A new soft gripper designed by WVU researcher Anand Mishra can accurately gauge the size, curvature, color, and ripeness of fruits like strawberries and avocados. The gripper's quick inspections and harvesting capabilities can reduce spoilage and lower supply chain costs.
Researchers at MPI-SusMat discovered that adding specific metal oxides as catalytic precursors can double the reduction kinetics of hydrogen-based metal production, allowing for reduced energy use. This breakthrough enables lower reduction temperatures, shorter processing times, and reduced energy consumption.
Researchers measured electron velocities and concentrations in low-Earth orbit to map the travel pattern of solar energy from magnetic reconnection to its interactions at cusps. The study provides new insights into solar effects on Earth that drive space weather.
The Temple Family Thriving Program integrates caregiver and early childhood support into prenatal and postpartum care to strengthen parent-child bonds and promote healthy development. The program aims to reduce risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect by addressing caregiver stress and promoting positive parenting practices.
The Global Conference on Gerophysics brought together researchers from various disciplines to develop predictive models of aging. Key findings include the application of physical principles, such as thermodynamics and network theory, to biological systems. The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration between theory and ex...
A scientific team has developed an AI-powered approach to solve a practical problem in materials science by locating missing atomic positions in otherwise known structures. By using an adapted open-source model called XtalPaint, researchers can reconstruct accurate crystal representations with a success rate of 97%.
A new preclinical study by Amsterdam UMC researchers overturns a key assumption in the biological pacemaker field. They show that transcription factor TBX18 does not generate true pacemaker activity, while ion channel Hcn2 produces robust pacemaker function in the heart.
A new study found that plants can reveal recent PFAS contamination linked to airborne deposition, suggesting direct exposure from the atmosphere rather than uptake through roots alone. The research suggests that vegetation can serve as a valuable tool for tracking emerging environmental contaminants and complement traditional soil-base...
A study in mice reveals that slow fluctuations in hypothalamic histamine neurons act as a dynamic gate, making stored memories more or less accessible when a cue arrives. Histamine neuron activity helps prepare the brain before the cue appears, increasing memory-guided licking responses.
Researchers at HKUST have elucidated the mechanism of water facilitating reactions in interfacial polymerization, enabling predictable microcapsule design. They also developed an AI-driven platform for rational design of microcapsules with tailored properties.
Research found that companies with more independent board members adjust CEO compensation more quickly towards optimal levels. Boards make calculated trade-offs and consider costs and benefits before changing pay structures.
A team of researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo found that Raman optical activity can occur in nonmagnetic, centrosymmetric crystals with ferroaxial order, which introduces an internal directional property. This effect depends on the orientation of the crystal and is linked to the direction of internal rotational order.
Remote monitoring approaches did not increase home time but reduced it for those 65 years and older, supporting tailored care after acute infections. The findings suggest reevaluating remote monitoring to align with patients' needs and desires.
A clinical trial tested four remote monitoring approaches against usual care and found that none outperformed usual care in reducing readmissions. The study highlights the importance of studying real-world care models to optimize outcomes.
Researchers warn that open-source AI could increase environmental pressures, deepen technological inequalities, and spread misinformation. To mitigate these risks, the authors propose four governance actions to ensure AI contributes positively to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers discovered that intestinal obstruction affects feeding and sleeping behavior in fruit flies, causing lethargy and death. The study found a genetic defect responsible for intestinal blockage, leading to the formation of a 'Reinger's knot' that blocks the intestine.
Dr. Samantha Parker Kelleher and researchers will examine the role of postpartum hypertension on recurrent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. The team aims to identify ways to decrease HDP rates among mothers and develop new prevention strategies.
Extracellular vesicle-encapsulated microRNAs (EV-miRNAs) form a precise communication network for organ crosstalk, mediating immune regulation and disease outcomes. EV-miRNAs display organ tropism, influencing tumor growth, anti-tumor immunity, and inflammation.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds Americans sharply divided over the use of fluoride in public drinking water. Supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement are notably more skeptical about fluoridation's health effects, while a majority trust the American Dental Association's stance on its safety.
IOP Publishing integrates IPregistry.org to deliver faster and more accurate IP authentication for libraries worldwide. The integration enables automated IP address updates, reducing the risk of authentication errors and saving librarians administrative time.
Researchers at the University of Groningen found that a clinically approved asthma drug can restore access to social memories disrupted by sleep deprivation. In a study, mice who were sleep deprived after meeting other mice couldn't recognize them later, but the drug roflumilast allowed them to recall their social encounters.
A new study investigated the effects of ornidazole, an antimicrobial drug, on male fertility. Ornidazole was found to reduce sperm count and motility, as well as disrupt seminiferous tubule structure, in both mouse and human models.
Astronomers have discovered a new millisecond pulsar named PSR J1810−0623, featuring an exceptionally circular orbit. This discovery provides valuable information about binary evolution processes and the Galactic magnetic field structure.
A study in Dutch birth cohorts found early pregnancy temperature exposure associated with changes in fetal size, with colder temperatures linked to smaller crown-rump length at 12 weeks. Higher temperatures showed stronger associations during early pregnancy.
Researchers identify CLASS 3G subtype of EGFR mutation associated with limited response to targeted drugs. This structural subtype alters protein shape, reducing treatment efficacy and allowing for more effective combination therapy.
A Delft University of Technology breakthrough integrates perception, decision-making, and execution into a single framework. The model detects hazardous situations, predicts traffic evolution, and determines effective avoidance strategies, with realistic braking reaction times and human-like behavior.
Researchers successfully generated rat-derived kidneys in mice using interspecies blastocyst complementation, demonstrating potential for growing transplantable human organs in larger animals. The study represents an important step toward addressing global kidney shortages.
A novel HfO2-SiBOC ceramic has been designed and synthesized with a density of 2.49 g/cm3, significantly lower than traditional ultra-high temperature ceramics. The ceramic exhibits outstanding ablation resistance under 2000°C oxyacetylene flame for 300 s, making it a promising material for ultra-high temperature applications.
Researchers have identified a key muscle hormone, musclin, that helps clear dead cells and treat periprosthetic joint infections. Musclin triggers macrophage metabolism shifts, boosting efferocytosis capacity and breaking the cycle of inflammation.
A study of 6,165 Salmonella samples identified 128 types of toxins, including 45 previously unknown. The toxins act in competition among microorganisms and may inspire antibiotic development and biotechnological applications.
A White House announcement on treating autism with leucovorin and against acetaminophen during pregnancy led to significant increases in internet searches for these topics. Nearly 1 million additional searches for leucovorin were recorded, alongside over 4 million searches for acetaminophen.
A team of researchers from The University of Osaka has developed a new approach for depth reconstruction from defocus, estimating distances by analyzing blur in an image. Their method combines a coded-aperture camera with diffusion-model-based AI to accurately estimate depth and produce high-quality images.
An international team of researchers used AI to analyse climate commitments submitted by 158 countries, finding profound inequalities persist. The study found that high-income nations focus on health and emissions reduction, while low- and middle-income countries prioritize access to basic resources like water, energy, and food security.
Adolescents who spend at least two hours a day on social media are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and poorer wellbeing, with the strongest effects seen in girls aged 12–13 years. The study, which followed almost 1,200 children from age nine to 19, highlights the need for policies that reduce excessive screentime.
Collagen, the human body's most abundant protein, is found to exist as a liquid-like droplet rather than a rigid rod inside cells. This discovery has significant implications for understanding protein transport and shedding light on the mechanisms of fibrosis and cancer.
Researchers from Kyushu University discovered that the circadian clock protein BMAL1 drives macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory M1 state by activating inflammatory signaling pathways. This mechanism links the body clock to intracellular metabolism and immune function, offering new insights into treating inflammatory diseases.
Researchers identified five novel variants within the LOXHD1 gene that contribute to non-syndromic hearing loss in Chinese patients. Early intervention and cochlear implants showed promising results, highlighting the importance of genomic sequencing and personalized interventions.
A recent study has identified a specific group of genes, known as Ces1, which are responsible for creating the enzyme that metabolizes cocaine. Variations in these genes are closely linked to how frequently and compulsively rats self-administered the drug, suggesting a potential new target for treatment.
Scientists have successfully synthesized a new fullerene material that exhibits metallic behavior even under cryogenic temperatures. This discovery challenges conventional understanding of the Mott metal-insulator transition and has significant implications for future electronics and quantum technologies.
Researchers developed a novel gene therapy platform that successfully restored muscle function in preclinical models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by delivering full-length mRNA of the DMD gene via engineered extracellular vesicles. The treatment showed improved muscle strength, endurance, and function without serious side effects.
A new AI model has revolutionized molecular simulations, enabling researchers to predict molecular behavior and identify promising drug candidates more quickly. By analyzing over 12,500 organic molecules, the model has demonstrated accuracy and consistency with physical laws.
A new study published in Advanced Science shows that a programmable device can close complex wounds quickly, improving wound healing. The device uses customizable force to adapt to different wound shapes, promoting blood flow, nutrient delivery, and reduced scarring.
A new study suggests that lower baseline dopamine may drive teenage risk-taking behavior, such as substance experimentation, which tends to decrease with age. The research found that adolescents with lower dopamine levels were more likely to try substances, but their use declined after the college years.
Researchers developed a new magnetic memory material that can be rewritten using laser light, allowing for faster and more energy-efficient storage and processing of information. This breakthrough could help reduce power consumption in data centers and support future high-speed information systems.
Researchers developed a new cavity control strategy to improve efficiency of blue VCSEL lasers, achieving 26.4% wall plug efficiency. The approach identified optimal mirror loss conditions and extracted device parameters, providing guidance for next-generation high-efficiency visible-light semiconductor lasers.
Scientists discover autoimmune vicious cycle in Sjögren's disease, where CD4+ T cells recognize Ro60 protein and sustain antibody production. This process forms a self-reinforcing loop, contributing to chronic disease, and could lead to targeted therapies with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that humanoid robots like Pepper can make good playmates in cooperative modes with natural pace and order of play. However, competitive gameplay led to frustration due to robot's stiffness and overzealousness.
Researchers discovered that enterobactin, produced by certain gut bacteria, can reduce intestinal inflammation by temporarily slowing down cellular energy production. This finding connects to the emerging concept of mitohormesis and has promising implications for treating inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found that plant species with tougher leaves actually suffered more from insect damage, while those with higher silicon concentrations sustained less. In contrast, plants with higher heat tolerance experienced greater herbivory. Understanding these drivers is crucial for predicting forest health under future climate scenarios.
A novel study utilizing sharing circles reveals the need for holistic strategies that blend Indigenous and Western approaches to overcome systemic barriers. Key findings include the central role of humor as a culturally grounded mode of communication and the importance of storytelling in traditional teachings.
A new approach to blood pressure management after thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke has shown significant improvement in functional recovery and reduced complications. The HOPE trial found that adapting blood pressure targets to the degree of cerebral reperfusion improves patients' recovery without increasing risk.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to carbon capture using whey and tofu by-products. The material absorbs CO2 at a high rate, outperforming conventional methods, and can be reused, reducing energy consumption.
A new study found that chronic pancreatitis (CP) impairs multiple quality-of-life domains, including mobility, self-care, daily activities, mental health, and pain. Employment status is a powerful protective factor, while older age correlates with milder QoL impairments.
Researchers developed a nanowire device that selectively captures cancer-related extracellular vesicles from the blood serum of ovarian cancer patients. The technology uses high-performance zinc oxide nanowires and achieves efficient capture of cancer biomarkers with minimal physical burden on patients.
A new study published in JAMA found no significant difference between sodium bicarbonate and placebo in sustaining return of spontaneous circulation. The findings suggest that routine administration of sodium bicarbonate for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest may not be necessary.
Keck Medicine of USC hospitals and USC Student Health have received the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader 2026 designation, earning a perfect score in five criteria. The healthcare system demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and equity through various initiatives and programs supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
A new study introduces a method that analyzes microscopic texture to distinguish authentic artworks from forgeries. The technique uses fractal dimensions to capture subtle patterns created by an artist's brushwork, resulting in a unique signature for each artist.
The PediQEESI is a new pediatric adaptation of the QEESI questionnaire to assess chemical intolerance in children. It can help identify patterns among symptoms, exposures, and daily functioning, enabling parents and clinicians to avoid future exposure and trigger symptoms.
A recent study reveals that human-induced sea level rise has significantly increased the frequency of storm surge events, with a fourfold increase in historical 100-year events. This shift is largely attributed to rising sea levels, which now occur every eight years rather than once every century.
The Aileen Wee Professorship in Liver Diseases aims to catalyse partnerships between experts and address cancer and healthcare challenges. Prof Aileen Wee, a renowned authority in hepatobiliary pathology, will lead the professorship.