News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Scientists have created mirror-image cyclodextrins in the laboratory, which could make it easier to formulate and deliver complex medications. These discoveries may also lead to improved treatment of cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerotic plaques.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that shelter dogs paired with suitable companions exhibited reduced stress levels and were adopted more quickly. The findings suggest that matching dogs with compatible roommates could alleviate stress and improve their adoptability, leading to better outcomes for animal shelters.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking solution to overcome DAC challenges, achieving record-breaking data transmission performance. The innovative approach enables the transmission of signals at rates exceeding 124 GBd PAM-4/6 and 112 GBd PAM-8 over long distances using low-cost digital-to-analog converters.
Researchers identified a novel virus in pet trade zebrafish that causes hemorrhaging in laboratory fish, revealing a risk of viral transmission. The study found that viruses circulating in healthy pet trade zebrafish can transmit to laboratory animals and cause severe disease.
A new study reveals that traumatic intracranial aneurysms are more common and associated with intracerebral hematomas after civilian gunshot wounds, challenging conventional wisdom. Spontaneous resolution occurs in approximately 40% of patients.
The new Human-Centered Computing Labs at TU Graz offer a unique research infrastructure for interdisciplinary collaboration. The labs are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality and motion capturing capabilities, to facilitate research on human-computer interaction, visual computing, and autonomous driving.
Researchers found that longer sprint interval training protocols, such as SIE20, outperform shorter protocols like SIE10 in increasing peripheral oxidative metabolism. This study's findings suggest that less-than-15-minute exercise regimens can provide significant health benefits.
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that more than 30% of patients with traumatic brain injury who underwent withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment recovered at least partial independence. The study suggests that a lifetime in a vegetative state or severe disability is not a common outcome even after a serious injury.
A researcher at West Virginia University is using 'reverse engineering' to study the structural characteristics of slot machines and their impact on players. The study aims to understand what makes these games immersive and how they interact with individual vulnerabilities, ultimately informing the development of safer gambling products.
A multi-institutional team is creating innovative technologies to reduce complications associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), including infection, thrombosis, stroke, and bleeding. The new LVAD will deliver a physiological response to changes in the recipient's activity levels using a 'smart' Maglev drive technology.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers demonstrates that heteroresistance, a common transient resistance in bacteria, can facilitate the development of antibiotic resistance. The study found that heteroresistant bacteria carrying more resistance gene copies result in slower growth and increased risk of treatment failure.
A new study published in Risk Analysis found that COVID-19's origin is unlikely to be natural, using a modified risk assessment tool. The researchers suggest an unnatural origin, potentially from a laboratory, cannot be easily dismissed.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI deciphered the function of Candidalysin's unusual protein structure, which reduces pathogenicity and opens up new treatment options. Nanobodies neutralize the toxin, blocking its activity and inhibiting tissue damage.
The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine has presented seven Next Generation fellowship awards to promising early career professionals in medical genetics and genomics. The recipients include Xueyang Pan, Bianca Seminotti, and Adriel Yejin Kim, who will support their research projects with corporate donations from Pfizer, S...
Researchers have developed a copper(II)-alkylperoxo complex that can selectively oxidize unactivated alkanes, showcasing exceptional reactivity and paving the way for sustainable technology. By manipulating the solvent environment, the team uncovered the unique properties of their catalyst.
A team at Zhejiang University has developed a self-driving cloaked unmanned drone with an intelligent aeroamphibious invisibility cloak, capable of manipulating electromagnetic scattering in real-time across dynamic environments. The cloak integrates perception, decision-making, and execution functionalities using spatiotemporal modula...
Researchers at Linköping University developed improved neutron mirrors coating silicon with iron and silicon mixed with boron carbide to increase efficiency in material analysis. This enables more neutrons to reach instruments, improving experiments.
The Swiss Cat+ project uses a combination of artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure to find new and better metal catalysts for producing methanol from CO2. The team successfully developed around 150 catalyst compositions in under six weeks, saving time and improving conversion rates.
A new analysis method for detecting bacteria in blood has been confirmed to provide accurate and fast results at smaller hospitals, enabling quicker antibiotic treatment. The test revealed a significant reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use and an improved patient outcome in one out of four cases.
Researchers developed a compact, cost-effective PA sensing instrument for biomedical tissue diagnosis, showcasing its potential to streamline sampling processes and improve diagnostic accuracy for breast disease. The instrument successfully differentiated various tissue types based on quantitative spectral parameters.
A team of scientists from the Beckman Institute has received a $3 million grant to develop diagnostic tools and imaging agents for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. They will use a combination of PET and MRI scans to target smaller beta-amyloid peptides and other signs of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
The biodegradable sensor, made from plant-based material, can detect pesticide levels in minutes and has the potential to help assure food safety. The study showed that washing and immersion were insufficient to remove residues of pesticides, highlighting the need for reliable detection methods.
The UK Centre for Multimodal Correlative Microscopy and Spectroscopy (CoreMiS) will enable researchers to analyze environmental samples with unprecedented detail. CoreMiS has already been used to study ancient artifacts, detect pollutants in drinking water, and investigate antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical aim to investigate the effects of intermittent fasting and calorie counting on healthspan. Participants in the DiAL-Health study will be compensated up to $2,500 for their involvement.
A recent study by Spanish and British researchers found that the influence of clinical microbiologists in Spain helped prepare public hospital laboratories for COVID-19 testing. In contrast, the UK's large centralized laboratories built during the pandemic have been dismantled due to high costs and low quality of testing.
A new study funded by NIHR has led to the UK government approving digital pathology for cancer screening samples. This technology enables faster reporting and improved care for patients with bowel, breast, lung, and cervical cancers. The use of digital pathology will help reduce risk of sample loss or damage and allow pathologists to r...
The Paarl Africa Underground Laboratory (PAUL) will be a game-changer for universities in South Africa and its partners, offering benefits through new jobs and research opportunities. The laboratory will enable scientists to study dark matter and neutrinos in a radiation-free environment.
A new study reveals that RNA binding motif protein X-linked (RBMX) plays a crucial role in predicting cancer prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Abnormal expression of RBMX is associated with immune regulation, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers have identified a gene that links deafness to cell death in the inner ear, creating new opportunities for preventing hearing loss. The discovery suggests that UPR-blocking drugs could prevent deafness caused by loud noise exposure or aging.
The METEOR Expedition M197 is a research project studying the Eastern Mediterranean Sea's future changes in response to climate change and human activities. The project investigates nutrient supply, marine ecosystems, and carbon export from surface to deep waters.
A recent study in Uganda found that asymptomatic individuals with low-level malaria infections had highly variable parasite dynamics and species present. Frequent sampling every other day or daily was sufficient to detect a proportion of infections similar to daily testing, but less frequent tests may miss up to one-third of cases.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences has selected three winners in its 2023 Faces of Biology Photo Contest. The competition aims to communicate the process of scientific research through photography and showcase biological research in various forms and settings.
Flori Corpodean, a postdoctoral researcher at Pennington Biomedical, has been selected as the sole recipient of the 2024 Resident Research Award. She is exploring how the brain and intestinal tract communicate through her research on altered nutrient delivery.
A team of researchers at Ghent University and imec developed a silicon photonic temperature sensor that measures up to 180°C. The sensor was realized in the framework of the European SEER project, where partners focus on integrating optical sensors in manufacturing routines for composite parts.
Researchers developed a more efficient way to find emerging designer drugs in urine samples, uncovering new synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants that evaded initial screening. The approach can support public health and safety by enabling swift identification of new substances.
Researchers at NC State University developed an autonomous system called SmartDope to synthesize 'best-in-class' materials for specific applications in hours or days. It uses a self-driving lab to manipulate variables, characterize optical properties, and update its understanding of the synthesis chemistry through machine learning.
Researchers redesigned IVF needles to reduce fluid flow damage to eggs, improving oocyte collection and IVF success rates. The study uses computer models and mathematical simulations to optimize the design, which has been successfully tested in cattle, with plans for human trials.
Researchers introduced a cost-effective solution to correct tilt and curvature errors in two-photon polymerization 3D printing. The method uses Fourier scatterometry, which offers lower uncertainties than traditional methods, resulting in improved image quality and precision.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have received a significant financial boost to advance their cancer treatment research. The team will investigate 'liquid biopsies' to reveal vital clues about cancer genetic makeup, aiming to predict how cancer changes and which treatment works best for individual patients.
Scientists identify pyroglutamination, a spontaneous chemical change, in peptide synthesis, leading to an amyloidal structure and potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The process favors aggregation of molecules, forming plaques that interrupt neuronal flow.
Alem & Narayanan receive $2,495,244 from the National Institutes of Health to enhance safety and quality of BSL-3 laboratory practices and create two new research cores in high containment. The grant will accelerate vaccine and therapeutic drug discovery and improve understanding of infectious disease transmission and pathogenesis.
Researchers conducted a randomized trial in Canadian ICUs, finding that switching to small-volume blood collection tubes lowered red blood cell transfusion rates. The study suggests this change may improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for transfusions.
The Army Research Laboratory has chosen Texas A&M University for its High-Throughput Materials Discovery for Extreme Environments Center (HTMDEC). The center aims to develop novel materials for extreme conditions, reducing experimentation costs and duration. By leveraging machine learning, physics-based simulations, and collaboration, ...
A coordinated network of space lasers could prevent collisions with manned and unmanned space assets by nudging debris off potential collision courses. The artificial intelligence-powered lasers can maneuver and work together to respond rapidly to debris of any size.
A portable laboratory device can rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA from environmental surfaces, holding promise for scenarios where access to testing labs is challenging. The device uses a compact centrifuge and PCR technology to provide highly sensitive on-site detection.
Researchers propose analysis protocol to evaluate feasibility of silicon-containing batteries with reduced particle size and uniform dispersion. The study finds promising results from innovative synthesis technology and initial efficiencies exceeding 90% with improved lifespan characteristics.
A new study led by Dr. Armen Saghatelyan uncovered the migratory mechanisms of neuronal cells in a neurodevelopmental disorder. The team found that modulating autophagy with FDA-approved drug metformin restored the cells' migratory properties.
Scientists have developed a nonrelativistic and nonmagnetic mechanism for generating terahertz waves, harnessing the electrical anisotropy of two conductive oxides. This approach produces signals comparable to commercial terahertz sources and offers a high terahertz conversion efficiency.
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a new scattering matrix method that can sculpt light output with minimal optimization time. The method offers unparalleled nonlinear scattered light control, enabling high-resolution scanning microscopy and particle trapping through dense, scattering media.
A new study from the University of Kansas used motion capture technology to analyze the biomechanics of proficient free-throw shooters. Proficient shooters exhibited lower knee and center of mass peak and mean angular velocities, greater release height, and less forward trunk lean compared to nonproficient shooters.
The University of Missouri is launching a five-year, $3 million doctoral training program to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers for emerging fields like materials science and data science. The program aims to empower future workers with both technical expertise and data-driven insights.
A recent study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center identifies GDF15 as a protein that acts as a cellular signal to enhance insulin secretion. High-intensity exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes was found to have elevated levels of GDF15, associated with improved glycemic control.
The Oregon Health & Science University team's free genetic screening program for adults has screened over 13,000 residents since 2018. The study found that 710 participants carried disease-causing variants, highlighting the importance of genetic counseling and expanded gene testing.
Researchers at WVU's forensic lab discovered how organic and inorganic compounds in gunshot residue differ in their persistence on surfaces and transfer. This breakthrough allows crime scene investigators to distinguish between 'greener' and traditional ammunition, enabling faster and more informed decisions at crime scenes.
A robotic system, WormPicker, autonomously detects and manipulates Caenorhabditis elegans for genetic research, increasing productivity for human researchers. The system accelerates studies in diverse areas of C. elegans biology.
The £72 million investment will support cutting-edge research in fluid dynamics, biological sciences, and astronomy. It aims to maintain the UK's position as a science superpower and accelerate innovation in various fields.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released its updated Secondary Findings Gene List (SF v3.2) with three new cardiovascular genes added, including CALM1, CALM2, and CALM3. The list provides guidance on reporting incidental findings in clinical exome and genome sequencing.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released an updated minimum variant set of 100 CFTR gene variants for carrier screening, replacing the previous 23-variant list. The new recommendations apply to genetic testing to determine carrier status, not diagnosis or newborn screening.
The Shape Up! Keiki research study aims to create a better way to measure and describe health from body shape, focusing on identifying obesity risks in young children. Participants aged 5 years or younger will be compensated $200 for their time.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and UCLA developed a method to improve memory consolidation by inducing deep-brain stimulation during sleep. The study found that precise timing of electrical stimulation enhances synchronization between the hippocampus and frontal cortex, leading to improved accuracy in recalling memories.