University of Maryland researchers found extremely high levels of disease-causing bacteria, including MRSA, in the Potomac River after a sewage spill. The team's testing revealed over 10,000 times above EPA recreational water quality standards for E. coli and detected Staphylococcus aureus at multiple sites.
A team of biochemists at UC Santa Cruz has developed a new approach that significantly shortens the process of finding biologically beneficial molecules. They achieved synthesis of kainic acid in just two steps, overcoming traditional challenges in screening and identifying promising enzyme variants.
Researchers studied 1,163 subjects across 31 queue variations and found that compensation depends on what's ahead, not wait time. The study provides a rigorous baseline for designing future queuing systems.
Drexel researchers create machine learning program that integrates qualitative and quantitative data to identify gentrification in Philadelphia neighborhoods. The program, trained with data from thousands of images and focus groups, accurately identifies new-build gentrification with 84% accuracy.
Researchers have found that adding daily asundexian to antiplatelet therapy can reduce the risk of a second ischemic stroke without increasing bleeding risks. The study, which included over 12,300 stroke survivors, suggests that asundexian could be widely used for patients who have had non-cardioembolic strokes or TIA.
Research Fellow Chanell Russell's new white paper explores how emotionally intelligent leadership enhances workplace cultures, reduces preventable strain and promotes long-term effectiveness. The study synthesizes research across psychology, leadership studies and health administration to emphasize the systemic importance of organizati...
Researchers at Florida State University have created new hybrid materials that can revolutionize X-ray detection technologies. These organic metal halide complexes (OMHCs) and hybrids (OMHHs) enable direct X-ray detection and produce low-cost scintillators with high light yield and fast response.
The new intraoperative MRI technology enables real-time functional scans during neurosurgery, allowing doctors to detect complications and tailor their approach. This innovation saves time, labor, and improves safety and recovery for patients.
Two Weill Cornell physician-scientists, Dr. Semra Etyemez and Dr. Jesse Platt, have been awarded prestigious early-career awards from the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) for their outstanding research in obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and gastroenterology. The ASCI recognizes and supports the scientific effor...
The hospital achieved a 22-percent increase over its previous peak year, performing more pediatric liver and kidney transplants than any other in the nation. The team is also recognized as a leader in pediatric lung and heart transplantation, with exceptional post-transplant survival rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University demonstrate that apes can use their imagination and play pretend, challenging long-held assumptions about animal cognition. The findings suggest that the capacity to understand pretend objects is within the cognitive potential of enculturated apes.
Meha Jain's research uses satellite data and machine learning to understand how smallholder farms adapt to climate change, revealing nuanced patterns of groundwater use and environmental impact. Her work aims to inform sustainable production strategies for food security, with a focus on identifying effective interventions.
A temporary weakening of the atmosphere's chemical capacity led to a sharp increase in methane levels between 2020 and 2021. The surge was driven by increased natural emissions and a decline in oxidizing capacity, particularly fewer OH radicals available for breaking down methane.
Researchers have identified a global map of rare continental mantle earthquakes, which will help scientists understand the mechanics of these events and potentially improve knowledge of risks from common earthquakes. The study, published in Science, used a new method to distinguish between mantle and crustal earthquakes.
A new study reveals that current pesticide use trends fall short of the 50% reduction target by 2030, threatening global biodiversity. The research team analyzed global pesticide data and found significant increases in applied toxicity, driven by higher amounts applied and growing toxicity of active ingredients.
The study finds that pesticide toxicity is increasing globally, with a small number of highly toxic chemicals dominating the risks. The majority of pesticide use and harm are attributed to fruits and vegetables, corn, soybeans, cereals, and rice.
Researchers have discovered a method to generate Second-Harmonic Generation (SHG) in silicon, a material previously limited by its centrosymmetric crystal structure. Electric-Field-Induced Second-Harmonic Generation (EFISH) enables the realization of SHG in these materials by applying a static electric field.
A KTU researcher's study explores how Nobel Prize-winning metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be produced reliably and consistently at an industrial scale. The analysis shows that with the right production methods, MOF manufacturing can be financially viable within a short period of time.
A new study suggests that strategically removing sections of fencing in southern Africa could make both livestock and wildlife safer. The researchers found that the overall risk estimates of diseases were generally low, and removing fences may not increase the risk of pathogens crossing over.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated device-independent quantum key distribution over 100 km optical fibers, marking a significant step towards a quantum-secure internet. The breakthrough achieves provably secure quantum key generation over long distances using entangled atoms linked by high-quality optical fibers.
Rapidly advancing AI systems trained on biological data pose significant biosecurity risks, highlighting the need for flexible governance frameworks. Targeted controls can restrict sensitive pathogen data while allowing most scientific data to remain openly available.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis by Penn Nursing researchers has identified four primary patient-related risk factors that predict chronic opioid use after surgery. These include Medicaid enrollment, preoperative benzodiazepine use, mood disorders, and anxiety. The study's findings provide a roadmap for clinicians to implement...
Tumor-associated neutrophils assume multiple functional states, but one gene expression program supports cancer cell survival and tumor progression across tumor types. A biomarker called CCL3 functionally supports cancer growth by engaging a receptor on the surface of TANs to transmit signals that drive them toward an aged state.
Research finds that reducing wolves improves caribou calf survival in mountainous regions due to the inability of bears and wolverines to catch older calves. In contrast, flatter landscapes with accessible trails see no improvement in survival rates as other predators fill the gap.
A combination of weakened atmospheric removal and increased emissions from warming wetlands, rivers, lakes, and agricultural land led to the surge in methane levels. Climate variability amplified methane emissions across interconnected ecosystems, with key contributions from tropical Africa and Southeast Asia.
Researchers developed a DNA scaffold that ignores the immune system, eliminating off-target antibodies and promoting focused immune responses. The DNA-based vaccines led to 10 times more immune cells targeting vulnerable sites on HIV, outperforming protein-scaffolded vaccines.
Historian Erin Maglaque examines early modern Europe's reproductive unfreedom, including single motherhood, foundling hospitals, and wet nursing. She finds that these systems perpetuated structural violence against poor women and their children.
Researchers found that newborns as young as 2 days old can anticipate rhythmic patterns, indicating an innate ability to recognize rhythm. However, they struggled to predict melodic changes, suggesting that melody may be learned through exposure.
Researchers at MIT and Scripps Research Institute have developed a vaccine that generates a significant population of rare precursor B cells capable of evolving to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The DNA-VLP approach shows potential for inducing broadly neutralizing antibody responses against influenza as well.
Researchers at ZAQuant University of Stuttgart have discovered a new magnetic state in 2D chromium iodide, which could enable next-generation data storage. The twist in the material creates skyrmions, nanoscale magnetic structures that are stable information carriers.
The FDA's plan to phase out animal testing in drug development has raised concerns among experts about the potential risks of relying on new methodologies. Researchers emphasize the need for rigorous validation and evidence-based approaches to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these alternative methods.
By adjusting the ratio of two elements, researchers can switch exotic quantum states on and off in materials highly desired for quantum computing. The team found that changing the correlations between electrons in the material allows for sensitive control over exotic quantum phases.
A new latent diffusion modeling approach enables efficient and high-quality paraphrase generation, surpassing traditional end-2-end text generation models. The method achieves state-of-the-art results on various datasets while reducing costs, making it a promising solution for diverse paraphrase tasks.
Researchers developed a novel method, self-interference incoherent digital holography (SIDH), to overcome speckle issues and coherence constraints of classical laser-based holography. SIDH enables full-color holography under spatially incoherent illumination, offering a pathway toward robust and practical imaging systems.
A study from Michigan State University found that charter schools lead to similar improvements in attendance and academic outcomes for students with disabilities as those without. After switching to a charter school, students with disabilities saw an increase in resource program participation and a decrease in cognitive programs.
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake on the Island of Hawaiʻi in 2018 may have stalled episodes of periodic slow slip along a major fault underlying the volcano, according to scientists. The resulting 'stress shadow' could keep these events from happening again for decades.
Scientists discovered a significant portion of plant diversity on Hispaniola originated from eastern Cuba, tracing back to 1.6 million-year-old bird dispersal events. The findings highlight the importance of birds as primary seed dispersers in this biodiversity hotspot, which faces extensive habitat loss.
A new study shows that blood flow restriction training (BFRT) effectively strengthens muscle health and metabolism in type 2 diabetes, reducing visceral fat and improving mitochondrial function. BFRT is a low-impact alternative to classic strength training with heavy weights, promoting better insulin action and cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that altering how alpha-synuclein interacts with LRRK2 limits its ability to bind to cargo and disrupt axonal transport. This suggests a functional link between the two proteins, which may help understand the triggers of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at King's College London and San Diego State University identified the molecular interactions that give spider silk its exceptional strength and flexibility. The findings provide general design principles for developing high-performance, sustainable fibers.
A new national survey found that nearly three-quarters of clinicians encounter obstacles when starting buprenorphine treatment for patients using fentanyl. Researchers emphasize the need for evidence-based guidelines to initiate buprenorphine in light of more potent drugs.
Ngô Bảo Châu, Fields Medal recipient, joins HKU's Department of Mathematics in June 2026, advancing mathematics and interdisciplinary research. The mathematician's work on the Langlands Programme has far-reaching implications for number theory and representation theory.
The new book, Promise the Earth: A safe planet in good faith, calls for a rethink on how we live, hope, lead, and take responsibility to solve the climate crisis. Authors Professor Julian Allwood and Professor Andrew Davison argue that individual action, especially from comfortable lives, is crucial now.
A new study by HKU and UCLA scientists reveals that Alfvén waves act as an invisible power source, driving charged particles into the atmosphere and producing glowing auroral lights. The research provides a definitive answer to the physics of Earth's aurora and offers a universal model applicable to other planets in our solar system.
This review discusses integrated photonic synapses, neurons, memristors, and neural networks for photonic neuromorphic computing. The authors summarize three foundational device classes and survey multiple IPNN architectures, highlighting critical issues for practical deployment.
Researchers at the University of Rochester found that the brain analyzes global patterns of image motion caused by eye movements to understand how objects move and where they are located in 3D space. This discovery challenges conventional ideas that image motion produced by eye movements is visual noise to be subtracted off.
Research found hormonal contraceptive use lowers cardiovascular risk in most women, but not those with PTSD. The study analyzed healthcare records of 31,824 women and suggests clinicians consider stress-related psychiatric disorders when discussing hormonal contraceptives.
A research team clarifies the molecular mechanism of Ostα/β, a major basolateral bile acid exporter in enterocytes. The study reveals a unique seven-transmembrane fold and lateral substrate-binding groove that accommodates amphipathic substrates.
A new study from Cornell University suggests that choline, a nutrient often consumed too little during pregnancy, may play an underappreciated role in regulating inflammation. Higher recent dietary choline intake was associated with lower levels of inflammation in the third trimester.
Dr. Catherine Prater's research project aims to improve prediction models and uncover metabolic markers that explain individual differences in weight gain. She will use machine learning techniques to train and test prediction models using existing clinical trial data.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with a 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that those consuming high amounts of UPFs had a significant increase in heart attack and stroke ...
A study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that psychosocial factors like motivation, confidence, and social support are strongly linked to diet quality among rural adults. Participants with higher scores in these areas consumed more fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and fewer ultraprocessed foods.
Intravenous tenecteplase administered 4.5 to 24 hours after ischemic stroke non–large vessel occlusion improved functional outcomes at 90 days compared to standard care. However, it also increased the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.
Researchers created a framework allowing AI agents to dynamically interrupt and stay silent based on assigned personality traits and urgency scores. This human-like flexibility led to higher accuracy on complex tasks compared to standard models.
A study of 225 newborns found that high prenatal oestrogen levels, indicated by long index fingers, are associated with large head circumference and increased brain size in boys. This could provide evidence for the positive influence of prenatal oestrogen on human brain evolution
A novel cardiac activity-based framework enables reliable emotion recognition across individuals, overcoming substantial inter-subject variability. The system employs a photonic sensing system and sample entropy-based signal processing strategy to characterize cardiac signals, resulting in accurate and robust emotion assessment.
A new study investigates the dynamics of a complex fault zone under Seattle, revealing that secondary faults rupture more frequently than previously thought. Researchers hope to refine their understanding of these faults and determine how much hazard they pose to Seattle's four million residents.
A new study reveals that loosely social species, which don't form stable groups, are more vulnerable to extinction due to population declines that limit social interactions. These species can struggle to survive without the benefits of social connections, such as finding food and spotting predators.
Sandia Labs has earned the HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion Award for its commitment to attracting and retaining military veterans. The lab attributes its success to programs such as veteran-specific resources, leadership programming, and dedicated human resources efforts.
A new augmented reality display system has been developed using a non-orthogonal polarization-multiplexing metasurface and freeform optical elements. The system can render clear digital images on three independent focal planes at different distances, providing a realistic three-dimensional visual experience.