News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
Researchers have designed a new class of faster adiabatic pulses that retain sensitivity to small errors, allowing for more efficient control of quantum devices. This breakthrough enables the creation of practical devices such as ultra-fast computers or precise quantum sensors.
Researchers at MIT found that just eight tweets per day can identify users' homes and workplaces. Participants correctly identified homes roughly 65% of the time and workplaces around 70%.
Researchers at Monash University discovered a potential novel way to treat antibiotic-resistant superbugs by targeting the E. coli cell membrane's anchoring filaments. The 'anchors' are crucial for the bacteria to latch onto the urinary tract surface, and blocking them could lead to effective treatment.
A study published in The BMJ found that the accuracy of coding for acute stroke admissions differed substantially between weekend and weekday admissions. This suggests that previous studies based on hospital coding data alone may be undermined by inaccurate coding, leading to an apparent 'weekend effect'.
A Florida archaeological site has provided new insights into the settlement of the Americas, revealing human presence in the southeastern United States up to 1,500 years earlier than previously thought. The site, dated to 14,550 years ago, includes stone tools and mastodon bones, providing a window into the lives of early inhabitants.
The Kepler-223 planetary system has unusually long-term stability due to gravitational interactions between its four planets, which return to the same positions relative to each other and their host star. Numerical simulations suggest that slow migration during formation could have placed these planets into their balanced configuration.
A recent study found that individuals with neurotic personalities thrive in urban environments, while those who are less neurotic benefit from natural settings. The research suggests a correlation between environment and self-control, which could have implications for health outcomes and consumer behavior.
Fred Trotter, a healthcare journalist and author, has been awarded the Health Data Liberator award for his work in liberating health data. His efforts have led to the release of multiple datasets to help researchers, journalists, and companies provide data-backed healthcare solutions.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that electronic monitoring significantly increased hand-hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. However, compliance rates dropped when monitoring was stopped, highlighting the need for a broader strategy to sustain improvement.
A new study suggests that verbal disclosure of gay identity has different effects on the well-being of white and Latino gay men. While it increased subjective well-being for white men, it had no impact on Latino men. The researchers propose alternative strategies for gay men of color to improve their mental health.
Monash University researchers have discovered a new mechanism that enables plants to regulate their flowering in response to raised temperatures. The finding could lead to the development of technology allowing us to control plant physiological responses and mitigate warming impacts.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found significant disparities in healthcare quality for Hispanic Medicare Advantage enrollees in Puerto Rico compared to their counterparts in the US. The study analyzed data from over 7 million MA enrollees and found that Hispanic MA enrollees in Puerto Rico received worse care on 15 ...
A data sharing pilot project will report and reflect on data policy challenges in development research. The project, which involves 8 case studies, aims to develop a model open research data policy and implementation guidelines for funders.
Researchers found that SLE neutrophils release oxidized mitochondrial DNA, stimulating type I interferon production and contributing to disease pathogenesis. Targeting pathways for oxidized DNA degradation may offer new treatment options for chronic autoimmune disease.
A study found that despite data breaches, most people remain satisfied with companies' responses and few take their business elsewhere. However, ethnic minorities and those who experienced extreme inconvenience reported lower satisfaction rates and higher costs.
Researchers at TSRI have integrated biomedical data into Wikidata, enabling easy access and linking of genes, proteins, and more. The project aims to create a comprehensive, uniform database that can be searched and updated by anyone.
Researchers discovered that entire sets of maternal and paternal chromosomes can segregate into different cells in embryonic development, leading to chimeric embryos. This finding provides a new mechanism for chimerism and may improve embryo selection approaches for IVF preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
A class of super-Earths with gaseous atmospheres is stripped away due to intense stellar radiation. This phenomenon occurs when planets lie close to their host stars, resulting in the loss of planetary 'envelopes', according to a new study.
The Databox Project is developing an open-source networked device that collates and curates personal data from verified third-party applications and services. This allows individuals to exercise control over their online-generated data and enhance security and privacy.
Researchers discovered that trap-jaw spiders can strike prey at incredible speeds, with some species closing their mouth-parts shut over 100 times faster than the slowest. The high-speed predatory attacks were previously unknown and may have evolved independently in different spider families.
A NUS-led research team has discovered a new method for transferring magnetic information between two thin layers of magnetic materials by adding a special insulator. This breakthrough enables faster data transmission rates and paves the way for the development of devices that operate in the terahertz frequency range.
The Electrochemical Society (ECS) has published its first Editors' Choice article, detailing transformative findings in the dosage and spatial distribution of lithiation. The article uses a focused Li-ion beam to probe lithiation mechanism at the nanoscale, enabling precise dosage and control.
A global data management advisory platform, Roadmap, combines the functionality of DMPTool and DMPonline to support open science initiatives. The platform aims to provide a framework for engaging with disciplinary communities, enhancing data sharing, reuse, and discoverability.
Researchers discovered a white dwarf star with an atmosphere dominated by oxygen, a finding that could rewrite the textbook wisdom of single stellar evolution. The discovery provides critical evidence for some types of supernovae and may be linked to interactions with a nearby companion or massive carbon pulses.
The EU-funded FP7 project EU BON shares stakeholder roundtable reports, providing insights on policy, citizen science, and local/regional stakeholders. The reports outline conclusions on biodiversity information, open-access availability, data workflows, and integration of citizen science.
A new biotechnology discovered by ASU researchers enhances plant tolerance to stress, improving water and nutrient use. This leads to increased biomass and yield, reducing the need for fertilizers and other resources.
The NSF has awarded a $5.9 million grant to develop and curate the NSF Arctic Data Center, a repository for Arctic scientific data preservation and discovery. The center will offer features like search filters, map-based overview, and seamless data uploading, supporting open, reproducible science in the Arctic.
A Swedish study found that refugees are at three times higher risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia or other psychoses. Traumatic life experiences, including persecution and conflict, may contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a unique microbiome in the male reproductive tract that harbors harmful bacteria, which may negatively influence reproductive function and health. The bacteria found in this microbiome may pass from father to offspring, programming later disease risk such as obesity.
A new study published in The Lancet estimates that the risk of microcephaly is approximately 1 in 100 women infected with Zika virus during the first trimester of pregnancy. This finding supports the association between Zika virus and microcephaly, which has been a public health concern since the outbreak in French Polynesia.
A UC team created a new nanostructure that shows significantly higher properties for detecting and destroying cancerous cells, enabling targeted drug delivery. The discovery was made possible by complex calculations conducted by PhD student Zohre Gorunmez.
Research reveals that people with anxiety have a hard time distinguishing between emotionally charged experiences and neutral stimuli, exhibiting a behavioral phenomenon known as over-generalization.
The study analyzed over 20 billion reports from 4 million machines worldwide, ranking countries by their vulnerability to cyberattacks. The US ranked 11th safest, while Scandinavian countries were found to be the least vulnerable.
New research highlights uncertainty in global biodiversity data due to species sighting recording methods. Recording absences is crucial for effective conservation prioritization, as lack of data doesn't necessarily mean a species is absent.
Researchers used objective datasets to examine US public corruption cases from 1986 to 2014. They found that overall corruption convictions are declining and mainly involve low-ranking officials, contrary to public perceptions of a rising trend.
A new study suggests that pyroclastic flows from a 18.8 million-year-old supervolcano eruption traveled in dense, slow-moving currents, covering over 100 miles. The research supports the idea that these flows are fluid-like, with pressurized gas between ash particles, and has implications for disaster preparedness efforts.
A team of astronomers has found evidence of repeated fast radio bursts (FRBs) originating from the same location in the sky, contradicting the long-held assumption that these bursts are isolated events. This discovery rules out entire classes of theoretical models and suggests that the burst source can recharge in minutes.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that bone can recover its shape after breaking, unlike most man-made materials. This unique property allows cancellous bone to direct cracks to less detrimental locations, enabling it to bounce back after a fracture.
Rachel Harding, a University of Toronto researcher, is making her lab notes publicly available to accelerate research into Huntington's disease. By sharing raw data and detailed updates, she aims to speed up the process and encourage collaboration among scientists.
A team of scientists collected over 70 fertile/flowering orchid specimens from the field during the 6-week Lengguru 2014 expedition. Four new orchid species were identified among them, all collected in high-altitude forests above 1000 meters above sea level.
Researchers found that drivers are more than double their crash risk when engaging in distracting activities such as using a handheld cell phone or reading. The study analyzed over 1,600 verified crash events and found that being in an emotional state, traveling above the speed limit, and performance errors increase driver risk. In con...
Researchers at National Oceanography Centre use GPS reflections to measure sea surface height from space for the first time. This technique provides a new way to monitor ocean currents by detecting variations in sea surface height caused by currents.
Researchers have developed a method to securely share password frequency statistics, allowing organizations to assess the impact of security breaches and inform password defenses. This approach provides precise guarantees about privacy, enabling further research on password policies and potential applications in social networks.
A research team has identified a new group of powerful antibodies to fight Ebola virus, isolated from the blood of a survivor of the 2014 Ebola outbreak. The antibodies showed significant protection against the virus in mouse models and could guide the development of a vaccine or therapeutic.
A new study by MIT researchers found that constituency statutes in 34 US states increase patenting rates by at least 6.4% and citation counts per patent by 6.3%. This allows firms to take a longer view on innovation, prioritizing stakeholders' interests over short-term profits.
Dracula orchids deceive flies by mimicking mushrooms with scent-free artificial flowers and visual cues. This innovative approach allows researchers to understand complex communication in remote cloud forests.
Researchers have identified two new zoantharian species attached to eunicid worm tubes in the dark depths of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The species, Epizoanthus inazuma and E. beriber, were found in low-light environments and possess unique characteristics.
Researchers found two proteins that play a crucial role in axonal degeneration, the first part of neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery creates new avenues for finding ways to protect neurons from damage.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus discovered a way to enhance the amount of light coming through glass by coating small pieces with thin layers of metal. This breakthrough may enable integration of electronic capabilities into windows, making them 'smart' and energy-efficient.
The One Ecosystem Journal offers innovative publishing models for ecology and sustainability research, incorporating open data and peer review. The journal uses the ARPHA platform to facilitate collaboration and dissemination of information.
Leading global health bodies, including academic journals and NGOs, have pledged to share data on the Zika crisis. The declaration aims to facilitate a rapid global response and promote open science in public health emergencies.
A team of researchers found that an earthquake initiating on one thrust fault can spread 10 times farther to a second nearby fault, vastly expanding the possible range of 'earthquake doublets.' This could lead to twice as much devastation in areas like Los Angeles, where multiple thrust faults are close together.
A new UT Dallas study suggests that most NFL arrests are not for violent crimes, but rather minor offenses. The majority of players involved in violent incidents have only one arrest during the studied period, highlighting a small fraction of repeat offenders.
Researchers found that when participants understand the implications of data sharing, they are willing to consent. The study's findings could inform revisions to the Common Rule, requiring researchers to obtain consent from patients for using their biological samples and personal data through public online databases.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a new phase of boron nitride (Q-BN) and developed a technique to create cubic boron nitride (c-BN) at ambient temperatures and air pressure. The discovery has potential applications for high-power electronics, transistors, and solid-state devices.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified genetic variants linked to a preference for mornings or nights, revealing the biological basis of morningness. The research found that individuals with a 'morning' genotype tend to have lower BMI and are less likely to suffer from depression.
The discovery confirms a long-discussed mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity and reveals the importance of ytterbium atoms in the material's properties. Quantum fluctuations dominate at temperatures near absolute zero, leading to alternative ordered fundamental states.
Research shows that artificial lights along Florida's coast deter nesting females but also find that sea turtle-friendly lighting ordinances are working. The density of sea turtle nests is reduced where artificial light is brightest and higher where it's dark.
Recent progress towards data sharing is discussed in PLOS Medicine articles, focusing on public health emergencies and clinical trials. The need for recognition of researchers who share data remains a challenge.
Researchers found that birds can only use their magnetic compass when polarized light is parallel to the magnetic field, not perpendicular. This affects their navigation and orientation, especially during sunrise and sunset.