggests that people should approach failure in a way that can help them learn and grow.
A new study found that mammals and their relatives that survived challenging times made it because they had newer, more novel characteristics. These findings challenge the conventional wisdom of mammal evolution, suggesting that having new traits can be key to succeeding in the aftermath of a catastrophe.