Despite anecdotal evidence, scientists lack conclusive data on convalescent plasma's benefits for COVID-19 patients. The use of convalescent plasma has been explored in previous outbreaks, but well-designed clinical trials are now underway to test its efficacy.
Researchers have developed self-powered 'paper chips' that sense early forest fires and relay a signal. The thermoelectric paper sensors are made from eco-friendly materials and can be wirelessly transmitted to responders.
A new system for detecting antibodies uses a microfluidic thread-based analytical device that relies on light-emitting sensor proteins held on a thread. The device can detect antibody levels within five minutes and does not require extensive handling and incubation steps.
A new study reveals that focusing on both climate change and air pollution can lead to more effective upgrades in the US electricity system. In a county-by-county approach, researchers found that prioritizing health concerns in policies can alter optimal locations for cleaner technologies.
Researchers detected rising SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in Dutch sewage samples during the early stages of the pandemic, correlating with COVID-19 case numbers. The study suggests that sewage surveillance could serve as a sensitive early warning system for increased virus circulation.
COVID-19 antibody tests measure antibodies produced by the body after infection, providing insights into community spread. While early tests had questionable accuracy, recent developments have led to more reliable tests with high sensitivities and specificities, offering a better understanding of long-term protection.
Researchers have identified key toxins in Nomura's jellyfish that make its venom deadly to some swimmers. The venom is a complex mix of toxins similar to those found in poisonous snakes, spiders, and bees.
Researchers have developed synthetic red blood cells that exhibit all the properties of natural ones, including flexibility and oxygen transport. These artificial cells can carry therapeutic cargoes, such as anticancer drugs or toxin sensors, and demonstrate potential in medical applications like cancer therapy and toxin biosensing.
Researchers find air pollution can alter social behaviors in mice, causing inflammation that damages healthy tissues. Chronic exposure to particulate matter is also associated with boosted production of amyloid plaques, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease.
Hurricane flooding can lead to widespread water pollution, affecting human health and ecosystems. Researchers have developed an algorithm to identify flooded areas beyond state-mapped hazard zones, with a focus on vulnerable communities and potential sources of pollution.
Researchers have developed a novel nanoscale topography that imparts durable antiviral and antibacterial properties to an aluminum alloy, reducing the spread of infections in hospitals. The surface was found to be effective against bacteria and viruses, with most being inactivated within 2-3 hours.
Researchers discovered that superworms can degrade polystyrene plastic with the aid of a specific strain of bacteria in their gut. The bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, produce an enzyme called serine hydrolase that breaks down the plastic.
Researchers developed smart e-glasses that wirelessly monitor brain waves, body movements and UV intensity while acting as sunglasses. The device allows users to control a video game with eye motions and can potentially aid in digital healthcare or virtual reality applications.
Researchers have found that PFAS chemicals have dispersed more broadly than previously thought, contaminating surface water and soil up to 30 miles from a manufacturing facility. The study's findings suggest that these chemicals could be carried into groundwater, highlighting the need for wider monitoring of PFAS exposure.
EIDD-2801 targets the same viral enzyme as remdesivir but is an oral medication, allowing treatment earlier in the course of the disease. The antiviral works by mimicking two different RNA bases, confusing the viral genome and resulting in non-functional viruses.
Researchers have developed a membrane that can be attached to regular N95 masks, improving virus filtration efficiency and extending mask lifespan. The new filter, made from silicon-based material, features nanoporous structure with smaller pore sizes, blocking more SARS-CoV-2 particles.
Nuclear fission reactors are being considered as top candidates to generate electricity in space due to their reliability and capacity. The technology has been tested and could provide a power source for several years, making it an attractive option for lunar and Martian settlements.
Researchers found heating poppy seeds at 392 F for 40 minutes degraded most opiates. Baking seeds in muffins didn't significantly change opiate concentrations due to uneven internal and external temperatures.
Researchers have developed a new method to stabilize liposomes using nanobowls, which improves the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells. The nanobowl-stabilized liposomes showed reduced leakage and increased efficacy in treating metastatic breast tumors in mice.
Researchers developed an expandable resin that can be used to print large objects with an inexpensive, commercially available 3D printer. The material expands upon heating, creating a porous, polystyrene foam-like material up to 40 times larger in volume than the original printed object.
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting the chemistry industry, with academic jobs facing hiring freezes and reduced pay. Despite this, certain sectors like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology are experiencing increased demand and hiring opportunities.
Researchers discovered that older mice made more of the two proteins in nasal cells than younger ones, explaining why older people are more susceptible to COVID-19. The study also found that sustentacular cells could potentially be infected by SARS-CoV-2, providing a route to infect the brain.
A new fluorescent technique allows researchers to visualize the aging process of polypropylene and polyethylene polymers in 3D. The method detects faster polymer aging when exposed to higher temperatures, providing insights into the degradation of polymers over time.
Structural biologists successfully modeled the novel coronavirus' vital proteins, which could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs. Advances in technology and expertise from similar coronaviruses enabled rapid progress in determining protein structures.
Researchers found that heating N95 masks preserves their filtration efficiency for 50 cycles of disinfection. Heating at 185 F for 20 minutes was the most effective method, while ultraviolet radiation allowed up to 20 cycles of disinfection but could be problematic.
Researchers compiled a special report on COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting the need for fast, convenient, and accurate methods. The report provides an overview of molecular and serological assays underlying these tests, as well as over 200 diagnostic tests currently available.
Researchers have identified specific proteins in bones that can help estimate the post-mortem submerged interval, which is challenging due to various environmental factors. The study found that certain proteins decrease or modify over time, providing potential biomarkers for estimating the length of time a body has been underwater.
A fast and sensitive antibody test for SARS-CoV-2 has been developed by researchers at the American Chemical Society. The test can accurately diagnose COVID-19 cases and monitor patient recovery in just 10 minutes.
Researchers at Northwestern University created a gentler hair dye process using synthetic melanin, with conditions similar to or milder than those used for commercially available dyes. The natural-looking colors persisted for at least 18 washes, posing less damage and health risks compared to traditional methods.
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the reliability of global pharmaceutical supply chains, with over 80% of chemicals used in drugs sourced from Asia. As inventories of backup supplies dwindle, nations are considering rebalancing their reliance on foreign countries for life-saving ingredients.
Researchers have developed a way to recycle conventional polyurethane (PU) foams into rubber and hard plastic using a twin-screw extrusion process. This new method improves the mixing and air removal in recycled foams, producing high-quality products without the need for toxic starting materials.
Researchers found that combining tightly woven cotton with two layers of polyester-spandex chiffon or natural silk can effectively filter out aerosol particles, similar to N95 masks. The effectiveness of the mask depends on a proper fit, as a 1% gap reduces filtering efficiency by half or more.
Researchers have developed a hydrogel that can cool down electronic devices and convert waste heat into electricity, reducing overheating issues and increasing device efficiency. The new material, which is self-regenerating and safe for use, has shown promising results in cooling cell phone batteries during fast discharging.
Global efforts to combat COVID-19 involve leveraging computing power and collaboration across disciplines. Researchers worldwide have access to free computing resources through consortia such as Google's cloud services and Oak Ridge National Laboratory's supercomputers.
Researchers created an artificial nonstick surface inspired by spider combs, reducing adhesive forces and handling synthetic nanomaterials. The nanostructure, patterned onto a foil surface, performed almost as well as the natural version in tests against spider silk.
Researchers have developed a field-effect transistor-based biosensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs in less than one minute. The test discriminates between samples from sick and healthy patients without any sample preparation steps.
Scientists have designed four peptides that mimic the virus-binding domain of the human protein allowing SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells. The peptides contain amino acids from ACE2 that interact with the viral protein, and were found to have good binding energies in computer simulations.
Researchers have identified specific Bifidobacteria strains that can break down gluten proteins into smaller fragments, reducing immune response damage. These findings pave the way for new treatments and improved patient outcomes for celiac disease patients.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease can disrupt the absorption of oral medications through the digestive tract, leading to lower plasma concentrations. The study recommends revisiting dosing regimens for certain drugs in AD patients to ensure appropriate plasma ranges.
Researchers develop strong, comfortable fabric that adapts to changing weather conditions by absorbing and releasing thermal energy. The fabric, made from silk and chitosan with phase-changing polymer PEG, can be worn indoors or outdoors, reducing the need for air conditioning or heat.
Researchers have created a faster and more accurate COVID-19 test using plasmonic photothermal sensing, detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in minutes. The test can discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 and its close relative, reducing false-positive results.
Scientists are working at breakneck speeds to develop new diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines for COVID-19. Researchers are testing existing drugs, developing brand-new diagnostics, and utilizing gene-editing tools like CRISPR to combat the novel coronavirus.
Researchers have created a material that supports the growth of exoelectrogenic bacteria while efficiently conducting electricity in a controlled manner. By incorporating DNA strands into a nanocomposite scaffold, they can tailor the conductivity and properties of the material by varying the size and sequence of the DNA fragments.
Scientists are closely monitoring remdesivir trials for COVID-19 treatment, despite caution from infectious disease experts about difficult-to-interpret results. The antiviral drug blocks RNA polymerase used by SARS-CoV-2 to replicate, showing promise in lab experiments and animal studies.
Researchers found that lobsters in Sardinia can eat and break down larger plastic particles, releasing smaller fragments into their intestines. These tiny particles, or "secondary" microplastics, could be more bioavailable to smaller creatures in the deep-sea food chain.
Experts emphasize the importance of using accessible technology, maintaining short lecture lengths, and adapting exams to online platforms. Online instructors also share strategies for building rapport with students from a distance, including regular email communication and conversational teaching styles.
At high altitudes, the researchers observed increased foam production from soda eruptions caused by Mentos candies. However, this effect cannot be explained solely by gas laws. The team suggests that a unique balance between bubble size and number of bubble sites on the candy may contribute to excellent fountains.
Recent studies on the SARS-CoV-2 genome have been contradicted by a new study suggesting pangolins as the missing link in the virus's transmission from bats to humans. The researchers found protein sequences in sick animals' lungs that were 91% identical to the human virus' proteins, supporting the pangolin theory.
Researchers discovered web-like patterns in whiskey droplets that can identify different brands of American whiskey, potentially used to detect counterfeits. The unique web patterns arise from the combination of solutes in each whiskey and can be matched with over 90% accuracy.
Researchers found that incineration and landfilling of municipal solid waste releases bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes into the air, posing a risk to human health. The study suggests that these systems could be a reservoir of resistant genes, which can spread to nearby residents through airborne transmission.