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Clinical smart watch finds success at identifying atrial fibrillation

A novel prescription wristwatch uses photoplethysmography to detect atrial fibrillation with high accuracy, even in participants with darker skin tones. The Verily Study Watch bridges the gap between long-term monitoring and consumer devices, enabling clinicians to effectively use wearable data for Afib management.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2023

INU researchers develop novel deep learning-based detection system for autonomous vehicles

A new deep learning-based detection system has been developed by INU researchers to improve the detection capabilities of autonomous vehicles. The system, aided by IoT technology, generates bounding boxes and confidence scores for visible obstacles using point cloud data and RGB images as input.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientist identifies a connection in the brain between stress and emotional eating

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a key brain molecule responsible for triggering overconsumption of comfort foods after stressful events. The lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neuron plays a crucial role in driving threat-induced eating associated with negative emotional states.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Project SEARCH graduates achieved high success in obtaining employment, and continued support is needed for maintaining employment

A new study published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation found that Project SEARCH graduates with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieved high job retention rates (>77%) and overall satisfaction. However, challenges persist, including unmet ongoing support needs and limited follow-up services after graduation.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2023

Brittle stars can learn just fine -- even without a brain

Researchers found that brittle stars, brainless marine creatures, can associate darkness with food and react accordingly, demonstrating classical conditioning. They retained this association even after a break from training, suggesting potential learning capabilities in these animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Orbital-angular-momentum-encoded diffractive networks for object classification tasks

Researchers developed three diffractive deep neural networks using orbital angular momentum to recognize objects in images, achieving accuracy comparable to wavelength and polarization-based models. The technology has potential for real-time processing applications like image recognition and data-intensive tasks.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateNov 27, 2023

SMART researchers pave the way for faster and safer T-cell therapy through novel contamination-detection method

A novel contamination-detection method enables faster and safer T-cell therapy production, reducing the risk for patients and speeding up treatment. The method uses cutting-edge technology to identify harmful microorganisms within 24 hours.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023

Our cerebellar nuclei turn out to be more important than initially thought

Researchers discovered that cerebellar nuclei make a surprising contribution to associative learning by strengthening connections with mossy fibers. Optogenetic experiments also showed that the nuclei can support well-timed learning. The study's findings have implications for understanding cerebellum function and potential treatments f...

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

A potential early esophageal cancer antigen: DDX53

Researchers found that tumor-resident T-cell receptor sequences showed high complementarity with the cancer testis antigen DDX53, suggesting an immune response that selects for DDX53-negative cells. This association was correlated with worse disease-free survival rates, highlighting a potential early esophageal cancer antigen.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2023

Do extracurricular activities always give children a head start? Research says maybe not

A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of School Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

C-Path’s pioneering neuroscience workshop transforms the landscape of neurological disorder therapies

The C-Path Neuroscience Annual Workshop brought together stakeholders to chart a transformative course for neurology research and drug development, focusing on chronic progressive diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Key highlights included recommendations for innovative therapies and tools to address complex disorders.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·JournalNeurotherapeutics·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

AI can map giant icebergs from satellite images 10,000 times faster than humans

Scientists have developed an AI system that accurately maps the surface area and outline of giant icebergs in one-hundredth of a second. This technology surpasses manual interpretation methods, which can take several minutes to delineate an iceberg's outline, and offers insights into their impact on the polar environment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2023

Engineers from the UMA develop more accessible and versatile next-gen “digital twins”

Researchers from the UMA developed an open-source platform called Open Twins to create more accessible and versatile digital twins. This platform enables the simulation of real-world assets based on virtual replicas, predicting future behaviors and detecting anomalies, leading to more efficient companies that make data-driven decisions.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalComputers in Industry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2023

How adults understand what kids are saying

Researchers used computational models to analyze thousands of hours of transcribed audio recordings of children and adults interacting. The findings suggest that adults' ability to make context-based interpretations provides crucial feedback for babies acquiring language. These interpretations are critical for understanding what small ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateOct 26, 2023

UTSA researchers receive $3.6 million National Science Foundation grant to break down language barriers in engineering education

Researchers Joel Mejia and M. Sidury Christiansen are developing a handbook of recommended pedagogical approaches to address exclusionary language in engineering classes. They aim to improve the sense of belonging among multilingual students pursuing STEM careers by guiding faculty on strategies for changing biased language practices.

People who communicate more, show expertise are more likely to be seen as essential team members

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University reveals that individuals with strong communication skills and expertise are more likely to be chosen as central members of a network. As a result, teams that choose their own central member perform better than those with randomly assigned members. The study highlights the critical role of commu...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 23, 2023

Study examines role of working memory, cognitive functions in English learners learning to write

Researchers found that working memory was the most significant predictor of writing ability among English learner students. Cognitive functions such as phonological awareness and oral language development were also important, but only working memory consistently predicted higher scores in writing.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Leading scientists, philosophers identify nature’s missing evolutionary law

A team of scientists and philosophers identifies a new law of nature that governs the evolution of complex systems, including plants, animals, stars, and minerals. The law states that complex systems evolve to states of greater patterning, diversity, and complexity, regardless of whether they are living or nonliving.

SourceCarnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 16, 2023

How do our brains tell us what went wrong?

A team of neuroscientists has identified specific neurons in the auditory cortex that only respond to sounds that violate expectations, sending a message that a mistake has been made. These 'prediction-error neurons' may play a vital role in learning how to speak or play musical instruments.

SourceNew York University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2023

New study provides evidence for more effective brain-based treatment of chronic back pain

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.