News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Researchers have discovered two mechanisms that repair DNA damage caused by acetaldehyde, a degradation product of alcohol. The novel route cuts the crosslink itself, providing a new line of defense against alcohol-induced ICLs.
A new tool, designed for both planning and operation phases, aims to optimize evacuation routes and supply logistics in near-real time. Researchers focus on noncombatant evacuation operations in the Republic of Korea, but it can be applied to various scenarios.
Researchers at PSI measured a property of the neutron more precisely than ever before, finding it has a significantly smaller electric dipole moment. This challenges the long-held assumption that this dipole moment could help explain the excess of matter in the universe.
The Gemini Observatory has captured an exquisite image of the planetary nebula CVMP 1, also known as a celestial hourglass. This object is formed when a massive star undergoes a catastrophic explosion, leaving behind a hot core that energizes the ejected gases, causing them to glow and form the striking hourglass shape.
Researchers at W7-X facility demonstrate key step in overcoming plasma leakage problem in stellarators, validating optimized design that reduces neoclassical transport and improves heat control. The breakthrough enables high-performance stellarator designs to produce clean and safe fusion reactors.
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has developed new materials and manufacturing methods to create higher performing helmet padding that reduces the likelihood of head injury. The new padding consists of highly-tuned open-cell lattice structures, demonstrating a 27% increase in energy attenuation efficiency compared to existing foam pads.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed cobalt-based catalysts that improve heavy oil refinement by breaking down asphaltene-resinous compounds. The study found a decrease in asphaltenes' molecular masses and sulfur content, leading to improved oil viscosity.
Researchers have identified microscopic structures called cassiosomes in the mucus of upside-down jellyfish, which release a toxin-filled substance into the water. The discovery resolves the mystery of 'stinging water' and provides insight into the feeding strategy of these animals.
Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology propose a radically new biosensor design that could increase detector sensitivity many times over, making it suitable for mobile and wearable devices. The new layout aims to make biosensors easier to manufacture, cheaper, and more responsive.
Researchers developed a wirelessly powered, leadless pacemaker that can synchronize both sides of the heart, reducing complications associated with traditional pacemakers. The device has shown impressive clinical outcomes measures and is being further miniaturized for implantable use.
Researchers at University of Michigan developed nanoscale thermal switches that can control the flow of heat at the nanoscale. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize thermal management in devices such as transistors and diodes.
US Army scientists develop an experimental antibody cocktail that protects animals from Sudan virus, a closely related to Ebola. The treatment boosts the body's immune system to fight infection and provides protection in rhesus macaques.
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has announced a research affiliation with Shriners Hospitals for Children to study genetic orthopedic conditions in children. JAX scientists have also published papers on recombination and its role in meiosis and fertility, as well as the impact of microbiome diversity on skin health.
Researchers created an artificial electron transfer system by modifying a protein from bacteria, which can be used to produce medicines and biofuels. The system works by guiding electrons through short 'pit stops' made of heme molecules, allowing for more efficient energy transfer.
A recent Yale study found that people who recently used psychedelics report sustained improvements in mood and feelings of social connectedness. The study, which surveyed over 1,200 festival attendees, confirms previous laboratory research indicating psychedelic substances enhance mental well-being.
A new analysis of patients on heart pumps found that the newer generation device provides better treatment outcomes regardless of initial therapy goals. The study suggests that categorizing patients into distinct groups may not be necessary, and a single treatment goal of extending survival and improving quality of life could suffice.
EMBO has awarded nine researchers with Installation Grants to set up independent laboratories in the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants support young group leaders in establishing their labs in countries that struggle to compete scientifically with well-funded research centers.
A breakthrough study published in Science has deciphered a new way that gamma-delta T cells detect infections and cancers. The research team identified a key molecule, butyrophilin 2A1, which is present on the surface of these immune cells and binds to specific molecules on cancer cells.
Researchers develop a cost-effective laboratory device called ElectroPen, which applies short bursts of electricity to temporarily open cell walls. The device is built using inexpensive components, including a piezoelectric crystal taken from a butane lighter, and can be assembled in just 15 minutes.
Astronomers have identified overlapping bubbles of hydrogen gas ionized by the stars in early galaxies, providing direct evidence for the reionization of the universe. The earliest detected stars formed around 680 million years after the Big Bang and began to light up the cosmic dark ages.
Scientists developed nanoscale sensors to image and measure stresses and strains on materials under high pressures. The technology allows for a comprehensive measurement of six different stresses, enabling the discovery of new phases of matter with technological applications.
The MDI Biological Laboratory is expanding its SEPA program to assess seasonal variations of arsenic in well water. The program aims to improve public health and stimulate interest in STEM fields among secondary school students through citizen science engagement.
Researchers have developed a forecasting system using deep learning algorithms to predict shellfish toxicity, enabling the industry to prepare and adjust harvest timing. The system has shown high accuracy in predicting oncoming toxicity events, which can cause significant disruptions to the state's seafood industry.
Researchers have uncovered the nucleation process behind microbial shells' formation, revealing the role of protein building blocks and their interaction with environments. The study could help scientists design self-assembling nanostructures for various tasks.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and University College London discovered a key brain region that drives confirmation bias, where activity modulates decision-making and memory. The study found that people tend to favor information reinforcing their existing opinions over contradictory ones.
The NGC 5394/5 galaxies are engaging in a slow and intimate dance, fueled by their gravitational interactions. This process has already led to the coalescence of hydrogen gas into regions of star formation, resulting in the sparkling of new stars.
A recent study analyzing over 12,000 microbial genomes found that every cell is genetically unique, defying conventional species definitions. The Global Ocean Reference Genomes Tropics database provides insights into global distribution patterns and energy sources of ocean microbes.
A study led by Mary Robinson and Jinwen Chen found potential biomarkers of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) that could be used to enforce the ban on its use in horses within 10 days of a race. The researchers detected changes in five inflammatory factors, including TNF-? levels, up to three weeks after ESWT treatment.
Researchers have isolated six new biologically active compounds from a previously unknown strain of sea fungus Penicillium piltunense. The compounds have shown pronounced anti-inflammatory and herbicidal activity, which could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs and weed control chemicals. Fungi of the genus Penicilli...
A new study suggests that standardizing lab test turnaround times could improve patient care by reducing unnecessary STAT orders and increasing efficiency through automation. By cutting usual STAT time in half for most tests, facilities can reduce demand and provide faster results for critical tests.
HRL Laboratories' microlattice impact attenuator pads demonstrate up to 48% improved absorption efficiency over vinyl nitrile foam when impacted repeatedly. The unique open-celled structure of the microlattice allows for better airflow, resulting in a cooler wearing experience.
Researchers have developed elastic microlattice pads that can withstand both single hits and repeated impacts better than existing state-of-the-art foams. The new material absorbs up to 48% more energy efficiently compared to the top vinyl nitrile foam during repeated impacts.
Researchers found that minute facial sweating can measure stress during knowledge production, while presenting views to management is more stressful than producing them. The study also revealed that spell checkers save time in long writings and that neurotic individuals perform better with email distractions.
A new AI-driven approach can accurately classify single blood cells, improving leukemia diagnostics and reducing variability. The method, trained on over 20,000 images, was compared to human expert accuracy, showing comparable performance in identifying diagnostic blast cells.
Researchers developed a theory that sheds light on detonation formation at the heart of supernovae explosions, demonstrating the process using experiments and numerical simulations. The study predicts the conditions for detonation formation in Type Ia supernovae, providing insight into fundamental aspects of physical processes.
A new study published in Science reveals the critical criteria for driving a flame to self-generate turbulence and transition into detonation, applicable to both Type Ia supernovae and hypersonic jet propulsion. This discovery may aid the understanding of certain kinds of supernovae and potentially lead to advancements in air and space...
A team of international scientists has developed a new method for culturing primate embryos in the lab, allowing them to study early developmental processes for the first time. The breakthrough provides valuable insight into embryonic development and potentially informs approaches to advance regenerative medicine in humans.
The Politecnico di Milano has established two new laboratories, MINERVA and ATHENA, to study the microbiota-gut-brain axis. These labs will develop organ-on-a-chip devices that model in vitro the organs involved in this complex interaction.
IKBFU researchers have found that alder bark extracts contain high levels of polyphenols and antiradical activity, offering potential benefits for anti-aging and disease prevention. The study also reveals the presence of oregonin, a diarylheptanoid glycoside with anti-inflammatory and antimycotic properties.
Scientists have quantified the rate of Cas9-caused off-target mutagenesis in mice through whole-genome sequencing, revealing that guide RNA design can significantly reduce unwanted mutations. The study highlights the need for improved precision in gene editing, particularly in therapeutic applications.
Researchers are testing Maine seaweeds for potential dietary supplements to reduce methane emission by cattle. The project aims to find an algae-based feed that benefits both cow health and the environment.
A new test, COLD-PCR/FMCA, has been developed to diagnose and manage chronic hepatitis B with high sensitivity and precision. It can simultaneously assess several indicators important for optimal patient management, including HBV DNA, genotypes, and mutant DNA.
Astronomers have uncovered two historic events in the Andromeda Galaxy, with evidence suggesting major changes to its structure occurred a few billion years ago and much earlier. The findings provide insights into the evolution and formation of both the Andromeda Galaxy and our own Milky Way.
Researchers warn that stem cell therapies for shoulder and elbow injuries have far outpaced supporting scientific data, with many treatments still unproven. The clinical data for these treatments are currently limited, and a greater understanding of optimal formulations and dosing schedules is needed to determine their effectiveness.
Astrophysicists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have devised a new way to indirectly measure the mass of a black hole, testing it on the Messier 87 active galaxy. The method combines theoretical modeling, computer calculations, and telescope observations to estimate black hole mass and spin.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released a clinical guideline that helps healthcare providers identify appropriate tests to evaluate patients with suspected functional diarrhea. The guideline recommends considering fecal calprotectin or lactoferrin, testing for Giardia, and ruling out celiac disease.
A new study by the US Army Research Laboratory found that humans' confidence in robots decreases significantly after a mistake, regardless of transparency. Participants rated the unreliable robot as less trustworthy, likable, and safe than the reliable one.
Researchers created robots entirely from smaller robots called smarticles, unlocking a new locomotion technique. The smarticles can form structures and move in response to stimuli, allowing them to navigate mazes and even change their shapes.
Researchers have developed a new tool to detect non-Gaussian noise affecting qubits, which can cause decoherence and destroy their fragile quantum state. By analyzing the noise patterns, scientists hope to gain insights into microscopic mechanisms and develop more effective methods to protect qubits from specific types of noise.
Studies in mouse models reveal that deficiencies in ADAMTS13 and complement activation contribute to thrombotic microangiopathy, a potentially deadly condition. The findings may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies for patients with refractory thrombotic microangiopathy.
Researchers found that human languages convey information at a rate of roughly 39 bits per second, regardless of speech speed. The study compared 17 languages and measured speech rate and information density, showing that higher speech rates are matched by lower information densities.
The TAN conference brings together researchers from around the world to discuss the current state of research on heavy elements, including their chemical and physical properties. The conference features prominent scientists who have contributed to the discovery of new elements, including element 118, Oganesson.
Coffman's research will investigate the role of Klf9 in regulating stress response system using zebrafish as a model, with implications for understanding chronic disease and developing novel therapies. The grant aims to elucidate pathways governing stress response and create tools for future research.
Researchers catalogued plant surveillance tools to detect disease-causing microbes across an entire species, providing a blueprint for disease surveillance. The findings have major implications for agriculture and plant evolution, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity in understanding a plant's immune system.
A new study has mapped the primate brain's visual system organization, revealing that distinct types of cells may work differently than previously thought. The research found that specific regions of the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual pulvinar share the same type of connectivity with the cortex.
The project aims to develop a cutting-edge, DNA-based toolset to monitor aquatic life in coastal waters and support sustainable fisheries, protect vulnerable species, and manage climate change impacts. eDNA techniques will provide a comprehensive view of marine life and validate the approach as an important tool for ecosystem management.
Researchers have developed a soft and stretchable pump, eliminating tethers in soft robots. The pump uses an electrical field to circulate liquids, promising applications in exoskeletons, robotic clothing, and smart clothing.
German experimental economists conducted the largest laboratory experiment in economic research to date, refuting the theory that individuals lack motivation to participate in public goods due to negligible impact. The study found that visibility of mutual benefits is crucial for collective action in large groups. Cooperative decision-...
Researchers propose a new approach to correct artificial intelligence errors by leveraging high-dimensional brain insights. The GMT approach enables efficient correction without retraining the original system, reducing time and resources required.
A new study created lab mice by implanting embryos from laboratory animals into wild mice, resulting in a model that accurately predicts human response to drugs. This novel approach has the potential to improve translational research value for immunology, potentially preventing failed clinical trials.