Researchers have found four exoplanets orbiting Barnard's Star, all smaller than Earth and Venus, but larger than Mars. The planets' composition suggests they are rich in magnesium, which creates periclase, a mineral that does not store water effectively.
A new study from the University of Michigan highlights the limitations of framing loneliness as a solely medical issue. Chronic loneliness and social isolation are linked to higher risks of disease, death, and economic costs, but experts argue that healthcare alone cannot rebuild social ties or address underlying social issues.
Researchers at MIT have created a precise way to engineer artificial blood vessels by mechanically stretching and pulling a "blood vessel on a chip". The new method, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, enables controlled sprouting of new vessels and programming of their growth patterns.
Researchers have identified a new fungal species, Semicentenialea rex, representing a new class of fungi called Semicentenialomycetes. The fungus was isolated from roots in Sweden and has unique characteristics that set it apart from other rust fungi.
Dr. Rui Yang receives a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists to uncover genetic causes of life-threatening immune disorders and identify new treatment paths. The research aims to advance diagnosis and understanding of rare diseases while fostering the next generation of scientists.
Researchers at Texas A&M University designed a fictional hospital to demonstrate the business case for investing in better design. The model shows that by incorporating evidence-based design strategies, hospitals can recover their additional construction costs within two years and achieve over $100 million in net financial gains over t...
A Johns Hopkins Medicine team created a computational model to forecast which patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will benefit from combination treatment using immunotherapy and targeted therapy. The spatial QSP modeling platform accurately predicted response rates for virtual patients, demonstrating its potential to inform pe...
Reducing carbon dioxide concentration improves microbial production of biodegradable plastic, such as poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]. Lower CO2 levels trigger adaptive cellular responses that enhance carbon utilization efficiency.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation recognizes six early-career scientists for their outstanding contributions to mental health research, including Dr. Joline Fan's work on brain circuitry and personalized neuromodulation therapies, and Dr. Nili Solomonov's development of scalable neuroscience-informed psychotherapies for depression.
Researchers discovered that reducing microglial activity worsened abnormal electrical activity and increased seizure-like events in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Microglia are not just drivers of inflammation but also perform important housekeeping functions to maintain healthy brain activity.
Researchers created a tool that leverages large language models to build novel languages with unique grammatical structures and vocabularies. The ConlangCrafter tool generates diverse languages, which can be used for creative applications such as video games and movies, or aid researchers in studying poorly documented languages.
Research from the University of Reading shows that cutting air pollution globally can strengthen the Indian monsoon, increasing rainfall by 0.28 millimetres a day across the country. The study found that regional action alone can have the opposite effect, reducing rainfall in parts of India.
Researchers have developed a systematic cross-calibration method for GPS satellite data, producing a long-term dataset that spans two full solar cycles. The calibrated dataset provides a reliable resource for studying relativistic electrons in medium Earth orbit, enabling more accurate predictions of electron flux enhancements.
A University of Stirling study found that most people in the UK don't fully understand dog laws and often believe stronger protections exist than actually do. Dog owners were consistently more confident but not more accurate in their knowledge, raising concerns about improving legal understanding.
A team of researchers from the University of Münster and RIKEN research institute has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for salt tolerance in plants. They found that a particular chemical mark in the 'histone code' plays a crucial role in adapting to salt stress.
Researchers developed a new computational approach to identify genes that characterize different cellular states from mRNA-seq data, offering more accurate and interpretable analysis of complex biological data. The Cartesian Distance-Based Gene Expression (CDBGE) algorithm was evaluated using multiple publicly available datasets, demon...
Researchers at Shaanxi Normal University have developed a novel titanium-chromium nitride catalyst that efficiently traps and rapidly converts polysulfides, key to improving Li-S battery efficiency. The new material demonstrates exceptional stability and effectiveness in suppressing the shuttle effect and enhancing conversion efficiency.
Researchers at ISTA discover how to turn single molecules into effective magnets, overcoming weak magnetic field limitations. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in nanoelectronics and the design of single-molecule nanodevices.
The Monell Chemical Senses Center has signed a 20-year lease to relocate and expand its operations to One uCity Square. The new facility will provide world-class support for sensory science discovery and strengthen Philadelphia's life sciences ecosystem.
Researchers developed DeepHHF, an AI model that identifies patients at high risk of heart failure up to five years in advance. The model analyzes standard ECG recordings and detects subtle abnormalities that are often imperceptible to the human eye.
The study identified specific climate measures for each city type, including infrastructure investment in heat protection, urban greening, and transport transition. Rapidly growing cities like Tirana and shrinking cities like Daugavpils benefit from nature-based solutions and infrastructure upgrades.
A new study found that students and staff involved with collegiate recovery programs held varying definitions of harm reduction, which shaped their perspectives on integrating it into CRPs. The study suggests opportunities to reframe harm reduction in a way that builds common ground and meets students' diverse recovery needs.
Researchers developed a new molecular strategy to control the critical interface in perovskite solar cells, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of 26.19%. The approach reduced interfacial disorder and nonradiative voltage losses while improving charge carrier transport.
A novel measurement cell enables in-situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements under high pressures and temperatures, providing new insights into thermocatalytic processes such as the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The setup is suitable for investigating catalytic gas-solid reactions under realistic operating conditions.
A USF study has identified South Florida as a crucial feeding ground for Atlantic tarpon, highlighting the importance of the region to the species' migrations. The research found that tarpon rely on distinct 'foraging landscapes' and can travel hundreds of kilometers to find food.
Researchers at Tsinghua University Press have created MXene-PVDF textiles that offer enhanced thermoregulation for adaptive personal protection, while also providing safe Joule heating. These materials are promising for wearable personal protection in extreme temperatures, enabling workers to operate safely and efficiently.
A specific subgroup of neutrophils signals the immune system to dial down its response, allowing regeneration. The study shows that the fine regulation of inflammation is crucial for healing and that unleashing the right signals can reactivate nerve regeneration.
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that climate mitigation and adaptation strategies often lack real-world data, hindering effective climate policy. Researchers identified the need for systematic collection of observational data across cities to determine what truly works, under which conditions, and for whom.
Researchers explored how AI and metabolic modeling can inform effective biocontrol strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance in built environments. Microbial biocontrol using 'good' microbes has shown promise, but inconsistent outcomes are due to various factors, including genetic differences and environmental stressors.
Post-Soviet Estonian films tend to focus on victimhood and resistance, while ignoring the Holocaust and collaboration with Nazi forces. Films like Awakening and In the Crosswind address deportation complexities, while others draw connections to the Holocaust for international audiences.
An international team of scientists developed a novel, catalyst-free plastic recycling process that uses only water and oxygen to convert various types of plastic waste into high-value organic acids. The method achieved near-complete conversion with minimal environmental impact.
Scientists have discovered that oxygenic photosynthesis is possible with only one photosystem, overturning a long-held assumption in biology. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that the absence of one photosystem can be compensated by an alternative mechanism.
Researchers discovered that cyanobacteria band together into protective flocs when attacked by predators, a survival strategy that could influence how carbon is stored in the world's waters. This behavior helps explain why cyanobacteria invest energy in forming flocs despite the apparent cost to their growth.
Incorporating structured, video-enhanced feedback into training programs halves prescribing errors by newly qualified doctors. This approach closes the performance gap between novice and experienced prescribers, demonstrates cost-effectiveness and scalability.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found that plants can successfully manufacture β-casein, one of the major proteins in cow's milk. The protein accumulated in an unexpected location inside plant cells, revealing a previously unknown pathway that could help improve animal protein production in crops.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a potential therapeutic target that can improve the potency of decitabine, a chemotherapy commonly used to treat bone marrow disorders and acute myeloid leukemia. By blocking DCTPP1's function with newly identified inhibitors, cancer cells become more susceptible to decitabine's ability ...
Researchers have developed laser-constructed 3D self-supported CoCu metal-organic framework electrocatalysts that exhibit high OER activity and excellent long-term stability. The electrodes display rapid electrolyte exchange, strong electronic interaction, and minimal degradation over 300 hours.
The renowned jazz musician and teacher Terence Blanchard has been awarded the Gutenberg Teaching Award for his exceptional contributions to music education. The award is worth EUR 10,000 and recognizes Blanchard's promotion of an experimental and egalitarian teaching environment.
A mathematical framework based on knot theory characterizes knittability and classifies periodic textile structures based on how defects spread through them. The framework determines whether a textile structure is knittable and classifies different types of periodic textiles by analyzing propagation patterns.
Researchers have demonstrated a technique to fabricate large-area oxide twistronic materials with controlled twist angles and strong chemical bonding between layers. This allows for the creation of high-crystallinity oxide moiré superlattices, which could enable new functionalities in devices.
Researchers Cong Trinh and Seunghyun Ryu receive US Department of War funding to analyze fungal genes and develop new synthetic biology tools for mitigating fungal contamination in critical systems. The grant focuses on Candida species, which can degrade materials used in electronics, vehicles, and fuel systems.
A study analyzing 2.9 million sustainability indicators from 10 years of annual reports found that companies are increasingly disclosing climate data, but coverage of value chains and social factors remains patchy. Sustainability performance and transparency are converging, with a significant increase in disclosed indicators.
This economic evaluation characterizes U.S. lobbying spending in the mental health field from 2014 to 2024, revealing significant growth. The study highlights increasing lobbying efforts in psychiatry and psychology, suggesting a shift towards more prominent advocacy for mental health issues.
Researchers have discovered that naked mole-rat queens release a volatile compound called isopropyl myristate, which induces temporary infertility in other females and prevents rivalry within colonies. This scent also increases levels of prolactin, reducing fertility, while keeping progesterone levels low.
A sub-nanoscale polyoxometalate cluster-functionalized Fe3O4 nanozyme is designed for biomedical applications. The nanozyme exhibits pH-dependent bifunctional catalytic behavior, generating ROS in acidic environments and scavenging excess ROS as the wound environment shifts to physiological pH.
A shift to healthier diets could lead to a significant reduction in global agricultural land use and livestock production value, with potential benefits for human health and the environment. The study suggests that transforming food systems could result in a 42% decline in global livestock production value compared to 2020.
Research by Harvard Medical School found that traffic fatalities increased by 14.3% the day after mass shootings, resulting in nearly 20 additional deaths nationwide. The study analyzed internet search patterns and data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System to identify a consistent pattern across the country.
Researchers at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute found that specialist neurons exist but are the exception, not the rule. Most neurons can display a huge diversity of responses and help the brain solve complex tasks.
Researchers developed a new allergen-specific IgE test to detect functional antibodies capable of triggering immune responses in food allergies. The improved AlphaCL method overcomes limitations of conventional tests, maintaining strong signal responses even with serum components present.
Research highlights the significant impact of modifiable risk factors on ischemic heart disease mortality in the US. High body mass index (BMI) and fasting plasma glucose levels have increased attributable risk over the study period, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors to reduce mortality.
A new machine learning version of the Martin-Hopkins equation accurately assesses LDL cholesterol risk with minimal difference to the original, making it accessible to all laboratories. The simplified code enables clinicians and patients to make better decisions about starting treatments that prevent heart attacks and strokes.
A new study has mapped Europe's wetlands, identifying peatlands as the most critical type to restore for climate benefits. The map provides a basis for assessing where wetland restoration could deliver benefits for climate and biodiversity.
Researchers analyzed 17 clinical trials and found little evidence that smokers increase smoking behavior when switching to low-nicotine cigarettes. In fact, most participants smoked significantly fewer cigarettes after making the switch.
A research team developed an electron-injection-softened strategy to regulate the electronic structure of sulfur hosts, achieving a nearly barrier-free cascaded sulfur reduction reaction. This enables the formation of Li2S2/Li2S with high areal capacity and excellent stability.
A new study suggests that ketogenic diets can increase the risk of cancer in the small intestine, unlike their protective effect on colon cancer. The diet's effects are driven by fat metabolism rather than ketone bodies.
Researchers suggest that extreme space weather may have far worse effects on Earth's technology than previously thought. The study, published in Nature, found a direct relationship between solar wind strength and electric currents in the upper atmosphere, indicating no upper limit to Earth's response.
Researchers have found that stimulating a nerve in the external ear may help to ease inflammation in the lungs of mice. The study suggests a novel device could be developed to target inflammatory pathways and treat diseases like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study suggests that adopting a flexitarian Planetary Health Diet could prevent around 15 million premature adult deaths per year. The transformation scenario projects a 9% reduction in global agricultural land use and a 60% decrease in livestock production value by 2050.
Research identifies SPP1+ macrophages as key drivers of intervertebral disc degeneration, leading to matrix destruction and disc deterioration. Targeting the SPP1 signaling pathway may offer an effective strategy for mitigating or reversing spinal degeneration.
Researchers have developed a new approach to designing drugs that can target multiple types of cancer cells, significantly improving treatment outcomes in mice. By self-assembling into two antibodies that bind together and attack multiple receptors, the modified antibody-drug conjugates outperformed standard treatments.