News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
A global survey reveals a lack of public trust in how genetic data is shared, hindering genomic research. Less than half of respondents would be happy to share their genetic information for more than one purpose.
A machine-learning tool analyzed COVID-19 publications revealing a shortage of basic lab-based studies on the virus's microbiology. This gap may hinder our ability to contain future pandemics.
A new discovery in regenerative medicine may lead to new treatments for placenta complications during pregnancy. Researchers at Monash University and Duke-NUS have developed a method to create induced trophoblast stem cells (iTSCs) that can be used to make placenta cells.
Researchers discovered that popular messengers like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram allow for large-scale abuse of contact discovery services, exposing sensitive user data. Attackers can build accurate behavior models by querying random phone numbers, enabling them to track users across social networks and public data sources.
Researchers at Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute discovered a marker predicting aggressive clinical course in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. The marker allows identifying patients with poor evolution, enabling early intervention and improved treatment outcomes.
A new material has been found to enable ultra-fast toggle switching, which could increase the capacity of fibre optic cable networks by an order of magnitude. This breakthrough overcomes three major obstacles to further progress with the internet: speed, energy consumption, and network capacity.
Researchers have developed an immune-oncology approach that uses nanobodies to target cancer cells and boost the body's natural immune response. The new therapy has shown promise in treating multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia, and could lead to new treatments for a range of cancers.
A study from Dartmouth College found that passive monitoring of phone usage can mirror activity in the brain linked to traits such as anxiety, with predictions matching fMRI scans at 80% accuracy. Phone data analysis also supported long-term emotional traits and helped eliminate subjectivity in other information-gathering techniques.
The European ReIReS network has launched an online database offering improved access to research material and sources on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The database combines the rich collections of various European institutions, providing a single platform for researchers to search and reuse data.
A new study published in Hepatology has identified a gene, Fas Associated Factor Family Member 2 (FAF2), that may reduce the risk of developing alcoholic cirrhosis. The researchers found that this gene is involved in lipid droplet organization pathway and is linked to other genes that increase the likelihood of liver disease.
A 100 million light year away, an unusual Type Ia supernova has been observed by a Florida State University led research team. The supernova's slow brightening and unusual characteristics are unlike any other, providing valuable insights into the origins of these powerful explosions.
A recent study found that people prefer a combination of human and app-based contact tracing for the coronavirus. The research suggests that trust in the provider of the app is more important than privacy concerns when it comes to choosing a contact tracing method.
Researchers have discovered deep seabed channels beneath Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica that may be the pathway for warm ocean water to melt the underside of the ice. The findings suggest that these channels could play a critical role in contributing to future global sea level rise.
Neighbourhoods with high walkability and bikeability scores are associated with higher collision risks, despite being deemed safe for walking and biking. Researchers identified hotspots in the downtown core and areas like Strathcona and Mount Pleasant as high-risk zones for cyclists.
A two-metre-long Atlantic sturgeon discovered in a 1495 shipwreck off Sweden's coast reveals insights into the Baltic Sea's ecosystem during the Middle Ages. The well-preserved fish remains were identified through DNA analysis, providing a unique link between the sturgeon and royal politics.
A new method combines Deep-Learning, hydrological models and Earth observations to quantify small as well as large-scale changes to the water storage on the South American continent. The study shows that the method is particularly reliable for tropical regions, where rain forests and vast surface waters are located.
A recent study published in The Lancet Rheumatology found that nearly 90% of shoulder replacement implants last more than ten years. Patients reported continued benefits from the operation, with a sustained positive effect on their lives for at least a decade.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new technique for compressing data from the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The method enables random access to compressed files, reducing the need to decompress large amounts of data for analysis.
KDD 2020 features four keynote talks on meta-provenance, AI for intelligent financial services, state-space multi-taper time-frequency analysis, and computational epidemiology. The conference will also include 18 applied data science invited talks and 217 accepted research papers.
A new study reveals broad inconsistencies in COVID-19 data presentation across national public health institutes' websites, limiting its usefulness. Researchers recommend a standardized format and content sharing to improve data aggregation and inform future research, clinical decisions, and policy-making.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered a molecule that can activate the STING protein to help patients fight cancer. The optimized STING-activator, SR-717, dramatically suppressed tumor growth and boosted immune cells in an animal model of aggressive melanoma.
Researchers studied three swan species and found all were most frequently aggressive to their own kind, suggesting similar individuals compete for resources. The findings provide insight into how swan behavior affects other waterbirds over winter and highlight the importance of understanding bird competition.
A new study finds that the decision to purchase a gun is driven by a fear of stricter regulations rather than self-protection after a mass shooting. The research, led by NYU Tandon Institute Professor Maurizio Porfiri, kicks off a larger study on individual, state, and national drivers of firearm behavior.
Researchers studied Backpage.com accounts and discovered linked activities among them, which may help identify illegal trafficking activity. The study found common behaviors in ads placed by these accounts, including evasive tactics used by sex trafficking organizations.
A novel AI-enhanced precision medicine approach identifies a novel autism subtype characterized by abnormal lipid levels, providing a potential breakthrough for early diagnosis and intervention. The research also found a strong association between parental dyslipidemia and autism spectrum disorder in children.
Researchers studied how microbes in fermented sausages influence fatty acid production, revealing differences between microbe combinations. The study found that specific bacteria alter the composition of fatty acids, contributing to desirable traits like antifungal activity and flavor profiles.
A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has discovered a possible breakthrough solution for controlling defects in 3D printing by using temperature data to predict the formation of subsurface defects. This could eliminate costly inspections and enable mass production of complex metallic components.
The National Science Foundation has awarded UVA a $1.2 million expansion of a grant to develop a secure, high-performance computing system for COVID-19 research. The system will provide access to protected health data for researchers across the nation.
The Michelson Prizes support the innovative work of Dr. Danika Hill and Dr. Michael Birnbaum on discovering targets for long-lived humoral immunity and identifying specific antigens in HIV vaccines.
Electrochemical doping enhances optical and electrical properties of single-walled carbon nanotube films, increasing conductivity while suppressing optical transitions. The reversible method facilitates high doping levels, opening new avenues for future electronics and electrochromic devices.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the intricate choreography of phage assembly and its impact on bacterial infections. The research provides new insights into the mechanism of action of phages, which could lead to more precise and effective treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in three-dimensional photonic topological phases, enabling the realization of lossless waveguides and robust control of electromagnetic waves. The advancements in topological photonics are set to diversify into nonlinearity, non-Hermiticity, and higher-dimensions.
Researchers discovered a unique 'BO enzyme' found only within certain bacteria responsible for producing body odour molecules. This breakthrough highlights the role of Staphylococcus hominis in body odour production and suggests its existence prior to modern humans' evolution.
Curtin University researchers have discovered a new method for creating crystalline graphite using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, without the need for metal catalysts or special raw materials. The technique was developed by Master-level student Jason Fogg, who used short fast pulses to heat samples to extreme temperatures.
Researchers discovered a rare single gene mutation in a patient that eliminated an immune cell population, namely MAIT cells. The study demonstrates the impact of a single gene mutation on the human immune system and advances personalized medicine.
Researchers linked genetic data with historical records to uncover new insights into the slave trade's effects on African Americans and Latin Americans. The study found that Nigerian ancestry is over-represented in US African Americans, while Senegambians are under-represented due to their transportation to rice plantations.
Researchers at UNH identified rare base-flipping events in an RNA virus that could be used to develop new treatments. The study provides insights into how viral RNAs interact with inhibitors, which could lead to the design of better drugs.
A Columbia data scientist aims to develop tools to manage demand with flexible options for consumers, converting their flexibility into operational efficiency for companies. He plans to create mathematical frameworks to optimize pricing and scheduling, benefiting both consumers and firms.
This latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) features groundbreaking research on identification of novel TTN mutations and discovery of digenic mutations. The issue includes studies on the genetic causes of dilated cardiomyopathy and the effects of glycyrrhizic acid on vascular injury.
Researchers discovered a new DNA storage technique that encodes and retrieves information with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. The method harnesses the capacity of intertwined DNA strands to store durable and compact data, outperforming current methods in information accuracy and efficiency.
Researchers at MDC developed Janggu, a universal programming tool converting genomics data into a format compatible with deep learning models. This allows for flexible and efficient analysis of large datasets, enabling the investigation of various biological questions.
Researchers have developed a new analytical approach called single-cell higher-order testing (scHOT) that enables the study of broad changes in gene behavior within human tissue. The method has been successfully tested on mice and identified novel pairs of genes that co-vary in expression, providing insights into neurodevelopmental dis...
A team of researchers at POSTECH has developed a new type of semiconductor memory that uses a two-dimensional layered structure material, which can operate stably at low power consumption. The material, CsPb2Br5, showed improved stability and performance compared to traditional materials, with memory characteristics maintained over 140°C.
Researchers at University of Missouri discovered that pencils can conduct energy when drawing on paper, allowing for the creation of bioelectronic devices. The devices can be used for personal health monitoring, education, and remote research, offering a low-cost and simple alternative to existing commercial devices.
A recent study from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that lightning activity and charge structure varied before and after a severe hailfall. The research suggests that lightning data can serve as an indicator for hazardous weather phenomena and improve short-term forecasting.
A study in rats demonstrates the bystander effect exists in non-human species. Rats were less likely to rescue a rodent in need when surrounded by incompetent helpers, but more likely to take action when fellow bystanders were willing helpers.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina are developing a de-identified linked database system and mobile app to track COVID-19 transmission, progression, and clinical outcomes. The system will leverage machine learning algorithms and integrate data from multiple sources, including social media and geospatial data.
Chinese researchers identify RNF126 as a key enzyme in the reubiquitination process, targeting misfolded membrane proteins for degradation. The study highlights the importance of this mechanism in maintaining normal cell physiology and potentially serving as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have built an intelligent mobile robot scientist capable of working 24/7 and making decisions autonomously. The robot has discovered a new catalyst six times more active than traditional ones, expanding its capabilities to tackle complex chemistry problems.
A Rutgers study found that Medicare beneficiaries' self-reported data is more accurate than administrative data sources in tracking minority populations. In 19 states, Hispanic beneficiaries were misclassified at a rate of 20%, while American and Alaskan Native beneficiaries were misclassified in over 80% of states.
Researchers at McMaster University found nearly 90% of sounds used in auditory experiments have no connection to the natural world. This discovery raises questions about the use of artificial tone beeps in testing the auditory system, highlighting their limitations and potential impact on real-world applications.
Researchers have discovered two novel biomarkers, FKBPL and CD44, that can predict key underlying causes of preeclampsia. The biomarkers show potential for early diagnosis in both early and late pregnancy, as well as targeted treatments.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new molecule that can be used to create high-quality indium nitride, enabling its use in high-frequency electronics. The indium triazenide molecule allows for epitaxial growth of indium nitride on silicon carbide substrates, producing extremely pure material.
The study found that C. difficile massively activates a human enzyme called plasminogen to destroy gut tissue and spread infection. Researchers developed an antibody that prevents plasminogen activation, stalling infection progress and tissue damage.
A University of Illinois professor has proposed a framework for guiding researchers in developing common data science approaches, aiming to unify conversations and share knowledge across disciplines. The data science life cycle framework identifies key issues that can be generalized across fields and those specific to each discipline.
Astronomers have discovered a Neptune-sized planet, AU Mic b, orbiting a young and nearby star, AU Microscopii. The discovery provides an opportunity to study the early days of planetary formation and migration in a solar system's early stages.
Researchers have discovered two new species of burrowing crayfishes in southwestern Alabama and southeastern Mississippi. The Lonesome Gravedigger and the Banded Mudbug are considered Vulnerable to extinction due to their limited ranges.
The Data Assembly aims to inform policymakers on responsible data re-use for COVID-19, balancing benefits and costs. The project explores public concerns and perspectives on data governance.
A new technique that synchronises the clocks of computers in under a billionth of a second can eliminate one of the hurdles for the deployment of all-optical networks, potentially leading to more efficient data centers. This method, called clock phase caching, can reduce the time to recover the clock and increase performance of optical...
Chaowei Yang and collaborators are developing a comprehensive data repository of virus cases, social information, and other relevant data. The platform utilizes spatiotemporal computing infrastructure for analyzing case trajectories, identifying patterns, and predicting future trends.