News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
A recent study found elevated TonEBP expression in patients with lupus nephritis, correlating with inflammatory cytokines and kidney damage. Suppressing TonEBP was shown to halt lupus progression and mitigate kidney damage in animal models.
Researchers at the University of California - Santa Barbara have developed a method that enables high-quality imaging of still objects with only WiFi signals. The technique uses Keller cones to trace edges of objects and has successfully imaged the English alphabet through walls, a task previously deemed too difficult for WiFi.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) decreases essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), limiting protective molecule formation and repair potential. The discovery may open new therapeutic avenues for AMD, particularly in females, who are more susceptible to retinal degeneration due to estrogen effects.
Researchers have found large amounts of labile dissolved carbon stored in sediment interstitial water, indicating active organic carbon remineralization. The discovery suggests that earthquakes play a key role in the trench's carbon cycle and deep biosphere metabolisms.
A new study from Rice University found that antidepressants can reduce negative memories in depressed individuals while improving overall memory function. The study's lead author suggests that the medications shift memory dynamics toward healthy function and may help better select treatments depending on people's symptoms of depression.
A new editorial paper explores the effectiveness of the third dose booster vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised individuals. Researchers found that while the vaccine improves vaccine effectiveness across various measures, its benefits are not as significant for patients with cancer.
Researchers found that patients with HPV-positive cancers develop recurrent disease significantly later than those that were HPV-negative, and also are more likely to spread to the lungs. A new, highly sensitive blood test has been developed to detect cancer earlier, using a framework for combining routine blood testing and imaging.
Researchers have devised an efficient method of recovering high-purity silicon from expired solar panels, which can help meet the increasing global demand for electric vehicles. The new extraction method using phosphoric acid achieved a recovery rate of 98.9% and purity of 99.2%, comparable to existing methods.
A groundbreaking study by UNIST researchers reveals that high levels of endotrophin in fat cells disrupt autophagy, leading to inflammation and insulin resistance. Inhibiting ATG7 protein function or neutralizing endotrophin shows promise as a potential treatment for obesity-related metabolic diseases.
A new study published in Cancer Management and Research found that 1 in 8 older adults with a history of cancer experienced depression for the first time during the early stages of the pandemic. Those with functional limitations, family conflict, and women were particularly vulnerable to depression.
Researchers found no significant association between socioeconomic status, neighborhood safety, health, and gender with positive world views. Surveys showed that certain indicators of privilege—socioeconomic status, neighborhood safety, health, and gender—are much less associated with positive world views than predicted by researchers.
A team of Purdue researchers developed patent-pending adhesive formulations from sustainable bio-based components that grow stronger when exposed to water. The adhesives have potential applications in coral reef restoration, construction, biomedical, dental, food, and cosmetic industries.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a novel lithium extraction method using porous fibers to concentrate and separate lithium from saltwater. This technique reduces land and water usage compared to traditional methods, making it an environmentally friendly solution for meeting growing energy demands.
A recent study found a three-fold increase in obesity-related heart disease deaths in the US between 1999 and 2020. The study highlights racial disparities, particularly among Black women, who faced the highest rates of obesity-related cardiovascular mortality.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine have discovered a critical gene mutation in the PLCG2 gene that heightens the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found specific rare variants that elevated or reduced the susceptibility to the disease, shedding light on the genetic underpinnings.
Researchers discovered that a small subpopulation of AIB1-expressing cells in breast cancer enables invasion and metastasis. The study suggests that these subpopulations play a crucial role in tumor growth and spreading to distant sites.
A comprehensive review of over 70 years of menopause science emphasizes the need for more research into symptom timeline and treatment effectiveness. The authors advocate for holistic, individualized approaches addressing physical and mental health impacts of menopause.
A new study reveals that a hotel's own sentiment score and its competitor's sentiment score have a significant impact on booking performance. Hotels that improve their own sentiment score by 1% can increase bookings by .38%, while those that improve their competitors' sentiment score by 1% can decrease bookings by .25%. The research al...
Researchers discovered that aging alters the pancreas's circadian rhythm by reorganizing its transcriptome. The study found that fibroblasts play a crucial role in regulating this reorganization, which affects the organ's resilience to aging-related pathologies.
Researchers found that infected individuals with multiple strains of the T. cruzi parasite were better able to control the disease, while those with a progressive form had fewer strains. This discovery provides a new framework for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
The University of Miami has been awarded a $23.57 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to join the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program. The research team will investigate how stress experienced by parents can affect their children's development.
A new study by Yale researchers found that despite reductions in fine particulate air pollution, racial and ethnic minorities still experience disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease-related deaths. The study found that Black people face the highest burden, with a mortality rate 4.59 times higher than white people in 2001.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has been awarded a $16.2 million grant to study inequities in healthcare for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on racialized and marginalized populations. The five-year renewal grant will explore how intersecting identities affect treatment...
Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine identified distinct genomic events responsible for resistance to anti-BCMA and anti-GPRC5D immunotherapies in multiple myeloma. Mutations in the extracellular domain of BCMA impede T-cell binding without affecting protein expression or downstream signaling.
Researchers at University of Oxford have developed a miniaturized soft power source that can alter the activity of cultured human nerve cells, paving the way for miniature bio-integrated devices. The device uses internal ion gradients to generate energy, producing a current that persists for over 30 minutes.
The study validates a comprehensive genomic profiling assay, NeXT Dx, which detects single nucleotide variants, indels, copy number alterations, and gene fusions. The assay demonstrates high analytic sensitivities and specificity, providing personalized recommendations critical to clinical decision-making.
A team of international scientists found that coral reefs, marshes, and mangroves could be destroyed within the next 30 years from rising sea levels. Coastal habitats are essential for protecting coastlines, trapping carbon, and supporting millions of coastal residents.
The patented cooling pads designed by Purdue researchers improve feed intake and milk output in sows and increase piglet weaning weight. The technology also maintains boar semen quality and reduces heat stress abnormalities.
The American Heart Association introduces principles for data sharing to advance patient outcomes, highlighting transparency and privacy concerns. The new policy statement aims to protect patients' sensitive information while facilitating valuable research discoveries.
A new CNIC study confirms that controlling traditional cardiovascular risk factors can prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Maintaining a low cardiovascular risk is linked to preserved cerebral glucose metabolism, indicating better brain health.
New research led by Nansi Boghossian found that sickle cell disease contributes to racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity, with Black individuals at least 1.5 times more likely to experience complications. The study suggests preconception care and management are critical for improving pregnancy outcomes for patients with sickl...
A new MU study highlights the protective role of innate lymphoid cells and interferons in reducing neurological effects of Brucellosis. The findings could lead to improved diagnostics and therapies for neurobrucellosis, a condition that can cause long-term neurological complications.
A WVU astronomer is searching the Milky Way for debris left behind by supernovas, with $331,170 in NSF funding. He hopes to discover new supernova remnants using radio wavelength data from telescopes and machine-learning software.
Researchers at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research found significant effects of floatation-therapy on body image and anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa. The study showed immediate and sustained reductions in body image dissatisfaction and improved anxiety, which remained after treatment and lasted up to six months.
The guidance paper outlines reliable methods and research practices for improving evidence syntheses. It emphasizes the need for proper education in methodology and cautions against relying solely on appraisal tools and software programs.
The Norwegian approach to prison reform focuses on building relationships and trust, reducing solitary confinement. In a US pilot program, residents spent more time outside their cells, with a 74% drop in assaults and an 86% decrease in staff use-of-force incidents.
Research found that e-cigarette manufacturers use psychographic targeting to appeal to new users based on lifestyles and attitudes, particularly among low-risk young adults. The study suggests that stricter marketing regulations are needed to reduce exposure to these advertisements and minimize the risk of initiation.
A new study found that people who received free produce prescriptions experienced increased fruit and vegetable consumption, leading to improved body mass index, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. This research suggests that produce prescription programs may be an effective way to address food insecurity and promote health.
Researchers propose integrated metasurfaces that can be combined with standard optical components like LEDs and LCDs for commercialization. Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial for developing innovative optical platforms.
A study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Woman's Hospital found that pregnant women in Louisiana were more likely to exceed recommended weight gain levels during the pandemic, with a 3-7% increase. This rise in non-optimal gestational weight gain may have long-term impacts on maternal and infant health.
The Graphene Flagship project has produced significant contributions to Europe's GDP and GVA, with an estimated return on investment of 14.5-fold. By 2030, the project aims to create over 81,000 jobs internationally.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that residence in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability is associated with a decreased risk of pediatric asthma. The study used a geographically diverse cohort of over 10,000 children and examined associations between neighborhood attributes and asthma in...
Rapid Reviews Infectious Diseases will extend the successful preprint review model of Rapid Reviews COVID-19 to new research on infectious diseases like monkeypox, dengue fever, or herpes. The journal aims to accelerate the validation and diffusion of robust scientific findings through rapid peer review.
A new study published by the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography reveals extensive microplastic storage in Narragansett Bay, with an estimated 1,000 tons stored in the top 5 cm of its floor. The buildup has occurred over the last 10-20 years, primarily due to littering and runoff of single-use plastic items.
Research has clarified how starch granules form in wheat seeds, unlocking diverse potential benefits for various industries. The discovery of the enzyme PHS1 crucial for B-type granule initiation offers opportunities to create variations in starch for different food and industrial applications.
A microscopic crack in platinum grew and then 'healed' itself by getting shorter after repetitive stretching, confirming Dr. Michael Demkowicz's 2013 prediction. The experiment used nanocrystalline metals with a small grain size, which allows for microstructural features to interact with cracks.
Atrial fibrillation patients in the UK are now 50% less likely to die from heart attacks and strokes than at the start of the millennium. The study revealed significant health inequalities, with socioeconomically deprived patients facing a higher risk of mortality.
Researchers Elzbieta Izbicka and Robert T. Streeper discuss the evolution of cancer drug development, highlighting recent progress and emerging challenges due to environmental factors. They also examine how artificial intelligence may impact future drug development.
Researchers from Mount Sinai found that Asian Americans have a significantly high exposure to PFAS, with median exposure scores 89% higher than non-Hispanic whites. The study used advanced data science methods to account for complex exposure sources and heterogeneity across different groups.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are enhancing bioprinting technology to create new skin, bone, and tissue for transplantation in space. The project aims to protect astronauts' health from diseases like osteoporosis caused by microgravity exposure.
Researchers from Zhejiang University have discovered that Polygonatum sibiricum contains a significant amount of fructo-oligosaccharides, approximately 30% of the dry rhizome. These prebiotics promote gut health by fostering beneficial bacteria growth.
Researchers found a significant increase in pediatric trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with younger patients and falls from moderate heights being more common. Blood alcohol levels were also higher in patients aged 14-18 years old, suggesting targeted interventions to curb alcohol use may be needed
A special section of WORK journal provides insights into the overlap and differences between ME/CFS and Long COVID, highlighting the importance of early recognition of post-exertional malaise (PEM) for symptom management. Researchers emphasize the need for specialized care and pacing as a therapeutic strategy to improve quality of life.
Climate impacts like dry summers causing tree growth reduction and increased mortality in the Black Forest. The study found a peak in tree mortality in 2019, with mortality rates exceeding 40% of sustainable annual growth.
Researchers discuss the essential role of macrophages in metastatic growth of lung colonies in melanoma, highlighting their importance in clearing challenges to tissue integrity and promoting growth-related processes. The authors emphasize the need for targeted therapies against macrophages to combat untreatable metastasis.
Researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that allows a woman with severe paralysis from a brainstem stroke to speak through a digital avatar. The system can decode brain signals into text at nearly 80 words per minute, making it a vast improvement over commercially available technology.
A new study found that catheter ablation significantly lowers the incidence of cardiovascular events and death in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The researchers compared 208 patients who underwent AF ablation with those who received medical therapy only, finding a lower risk of both cardiovascular events and de...
The University of Tennessee Extension will address health disparities related to poor nutrition, physical activity, and obesity in seven rural Tennessee counties. The CDC's High Obesity Program funding aims to reduce chronic diseases by improving access to fresh foods and opportunities for physical activity.
Researchers from Zhejiang University discovered that Polygonatum sibiricum is devoid of noticeable starch, with approximately 30% of its dry rhizome consisting of fructo-oligosaccharides. These findings could revolutionize the understanding of Polygonatum's nutritional value and product development.
A new study finds SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly associated with development of high blood pressure in hospitalized adults. Persistent high blood pressure was more common in people with COVID-19 than influenza, highlighting potential long-term cardiovascular risk.