News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
A study of over 580 children found that childhood trauma disrupts neural networks involved in self-focus and problem-solving. The research suggests that trauma therapies should address not only thoughts but also the impact on the body, sense of self, emotional processing, and relationships.
Black adults in the US suffer from short and very short sleep after exposure to news about police killings of unarmed Black individuals. The study's findings suggest that poor sleep health is another tragic byproduct of exposure to these events.
The lack of synergy between academia and industry in drug discovery hinders the development of effective treatments. Researchers discuss why many therapeutic molecules fail to reach clinical trials despite pre-clinical efficacy.
The 2024 Hill Prizes were announced by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, awarding $2.5 million to five Texas researchers for their groundbreaking work in medicine, engineering, and biological sciences. The prizes aim to accelerate high-risk research ideas with significant potential for real-world impact.
The University of Texas at Arlington is advancing its understanding of deadly disease tuberculosis (TB) with a new research project led by associate professor Kayunta Johnson-Winters. The project aims to understand why certain types of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria do not respond to treatments.
A preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024 found that lifetime exposure to sexual assault and other traumatic stressors can negatively impact subsequent stroke recovery. Researchers analyzed data from the STRONG study and discovered that stroke survivors exposed to sexual ass...
Researchers identified 180,940 people who had suffered a recent stroke and matched them to control groups to evaluate dementia risk after stroke. The study found that the rate of post-stroke dementia was higher than the rate of recurrent stroke over the same time period.
The electrospinning and electrospraying synergism (ESS) technology has the potential to revolutionize various sectors such as bioengineering, textile technology, medical treatment, and energy conversion. By combining these two twin-tech methods, researchers can create complex structures with unique properties.
People with stroke mimics are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those with confirmed strokes. Researchers found that patients with stroke mimics experience significant psychological distress and increased cardiovascular health risks.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from waste gases through engineered bacteria. The novel process shows high-purity yields with recoveries over 99.2%, marking a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation.
The study proposes technical, legal, and economic interventions to transition the global plastics system to net zero emissions by 2050. The authors emphasize the need for concerted action across four target areas: smart materials design, waste management, recycling, and reducing future demand.
Researchers identified senescence-related tumor microenvironment genes associated with poor prognosis, genetic alterations, and reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy in HNSC. The study highlights the importance of precision medicine approaches for personalized treatment.
Researchers have uncovered the molecular and ultrastructural features of BCAS1+ cells in diffuse gliomas, highlighting their proliferative capacity and distribution. The study provides a comprehensive characterization of the BCAS1+ cell population within diffuse gliomas, shedding light on its role in tumor malignancy.
Researchers used CRISPR to modify a tomato gene, resulting in reduced water consumption without affecting crop quality. The discovery holds implications for basic scientific knowledge and could help increase plant yields in dry conditions.
The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities reached a record high of 37.1% in 2023, surpassing the pre-pandemic level and that of people without disabilities. This growth is attributed to significant employer trends, including labor shortages and increased wages, as well as accommodations made during the pandemic.
West Virginia University has been awarded a $1 million National Science Foundation grant to drive energy technology and infrastructure development in the region. The initiative aims to identify pathways for workforce development and policy development that accelerates adoption of energy technologies.
Lehigh University researcher Dominic DiFranzo is developing an AI-powered platform, Social Media TestDrive, to equip youth with skills to navigate social media safely. The platform uses conversational AI tools to provide instant feedback and interactive simulations, empowering students to be 'upstanders' against cyberbullying.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the need for increased awareness of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) to facilitate prompt medical treatment. The statement updates guidelines for diagnosing and managing CVT, focusing on advancements in treatment approaches.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Knoo Lee found that school nurses are well-positioned to identify students at-risk for chronic school absenteeism. Students who have many partial-day absences often proactively seek out school nurses as a source of comfort and support, presenting an opportunity for intervention before...
A study reveals thyroid cancer's genetic changes contribute to resistance to BRAF inhibitors and can lead to tumor dedifferentiation. Researchers identify potential targets for new therapies, including dual-targeted treatments and immunotherapy combinations.
A four-week intervention of resonant breathing, tracked using a heart rate variability app and chest strap monitor, significantly improved symptoms among 13 Long Covid patients. Participants reported reduced symptoms, better sleep, and improved physical functioning.
A Rutgers Health study found that pregnant women exposed to certain flame-retardant chemicals may face an increased risk of preterm birth, especially for baby girls, or higher birth weights. The study linked three specific markers of organophosphate ester exposure to shorter pregnancies and higher risks of preterm birth in female infants.
A new study has mapped the health risks of heatwaves in India, finding that mild heatwaves are the deadliest, while extreme ones have fewer deaths due to their infrequency. The research highlights the need for policymakers to plan for both common and extreme heatwaves to protect public health.
Scientists have successfully replicated QS-21, a potent vaccine adjuvant, in an alternative plant host for the first time. This breakthrough enables the production of this highly valued compound in a more sustainable manner.
A new study funded by NIHR has led to the UK government approving digital pathology for cancer screening samples. This technology enables faster reporting and improved care for patients with bowel, breast, lung, and cervical cancers. The use of digital pathology will help reduce risk of sample loss or damage and allow pathologists to r...
Researchers report a case of a patient with EGFR L858R mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who experienced durable disease improvement after empirical treatment with osimertinib. The 'Lazarus effect' refers to the phenomenon where cancer appears to recur after seeming to be in remission.
Researchers at Purdue University have received funding from the Trask Innovation Fund to develop innovative solutions for blood clot removal, home energy management, and pipeline safety. The projects aim to enhance commercial value of their patent-pending intellectual property and improve public health outcomes.
A new model developed by MIT engineers predicts how certain shoe properties will affect a runner's performance, incorporating factors like stiffness and springiness. The model aims to help designers create high-performing shoes with novel properties.
Research finds that stable caregiver relationships in childhood may increase optimal heart health, while adversity and abuse can lead to poor cardiovascular health. Lower income as an adult may also introduce additional adversity, making the relationship between caregiver-child adversity difficult to see.
A new report from the Association for Psychological Science finds that youth who receive therapy, life-skills training, and other rehabilitative help are less likely to reoffend than those who face legal punishment. The study suggests that minimizing formal processing and expanding diversion programs can improve community safety.
A global study review found negative indirect impacts of the pandemic on people with diabetes, including a rise in non-COVID-19-related deaths, diabetic ketoacidosis among children and adolescents, and sight loss. Pediatric ICU admissions were also significantly increased.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have achieved a breakthrough in RFD, increasing the salt removal rate by approximately 20% while lowering its energy demand. The system can store affordable renewable energy and produce potable drinking water, promising a sustainable solution to the global water crisis.
A new screening tool helps identify primary care patients with precarious employment, associated with health insurance issues, lower incomes, and greater psychological stress. The tool assesses temporary contracts, job insecurity, and income variability.
Researchers found decreased BMAd density and altered distribution profile in MGUS patients who developed MM, indicating early changes in bone marrow adipose tissue. These findings suggest the potential for timely interventions and personalized treatment strategies.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases suggests that men with inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are less likely to be childless and have more children than their healthy peers. The study found that these men had an average of 1.8 children compared to 1.7 in the comparison group.
A study published in Science Advances identifies a mitochondrial protein called MCJ as the first therapeutic target to preserve cardiac function in pulmonary hypertension. Modulating MCJ levels can activate a signaling pathway essential for adaptation to low oxygen levels, protecting the heart.
Scientists have found that deposits deep under the ocean floor reveal a way to measure ocean oxygen levels and their connections with carbon dioxide during the last ice age. This study could improve predictions of how oceans will respond to global warming.
A team of researchers from MIT and the Broad Institute developed two types of injectable molecules called 'priming agents' that can boost DNA levels in blood samples, allowing for earlier cancer diagnosis and more sensitive detection of tumor mutations. The approach could also help improve detection of cancer recurrence.
Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia receive 5 million euros in funding to bridge gap between basic research and real-world applications. The projects aim to address key issues such as tumors, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and new quantum technologies.
A new study found that nicotine-free vape fluid can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs, causing damage similar to patients with lung injury. The research identified a protein called ARF6 as a key regulator of this damage.
Two UH projects explore repurposing existing energy assets for clean energy, while a third project establishes a visiting scholar program to develop carbon-negative hydrogen production. The funding aims to create a skilled workforce for a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.
Scientists develop novel synthetic strategy to create highly ordered colloidal crystals using DNA as the bonding element. The approach enables the synthesis of 10 new crystals with potential for designing metamaterials with unprecedented properties.
A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that resistance training before basketball practice has minimal to no effect on shooting performance. In fact, the only scenario where accuracy decreased was after upper-body training, but this decrease disappeared 30 minutes post-exercise completion.
A new study suggests that a cross-sectoral approach to marine protection can meet conservation targets at lower costs for all stakeholders involved. The approach minimizes the opportunity cost to each stakeholder simultaneously, resulting in more affordable protection of high seas biodiversity.
A study found that the No Surprises Act's independent dispute resolution (IDR) process would be financially unfeasible for a large portion of out-of-network claims for hospital-based specialties, particularly radiologists. This could undermine patient access to in-network care due to limited bargaining power.
Quantum Research Sciences has developed a quantum computer software that achieves 28% improved accuracy over classical computers in predicting optimal inventory levels. The software will be used by the US Air Force to manage its supply chain, reducing costs associated with excess or inadequate inventory.
A study published in Neurology found that nearly one-third of people with migraine experience related stigma, which is linked to increased disability and reduced quality of life. High levels of stigma were also associated with moderate to severe disability, while those who experienced lower levels had better quality of life scores.
Researchers identified gartisertib as a potent ATR inhibitor that enhances cell death in patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines. The study also showed synergy between gartisertib and TMZ+RT treatment, with higher sensitivity to gartisertib observed in MGMT promoter unmethylated cells.
A study published in Arthroplasty Today found that robotic-assisted knee revision surgery significantly influences the function of the knee replacement. The computer system can help predict implant size and balance the knee for stability, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A University of Alberta-led international network is studying very rare adverse events after vaccination, using cutting-edge techniques and unprecedented data from around the world. The goal is to enhance vaccine safety assessment and inform health authorities on the most appropriate type of vaccine for specific outbreak settings.
A recent study reveals that solar energy facilities planted with native grasses and wildflowers can rapidly support thriving insect populations. Total insect abundance tripled at the studied sites, providing additional pollination services to adjacent agricultural fields.
A new study found that young adults who reported higher stress as adolescents were more likely to have high blood pressure, obesity, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. This highlights the importance of stress management from an early age to prevent these health issues.
Researchers discuss reductive carboxylation of glutamine as a potential target in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive cancer with poor patient outcomes. The approach aims to weaken tumor cell survival mechanisms, potentially leading to novel therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers studied the effects of resveratrol on circadian clock gene expression in young and older human adipose-derived progenitor cells. They found increased levels of some components in older-APCs compared to young-APCs, but also observed gained rhythmicity of some components after resveratrol treatment.
This special issue highlights promising research projects developing scalable digital technology solutions for improved heart and brain health. Smartphone-based assessments and point-of-care echocardiography have shown promise in diverse populations, including those with latent rheumatic heart disease and dementia.
Ocean Networks Canada is establishing a new Antarctic Ocean observatory in partnership with the Spanish National Research Council. This initiative will provide year-round, near real-time data on ocean conditions, advancing scientific understanding of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic Ocean.
Researchers develop revised scoring system for National Health Service Clinical Impact Awards to address accessibility concerns and improve distinction between levels of excellence. The new system offers a wider range of scores from 0-10, with clear descriptions, and retains pro rating of award values for part-time consultants.
A Kessler Foundation researcher will examine the impact of social determinants on brain health and MS outcomes in Latinos. The study aims to improve healthcare access and quality for this minoritized group.
Researchers have sequenced the first genome of myxini, a large group of vertebrates without a reference genome, revealing insights into evolutionary history and genomic duplications. The study provides new perspectives on the origins of complex vertebrate structures.