Handgun carrying rates have risen significantly among US adolescents, particularly White, rural, and higher income teens. In contrast, Black, American Indian and Alaskan Native, and lower-income adolescents have seen a decrease in carriage rates over the same timeframe.
Researchers found that alterations in gut microbiota can help treat pancreatic and hormonal dysfunction in diabetes patients. The study showed that antibiotics treatment can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose intolerance in obese mice and humans.
A team of US and Chinese researchers has directly measured how individual electronic quantum states in a kagome magnet respond to external magnetic fields, shifting energy in an unusual manner. They found that Dirac fermions exhibit momentum-dependent shifts under the applied field.
A novel graphene-based field effect transistors (FETs) device can detect four different synthetic and natural opioids at once in wastewater. The device uses aptamers to trap opioid metabolites, enabling real-time monitoring with high geographical resolution and low cost.
A recent study by Boston College and Michigan researchers found that checking credit scores can have unexpected consequences, particularly for consumers with declining credit score trends. These consumers are more likely to see their scores decline after checking, with a drop of up to 23 points.
A team of Boston College researchers has discovered a dramatic re-arrangement of magnetic domains with thermal cycling in a Mott insulator. They used spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy to map the local strength of antiferromagnetic ordering on nanometer length scales.
Two leading US physicians urge doctors to screen patients for exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, recommending interventions to limit exposure and improve cardiovascular health. Governments also have a primary responsibility to adopt technologies and regulations that reduce air pollution.
A new study finds that air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, with household air pollution accounting for 700,000 fatalities. The study also reveals that air pollution is costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and hindering the intellectual development of children.
Boston College physicists uncover novel charge density waves and symmetry-broken phases in the topological kagome metal CsV3Sb5, leading to superconductivity at low temperatures. The study reveals a 'cascade' of correlated electron states driving electrical conduction and potential implications for unconventional electron pairing.
A team of researchers from Boston College has created a new metallic specimen where electron motion flows in a fluid-like manner, fundamentally changing particle-like to hydrodynamic dynamics. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions and opens up new possibilities for material exploration and potential applications.
A new study reconciles the molecular clock with the fossil record of plants by linking older spore-like microfossils to younger plant spores derived from charophyte algae, revealing the evolutionary assembly of the plant regulatory and developmental genome.
Researchers have discovered a unique quantum physics signal known as the 'layer' Hall effect in a solid-state chip made of antiferromagnetic manganese bismuth telluride. The finding signals the presence of a sought-after topological Axion insulating state, a feature bound by quantum physics laws.
A new study by Boston College researchers has discovered that personal networks are essential for the adoption of clean cooking fuels in rural India. Households more likely to have cleaner stoves if they have friends or peers who also use them, highlighting the importance of social influence in shaping behavior change.
Researchers found that nematic regions can be suppressed by structural disorder, particularly at the transition point of electronic nematicity. This phenomenon may indicate a hidden quantum critical point in the material.
A British man diagnosed with IDH1-mutant glioblastoma has lived with a growing tumor for over 80 months on a ketogenic diet. Researchers believe this reflects the benefits of using the body's own metabolism to fight cancer, offering a non-toxic alternative to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
A billion-year-old microfossil found in Scotland reveals features of multicellularity nearly 400 million years earlier than previously established. The discovery sheds new light on the transition from single-celled organisms to complex, multicellular animals.
Researchers found that Arctic permafrost thawing events occurred more frequently in the past than predicted, with minimal impact on atmospheric CO2 levels. The study suggests that gradual thawing events may have been absorbed by oceans or plants, contradicting typical global warming predictions.
Researchers from Boston College and Yale University found a mechanistic switch in the oxygen evolution reaction that uses water to produce hydrogen gas. The switch occurs when applying voltage to the catalyst surface, enabling efficient electrocatalysts to be chosen or optimized depending on the potential regime.
A new study found that compact logos, where letters are closely spaced, encourage favorable brand attitudes and perceptions of product safety. Consumers associate tight lettering with sturdiness and security, whereas loose spacing implies vulnerability.
Researchers found a significant gender gap in negotiation among children as early as age eight, with girls requesting less from male evaluators. This finding sheds new light on the wage gap women face in the workforce and highlights the need for early interventions to promote self-advocacy skills.
Researchers at Boston College have successfully grown bovine animal protein on decellularized spinach leaves, paving the way for increased production of cultured meat products. The study demonstrates the potential of using edible scaffolds to minimize environmental costs and meet rising demand for cellular agriculture products.
A CDC compilation of scientific research found telephone call centers, or quitlines, to be a successful intervention for smoking termination. The study highlights the importance of call centers as an essential population-level tool in tobacco control, particularly among high-risk populations.
Brian Zhou, Assistant Professor of Physics at Boston College, has received a $567,000 NSF CAREER Award to study the imaging of photocurrents in quantum materials. He will use this funding to develop nanoscale quantum sensors for spatially imaging flow and characterize ultrathin magnetic materials.
A study of over 1,700 young people exposed to major hurricanes found that most experienced recovery or low-decreasing post-traumatic stress symptoms. The trajectories among youth reflected a need for health surveillance systems and stepped care interventions after disasters.
A new study led by US and Indian researchers found that air pollution in India resulted in 1.67 million deaths in 2019, accounting for 17.8 percent of all deaths in the country. The economic loss was $36.8 billion, equivalent to 1.36 percent of GDP.
A new study found that consumers prefer to make a 'status pivot' by showcasing their successes in other areas, rather than trying to keep up with high-achieving peers. This strategy helps alleviate stress and boosts confidence, particularly when compared to within-domain status restoration.
According to TIMSS results, East Asian countries continue to outperform all participating countries in mathematics by a significant margin at both the fourth and eighth grades. The gap between top performers and next highest achievers is substantial, highlighting the need for targeted educational strategies.
A new report reveals widespread ocean pollution poses significant human health risks, affecting 3 billion people. The study recommends banning coal combustion and single-use plastics to mitigate these impacts.
The TIMSS 2019 Encyclopedia presents a comprehensive picture of mathematics and science education worldwide, highlighting countries' curricular goals, teaching approaches, and technology integration. Many nations have updated their math and science curricula to prepare students for a rapidly evolving global community.
Researchers aim to explore the link between gut microbes and metabolites in childhood celiac disease pathogenesis. The study will analyze pediatric celiac disease samples and compare them to healthy matched controls, shedding light on environmental triggers of the chronic disease.
A new study found that ocean carbon sequestration decreased as phytoplankton failed to devour macronutrients and trap carbon dioxide in the deep ocean. This process, called the biological pump, transfers carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and surface ocean into the dark, deep ocean.
A Boston College study found that 95% of Massachusetts high schools altered their mission statements between 2001 and 2019, with a focus on students' emotional development, cognitive development, and civic development. The research also showed an increase in career preparation and environmental challenges as school objectives.
A team of Boston College researchers has developed a new approach to create synthetic layered magnets by manipulating non-magnetic atoms in chromium halides. This method enables tuning of magnetic properties, opening up new avenues for creating exotic magnets and innovative technologies.
Researchers have developed a tandem catalytic system that converts carbon dioxide to methanol with high activity and selectivity at low temperatures. By encapsulating multiple molecular catalysts in nanoporous metal-organic frameworks, the team achieved efficient transformation and recyclability of the catalysts.
A new study found that biases against physically dirty people take root in children as early as age 5 and persist into adulthood. The researchers also discovered that these biases extend to the sick, holding implications for people diagnosed with Covid-19.
A new theory proposes that human fatherhood emerged as a response to changing ecological conditions, with males partnering up for mutual benefits. Paternal care became widespread in modern human societies, despite being rare among mammals.
A Boston College-led team developed a graphene field effect transistor (G-FET) that selectively identifies deadly bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The rapid detection platform employs peptides to capture specific bacteria, allowing for fast and accurate diagnosis.
Jia Niu's NSF CAREER-funded project aims to grow polymer chains uniformly, creating degradable and sustainable plastics. His research focuses on addressing pressing needs in biomedicine, materials, and environmental sciences.
Boston College biologist Emrah Altindis received a $300,000 grant from the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Foundation to explore the role of gut microbes and viruses in triggering Type 1 diabetes. The research aims to understand molecular mimicry as a potential cause of the autoimmune disease.
A new intervention program developed by Boston College researchers in partnership with Bhutanese and Somali communities reports high rates of satisfaction and engagement from refugee families. The study found improved child mental health and family functioning outcomes, including reduced traumatic stress reactions and depression symptoms.
Researchers confirmed the high thermal conductivity of isotopically enriched cubic boron nitride, a discovery that could lead to breakthroughs in cooling microelectronics. The team made the unique compound and measured its thermal conductivity, confirming theoretical predictions and opening up new avenues for research.
Researchers found that luxury purchases can lead to feelings of inauthenticity, reducing consumer enjoyment. Consumers who feel they don't deserve their luxurious items are more likely to experience impostor syndrome.
A new study identifies financial infidelity as a real problem for consumers and companies, with secretive spending habits common among romantic partners. Retailers can boost sales by offering inconspicuous packaging and cash payment options to appeal to financially unfaithful shoppers.
The LEGO Foundation has awarded a $3.2-million grant to Boston College's Research Program on Children and Adversity to expand its Sugira Muryango intervention for extreme poverty families in Rwanda. This will impact over 10,000 children and 14,300 parents, with the goal of empowering caregivers through playful parenting initiatives.
A team of researchers has identified a fingerprint of oxidizing fluids in ancient subducted oceanic crust found on the Greek island of Sifnos. The discovery, published in Nature Geoscience, reveals that garnet crystals can preserve zonation of iron isotopic composition from early formed core to later forming rims.
A team of researchers from Boston College, MIT, and UC Santa Barbara has discovered an elusive atomic-scale magnetic signal in a Mott insulator material as it undergoes a transition from insulator to metal. The study uses spin-polarizing scanning tunneling microscopy to detail the underlying physics at the atomic level.
A recent study led by Boston College researcher Nadia Abuelezam found little evidence of the 'immigrant health paradox' among Arab Americans. In contrast to previous research on Asian and Latino immigrants, first-generation Arab immigrants had poor health profiles compared to second- or third-generation immigrants.
Jia Niu, a Boston College Assistant Professor of Chemistry, has been awarded a $2.3 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop new genomic editing tools. The funding will support the expansion of his research agenda in multiplexable genomic editing tools and their application to understand complex gene networks.
Researchers found that vividly imagining helping scenes predicts overall willingness to help others and that activity in the medial temporal lobe subsystem is associated with a greater ease of imagination, leading to increased prosocial action.
A 15-year study tracking former child soldiers in Sierra Leone reveals that earning acceptance from families and communities is crucial for their mental health and social integration. The research highlights the importance of addressing stigma and improving social supports to help these individuals recover from childhood trauma.