A new study suggests that COVID-19 transmission in Italy was more closely tied to the number of social contacts individuals had with people of all ages. Researchers found that Italian social networks were characterized by a higher average number of face-to-face interactions than those in Germany and the UK.
The discovery of 3.42 billion-year-old microfossils in a hydrothermal system expands our understanding of potentially habitable environments on early Earth and other planets like Mars. The findings suggest that these microbes could have played a crucial role in the emergence of life on our planet.
A study found that witnessing moral transgressions can inhibit tongue movements, similar to tasting something unpleasant. This reaction may reflect an avoidance-defensive mechanism, adapting as a response to shared moral norms.
A new SARS-CoV-2 variant, T478K, has been identified in over 50% of viruses in North America, particularly in Mexico, where it spreads rapidly among all age groups. The mutation in the Spike protein alters its interaction with the human receptor ACE2, potentially hindering drug efficacy and immune system antibodies.
Researchers at the University of Bologna developed NanoGear, a device consisting of interlocked molecular components that function as a gear. The device exhibits unusual properties, such as 'specific lubrication' in different solvents, which could lead to radical technological innovations.
Severe droughts prompted landowners to grant rights to non-elites, who promoted institutional changes through cooperation. Climate shocks also influenced agricultural activities and social orders in developing countries., Climate crises in Mesopotamia led to the development of cooperative relationships between elites and non-elites.
A study by researchers at the University of Bologna found that sea turtles have high levels of plastic debris in their faeces, which can alter their gut microbiota and compromise their health. The Adriatic Sea is a major hotspot for marine pollution, with over 10 million tons of plastic entering the oceans every year.
Researchers found that some coronaviruses can incorporate host genes, such as CD200, to prevent excessive inflammation and prolong infection duration. This evolutionary strategy allows viruses to multiply and spread more effectively.
Researchers analyzed 50,000-year-old Neanderthal feces to identify beneficial bacteria essential for human health. The study suggests that targeted diet- and lifestyle-tailored solutions can help safeguard the microorganisms crucial to our physiology.
Researchers found a fossil fragment of one of the giant stellar clumps that formed the central region of the Milky Way approximately 12 billion years ago. Liller 1 is composed of two stellar populations with dramatically different ages, one as old as the Milky Way and the other much younger.
Researchers compared neuronal networks to galaxy distributions, finding similarities in complexity and self-organization. The study suggests that diverse physical processes can create comparable structures despite vastly different scales.
Researchers found that Neanderthal children grew at a similar rate to modern humans, introducing solid foods around 5-6 months old, and were likely of similar weight to neonates. This suggests a possible shorter inter-birth interval and similar gestational history.
Researchers are using fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging to map the distribution of compositional material in the Codex Cospi. The analysis aims to shed new light on the pictorial and technological practices developed by pre-Columbian artists.
A nutritional supplement called SPIN is being developed to support the immune system in fighting against SARS-CoV-2. The supplement contains wheat germ polyamine and eugenol, which have been shown to have antiviral properties and may help reduce the severity of symptoms.
Researchers from Università di Bologna found evidence of genetic isolation between two morphotypes of Parazoanthus axinellae, suggesting they may belong to different species. The study's findings have significant implications for biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Sea.
The FoodLAND project is developing innovations for local agriculture and aquaculture development in six African countries, aiming to strengthen agro-biodiversity and healthy diets. The project will create a network of 14 local Food Hubs to mobilise actors in rural and urban communities, testing and introducing technological innovations.
A recent study found that genomic adaptations to a rice-based diet may mitigate the risk of obesity and diabetes in some east-Asian populations. The researchers analyzed the genomes of over 2,000 subjects and identified genetic modifications associated with lower BMI and reduced insulin resistance.
Researchers are developing an AI tool to analyze brain MRIs and identify indexes of structural complexity, providing insights into the development and progression of hereditary ataxia. The fractal dimension analysis could potentially predict clinical development and inform new treatment approaches.
A 48,000-year-old milk-tooth found in Veneto, Italy, is confirmed to belong to a child Neanderthal, providing valuable insights into human evolution. The study's findings suggest that Neanderthals were present in the area until around 45,000 years ago.
A new protocol allows for the protection and correction of fragile quantum information in case of qubit loss, addressing a crucial issue in quantum computing. This breakthrough could prove essential for future large-scale quantum computer development.
Researchers discovered Martian and lunar lava tubes are up to 1,000 times wider than those on Earth, with volumes exceeding 1 billion cubic meters. The study highlights the potential of these underground cavities for future space exploration and settlement.
Researchers analyzed 48,635 coronavirus genomes, revealing the six strains of SARS-CoV-2 and their global spread. The study found that strain G and its related strains GR and GH are the most frequent, representing 74% of all gene sequences.
A research group from the University of Bologna developed a new protocol that combines fear conditioning with neurostimulation to modify aversive memories. Participants who underwent TMS sessions showed reduced psycho-physiological responses to unpleasant stimuli, indicating successful alteration of fear memory persistence.
Researchers reconstructed paleoclimate conditions from stalagmites in Apulia, Italy, finding minimal significant climate fluctuations. The findings challenge the climate change hypothesis as a cause of Neanderthal extinction.
A new ECL-based mechanism has been identified that enables quicker, more cost-effective and reliable serological tests. The technique enhances signal detection, allowing for increased sensitivity levels up to 128% compared to current methods.
Researchers analyzed data from solo skippers in the Mini Transat La Boulangère regatta to identify effective sleep management strategies. Over half of the skippers employed sleep extension, polyphasic sleep, or gradual sleep deprivation to optimize their performance and safety during the competition.
Researchers analyzed ancient Italian DNA, revealing a complex mosaic of ancestry components and genetic peculiarities shaped by environmental interactions. These adaptations contribute to reducing disease risk, favoring longer lifespan in some cases.
Researchers at the University of Bologna have found that carbon nanotubes can penetrate cell membranes more easily when inserted at a flat angle, reducing damage and improving efficiency. The study's results suggest that these tiny 'molecular syringes' could be used as probes to test for substances and processes beyond cell membranes.
Researchers from the University of Bologna have designed an automatic accident detection system that could reduce motorway pile-ups by up to 40 percent. The system uses peer-to-peer communication among cars to quickly share information and prevent accidents.
Researchers found that preen oil gland secretions support a natural mechanism for AIV concentration, facilitating virus diffusion in nature. This discovery has important implications for avian influenza virus surveillance and prevention strategies.
The European Research Council has awarded a €3 million grant to study corals and global warming. The five-year CoralWarm project aims to create a mathematical model predicting coral reef changes due to temperature and acidity increases.