Articles tagged with Research Priorities
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected biomedical research, with a significant shift in priorities towards COVID-19-related studies. Publications and clinical trials in non-COVID fields decreased by up to 25%, while COVID-19-related research saw a surge in publications and grants.
Agricultural researcher Benjamin Schiek developed a mathematical method to better allocate resources across different policies and projects. The method calculates correlations between institutional research projects and strategic objectives, revealing synergies and trade-offs, enabling more informed funding decisions.
Researchers found that small groups of scientists are key in generating emerging topics in life sciences and medicine. The study analyzed PubMed data and author lists to identify past and current emerging keywords, revealing that smaller teams with fewer publications were crucial for generating high-performance keywords.
Researchers have created a new approach to edit genes within specific bacteria in a community using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling targeted genetic modifications. This technology could be used to track edited microbes and potentially treat diseases like digestive issues or create more resilient crops.
A new study reveals how design bias can affect medical data used in artificial intelligence tools and personalized healthcare. The research highlights the need for more inclusive recruitment strategies to ensure diverse patient populations are represented.
A new model of autism care and treatment prioritizes personalized, stepped approaches tailored to individuals' unique needs throughout their lives. The Lancet Commission calls for global coordination between governments, healthcare providers, and families to reform research, care, and treatment.
A group of Harvard scholars, including David Keith and Joseph Aldy, argue that more thorough social science research is needed into solar geoengineering to understand its potential risks and benefits. They suggest pursuing three research themes: assessing costs and benefits, understanding deployment incentives, and evaluating SG in a p...
Researchers have developed a 'time machine' framework that uses artificial intelligence to learn from past environmental changes and predict future biodiversity loss. This framework can help decision-makers prioritize conservation approaches and mitigation interventions, leading to more effective management of ecosystem services.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has awarded $13 million in funding to 40 patient-led organizations working on rare disease research. These grants support the development of an international collaborative research network and strengthen organizational capacity.
The ngVLA received high priority for construction, with a dense core and signal processing center at the VLA site. The system will have greater sensitivity and resolving power than current facilities, complementing US-ELT and James Webb Space Telescope.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that universities are increasingly using social media metrics to claim impact in research, despite this being a 'naïve and problematic' grasp of the concept. This is linked to institutional isomorphism, where organisations imitate each other's approaches to uncertain goals.
The number of wild bees has fallen by 25% since 1990, threatening plant reproduction and food production. Researchers must assume social responsibility to communicate their knowledge and work in transdisciplinary coalitions to halt the decline.
The University of Ottawa has launched the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH), a leading research center examining biological, social, economic, and cultural determinants of Black health. The ICBH aims to identify priorities in research on physical and mental health disparities among Canada's Black communities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, women researchers faced increased domestic duties and homeschooling, leading to a drastic drop in scientific production. The study found a 20% decrease in women first authors, 12% decrease in last authors, and 20% decrease in corresponding authors compared to pre-pandemic data.
The National Kidney Foundation has released a research roadmap to accelerate innovations in treatment and increase understanding of kidney disease. The report calls for increased funding in preclinical science, genetics, health equity, and implementation science to tackle the most vexing challenges in kidney disease.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that respiratory diseases can spread rapidly within wild mountain gorilla groups but are less likely to spread between neighboring groups. The study suggests that strategies preventing initial transmission into a group may be most effective in limiting disease spread.
A study at ESMO Congress 2021 highlights the need for improved cancer follow-up care to address burdensome symptoms like fatigue. Patients often receive inadequate support, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
A collaboration led by Oregon State University aims to increase universities' societal impacts and inclusivity. The Promotion and Tenure, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PTIE) Coalition recommends recognizing innovation and entrepreneurial achievements among university promotion and tenure criteria.
A comprehensive study of 6.2 million patients found no serious health effects linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, with some early findings previously reported at CDC meetings. The Vaccine Safety Datalink's COVID-19 rapid cycle analysis will continue tracking vaccinated patients for at least 2 years.
A new study found that global marine ecosystem models differ widely in their representation of key processes, leading to underestimation of climate change impacts. Marine ecosystem models generally agree on biomass decline but disagree on magnitude and location across the world's oceans through the 21st century.
Researchers at Portland State University developed new survey methods to address the limitations of current household activity surveys. The study found that existing methods lack social, cultural, and linguistic applicability for marginalized groups, leading to inaccurate data. By improving data collection efforts, transportation profe...
Researchers at Skoltech developed a mathematical model for thermoplastic composite materials, reducing conservatism in strength calculations. The model allows for virtual testing of structures, minimizing manufacturing costs while ensuring safety and quality requirements.
The Research Roadmap addresses important active transportation needs, focusing on speed management strategies, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and addressing racial and economic disparities. Funded by NCHRP, the project provides guidance for future research directions.
The research found dramatically different quantum state population distributions of OH and OD fragments from HOD photodissociation. The branching ratios display large wavelength-dependent isotopic fractionation, influencing D/H isotope heterogeneity in the solar system.
David Williams, Professor of Global Oral Health at Queen Mary University of London, received the 2021 IADR Gold Medal Award for his work on oral health inequalities. He has developed a Standard Set of Adult Oral Health Outcome Measures and is a key figure in promoting sustainable growth and better global health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a twin motor modified from ATP synthase in Mycoplasma mobile, which facilitates its gliding movement. The discovery has brought closer understanding of the evolution of cells and proteins, and may lead to development of nanoscale devices and pharmaceuticals.
The scientific community may never settle on a 'total number' of vertebrate species due to unforeseen discoveries and changes in research methods. The tempo of taxonomy can help estimate biodiversity, but estimating the total species richness will remain elusive.
Experts warn that digital government research and practice have neglected women's digital needs, leading to a persistent gender gap. The authors call for a comprehensive approach to include male authors discussing gender issues, collect gender-sensitive data, and design services accordingly.
An international research team has mapped the current global landscape for musculoskeletal health and developed an action plan to address the growing global burden of disability. The blueprint prioritizes eight key areas, including community education, leadership, and research, to guide health systems reform and promote integrated care.
Recent evidence suggests diminished immune response to COVID-19 vaccines among immunosuppressed individuals. Researchers argue that developing targeted vaccination strategies is crucial to protect vulnerable populations and control new variant spread.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell has received a $1.8 million federal grant to develop legged robots that will assist sailors with shipboard firefighting and maintenance. The robots will be designed to prioritize personnel safety, particularly during fires, and reduce maintenance time.
A new project will develop novel tools and capacities to understand and manage interlinkages between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting sustainable development pathways for African countries. The project will analyze multi-level governance structures and path dependencies to identify impediments and enablers to sustai...
A joint research team from POSTECH and KIMS developed a deep learning-based refocusing method to detect and improve SEM images without human oversight. The technology demonstrated improved image quality on blind settings, moving closer to commercializing AI-based material analysis equipment.
Experts warn that India's current vaccination approach is causing huge numbers of avoidable deaths and is deeply inequitable. The government's focus on younger age groups has resulted in unequal access to vaccines, with rural areas and disadvantaged urban populations receiving limited coverage.
A new study by Staffordshire University highlights the devastating impact of COVID-19 on Stoke-on-Trent's residents, with thousands turning to foodbanks for welfare support. The report calls for comprehensive action to address poverty, including benefit take-up campaigns and a Scandinavian-style employment and training model.
Research suggests climate change will have a larger and more widespread impact on landscapes than the emerald ash borer. The model showed that climatic changes, such as warmer temperatures and droughts, would lead to a shift in tree composition from northern to southern hardwoods.
A new report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation reveals that fragility fractures result in 4.3 million cases and €56.9 billion in healthcare costs each year in Europe. The report also highlights significant service provision gaps, with only half of women at high fracture risk receiving therapy for osteoporosis.
An Indigenous Māori framework offers a new perspective on managing and conserving Antarctica, focusing on responsibilities rather than rights. This approach acknowledges the intrinsic link between human well-being and the environment, promoting reciprocal and sustainable relationships with the continent.
A study published in Neurology found that nearly half of people with a history of concussion with loss of consciousness are living with disability. The areas with the greatest amount of disability were mobility and general physical activities, affecting 38% and 36% of participants respectively
Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed a new method to produce non-oxidized bitumen from heavy oil, reducing production costs and increasing efficiency in road building. The innovative approach uses a specially packed oxidizing column to increase contact surface between feedstock and compressed air.
Researchers have discovered a new method to track oxygen levels in the ancient oceans by analyzing tungsten isotopes. This breakthrough may provide valuable insights into the evolution of life on Earth and its ability to thrive under various environmental conditions.
Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics revealed oxygen production from the three-body photodissociation of water molecule. Approximately 20% of H2O photoexcitation events resulted in O atoms, which can recombine to form O2.
A new study found that Black patients are more likely to die after heart bypass surgery in hospitals where care teams are segregated by race, but not when teams treat patients of all races. Researchers used social network analysis to track provider overlap and created a care team segregation score for each hospital.
A new contaminant prioritization tool could increase the effectiveness of environmental approaches to landfill clean-up by matching tree species with specific contaminants. The tool allows site managers to prioritize the most hazardous contaminants or customize it to address local concerns.
Sonali Shukla McDermid, NYU Environmental Studies Professor, awarded $200k to investigate alternative methods for improving rice production while reducing environmental impact. Her research aims to identify environmentally responsible food production modes and mitigate climate change effects.
A survey by Parkinson's UK found that patients prioritize symptom improvement for balance, walking, and cognitive function. The study highlights the importance of person-centered management and care for improving quality of life.
The collection discusses the epidemiology of P. vivax, highlighting its burden on young children in remote areas with poor healthcare infrastructure. Effective drugs are available but come with limitations, prompting a radical cure approach to eliminate the parasite and prevent relapses.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new astrocyte-specific PET tracer, BU99008, which detects reactive astrogliosis in the brain. This finding could improve early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, with potential implications for other disorders related to astroglial dysfunction.
A new study found that patients who are overweight or obese have more severe COVID-19 and require invasive respiratory support. Obesity is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic and respiratory disease and more severe viral diseases.
Researchers detect first evidence of ultrahigh-energy gamma rays spread across the Milky Way, providing proof of cosmic ray superaccelerators. The discovery confirms the existence of PeVatrons and opens new avenues for understanding cosmic ray origins.
Scientists at the University of York highlight the need for more research into the environmental impact of sunscreen on coral reefs. The study reveals that UV-filter compounds have toxic effects on marine organisms and that current research has significant gaps, particularly in understanding climate-related risks.
An international survey found that messaging emphasizing health system burden, personal risks, and financial motivations was most effective in encouraging smokers to quit. The research highlighted the importance of tailored communication prioritizing COVID-related health risk to support public health efforts during the pandemic.
The study proposes an alternative model where the effects of sex, genes, and environment are multiplied, not added, to account for complex interactions. This reveals consistent differences in average heights across countries and sexes.
A new care bundle has been shown to reduce the incidence of facial pressure injuries in frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers. The study found that approximately 29% of respondents developed a facial pressure injury prior to using the care bundle, compared to just 8% after its implementation.
A Delphi survey conducted by City University reveals that experts prioritize protecting personal privacy online due to risks like cyberbullying and financial loss. The study identifies key areas for further research into online privacy, including social networks and regulation.
Researchers found that dynamic stretching can improve kicking accuracy, while intense physical exercises have a negative effect on kick velocity. Consumption of carbohydrate beverages during matches also enables players to maintain adequate kicking performance.
A comprehensive review of lung cancer screening trials reveals both benefits and harms, leading to updated USPSTF recommendations. Screening can lower lung cancer deaths in high-risk individuals, but also leads to false positives and unnecessary procedures.
A pragmatic mixed-methods randomized controlled trial found no effect on quantitative measures of self-management and self-efficacy after a four-month intervention. However, patients reported significant improvements in self-management and self-efficacy through qualitative interviews.
A proposed algorithm could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from semi-trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles by up to 9.3%. The Cloud Computing System uses data from external sources like road slope, speed limits, and weather conditions to determine the most fuel-efficient route.
The Skoltech team developed an AI system that enables processing images from autonomous greenhouses, monitoring plant growth and automating the cultivation process. The system, based on convolutional neural networks, can classify 18 plant varieties with high accuracy and outperform popular codecs in image size reduction.