A novel method to obtain acetone has been developed by a scientific collaboration between researchers in Brazil and Germany, using only light and photoactive iron chloride. The process is direct, safer, and cheaper than traditional methods, with fewer stages and no high temperatures or flammable intermediaries.
An analysis of 71,000 shooting incidents in five major US cities found that socioeconomic status and lack of access to a vehicle are strongly linked to increased firearm assaults. Policymakers can use this data to target neighborhoods at risk of firearm violence using the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index.
Researchers have developed a new vaccination method that induces the production of antibodies in mucus, which can disable viruses. This approach has shown promising results in monkeys, suggesting that oral vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 may be more effective and popular than traditional subcutaneous vaccinations.
A new method, M3-seq, has been developed to study the gene expression patterns of individual bacteria with unprecedented detail. This approach enables researchers to identify rare bacterial populations and profile phage infection, shedding light on complex biological phenomena.
Researchers at Drexel University found that the brains of Alzheimer's patients showed profoundly different bacterial profiles compared to healthy controls. The study identified five brain microbiomes, four of which are hypothesized to be present at different times in the evolution of the disease.
Researchers found a strong positive correlation between BRD4 overexpression and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. The study demonstrated that BRD4-L and BRD4-S isoforms play a role in promoting chemotherapy resistance in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.
Göttingen University researchers develop mathematical model that shows small imbalances in mixture composition can amplify and control phase separation. This discovery offers a potential mechanism for regulating structure formation in living cells, with applications in fields such as market economies and ecological networks.
A survey of 1,369 cat owners found that those on vegan diets tended to report fewer veterinary visits and less medication use compared to those on meat-based diets. While the differences were not statistically significant, these findings support the healthfulness of vegan diets for cats.
A recent study classified clubmosses into seven primary clades and nineteen genera, with twelve newly described genera. This classification offers advantages for analysis, communication, and conservation of these ancient vascular plants.
A new study reveals that a massive galaxy cluster collision at half the Universe's current age is inconsistent with the standard Lambda-cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model. The El Gordo cluster, with a mass 2000 trillion times that of the Sun, challenges the theory's predictions for structure formation and galaxy evolution.
Scientists have found that lung-resident memory B cells, critical for pulmonary immunity, require interferon-gamma produced by T follicular helper cells to differentiate. These long-lived immune cells migrate to the lungs from draining lymph nodes and lie in wait to react quickly to future infections.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique using Bessel beam two-photon microscopy to detect stalling in brain capillaries, which can indicate acute neurological issues. The approach generates clear images of all capillaries every two seconds, providing better temporal resolution and enabling the detection of short stalling events.
China has made significant strides in coastal wetland conservation, with notable progress in national-level legislation and stakeholder engagement. However, pressing issues persist, including habitat restoration, invasive species control, and pollution management, which require more science-based decision-making and action.
A new study confirms that roadside hedges can dramatically reduce air pollution around schools by soaking up ultrafine particles emitted by traffic. Hedges have been found to act as protective barriers, capturing and filtering out harmful particles.
Researchers from Queen's University have identified two potential polar ring galaxies using data from the CSIRO's ASKAP radio telescope. The discovery suggests that these rare clusters might be more common than previously believed, with implications for our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter research.
Researchers in Namibia analyzed prehistoric rock art engravings of animal tracks and human footprints, revealing surprising details about the diversity of species represented. The findings suggest culturally determined preferences in the depiction of animals, with a preference for adult male footprints.
Researchers at MIT and partners have discovered that variations in lithium ion flow rates are correlated with differences in carbon coating thickness, which could lead to improved battery efficiency. This technique allows for the extraction of insights from nanoscale data, offering potential applications beyond battery technology.
A new study finds that human activities are impacting the planet, breaching six planetary boundaries and increasing the risk of triggering dramatic changes. The study highlights the need for a global focus on interactions between boundaries, particularly Climate and Biosphere Integrity.
Researchers at Lund University developed a new 3D-simulation method to identify individuals at high risk of osteoporotic fractures. The method uses 2D X-ray images to produce 3D models of the thigh bone, enabling simulations of different scenarios and assessing risk more accurately.
Researchers at UniSA develop nanocarriers to deliver the antibiotic Narasin to acne-prone areas, demonstrating a 100-fold increase in absorption compared to traditional treatments. The findings have significant implications for treating drug-resistant acne and improving treatment outcomes.
Replacing combustion engines with electric vehicles in Chicago would significantly reduce air pollution, especially in predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Latinx neighborhoods. The study found that electrification of all on-road vehicles could save over 1,000 lives and $10 billion annually.
Researchers have developed a high-resolution MRI microscope capable of capturing human embryos with a resolution of one-hundredth of a millimeter. This breakthrough enables detailed visualization and analysis of brain development and organ growth, paving the way for a high-resolution atlas of brain and other organs.
A new study found that depression risk in adolescents varies between boys and girls, with different cytokines linked to depression severity in each sex. In boys, higher levels of interleukin-2 were associated with increased risk and severity of depressive symptoms.
A growing body of researchers question the feasibility of green growth, preferring post-growth theories that prioritize sustainability and social justice. Climate policy experts from high-income countries are most skeptical of green growth, while those from non-OECD nations support it.
A novel mitochondrial enzyme was identified as key to reproductive aging, increasing oocyte clustering with age and affecting fertility
A study by the University of Delaware found that structural stigma negatively impacts LGB individuals, leading to later coming-out ages and longer closet durations. The research used EU-LGBTI Survey II data from over 137,000 participants across 28 European countries.
Millions of children worldwide suffer from malnutrition, leading to poor growth and increased risk of death. Researchers analyzed data on nearly 84,000 children under two years old and found that season of birth makes a difference in wasting patterns.
Researchers identified distinct genomic characteristics that impact prognosis for patients with triple negative apocrine carcinoma. The study confirmed a five-year disease-free survival rate of 92.2% for these patients, significantly higher than those diagnosed with other types of TNBC.
Researchers developed a technique called CHOOSE that allows them to test the effect of multiple mutations in parallel and at a single-cell level within human brain organoids. The study identified critical transcriptional changes regulated through common networks, or GRNs, and found that some cell types are more susceptible to autism mu...
A study found that specific proteins in breast milk correlate with the abundance of certain gut microbes in infants, potentially playing a role in early immune and metabolic development. The research suggests a regulatory function of these proteins on the immune function of the gut microbiome in humans.
Researchers at Indian Institute of Science create SQ-CARS, a scalable platform for advanced quantum experiments with superconducting transmon qubits, reducing cost and size.
Researchers found common and diverse microbes in hot springs on three continents with water temperatures above 65°C. The study provides insights into how microorganisms adapt to unique local conditions and geological settings.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool are developing a novel immunotherapeutic strategy to treat non-small cell lung cancer. They will create personalized 'doggybone DNA' vaccines using rapid replication of genetic medicine.
Researchers create process to recycle polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene plastics into chemical ingredients useful for energy storage. The new method uses LEDs and a catalyst, reducing greenhouse emissions compared to traditional recycling processes.
A trained detection dog was found to be more accurate and efficient than humans in detecting sea turtle nests in Florida. The study indicates the potential of using dogs for nest monitoring, which could improve conservation efforts for three sea turtle species.
Researchers found that human-induced aerosol emissions largely drive temperature fluctuations in the tropical Atlantic Ocean, impacting Sahel rainfall and hurricane formation. The study's results suggest a correlation between reduced aerosol emissions and increased Atlantic hurricane activity and Sahel rainfall.
Researchers at UW–Madison and Stanford University developed a new approach to increase donor and recipient biocompatibility, inducing tolerance in transplanted kidneys. Two monkeys with just one match among key protein strings maintained chimeric immune systems for over four years without rejection or graft-versus-host disease.
Researchers detected genetic diversity and population structure of invasive round goby fish using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. This technique helps trace the source of new invasive populations and prevent further invasion, enabling natural resource managers to take targeted action.
A pilot study found that ChatGPT performed as well as doctors in suggesting the most likely diagnoses for patients being assessed in emergency medicine departments. The chatbot generated a list of likely diagnoses and suggested the most likely option, with a large overlap between its shortlist and those of doctors.
The University of Texas at Arlington is leading a $3.2 million NSF grant to increase the number of underrepresented STEM faculty through mentoring advanced doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. The project aims to deploy and refine tools to help underrepresented faculty succeed in academia.
Climate change exacerbates cardiovascular disease through poor air quality and extreme temperatures, according to a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. Experts review environmental influences, exposures, and practical tips for healthcare providers to mitigate these effects.
A recent UTSA study reveals that 51% of Texas owls have high levels of anticoagulant rodenticides in their systems. The research team recommends using natural methods to control rodents and increasing awareness of the effects on non-target wildlife.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed acidity-triggered rational membrane peptide-functionalized nanospheres that combine tumor detection and monitoring with potent, light-triggered cancer therapy. These nanospheres enable improved efficacy of phototherapies with minimal systemic toxicity.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that people who use both tobacco and cannabis are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those who use tobacco only or neither substance. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 US adults and found a significant association between co-use and poor mental health outcomes.
Researchers developed an AI foundation model for eye care that can identify sight-threatening eye diseases and predict general health. The model, RETFound, was trained on millions of eye scans from the NHS and outperforms existing state-of-the-art AI systems across complex clinical tasks.
A research team at City University of Hong Kong has developed a highly efficient electrocatalyst that enhances hydrogen generation through electrochemical water splitting. The catalyst, composed of transition-metal dichalcogenide nanosheets with unconventional crystal phases, exhibits superior activity and stability in acidic media.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered a distinct type of stem cell that secretes protein MFGE8, favoring tumor metastases to the spine. This finding helps explain why solid tumors often spread to the spine and could lead to new orthopedic and cancer treatments.
A new study suggests that premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy may cause more chronic medical conditions, such as asthma and arthritis, and physical function decline late in midlife. Women who underwent the procedure before age 46 had increased risks of these conditions.
Researchers created a machine-learning algorithm using the largest data set of digital biomarkers for hot flashes. The predictive system delivers cooling to mitigate or fully alleviate hot flashes using Embr Wave's wearable device.
A multi-state analysis of US county-level data found that minor court debt can lead to jail admissions in Texas, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. The study suggests a pressing issue with modern-day debt imprisonment.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found suitable substrates and growth patterns for long-spined sea urchins, a keystone species in maintaining coral reef health. The study provides a crucial step towards restoring these vital ecosystems by growing corals in ocean nurseries.
Researchers discovered a membrane protein, CMTM6, that stabilizes CD58 and PD-L1, enhancing T cell activation and improving immune response against tumors. The findings suggest CMTM6 could be a key player in shaping the response to immunotherapies.
A digital twin of the bladder has been developed to simulate normal and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO)-affected function. The model will help researchers better understand the connection between changes in BOO bladder wall structure and functionality, enabling them to develop new treatments and predict treatment success rates.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed small robotic devices that can change their shape in mid-air using a Miura-ori origami fold, enabling battery-free control over descent. The devices can transition from tumbling to falling states, allowing for precise landings in turbulent wind conditions.
Climate scientists simulated North African Humid Periods every 21,000 years driven by Earth's orbital precession. The study revealed that these humid events intensified the West African Monsoon system, resulting in the spread of savannah-type vegetation across the desert.
A new study found that a deadly frog disease, Perkinsea, is more widespread in Central Florida than expected, infecting over a third of sampled frogs. The disease is linked to cooler temperatures and higher precipitation, posing a concern for threatened species like the gopher frog.
A new method of analyzing nanoscale X-ray movies reveals unprecedented insights into how lithium-ion batteries store and release charge. The study suggests ways to improve the efficiency of billions of nanoparticles in electrode materials, potentially leading to faster-charging batteries.
A new study finds that most coastal communities will experience 100-year floods annually by the end of the century, even under a moderate carbon emission scenario. Rising sea levels will lead to an increase in extreme flood events worldwide.
A team of researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University has identified a gene called Rasip1 as crucial for blood cell development. SOX17, a transcription factor, is found to activate Rasip1, leading to the formation of hematopoietic stem cells and associated hematopoietic activity.
Researchers found that shoreline spiders can move mercury pollution up the food chain to land animals like birds and bats. The study suggests these spiders can serve as a potential link between aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, informing management decisions.