A new Chinese pediatric dataset, PediaBench, evaluates large language models (LLMs) in medical question-answering tasks. The dataset consists of five question types and 12 disease groups, with an integrated scoring scheme to assess LLM performance comprehensively.
A new study suggests that electric vehicles can serve as a vast network of mobile batteries, storing excess energy and feeding it back into the grid when demand surges. This approach could ease grid strain, cut emissions, and create revenue, but only if paired with timely grid upgrades.
A new study highlights how geography and regulations limit methadone access in US jails, with over half of facilities located more than a 30-minute drive from the nearest opioid treatment program. This distance creates logistical challenges for providing this lifesaving medication to incarcerated individuals.
The MedFuse framework improves diabetic retinopathy lesion segmentation by aligning visual features with anatomical priors. This approach enhances the model's robustness and accuracy, particularly in low-contrast or artifact-heavy regions.
The renewed agreement allows eligible researchers at participating UK institutions to publish unlimited articles across JMIR's portfolio of journals without APCs. This simplifies the publication workflow and increases equity for researchers at all career stages.
Researchers found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke by half for those who got infected, even if they didn't get vaccinated beforehand. The study's findings suggest prioritizing influenza vaccination among high-risk populations could have significant public health impact.
Researchers developed first-in-class dual HIF inhibitors that, when combined with immunotherapy, can completely eliminate breast, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate tumors in mice. The drugs target HIF-1/2 transcription factors, which are key regulators of cancer progression.
The article highlights the dangers of autonomous AI systems interacting within clinical environments, creating a 'digital ecosystem' that can operate beyond human oversight. The analysis warns of risks including the rapid propagation of errors, accelerated data leaks, and the spontaneous development of unintended hierarchies.
Researchers have developed a room-temperature drying technique that locks functional proteins into a stable, sugar-based 'glass', preserving their biological function. This method offers several advantages over conventional freeze-drying, including reduced processing time, lower energy consumption and no specialized equipment needed.
Researchers have developed a new measurement method to track the loss of information in qubits, resolving a major problem in quantum computing. The method enables fast and accurate measurements, allowing for real-time monitoring of information decay and identification of underlying causes.
A new international project will provide essential measurement equipment for two doughnut-shaped fusion devices, WEST and JT-60SA, to understand plasma behavior. PPPL's Luis Delgado-Aparicio leads the effort, adding powerful X-ray imaging systems to guide future fusion system design.
The NCCN Foundation recognizes five young investigators for their promising research on cancer innovation, providing $100,000 grants to advance their work and strengthen the pipeline for cancer success.
The Endocrine Society suggests that redefining obesity beyond BMI could complicate diagnosis and delay treatment. The proposed framework requires clinicians to prove organ dysfunction is caused by body fat for a clinical obesity diagnosis. This approach may hinder access to effective obesity treatment.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that the torpedo bat and traditional bat perform equally well in hitting power, with only a slight difference in sweet spot location. The researchers discovered that the ideal spot to hit the ball is closer on a torpedo bat, resulting in slower ball speed and distance.
A new study finds that people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease face a significantly higher risk of liver fibrosis if they engage in episodic heavy drinking. Episodic heavy drinking is defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men, at least once a month.
A Northwestern University study finds that disinfectants like chlorhexidine linger on surfaces for longer than previously known, allowing microbes to build tolerance. Chlorhexidine-tolerant bacteria were also detected spreading through touch and airborne dust across hospital rooms.
Scientists at Chiba University developed a simple method to generate high-quality optical bottle beams that remain concentrated over long distances. The technique uses a binary axicon and a flat multilevel diffractive lens to create sharp light structures.
Scientists have discovered two new species of fungi, Neohelicomyces coffeae and Neohelicomyces puerensis, growing on dead coffee branches in Yunnan Province. These saprophytic fungi play a vital role in the coffee ecosystem by decomposing organic matter and unlocking trapped nutrients.
A recent study by Bas Heerma van Voss found that governments are prone to cognitive biases when it comes to major risks like pandemics and climate change. Debiasing training for risk analysts can help recognize and avoid these biases, but such training is rarely implemented systematically.
A new system can map soil moisture tree by tree, allowing growers to water specific trees if they're dry. Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for plant health, as too little water can stress trees, while too much water can deprive roots of oxygen.
A new study by MIT researchers provides a high-resolution picture of auto emissions in NYC, allowing for more effective transportation and decarbonization policies. The method produces detailed data that bridges the gap between citywide emissions inventories and individual vehicle analyses.
Researchers found that only the last few layers of a quantum circuit matter due to accumulating noise, which weakens earlier steps. This means that even deep noisy circuits can be adjusted or 'trained' for simple tasks.
Researchers from Kyushu University used ALMA to observe a baby star producing a giant ring of gas about 1,000 au in size, which helps the star release excess energy. The team found that this ring is slightly warmer than its surroundings and hypothesize it's produced through magnetic field threading.
Researchers uncover distinct patterns of Indigenous and European ancestry in urban Peruvian population, challenging common categorizations. The study's findings hold significant implications for precision medicine and health disparities among Latin Americans.
A University of Sydney physicist has developed a new approach to quantum error correction that could significantly reduce the number of physical qubits required to build large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. The study introduces gauge theory-inspired design for efficient processing and logical information storage.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a breakthrough method for chemically recycling acrylic plastics using lower temperatures and sustainable solvents. The new process delivers over 95% conversion of the plastic and yields high-quality monomers, offering a clear pathway toward genuine circularity in acrylic materials.
A new study provides a solutions-focused pathway to implementing the High Seas Treaty, highlighting the need for enhanced data resources and sharing. The researchers identify major scientific and technical developments that can help address challenges in biodiversity monitoring and connectivity between areas.
A recent study examines the mechanisms behind Japan's prolonged silence on Johnny Kitagawa's crimes, characterizing it as a 'conspiracy of silence.' The research reveals that structural factors, including media networks and government policies, contributed to this silence. Key findings include the avoidance of negative coverage by tele...
The tumor microbiota is now considered a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer development and modulating immunotherapy effectiveness. Researchers have identified ways microbes can remodel tumors' microenvironments, directly interacting with tumor tissue and immune cells.
Researchers confirmed core predictions of Hubel and Wiesel's model by analyzing signal transmission at individual synapses between the thalamus and visual cortex. They found that orientation selectivity emerges through cortical circuits, resolving a long-standing controversy in neuroscience.
A new study found that older men are more likely to reach for saltshakers than women, who's behavior is influenced by factors such as diet quality and lifestyle. The research highlights the importance of reducing salt consumption, particularly in industrialized foods.
Researchers found that bleach and detergents were the most common product types associated with these injuries, accounting for over 33% of injuries. Children aged 1-2 years were at highest risk, and poisoning was the most common diagnosis, resulting from ingestion.
Researchers found evidence of Native American dice making and use dating back 12,000 years, with binary lots crafted from bone featuring markings for counting sides. This discovery challenges traditional views on the origins of probability theory.
Researchers at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a targeted therapy that effectively prevents prostate tumors from spreading to the bone. The small molecule inhibitor IVMT-Rx-4 blocks the function of MDA-9/Syntenin, preventing tumor growth and improving survival in models with bone metastasis.
Researchers observed nonrandom patterns of spike D614 reversions in SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron BA.2 variants, suggesting a non-spontaneous mechanism. These reversions occurred disproportionately after peak transmission periods and showed geographic clustering.
A research team analyzed data from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and Mungwa Bangmok to characterize career patterns of over 14,600 Joseon officials. They found that functional recruitment systems led to stability, but concentrated power resulted in inequality and stratification, ultimately leading to a national decline.
Researchers determined the LH1-RC complex structure at high resolution, identifying a new membrane protein and non-heme Fe ion that may facilitate electron transfer. The findings provide insight into the photosynthetic complex and could contribute to genetically engineered phototrophic systems and bioremediation technologies.
Research reveals longer weekly home-visit rehabilitations (HR) significantly improve activities of daily living (ADL) among older adults, especially those requiring moderate to severe care. The study found that HR duration correlates with ADL improvement in this population.
Researchers have uncovered how BAP1 functions at the molecular level and present a novel therapeutic strategy to slow cancer progression. BAP1's role in DNA repair pathways and its potential as a biomarker for personalized treatment are also explored.
An international team is calling for a coordinated effort to map gene expression across every cell type and developmental stage of wheat. Spatial omics technologies can transform wheat research by revealing how individual cells respond to stress, regulate grain development, and control yield-related traits.
A new study reveals that declining floating-leaf plants release harmful nutrients, but also trigger a microbial process that converts simple organic matter into resilient, long-term carbon storage. This process enhances the lake's ability to sequester carbon through a microbial carbon pump.
The study measures ultrafast electron dynamics in hydrogen molecules, observing oscillations in hole localization that depend on the delay between attosecond pulses. Entanglement occurs at the expense of electronic coherence in the remaining ion.
Researchers investigated brain mechanisms that maintain balance between intimidation and physical aggression in mice. Projections from the lateral hypothalamus to the dorsal raphe nucleus play a critical role in preserving this balance. Increasing pathway activity led to increased attacks, while inhibiting it decreased attack bites.
The study highlights AI's strengths in idea generation, data analysis, and logical structuring but notes limitations such as fabricated references and superficial argumentation. Researchers call for strengthening capacity for critical use of AI while addressing risks like cognitive outsourcing.
Demographic changes are linked to increased household energy requirements, CO2 emissions, and financial burdens in Japan and the UK. Older single-person households have higher energy use and costs due to greater heating and cooling needs.
Researchers have developed an engineered enzyme that can efficiently break down polyurethane (PU) plastics, providing a sustainable solution to the growing problem of plastic waste. The enzyme, Aes72, was designed using advanced simulations and engineering techniques to enhance its catalytic efficiency.
Researchers have mapped a brain circuit specific to chronic pain, suggesting a promising route to treatment. Silencing this circuit eased chronic pain while preserving acute pain responses in mice. The discovery raises the possibility of developing drugs that target this circuit to ease chronic pain without impacting acute pain.
The NIH has renewed support for the USC-led AI4AD initiative, expanding its efforts to better classify Alzheimer's and related diseases, predict progression, and identify new treatment targets. The $12.6 million award will develop AI tools to uncover biological causes of Alzheimer's and improve disease diagnosis.
Researchers develop AI-driven approaches to tackle terahertz ultra-massive MIMO's challenges, including computational complexity and modeling difficulty. Foundation models leverage wireless channels as a common basis for transceiver modules, enhancing practicality and deployment environments.
A Griffith University study found that male and female leaders' emotional behavior influences employees' wellbeing, attitudes, and workplace behavior. Female employees prefer emotional support from female leaders, while male employees value task-focused support from male leaders.
A new study has confirmed that much of the deep mantle deformation occurs where researchers suspect there may be deeply subducted tectonic slabs. The research used an unprecedented database of over 16 million seismograms to analyze seismic anisotropy and provide a global map of the phenomenon.
Researchers have repurposed a bacterial DNA synthesis system to enable DNA to act as an active 'field agent' inside living cells. This allows for the creation of programmable DNA fragments that can regulate gene expression and control protein behavior.
A global collaboration will create a comprehensive atlas of wheat biology using spatial omics, enabling researchers to decode integrated mechanisms of development and stress response. This technology aims to improve grain yield and quality for bread-making, addressing food insecurity and malnutrition.
Researchers found that increasing soil salinity slows biochar aging and limits microbial colonization. Biochar retains more carbon and shows greater structural stability in saline environments compared to low-salinity conditions.
A new scientific review highlights how biochar can transform tea farming by restoring soil health, reducing pollution risks, and improving both yield and quality. Biochar can increase tea yields by 10 to 40 percent while enhancing quality traits such as amino acids and polyphenols that influence flavor.
A new study finds that people with long COVID are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac arrhythmias and coronary artery disease. The study shows that women with long COVID have twice the risk of receiving a cardiovascular diagnosis compared to women without the condition.
Persistent inequalities remain a major barrier to achieving universal protection against life-threatening infections. The study found that PCV booster retention has dropped in England since the schedule change, disproportionately affecting children in more deprived areas.
Shisha tobacco has almost 1,000 cafes in the UK, popular among young people and ethnic minority groups. Shisha is considered 'every bit as bad for you as smoking cigarettes', with unique design features increasing toxin delivery.
A five-year field study shows that small, repeated additions of biochar combined with water-saving irrigation can significantly reduce methane emissions from rice paddies over time while maintaining strong crop yields. Continuous application maintained and strengthened methane reduction, producing net negative emissions in some cases.
A new study finds that hydrochar significantly enhances soil organic carbon and aggregation, offering a promising strategy for sustainable soil management. Hydrochar can simultaneously improve soil structure and increase carbon sequestration, making it a versatile solution for improving soil health in agriculture.