New research from Radboud University found that students' ICT skills have a significant impact on their math performance, particularly in countries with robust ICT environments. The study suggests that improving ICT infrastructure can reduce educational inequality between countries.
Researchers detected tellurium and other essential elements needed for life in the aftermath of a gamma-ray burst, revealing insights into heavy element formation. The study provides valuable information about kilonovae and neutron star mergers, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the universe.
The discovery of ancient brittle star fossils in South Africa has revealed evidence of high-latitude life forms from the Paleozoic era. Fossil finds date back to over 410 million years ago, during the Pragian to earliest Emsian Baviaanskloof Formation.
A research team developed a low-cost, effective water filtration solution using clay pots lined with pine tree resin and silver particles. The device can purify water by removing bacteria and generating clean drinkable water, addressing the Navajo Nation's lack of access to clean water.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found no correlation between post-COVID condition and ongoing viral infection or active brain damage. The study analyzed 25 participants with confirmed post-COVID condition, six without residual symptoms, and 17 control subjects, revealing undetectable SARS-CoV-2 antigens in all samples.
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine suggests that ECG-AI can flag some risks years sooner than current risk calculator equations by identifying signs of coronary artery disease, such as calcification and blockages. The technology has the potential to save more lives by identifying people who do not know they have coronary disease.
Researchers developed an innovative method to enhance vision, overcoming location specificity limitations.
Stanford researchers have discovered a pathway to break down problematic proteins, which can be harnessed to develop new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer. The findings also offer insights into lysosome storage disorders, rare conditions that affect babies and children.
A new study from Simon Fraser University finds that people with a history of incarceration were at significantly higher risk of opioid toxicity death during the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk increase was particularly pronounced among young adults who had been incarcerated between 2015 and 2020.
Researchers found that higher triglyceride levels were associated with a lower risk of developing dementia, with every doubling of levels reducing the risk by 18%. Higher triglycerides also linked to slower cognitive decline over time.
Researchers discovered ancient shell beads stained with organic red pigment in an Israeli cave, dating back approximately 15,000 years. The findings represent the oldest known example of this type of coloration.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that convalescent plasma administration reduced mortality by 10% in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress requiring artificial mechanical ventilation. The reduction was most pronounced when plasma was administered within the first 48 hours after initiation of ve...
Researchers found that chronic cocaine users have altered neural error signals when evaluating rewards, leading to poorer decision-making and a higher risk of relapse. The study provides strong evidence for the underlying mechanisms of addiction and may lead to new treatment strategies.
A shearwater seabird was tracked for 11 hours during Typhoon Faxai, covering 1,146 km and reaching speeds of 90-170 km/hr. The bird's remarkable ride highlights the increasing challenge oceangoing birds face in coping with severe storms.
Researchers found that people with cocaine addiction have weaker signals when receiving rewards, disrupting the brain's ability to learn from experiences. This dysregulation is linked to reduced activity in the ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex.
A new study finds that consumers are willing to pay more for pork with improved animal welfare, but not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The majority of respondents prioritize animal welfare over climate considerations.
Researchers at NIST built a superconducting camera containing 400,000 pixels to capture weak light signals. The new device enables applications in science and biomedical research by having more pixels than any other device of its type.
Researchers found that an adaptive memory tracking training program can improve cognitive function, particularly attention and working memory, in women treated for breast cancer. The training showed lasting gains after just 12 hours of practice.
A study published in Nature Communications found that sleep disruption leads to heightened pain sensitivity by affecting a brain region and neurotransmitter. Administering a specific chemical messenger, N-arachidonoyl dopamine, reduced this pain sensitivity, suggesting its potential as a treatment.
Researchers found that neural signaling during online exchanges was substantially suppressed compared to face-to-face conversations. The study used imaging tools to track brain activity in real-time, revealing increased coordination of neural activity and enhanced face processing ability during in-person interactions.
Researchers found that shareholders generally welcomed news of green acquisitions, especially when buyers have developed marketing expertise. They also discovered that benefits are buffered if buyers belong to industries sensitive to environmental regulations. This suggests investors can tell genuine from fake green efforts.
A team of researchers from Germany has been awarded an ERC Synergy Grant to investigate microbial carbon cycle and discover unknown metabolic pathways that enabled microorganisms to live on early Earth. The project aims to provide insights into the conditions prevailing during the Archean Eon, when life first emerged.
Research suggests that Tai Chi practice can slow Parkinson's disease progression, improve non-motor symptoms, and lower medication needs over time. The study found significant benefits in disease severity, cognitive function, sleep quality, and complication prevalence in the Tai Chi group compared to the standard care group.
A research project involving citizens in flood-prone areas improves data collection and increases resilience. The methodology shows a combination of digital technologies, participatory methods, and co-production of new understandings to enable just and sustainable transformations.
Scientists at UC Davis have developed a method for high-yield and high-purity production of allulose through precise fermentation. The new approach has a more than 99% theoretical yield with minimal processing, making it efficient and economically feasible for commercial production.
A model reveals that corn farming in the US Midwest incurs significant health and environmental costs, with air pollution being a major contributor. Implementing alternative management practices can increase profits beyond these costs, but retiring land may be necessary for some counties.
Researchers have developed a dinuclear ruthenium complex that efficiently reduces CO2 to carbon monoxide with over 99% selectivity. The catalyst's self-photosensitizing properties enhance its stability under reaction conditions, allowing it to drive the CO2 reduction process even at low CO2 concentrations.
A new study reveals that mosquito eggs can tolerate extended desiccation by changing their metabolic pathway. By rewiring their polyamine and lipid metabolism, the eggs become more resistant to dehydration. This finding provides potential new ways to control the spread of Zika virus.
A team of researchers has developed an AI system that can recognize emotions from human body movements, using a dataset of 1,600 video clips annotated with Laban Movement Analysis. The approach leverages deep neural networks to analyze motor elements and improve emotion recognition.
Researchers found that each plant source of insoluble fiber contains unique bioactives with potential benefits for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the need to recognize these valuable components in dietary guidelines and food products.
A new study has identified specific genes associated with diet and brain structure in kingfishers, which are capable of diving at high speeds. The findings suggest that these birds have evolved unique traits to protect their brains from concussive forces.
Researchers developed a blood test to detect cancer earlier in individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, an inherited condition with a high risk of developing cancer. The study provides a proof-of-principle framework for detecting specific cancers earlier, paving the way for further clinical trials and improved patient care.
Scientists from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have gained valuable insights into producing nitroxide, a molecule with potential applications in the biomedical field. The team employed advanced X-ray spectroscopic techniques to understand the intricacies of the nitroxide production process and its bond-breaking mechanism.
A team of researchers from City University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Jiao Tong University has developed a novel aluminium alloy with unprecedented fatigue resistance using advanced 3D printing techniques. The new alloy, called NTD-Al, surpasses the fatigue strength of high-strength wrought Al alloys and conventional metals.
A study by University of Bonn researchers found that consumers in Germany would pay more for salami with an antibiotic-free label than one promoting animal welfare. Human health is a top priority, while animal welfare considerations are less important than environmental protection.
Researchers found that male golden rocket frogs choose to defend bromeliad pools with lower mucilage levels, which improves tadpole survival. This suggests a reproductive resource defense strategy where males prioritize their future offspring's success by securing high-quality nurseries.
A study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found that crowdfunding platforms create a sense of democracy, but backers often come from similar groups and give to projects they find cool. This limits the democratizing potential of crowdfunding.
A new versatile platform controls peptide hormones in fish, revealing surprising findings about conserved genetic networks and adaptable hormone regulation. This innovative method holds promise for transforming fish farming practices and exploring ways to prolong vertebrate lifespan.
A study by Duke neuroscientists found that curiosity increases people's patience for an answer while making them more eager to hear it. Curiosity also motivated viewers to withhold from hitting the 'spoiler' button and kept watching animated line-drawing videos unfold.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin are searching millions of star systems for technosignatures that could support intelligent alien life. The team has already scanned 1.6 million star systems but so far, no signals have been detected.
A foundational public dialogue project in the UK found broad public support for extending the 14-day rule on human embryo research, which aims to inform future policy development and research governance. The project engaged diverse participants to consider early human embryo research and its applications.
A Curtin University-led study has identified three new species of mulgara, a small carnivorous marsupial, but four of the proposed species are already extinct. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding Australian wildlife and the growing threats to ecosystems.
A smartphone attachment developed by UC San Diego engineers can screen for neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury at low cost, accurately regardless of skin tone. The technology uses far-red light to enhance visibility of the pupil, making it easier to track changes in eye movement.
A six-year study of a satellite found that low-cost solar panels can withstand harsh space conditions and generate power, opening the door to large-scale solar farms in orbit. The technology has been developed by researchers at the Universities of Surrey and Swansea.
Researchers developed bifunctional COFs for co-electrolysis of CO2 and methanol, showing excellent activity and long-term stability. The synthesis method is green and efficient, making it a promising strategy for reducing CO2 emissions and producing useful energy fuels.
A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that global precipitation patterns, particularly seasonal variability, shape animal diversity. The research found that certain regions with moderate precipitation levels and stable climates have the ideal ecological conditions for a diverse range of predators and herbivores.
Researchers at The University of Toledo discovered that engineered Lactobacillus paracasei can lower blood pressure in female rats by introducing human ACE2. The study provides a paradigm shift in harnessing the body's microbiome to regulate blood pressure and offers new hope for treating chronic conditions.
A large study of 91,460 mother-offspring pairs found no link between prenatal corticosteroid and beta-2 adrenergic agonist exposure and offspring neurodevelopmental issues. The findings suggest these medications are safe for pregnant individuals with asthma.
A new study finds that individuals are the predominant actors implementing climate change adaptations, such as planting resilient crops and moving away from areas impacted by storms. While governments plan and finance adaptation measures, implementation falls primarily to individuals.
Researchers found that bumblebees choose nectar sources based on their rate of energy return, not just energetic efficiency. This approach allows them to maximize their immediate benefit to the colony, even if it means working harder.
A study found that COVID-19 transmission rates in child care centers were low, with only 2% to 3% of cases occurring within the centers. In contrast, household transmission was high, with 50% of children and 67% of adults contracting the virus once infected.
Researchers at UEA have proposed a new method to investigate quantum-mechanical processes in molecules using quantum light. The study shows that phonon signatures can be detected in photon correlations, providing a toolbox for studying quantum sound interactions.
A new study reveals that living near major roads is associated with a higher incidence of dementia and alterations in brain structure due to air pollution. The research, conducted in China and the UK, analyzed data from 460,901 participants over 12.8 years.
The report highlights alarming patterns of climate-related variables and disasters, including unprecedented carbon dioxide emissions from Canadian wildfires. Scientists urge a global economy prioritizing human well-being and curtailing overconsumption to address ecological overshoot and mitigate existential threats.
Climate change is increasing wildfire risk, with fires in the Western US doubling in frequency between 1984 and 2015. Banana trees, when irrigated by recycled water, can produce high-value crops and act as a multifunctional fire buffer.
Scientists have discovered a new small molecule called Feeblin that inhibits the interaction of SLC15A4 with TASL, a key player in pro-inflammatory signalling pathways. This finding offers promising new treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus.
Researchers propose using laser-induced photoreduction to decompose sphalerite and produce high-purity metal. The method eliminates greenhouse gas emissions and heavy metal pollution associated with traditional zinc electrolysis.
A clinical trial in Spain found that only 1 in 3 family members of patients with colorectal cancer participate in screening, missing opportunities for early detection. The study used fecal testing and colonoscopy to screen first-degree relatives, but uptake was low.
Researchers discovered cancer cells use a force-generating rescue mechanism to stabilise essential cell structures and resist chemotherapy. The study paves the way for developing drugs that target this mechanism to improve cancer therapies.
Researchers have identified a group of babies born to mothers who used fentanyl during pregnancy with similar facial and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The study suggests the emergence of a novel syndrome, which may be caused by fentanyl exposure or another contaminant.