Researchers found that Debaryomyces hansenii promotes chronic inflammation and impairs wound healing in Crohn's disease patients. The fungus preferentially colonizes inflamed intestinal tissues, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic agent.
A new study finds that climate change is the causal driver influencing the magnitude of global river flows. The analysis of thousands of time series from around the world revealed recent spatially complex hydrological trends, with rivers in some regions drying up and flowing less while others are growing wetter.
Researchers analyzed data from dense seismic, geodetic and tsunami networks to understand the 2011 quake. The study found that a large coseismic fault slip ruptured into a shallow part of the Japan Trench's megathrust fault.
Researchers used a predictive algorithm to map out trends in enterovirus D68 incidence since 2014, linking the virus to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) cases. The study suggests that social distancing measures during COVID-19 likely lowered AFM prevalence in 2020.
Developed countries heavily rely on imported pollination services from developing nations with high crop export rates, indicating a global dependence on biodiversity. Countries that export most pollinator-dependent crops also experience fastest cropland expansion and highest biodiversity decline rates.
A new modeling study examines the impact of one versus two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine on infections and immune escape. The study finds that while one-dose strategies may reduce short-term infections, weak immunity could lead to long-term virus replication and mutation.
Researchers found that only a few patients carried many variants of the virus, which were often lost at transmission, but some initiated ongoing transmission and wider dissemination. Continued monitoring is necessary to understand viral adaptation and patterns of spread.
Animal responses to infectious disease exhibit pathogen-induced behavioral changes, including sickness behaviors and self-isolation. Nonhuman animals alter social interactions in response to infection, offering insights into underlying epidemiological mechanisms.
Researchers detected Gliese 486 b using both transit and radial velocity data, revealing its mass, radius, and density. The planet's equilibrium temperature of about 700 Kelvin makes it an ideal candidate to study its atmosphere and habitability.
A recent study using citizen science data found that climate warming is driving population declines in butterflies throughout the American West over the past 40 years. The research, published in Science, highlights the need for new approaches to butterfly conservation and suggests that climate change is a key factor in pollinator decline.
Researchers identified mutant peptides from SARS-CoV-2 that interfere with killer T cell responses, potentially impacting vaccine efficacy. These mutations stunted T cell proliferation, inflammatory factor production, and overall cell-killing activity.
Researchers analyzed tracking data of 5,775 birds across 39 species to estimate global political responsibility for their protection. The study found that many countries lack agreements with each other's breeding grounds, highlighting the need for international agreements to conserve these threatened seabirds.
A nanoparticle-based vaccine has been shown to produce protective antibodies against multiple H1 and H3 influenza A viruses in nonhuman primates. The vaccine's broad immunity suggests it may provide long-term protection, offering a promising solution to the challenge of creating a universal flu vaccine.
A new study finds that the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant in the UK is more transmissible than existing variants, leading to predictions of large COVID-19 resurgences if left uncontrolled. The analysis suggests a higher reproduction number and increased disease severity for the variant.
A new study reveals unique immune features of severe pediatric COVID-19, including increased activation of killer T cells and prolonged B cell frequencies. These findings may inform treatments for severe COVID-19 in children.
Researchers successfully developed bispecific antibodies that can target and deplete cancer cells without damaging healthy ones, including mutant tumor suppressor genes like p53. These antibodies could be used 'off-the-shelf' and are a promising alternative to engineered immune cell therapies.
The article suggests that disagreements over scientific facts reflect deeper social value differences. Science can become suspect when it neglects competing values, leading to eroded public trust.
Researchers identify nearly 108,000 previously undetected structural variants and 278 SV hotspots in diverse human populations. The findings provide fundamental insights into the structure and variation of the human genome.
A new study reveals that megatheropods like Tyrannosaurus rex shaped dinosaur communities by filling ecological niches, explaining low species diversity among smaller dinosaurs. Communities worldwide lacked mesocarnivores due to the flood of resources from rapidly growing juveniles.
Expanding vaccine capacity can accelerate completion of widespread immunization and generate substantial global benefits. Investing in additional capacity could save hundreds of dollars per course, dwarfing current prices of $6 to $40.
Researchers successfully detected storm swell events and earthquakes across a nine-month observation period using the Curie cable's telecommunications data. The approach transforms the ocean's fiber optic network into a continuous, real-time earthquake and tsunami monitoring system.
Researchers identified a biomarker that predicts kidney transplant rejection risk by analyzing immune molecule ratios. Monitoring this ratio may help clinicians identify high-risk patients and intervene with new treatments to prevent long-term organ rejection.
A study of 3,064 tenure track faculty found that mothers experience greater reductions in short-term research productivity than fathers, contributing to the gender gap. Flexible policies, such as accessible lactation rooms and affordable childcare, may help alleviate this impact and support women in academia.
Scientists have identified tissue-resident memory-like Th17 cells (Trm17) as a key player in the development of hyperinflammation and lung injury in severe COVID-19. These cells produce inflammatory molecules like GM-CSF, which correlates with disease severity.
Researchers found that protective B cell responses remain stable over time, but do not recognize emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants from Brazil and South Africa. A large proportion of neutralizing antibodies generated by long-lasting B cells only target conserved epitopes.
The article reviews immunogenicity profiles of prominent SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in non-human primates and humans. Notably, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been authorized for use by the FDA following successful human clinical trials.
Researchers designed and tested 32 inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, a key viral protein required for replication. The study found six compounds with high potency to protect cells from infection, offering promise for the development of orally available anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
Researchers report that organoids grown from bile duct epithelial cells can repair damaged bile ducts in transplanted human livers. This breakthrough could lead to increased use of organs on the transplant waiting list by providing a cell-based therapy alternative.
A new study using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) has refined the distance to Cygnus X-1 and found its black hole mass to be approximately 21 solar masses, exceeding current stellar evolution models. This massive black hole suggests that lower mass loss through stellar winds during progenitor star evolution may have occurred.
More than half of Earth's river basins have undergone significant changes in biodiversity due to human activities such as overfishing, pollution and climate change. Conservation efforts must focus on both protected and degraded areas to meet the goal of preserving at least 30% of Earth's surface by 2030.
A new study reveals that a 42,000-year-old magnetic reversal led to significant changes in atmospheric ozone concentration and circulation. The event, known as the Laschamps excursion, caused substantial shifts in climate and environmental patterns worldwide.
A neural network system analyzes photographs to rank and distinguish suspicious skin lesions, suggesting it can aid clinicians in spotting precancerous marks during clinical visits. The platform's performance was demonstrated with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 89.9%, respectively, in identifying 'ugly duckling' lesions.
A newly engineered peptide has been shown to prevent virus transmission among ferrets when given two days prior to co-housing with infected animals. The peptide's stability and effectiveness in reducing infection rates make it a promising candidate for developing an intranasal prophylaxis treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in humans.
A recent study using Chicago Police Department data found Black officers used force less often than white counterparts, while women used force less than men. The findings provide insight into the impacts of diversification in policing and highlight the need for nuanced reforms.
A new study reveals that mountain formation was paused for nearly a billion years during Earth's middle age, leading to a decline in crustal thickness and potentially halting life evolution. The prolonged orogenic quiescence may have resulted from the long-lived Nuna-Rodina supercontinent altering the thermal structure of the mantle.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to introduce Neanderthal NOVA1 gene variants into human stem cells, generating brain organoids with altered neurodevelopment. The results showed slower development and increased surface complexity in the organoids.
Researchers use fin whale songs to probe Earth's crust at seafloor, producing lower-resolution results than traditional air-gun signals. The method complements conventional techniques and avoids harming ocean life caused by powerful blasts.
A newly discovered conch shell horn from the French Pyrenees produces melodic notes C, D, and C sharp, marking a first for European Upper Paleolithic artifacts. The shell's modifications, dating back to the Magdalenian period, were carefully made by human hands.
A liquid formulation called LATTE has been shown to kill liver cancer cells and potentiate chemotherapy treatments in mice, rabbits, pigs, and human tumor samples. The treatment could provide a safer alternative to traditional methods like thermal ablation, which can be resource-intensive and damage surrounding tissues.
Researchers successfully localized a non-repeating fast radio burst (FRB) using a novel processing system and supercomputer. The breakthrough identified the source location as a galaxy about 3.6 billion light-years away, providing valuable insights into FRBs and their possible causes.
Ricardo Galvão, a physicist who defended Amazon deforestation data, will receive the 2021 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award. His stand against President Bolsonaro's claims of fabricated data cost him his job at Brazil's National Institute for Space Research.
Carlos Nobre, a Brazilian climate scientist, will receive the AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy for his work on Amazon biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples. The award recognizes his career-spanning contributions to science diplomacy, including leading the comprehensive scientific assessment of the Amazon Basin.
Annette S. Lee receives the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement in Science for her culturally relevant and community-focused projects grounded in indigenous knowledge of the stars. Her initiatives, such as Native Skywatchers, improve education inequalities faced by native youth and promote cultural pride.
Esther Ngumbi, an entomologist, has made significant contributions to public engagement with science through her research, writing, mentoring, and community outreach. Her work has benefited farmers in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa, as well as students from underrepresented minority groups.
Manu Platt, a biomedical engineer at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, has received the AAAS Mentor Award for his commitment to mentoring underrepresented students. He provides opportunities for growth, encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, and advocates for diversity in STEM fields.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is being recognized for his significant contributions to science and medicine, particularly in the fields of immunology and infectious diseases. He has made numerous groundbreaking research discoveries and has been a key figure in shaping public policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gary S. May has received the 2021 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for his three-decade career as a professor of computer engineering and university administrator. He founded numerous programs to support underrepresented minority STEM students, mentoring over 100 Ph.D. candidates who are now leading positions in academia and industry.
A study by Carlos Duarte and colleagues reveals that human-generated noise pollution is negatively affecting marine animals, altering their behavior, physiology, and survivability. The authors argue that mitigating these impacts through regulation of sources can rapidly decline harmful effects.
A new study reveals that despite living in the same Mojave Desert location, mammal and bird communities experience different exposures to climate warming. Small mammals have remained relatively stable, while bird occupancy and species richness have declined dramatically due to their limited ability to mitigate rising temperatures.
A new study reveals that iodine oxoacid particle formation can compete with sulfuric acid in pristine atmospheric regions, contributing to Earth's climate system. Iodine plays a critical role in rapid new particle formation, particularly in coastal and marine areas.