News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Referral guidelines for nephrology care are shifting towards identifying patients at higher risk of kidney failure. A study using Veterans Health Administration data found that referring patients with a two-year risk of kidney failure above 1% would identify those at highest median risk.
A University of Missouri researcher is using a grant from the National Science Foundation to explore how time can factor in a building collapse. She's conducting thousands of hours of laboratory tests to determine the breaking points of reinforced concrete building materials.
A team from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center created all-new swabs for COVID-19 testing in just three weeks by leveraging open-source collaboration and 3D printing. The swab crisis highlighted the importance of cooperation, openness, and scalability in solving complex problems.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have confirmed a novel COVID-19 testing method called RTF-EXPAR that is highly sensitive and fast, giving results in under 10 minutes even at low viral levels. The test was shown to be equivalent to PCR and LAMP tests but faster.
A recent study found SARS-CoV-2 infection among maternal-infant pairs to be extremely rare in early infancy. The findings suggest that while transmission is uncommon, continued monitoring and vaccination efforts are necessary to protect newborns from COVID-19 and its variants.
A study from the University of South Carolina's Environmental Health & Disease Laboratory found that andrographolide successfully restored bacteriomes and viromes, increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful bacteria. The treatment also decreased gut inflammation and neuroinflammation in veterans with Gulf War Illness.
A team of Beckman researchers developed software to boost infrared imaging-based cancer diagnosis, enhancing image resolution and accelerating recording speeds. The software integrates data analysis and reduces limitations associated with IR imaging, making it faster and more accurate.
A synthetic hinge concept developed by Indiana University School of Medicine Professor Michael A. Weiss and his team could lead to a breakthrough in 'smart' insulin therapy. The invention exploits a natural mechanism that allows the insulin to adjust its activity based on blood glucose levels, which could transform diabetes care.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has partnered with Elsevier to publish its official journal, Genetics in Medicine. The partnership aims to increase the journal's visibility and influence in medical genetics and genomics research.
The project aims to identify potential environmental costs of deep-sea activities to inform responsible use. It will connect diverse science and policy experts in industry, academia, and private institutes to guide sustainable practices.
Scientists investigate e-cigarette formation of formaldehyde, a human carcinogen, under various use patterns and devices. The study aims to identify key parameters underlying harmful substance production, informing public health and policy.
The Virginia Tech Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory developed a novel test for COVID-19, targeting three regions of the gene for increased accuracy. The lab has processed over 130,000 tests since April 2020, expanding public health lab testing capacity in Southwest Virginia.
Researchers at the U.S. Army's Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies identified a new material that absorbs impact more efficiently than steel, Kevlar, aluminum and other materials of comparable weight. The nanoarchitected material features impressive properties like exceptional lightness and resilience.
Researchers use ultrafast electron diffraction to observe an electronic device as it operates, discovering a new intermediate state that enables fast and energy-efficient switching. The study paves the way for next-generation electronic devices that can meet the world's growing needs for data-intensive computing.
Researchers developed an optimized schedule for automated biology lab robots, maximizing experiments within time and resource constraints. The S-LAB framework accounts for time constraints and resource conflicts, improving efficiencies in life science experiments.
Researchers have discovered that rat whiskers act like antennae to amplify tiny stick-slip motions caused by friction, enabling the brain to perceive surface textures. This breakthrough has far-reaching benefits for design of textured surfaces for visually impaired and robotic safety in low light environments.
A laboratory study reveals that haze particles produced under different conditions have varying properties, determining the clarity of an exoplanet's atmosphere. Haze removal depends on surface energy, with particles having high surface energy being easily removed and resulting in clear skies.
Researchers at Radboud University have identified new biomarkers for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, enabling better and earlier treatment of the disease. The discovery could lead to optimized treatment and improved chances of preventing cognitive disability.
A new international study found that laboratory-developed protein spikes consistent with COVID-19 virus are highly similar, providing reassurance for vaccine design and antibody testing. The study used glycan coatings to mimic the infectious virus and showed consistent results across five laboratories worldwide.
The UOC's RLAB-UOC enables students to conduct practical experiments with real electronic and communications equipment remotely. The study found that students rate the laboratory and working with real tools positively, improving their learning experience and acquiring practical skills.
The study revealed that natural melatonin is linked to a pre-hibernation state that allows mice to slow down their metabolism and survive when food is scarce. Melatonin-producing female mice also enter a state called daily torpor, a low-power mode similar to hibernation that conserves energy.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method to study conjugated polymers, allowing them to measure individual molecules' mechanical and kinetic properties. This breakthrough could enable the creation of more flexible and robust soft electronic materials.
A case study presented ST-segment depression in leads I and aVL, which was resolved after 30 minutes due to high-frequency noise. The patient had no regional wall motion abnormalities or coronary stenosis, suggesting artifactual changes rather than pathophysiological findings.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has funded 10 postdoctoral fellows from six Latin American countries to conduct research in the US, exploring topics such as molecular interactions and gut bacteria. The program aims to advance scientific knowledge and develop a robust biomedical research community in Latin America.
Two new rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 have been developed, detecting the virus in as little as five minutes and showing high sensitivity even in low levels of infection. The tests use innovative techniques that improve accuracy and do not require advanced laboratory techniques.
The EMPOWER STEM program pairs University of Arizona students and researchers with Naval Research Laboratory scientists to learn about the latest technologies in the Department of Defense. The initiative aims to provide a route to government research jobs for students from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on student veterans.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published consensus recommendations for clinical CYP2D6 genotype testing, aiming to standardize testing across laboratories and improve patient care. A minimum set of variants is recommended for inclusion in all future clinical assays.
Researchers have developed a technology to manipulate viruses synthetically, allowing for rapid analysis and mapping of new potential virus variants. This innovation enables scientists to mimic natural selection processes safely in a controlled laboratory environment.
The US Army is leveraging virtual reality to advance an interdisciplinary understanding of group dynamics, particularly in small special operations teams. The research aims to identify neurological signals of influencers in groups to support Army missions.
Researchers found that widely used SRU Consensus Criteria overestimated ICA stenosis severity. New criteria propose increasing peak systolic velocity thresholds and requiring higher PSV ratios for accurate diagnosis.
A new mathematical model predicts Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin production in chilled food products, reducing the need for costly laboratory experiments. The model's comprehensive approach considers multiple factors, including storage temperature, pH, salt, and preservatives, to ensure food safety.
A University of Córdoba study found that mixing two herbicides in laboratories results in a more effective and environmentally friendly method for controlling difficult-to-control weeds. The commercial mixture was shown to have a lower environmental impact than manual mixing, reducing risks and boosting effectiveness by 10-20%.
Researchers discovered a rare iron mineral in the teeth of a large mollusk called chiton. The finding helps understand how the tooth is designed to endure chewing on rocks, and inspired the development of a bio-inspired ink for 3D printing.
Astronomer Alicia Rutledge has been awarded a $200,000 NASA Planetary Science Early Career Award to support the development of a field-portable laboratory for her research on cold-climate alteration processes. The award will enable her to conduct analog fieldwork and train next-generation scientists in planetary analog science.
Researchers at Aalto University discovered that warm ice behaves differently than previously studied cold ice, with no significant viscoelastic recovery. The team's findings suggest that warmer conditions are increasingly expected to affect infrastructure engineering in frigid regions.
A new method has been developed to observe graphene growth on a microchip surface in real time, using a standard scanning electron microscope. This technique enables the reliable production of graphene layers and reduces growth times from several hours to just minutes.
Researchers at the University of Bologna developed NanoGear, a device consisting of interlocked molecular components that function as a gear. The device exhibits unusual properties, such as 'specific lubrication' in different solvents, which could lead to radical technological innovations.
A global network of researchers has developed protocols for producing large quantities of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in high purity and stability. This allows laboratories to quickly and reproducibly study the virus and its mutants, facilitating research into potential treatments and vaccines.
Researchers at UCF have developed a propulsion system that can stabilize detonation waves, enabling flight speeds of Mach 6 to 17. The technology improves jet engine efficiency and could be used in air and space travel.
A team of scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute has discovered 27 binding sites on tubulin, a critical protein in the cell cytoskeleton. Eleven of these sites were previously unknown and hold promise for developing new cancer-fighting agents.
A Lancaster University research team has created a groundbreaking interactive paper using the Gather Town platform, allowing for parallel conversations and collaborative 'writing'. The innovative prototype aims to collapse barriers between video conferencing, research conferences, and publication traditions.
New Army-funded synthetic biology research has enabled the manipulation of micro-compartments in cells, potentially leading to breakthroughs in bio-manufacturing. The study could inform new ways to design medicine, synthetic cells and nano-reactors for nanotechnology applications.
Scientists have invented a way to break down compostable plastics into small molecules within weeks using just heat and water. The new process involves embedding polyester-eating enzymes in the plastic, which then degrade it into lactic acid that can feed soil microbes.
The Acceleration Consortium is using AI and robotics to design and discover new materials with superior performance characteristics. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of materials for renewable energy, consumer electronics, drugs, and other applications.
Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich developed a nanostructured, transparent material for the front of solar cells, achieving efficiencies of up to 23.99%, surpassing crystalline silicon cells. The new design offers passivation, transparency, and high electrical conductivity, paving the way for large-scale industrial production.
Christina Tise, MD, PhD, and Daniel Pomerantz, MD, have been selected as recipients of the 2021 Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Next Generation Fellowship Awards to pursue postgraduate training in clinical laboratory biochemical genetics and medical biochemical genetics. The awards support their one-year fellowships at Stanford University and C...
The Infusion Nurses Society has adopted the international Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) framework as a standard in its 2021 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. ANTT reduces variability and improves patient safety, particularly with ultrasound-guided peripheral IV insertions.
A group of microbes that feed on chemical reactions triggered by radioactivity have been found to be at an evolutionary standstill for millions of years. Their identical genetic makeup suggests they have not changed since their physical locations separated during the breakup of supercontinent Pangaea.
Experts at the University of Missouri are gathering data on extreme drinking behaviors to inform future public health interventions. The five-year grant will provide accurate information on factors influencing drinking habits, including biological and environmental factors.
A University of Guam review finds conservation projects have lacked publishable results, revealing the need for adaptive management. The study highlights the importance of including published research scientists in funded conservation projects to generate new knowledge and inform decisions.
Research on US national parks has seen a decline in publications since 2013, with popular parks like Yellowstone receiving most attention. The study found that more than half of all studies focused on five national parks, highlighting the need for future research to address gaps and improve management.
Researchers have proposed a new group testing method for COVID-19 that allows for 13 times faster results than individual testing. The method involves grouping swabs together and testing them, then using transposition-based replication to further reduce the number of tests.
A new virtual diagnostic approach uses machine learning to analyze beam quality in electron microscopes, X-ray lasers, and medical accelerators. The method provides accurate information that conventional diagnostics cannot, enabling operators to optimize device performance.
The IFCC-IOF Committee for Bone Metabolism found significant within- and between-assay variation for ß-CTX measurement, calling for harmonization and the use of EDTA plasma for precise results. The study's recommendations aim to improve bone health globally through standardized assays.
Researchers from Bigelow Laboratory discovered that copepods gather around small vortexes in the ocean, affecting the food web. These tiny vortexes have significant implications for understanding copepod behavior and their impact on marine ecosystems.
Researchers from Louisiana State University demonstrated a machine learning approach that corrects distorted quantum information in photon systems. This method outperforms traditional protocols, showcasing the potential for machine learning to enhance quantum sensing and communications technologies on the battlefield.
Four UNIST Central Research Facilities laboratories received 'Excellent Safety Management Laboratory' certification from the Ministry of Science and ICT. The certificate system aims to establish autonomous safety culture and standard model in university labs, following comprehensive evaluation based on 29 items.
A team of researchers from Pompeu Fabra University has developed a new technology to print cellular devices on paper that can be used outside the laboratory. These devices can detect multiple markers and generate complex responses, making them useful for applications such as detecting mercury, cholera, or preeclampsia.
Researchers have captured the time history of magnetic field growth in a lab setting using laser-driven experiments. The findings suggest that turbulent dynamo mechanism amplifies magnetic fields rapidly, exceeding theoretical expectations and potentially explaining the origin of large-scale fields in galaxy clusters.
A recent study found that biases arise from unconscious tendencies towards certain decisions, affecting wellbeing. The research used mathematical models and neural recordings in primates to understand how biases are formed, revealing two types of bias: slow and fast, which can be difficult to eradicate.