News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Research in rats found that an enriched environment leads to better maternal behavior and higher-quality breastmilk. Mothers in enriching environments had more efficient parenting, resulting in larger offspring with increased body weights and improved social behavior.
Researchers have created and observed novel vortices in an ultracold gas, exhibiting unexpected properties due to hidden discrete symmetries. The discovery may lead to breakthroughs in quantum computing and information processing.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that combining deep-learning reconstruction with a subtraction technique yielded optimal diagnostic performance for detecting in-stent restenosis by coronary CT angiography. This approach reduced radiation exposure while maintaining high image quality.
Researchers developed a small molecule that effectively controls tumor growth by inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 binding, overcoming accessibility and cost issues of existing antibody treatments. The new molecule has advantages in terms of affordability and oral administration, making immunotherapy more accessible to all cancer patients.
A recent study from University of East Anglia compared 13 face shield styles in laboratory settings and surveyed over 600 people in Nigeria and Brazil about their views on face shields as PPE. The results showed that all face shields provided some protection, but none gave high levels against external droplets.
CoVaRR-Net is investing $6.9 million in 15 research projects focused on understanding Omicron subvariants and finding solutions to curb their spread. The studies will explore various aspects of variants, including viral transmission between animals and people, new variant mutations, and the impact of social factors on Indigenous Peoples.
A study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that antibodies against Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 decline rapidly, even after a second vaccination or booster shot, offering limited protection against infection.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that corals' fluorescence serves as a lure for plankton, which are then consumed by predators like corals. The researchers found that green-fluorescent corals were 25% more preyed upon than yellow-fluorescent ones.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have created wearable human motion devices that can track a multitude of activities, including breathing and muscle contractions. The devices use a two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterial called MXene alongside a conductive polymer for electromagnetic interference shielding.
A new processing technique could make potatoes healthier by slowing starch digestion and reducing blood sugar spikes. The approach blocks certain digestive enzymes from reaching potato starch as quickly, leading to a more controlled release of dietary glucose.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign created a remote laboratory activity to teach undergraduate students about enzyme kinetics. The at-home kit included basic equipment and protocols that allowed students to conduct experiments and collect data, providing an alternative to traditional lab techniques.
A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.
CHOP researchers developed CancerVar, an artificial intelligence-empowered platform for interpreting somatic cancer mutations. The tool provides standardized procedures for assessing the clinical impacts of over 13 million somatic cancer mutations.
The new COBRE grant will help WVU recruit researchers and clinician-scientists to develop innovative solutions for preventing and treating incurable vision problems. The project aims to reduce visual disparities in West Virginia by understanding the complex combination of factors that contribute to these problems.
Researchers have designed simpler magnets for twisty stellarator facilities, which could aid the development of a stellarator power plant. The new magnets have straighter sections than before while preserving their strength and accuracy.
The Lustgarten Foundation has awarded a $5 million grant to Break Through Cancer to target KRAS in pancreatic cancer. The Conquering KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer Team will integrate clinical and laboratory approaches to understand why patients respond to new therapies.
Tel Aviv University researchers develop innovative model that explains wave formation, tested in complex experiments. The model takes into account all unstable harmonics and limitations of previous models, providing high reliability for describing physical situation.
A new strain of algae has been identified that can produce green hydrogen gas via photosynthesis on an industrial scale. This breakthrough could accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly green hydrogen and reduce pollution. The researchers also plan to develop methods to increase production rates and reduce costs.
Three Brookhaven scientists, Simerjeet Gill, James Dunlop, and Sanjaya Senanayake, were selected as Oppenheimer Science and Energy Leadership Program fellows. They engage in virtual visits to other national labs, distilling their experiences into think-pieces on organizational, policy, and scientific challenges.
A new study introduces a commercially available test that enables laboratories with real-time PCR capabilities to detect known SARS-CoV-2 variants. The assay is faster and more cost-effective than traditional sequencing methods, allowing for more widespread tracking of circulating variants.
A new study identifies the age-dependent formation of TMEM106B amyloid filaments in human brains, which may not be linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers found these protein structures in older but not younger individuals, suggesting a potential role in aging and other pathologies.
The ACMG Foundation presented four Next Generation Fellowship Awards to outstanding individuals in medical genetics and genomics. Ibrahim Elsharkawi and Jessica Priestley received the awards for their dedication to biochemical genetics, with support from Bionano Genomics, Spark Therapeutics, Takeda, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Pfizer.
Researchers have developed miniaturized reflectors that enlarge the uses of remote infrared spectroscopy, allowing for field-ready devices with minimal size, weight, and power requirements. The devices utilize Ge-BaF2 thin films for surface micromachined mid-wave and long-wave infrared reflectors.
Scientists developed a powerful new tool called Giraffe to improve genomic research by leveraging global genetic diversity. The tool allows for the use of a diverse pangenome reference point, enabling faster and more sensitive comparisons of short-read human genome sequences.
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have discovered a new type of phase transition in a quasi-crystal made of laser light, allowing for the simultaneous control and modification of its properties. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel materials with unprecedented flexibility and controllability.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery that could phase out medications derived from pig intestines. The team has successfully created a synthetic alternative to heparin in a laboratory setting, using cell factories, similar to insulin production.
Researchers developed a novel electroanalytical technique that co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, overcoming interference from ascorbic acid. The technique uses a gold-containing ternary nanocomposite electrode, enabling simultaneous detection of low-level DA and UA under physiological conditions.
A cloud-based repository called CellRepo has been launched to track and organize digital data from engineered microorganisms. The database uses cell barcodes to monitor and track organisms, enabling faster tracing of lab origins and design details.
A new research paper by the Women In Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) network reveals the lived experiences of supramolecular chemists during Covid-19, focusing on the impact of caring responsibilities and emotional load. The study found that mental health was significantly negatively affected among those with caring responsibilities.
Researchers discovered increased activity in the hippocampus during anesthesia and sleep, preceding Alzheimer's symptoms by years. This abnormality may enable early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Researchers found that smart windows with dynamic tinting can completely disinfect surfaces within 24 hours, reducing bacterial growth rates and viability. In contrast, traditional windows with blinds blocked almost all daylight, promoting contamination on glass, plastic, and fabric surfaces.
A team of scientists at the University of Missouri used small wearable sensors to gather data on how people with a traumatic hand amputation use a prosthesis versus a transplanted hand. The study found that hand transplant recipients exhibit a more balanced pattern of limb use, while prosthesis users rely heavily on their prosthetic hand.
A booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is required to provide immunity against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, according to a study. The traditional dosing regimens of COVID-19 vaccines available in the US do not produce antibodies capable of recognizing and neutralizing the Omicron variant.
Paderborn University to establish a three-node quantum network in real urban environment, utilizing standardized equipment and protocols. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and stability of quantum communication systems.
Researchers developed an injectable, adhesive surgical gel that prevents postoperative adhesions and improves wound healing. The gel, dubbed HAD, was tested in rats and rabbits with promising results, showing a significant reduction in inflammation and mortality rates.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully treated autism in animal models with medical cannabis oil, improving behavioral and biochemical parameters. The treatment showed significant improvement in compulsive and anxious behaviors, and a decrease in the concentration of the arousing neurotransmitter glutamate.
The CDC found flaws in the assay design and contamination of one component, leading to false positive reactivity in negative controls. A redesign and improved quality control measures have since been implemented.
Temperature fluctuations in labs affect over 90% of individual tests and 51 assays, including kidney function and lipid panels. Laboratories can statistically adjust for ambient temperature to reduce weather-related variability.
Researchers developed an AI program that accurately identified patients at risk of serious illness due to blood infections, with an accuracy rate of 82%. The technology has the potential to serve as an early warning system for doctors, enabling them to rank patients based on their risk level.
A new study reveals that mother bats teach their pups to navigate by carrying and dropping them off at specific trees, allowing the pup to learn through repetition. The study found that pups gradually expand their navigation circles, learning to fly independently and finding food sources on their own.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
A new study by the University of Houston researcher found that gender stereotypes in computer science and engineering begin at age six, leading to a lack of representation of girls and women in these fields. The study suggests that introducing high-quality STEM activities in elementary school can help close the gender gap.
A new protocol has been developed to identify potential false-positive COVID-19 results, particularly in asymptomatic non-exposed individuals. The method involved retesting all positive results from such patients, revealing 20 out of 288 initial positives to be false positives.
Researchers developed a technology that accurately detects lies by analyzing facial muscle contractions, achieving a success rate of 73%. The study identified two distinct groups of 'liars' based on cheek muscle and eyebrow activation, with potential implications for real-life deception detection.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have created nanoparticles that can target and kill deadly bacteria hiding in human cells. The breakthrough could lead to a new treatment method using injectable or inhalation-based antibiotic-laden capsules, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University conducted a cross-adoption experiment with fruit bat pups to determine whether boldness is genetic or learned. The findings indicate that the pups behave like their adoptive mothers, not biological mothers, suggesting that boldness is an acquired trait passed on through mother's milk.
Scientists have discovered that hypervelocity dust impacts on a spacecraft can produce plasma explosions and create debris clouds, disturbing its operations. These events can also generate clouds of debris that expand away from the spacecraft.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding Parkinson's disease, revealing that affected neurons don't die but lose properties. This knowledge opens the door to new therapeutic treatments targeting the cell body, rather than just axons.
Researchers developed a tool to investigate cause of death when skeletonised remains are recovered, providing a breakthrough in forensic lightning pathology. The study identified unique markers of lightning damage deep within the human skeleton, allowing for recognition of lightning strikes even when only dry bone survives.
Researchers created a laboratory to simulate comets in space-like conditions, measuring their properties and evolution. The CoPhyLab chamber allows scientists to compare samples and track gas evaporation and particle loss, providing insights into comet formation and solar system history.
A team of UBCO researchers developed a recipe for a clean-burning, power-boosting aircraft fuel by adding graphene oxide nanomaterials to ethanol. This mixture improves the burn rate by about eight per cent, reducing carbon footprint and increasing engine power.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published new guidelines to improve the US' ability to respond to emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The recommendations focus on better collaboration between public health, clinical laboratories, and government agencies.
The cost of establishing laboratories to track antimicrobial resistance in Southeast Asian hospitals is substantial, making it challenging for many countries to implement such programs. Financial support is crucial to overcome these costs and provide effective antimicrobial resistance monitoring.
A new study has identified unique genetic codes in the placenta that could detect pregnancy complications earlier than current tests. The researchers found specific biomarkers in maternal blood that indicate placental health and fetal well-being, allowing for real-time assessment throughout pregnancy.
Researchers designed novel molecules that bound tightly to SARS-CoV-2's molecular scissors, inhibiting the virus's replication. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for COVID-19.
Researchers found that validating accuracy of in vitro diagnostic tests carried costs and had higher true limits of detection than reported. The study suggests mechanisms for expanded regulatory oversight by the FDA, including technology certification to assess performance of complex diagnostic tests.
The European facility will study samples from asteroids and the Moon at a macroscopic level, unlocking exciting science on the formation and evolution of planetary bodies. The first instruments will be delivered in summer 2022, with the laboratory expected to fully operational by 2023.
Researchers have identified the potential of 7HP349 as an oral medication to strengthen the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly for populations that struggle with immunosuppression. The study suggests adding 7HP349 to standard vaccination can improve vaccine efficacy without reformulating the vaccine.
Researchers at West Virginia University are monitoring wastewater statewide for COVID-19 using an egg-shaped robot that collects samples every 20 minutes. The project aims to develop a testing network throughout the state, providing early indicators of changes in community-level spread of COVID-19.
The Daylight Award 2022 is now open for nominations, honoring groundbreaking research on the effects of daylight on human health and well-being. The award also recognizes innovative architectural projects showcasing unique uses of daylight, aiming to improve living conditions and environmental impact.