A recent study using citizen science found that household dryers release both natural and synthetic microfibers into the environment. The research estimates that 3,543 metric tons of microfibers are released each year nationwide, with a significant portion coming from natural fabrics.
Researchers found OGT expression is higher in MASLD-HCC tissues, promoting tumor growth. OGT modifies PTEN, impairing its function and activating the PI3K/Akt pathway.
A Finnish study found that residential environments, health status, and health behaviours are associated with reduced car commuting. However, these factors only explained a small part of the overall modal shift towards active and sustainable commuting.
A new study reveals that ancient hominids were exposed to lead earlier than thought, up to two million years before modern humans began mining the metal. This exposure may have shaped the evolution of hominid brains, limiting language and social development in all but modern humans due to a protective genetic variant.
Researchers found that communities with green infrastructure systems like rain gardens saw a notable reduction in cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc being sent into local waterways. Implementing more of these systems can improve water quality, make cities cooler, and enhance ecosystem services.
A new international perspective argues that scientific evidence supports the coca leaf as a useful crop plant. Decriminalizing coca could enable medical research, create sustainable economic opportunities, and recognize Indigenous rights, while aligning global policy with modern science.
Steve Witkoff receives prestigious George S. Wise Medal for securing hostage return and initiating regional peace. The medal recognizes his tireless work bringing home hostages, remarkable availability to families, and commitment to achieving peace.
Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that the new definition of obesity, which includes measures of body fat distribution, increases the prevalence to 70% among US adults. Those with 'anthropometric-only obesity' have a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A team of researchers and students interviewed 120 former GMHC volunteers, gaining insight into the organization's work at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. The project broke rules of traditional oral history by conducting group interviews, which worked surprisingly well due to the intergenerational connection.
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
A large-scale study examining the impact of testosterone on economic decision-making has found no significant effects. The study, which involved 1,000 men, used a double-blind trial to test the influence of testosterone on risk-taking, generosity, and competitiveness.
A new study from Swansea University found that most people spend their last year of life at home, but demand for urgent care increases sharply near death. People registered for palliative care use more health services from home, while those in care homes with and without nursing use fewer.
Researchers found that Agrobacterium's virulence is more effective in its natural two-chromosome state, but it grows faster and handles stress better when fused into a single chromosome. This study opens the door for optimizing its use as a crop improvement tool or devising new ways to protect crops vulnerable to crown galls.
A new study published in Nature's Scientific Reports indicates that ALS and MS have a high geographic association, even after controlling for demographic factors. The research suggests an environmental factor likely plays a significant role in both diseases.
A new study reveals that microplastics and heavy metals can disrupt organ development and hormone balance in higher-level species through the food chain. The study found delayed growth in zebrafish exposed to combined pollutants, highlighting the hidden risks of pollutant mixtures in real-world environments.
Researchers developed a soft robotic skin that allows vine robots to navigate convoluted paths and fragile environments. The robot is steered by controlling the pressure inside its body and temperature of the actuators.
A study published in Science Advances has discovered that the RAD21L protein plays a crucial role in regulating DNA structure and gene expression in sperm precursor cells. The absence of this protein leads to defects in chromosome pairing, genetic recombination, and spermatogenesis, resulting in male infertility.
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have found that low doses of cortisone can suppress aggressive kidney inflammation, a potentially life-threatening condition. By targeting specific immune cells, these treatments could reduce side effects and improve patient outcomes.
A new study links gut dysbiosis to severe steatosis in MASLD, improving diagnostic accuracy when microbiota status is added to standard clinical tools. The inflammation-linked Bact2 enterotype is strongly associated with severe hepatic steatosis in MASLD.
A recent study reveals that the response to witnessing robot mistreatment depends on factors such as the robot's humanlike design and the observer's moral identity. Anthropomorphism influences empathy, encouraging customers to treat robots with dignity, while moral identity plays a crucial role in shaping behavioral contagion.
Two muriqui species, largest primates in the Americas, face significant habitat loss due to climate change. By 2090, up to 61% of their suitable habitats may be reduced, mainly confined to coastal regions of the Atlantic Forest.
Researchers developed solar-powered lights to reduce sea turtle entanglement in fishing nets. The LED lights are highly effective, with 63% lower bycatch rates compared to unlit control nets.
A new power generation system using liquid oxygen storage has been patented by SwRI and 8 Rivers, aiming to make power plants more efficient and cost-effective. The system utilizes fluctuations in energy demand by generating pure oxygen during off-peak hours, which can then be stored and used later when prices are higher.
Spanish photographer Jon A Juárez's winning photo documents the world's first successful embryo transfer in southern white rhinos, offering renewed hope for saving its critically endangered northern relative. The successful transfer was a proof of concept allowing to safely move to the transfer of northern white rhino embryos.
Recent studies suggest that cell cycle proteins, including cyclins and CDKs, play a regulatory role in the tumor microenvironment. Inhibiting these proteins has shown promise in converting immunologically 'cold' tumors into 'hot' tumors and suppressing tumor progression.
A recent study published in PLOS One found that 7.8% of U.K. households experience food insecurity, with Black/African/Caribbean/Black British households facing higher rates. Food insecurity is also associated with longstanding mental health conditions, particularly among Asian/Asian British respondents.
The project addresses data fragmentation in biodiversity sciences, connecting fragmented data to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change, and emerging public health threats. A collaborative effort developed five cross-cutting themes to guide data integration, emphasizing the need for large-scale community action.
Sophie Nicklaus has been appointed Scientific Director of Food & Health at INRAE to focus on improving understanding of dietary behavior, food sovereignty, and innovations to reduce losses and environmental impacts. Her work aims to address climate change, geopolitical crises, and economic tensions through a One Health approach.
A new study offers a risk management approach to assess carbon removal portfolios and their potential to limit global warming over centuries. The framework suggests combining nature-based carbon storage like forestry with technology-based solutions like Direct Air Capture can provide long-term temperature stabilization.
Researchers found that diets rich in plant-based products of higher nutritional quality, with little or no industrial processing, were associated with a 40% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, ultra-processed plant-based foods showed no protective effect.
A new analysis of the 4.4-million-year-old Ardipithecus ankle bone reveals that early human ancestors were capable of vertical climbing like African apes, challenging previous findings on human evolution. The study provides evidence for a more generalized ancestor and sheds light on the transition to bipedal locomotion.
ChromSolutions Ltd collaborates with Wiley to expand access to advanced untargeted analysis technologies for scientists in chromatography and spectroscopy. The partnership enables customers to benefit from more comprehensive tools for data analysis, enhancing productivity and confidence in complex samples.
The Sahara Desert is expected to see a significant increase in rainfall by the second half of the 21st century, with some regions experiencing up to 25% more precipitation. Researchers warn that this change will have far-reaching consequences for billions of people in Africa and beyond.
Researchers developed two new indices to analyze workplace chat data and identify employees at risk of loneliness. The study found a potential link between active online communication and stronger in-person social connections, but also noted that private messages may not accurately reflect feelings of loneliness.
A team of astronomers has discovered the first tidal disruption event producing bright radio emission outside the center of a galaxy. The event revealed the fastest-evolving radio emission ever observed from a black-hole-driven stellar disruption, suggesting delayed and complex processes in the aftermath of the disruption.
The analysis explores how reduced fentanyl production costs affect the structure and conduct of the illegal opioid supply industry. It also assesses potential consequences for drug law enforcement organizations, finding modest declines in expenditures and income-generating crime.
A WSU project improved medication lists for Spokane home health care agency patients, reducing high-risk heart failure hospitalizations by more than half. The initiative trained clinicians to evaluate medications like pharmacists and streamlined reconciliation processes.
New research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals planarian stem cells ignore their nearest neighbors and respond to signals further away in the body. This discovery may help explain the flatworm's extraordinary ability to regenerate and offer clues for developing new ways to replace or repair tissues in humans.
Socially engaged arts challenge complex problems by facilitating dialogue and collaboration across disciplines. This approach can contribute to societal transformation, strengthening social cohesion and human development while countering polarisation and promoting inclusivity.
A new University of Michigan study finds that providing practical help to a close friend can improve daily mood in older adults. However, men and women exhibit different patterns of emotional support, with men potentially experiencing lower moods when providing emotional support.
Generative AI accelerates scientific discovery in oral sciences, but requires transparent disclosure and robust verification methods to ensure responsible integration. The use of AI in research demands human oversight, accountability, and continuous monitoring to maintain quality and credibility.
A recent study published in Integrative and Comparative Biology found that bonnethead sharks' skin undergoes significant changes as they mature, with younger sharks having fewer ridges on their denticles. These changes likely improve swimming performance and protect the skin from predators or injuries.
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key driver of glioblastoma progression and therapy resistance. Emerging strategies to disrupt EMT signaling, such as natural compounds and small-molecule inhibitors, hold promise for reducing tumor invasion and enhancing sensitivity to standard therapies.
A new study reveals how circadian rhythms impact medicine interactions, suggesting that taking certain drugs at the right time can prolong their effects and improve treatment outcomes. The model also explores interactions between modafinil and an ultradian rhythm affecting dopamine levels, offering insights into fundamental biology.
Researchers discovered a common relational structure across all participants when observing relationships between general activity patterns in neurons. This structure may be the brain's way of organizing information to ensure similar perceptions despite underlying neural coding differences.
A large-scale study has identified hundreds of new viruses living inside bacteria in the human gut, which could be used to reshape the gut microbiome. The discovery provides a new approach to studying the gut microbiome and its influence on various diseases.
A new pilot initiative on VR and actor-assisted teaching and learning at NYU Silver School of Social Work has shown promise in preparing students for social work practice. However, the approach can be time-consuming, costly, and requires thoughtful preparation, scaffolding, and integration.
A new commentary in Journal of Geo-information Science reviews AlphaEarth Foundations, a Google DeepMind model addressing Earth observation and geospatial artificial intelligence. The model integrates multimodal data into a unified field, improving large-scale data fusion and analysis-ready applications.
A University of Colorado Boulder research team has identified a novel brain circuit responsible for orchestrating the innate threat response. The interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) plays a critical role in helping animals process potential threats and adapt accordingly when they learn there's no real danger.
A new study reveals that the uplift of East Africa during the Miocene epoch dramatically transformed the region's climate and ecosystems, promoting the expansion of grassland. This transformation had a significant impact on mammalian faunal dispersals and evolutionary turnover, especially among large herbivores and early crown hominoids.
Organoids are transforming biomedical research with their ability to model complex diseases like cancer, Zika virus infection, and cystic fibrosis. They enable high-throughput drug testing, personalized treatment prediction, and safety assessment.
A new study from the University of Delaware found that LGBTQ+ adolescents in Delaware experience elevated risks of anxiety, depression, and underage substance use. By eighth grade, these students are already using alcohol and other drugs at higher rates.
This study found that GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is offer the greatest cardiovascular benefits for adults with type 2 diabetes. The magnitude of benefit depends on baseline age, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and kidney impairment.
The DEEP Institute at ESMT Berlin is expanding CDL with a new Defense Stream to address the gap between innovation and practical application in the defense sector. The program supports science-based startups developing dual-use technologies, providing access to an international network of experts.
A novel high-entropy alloy nanozyme has been developed to treat tendinopathy by clearing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restoring mitochondrial autophagy. The nanozyme, PtIrRuRhCu HEANZs, exhibits excellent biocompatibility and multiple enzyme-like antioxidant activities.
A recent study identifies molecular markers in children and adolescents that link childhood maltreatment to long-term brain alterations and mental health outcomes. The researchers found four DNA methylation sites associated with child maltreatment, including the 'master switch' gene FOXP1, which regulates brain development.
The $3 million National Institute on Aging grant will support the WECARE intervention, a culturally tailored digital health program designed to enhance caregiving skills and improve wellbeing in dementia caregivers. The 7-week program provides informational content, quiz games, social networking, personalized feedback, and individualiz...
Researchers discovered a molecular circuit controlling AT2 cell fate plasticity, which could guide regenerative therapies for chronic lung diseases. The discovery highlights potential new targets for regenerative medicine and may lead to earlier detection and prevention of organ failure.
Researchers at HKUMed have discovered a potent bispecific inhibitor named TMP1 that targets both coronavirus Mpro and host TMPRSS2. The new compound has broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy against all known human-pathogenic coronaviruses, including those resistant to existing treatments like Paxlovid.