A new study by Penn State researchers finds that microplastics are increasing in freshwater environments and are directly tied to rising global plastic production. The study tracks microplastic levels in freshwater sediment from before the 1950s to today, showing a rise in line with plastic production.
Researchers found that expanded screening protocols identified eight cases of Candida auris that would have gone undiagnosed, enabling prompt isolation and disinfection precautions. The new approach promotes early detection and targeted precautions to reduce hospital outbreaks.
A new study found a 29% increase in risk for developing dyslipidemia due to COVID-19, with seniors and people with type 2 diabetes being most affected. The research suggests that tackling dyslipidemia can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in those who have had COVID.
Researchers found that a 12-week virtual yoga program can reduce back pain intensity and improve back-related function in participants with chronic low back pain. Additionally, participants who practiced virtual yoga reported better sleep quality and reduced use of pain medications.
A USC study found that children living closest to the Salton Sea experience more respiratory issues due to airborne dust, triggering asthma, coughing, and disrupted sleep. The study also suggests that dust events have a greater impact on wheezing and sleep disturbances among children in these areas.
Researchers have found that water fern Azolla does not contain cyanotoxins, which could pose a threat to human health. The plant's symbiotic relationship with Nostoc azollae reduces toxin production, making it a potential solution for global food insecurity.
Researchers found that bats' forelimbs and hindlimbs evolved together due to correlated bone shapes, unlike birds. This suggests that bats may struggle to adapt to new environments. In contrast, bird species show little correlation between wing and leg shapes, enabling them to occupy a wider range of ecological niches.
Upgrading home insulation can lower medical bills and extend healthy lives by reducing blood pressure and CVD risk. Simulations showed that upgrading or retrofitting insulation is cost-effective for many homeowners, with significant health benefits justifying the costs.
Researchers used computer modeling to study the feasibility and challenges of hydrogen-powered aviation, suggesting that improvements in fuel cell power could eliminate environmental impact. The team's model indicated that switching from traditional jet fuel to hydrogen fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
The study reveals key genetic traits that could enhance disease resistance, climate adaptability, and crop yield in macadamia. Genome annotation also identified genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis and antimicrobial properties conserved across species.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on High-Dimensional Modeling offers minicourses and sessions to enhance data professionals' training in machine learning and finance. Key challenges related to forecasting, asset allocation, and climate econometrics will be addressed through state-of-the-art science and research.
A USC study involving 8,500 children found that exposure to certain sources of air pollution, particularly ammonium nitrate, is linked to poor learning and memory performance in 9- and 10-year-olds. This study contributes to the mounting evidence that fine particulate matter PM2.5 can cause neurocognitive harm across the lifespan.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified a new strain of bacteria, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE), linked to increasingly severe human infections. The study used integrative analysis to investigate the genome, transcriptome, and virulence of SDSE strains, shedding light on their molecular pathogenesis.
Researchers at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf have identified the doublesex gene as the key to understanding how honey bees exhibit complex cooperative behavior. The study found that this gene programs specific behaviors in individual bees, including tasks such as caring for larvae and foraging for food.
Research by UTHealth Houston found that ownership changes in home health agencies can result in increased Medicare spending and reduced staffing levels. The study also found that quarterly star ratings increased, but this may be due to upcoding of quality measures.
Researchers found that while protected areas show promise for some bird species, many others suffer from limited effectiveness. The study used citizen science platforms to analyze data from over 90 million records and identified a need for better staffing and funding to support endangered species.
A team of researchers, led by Ida Djenontin, is investigating the socioecological outcomes of restoration in degraded woodlands ecosystems. The project aims to understand tradeoffs between social and ecological goals and local and global priorities.
Researchers developed a method to identify causal relationships in complex systems using information theory. The SURD model breaks down contributions of each variable to unique, redundant, and synergistic components of causality, allowing for the discovery of hidden causes.
A team of MIT engineers developed an algorithm to identify causal links in complex systems, taking data from various sources and analyzing interactions between variables. The method generates a causality map linking variables with likely cause-and-effect relationships, including synergistic and redundant links.
Researchers developed AI to predict bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance in ICU patients, providing same-day assessments. This technology is cost-effective and faster than current methods, enabling quicker decision-making on antibiotic use.
Light ex-smokers experience a CVD risk reduction similar to never-smokers within years of smoking cessation. Heavy ex-smokers require longer periods, up to 25 years, for their residual CVD risk to align with that of never-smokers.
A new study by Yale University's Joshua L. Kalla and colleagues found that both laypeople and political professionals performed barely better than chance in predicting the effectiveness of campaign messages concerning 21 political issues.
Researchers from NARO and University of Tokyo successfully enhanced essential amino acids in BSF larvae through biotechnological approaches, boosting histidine and methionine levels by over 2.5 times. This development is expected to contribute to a stable food supply and promote sustainable food production.
The 62nd Hands-On Workshop on Computational Biophysics at Auburn University features the new VMD 2.0, providing a unique platform for researchers to master latest computational biophysics techniques. Participants will learn hands-on with GPU-resident NAMD 3 and state-of-the-art software.