The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of K2-18 b, an exoplanet with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and potential for a water ocean surface. The findings support the hypothesis that K2-18 b could be a Hycean exoplanet, making it a promising environment to search for life.
Babies with more mature gut microbiota at one year old are less likely to develop allergy-related wheeze or asthma. The study, which followed 1074 babies from birth to four years old, found that increased maturity of the gut microbiota was associated with a lower risk of these conditions.
A recent special issue investigates the molecular mechanisms behind cancer's malignant phenotype, exploring topics such as metabolic reprogramming and tumor heterogeneity. The findings aim to contribute to the development of mechanism-based approaches for cancer treatment.
Research shows city living, day care attendance, damp homes, and traffic pollution increase the risk of chest infections in young children. Breastfeeding reduces this risk. Urban environments also affect immune systems before exposure to illnesses.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered that elusive neutrinos can interact with photons in ways not previously detected under extreme conditions. This finding has implications for understanding quantum mechanical interactions of fundamental particles and may help reveal details of the solar corona heating puzzle.
Researchers have developed a new method to study the inner workings of cell nuclei during embryonic stem cell differentiation. By using fluorescent proteins, they found that biomaterials become more uniformly distributed as cells mature, resembling oil droplets in water, but with intriguing complexities.
This study investigates the effects of dietary cholesterol and fruit tannins on kidney stone formation in male mice. The results show that combinations of these substances lead to increased urinary sediment particles and crystal formation, particularly in the renal papilla. Microscopic analysis reveals inflammatory responses and vascul...
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed world-class perovskite transistors by combining three distinct perovskite cations, achieving high hole mobility and on/off current ratio. This breakthrough enables faster computing with lower power consumption.
Researchers from the University of South Australia have designed a self-sustaining solar-driven system that evaporates seawater to recycle it into freshwater, growing crops without human involvement. The vertical floating sea farm has several advantages over other designs, including low energy consumption and high food production.
Research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress suggests that CPAP machines can prevent deaths from heart disease and reduce cardiovascular problems in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A pilot study also found that CPAP may be more effective than a weight-loss drug in tackling clogged arteries.
In a randomized clinical trial, lorundrostat effectively lowered blood pressure in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension compared to placebo. The study included 200 participants and will require further confirmation.
Researchers argue that considering an animal's entire 'parasitome' is crucial for understanding its place in the food chain. By analyzing stable isotopes, scientists can determine who is eating whom and how parasites affect behavior and metabolism.
A study of nearly 20,000 patients found that the color of their phlegm can indicate the degree of inflammation in their lungs and predict future outcomes. Patients with darker green or brown-colored sputum were at a higher risk of exacerbations, hospitalizations, and death.
Researchers have found that the protein Musashi-2 plays a crucial role in regulating type 2a muscle fiber mass and metabolism. The study reveals that Msi2 knockout mice exhibit reduced muscle mass, decreased myoglobin and mitochondria levels, and impaired sugar metabolism.
Researchers introduced 'Meta-Sorter,' an AI-based method that leverages neural networks and transfer learning to significantly improve biome labeling. The approach achieves an overall accuracy rate of 96.7% in classifying samples among the 16,507 lacking detailed biome annotations.
Biologists at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun synthesized silver nanoparticles using fungi, showing potential for medical applications. The method also improves crop protection by detecting plant pathogens and delivering nutrients to plants with minimal waste.
Research shows that tobacco-owned food brands have selectively disseminated hyperpalatable foods, making them hard to resist. This study found that these foods are high in fat, sugar, sodium, or refined carbohydrates, leading to increased risk of obesity and related health consequences.
Researchers found that different safety-net hospital definitions captured varying hospitals and characteristics, complicating funding allocations. A universal definition or index is recommended to identify hospitals for funding, incorporating community and service characteristics beyond financial expenditures.
Researchers used a new analytical approach to understand how the brain controls movement and eye stability in zebrafish. By analyzing neuronal activity, they identified two main features that correspond to specific types of movements, including eye rotation and body positioning.
A new editorial paper explores the effectiveness of the third dose booster vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised individuals. Researchers found that while the vaccine improves vaccine effectiveness across various measures, its benefits are not as significant for patients with cancer.
A study of health care workers found that co-administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines was not associated with reduced immune response or increased adverse events. The results support the co-administration of these vaccines, suggesting a safer and more efficient vaccination strategy.
A new Naval Research Laboratory-funded project led by UCF researcher Kareem Ahmed aims to create a morphing hypersonic engine that can optimize performance and travel distance. The $450,000 grant will develop an adaptable engine configuration that can self-optimize its surfaces for maximum performance power, thrust, and travel distance.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that childhood survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are at high risk of readmission within two months after discharge. The research suggests that targeted interventions such as telephonic contact, follow-up clinics, and home health care may help reduce readmission rates.
A recent study evaluates the feasibility of ammonia-based power generation through techno-economic and carbon footprint analyses. The research reveals an impressive energy efficiency rate of 46.7% within the designed power generation process, with costs and greenhouse gas emissions considered.
A team of researchers has discovered that the worm C. elegans uses a unique system to regulate its development, with a quartet of molecules working in concert to control gene expression. This process shares similarities with human circadian clocks, and understanding how it operates could provide insights into developmental biology.
A team of scientists has discovered a more accurate pressure scale using synchrotron studies, leading to a significant increase in the amount of light material in the inner core. The new scale found double the expected amount of lighter material in the inner core and five times that of the Earth's crust.
A team at Aston University has demonstrated that benchtop spectrometers can analyse pyrolysis bio-oils with high accuracy, comparable to expensive high-field spectrometers. This breakthrough makes NMR analysis of pyrolysis oils more accessible and affordable.
The journal's October 2023 issue addresses racism in reproductive health through a transdisciplinary approach, featuring articles on disparities, community engagement, and research. The special issue aims to promote health equity and inclusion, providing a safe space for historically marginalized people.
A new report reveals that Antarctica experienced both a record-breaking heatwave and extreme precipitation in 2022. The coldest and driest continent's ice sheet lost significant amounts of ice, contributing to sea level rise. Despite this, the region's snowfall actually protected the world against further sea level rise.
Researchers at the University of Sydney and Max Planck Institute have developed new methods to describe synchronicity in complex systems. Their findings suggest that convergent walks on a network structure can lead to poor quality synchronisation.
Researchers at UTSA are studying the bioactive properties of Sweet Annie, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The study reveals that arteannuin B from the plant has anti-COVID and anti-glioblastoma properties, offering new avenues for targeted therapy.
Table salt has been found to outperform expensive catalysts in the pyrolysis process, which breaks down plastics into simpler compounds. The researchers' findings have significant implications for reducing costs and increasing efficiency in plastic recycling, with potential applications in industries such as packaging and energy.
A randomized trial published in The Lancet Oncology found that condensing prostate beam scanning proton therapy for breast cancer patients can result in similar control of the cancer while sparing surrounding normal tissue. The study demonstrated excellent outcomes, with reduced skin side effects and comparable complication rates.
A new study led by Holden Arboretum ecologists explores the impact of warmer temperatures on decomposition rates in natural ecosystems. The research reveals that interactions between microbes, plants, and warming temperatures can alter decomposition rates, providing valuable insights into how climate change affects ecosystem function.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Safari program aims to connect post-exit entrepreneurs with commercially relevant technologies developed by world-leading scientific experts. The program seeks to expedite the transition of research toward the marketplace, promoting U.S. competitiveness and national security.
Climate change is altering Italian mountain forests, with trees potentially shifting uphill and species disappearing. The study found that some species, like the European larch and Turkey oak, may thrive in a warmer future, while others, such as the silver fir and European beech, are at risk.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are receiving US DOE funding to explore atmospheric processes that lead to extreme weather events. The project aims to better understand blocking patterns and their impact on climate change, ultimately informing local, state, and national leaders on how to prepare for these events.
A new how-to guide for building big team science projects helps researchers manage collaborative efforts by identifying consensus buy-in, sharing data and collaborating on writing. The guide outlines best practices and overcoming challenges in governance, authorship, and credit management.
Rice University researchers have been awarded a 4-year, $1.2 million grant from the Department of Energy to evaluate different physical systems used to build quantum computers. The project aims to provide a framework for comparing the viability and computational potential of various approaches to building quantum computers.
A recent study uncovered the facts behind the 1931 Yangtze River flood, which affected 25 million lives and claimed over 2 million lives. The research found that tropical El Nino-related sea surface temperature forcing and extratropical wave activities over the Eurasian continent combined to cause the disaster.
Defective exosomes in diabetic patients drive inflammation and impair wound healing. Researchers identified alterations in exosome cargo and release that compromise wound healing in diabetes. New exosome-focused therapies may promote healing of chronic wounds.
The EurekAlert! Fellowships program selects two early-career Latin American science journalists each year, providing travel funding and access to the AAAS Annual Meeting. Fellowship winners receive newsroom credentials for exclusive events and networking opportunities.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE surveyed over 5,000 British people to better understand how sexual behaviors change with age. The research found that many gay and bisexual men continue to have multiple partners well into old age, while straight women become less sexually active after 50.
Researchers at the University of Oxford's Botanic Garden and Mathematical Institute have found that the shape, size, and geometry of pitcher plants determines the type of prey they trap. The study showed that large, flared rims are suited to capturing walking insects such as ants.
The American Heart Association and NFL offer resources to support physical activity in classrooms. The initiative aims to promote whole-body health and reduce sedentary behaviors among students.
A new study found that ozone substantially changes floral odour plumes, reducing honeybees' ability to recognise odours by up to 90%. This degradation affects pollinators' crucial role in the natural environment, with implications for food security and biodiversity.
A UMBC team of data scientists has won a $4 million DARPA grant to develop an online tool called Caselet, designed to enhance learners' data science problem-solving skills. The platform uses AI-augmented feedback and self-paced practice to coach users through real-world data science case studies.
Researchers discovered a potential new target for treating metastatic cancer by blocking the cytosol-to-mitochondria citrate flux process, which induces oxidative stress and cell death. The study's findings provide additional data to support therapy targeting this process for cancer patients with metastasis.
A recent study has successfully predicted potential drug outcomes and side effects by analyzing the discrepancy in gene perturbation effects between cells and humans. Researchers used machine learning to forecast drug approvals, improving reliability over conventional methods that only consider chemical properties.
Researchers have found that a single enzyme produced by the blood-brain barrier controls the amount of juvenile hormone that enters the brain, leading to different behaviors among worker ants. This discovery has implications beyond the ant world and suggests similar mechanisms may be at play in other species.
Dr Saskia Limbach receives ERC Starting Grant to investigate the effects of the printing press on widows' rights and agency. The project 'WidowsPrint' aims to reconstruct the professional networks of women book printers and analyse their economic contributions in 16th-17th century Germany.
A nationwide study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that close relatives and partners of people with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer and severe liver disease. This suggests that family members could benefit from the same lifestyle advice as patients with MASLD.
The article discusses how artificial intelligence can enhance climate modeling by generating large ensembles of simulations at moderately high resolutions. This approach capitalizes on advances in computing and AI to learn from data, enabling more accurate predictions and reduced uncertainty. By focusing on resolutions between 10-50 km...
Researchers at UCSF Health found a way to help teens adjust to their natural sleep-cycle rhythms while fulfilling school responsibilities. The Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, especially among night-owl adolescents.
A University of Texas at Arlington study estimates human destruction of natural floodplains on a global scale for the first time. The research found that between 1992 and 2019, the world lost 600,000 square kilometers of floodplains due to human disturbances.
Researchers have successfully performed robotic bladder transplantation in human cadaver models and beating-heart donors. The technique aims to reduce surgical times and improve outcomes for patients with terminal bladder conditions.
Researchers have discovered that irisin-based therapies might help combat Alzheimer's disease by reducing amyloid beta deposits and enhancing neprilysin levels. Exercise-induced irisin treatment led to a remarkable reduction of amyloid beta pathology in a 3D human cell culture model of AD.
Researchers at PSI have identified sesquiterpenes as a major factor in cloud formation, which could reduce uncertainties in climate models. The study's findings suggest these compounds form ten times more particles than other organic substances.
Researchers at Meijo University have created silicon-based anodes for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries using a single-step plasma sputtering process. The new method produces Si/Sn nanowire anodes with higher capacity than traditional graphite anodes, demonstrating stable performance and potential for advancing battery technology.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a soft robot that can navigate simple mazes without human or computer guidance. The new robot has an asymmetrical design, allowing it to turn and move in arcs, enabling it to navigate complex and dynamic environments.