Staying in shape: How rod-shaped bacteria grow long, not wide
A team led by Ethan Garner describes the opposing and balanced enzymatic actions that keep B. subtilis from bulging wide while it builds up its inner cell wall and elongates.
Education Research
Research on teaching, learning, and how education works. Covers health-tech education, mentorship and fellowships, NIH training grants, and digital learning.
Improving health outcomes with a little help from our friends -- and artificial intelligence
A team of researchers at Medical University of South Carolina developed a natural language processing software that identified socially isolated prostate cancer patients with 90 percent accuracy. This technology can help physicians provide care informed by an awareness of their patients' social determinants of health, including social ...
SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalBMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making·DateMay 16, 2019
TB Alliance and partners form multidisciplinary center for translational TB drug research
The partnership aims to develop two new anti-TB drugs that can treat all forms of TB in less than two months, addressing the growing threat of drug-resistant TB. The project is supported by a $28.4 million grant and brings together key expertise on three major drug targets.
Egg yolk precursor protein regulates mosquitoes' attraction to humans
A study published in PLOS Biology found that feeding mosquitoes sugar reduces their attraction to human skin, and regulates this behavior through the vitellogenin gene. This protein influences reproduction and foraging in insects, and its manipulation could reduce mosquito bites and disease transmission.
Older adults with obesity may have fewer years of healthy life
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School found that older adults with obesity can expect 6 more years of remaining life with physical limitations and 5 less years without them at age 60. They also observed similar patterns at ages 70 and 80, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or education status.
Andrea Alù receives Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship
Andrea Alù, a leading researcher at The Graduate Center, has been awarded the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship to develop novel materials for extreme wave manipulation in thermal radiation and heat management. His research aims to advance various technologies, including infrared sources and detectors.
Finnish school students outperform US students on 'fake news' digital literacy tasks
A recent study reveals Finnish students excel in social media and online news digital literacy tasks due to their curriculum's emphasis on explicit critical thinking skill development. The US system's implicit approach may contribute to the disparity.
Fondren Foundation commits $15 million to Houston Methodist to pioneer treatments
The Fondren Foundation has pledged $15 million to Houston Methodist to support the development of a comprehensive program addressing complex diseases. The new initiative will focus on advancing research and treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, immunological disorders, and food allergies.
Ten ASU engineering faculty receive the National Science Foundation CAREER Award
Ten ASU engineering faculty members have received NSF CAREER Awards to fund their research projects, totaling $5 million over five years. The awards support various specialties, including nanoscale assembly and solar energy conversion.
Medical University of South Carolina graduate wins NIH Director's Early Independence Award
Jasper Heinsbroek, a recent MUSC graduate, receives the DP5 award to pursue independent addiction research and develop new therapeutics. The grant will enable him to establish himself as an independent researcher and follow up on his doctoral research.
Growing a cerebral tract in a microscale brain model
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have grown a working model of a cerebral tract in the lab, mimicking the connections between neurons in the brain. The model, created using induced pluripotent stem cells, demonstrates how axons can grow and form bundles to connect separate cognitive tasks.
New study shows people used natural dyes to color their clothing thousands of years ago
Researchers from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg examined ancient textile samples from China and Peru and discovered the use of natural dyes dating back over 2,000 years. The new method allows for the detection of dye compositions without destroying the patterns.
Heavy drinkers consuming more than half of all alcohol
A new study found that 10% of Australians drink an average of six standard drinks per day, consuming 54.4% of all alcohol consumed in the country. This group is more likely to drink cheap alcohol and experience negative health effects.
SourceLa Trobe University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateApr 17, 2019
UTSA faculty receive $2 million in CAREER Awards to advance research
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) researchers have each been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award, totaling $2 million. The awards will support various projects, including energy planning and management for smart cities and biomedical engineering research.
AGS honors Dr. Nicole Brandt for training future geriatrics leaders in pharmacy & beyond
Dr. Nicole Brandt will receive the 2019 Dennis W. Jahnigen Award for her dedication to training health professionals in care for older adults. She has developed a geriatrics and palliative care pathway, an accredited geriatrics residency, and secured funding for innovative programs supporting older adults.
First-year doctors spend almost 90% of their time away from patients
According to a new study, first-year doctors in internal medicine programs spend an average of 87% of their work time away from patients. The majority of this time is spent interacting with electronic health records or engaging in indirect patient care. Multitasking is also common throughout the day.
Train your brain, change your brain
A new study reveals that neurofeedback can strengthen neural connections and communication among brain areas in under 1 hour, paving the way for optimizing therapeutic approaches against stroke and Parkinson's. The technique showed increased integrity of the corpus callosum and strengthened neural networks controlling body movements.
Medicaid could save $2.6 billion within a year if just 1% of recipients quit smoking
A new study by UCSF research suggests that reducing smoking among Medicaid recipients by 1% could lead to significant cost savings, with the median state saving an estimated $25 million. This reduction in smoking prevalence is expected to result in $2.6 billion in total Medicaid savings within a year.
More Michigan students taking, passing advanced math
A new study by Michigan State University found that the state's graduation requirements for math are leading to more students taking and passing advanced math courses. This policy change is also resulting in higher college enrollment rates, particularly among low-income students.
The research of Samara scientists will help to explain how building material for planets appears in the universe
A team of international scientists, including Samara University researchers, discovered the formation mechanisms of triphenylene molecules, a primary building block for meteorites and planets. The study revealed that these molecules can form graphene nanoparticles, soot, and carbon dust through a series of transformations.
Later school start times significantly reduce teen driving accidents
A new study found a significant decrease in teen driving accidents after implementing a 50-minute delay in high school start times. The study showed a 5.25% reduction in crash rates, as well as decreases in distraction-related and alcohol-related accidents.
Near-simultaneous admissions may affect mortality and length of stay in the ICU
Researchers found a correlation between elapsed time between two consecutive admissions and mortality in an observational study of 13,234 consecutive ICU admissions. The shorter the interval between admissions, the higher the odds of death.
New project promises more robust and agile mobile networks
The TAPIR-CM project seeks to strengthen SDN and NFV-augmented networking for agility and flexibility. Researchers aim to apply machine learning/ai to forecast data traffic behavior, improving network performance. A working prototype is expected by the end of the 4-year project.
Number of nonsmokers with COPD on the rise
Research reveals that exposure to biomass fuel is a major contributor to COPD in nonsmokers, particularly in rural populations. The study found that 61% of patients lived in rural areas and had exposure to biomass gas, highlighting the need for further research into this subset of nonsmokers with COPD.
Scientists call for national science agenda for biodiversity collections
The Biodiversity Collections Network has developed a national agenda to stimulate new research endeavors by leveraging digital data in biodiversity collections. This initiative aims to engage students and the public in understanding life and environmental change.
Biology may make certain PTSD patients unresponsive to behavioral therapy
Researchers found that brain network function and memory ability are key factors in determining PTSD patient response to behavioral therapy. A specific combination of reduced verbal memory and ventral attention network functioning leads to treatment resistance.
UTA researchers to study Foundation High School Program outcomes
Researchers are studying the Texas Foundation High School Program to assess its impact on student graduation, college choice, and degree attainment. The study aims to provide insights into how endorsements affect student performance and inform future research and policy.
New study evaluates psychological interventions in post-conflict Pakistan
A new University of Liverpool-led study highlights the effectiveness of a brief group psychological intervention for women affected by anxiety and depression in post-conflict Pakistan. The intervention, known as Group Problem Management Plus, was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving 612 women in rural Swat, with promising ...
Lehigh University mechanical engineer earns NSF CAREER Award for noise reduction research
Justin W. Jaworski, a Lehigh University mechanical engineer, has developed a predictive noise framework to design quieter aircraft wings. His work aims to predict how edge serrations affect fluid flow and acoustic signature, reducing the disturbance caused by wind turbines and increasing the viability of new transportation technologies.
Syracuse engineer receives top NSF career award for work in soft materials
Teng Zhang's NSF CAREER Award will support his research on interface mechanics in soft materials, aiming to develop better materials for wound healing, biological joint diagnosis, and underwater adhesives. The award also enables educational outreach and the integration of modeling simulation tools into Syracuse University's curriculum.
Uncovering the secrets of ancient rock art using 'X-ray vision'
Scientists have developed a non-invasive technique using portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to study the layers of paint in rock art. This allows for the analysis of pictographs without causing damage to the artwork, revealing complex patterns and elemental makeup of pigments.
Doctors more likely to prescribe preventive therapy if prompted by EMR
A new study found that using an electronic dashboard linked to patients' medical records increased the prescription of preventive therapy by 18% among cardiac patients. The study suggests that education alone is not enough and that technology-assisted nudge approaches can be effective in improving prescribing rates.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateMar 29, 2019
Scientists develop way to perform supercomputer simulations of the heart on cellphones
Researchers from Rochester Institute of Technology and Georgia Tech developed a new approach to simulate the heart's electrophysiology in real-time, allowing doctors to better discuss life-threatening heart conditions with patients. This method uses WebGL code to repurpose graphics cards for faster scientific computing applications.
MIT receives $30 million to help address energy challenges in Egypt
The MIT-led Center of Excellence in Energy will support research collaborations with Egyptian universities to develop innovative solutions for the country's energy challenges. The center will focus on renewable energy, biomass conversion, and sustainable projects.
Laura Mosqueda, MD, expert on preventing elder abuse, to deliver #AGS19 Henderson Lecture
Dr. Laura Mosqueda will discuss state-of-the-art approaches to elder abuse identification, treatment, and prevention at the AGS Annual Scientific Meeting. Her talk highlights geriatrics' role in addressing mistreatment of older adults and promoting strong social supports.
With expertise in geriatrics and population health, Dr. Amy Kind to deliver #AGS19 Yoshikawa Lecture
Dr. Amy Kind will deliver a marquee presentation at #AGS19 on the social determinants of health, reorienting research, policy, and clinical practice to broader systemic factors. Her work focuses on improving health equity and has led to the development of the 'Neighborhood Atlas,' a neighborhood map assessing socioeconomic factors.
RIT faculty earns award to study how to help more students become scientists, engineers
A RIT professor is using a $486,124 NSF grant to explore how experiential learning improves student interest in STEM fields. The research aims to develop practical assessment tools and design a project-based physics course for freshman students.
Trained musicians perform better -- at paying attention
A study published in Heliyon found that trained musicians exhibit greater executive control of attention than non-musicians, with improved performance linked to increased years of training. This suggests that musical training can enhance cognitive abilities beyond music-specific skills.
HKBU scholar invents new tangram games to test children's visual-related literacy skills
A new series of tangram games has been developed to train and assess children's reading, writing, and word identification skills at an early age. The games, led by Dr Simpson Wong, aim to identify children with early visual processing difficulties and provide suitable support.
Metal nanoclusters can be used as semiconductors: Key properties observed for first time
Researchers at Swansea University and the University of Hamburg have discovered metal nanoclusters that can be used as semiconductors, displaying unique properties such as field effect and photoconductivity. The findings hold promise for a wide range of potential applications in electronics, wearable technology, and gas sensing.
The tremendous supply of apple cultivars in Wyoming
Researchers identified over 200 heritage apple cultivars planted in Wyoming's homesteads and orchards from the late 19th century. These historic trees continue to produce fruit despite harsh conditions, suggesting they could be used for breeding programs to improve drought- and cold-tolerance.
A fascinating phase transition: From one liquid state to another
A team at The University of Tokyo has described a rare phenomenon called liquid-to-liquid phase transitions in pure substances. The study found that a liquid made of one type of molecule can switch between liquid and glassy states, offering a novel way to control transport properties.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019
The UC3M is coordinating a European project for research and training in 5G mobile networks
The TeamUp5G project aims to develop new solutions for 5G transmission, radio resource management, and spectrum optimization. It also focuses on the development of small cells and massive antennas to improve network capacity and energy efficiency.
WVU researcher awarded NSF CAREER grant to develop new techniques to secure cyberspace
Fanny Ye aims to design methods and algorithms for automating the analysis of online underground markets. She will also develop a novel framework for cross-market user identification and profiling to gain insights into cybercriminal social networks and secure cyberspace.
Southern Weed Science Society honors Steckel
Larry Steckel, a UTIA professor, received the Outstanding Educator Award for his contributions to weed science education. He developed training modules addressing dicamba herbicide drift issues, leading to significant reductions in damaged crop acres in Tennessee.
Alana gift to MIT launches Down syndrome research center, disability technology program
The new center aims to increase understanding of Down syndrome's biology and neuroscience, developing novel interventions and technologies to improve quality of life for people with the condition. It will also provide training opportunities for early career scientists and students.
How heavy elements come about in the universe
A research team at Goethe University Frankfurt has successfully simulated the capture of protons by heavy elements in the universe. By using an ion storage ring, they were able to create conditions similar to those found in stellar explosions and neutron stars, allowing them to study the formation of heavy elements in detail.
Earliest known Mariner's Astrolabe research published today to go in Guinness Book of Records
The Sodré astrolabe is the oldest known mariner's astrolabe, dating back to 1496-1501. It has been certified as the earliest verifiable example of a transitional instrument between classic planispheric and open-wheel astrolabes.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe International Journal of Nautical Archaeology·DateMar 17, 2019
Trials testing new educational methods in schools 'often fail to produce useful evidence'
A new study found that 40% of large-scale randomised controlled trials in the UK and US failed to produce any evidence on whether an educational intervention boosts academic attainment. The researchers evaluated 141 trials involving over one million students, which tested various schemes.
Dr. Michael Parks of HSS receives American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Diversity Award
Dr. Parks, clinical director of Orthopedic Surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery, received the 2019 Diversity Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has led research projects on socioeconomic and racial disparities in arthritis care and total joint replacement surgery.
Understanding global trauma systems -- OTA International looks at current status, future needs
A supplement to OTA International journal summarizes current status and future needs of national trauma systems in lower- and higher-income countries. The report highlights the importance of well-developed trauma systems in improving patient outcomes and reducing trauma-related mortality.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOTA International The Open Access Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma·DateMar 13, 2019
UTA project to show how farmers, ranchers can make food transportation more efficient
A University of Texas at Arlington project aims to help small-scale farmers in Texas reduce costs and increase efficiency in transporting their products to market. The study will focus on collaborative transportation and aggregation, potentially leading to better income streams for producers.
Unraveling the mystery of life: House fly edition
University of Houston biologist Richard Meisel is investigating the sex determination of house flies, a process that differs from mammals. He aims to understand why genetic variation in male/female-determination exists across animals.
Detroit Cardiovascular Training Program receives big boost from NIH
The Detroit Cardiovascular Training Program at Wayne State University has received a significant boost from the NIH, with $1.29 million in additional funding. The program, which began in 2014, will now offer training to six trainees instead of four, strengthening its ability to attract top talent.
Teachers 'scarred' by legacy of 1988 anti-LGBT+ law
A study published in Sex Education found that LGBT+ teachers who taught during the era of Section 28 were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and self-censorship due to their sexuality. In contrast, post-2003 teachers reported higher levels of openness and inclusivity in their professional lives.
Most deaths in children aged 5 to 14 in India, China, Brazil, Mexico are preventable
A new study published in The Lancet found that most deaths among children aged 5-14 in these countries are caused by preventable or treatable conditions. The researchers called for a broader set of interventions to reduce deaths, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mindfulness found to improve mental health of students
A study at the University of Bristol found that mindfulness training improved mental health and wellbeing in medical students, reducing anxiety and stress. Students reported enhanced empathy, communication skills, and coping techniques, leading to better emotional wellbeing and professional development.
Researchers say education a major barrier to following heart healthy diet
A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that people with a college education are nearly seven times more likely to adhere to a Mediterranean Diet than those with only a high school education. Women and individuals familiar with the diet also showed higher rates of adherence.
SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMar 11, 2019
UTA civil engineer would fuse data methods to determine more accurate numbers
Kate Hyun and her team are exploring a new approach to estimate bicycle volumes by fusing data from sensors, surveys, mobile apps, and GPS-enabled systems. The goal is to provide cities with more accurate information to establish viable bike networks.
UH geologist tackles reconstruction of Panthalassa-Pacific plates
A University of Houston geologist is reconstructing the Panthalassa-Pacific plates to improve geological models for climate change and other phenomena. Preliminary research suggests current models may not accurately describe this region, where plates have been converging through subduction.