News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
This year's winners include Professor Neil Kelleher, Dr. Tamir Gonen, Professor Margaret Sunde, and more, recognized for their pioneering research in top-down proteomics, membrane proteins, amyloid studies, and human health applications.
Anu has received a significant grant to support the development of its 100% compostable seedpods, which are used in its smart gardens. The company's technology enables fast and efficient growth of produce, reducing water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional gardening methods.
A new study found that brief anger episodes can negatively impact blood vessel function, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers investigated the effects of anger, sadness, and anxiety on blood vessel function and found that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction.
A survey of healthcare providers in the Middle East reveals a good understanding of halal pharmaceuticals, but gaps in knowledge, particularly about ingredients and aligning with Islamic principles. Personalized education and culturally sensitive care can address patient concerns and improve healthcare outcomes for all patients.
Researchers found widespread data gaps on environmental effects, emphasizing the need for updated information requirements in REACH legislation. They propose utilizing cross-species knowledge and grouping substances to increase understanding.
A study by the University of Córdoba finds that climate change is lengthening and intensifying the blooming of holm oak and other Quercus species, resulting in a prolonged and more intense pollen season. This shift has significant implications for allergy sufferers, as they will be more exposed to pollen during longer seasons.
Researchers found that chatbots like ChatGPT can provide accurate information on climate change-related topics, but not all responses are reliable. The study compared the chatbots' answers to hazard risk indices generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and found more accuracy with tropical storms than droughts.
The American Heart Association has funded four new grants to evaluate the use of race in predicting heart disease risk and develop unbiased clinical algorithms. The research projects will test various risk models to remove racial bias from care decisions, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered that maternal blood cytokines, such as XCL1, play a crucial role in fetal brain development and offspring behavior. Elevated XCL1 levels during pregnancy are associated with improved emotional regulation and reduced anxiety in male mice.
Under Secretary for Science and Innovation Geraldine Richmond visited the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility to discuss its research portfolio diversification efforts. The lab is working to ensure diverse communities have access to its programs, support, and opportunities.
Cool-season turfgrasses face challenges under high temperature stress, leading to reduced growth and increased maintenance costs. Research proposes methods to enhance heat tolerance through molecular characterization and breeding strategies.
Clinical trials show decreased effectiveness of vancomycin in treating C. diff infection, with reduced cure rates and lower sustained clinical responses associated with antimicrobial resistance. The finding poses a significant concern for the management of C. diff infection, with only two recommended antibiotics available.
Researchers at NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic develop a new, sustainable feed alternative for farmed Asian seabass, reducing reliance on wild-caught fishmeal. The single cell protein is cultivated from soybean processing wastewater, offering a promising solution to the aquaculture industry's environmental challenges.
Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences successfully unlocked a puzzle in vascular tissue engineering, providing important experimental evidence towards understanding and controlling sprouting angiogenesis in vitro. They developed new image-analysis protocols to determine key parameters gove...
Researchers found a significant reduction in quetiapine use among nursing home patients (7%) and community-dwelling patients (15%), without signs of adverse effects. The intervention improved mental health outcomes and slightly reduced the risk of death for patients living in the community.
Disposable vape sales quadrupled in the UK between 2022 and 2023, contributing to e-waste accumulation. The technology contains valuable resources like lithium, but recycling is often difficult due to lack of clear instructions. Experts call for urgent reform of disposable electronics practices to protect the environment.
Using AI software called SLEAP, scientists at Salk Institute are designing climate-saving plants with optimized root systems that can store more carbon. This approach enables researchers to analyze plant features and connect desirable traits to targetable genes, accelerating the development of carbon-capturing plants.
A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.
A large-scale study revealed a profound link between dietary patterns and brain health, with a balanced diet associated with better mental health, superior cognitive functions and higher grey matter in the brain. The researchers suggest that gradual dietary modifications can lead to healthier food choices and improved wellbeing.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers has identified several pathophysiological mechanisms underlying perianal fistulae in Crohn’s disease. The findings highlight key transcription factor binding events and epigenetic phenomena that contribute to the higher rates of complications in African American patients. The research provides avenues...
Randles developed computational tools to harness supercomputers, creating highly precise simulations of biophysical processes. Her work has direct impacts on patient care, including simulations of 700,000 heartbeats and cancer cells moving through the body.
New research reveals that women entrepreneurs face significant biases in startup financing, with higher loan rejection rates and poorer credit terms. The study found that societies with greater women's empowerment actually exacerbate these gaps, suggesting a need for policy interventions to address the issue.
Researchers identified elevated MALAT1 levels in various blood cancers, correlating with adverse outcomes. MALAT1 promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis through multiple mechanisms.
Researchers discovered a novel brain network condition called 'explosive synchronization' that correlates with pain crises in sickle cell disease. This finding could lead to predicting and preventing severe episodes of pain, improving patient outcomes.
This study reveals that paclitaxel induces HBV reactivation by enhancing viral replication, activating transcription factor AP-1, and disrupting gut microbiota. PTX treatment promotes HBV core promoter activity and immune system dysregulation.
A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.
A groundbreaking study reveals an unsuspected role of the SNUPN gene in muscle cell function, identifying it as the causative factor for a debilitating muscular dystrophy. Researchers found that alterations in the Snurportin-1 protein encoded by the SNUPN gene disrupts muscle cell integrity and function.
Researchers assessed swimming performance and survival under stress to evaluate the effects of three compounds on health and lifespan in Caenorhabditis. The study found complex relationships among median lifespan, oxidative stress resistance, thermotolerance, and mobility vigor.
A forgotten poem by CS Lewis has been uncovered in Special Collections, revealing details of friendships between fantasy writers and medievalists at the University of Leeds. The poem praises the Gordons, a married couple who were close friends with JRR Tolkien and medievalist scholars.
Researchers have developed a pressure-alternating shoe insole that provides periods of rest to the soft tissues, thereby reducing the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. This innovative technology aims to mitigate the risk of complications from poor circulation and foot sores.
An interdisciplinary team led by Kaiyu Guan is using a combination of satellite remote sensing, in-situ measurements, and biochemical modeling to quantify nitrogen emissions from agriculture. The goal is to provide improved guidance for farmers on reducing nitrogen fertilizer use and alleviating air pollution.
A group of 350 scientists from over 60 countries call for a legally binding global treaty to prohibit the production of hazardous plastics chemicals and adopt science-based approaches. They advocate for an independent scientific body with robust conflict of interest policy and regional representation.
Researchers have discovered that non-native invasive plants can affect an ecosystem's sound patterns, potentially revealing physical and biological changes. By analyzing the acoustic landscape of areas invaded by these plants, the study aims to better understand the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
A new study from Israel found that nearly 1 in 5 adults with congenital heart disease developed an abnormal heart rhythm during a five-year study. Those who developed arrhythmias had twice the risk of early death and increased hospitalization rates compared to those without irregular heart rhythms.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have identified hundreds of new genes associated with tobacco use disorder, including those linked to psychiatric and medical conditions. The study also identified hundreds of potential drug candidates that could help treat the disease.
A 23-year 'megadrought' in the western US is being studied by WVU researcher Steve Kannenberg to understand its effects on natural ecosystems, agricultural systems and human water resources. The research aims to identify areas with depleted groundwater and soil moisture, as well as assess carbon capture and storage in dryland plants.
The WVU Research Experience for Undergraduates program aims to solve real-world problems in Appalachia using mobile robotics. Students will conduct independent research in areas like drone navigation and swarming behaviors, focusing on enabling change with robotics tools.
Volunteers collected nearly nine tonnes of marine litter from beaches across the Seychelles between 2019 and 2023. The clean-ups, led by the University of Plymouth, demonstrate the potential of citizen science to address marine pollution challenges.
Researchers found that ketogenic diets reduced plasma levels of total Tau in females, mitigated elevations in plasma lipids, and improved circulating lipids. However, neither continuous nor intermittent ketogenic diets improved measures of cognitive or motor behavior in the TgF344-AD rat model.
A new study reveals that climate change could lead to a significant global GDP loss of up to 10% if the planet warms by +3ºC, highlighting the substantial costs of inaction.
Global disease burden rates dropped by 14.2% between 2010 and 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this trend, causing a 4.1% increase in disease burden in 2020 and a 7.2% increase in 2021.
The American Heart Association has awarded $15 million to researchers studying the role of inflammation in cardiac and brain diseases. The four-year project aims to better understand the body's response to inflammation and prevent or treat inflammation-driven cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers have developed an active learning strategy to accelerate the synthesis of high-performance engineered biochar with enhanced CO2 uptake. The approach nearly doubled CO2 capture performance, showcasing its transformative impact.
A systematic review found a lack of reporting on ethnicity and underrepresentation of ethnic minority groups in MLTC intervention studies. Ethnic minorities are more likely to experience higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation, which contributes to the development of MLTCs.
A study claiming a decline in disruptive patents was based on a measurement error, researchers found. The correct analysis suggests that both disruptive and consolidating research are still needed to build upon existing knowledge and drive innovation.
A new study developed two machine learning models to quantify CD8+ cell positivity and classify the immunophenotype of cancer specimens in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The models hold promise for identifying patients who may benefit from immunotherapy.
Researchers developed novel therapeutic bispecific antibodies targeting IgM and B-cell surface antigens, which directly inhibited cell proliferation via cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro. These findings suggest that anti-IgM/B-cell surface antigen-binding specific antibodies are promising therapeutic agents for B-cell malignancies.
A new scientific review published in Sustainable Production and Consumption explores how to accurately assess the carbon footprint of coffee farming. The study provides guidance on measuring green coffee's environmental impact, including identifying representative measurements and applying land use change modeling.
A research study investigates the role of TOR signalling in regulating seedling vigor, graft junction healing, and shoot-to-root communications. The study highlights the potential for improving grafting techniques and understanding plant communication to impact agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Scientists at CNIC have identified mechanisms by which anthracyclines damage the hearts of cancer patients, leading to cardiac injury. The study suggests that a protein-enriched diet may prevent muscle atrophy caused by anthracycline chemotherapy.
A new study models the impact of high thermal conductivity paper on power transformer performance and life. The research aims to improve transformer efficiency by reducing hotspot temperatures, potentially doubling or tripling lifespan. Researchers used Stampede2 supercomputer simulations to test the effectiveness of engineered paper.
A study found that social stress during adolescence in female mice leads to prolonged cortisol elevation after giving birth, similar to women exposed to adverse early life experiences. The researchers suggest alternative treatments may be more effective for postpartum depression.
Researchers identified DlBGAL9 as pivotal in enhancing β-galactosidase activity for cell wall thickening and stress response in Longan. The study found that AGL61/80 regulates DlBGAL9, promoting early somatic embryogenesis and increasing longan resistance to heat stress.
A new study from Colorado State University suggests that transitioning to green wastewater-treatment approaches, financed through carbon markets, could save $15.6 billion and reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by 30 million tonnes over 40 years. The research explores the potential economic tradeoffs of switching to green infrastructure an...
New behavioral health intervention programs aim to increase physical activity and healthy eating among Americans. Researchers are testing innovative approaches, including integrating physical activity into schools and community programs, to address the growing diabetes epidemic.
Thorsten Hoppe and Jens Brüning received 2.5 million euros in funding from the European Research Council to investigate protein degradation and neural circuits of metabolic control, respectively. Their projects focus on preventing neurodegeneration and developing new drugs for obesity treatment.
Two new Review articles explore AI's application in early cancer detection, highlighting its potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment selection. The articles emphasize the need for a robust, multi-disciplinary approach to integrate AI into medicine.
A groundbreaking treatment approach that combines genetic testing with individualized drug testing on tumor samples has shown promising results in treating relapsed pediatric cancer patients. The study achieved an impressive 83% improvement rate, including Logan Jenner's successful treatment after his leukemia relapse.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that treating gum disease after a heart rhythm ablation procedure can lower oral inflammation and reduce the risk of AFib recurrence. Researchers found that an index measuring the severity of gum inflammation was associated with the return of AFib, highligh...
A new study has identified alpha-1-antichymotrypsin as a blood protein marker that can predict delayed recovery of concussion in children. The study found that children with low levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin were more likely to experience delayed recovery, highlighting the potential for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.