Plant biologists have identified two genes that work together to trigger embryo formation in rice egg cells, enabling the creation of high-yielding clonal strains. The method, which increases success rates to around 90%, has significant implications for sustainable agriculture and could provide a path forward for resource-limited farmers.
US schools are struggling to deploy social workers effectively due to a lack of standardization in roles and implementation. Many districts are unclear about the types of work school social workers can do, leading to inconsistent utilization.
A new study found that residential garden produce grown near the Fayetteville Works fluorochemical plant can contain high levels of GenX and other PFAS, posing an exposure risk to consumers. Water-rich produce like berries and figs exhibited the highest PFAS levels, with daily intake estimates suggesting a significant health concern.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have created a tiny, wearable generator that can charge laptops and power smartphones using body vibrations. The device uses piezoelectric materials to generate electricity efficiently and cost-effectively.
Researchers at University of Arizona discovered a spike in carbon-14 dating to 664 B.C., pinpointing the last known extreme solar storm event. The study provides crucial data for scientists studying sun's activity and offers insights into massive storms' effects on Earth's atmosphere.
Researchers introduce a new approach for megapixel-scale fluorescence microscopy through complex scattering media, resolving high-resolution images without requiring specialized equipment. This technique efficiently corrects distortions caused by light scattering, enabling clear imaging of dense targets.
A new study highlights the pressures human activities place on tropical marine ecosystems, with fishing techniques and tourism posing the greatest threat. The research provides insights into the impact of various activities on different habitats, shedding light on how to ensure sustainable management.
A new study found that cannabis use worsens reduced brain connectivity in individuals at high risk of psychosis. This deficit is associated with symptoms like social withdrawal and lack of motivation, which are difficult to treat with current medications.
Researchers have cataloged the microbiome of US rivers, finding high levels of antibiotic resistance genes near wastewater treatment plants. The study also reveals that microbes play a significant role in shaping river health and can predict water quality under current and future scenarios.
Researchers at WashU Medicine engineered a probiotic that delivers immunotherapy directly to the gut, shrinking tumors in mice. The probiotic uses a yeast-based system to produce immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially treating hard-to-reach cancers.
A study in Warsaw, Poland found no difference in insect-pollinated plant composition or species richness between sown and natural meadows. However, natural meadows had twice the number of butterflies compared to sown meadows.
This special issue highlights novel applications and developments in long-read sequencing, offering advances in genome assembly and annotation, characterization of complex genomic rearrangements, and full-length mRNA isoform resolution. Long-read technologies are expanding understanding of rare diseases and impacting germline testing.
A novel method has been developed to infer DNA methylation patterns in non-skeletal tissues from ancient specimens, providing new insights into human evolution. The study found over 1,850 sites of differential methylation specifically in prefrontal cortex neurons, linked to genes crucial for brain development.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed a Bayesian metamodeling technique to analyze T-cell activation, revealing intricate patterns in early signaling. The study sheds light on the molecular processes behind T-cell activation and has implications for improving treatments for various diseases.
Researchers examined 25 astronauts' cognitive performance over a 6-month ISS mission and found slower processing speed, working memory, and attention, but accuracy remained intact. No significant cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative decline was observed after the mission.
Researchers created a spatial atlas of the developing human thymus, revealing key differences in immune cell development and function. The study's findings could inform new T cell engineering therapies for cancer treatments, autoimmune conditions, and regenerative immune therapies for older adults or those with compromised immune systems.
Researchers have demonstrated a potential antibacterial treatment from a modified darobactin against infections caused by bacteria such as E. coli and Acinetobacter baumannii, which are known to develop drug resistance. The compound D22 showed efficacy in animal trials, highlighting its promise for further development.
A new UCLA study categorizes people with chronic liver disease into four unique risk groups based on barriers to outpatient care, increasing the likelihood of hospitalization. The study highlights the need for interventions aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations among the highest-risk individuals.
New research highlights additional therapies being tested for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborns, including agents blocking glutamate receptor activation and antioxidant drugs. While therapeutic hypothermia is effective in high-income countries, its efficacy is uncertain in low- and middle-income nations.
A new study explores the significance of student-teacher relationships in promoting children's development during early elementary school years. The research highlights the importance of close and conflict-free relationships between students and teachers, with benefits extending across multiple grade levels.
A study of 1,264 case files found that adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation had high rates of mental health diagnoses and lower educational achievements. Childhood abuse, history of arrest, and age at entry were also associated with longer exploitation periods.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered that LXA4 can halve inflammation and scar formation in diabetic hearts, offering a promising new treatment option. The study's findings suggest that LXA4-based therapies could be used to manage diabetic heart disease more effectively.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered clay cylinders with alphabetic writing from around 2400 BCE, upending previous knowledge of alphabet origins. The find suggests that people were experimenting with new communication technologies earlier than thought.
A study published in Nature Cities analyzed textile waste in various cities, finding that most donated clothes are exported or thrown away. Experts call for a change in how cities handle fashion waste, suggesting the need for local recycling and reuse facilities.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists reveals that the enzyme EZH2 drives aggressive tumor growth in treatment-resistant prostate cancers. The absence of protein PKCλ/ι enables EZH2's alternative function, promoting cancer progression despite androgen receptor inhibitors.
A new North American population-based study found preterm birth associated with higher mortality risks throughout life, especially during infancy and early childhood. Researchers identified a range of causes contributing to the increased mortality risk after preterm birth.
Researchers used stable isotope analyses to determine the nitrogen isotope ratios in the hair of four closely related civet species, revealing that faunivory was much more common than previously thought. The study suggests that varying degrees of consumption of animal sources is the key mechanism of niche partitioning among these species.
Scientists have created a thermoacoustic engine that converts thermal energy into acoustic energy, which can be transformed into mechanical or electrical energy. The device has the potential to generate power ranging from tens to thousands of watts and could be used for camping, backpacking, and emergency situations.
A new study by Umea University researchers found that mixed forests with multiple tree species are less prone to damage from fungi, insects, and fires. The results suggest that increasing the number of tree species in production forests could reduce forest damage risk and financial losses.
A new study found that speech sounds have texture and shape to them, with R sounds associated with roughness and L sounds with smoothness. The research showed strong tendencies for matching trilled R sounds with jagged lines and L sounds with straight lines across cultures.
A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed a clinically validated, wearable ultrasound patch for continuous and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. The device offers precise, real-time readings of blood pressure deep within the body, providing detailed trends in blood pressure fluctuations.
Researchers have created the world's largest freely-available resource of human gut cells, mapping 1.6 million cells to identify new ways to treat disease. The study highlights a specific gut cell type involved in inflammation, potentially leading to new targets for IBD treatment and bowel cancer prevention.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel co-culture system that facilitates cultivating multiple indigenous skin bacteria in a balanced state. This breakthrough allows for detailed analysis of the biology of indigenous skin bacteria, which can lead to new treatments for skin diseases and improved quality of life.
Higher education institutions are fostering innovation and cultivating skills to address global challenges like climate change, poverty, and technological advancement. By embedding Sustainable Development Goals into their curricula, universities can empower students to become effective change agents.
Researchers analyzed 35 million news links on Facebook and found that around 75% were shared without clicking, with conservative content being shared more often. This suggests social media users tend to merely read headlines rather than engage with core content, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
Researchers have discovered two human antibodies that can recognize and target proteins causing severe malaria. These broadly reactive antibodies may represent a common mechanism of acquired immunity to severe malaria, offering insights for the design of a PfEMP1-based vaccine or treatment targeting severe malaria. The breakthrough cou...
A new study from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that at least 3% of normal breast tissue cells in healthy women contain chromosome abnormalities associated with invasive breast cancer, which may guide future approaches to early detection.
A new high-metal-loading single-atom catalyst (SAC) enhances the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), effectively boosting bacterial killing. SACs demonstrate excellent catalytic performance and biocompatibility.
A University of Michigan-led study suggests that recycled pacemakers can be used safely and effectively in patients with life-threatening cardiac conditions. The international clinical trial involved nearly 300 people across seven countries and found no significant differences in pacemaker function up to 90 days after the procedure.
Researchers found that a regulatory level change enabled C4 plants to photosynthesize more efficiently. By studying this shift, they believe it could be applied to make C3 crops like rice and wheat more resilient to climate change.
A study of 236,000 nurses and 41,800 senior doctors found high turnover rates associated with higher deaths for emergency patients admitted to NHS hospitals. Reducing staff turnover through better pay packages, engagement, and working conditions could improve patient care.
A new analysis finds that sustainable rates of groundwater withdrawal were surpassed 20 years prior to declining groundwater levels being generally recognized. Limiting groundwater pumping rates by nearly half can stabilize groundwater conditions, eliminating drying up of non-irrigation wells and stabilizing environmental flows.
A study found that maternal immune activity during pregnancy affects offspring's long-term memory circuitry and function in childhood and midlife. Elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-a in mothers were linked to adverse brain activity in memory circuitry, particularly in postmenopausal women.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with neurological conditions face disparities in telemedicine use based on their age, race, ethnicity, and neighborhood. The research showed that white people were more likely to use telemedicine than Black and Hispanic populations.
The study found that internet users report fewer depressive symptoms, higher life satisfaction, and better self-reported health. Tailored interventions using internet connectivity can improve overall mental health in middle-aged and older populations.
A new study found that approximately 2.2 million people who have stopped smoking for more than a year in England currently vape, with the majority using e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid. The prevalence of vaping among ex-smokers has increased sharply since 2021, particularly among younger age groups and heavier drinkers.
Historical records show manatee populations increased alongside human populations in the 1800s and 1900s. The study suggests that Florida manatees are more abundant today than any previous time in North American human history.
A new study projects a sharp rise in temperature- and pollution-related mortality, with temperatures expected to surpass pollution for a fifth of the global population. By 2100, temperature-related deaths are predicted to climb from 1.6 million to 10.8 million annually.
Researchers analyzed the House of the Greek Epigrams in Pompeii using VR-based eye tracking and GIS. They found that varying light conditions and dynamic movement affected participants' relationship with artworks. The study reveals a complex visual palimpsest made up of moving views, interconnected journeys, and comings and goings.
Researchers have reviewed the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells in treating inflammatory bowel disease. The study highlights the immunomodulatory, pro-regenerative, and anti-apoptotic properties of these vesicles, which may offer a safer alternative to conventional therapies.
A global team, including Lehigh University researcher Xuanhong Cheng, is exploring molecular- and cellular-level changes in muscle tissue that could lead to better diagnostic tools and therapeutic options for CFS and long COVID. The team aims to develop noninvasive diagnostic tools using electrical signatures.
Researchers found neurotransmitters GABA and choline in the venom of estuarine and reef stonefish, which can modulate cardiovascular function. The discovery could aid in targeted treatments and venom-derived compound development for drug discovery.
A scoping review reveals that forcibly displaced children and young people experience high rates of mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support their mental well-being.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new method to visualize magnetic nanostructures with a resolution of around 70 nanometres. This breakthrough enables the analysis of spintronic components and has significant implications for energy-efficient storage technologies.
Research identified community-level factors that may increase individuals' risk of cognitive impairment. Higher neighborhood disadvantage, air pollution, homicide rates, and less greenspace were associated with elevated odds of mild cognitive impairment. Completing schooling in a Southern US state also linked to increased risk.
Researchers develop inverse design method for metasurfaces, controlling nonlocal behavior and structure complexity. Smooth boundary deformations ensure compatibility with fabrication processes.
Researchers developed a new approach to analyzing brain scans, allowing accurate predictions of cognitive functioning in psychiatric patients using hundreds, rather than thousands, of subjects. The technique, called meta-matching, leverages data from large population studies to boost accuracy.
A new language called STRONG encodes nanopore shape and structure, enabling machine learning models to predict their properties. This allows for efficient analysis of nanopores and opens up possibilities for gas separation and reducing carbon emissions.
Researchers found that certain dinosaurs' shortened fibulae, a part of the lower leg bone, enabled birds to twist and turn with greater mobility. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of bird-like knees and their adaptations for navigating and interacting with their environment.
Chemists at Ohio State University have developed a novel way to capture and convert carbon dioxide into methane, utilizing nickel-based catalysts and reducing the need for massive amounts of energy. This breakthrough could pave the way for more efficient climate mitigation technologies and help close the carbon cycle.