News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Researchers developed a new method that uses simple grayscale eye photos to predict anemia in children. The technique analyzes patterns and textures in the conjunctiva of the eye, avoiding problems caused by different light conditions or camera models.
The US Naval Research Laboratory showcased its latest advancements in defense technology, including the OmniGlobe, a large spherical display visualizing Earth's environmental data. NRL's PROTEUS tool provides near real-time global tracking and analysis of maritime vessels.
The University of Missouri is partnering with a consortium to design and license a new research reactor, NextGen MURR, which will produce critical medical isotopes for cancer treatment. The project aims to enhance Missouri's role as a leader in nuclear science and medical research.
The Greater Mouse-Tailed Bat uses its long tail as a dynamic sensing tool to avoid obstacles and orient itself in complex environments, especially when vision and echolocation are limited. The study found that the bats' ability to navigate decreased significantly when their tail was numbed.
The Naval Research Laboratory will present emerging defense technologies, including compact coronographs and quantum navigation, at the Sea-Air-Space Conference. The NRL's hypersonic wind tunnel and Space Technologies will also be showcased.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has won a court ruling that vacates the FDA's rule on laboratory-developed test procedure regulation. This decision will avoid adding billions of dollars in healthcare costs and protect access to high-quality care for hundreds of millions of Americans.
A new consensus paper emphasizes the role of bone turnover markers (BTMs) in diagnosing and managing osteoporosis. BTMs, such as procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) and β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX-I), are invaluable tools for predicting fracture risk and monitoring treatment adherence.
Researchers at MIT created a photon-shuttling interconnect that facilitates remote entanglement, a key step toward developing practical quantum computers. The device enables all-to-all communication between multiple superconducting quantum processors, paving the way for more efficient and scalable quantum computing.
The StarBurst Multimessenger Pioneer will detect short-duration bursts of gamma-rays from neutron star mergers, providing fundamental insight into these extreme explosions. With an effective area four times greater than the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor, it will increase the detection rate of EM counterparts to NS mergers.
Researchers discovered a novel coronavirus in bats in Brazil with similarities to the Middle East respiratory syndrome virus. The five bats belonged to two species and showed significant genetic diversity, prompting experiments to determine whether it can infect humans.
The CNRS is one of six French actors to be honoured with Clarivate's prestigious Top 100 Global Innovators list for its role as a key global actor in innovation. The institute has demonstrated consistent excellence in patenting inventions, technology transfer, and international impact.
The PUNCH spacecraft will study the solar corona and track space weather events in three dimensions for the first time. The constellation includes four small suitcase-sized spacecraft that will provide a clear view of the Sun's outer atmosphere, allowing scientists to discern the exact trajectory and speed of coronal mass ejections.
The University of Tennessee has unveiled a new Operator Training Simulator Laboratory in partnership with Kairos Power. The lab will provide hands-on training for reactor operators and serve as a hub for UT students entering the advanced nuclear industry. It features state-of-the-art human-machine interfaces and simulates KP-FHR dynamics.
Insilico Medicine has deployed the first bipedal humanoid AI scientist, Supervisor, to aid in data acquisition and generation for training embodied AI systems. The humanoid will assist with lab tours, telepresence, tracking, and supervision, bridging the gap between human-free fully-autonomous robotics facilities.
New study highlights significant gaps in understanding how sunscreens affect marine ecosystems, with chemicals entering the environment through various pathways. Researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive studies to understand the effects of UV filters on marine life and potential risks to human health.
A study found that even with impeccable cleaning, hospital sink drains can host bacterial populations that change over time. Dominant species include Stenotrophomonas and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known to cause ventilator-associated pneumonia and sepsis.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.
A team of researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University observed wild medaka behavior in their river habitat, discovering that they spawn around midnight. The study also found that males exhibit two types of courtship behaviors: chasing females and a display of making quick circles in front of the opposite sex.
Researchers at Lancaster University have successfully demonstrated negative refraction using atomic arrays, eliminating the need for metamaterials. This achievement paves the way for novel technologies based on negative refraction, including perfect lenses and cloaking devices.
A new 3D bioprinted gastric cancer model successfully replicates the unique characteristics of individual patients' tissues, predicting drug responses and prognosis with high accuracy. This innovative platform enables rapid evaluation within two weeks, contributing to personalized cancer treatment development.
The Keysight-UMA Lab focuses on testing and measurement equipment for 6G networks, while the Victoria Network promotes technology through end-to-end solutions. The facilities aim to collaborate with industry and academic institutions, advancing 6G research in Spain and positioning the University of Malaga as an international benchmark.
Researchers created new proteins using AI that bind to and neutralize deadly snake toxins, providing a safer alternative to traditional antivenoms. The study's results show an 80-100% survival rate in mice, offering potential benefits for people in developing countries.
A systematic literature search identified high-priority clinical actions for post-acute care, including early education, risk assessment, and mental health screening. Implementing these actions can improve the quality of care for non-hospitalized TBI patients.
Organoids, derived from stem cells, closely mimic human tissue for biomedical research and drug testing. Standardization is crucial for generating reliable results in organoid construction, requiring approved operating procedures and informed consent from donors.
The study focuses on developing design provisions for using headed reinforcement in bridge structures, reducing construction time and costs. Full-scale experimental testing is underway at the Center for Infrastructure Renewal's High-Bay Laboratory.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered the brain actively prevents learning both types of memory, leading to confusion. The brain prioritizes one type of learning over the other using a strategy to resolve conflicts.
A study investigated the effects of N-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide (TGN-020), a selective AQP4 inhibitor, on glymphatic function. The results showed that acute inhibition of AQP4 significantly impaired glymphatic function without inducing short-term behavioral abnormalities in mice.
A six-year study examining 38 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus found genes and gene alleles associated with disease severity. The research aims to develop new treatments targeting these genetic variations, predicting disease outcomes and improving patient care.
The US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) will present its latest advancements in Earth and space sciences at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Conference. NRL researchers will share their work on topics such as atmospheric data assimilation, ocean sciences, and geostationary ocean color.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that individuals who enhance their appearance are more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior, including donating to charity. The research suggests that feeling attractive can motivate people to engage in good deeds, with a significant impact on social consciousness.
Researchers found that ancient rock painting sites by water generated strong echoes that could be heard by people approaching the site. The echoes allowed prehistoric hunter-gatherers to perceive their surroundings in a unique sensory environment. This discovery sheds light on the importance of sound reflections in past societies.
The new QDlight laboratory aims to develop emitters and protocols for generating new quantum states of light, creating a fault-tolerant photonic quantum computer. The collaboration combines academic and technological expertise to overcome scientific obstacles in quantum photonics.
Global experts and medical professionals gathered in Tashkent to address rare diseases, enhancing patient care. The forum highlighted key findings on diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders in Uzbekistan.
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has successfully developed a robotic suite capable of servicing satellites in orbit, enabling resilience for the US space infrastructure. The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites Integrated Robotic Payload (IRP) will enable satellite upgrades and repairs, reducing complexity and cost.
The Association for Molecular Pathology has published a joint consensus report on SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, outlining key considerations for next-generation sequencing methods. The report provides guidance on pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical aspects of NGS-based surveillance programs.
The editorial highlights how digital tools improve patient outcomes through better monitoring, individualized care, and seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers. Digital health innovations also address key challenges such as data privacy and accessibility.
The University of Birmingham and DEFRA's Hazardous Substances Advisory Committee have published new recommendations for improving chemical testing. The report suggests that the UK can adopt a risk-based approach to regulation, using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), to reduce animal testing and improve safety assessments.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University demonstrated that bats can navigate great distances in open areas with their eyes closed, using only echolocation. The study found that bats create an acoustic map of their environment, relying on distinct echoes to guide their flight paths.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that infections are a significant problem for white-tailed deer on Missouri farms. The study identified the three most common types of bacteria causing pneumonia in farmed deer, providing actionable data for veterinarians and farmers to make informed decisions.
A new study reveals that Oriental hornets are the only animals capable of consuming high concentrations of alcohol chronically without ill effects. The research found that the hornets metabolize alcohol rapidly and show no signs of intoxication or illness, even after consuming high amounts.
The study marked a significant milestone in lipidomics, establishing reference values for ceramides and plasma lipids involved in cardiovascular disease risk prediction. The global network of laboratories achieved better-than-anticipated comparability in results using different methods and instrumentations.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences has received a $5.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to support advanced cancer research in Oklahoma. The grant will help early-career researchers establish independently funded laboratories and build technology infrastructure specific to cancer investigations.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study anisotropic materials, capturing full complexity of light behavior in these materials. The method revealed detailed insights into how light scatters differently along various directions within materials, allowing retrieval of scattering tensor coefficients.
A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has created a new mechanical heart valve that combines the strengths of both mechanical and tissue replacement technologies, offering improved performance and durability.
Researchers at Aston University have created a potential treatment for bone cancer using gallium-doped bioactive glasses, which has shown a 99% success rate in killing osteosarcoma cells. The therapy also promotes early stages of bone formation and regenerates diseased bones.
A new library of healthy participants' neuroimaging data has been created to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Normative Neuroimaging Library consists of data from approximately 1900 individuals, providing a comprehensive dataset for clinicians and researchers.
Histopathology laboratories implement Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) programs to minimize errors and ensure accurate test reports. The pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of the testing cycle are critical in minimizing errors and ensuring seamless diagnostic processes.
Vultures, like young humans, explore new sites and socialize frequently when they're young. However, as they age from around 10 years old, they scale back on socializing and prefer to stay at the same roosting site, similar to humans who tend to stay home.
The University of Texas at Arlington is piloting a program that allows community college students from Dallas College's North Lake campus to participate in paid research opportunities with faculty mentors. Students receive $6,000 for their time and effort and have the chance to advance their STEM education and careers.
A recent study published in PNAS explores how plants combine clock signals with environmental cues under naturally fluctuating conditions. The research team developed statistical models that accurately predict gene expression activity under control of circadian clock responses to environmental signals.
Automated systems with machine learning capabilities improve diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency in laboratory medicine. However, ensuring data security, preventing biases in ML models, and maintaining transparency are key concerns.
A study by Tel Aviv University researchers found that homes sold through free classified services received fewer clicks, sold more slowly, and at a lower price than identical homes sold through paid services. This resulted in an average net loss of about 3.5% to 3.8% of the transaction price.
A new study found that routine laboratory tests are not reliable for diagnosing Long COVID, with no biomarker among 25 clinical laboratory values providing a clinically useful diagnosis. The researchers suggest treating symptoms rather than relying on lab results to diagnose the condition.
Researchers have developed a new class of synthetic polymers that effectively combat fungal infections by attacking the cells in multiple ways. These compounds mimic naturally occurring peptides and offer potential for sustainable treatment options with improved survival rates.
A study found that microwaves contain a unique microbial community, comprising 747 different genera, which resembles those on solar panels and kitchen surfaces. The diversity of the microbiome varies between single-household kitchens, shared domestic spaces, and laboratory microwaves.
Researchers found a significant association between the KIT M541L variant and mastocytosis diagnosis in patients with systemic and cutaneous mastocytosis. The variant was identified in 19 individuals, mostly diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis, but without significant differences in symptomatology.
A new handheld device enables rapid non-invasive detection of harmful chemicals and biological molecules using a Raman spectrometer and cellphone camera. This technology reduces analysis time from days to minutes, making it ideal for remote areas where laboratory spectrometers are impractical.
Researchers at Lancaster University and others are building the most sensitive dark matter detectors using quantum technologies. They aim to detect dark matter particles weighing between 0.01 to a few hydrogen atoms, which could reveal the mass and interactions of these mysterious particles.
Scientists have developed a new immunotherapy that can identify and fight cancer cells in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. The treatment involves stimulating the immune system's T cells against specific elements of the virus involved in cancer formation.
Researchers tracked free-ranging Egyptian fruit bats and found they possess high cognitive abilities, including episodic memory, mental time travel, and delayed gratification. The study revealed that older bats can estimate time passed since their last visit to a tree and avoid those with stopped bearing fruit.