A recent study evaluates GPT-4's performance in solving letter-string analogies, a task requiring basic counting and relational understanding. The model excels at this task, demonstrating emergent analogical reasoning capabilities that may be supported by structured operations and relational representations.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new fuel cell that can carry three times as much energy per pound as current EV batteries, offering a lightweight option for electrifying transportation systems. The technology has the potential to enable electric aviation and other sectors like marine and rail transportation.
Staff and patients identified seven opportunities for AI to enhance primary care eVisits, including workflow routing, prioritization, and writing assistance. These features can reduce staff workload while improving patient experience and ensuring timely responses.
Researchers found that an inexpensive HIV drug can improve vision in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) more effectively and at a lower cost than existing treatments. The drug, lamivudine, is taken orally and may represent a game-changing option for millions of patients worldwide.
A team of scientists proposes an integrated form-position deflectometric system for measuring monolithic multi-freeform optical elements using Bayesian multisensor fusion. The approach achieves high accuracy and determinacy, enabling hundreds of nanometers measurement accuracy for surface forms.
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking adaptive optics system that removes blur from images of the Sun's corona, revealing clearest images to date. The technology has produced remarkable observations of fine-structure in the corona, including raindrops and turbulent internal flows.
The design enables liquid hydrogen to be used as both a clean fuel and a built-in cooling medium, achieving an optimal gravimetric index of 0.62, which is significantly better than conventional designs. The system uses tank pressure control to regulate the flow of hydrogen fuel without mechanical pumps.
First-time mothers experience significant sleep loss and disruption in the weeks following childbirth, with average daily sleep duration decreasing to 4.4 hours. The study reveals that this unique type of sleep disruption persists throughout the first months of motherhood, affecting new mothers' quality of life.
Approximately one in three pediatric mental health ED visits resulted in prolonged stays exceeding 12 hours, with over half due to suicidal thoughts or aggressive behaviors. The study highlights significant issues with access to mental health care for children and adolescents.
The study found that teenagers experienced the longest median time to diagnosis (8.7 weeks), while infants under one year had the shortest (3.7 weeks). Bone tumours were associated with a longer diagnostic interval, highlighting the need for faster diagnoses in certain groups.
Researchers have revealed the structural mechanisms of a major DNA repair pathway in human cells, showing how RAD51 filament promotes strand exchange and facilitates DNA repair. The study provides fundamental insights into biochemical reactions of eukaryotic homologous recombination.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals a concerning decline in self-reported mental health among mothers in the US between 2016 and 2023. The percentage of mothers reporting excellent mental health dropped sharply from 38% to 26%, while those rating their mental health as fair or poor increased by 63.6%.
A new study found that middle-to-older aged adults who took longer naps, have irregular daytime sleep patterns, or slept more around midday and early afternoon were at a higher risk of mortality. The study monitored over 86,000 participants for seven days using actigraphy.
A new study from Washington State University examines the role of emotional responses in shaping public attitudes toward self-driving cars. Researchers found that feelings of excitement and curiosity, as well as beliefs in technology's social benefits, play a significant role in determining whether people would adopt autonomous vehicles.
Virtual reality can be used sparingly and thoughtfully for intense experiences like travel and learning surgery, but its value fades with mundane activities. The medium is not suitable for anonymity or precision movements.
Researchers used optogenetics to stimulate the inferior colliculus and activate the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), improving ambulatory ability in rats. This study provides foundational research for new therapeutic approaches to alleviate motor deficits resulting from Parkinson's disease.
Researchers identify epipharynx as a key site for chronic inflammation driven by residual SARS-CoV-2 RNA in patients with long COVID. A novel treatment, epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT), promotes removal of damaged tissue and immune modulation.
Researchers have developed a new tool using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring to study DNA-lipid interactions. The technique revealed insights into the attachment and integration of DNA nanostructures with lipid membranes, influencing cellular functions such as drug delivery and treatment precision.
ADHD researcher Barbara Franke's work transforms understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders through innovative molecular approaches. Her research combines cutting-edge bioinformatics with experimental models to identify genes and pathways underlying behavioral differences.
Researchers have synthesized Pt decorated CoFe2O4/Co3O4 nanosheets derived from 2D Fe-Co MOF, which exhibit outstanding sensing performance to formaldehyde. The composite achieves a response of 95.5 to 100 ppm HCHO at 280 ºC and has a theoretical LOD of 6 ppb.
Researchers used a new fMRI analysis method to measure cerebrovascular reactivity in 53 adults aged 51-83. They found an unexpected improvement in brain health in postmenopausal female participants, primarily in areas related to movement and memory.
The new Clinical Practice Guideline offers proven, research-based treatment options for patients with chronic sinus problems. The guideline provides key action statements covering surgery and additional treatments to ensure patients receive excellent care before, during, and after surgery.
Researchers at USTC develop a method to generate high-order vector vortex beams with arbitrary polarization distribution. They utilize a single q-plate to control the phase and polarization of light, achieving flexible control and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers are still puzzled by the complex interplay of factors involved in tickling, including motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects. Studies have shown that people with autism spectrum disorder respond differently to ticklish stimuli, offering insights into brain development and differences in autism.
Researchers found corticosteroid injections accelerated structural knee degeneration, while hyaluronic acid injections slowed down damage. The study challenges common clinical practice and suggests alternative pain management strategies for patients with osteoarthritis.
Researchers identified unique symptom patterns and derived research indices for infants/toddlers and preschool-aged children, highlighting the need to characterize long COVID separately across age groups. The study provides new insights into the condition's progression in early childhood.
Researchers found that iron powder was 26 times more effective than activated carbon in removing PFOS from water, even when it rusted. The unexpected findings have the potential to develop large-scale removal technologies.
Tom Greene joins Caltech IPAC as Executive Director, leveraging his scientific management skills and research background in exoplanet studies and galaxy evolution. He succeeds George Helou, who steps down after 25 years as Executive Director.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers identified key long COVID symptoms in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, including trouble sleeping, fussiness, and dry cough. The study found that younger children experienced more severe overall health and quality of life issues compared to older kids and adults.
Researchers have uncovered unique molecular fingerprints for insulin sensitivity, challenging traditional binary classification of people with type 2 diabetes. These signatures can help identify individuals at risk earlier than current methods, paving the way for personalized treatments and precision medicine.
A new study from Mass General Brigham found that patients with diabetes who started statin therapy immediately reduced the rate of heart attacks and strokes by one-third compared to those who delayed treatment. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 patients and used artificial intelligence to gather information.
A multidisciplinary team will utilize cutting-edge imaging technology and underwater robotics to discover and describe exotic marine species in the deep ocean. The project aims to transform how scientists understand the ocean's vast midwater region.
The Center for Civic Thought aims to encourage a thoughtful public discourse and civically responsible intellectual life. It will convene conversations, create classes and curricula, and support research to inform citizens' practical judgments.
The review highlights gaps in research for remote sensing, land use, urban growth, and forecasting, as well as opportunities to focus on specific types of risk. A new tool using natural language processing enables more in-depth gap analysis, revealing areas like AI methods and Water Resources as major opportunities.
A research team from USTC used tele-seismic double-difference tomography technology to reveal the morphological changes of the Pacific subducting slab beneath Northeast China. The study found that the local insertion of the subducting slab into the lower mantle controls deep-focus seismicity and Changbaishan volcanism.
The University of Houston has launched a $3M Cancer Immunotherapy Biomarker Core to accelerate early diagnosis and treatment response in cancer. The core will offer comprehensive targeted proteomic cancer biomarker screens, enabling researchers to identify better biomarkers for cancer.
The National Center for Excellence in Primary Care Research (NCEPCR) consolidates primary care research under one roof, enhancing the nation's primary care system. NCEPCR aims to tackle critical challenges such as workforce shortages and rising healthcare costs by curating essential tools and cultivating researchers.
The Appalachian region is vulnerable to flash flooding due to the concentration and catching of rain. Experts predict an above-average number of storms for 2025, posing a significant threat to the area's safety.
A qualitative study found that patients' attitudes towards deprescribing are shaped by their perception of medication's benefits and risks, as well as their level of autonomy. Patients who valued negative aspects of medication and had a proactive approach to health were more likely to consider cutting back on prescriptions.
A new study reveals that DNA methylation mediates the transgenerational inheritance of acquired cold tolerance in rice, supporting Lamarck's theory. Researchers developed a novel breeding strategy to develop stress-resilient crops, offering a promising avenue to tackle agricultural challenges posed by global climate change.
A PSU study found that fires can cause trees to die in subsequent years, affecting forest regeneration. The researchers mapped annual changes in live tree cover and found that older conifer trees and sensitive species were most likely to die later.
The proportion of Ontario family physicians working in focused roles increased to 19.2% by 2021/22, while the number offering comprehensive care decreased from 71 to 64 per 100,000 residents. This shift has significant implications for primary care access and workforce planning.
A new study from the University of Texas at El Paso finds that adolescent antidepressant use, particularly Prozac, may contribute to increased pain sensitivity in adulthood. The research suggests that early exposure to these medications can disrupt brain development and increase inflammatory markers, leading to heightened pain perception.
A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that coexisting hypertension and type 2 diabetes nearly doubled over two decades, with about two-thirds of participants with diabetes also having hypertension. This combination is linked to substantially higher mortality risk compared to having neither condition.
A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that fruit flies missing a crucial developmental hormone, PTTH, live up to 30% longer due to reduced inflammaging. The connection between developmental timing and lifespan in fruit flies could be a useful model for studying human longevity.
A computerized decision support tool reduced the time children with lung failure spent on ventilation by shortening weaning time and improving respiratory muscle strength. The intervention group had better functional status at ICU discharge than the control group.
Researchers from Empa developed machine learning algorithms to optimize laser-based manufacturing techniques, reducing preliminary experiments by two-thirds. They also implemented real-time optimization using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for improved welding processes.
The Japan SciCom Forum will host the PCST Symposium Japan 2025, bringing together researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas on innovative practices for engaging diverse publics in non-Western contexts. The symposium aims to foster a sustainable science communication ecosystem in Asia.
The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, ranking as the 2nd and 3rd most destructive wildfires in California's history, highlighted alarming trends of increasingly frequent and destructive urban wildfires. The study emphasizes the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities in an era of increasing extreme events.
Psychosocial support helps refugees cope with stress and anxiety, but it is not a substitute for social connections and economic opportunities. Research by Tessa Ubels found that refugees who have few social contacts tend to rely too heavily on psychosocial support programmes.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that songbirds modify their migration patterns when crossing the Corn Belt, a vast agricultural region. The birds fly faster and adjust their flight time to take advantage of tailwinds, but also use scattered forest patches as stepping stones to rest and refuel.
FuHsi, an lncRNA-encoded microprotein, regulates rDNA transcription and ribosome biogenesis, promoting tumor growth and progression in cancers. Its depletion suppresses tumor growth, establishing FuHsi as a promising prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target.
Researchers developed a machine learning model called DreaMS to analyze previously unknown molecules. The model significantly accelerates the analysis and uncovers unexpected chemical similarities between substances.
Researchers at USTC found that halofuginone increases growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), reducing body weight and improving metabolic health. This dual approach reduces appetite and increases energy expenditure, offering a potential new drug for treating obesity.
NTU Singapore's new Care, Serve, Learn course series aims to nurture socially conscious and civic-minded graduates through meaningful community service and academic credits. The program builds on the university's existing culture of volunteerism and provides students with essential skills like active listening and project management.
A research team discovered stage-specific roles of plant hormones in regulating axillary bud development in Eucommia ulmoides. The study identified key hormone-related gene modules and constructed a regulatory network illustrating hormone crosstalk during bud growth.
A UC Riverside-led study found that a smartphone app tracking household water use reduced average daily consumption by 6%, with greater savings among high-volume users. The app provides real-time feedback and behavioral nudges to encourage water-saving actions, resulting in sustained reductions even six months later.
Professor Edward Thomas Jr. has been awarded the prestigious Star Dust Award by the International Dusty Plasma Community for his 30-year contributions to the field of dusty plasma physics. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research in magnetized dusty plasmas, including the development of novel experimental diagnostics.
A new study found that personal care products like perfumes and unscented lotions disrupt the human oxidation field, a natural protective shield around the body. This disruption can lead to a decrease in ozone barrier strength, making people more vulnerable to indoor air pollutants.
Research by Dr Alannah Cooper found that peer support groups promoted social support in the workplace, leading to improved wellbeing scores among mental health nurses. The intervention addressed underlying issues with workplace conditions, highlighting the importance of flexible attendance and supportive nurse managers.