Researchers linked oily material to a 2019 oil slick in Brazil, using ocean current models and chemical analysis. The study reveals an additive contaminant effect where plastic pollution can transport oil pollution far beyond its origin.
A new study found that light intensity activities, such as walking or household chores, were associated with a lower risk of death for people with CKM syndrome. The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to compare activity level duration for each CKM syndrome stage.
A new UK-wide clinical trial evaluated a self-guided behavioural sleep programme for children with epilepsy, resulting in improved sleep duration of 16.5 minutes. However, the main issue was engagement, as only half of those given access to the resources used them.
A new study co-led by the University of Oxford found that global aviation emissions can be reduced by 50-75% through combined strategies to boost efficiency. The study reveals enormous variability in emissions efficiency, with some routes producing nearly 900 grams of CO2 per kilometre for each paying passenger.
A research team led by NTU Singapore has recorded a tiny mechanical twitch in living human and rodent eyes when rod photoreceptors detect light. This breakthrough could provide a new non-invasive way to assess retinal health and diagnose blinding eye diseases earlier.
A new study by MIT researchers reveals that cities with strong airline connections are more likely to attract multinational firms, particularly in knowledge industries. The study analyzed 7.5 million firms in 800 cities and found that direct flights lead to a 20% increase in subsidiaries, compared to cities with only one-stop connections.
Researchers developed a new method to identify effective treatment combinations for glioblastoma by analyzing individual cell types and their gene expression signatures. This approach has the potential to personalize cancer treatment and may be useful for other cancers and diseases.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found a strong association between higher consumption of food preservatives and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 100,000 adults, suggests that even small amounts of preservative additives can have significant health consequences.
Researchers have identified a new class of small molecules that boost the cell's natural recycling machinery to destroy an immune-modulating enzyme called IDO1. This approach takes a bolder approach than traditional drug design, eliminating disease-causing proteins altogether and opening up new possibilities for cancer treatment.
Researchers discovered that natural light exposure improves blood glucose levels and reduces variability in people with type 2 diabetes. The study also found that melatonin levels increased and fat oxidative metabolism improved when participants were exposed to natural light.
Researchers discovered that microglia's TGF-beta signaling acts as a brake, preventing nerve fibre damage in ageing spinal cords. This protective mechanism may contribute to the development of certain neurological diseases.
A new update from the American Gastroenterological Association emphasizes careful evaluation before surgery for patients with refractory constipation, which can lead to complications and poor outcomes. The guidance recommends a comprehensive individualized evaluation and suggests non-surgical options before considering surgery.
A team of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a new way to produce hydrogen gas without the use of platinum, a scarce and expensive metal. The process uses sunlight and tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic to efficiently produce hydrogen.
Physicists Tom Hoekstra and Jorik van de Groep have realized an actively tunable metasurface using a novel quantum material, enabling the creation of a nanoscale mirror that can be turned on and off. The device harnesses excitons in 2D materials to control light with record efficiency.
Researchers developed a gas-phase method to grow compact capping layers on halide perovskite single crystals, resulting in ultra-sensitive X-ray detectors with record-breaking performance. The new detectors boast improved signal stability, faster response times and lower dark currents.
Researchers have optimized the thermoelectric performance of SnSe using liquid phase sintering, introducing excess metallic tin to fill intrinsic vacancies and reduce electron trapping. This process results in a lattice thermal conductivity as low as 0.21 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ at 793 K, achieving an exceptional ZT value of approximately 1.9.
Microbial cell factories have matured into powerful platforms for producing L-tryptophan and its derivatives. Advances in synthetic biology and data-driven design are crucial for overcoming challenges such as precursor abundance and product toxicity.
Researchers develop ultralight biomass conductive elastomer that self-foams at room temperature, heals in 5 hours, and recycles five times without property loss. The 'micro-spring' lattice offers a gauge factor of 4.8 under 1% strain, making it suitable for wearable, foldable, and reusable soft electronics.
Scientists at CU Boulder have solved a pressing mystery about the universe's gravitational wave background by revealing the role of smaller galaxies in galaxy evolution. The new study suggests that when a smaller supermassive black hole merges with a larger one, the smaller black hole gains mass, producing larger gravitational waves.
Researchers unraveled the active phase evolution and driving mechanisms of VPO catalysts under formaldehyde-acetic acid condensation conditions. The study revealed that VPO catalysts rich in V4+ phases show higher selectivity for acrylic acid.
The conference aims to promote research on global financial risk management with an emphasis on modern risks, under the theme “AI in an Uncertain World”. The annual MRS conference welcomes submissions from scholars worldwide on all aspects of risks and capital markets.
Scientists have created a system that harnesses the energy in chloride-rich brines to produce chlorine without needing external power. The innovative approach integrates hydrochloric acid recovery with chlorine and hydrogen generation, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
A new study reveals a deep sequence of archaeological deposits at Leang Bulu Bettue cave in Sulawesi, Indonesia, dating back to at least 8 meters below the current ground surface. This finds suggest that an archaic human species and Homo sapiens may have overlapped in time on the island.
A new study maps breast cancer vulnerabilities, identifying two major classes of weaknesses: gene addiction and synthetic lethality. The analysis highlights key metabolic and signaling dependencies that distinguish different subtypes, revealing actionable targets for precision treatment strategies.
The Chinese hwamei, an invasive alien bird species, has expanded into Japan's mountainous regions, including alpine zones. The study found that it breeds in these areas during the summer and migrates to lower elevations in winter.
A study of 198 male rugby players found that injuries caused by indirect contact had a high incidence and burden, while tackle direction was associated with injury severity. The insights gained can guide targeted prevention programs for knee injuries in rugby.
Researchers aim to understand why some children develop chronic UTIs by exploring immune system evasion or genetic predisposition. The new database may help remove the assumption that UTIs only affect adult women who are sexually active.
A study by the University of Washington School of Medicine found that US adolescents spend more than an hour per day using their cellphones during school hours. Social media apps account for the largest share of use. The study's lead author notes that objective smartphone data provides a clearer picture of actual use.
A University of Cambridge-led study reveals that more than two years of war in Gaza has left Palestinian children too weak to learn or play, with some living on as little as a bowl of lentils a day. The report warns of a 'lost' generation emerging in Gaza due to the war's educational, physical and psychological impacts.
A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.
Researchers found that young people who caught up on sleep on weekends had a 41% lower risk for symptoms of depression than those who didn't. Getting eight to 10 hours of sleep each night is still ideal, but weekend sleep catch-up may be protective.
Researchers have combined molecular imprinting technology with biochar to create materials that can selectively target specific molecules, achieving high adsorption capacity and selectivity. These smart sorbents show promise for efficient pollution control in complex mixtures and at low concentrations.
Generative AI is increasingly used in classrooms, raising concerns about its impact on student learning. Researcher Gerd Kortemeyer explores the benefits and drawbacks of AI in physics education, suggesting that it can be a helpful tool when integrated into teaching methods that focus on critical thinking and collaboration.
A new multi-omics framework proposes a proactive, predictive, and integrative approach to invasive species management. The framework uses advanced technologies to detect, track, and manage invasive species with unprecedented precision.
A recent study reveals that the specific genetic identity of rice plants determines which microbes they host and how those microbes function. The research found that differences among rice genotypes strongly shape microbial communities in both soil and on leaf surfaces, influencing nutrient cycling, plant health, and soil carbon storage.
The journal Biological Diversity is seeking experts in various disciplines to address the global biodiversity crisis. The editorial board will comprise senior scholars, while the youth editorial board will include early-career researchers. The dual structure aims to combine strategic wisdom and innovative energy.
A comprehensive review reveals the therapeutic effects of Borago officinalis, a plant with diverse compounds targeting inflammation and metabolic pathways. The study highlights its potential in treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
A research team at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has discovered a genetic mechanism that allows certain parasites to infect multiple hosts, but at the cost of long-term survival. The study sheds light on how parasitic infections emerge and spread, with potential implications for public health surveillance and treatment strategies.
Researchers at the University of Michigan analyzed nearly 200,000 Twitter posts between 2012 and 2022 to understand why people perceive pollen seasons as getting worse. They found a partisan gap in how liberals and conservatives attribute pollen season changes to climate change.
Evidence suggests Sagittarius A* flared dramatically within the past few hundred to 1,000 years, according to X-ray emissions observed by XRISM. The findings unveil new details of supermassive black hole evolution and provide lessons about our cosmic home.
The use of generative AI in software development can lead to increased productivity, but also creates technical debt and hasty coding if not managed properly. Companies must prioritize fixing technical debt, develop clear guidelines for AI-assisted coding, and train developers on the hazards of AI coding.
Certain microbes can act as community protectors by breaking down antibiotics and stabilizing entire microbial ecosystems. Antibiotic degraders create safer microenvironments, allowing sensitive microbes to survive.
A UTEP study has discovered a significant increase in parasitic infection rates among kissing bugs in the Borderlands, raising concerns about local transmission of Chagas disease. The research suggests that the disease is becoming an increasingly public health issue for the Southwest, affecting approximately 6 million people worldwide.
A new Junior Research Group at the University of Oldenburg aims to create fully biodegradable plastics from organic waste. The team will investigate various processes, including fermentation and downstreaming, to produce polybutylene succinate (PBS) based on polybutylene succinate.
A new study found that popular AI tools for predicting river flow often misinterpret how heat and evaporation affect water, raising concerns for flood and drought planning. The researchers developed a hydrology-specific 'explainable AI' framework to uncover these issues.
A new study reveals that farmers in the Northeast are facing a growing threat of tick-borne diseases, which can be devastating to their livelihoods. The research found that farmers often experience multiple tick bites per month, with some contracting serious illnesses like Lyme carditis.
A new survey of over 2,000 K dwarfs, close to the Sun, has identified promising locations for life. These 'K dwarf' stars offer a long-term, stable environment for planetary companions, making them ideal candidates for supporting life.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an AI-powered ECG analysis tool that shows promise in detecting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) early. The model achieved high accuracy rates across diverse populations, including a subgroup with irregular heartbeat and smoking exposure.
A new study found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood are linked to an increased risk of early onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. MASLD affects up to 40% of children with obesity and increases long-term risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver cancer.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are building highly sensitive detectors to explore dark matter and energy. The team's work builds on previous breakthroughs in detecting low-mass particles, and they aim to find ways to amplify signals that were previously buried in noise.
Researchers identified nine objects with characteristics of stars and galaxies, sparking new questions about the cosmos. These 'platypus galaxies' have narrow emission lines indicative of active star formation, defying expectations.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is significantly associated with increased risk of depressive disorder and suicide risk. The study suggests that NLR may be a cost-effective tool to inform risk stratification and tailored treatment strategies in psychiatric care.
The SSA will hold its annual meeting in Pasadena, California, featuring 53 technical sessions on topics such as earthquake early warning, seismic swarms, and nuclear explosion forensics. Working journalists can register to attend at no charge, gaining full access to presentations, poster sessions, and plenary talks.
Researchers combined Dynamic Optical Contrast Imaging (DOCI) with machine learning to identify thyroid cancer during surgery. The AI analysis framework accurately classified samples across three categories and generated tumor probability maps for precise location identification.
A team of researchers developed a novel end-effector for tomato picking, achieving 88% success rate and reducing picking time by 40%. The system uses a collaborative 'adhesion-clamping' operation mode to avoid fruit damage and improve efficiency.
Researchers at North Carolina State University propose a 'compounded resilience' strategy to help local governments prepare for and adapt to climate change. By incorporating policies that improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance infrastructure, communities can become more resilient and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
A recent study published in Political Psychology explored the willingness of people to engage in discussions with others who hold different opinions. The researchers developed a measuring tool called WEDO to assess this willingness and found that open-minded individuals tend to think analytically and are more willing to engage in dialo...
A recent study published in Gut journal revealed that Streptococcus anginosus produces methionine metabolites, which significantly contribute to the development of gastric cancer. The research opens new paths for microbiota-targeted prevention strategies.
A massive US-wide project is cataloging the soil microbiome, discovering over 1,000 new bacterial strains and unlocking secrets of ecological functions and antimicrobial resistance. The BioDiversity and Informatics for Genomics Scholars consortium spans 40+ sites across the country, leveraging long-read sequencing technology.
The new clinical standards for antimicrobial stewardship in tuberculosis care aim to integrate TB into existing AMS frameworks, strengthening surveillance and resistance monitoring. The standards prioritize effectiveness, safety, and resistance prevention, promoting structured expert consultation services and targeted testing.