Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to measure the spin of supermassive black holes by tracking the pattern of X-ray flashes produced during tidal disruption events. By analyzing the wobble of the accretion disk, they were able to determine that the nearby black hole was spinning at less than 25% the speed of light.
Researchers analyzed historical milk samples from the 1940s and found that some were resistant to tetracycline antibiotics, defying the conventional understanding of antibiotic resistance. The discovery adds to the growing body of literature on natural antibiotic resistance occurring before humans began using antibiotics.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University found a growing share of cannabis consumers report daily or near-daily use, exceeding those of daily and near-daily alcohol drinkers. Long-term trends in cannabis use parallel corresponding changes in US policy over 43 years.
Researchers developed a method to recycle cement using electric arc furnaces, significantly reducing emissions from concrete and steel production. The process can replace up to half of cement in concrete with recycled cement, producing zero-emission cement if powered by renewable energy.
A new study reveals the challenges faced by autistic girls, women and gender diverse people in healthcare, education and society. Autistic young people express a pressing need for tailored support at school, better understanding of their experiences and strengths, and specialised mental health services.
A new study found that subtle cognitive changes can foreshadow the decision for many seniors to stop driving. Routine cognitive testing may help older adults and their physicians make decisions about driving to maximize safety while preserving independence. Women are more likely to stop driving than men, according to the findings.
A new study reveals that preteens are using online dating apps at an alarming rate, with LGB adolescents being 13 times more likely to report engagement. The study also found that preteen boys spend more time on screens than girls, highlighting the need for guidance and media literacy programs to mitigate risks.
Researchers developed a wearable ultrasound patch that provides three-dimensional data on cerebral blood flow, addressing clinical standard limitations. The device offers hands-free, continuous monitoring and was tested on healthy volunteers with accurate results, paving the way for potential use in patients with neurological conditions.
A team of researchers at Nagoya University has developed a novel method to seal cracks and fractures in rocks using a concretion-forming resin. The resin holds its shape and seals flow-paths rapidly, withstanding six earthquakes in a test period, making it more durable than conventional cement-based materials.
Astronomers at Macquarie University have successfully tested a new technique for observing celestial objects during the day using the Huntsman Telescope. The array of camera lenses can accurately measure stars, satellites, and other targets even when the Sun is high overhead, allowing continual monitoring of bright stars like Betelgeuse.
A team of scientists has discovered an ocean of liquid water beneath Pluto's surface, with a shell of nitrogen and water ice estimated to be 40-80 km thick. The density of the ocean is around 8% denser than seawater on Earth, allowing for minimal fractures in the ice above.
The study identified specific patterns in blood samples of patients who had different clinical outcomes after a heart attack. These patterns, known as 'immune signatures', are associated with either better or worse recovery of heart function. The findings could lead to the development of new diagnostics and treatments for heart failure.
A Griffith University study reveals that informal carers of loved ones with arthritis incur a significant economic burden, losing around $1,000 per week in earnings. By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to $576.9 million, highlighting the need for improved support systems and policies to alleviate this financial strain.
Researchers investigate traditional encryption limitations in practical communication scenarios, exploring the effectiveness of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) and Blockchain technology in autonomous vehicles. DRL and Blockchain integration improves performance, lowers training costs, and creates secure, globally accessible transport...
A Kaiser Permanente study of 316,443 patients reveals that 7.4% repeated fecal testing instead of proceeding to a colonoscopy, and only 41% received a colonoscopy within one year of their initial positive test. Patients who repeated home tests cited concerns about colorectal cancer diagnosis
The KAIST-Yonsei University research team has developed a novel, high-performance paper coating material made from biodegradable plastic that improves the sustainability of paper packaging. The coating material was tested for its biodegradability and found to achieve 59-82% biodegradation in marine environments.
Dr. George Bray's paper tracks the development of obesity research over 100 years, from early explorations to modern medication interventions. The study highlights the chronic and relapsing nature of obesity as a disease process.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new microcomb laser design that provides low power efficiency, high tunability, and easy operation. The simplified approach enables direct control over the comb with a single switch, opening up potential applications in telecommunications systems, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.
By introducing extra Cu and employing a two-step hot deformation process, researchers improve the carrier mobility of n-type Bi2(Te,Se)3, leading to enhanced thermoelectric properties. This results in high-efficiency thermoelectric modules with superior cooling and generation capabilities.
Research published in Nature Mental Health found that one in two children with ADHD show signs of emotional dysregulation, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and explosive outbursts. This symptom is independent of cognitive and motivational problems and may be linked to brain region development.
Scientists from TU Delft and Brown University engineer string-like resonators capable of vibrating for extended periods at room temperature, enabling sensitive sensing applications. The innovation uses advanced nanotechnology techniques and machine learning algorithms to create ultra-long strings with minimal energy loss.
Researchers from VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology improved multiplex mutagenesis, reducing the complexity and cost of large-scale genome editing projects. The team optimized CRISPR/Cas9 vector design, achieving a 99% mutation rate with high efficiency.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are designing more inclusive healthcare environments for autistic children with unique sensory needs. Their study proposes creating sensory adaptive environments and increasing training of medical professionals on sensory differences to improve healthcare experiences.
Researchers developed a flexible static electricity-based sensor that detects objects within a certain range. The new technology has potential applications in smart devices and wearable technology, such as enhancing phone screens to recognize more finger gestures or detecting drowsiness while driving.
A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the Complexity Science Hub shows how diaspora size affects migration flows. The study reveals that people migrate to smaller destinations if their diaspora is present, highlighting the importance of social influence in shaping migration patterns.
Researchers reveal key findings on the ADAM17/iRhom2 complex, shedding light on its role in controlling signaling molecules. The study's structures show that iRhom2 acts as a gatekeeper to ADAM17 lifecycle, interacting with key regions of the protease.
A new study predicts that future climate change will disrupt humpback whales' krill-heavy diet, as their primary prey item Antarctic krill becomes less abundant. The research found that all tested whale populations relied on Antarctic krill, which is essential for their migratory lifestyle.
The researchers created a chemosensor that detects lactic acid levels in saliva without the need for an electrical power source, opening up possibilities for easy use in remote locations. The sensor uses graphene foam technology to measure changes in quantum capacitance when lactate binds, allowing for lower-cost and more reliable trac...
Researchers at Rice University developed a new material that mimics skin elasticity and motion types while preserving signal strength in electronics. The material, made by embedding ceramic nanoparticles into an elastic polymer, stabilizes radio-frequency communication and minimizes energy loss.
A study published in Nature Communications found that sharp-wave ripples in the hippocampus are associated with vivid, imaginative self-generated thoughts and less pleasurable states. This link may have implications for understanding conditions such as autism, attention deficit disorder, and happiness/well-being.
Researchers have developed a new device that can determine photon pair properties in a single shot, improving precision and accuracy in quantum technologies. The metasurface-enabled multiport interferometer reduces size, weight, and power while increasing reliability.
A new study explores the growing fentanyl smoking culture in San Francisco, highlighting individual experiences and local trends. Participants reported fear of overdose and challenges with injecting as motivations for switching to smoking, but some expressed concerns about hygiene and residue risks.
Researchers at ORNL have characterized promethium's properties in solution for the first time, providing a new understanding of its chemical behavior and its potential applications. The study's findings also shed light on lanthanide contraction, a phenomenon that affects the size and shape of these elements.
A team of researchers from City of Hope has identified novel associations between DNA methylation activity and a subsequent risk of developing kidney failure in type 1 diabetes patients. By analyzing blood samples from over 277 participants, they found stable biomarkers that remained remarkably consistent across years.
A LSU study found that chronic relative sea level rise combined with short-term weather-related shocks, such as droughts and hurricanes, led to the decline of Phragmites-dominated stands in the marsh. The study suggests elevating marsh beds with sediment can improve resilience.
A study found that measuring liver attenuation at a depth of 6 cm from the skin yields better results for diagnosing hepatic steatosis. Technical factors like reverberation, blank color regions, and acoustic shadowing can affect imaging accuracy.
The BCG vaccine has been shown to provide continuous protection for nearly two years against severe COVID-19 disease and other infectious diseases in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The study found a significant efficacy of 54.3% over the full 34 months of the US COVID-19 pandemic.
A national study found a significant increase in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) among adolescents and young adults in the US. Female adolescents showed a higher increase in GLP-1RA usage compared to males, highlighting the need for education on potential safety risks during pregnancy.
Researchers have developed a novel solubilizer for olaparib, a selective PARP inhibitor, using π-π-stacked poly (ɛ-caprolactone)-based micelles. The studies found that these micelles improved the solubility of olaparib and exhibited sustained release behavior in vitro.
Irina Petrache, MD, has commenced her term as President of the American Thoracic Society. She was announced at the ATS 2024 International Conference and is a professor of medicine at National Jewish Health and University of Colorado.
Engineers have modelled a new way to recycle polystyrene that could make the material reusable. The technique uses pyrolysis to break down polystyrene into parts that can be reformed into new pieces of the material, reducing energy consumption and increasing yield.
This study introduces a landscape intervention method to address unequal e-waste treatment, focusing on ecological restoration and local community benefits. The proposed approach combines five concepts: ecological restoration, flood management, stormwater purification, spatial programs, and livelihood income.
Researchers found that microbial communities can stimulate decomposition of both fresh and old organic matter, with significant implications for the marine carbon cycle. The study suggests that increased input of fresh organic matter due to climate change could lead to a disproportionate effect on degradation of refractory organic matter.
A new study followed 283 older adults with no memory or thinking problems to examine the factors leading to stopping driving. The research found that female participants were more likely to stop driving than male participants, as well as those who developed cognitive impairment and performed worse on cognitive tests.
Patients living far from comprehensive cancer centers (CCC) have higher odds of receiving late-stage cancer diagnoses. Non-Hispanic Black patients and those with no insurance also experience disparities in cancer staging. CCCs can improve outcomes by adopting standardized catchment area assessments and sharing patient care information.
Dr. Bérénice Benayoun's research focuses on big data, sex differences, and immune function in relation to aging, aiming to understand how genomic regulation mechanisms influence aging and health. She has secured over $7.58M in grants across 16 projects, recognizing her innovative contributions to geroscience.
A study of young people in contact with mental health services found that half met criteria for problematic smartphone use. The study also revealed high levels of sleep disturbance and self-harm among the participants.
A recent study found that high cumulative BMI is associated with smaller brain volume, larger white matter lesions, and abnormal microstructural integrity in adults. Maintaining a healthy BMI below 26.2 kg/m² is suggested for better brain health.
A recent study by researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) found that female judges tend to hand down longer sentences in cases involving sexual abuse and assault. The study analyzed over 2,200 cases and concluded that the sex of the presiding judge has a significant impact on sentence length.
Researchers found high-concentration H2 leakage in the Sanshui Basin, suggesting vast accumulation or continuous source of natural hydrogen. The discovery proposes favorable locations for H2 exploration, particularly in rift basins with mantle upwelling and crustal thinning.
Early hunter-gatherers in central Chile regularly visited Tagua Tagua Lake between 12,440-12,550 years old to hunt ancient elephants and process other local resources. The discovery of the fossil remains of a gomphothere at the site provides insights into the subsistence strategies of early humans during the Late Pleistocene.
A team of international researchers has measured the molecular diffusion coefficient of a supercritical fluid, revealing a gradual transition from gas-like to liquid-like behavior across the Widom line. This study contributes to our understanding of supercritical fluid dynamics and holds implications for planetary science.
The Endocrine Society will unveil new research on male birth control and anti-obesity medications during ENDO 2024 news conferences. The society's Vitamin D Clinical Practice Guideline is also being shared publicly for the first time, featuring discussions on its recommendations.
A longitudinal study found that boys experienced a significant increase in depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging later in the first year and then early into the second year. In contrast, girls' symptoms decreased during the school-closure phase but returned to pre-pandemic levels after schools reopened.
Researchers used a computational model to analyze flow interactions among schools of fish, revealing that in-phase synchronization saves energy equally, while anti-phase movements increase energy demand. The study suggests that fish might be motivated by greed rather than cooperation when assuming their preferred swimming position.
Climate change is driving sudden onset of drying in South America and southern Africa, while Central Asia sees increased moisture due to warming temperatures
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a potential drug-like molecule that blocks the first stage of type A influenza infection. The inhibitors target hemagglutinin, a protein on the surface of type A influenza viruses, and have shown improved cellular antiviral potency compared to previous compounds.
Research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024 reveals the risks associated with weight-loss drugs and alpha-gal syndrome. Studies found that GLP-1 weight loss drugs may increase the risk of biliary disease and gastroparesis, while an alpha-gal syndrome diagnosis is linked to GI symptoms in females.
A recent laboratory study found that human body lice are more efficient at transmitting Yersinia pestis, the bacterium causing plague, than previously believed. The researchers discovered a new mechanism by which lice can spread the pathogen through bites, highlighting the potential role of body lice in past plague outbreaks.
A study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has found that participants with slower brain aging had a distinct nutrient profile similar to the Mediterranean diet. This profile is characterized by specific fatty acids, antioxidants, and carotenoids that are associated with improved cognitive performance and brain health.