A review of 3,000 studies suggests microplastics in the air may cause serious health problems, including colon cancer, poor lung function, and infertility. The tiny plastic particles are believed to contribute to chronic pulmonary inflammation, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
A new study found that large language models can provide useful physical exam recommendations and instructions based on patient symptoms. The researchers used GPT-4 to recommend physical exam instructions and evaluated its performance by three attending physicians, scoring at least 80% of the possible points.
A recent study found that connectivity loss within pond networks leads to significant declines in microbial diversity and community evenness. The loss of connectivity disrupts trophic interactions, causing reduced biomass in zooplankton grazers and further exacerbating the decline in diversity.
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered a new way to tailor natural killer cells to target leukemia cells, improving their efficacy. The researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to disable an immune checkpoint, allowing the modified cells to attack cancer cells more effectively.
Researchers suggest that traditional fairy tales like Snow White, The Princess and the Pea, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Peter Pan offer opportunities to discuss healthy sleep with children. These stories highlight the importance of optimising environmental conditions and managing stress for better sleep.
Researchers designed a self-assembled material to address energy level mismatches and degradation at Sn-Pb perovskite interfaces, resulting in high-efficiency devices with enhanced stability. The strategy achieved a PCE of 23.45% and improved shelf storage stability.
Scientists create a natural polysaccharide-based edible coating that replaces synthetic packaging, extending shelf life while reducing global food waste. The biofilm shows improved mechanical strength, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial activity, making it an eco-friendly solution to address food waste issues.
A recent study from UBC researchers found that AI chatbots contain biases that can shape environmental discourse in unhelpful ways. The bots amplified existing societal biases and leaned heavily on past experience to propose solutions, largely steering clear of bold responses.
A team of researchers discovered a unique phenomenon, known as the skin effect, in antiferromagnetic materials, where nonlinear optical responses are concentrated on the surfaces. This finding opens exciting opportunities for high-performance device applications and fundamental scientific research.
A surge in intimate partner violence (IPV) was observed among immigrant women in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study reveals how lockdowns, isolation, and language barriers created ideal conditions for abusers to exert control, leaving women trapped and vulnerable.
Researchers found that silver did not reduce overall bacteria in water samples from silver-containing showerheads, but its composition varied with each type of fixture tested. The study suggests that rare microbes in these showerheads could be more prone to forming biofilms in response to the stressful environment.
A new University of Minnesota Medical School study highlights how children ages 4 to 12 interpret common medical phrases, revealing surprising misunderstandings. The research team recommends that healthcare professionals avoid jargon and use developmentally appropriate language to improve child patients' experiences.
Research using novel underwater infrared cameras reveals that artificial light wakes sleeping fish and attracts predators to coral reefs at night, changing community composition. This alteration is concerning as it may be essential for regenerating energy and maintaining fitness in marine life.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that older adults in the U.K. are more likely to be repeatedly victimized by cybercrime, resulting in significant financial loss. This demographic is particularly vulnerable due to factors such as health conditions and social isolation.
A new study by Bar-Ilan University researchers reveals encouraging findings about cognitive growth and development in adults with Down syndrome, challenging previous assumptions. Adults with DS demonstrated higher fluid intelligence, while those with NSID showed more fragmented cognitive connections.
A scoping review of community health indices has identified a broad range of indicators covering health outcomes and vulnerabilities. These indices offer potential for multi-factorial assessments to inform regional and local policy strategies, aiming to reduce social inequities and improve community health.
Scientists have developed genetically encoded biosensors to measure the ratio of NADPH to NADP⁺ in real-time, revealing new insights into cellular detoxification and protective function.
Nearly 50 ISS National Lab-sponsored payloads splashed down safely on SpaceX’s CRS-31 mission, including research for early cancer detection and neurodegenerative conditions treatments. The investigations leveraged the space station's unique environment to improve life on Earth.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals how metformin lowers glucose levels by targeting mitochondrial complex I in cells. The drug also improves COVID outcomes and reduces inflammation, suggesting that mitochondrial complex I inhibition may be a unifying mechanism behind its diverse effects.
A new study by Baylor University researchers reveals that a parent's self-view plays a crucial role in shaping education spending, regardless of ethnicity or culture. The study identifies key factors such as personal identity threats and how well personal and parental identities fit together to either strengthen or weaken this effect.
A new study suggests that nonheterosexual women are more likely to report past-month sexual activity and less pain during sex than heterosexual women. Despite facing mental and physical health barriers, nonheterosexual women may fare better in terms of sexual function during menopause.
New MSK research sheds light on RAD51 control, gene amplification method and tumor suppressor genes in cancer. A new study develops a method to study gene amplifications in cancer by engineering them in cells and mice using extrachromosomal DNAs.
Researchers developed a new method to encapsulate probiotics using nanoparticles, showing promising results in lab simulations and animal experiments. The encapsulated probiotics survived stomach acids and improved gut health in rats, increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful ones.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant breakthroughs in smoking cessation treatments, with a study finding that varenicline plus counseling is the most effective treatment for individuals with major depressive disorder. Additionally, a new radiotherapy technique demonstrates effectiveness in treating metastatic ...
A consensus platform for antibody characterization has been developed to evaluate antibody specificity and tackle the challenge of non-specific antibodies in life sciences. The Open Science approach supports large-scale collaboration among competitors in the antibody industry, resulting in an estimated $1 billion annual savings.
A multicentre study published in European Heart Journal found that moderate wine consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications. The study, which analysed data from over 1,200 participants, suggests that light and moderate wine consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by up to 50%. However, ...
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a world-first system to automatically recommend optimal rehabilitation programs for stroke patients based on their motor paralysis degree. This system uses data from Teijin Pharma Ltd.'s ReoGo-J robot, providing tailored care even for staff without robotic experience.
Over 260 young scientists from around the world have signed a declaration at Wenzhou, China, to promote sustainable innovation. The Wenzhou Declaration emphasizes the importance of leveraging science, technology, and innovation to tackle global challenges and create a resilient future.
Researchers at JILA have created a new method to produce thin films of thorium tetrafluoride, making nuclear clocks thousand times less radioactive and cost-effective. The successful use of this technology marks a potential turning point in the development of nuclear clocks.
A recent study introduces a new computational approach to analyze architectural remains, uncovering insights that qualitative methods might overlook, including quantification of defined angles in structures as early as the Natufian period. The research highlights architectural diversity during the Natufian and early Neolithic period, s...
Researchers found that neural stem cells have a rejuvenating effect on nearby brain cells, while T cells promote stress and damage. The study opens new avenues for research into slowing or reversing brain aging.
Walt Downing, Executive VP and COO of SwRI, received the prestigious IEEE MGA Leadership Award for his exemplary leadership in implementing member activities. He has held various leadership positions over decades and recognizes the importance of professional societies like IEEE in developing skills.
A new bio-electrochemical cell has been developed with proprietary Zero-Gap technology to overcome power loss issues in large-scale processes. The cell achieves higher hydrogen productivity and electron production compared to conventional methods.
Physicists from the University of Konstanz have created a solution using microrobots and counterfactual rewards to ensure fair distribution of load in collective tasks. The approach enhances efficiency and provides insights into improving teamwork in various collective systems.
The Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative is partnering with Janssen Research & Development and Beckman Coulter Diagnostics to advance the validation of blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) for Alzheimer's disease. This collaboration aims to develop globally generalizable blood tests that can be used in diverse populations, including those from low...
The study traces the evolutionary history of brown algae through genomic analysis, highlighting their role in sustaining coastal habitats and combating climate change. The research also identifies practical applications in aquaculture, biotechnology, and ecosystem restoration.
A global study on microbiomes in subsurface environments reveals astonishingly high microbial diversity, rivaling that at the surface. The study, led by Emil Ruff, also compares marine and terrestrial microbiomes, finding great differences in composition but similar levels of diversity.
A new study examined the role of social media in coping mechanisms among ex ultra-Orthodox Jews who left their community. The research found that while time spent on social media was not associated with wellbeing, methods of coping through social media were negatively linked to wellbeing.
A recent study from Trinity researchers uncovers the mechanisms behind COVID-19 disease severity, highlighting the critical role of low-density neutrophils. The findings suggest that lingering immune abnormalities after recovery could contribute to long-term health effects or complications.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a novel porous metal-organic framework (MOF) that combines adsorption and dissolution to separate oxygen from argon. The 'adsorptive-dissolution' mechanism enhances gas separation efficiency and selectivity, with potential applications in industries requiring high-purity oxygen.
Researchers discovered that diatoms possess phytochromes, which enable them to detect changes in the underwater light spectrum and sense their vertical position. This adaptation allows microalgae to adjust their biological activity in response to seasonal changes.
SETDB1's H3K9me3 mark suppresses cryptic enhancer activation, leading to abnormal gene expression in hematopoietic stem cells. This impairs blood cell formation, causing excessive myeloid and red blood cell production and inhibiting B and T immune cell development.
Leading AI chatbots exhibit mild cognitive impairment in tests for early dementia detection, performing poorly in visuospatial skills and executive tasks. This finding challenges the assumption that AI will replace human doctors and highlights a significant area of weakness that could impede their use in clinical settings.
Researchers have developed a practical way to detect 'leakage errors' in neutral atom platforms, removing a major roadblock for one branch of quantum computing. The detection method achieved 93.4% accuracy and enables researchers to flag and correct errors without disturbing the quantum state of the atoms.
Research found that 14% of Ecuadorian Amazon tree species are critically endangered, while 47% are endangered, primarily due to declines in animal species that disperse their fruits. The study highlights the importance of incorporating ecological traits into extinction risk estimates.
A team of researchers used James Webb Space Telescope data to find massive galaxies with supermassive black holes showing no sign of star formation, supporting the theory that SMBHs can suppress gas supply and halt galaxy growth. The study provides new insights into the co-evolution of SMBHs and galaxies.
Researchers at KAIST developed a new method to learn without weight transport, enabling faster and more accurate learning. By pre-training with random noise, the team showed that neural networks can achieve high learning efficiency and solve the weight transport problem.
Researchers create multilayered chip design that doesn't require silicon wafer substrates, allowing for better communication and computation between layers. This breakthrough enables the construction of fast and powerful AI hardware comparable to supercomputers.
Researchers aim to understand MYCN-driven immune escape in neuroblastoma, a common childhood cancer, and develop targeted therapies to enhance immunotherapy responses. The study will investigate the potential of inhibiting tumor-secreted CKLF1 to alleviate immunosuppression and improve treatment outcomes.
A recent Colorado State University study demonstrates that climate change can affect earthquake frequency, as glaciers recede and slip along faults increases. This suggests that earthquake activity could increase as glaciers melt, impacting hazard assessment and seismology.
A new literature review highlights the transformative potential of VR-haptics in dental education, offering innovative training opportunities to complement traditional practices. The review found that VR-haptic simulation has demonstrated significant value as a complementary tool in dental simulation practice.
A new set of internationally-agreed recommendations aims to reduce potential bias in medical AI technologies. The STANDING Together initiative recommends improving dataset diversity, inclusivity, and generalisability to ensure safe and effective use of AI for everyone. These guidelines are now available open access.
Climate scientists from Utrecht University and the University of Manchester conclude that massive volcanic eruptions had little to no effect on dinosaur mass extinction. The team reconstructed air temperatures for the time period covering both volcanic eruptions and the meteorite impact, showing that temperatures had already stabilized...
The Forensic Scientometrics Paris Declaration aims to detect and prevent fake science by flagging problematic papers, actors, and systems. It combines forensic investigation and scientometrics to uphold scientific integrity and public trust.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have identified key factors driving photochemical water oxidation. By fine-tuning reaction potential and pH conditions, they enhance the efficiency of this process, paving the way for more sustainable energy solutions.
A new study found significant disparities in the use of obesity-management medications among different racial and ethnic groups. People of Asian, Black, and Hispanic descent were significantly less likely to use these medications compared to whites, even after adjusting for income, education, health insurance coverage, and clinical need.
A new study reveals that people tend to assign more blame to artificial intelligences perceived as having human-like minds. The researchers found that participants blamed the AI more than other parties involved in real-world moral transgressions, such as companies or governments.
A new study finds that cardiovascular health scores start to decline around age 10, driven by health behaviors rather than health factors. Improving these health behaviors, especially between mid-childhood and early adolescence, could help optimize CVH.
A recent study found that daytime sleepiness increases reliance on habits, whether good or bad, making it more likely to fall back on old, unwanted behaviors. Getting enough sleep is crucial to support new habits and maintain willpower.
A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that dancing improves both self-reported questionnaires and MRI brain scans in people with Parkinson disease. The study, conducted by York University researchers, showed a cumulative effect of dance classes on depression rates over 8 months.