A Tel Aviv University study finds that microplastic particles are excreted in the feces of marine animals, making them undetectable as plastic. This process can lead to increased carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor, promoting algal blooms and disrupting the marine food web.
A new study from the University of Surrey identifies targeted ventilation strategies as crucial to preventing super-spreader events on cruise ships. The research found that improved air circulation in crowded areas can significantly reduce airborne infection transmission risk, with CO2 levels increasing in higher occupancy spaces.
Researchers at Durham University have successfully demonstrated long-lasting quantum entanglement between molecules, a key capability for next-generation quantum technology. The team achieved exceptionally high entanglement fidelity, reaching levels over 92%, enabling precision measurements in quantum sensing and simulating complex qua...
A recent study by Emory University researchers found that mRNA vaccines developed to fight COVID-19 are less effective in patients with autoimmune diseases like lupus. The findings highlight the importance of developing tailored vaccination strategies for this vulnerable population.
The Abundant Intelligences program challenges the current AI trajectory, incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems to create an alternative approach. This initiative seeks to rethink how we conceive of AI, prioritizing human thriving, preserving Indigenous languages, and addressing environmental issues.
The Ecological Peace Corridors concept aims to connect fragmented protected areas across international borders, promoting cooperation and minimizing disputes over resources. By leveraging artificial intelligence and zoning systems, these corridors could foster peacebuilding before conflicts escalate or in post-conflict efforts.
The MedStar Health D.C. Safe Babies Safe Moms program has been found to have better pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum outcomes for patients cared for by the program compared to those receiving prenatal care elsewhere. Additionally, the study shows a significant reduction in low birthweight babies and preterm births among Black patients
Researchers found that mosquitoes drink blood to survive droughts, not just water, allowing them to bite more frequently when rain comes. This increases the risk of spreading diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika during dry periods.
The AASM Foundation is sponsoring five scholarships of $3,000 each through the HUMAA program to support medical students at Howard University College of Medicine. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of medical professionals and address underrepresentation in sleep medicine.
China has achieved significant progress in reducing PM2.5 concentrations by 35.6% since 2015, while also increasing non-fossil energy consumption to 17.5%. However, rising ozone levels and extreme weather events pose new challenges, emphasizing the need for adaptive measures and stricter air quality standards.
A study found that most microplastics in French bottled and tap water are smaller than 20 µm, fine enough to pass into the bloodstream and organs. The EU-recommended detection limit for water quality assessments is below this size range.
Researchers developed tapered polymer optical fibers that can deliver light to the brain, enabling more efficient and effective optogenetics experiments. The fibers reduce tissue inflammation and increase the volume of illuminated brain tissue compared to standard optical fibers.
A small protein called Shethna II forms a complex with enzyme nitrogenase to protect it from oxidative damage. This discovery could help reduce synthetic fertilizer use in agriculture and initiate a paradigm shift in green biotechnology.
A research team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has identified a novel molecular pathway leading to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in tumors. TLSs are immune cell clusters that can boost the local immune response and may be harnessed for immunotherapy treatments.
A collaborative project between ASU and industry partners aims to develop a regional Direct Air Capture Hub in the Four Corners area, with the goal of removing at least 1 million metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. The project will also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and support climate change mitigation efforts.
A new study shows distinct effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure in different bumble bee body parts, highlighting the need for more sensitive safety testing. The researchers found dramatic differences in gene activity across body tissues, affecting brain, legs, and kidney-like tissues in unique ways.
A recent study has discovered a unique population of immune cells in the airways of patients with severe asthma, which may play a crucial role in worsening symptoms. The 'intermediate ILC2s' can change their characteristics and are linked to inflammation and difficulty breathing.
Researchers found that two subtypes of bacterial vaginosis increase the risk of developing chlamydia infections. The study analyzed cervicovaginal microbiomes before, during, and after infection with chlamydia, identifying a link between specific bacteria types and increased risk.
A cohort study of 38 surgeons and 793 patients found that increased surgeon stress before a procedure is associated with better clinical patient outcomes. The study highlights the complex relationship between physiological stress and performance, providing opportunities for improving patient care.
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) has launched its first annual research agenda for 2025, focusing on key issues where social science and historical research can advance the physical sciences. The agenda invites collaboration across disciplines to promote thought leadership and foster positive change in how science is done and by...
A quasi-experimental study found that three-quarters of Mariupol's medical facilities were damaged, suggesting intentional targeting. The US State Department and Yale School of Public Health funded the research.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to eliminate fluid flow dead zones in electrodes used for battery-based seawater desalination. The tapered flow channel design improves fluid flow by two to three times, making it more efficient than current reverse osmosis methods.
Research featured in Nature reveals that small-scale fisheries are crucial for meeting Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger, poverty, and climate change. The study found that these operations provide essential nutrients to 2.3 billion people and support the livelihoods of nearly 500 million individuals.
The Cognitive Neuroscience Society conference will feature keynote addresses, award lectures, and symposia on various topics in cognitive neuroscience. Researchers will present the latest findings on sleep, emotional experiences, brain connectivity, and more.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction found that US homeowners take proactive steps to protect their properties before and after hurricanes, but often fall short due to inadequate regulations. The study's methodology provides a framework for future research on incentivizing comprehensive prote...
A new type of exoplanet, similar to 'Super-Venus', has been detected by the James Webb Space Telescope. The planet's atmosphere is characterized by high concentrations of carbon dioxide, unlike typical Earth-like rocky planets or Neptune-like icy worlds.
A study published in Neurology found that female individuals with Tourette syndrome are less likely to be diagnosed, take longer to receive a diagnosis, and are diagnosed at an older age than males. The study also showed that symptoms started earlier in females with persistent motor or vocal tic disorder.
Fran Brown, Syracuse University's 31st head coach, was awarded the Paul 'Bear' Bryant Newcomer Coach of the Year Award for delivering a 10-win season and ranking in every poll. The award recognizes coaches making the sport better through grit, integrity, and a winning approach.
Researchers derive an optimal direct detection receiver architecture for high spectral efficiency, achieving record net ESE values in single-polarization and single-wavelength transmission. The design enables cost-effective data center interconnections, metro networks, and mobile backhauls.
Researchers develop a nano-heater aligned to one arm of the micro-resonator for deterministic, dynamic tuning of chirality and precise phase-only control. This leads to enhanced electro-optic amplitude modulation in photonic integrated circuits, reducing energy consumption and simplifying circuit design.
Engineers developed a scalable method for creating topography-patterned aluminum surfaces with high-resolution wettability contrast. The surfaces exhibit distinct behaviors from superhydrophobic to hydrophilic, offering improved phase-change heat transfer applications.
The study reveals increasingly prevalent poor mental health from 2011 to 2022 across multiple US health surveys, with notable differences by age, sex, and racial/ethnic group. Inequities in outcomes changed over time, consistent with prior literature, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A new collaborative research group, the Breakthrough Consortium for Olfactory Health, was launched to drive therapeutic and technical advances in smell disorders. The consortium brings together charities, patient groups, researchers, clinicians, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic companies to establish evidence-based clinical pathways.
Researchers found significant differences in immune cell populations between healthy individuals and people with schizophrenia, with the CD4/CD8 ratio emerging as a potential biomarker for predicting treatment response. Lower levels of mucosal-associated invariant T cells may signify immune dysregulation in schizophrenia.
A recent West Health-Gallup survey reveals a deep divide in Americans' opinions on the incoming Trump administration's policies to lower healthcare costs. Nearly half of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, while only Republicans show significant optimism about the future of healthcare costs.
A new bioinformatics pipeline analyzes whole-genome sequencing data to accurately estimate genetic relatedness in animal populations. The tool identifies identical DNA fragments inherited from a common ancestor, revealing previously undetected relatives and providing more detailed insights into relatedness structures.
Researchers developed an explainable deep learning model to predict and analyze HABs in Chinese lakes and reservoirs, achieving significant improvement over conventional machine learning methods. The model identified water temperature as the most influential factor driving algal bloom dynamics.
Researchers used engineered small extracellular vesicles to target a death receptor on cancer cells, triggering self-destruction and killing multiple cancer types in lab-dish tests. The approach outperformed existing DR5-targeting strategies and showed promise in mouse models, suggesting potential for solid tumor cancers.
A new study reveals unexpected patterns of mutation inheritance in family trees of single cells, showing that some DNA damage can last for two to three years without repair. This persistence creates multiple chances for harmful mutations to occur, leading to cancer development.
Astronomers discovered three ultra-faint dwarf galaxies in an isolated region of space, containing only very old stars. The findings support the theory that events in the early universe cut off star formation in small galaxies.
Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research discovered how chronic hepatitis C infection leads to autoimmune disease by identifying 'rogue clone' B cells with harmful autoantibodies. The study found that a triad of genetic mutations is required for the autoimmune disease to develop, opening new paths for treatments.
The University of Texas at Arlington is developing more efficient processes for sourcing rare earth elements needed to produce high-performance magnets. The project aims to make the mining of these critical materials more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new design for robotic insects that can perform precise pollination with increased speed and maneuverability. The revamped robot has a longer flight duration and can complete acrobatic maneuvers, enabling it to aid in mechanical pollination and boost fruit yields.
Dr. Blagosklonny's work introduced a new theory and promoted the use of rapamycin to slow aging and extend healthy life by targeting the mTOR pathway, leading to improved immune responses, heart protection, and potential cancer prevention.
The study found three psychological profiles associated with different patterns of cognitive and brain decline in ageing. A 'well-balanced' profile is linked to better cognitive and mental health, while low levels of protective characteristics are linked to poorer cognition and brain atrophy.
Researchers discovered how cigarette smoke alters the function of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells in the lungs, making smokers more susceptible to respiratory infections and worsening COPD. Cigarette smoke components bind to protein MR1, blocking activation of MAIT cells.
The University of Virginia's AI-powered vision system, mimicking praying mantis eyes, has been selected as the best paper of 2024 by Science Robotics. The innovative system enables machines to track objects in 3D space, addressing limitations in current visual data processing.
A substantial proportion of US adults are aware and have experimented with synthetic menthol-mimicking cigarettes, posing a public health risk. These products could undermine the effectiveness of menthol cigarette bans in promoting smoking cessation.
A study by Bonn researchers has shown that local Large Language Models (LLMs) can structure radiological findings in a privacy-safe manner, without transferring data to external servers. The open-source LLMs performed equally well as commercial models with advantages of being developed locally.
Researchers develop a dual-cross-linked network that enhances the toughness and stretchability of polymeric materials. The introduction of reversible secondary interactions between chemically exchangeable units and NIPAM improves ductility, while optimizing the number density of hydrogen bonds achieves optimal results.
Researchers from Lancaster University found a significant link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank, revealing a 57% higher risk for every 10-decibel increase in baseline hearing loss.
A global study has identified nearly 300 genetic links to depression, revealing the condition's impact on the brain and suggesting new treatment targets. The research, involving over five million people from 29 countries, highlights existing drugs that could be repurposed for depression treatment.
A new study reveals that delta opioid receptor agonist KNT-127 has a rapid and effective antidepressant effect with minimal side effects. The research highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying its action, including mTOR signaling pathways and Akt activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.
A team of astronomers identified a large sample of 'little red dots' containing signs of growing supermassive black holes, hinting at an era of obscured black hole growth in the early universe. The distribution of these objects suggests they emerged and declined around 600-1.5 billion years after the big bang.
A study found that automatically enrolling UK banking customers into text message alerts reduces overdrafts and unpaid item charges by 4-19%, resulting in potential savings of £170-£240 million. The researchers suggest this policy could benefit low-income customers, frequent over drafters, and financially vulnerable consumers.
A new USC study reveals that the US is facing a shortage of 4.5 million homes due to policy missteps in the early 2000s, which led to a historic housing bubble and subsequent Great Recession. The crisis has disproportionately affected millennials and people of color, with racial and ethnic disparities in homeownership widening over time.
A comprehensive survey predicts that 36% of anurans' habitats worldwide will be threatened by rising temperatures and water scarcity. The Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest, home to the most diverse anuran species, will face devastating effects from drought events.
A team of researchers created a high-efficiency broadband light absorber within an ultrathin amorphous silicon layer embedded with silver nanorings, achieving over 100% photonic enhancement. Machine learning techniques were used to optimize the design, significantly reducing computational resources needed for metamaterial design.
Researchers have uncovered clay tablets with ancient cuneiform writing, game boards, and large structural remains at the ancient Mesopotamian site of Kurd Qaburstan in Iraq. The study sheds new light on literacy, urban development, and social inequality in this Middle Bronze Age city.
Researchers found that hospitals with high percentages of Black patients (high-Black-serving hospitals) have 6% to 7% more patients per nurse. The study suggests policy solutions to improve staffing in these hospitals or for patients to go to better-staffed hospitals