Researchers found that termites evolved from cockroach ancestors that became dependent on cooperation and food sharing within colonies. Monogamy and high relatedness were crucial for the evolution of complex social systems in termites, with genes involved in sperm motility being lost due to the absence of sperm competition.
ORNL and Kyoto Fusioneering have established a public-private partnership to develop cutting-edge experimental infrastructure for testing next-generation tritium breeding blanket systems. The UNITY-3 facility will be sited at ORNL and complement existing facilities in Japan and Canada, advancing mutual research and commercial goals.
Researchers at ICFO have successfully created a supersolid state of matter by coupling ultracold potassium atoms to light, directly imaging the crystal-like structure and its oscillating spacing. The team observed stripes forming and vanishing as the cloud size expanded or shrunk, behavior related to its superfluid nature.
A new poll by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reveals that 56% of Americans would consider trying plant-based alternatives like buffalo cauliflower bites during the Super Bowl. Plant-based meals are lower in fat, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A big data study has identified a specific molecular state of immune cells as associated with the severity of fatigue and respiratory symptoms in Long COVID patients. This finding offers exciting starting points for further research into genetic risk factors and individualised medicine.
Researchers developed a stretchable, skin-like hydrogel sensor to monitor heart rate and breathing during intense physical activity. The dual-network hydrogel maintains stable performance in high temperatures and humidity, enabling accurate real-time tracking of pulse and respiration.
The Rijndael algorithm, created by Daemen and Rijmen in 1997, has become the international standard for encrypting data, safeguarding websites, laptops, mobile phones, and more. Its security has withstood 25 years of attacks, making it a crucial backbone of trust in the digital world.
Researchers warn that AI-controlled personas, mimicking humans, can tilt elections through coordinated narratives and persuasive messages. The next election may be the proving ground for this technology, threatening democratic discourse.
A BSC study analyzed 8,906 patient samples to explore disease connections between women and men. It identified different biological pathways for co-occurring diseases depending on sex, highlighting the need for sex-specific risk-reduction strategies.
A team of scientists discovered the King's Trough Complex, a colossal submarine canyon off Portugal's coast, formed by tectonic processes and hot mantle material. The structure extends over 500 kilometers, with Peake Deep as one of the deepest points in the Atlantic Ocean.
A study investigates uranium exposure in children living near gold mining dumps and finds higher levels of uranium in their hair compared to children from reference sites. The study collected over 400 hair samples and analyzed them alongside information on the children's age, gender, and living conditions.
A new study suggests that strategic tree planting in Canada's northern forests could remove at least five times the country's annual carbon emissions, totaling around 19 gigatons by 2100. This would be a significant step towards Canada's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and meeting its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.
A recent study reveals how one frog species evolved its own distinct genetic system for determining sex. In the frog species Xenopus laevis, a gene called dm-w prompts female development, while without its influence, frogs become male. The evolution of this gene arose recently in these frogs and differs from humans and other vertebrates.
Aptamer-based wearable electrochemical sensors offer a promising alternative for continuous biomarker monitoring, providing dynamic insights into health status. These sensors leverage aptamer properties for high sensitivity and reversible binding, enabling real-time tracking of physiological signals.
Biologist Douglas Hanahan proposes an updated framework to help understand the complexity of human cancer. The new framework, known as Hallmarks of Cancer, offers a four-dimensional approach to analyzing cancer development and progression.
Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered a neural network in fruit fly brains that assigns value to specific foods minute by minute, integrating context, internal state, and past experience. This breakthrough study offers insights into the origins of eating disorders and addiction.
Researchers examined post-stroke symptoms and found patients with walking difficulties are more likely to be disabled, while those with numbness are less likely. The study also identified 'silent' swallowing problems after stroke, where survivors may not report any symptoms but still have real difficulty protecting their airway.
The ACHILLES project trains researchers in experimental haematological oncology, developing advanced models, analysis tools, and therapeutic targets for leukaemia and lymphoma. The project aims to bridge basic and preclinical research with clinical practice, improving survival rates and accessibility to innovative treatments.
This study analyzed clinical and pathological characteristics of bone marrow metastasis from non-hematolymphoid malignancies. Prostate and breast carcinomas were the most common malignancies associated with BMM, and anti-neoplastic treatments improved overall survival.
The PATINA trial demonstrates a significant progression-free survival benefit with palbociclib in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer. The study showed a median progression-free survival of 44.3 months, compared to 29.1 months in the control arm.
Hereditary angioedema patients may see reduced attacks with garadacimab, a monoclonal antibody approved for routine prevention. This study's indirect comparison suggests a potential added benefit over berotralstat, a standard treatment option.
Researchers at Penn State develop a hydrogel-based battery that mimics the electrical processes of electric eels, producing higher power densities than previous designs. The battery is non-toxic, flexible, and environmentally stable, making it suitable for biomedical applications.
Researchers have developed a new detection method called 'Jerk' that can identify extremely subtle ground movements as precursors of volcanic eruptions. The method was tested at a volcano observatory on La Réunion island and predicted 92% of eruptions between 2014 and 2023, with warning times ranging from minutes to hours.
Two confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease have been reported in West Bengal, India, with a very low risk for European travelers. Indian authorities have implemented prevention and control measures, and several countries in the region have initiated precautionary measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
Researchers propose redesigning health systems in the Brazilian Amazon to account for climate change, extreme weather events, and food insecurity. They suggest integrating traditional knowledge and care practices adapted to local communities' specific needs.
The Ann Arbor Guide provides two algorithms for triaging adults with suspected UTIs, one for non-pregnant women and the other for men. It also emphasizes the importance of accurate testing and treatment to prevent overuse of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have created an artificial lung system that temporarily replaced a patient's lungs' functions, allowing him to survive for 48 hours until a double lung transplant was available. The study shows that this approach may serve as a life-saving bridge to transplantation, providing new hope for those with severe respiratory condi...
Mitochondria serve as signaling platforms linking metabolic states to inflammatory responses, while also emitting signals that influence cellular decisions. This understanding is crucial for comprehending their role in health and disease, potentially leading to targeted interventions for pathological signaling processes.
A new method developed by Concordia researchers shows how small but widespread snowpack declines can ripple across Canada's water supply. The study found that usable snow water has declined sharply in areas of the Canadian Rockies, affecting a quarter of Canada's land mass and 86% of its population.
New research shows that climate change is driving companies to diversify their customer base to reduce reliance on a few major buyers. This shift is particularly pronounced among firms with strong corporate social responsibility performance and heavy investment in physical assets.
Researchers at TU Wien combined two microscopy techniques to create a method for measuring the optical properties of biological samples with high precision. By analyzing the size of fluorescent molecules' light disks, they can determine the refractive index of materials and reconstruct three-dimensional images.
Researchers at University College London discovered that Alzheimer's disease disrupts the brain's 'memory replay' process, leading to impaired navigation and memory loss. The study found that even when mice were resting, their brains replayed recent experiences in an altered pattern, which had consequences on memory tasks.
A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance task engagement and activation of brain regions associated with executive function in individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression. However, it unexpectedly heightened sensitivity to threats, including increased eyeblink startle response under conditi...
LIST's patented infrared welding process enables rapid assembly of thick carbon-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic components, reducing weight, costs and environmental impact. The innovation is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 12.5 tonnes per wing rib.
SPIE becomes a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Publishers Compact, committing to help create a sustainable future. The organization's research and publications already align with several of the UN's 17 sustainability goals.
Despite sea ice losses, Svalbard polar bears' body conditions have improved due to increased fat reserves and access to land-based prey. The study found that the number of ice-free days in the Barents Sea region increased, but the mean body condition index of adult polar bears rose following 2000.
The B-STING silica nanocomposite acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating itself in response to changes in the chemical environment. This material can be used to create biocidal coatings that are safe, durable, and resistant to dirt, with potential applications in medicine and other industries.
Researchers from Incheon National University found that extended nutrient deprivation can significantly increase toxin content per cell in P. lima, even when cell numbers remain stable. This suggests that toxin risk may increase quietly under nutrient-poor conditions without obvious bloom expansion.
Veerabhadran Ramanathan's climate research reveals that aerosols and other pollutants significantly impact the climate. This knowledge is vital for combating global warming and has practical significance for international agreements.
A cross-sectional analysis of nationwide population data reveals that high-deductible health plans are associated with worse overall and cancer-specific survival among cancer survivors. The study suggests that financial disincentives for medical care may lead to delayed or foregone necessary care, ultimately worsening cancer outcomes.
A recent study found that low-dose aspirin use was not associated with incident cancer incidence in older adults, contrary to previous findings. However, the study revealed a significant elevation in cancer mortality risk during the randomized clinical trial period, which did not persist after the trial ended.
The partnership integrates Dimensions Author Check API into ScholarOne Manuscripts, providing publishers with reliable insights into authors' and reviewers' publishing histories. This integration enables quick detection of unusual activities, such as retractions or atypical collaboration patterns.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.
Physicists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have discovered a precursor for electronically chiral materials, which could pave the way for uniform chirality in thin layers. These materials could provide a solution to modern microelectronics' size and efficiency limitations.
Researchers developed a 3D miniature human liver model to improve toxicology studies of chemicals. The mini-liver demonstrates physiological and metabolic capabilities, enabling the detailed analysis of contaminant-induced effects on cells.
Glacial lakes globally store around 2,000 cubic kilometres of fresh water, with the 40 largest lakes holding more than half of this volume. However, their lifespan is short, with small glacial lakes filling with sediment in a few hundred years.
Researchers have introduced a new dimension to holography called the optical operator, enabling scalability and security in holographic systems. The team demonstrated a 9-fold increase in channel capacity and a 2-bit operator-multiplexed hologram with ultra-secure encryption capabilities.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that family structures and changing population demographics affect caregiving expectations. The study found that public perceptions of responsibility vary by relationship type, including a higher expectation for family members to care for older adults with dementia. Researchers emphasize the n...
Scientists have developed a new optical device that can generate both electric and magnetic vortex-ring-like light patterns, known as skyrmions. The device uses a nonlinear metasurface to achieve the first experimental demonstration of skyrmions that can be switched between electric and magnetic modes in toroidal terahertz light pulses.
Researchers created eco-friendly, high-performance gas sensors with blended polymer films combining poly(3-hexylthiophene) and poly(butylene succinate). The sensors demonstrated stable performance and higher sensitivity to nitrogen dioxide and other gases.
Researchers have developed a new system to visualize hidden defects in aging concrete infrastructure in 3D. This technology uses advanced ultrasonic phased array systems to create detailed cross-sectional images, enabling structural engineers to identify hazardous regions and improve maintenance efficiency.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of pegylated interferon treatment found HBsAg decline at week 24 to be the best predictor of functional cure, while on-treatment HBV RNA levels were most reliable for HBeAg loss. Novel virologic markers were less effective than traditional indicators.
Researchers develop a coating strategy using lignin nanoparticles to stabilize an oil-in-water emulsion, forming a multifunctional coating that enhances paper performance while maintaining environmental compatibility. The coated paper exhibits improved barrier properties, mechanical strength, and biodegradability.
Researchers have developed atomically engineered nanozymes (AENs) that can precisely regulate reactive oxygen species, activate immune pathways, and remodel the tumor microenvironment to kill tumors. These nanostructures also show promise in antibacterial applications, wound healing, and mitigating drug-induced organ toxicity.
The new microneedle design enables fast glucose detection and could support a new generation of painless, blood-free diagnostic tools. It achieves record extraction rates and preserves structural integrity while guiding fluid efficiently.
A new three-dimensional framework organizes how risks are studied and managed, focusing on identification and assessment, mechanism and strategy, and behavior and decision. This framework brings together perspectives from diverse fields to better understand complex risks.
The Singapore Global Health Film Festival brought together clinicians, policymakers, and partners to focus on outbreak preparedness and planetary health. The two-evening programme featured documentary screenings and panel discussions on pressing global health challenges in Asia.
A new microfluidic chip combines digital droplet control with built-in 3D microstructures to enable cells to self-assemble into tissue-like clusters. The platform overcomes limitations of traditional two-dimensional cultures and existing microfluidic systems, offering a streamlined approach to 3D cell culture.
A flexible photodetector achieves intrinsic wavelength selectivity through electrical control, allowing its spectral response to switch between different visible wavelengths. This design simultaneously suppresses dark current and enhances weak-light detection.
Research found that rates of poor mental health and suicide attempts have largely recovered, but repeated self-harm is increasing, especially among females. Trans and gender-diverse young people and early school leavers are particularly vulnerable to mental distress.