MARGO integrates machine learning-based predictive models with overlap weights to address covariate imbalance in clinical trials. The framework demonstrates superior performance over conventional methods, allocating more patients to the effective treatment while maintaining statistical power.
Researchers at UCLA Health have discovered that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) selectively targets specific brain cells to restore communication channels in the brains of stressed mice. The study found that TMS repairs damaged dendritic spines, leading to enhanced activity and rapid improvements in stress-related behaviors.
The BHARAT study, led by the Indian Institute of Science, is a groundbreaking initiative that integrates clinical, molecular, lifestyle, and environmental data from diverse demographic groups in India. The study aims to develop population-specific biological aging signatures and predictive models tailored to Indian populations.
A global validation study led by NYU Langone Health confirms the accuracy of the American Heart Association's PREVENT tool in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for diverse populations. The tool, which considers kidney health and albuminuria levels, was found to be highly effective in identifying patients at high CVD risk.
The new device mimics an octopus's multimodal grasping strategy, achieving the fastest stiffness-switching performance reported to date. It delivers stunning speed, softening in 1.3 seconds and rigidifying in 0.8 seconds, while maintaining cooperative grasping forces exceeding 4 newtons.
Researchers found that increases in macrophage cell volume reprogram gene expression and induce inflammation. Cell swelling also triggers an enhanced antiviral response in infected cells.
A team of researchers has developed a wearable fabric electrotactile system that provides more precise and localized tactile feedback in virtual reality. The system uses a novel 'stimulation-inhibition' design to cancel lateral current spread, resulting in improved recognition accuracy and reaction times for users.
A study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that changes in gut bacteria composition after bariatric surgery are strongly associated with improved glucose metabolism and insulin release. Patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved improved glycemic control exhibited greater microbial gene richness and enhanced fermentation processes.
A new study by TU Graz finds that women have a 60 per cent higher injury risk in car accidents compared to men. Women suffer noticeably more severe injuries even at lower collision speeds, with the risk of serious injury or death being twice as high. The study highlights the need for more realistic tests and intelligent safety systems.
A study of over 31,000 patients found that pneumonia occurred more often after breathing tubes were removed than during ventilation, with most cases developing within a 1–2 week window after surgery. Early assessment and intervention focusing on swallowing function are crucial for prevention and improved outcomes.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that older adults report fewer recent regrets than younger adults, with a greater focus on missed chances. This suggests that aging may change the experience of regret, potentially providing opportunities for reflection and meaning.
The study found that Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Team (START) was a cost-effective approach for addressing opioid use disorder in the inpatient setting, increasing medication initiation and linkage to care after discharge. Additionally, START improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
A new study found that sexual arousal can make people more likely to interpret ambiguous interactions optimistically, even when there is uncertainty. This phenomenon can serve a purpose in early courtship by providing optimism, but also comes with costs as it may overshadow sensitivity to another person's actual wishes.
A new study finds that deforestation in the southern Amazon can trigger severe reductions in rainfall, even under a changing climate. The authors estimate that limiting deforestation to 10% of the area may be necessary to maintain annual rainfall and protect agricultural livelihoods.
A new study published in mSystems found that thawing Arctic soil only partially revives microbial activity, with around half of microorganisms remaining dormant. The research sheds light on the complex dynamics of microbial growth and carbon release from thawing permafrost.
Scientists describe new genus and species of parasitic wasp, Attenboroughnculus tau, found in Natural History Museum collections. The discovery highlights the scientific value of museum collections and showcases the unique characteristics of this rare subfamily.
A recent study reveals that combining iNKT cell therapy with antigen-presenting cells activated by a lipid compound triggers effective antitumor immunity. The therapy generates memory-phenotype T cells that can recognize and respond to specific threats, offering a promising personalized approach to cancer treatment.
The discovery of complex stone tools at the Lingjing archaeological site in China suggests that ancient humans were capable of advanced technological thinking and creativity. The tools, crafted by Homo juluensis, show a high level of organization and planning, indicating a deep understanding of stone properties and fracture mechanics.
A new study suggests that rapidly melting Antarctic ice shelves can lead to a significant increase in global sea levels. The researchers found that long, channel-like grooves on the underside of these ice shelves can trap warm ocean water, causing local melting and potentially weakening the structural strength of the ice shelf.
A digital therapy app was found to be more effective in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders among college students compared to traditional campus clinics. The study, which tested the app's effectiveness over six months, showed a significant increase in symptom-free students and services uptake.
Experts warn that AI-enhanced surgical robotics could enable true personalized surgery and enhance surgical team performance. However, regulatory reforms are needed to address risks from adaptive systems and ensure patient benefits.
The most massive black holes detected by gravitational waves were formed through repeated and violent collision events in densely populated star clusters. The study identifies two distinct populations, with high-mass systems showing rapid spins and a signature consistent with cluster mergers.
Researchers discovered that a volcano's eruption can clean up methane pollution by breaking it down into formaldehyde. The phenomenon could potentially be key to slowing global warming and has implications for reducing methane emissions.
A national survey of 971 clinicians found that burnout, chronic workplace stress, administrative burden, and unrealistic patient expectations are now among the top reasons physicians leave clinical practice early. The study also highlights gender disparities in physician decisions to exit clinical practice.
Researchers are developing a 'heart-on-a-chip' platform with sensors to track cardiac damage and fibrosis in real-time. The project aims to improve the understanding of cardiac involvement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and speed up treatment evaluation.
A study found that psilocybin, a key magic mushroom ingredient, significantly reduces aggressive attack behavior and energetically costly social behaviors in mangrove rivulus fish. The compound selectively dampens escalated social conflict without suppressing lower-energy social display behaviors.
Researchers at Washington State University and Google developed an AI system that can process hundreds of thousands to millions of camera trap images in just a few days, reducing analysis time from months to days. The results aligned with human experts' models in roughly 85-90% of cases, making it a significant breakthrough for conserv...
Researchers propose a new approach to overcoming vaccine hesitancy by framing vaccines in terms of personal autonomy and freedom, which showed greater willingness among those with higher concerns. The study suggests that traditional universal approaches may not be effective for everyone, highlighting the importance of individual values.
Researchers develop a nasal spray that crosses the blood-brain barrier, delivering medication directly to the brain. The 'NanoPowder' spray reduces ischemic infarct by over 80% and protects neurological and motor functions.
The research team led by Dr Fei Jing at HKU IDS introduced a rigorous theoretical framework to analyze connection patterns in complex networks. The study demonstrates that global predictability can be decomposed into local contributions from individual connections, significantly reducing computational complexity and improving scalability.
Researchers discover a key mechanism by which free fatty acids induce apoptosis of bovine mammary epithelial cells, leading to decline in milk yield and mammary gland dysfunction. ER stress pathway is identified as a critical mediator linking elevated FFA to cell death.
Curtin Ignition 2026 is a fast-paced program designed to help early-stage concepts move towards commercial reality. The program features a mix of workshops, hands-on venture support sessions and mentoring, as well as networking with experienced entrepreneurs, investors and industry specialists.
The HKU School of Governance and Policy has launched a premier intellectual hub dedicated to navigating complex regional and international governance challenges. The school's five core research pillars will drive its academic programs, including an Executive Leadership Hub and policy institutes for undergraduates.
Researchers have discovered robust topological Hall signatures in the layered ferromagnet FePd₂Te₂, which could lead to breakthroughs in spintronics. The findings show a distinct thermal pocket where the hump amplitude is maximized and demonstrate reproducible angle–temperature evolution.
Professor Krausz's election is a recognition of his pioneering attosecond metrology, enabling the observation of electron dynamics on their natural timescales. He has opened new frontiers in physics, chemistry, and materials science with far-reaching implications for fundamental research and technological innovation.
Researchers developed an integrated diagnostic technique to monitor internal chemomechanical stress dynamics in perovskite solar cells. A critical device power conversion efficiency threshold was identified, allowing for targeted structural recovery and a 12% PCE enhancement after dark recovery.
A research team from HKUMed has uncovered the mechanism underlying cancer drug resistance to paclitaxel, a widely used cancer treatment. Small differences in microtubules determine the efficacy of paclitaxel, and altering specific sites within tubulin proteins can affect its shape and behavior.
A HKU research team will deploy a short-wavelength infrared spectrometer on the Tianwen-3 mission to search for biosignatures and hydrous minerals on Mars. The instrument aims to forecast dust storms, detect signs of life, and survey Martian resources.
The University of Hong Kong has developed an AI system called eCheckGo, which can perform rapid and scalable building inspections. The system uses a proprietary Large Defect Model (LdM) to identify defects such as cracks and spalling in buildings, allowing for more frequent and proactive monitoring.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that nature-based group activities can boost wellbeing, health, and connection to nature in older adults living in care homes. The activities improved sleep, cognition, and social connections, even among those with multiple diseases and mobility issues.
A research team at HKUMed developed a machine-learning classifier that accurately predicts the potential risk of sustained mammalian transmission based on the influenza virus genomic content. The study found that reduced GC-related content in IAV genomes is associated with higher risk for human-to-human transmission.
The forum discussed geopolitical risks, macroeconomic policy directions, and new economic drivers amidst intensifying external and internal challenges. Key findings highlight the resilience of Hong Kong's capital markets and the growth of artificial intelligence and high-tech industries in China.
The Education Summit 2026 brought together experts to explore the implications of artificial intelligence for education and the importance of cross-cultural understanding. Key findings include the need for education to equip students with technical proficiency, creativity, and values needed to surpass AI capabilities.
A new framework aims to embed natural laws, scientific goals, and ethical standards into AI-driven molecular design processes. This requires addressing misalignment between AI objectives and real-world scientific and societal requirements.
The DAMPE collaboration has directly observed charge-dependent spectral softening of five primary cosmic-ray nuclei, confirming the Peters cycle model. This observation suggests a nearby cosmic-ray accelerator with a charge-dependent energy limit, providing new insights into cosmic-ray physics.
A team of researchers created a touchscreen-based game task inspired by hide-and-seek to elicit curiosity in resident Japanese macaques. The monkeys preferred moderate uncertainty, spending nearly 100 trials without rewards. This study supports the goldilocks principle, where animals seek moderately complex or uncertain stimuli.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that ATF6α plays a critical role in enabling the survival and proliferation of beta cells under sustained stress, leading to impaired beta cell mass expansion. The study highlights the potential for developing new therapeutic strategies to preserve and restore beta cell mass in diabetes.
Researchers develop 2D/3D van der Waals heterostructures for enhanced photodetection, combining high absorption with tunable surface states. The integration of 3D semiconductors and 2D materials enables reconfigurable optoelectronics and in-sensor computing, revolutionizing AI and edge sensing.
Research at Kyoto University found that individuals with fewer positive childhood experiences are more likely to perpetrate elder abuse, while those with more community-related positive experiences have a lower risk. The study suggests that multiple forms of positive experiences across different domains may be necessary to break the cy...
The Phase 1/2 trial demonstrated a 29% response rate and median overall survival of 15.6 months, outperforming historical chemotherapy response rates. Daraxonrasib targets RAS in its 'on' state and has shown durable responses with a manageable safety profile.
The article introduces Clinical Organizational Science (COS), a framework that reframes organizational transformation as a problem of structure, not behavior. COS argues that old patterns persist due to the way people interact every day, and proposes three intervention concepts to redesign feedback and interaction patterns.
A European Society of Cardiology consensus report suggests that ultra processed food consumption is linked to cardiovascular disease and death. The report calls for doctors to advise patients on limiting UPF intake to prevent cardiovascular risks.
A global analysis reveals that coupling data centres with wastewater treatment plants can eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, conserve freshwater, and generate economic savings. The study found that 87.8% of the economically viable linkages fall within 40 km of each other, making near-term urban deployment realistic.
A new study with over 3,700 UK participants found that better cognitive functioning may be associated with a higher risk of future depressive episodes in those with a history of depression. In contrast, worse cognitive performance was linked to a lower risk of relapse in both individuals with previous depression and control participants.
A new study found that mental health clinicians prefer evolutionary explanations of anxiety over genetic approaches, believing they provide a more positive outlook and can improve patient willingness to seek help. This shift could lead to more hopeful and therapeutically empowering attitudes towards anxiety treatment.
The ALARIC trial aims to treat at least 12 patients with light chain amyloidosis, a rare but serious blood disease affecting around 500 people in the UK each year. CAR T-cell therapy targets abnormal plasma cells producing faulty proteins, offering a one-off treatment with high and durable response rates.
A systematic review of 59 studies found no association between aluminium-adjuvanted vaccines and serious or long-term health outcomes, including autism, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and myalgia. Persistent nodules or granulomas at the injection site were the most consistently documented reactions.
Researchers treated 75 children with peanut allergies using slow up-dosing and low maintenance dosing. After three years, 82% of the treatment group could eat at least 3.5 peanuts without an allergic reaction.
A new framework called CIGaRS allows scientists to extract more information from Type Ia supernovae by jointly analyzing their explosions and host galaxies. This enables precise distance measurements without spectroscopy, crucial for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's 10-year sky survey.
Researchers at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presented several studies at ASCO 2026 exploring new treatment options for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and melanoma. These include velzatinib, a targeted therapy for GIST patients, and PRAME-directed T-cell receptor therapies for synovial sarcoma.