News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a proton trap that reduces protons' impact on drug dosage accuracy. This innovation aims to minimize side effects and increase effectiveness of organic electronic ion pumps in treating neurological diseases.
A Purdue University team developed a patented extraction method to separate mucilage from chia seeds, yielding a protein-rich flour with improved bioactivity. This method allows for more efficient processing of chia seeds for nutritional and pharmaceutical uses, potentially slowing signs of aging.
A team of scientists used virtual anatomy techniques to examine a 400-million-year-old fossil, discovering an unexpectedly modern inner ear structure that challenges previous assumptions about placoderm evolution. The findings suggest a possible link between ancient platypus fish and modern jawed vertebrates.
Researchers found that fact-checking labels, when attached to online news headlines, are more effective when shown immediately after participants read the headlines. This approach reduced people's misclassification of those headlines by 25.3 percent, compared to 8.6 percent and 5.7 percent with other timing methods.
A new study from Japan's National Institute of Polar Research has improved regional climate models using in-situ weather data collected over the Chukchi Sea. The research team found discrepancies between models in capturing cloud microphysics and sea surface energy budgets, highlighting the need for model improvement.
Charitable organizations can benefit from soliciting donations immediately after price promotions. By targeting consumers who have participated in promotions and focusing on the amount of money saved, organizations can optimize their donation appeals.
A new study led by Universität Bayreuth researchers found that future climate-related species extinction could be less severe than predictions based only on current global warming trends. The research team used palaeobiological and climate science models to investigate how long-term temperature trends and short-term changes affect spec...
A research group found that cats use silver vine to repel mosquitoes due to its chemical defense properties. Nepetalactol activates a nervous system response in cats, which helps them transfer the substance to their fur for protection.
Brazilian researchers estimate a 35% reduction in physical activity and a 28% increase in sedentary behavior during the initial months of pandemic confinement. This could result in an annual increase of over 11 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and more than 1.7 million deaths.
A new framework combines DRL and curriculum learning to enable mobile robots to navigate quickly while avoiding collisions. The framework is proven to achieve the highest success rate in training and validation processes, making it valuable for various fields requiring fast but safe navigation.
The spinoff Lucid Technologies is developing a computer program to streamline film post-production, automatically improving films' aesthetic appearance. The company's first product aims to complete the entire technical grade process automatically, saving time and money for professionals.
Researchers at University of Exeter found that male Drosophila simulans flies with certain genital shapes produced more offspring. Surprisingly, despite rapid evolution of genital form, selection on this trait was relatively weak.
A study by São Paulo State University reveals that large fruit-eating mammals like peccaries and tapirs increase soil nitrogen levels, making areas more fertile for plants. This boosts plant growth, supporting the ecosystem, particularly in tropical forests.
Researchers found that choosing suppliers based on project characteristics can minimize significant cost overruns. The study's findings suggest that prioritizing supplier selection over pricing can lead to substantial cost savings.
Purdue Research Foundation and Tilson will create a neutral host technology infrastructure platform, enabling rapid deployment of 5G capabilities from multiple providers. The neutral host deployment will enable innovators to test and evaluate new technologies, including IoT, AI, edge computing, and big data.
Scientists are using brain recordings, flight analyses, and computational modeling to uncover the neural mechanisms behind insect decision-making. The study aims to inform autonomous robotics, computational neuroscience, and other fields by understanding how insects utilize movement to simplify information sampling.
A new framework measures nitrogen loss across a wide variety of crops and food products, revealing significant differences between crops and livestock. The research highlights the importance of dietary change and economic incentives to reduce nitrogen loss and promote sustainable agriculture.
Analysis of upward flashes suggests a possible explanation for the formation of luminous structures after electrical discharges split in the atmosphere. The study found that a low-luminosity discharge with a structure resembling a paintbrush may change direction, split in two, and define the path of the lightning flash.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed efficient blue light-emitting diodes based on mixed halide perovskites, achieving stable emission in the deep blue to sky blue range. The new LEDs are made using the vapour-assisted crystallisation technique and exhibit an energy efficiency of up to 11%.
A recent study from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging reveals that tissue stiffness significantly impacts the innate immune system, contributing to the development of chronic diseases. The research suggests that cellular tension sets off an inflammatory loop, which may be targeted by new force-targeting immunotherapies.
New small antibodies, called nanobodies, have been developed to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus from entering human cells. The research found that a combined nanobody had exceptional effectiveness in blocking the virus' ability to spread between human cells.
Researchers have uncovered new functions of integrin and talin, a cytoskeletal protein that regulates cell adhesion and migration. The study's findings provide insights into the activation of integrins mediated by talin, essential for various cancers.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed four nanobodies that effectively target the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, offering a promising therapeutic option. These nanobodies can be produced in large quantities and are less likely to cause unwanted complications, making them an attractive alternative to traditional antibodies.
Research reveals a significant drop in people seeking help for mental illness and self-harm during the first UK lockdown, with treatment gaps greatest for working-age individuals and those from deprived areas. The study found that anxiety disorders decreased by 47.8% and antidepressant prescriptions dropped by 36.4%.
The study found that almost half of people undergoing treatment when the pandemic began reported using some form of telemedicine. Researchers also noted that use of telehealth for behavioral health conditions was lower among women, older adults, and those with less than a high school education.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a sustainable polymer using xylose, with applications in polyurethane, bio-medicine, and batteries. The polymer's properties can be easily controlled to make it flexible or crystalline.
A new study published in the Journal of Marketing suggests that salespeople should balance advocacy for the seller with advocacy for the customer. The research team found that high levels of both customer and seller advocacy lead to superior outcomes for both firms. Sellers are advised to encourage salesperson dual agency to their adva...
Two ERC-funded innovation projects will develop nanometric sensors for brain surgery and flexible X-ray detectors for medical imaging. The projects aim to reduce damages and improve efficiency in healthcare and industrial non-destructive testing.
Researchers at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg aim to understand brain cognitive potential, variability, and neurobiological processes that prevent full utilization. The goal is to develop interventions improving cognitive performance in healthy individuals and those with hidden disease processes.
Researchers from Waseda University create a way to transform logical Ising models into physically implementable ones with lower bit widths. This approach uses auxiliary spins to achieve the desired transformation without changing the solution.
The California Walnut Commission has partnered with the American Heart Association to fund early career scientists studying the health benefits of walnut consumption. The joint funding initiative aims to advance knowledge about the effects of walnuts on public health outcomes.
A research team studied processing speed deficits in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and found similar brain activation patterns with older healthy individuals. The study suggests that SCI individuals compensate for processing speed deficits by relying on executive control and memory areas of the brain.
Researchers used VR simulations to study goalkeepers' ability to stop free kicks, finding that defensive walls can block their view and impair performance. The study suggests that VR simulations could be useful in other sports, such as soccer.
Researchers discovered multiple mechanisms for atomization of fluids from rotatory instruments in dental procedures, allowing for controlled emissions. Eliminating pre-misting and using low rotation speeds resulted in significant reductions in small droplets.
A joint Anglo-German research project will analyze the practice of translation in cultural magazines from 1945-1965. The project aims to understand how these magazines used translated texts to forge new European identities, and explore the significance of translation in reconfiguring a vision of Europe after WWII.
A research group at Graz University of Technology is developing an interactive and adaptive health information system that uses machine learning and cognitive psychology to provide personalized content. The system aims to improve doctor-patient communication, enhance health literacy, and make decisions beneficial to users' health.
A Brazilian researcher conducted an experimental study of electron-plasma interactions, simulating plasma conditions in a vacuum using short electromagnetic waves. The study found that electrons transfer energy to the wave and then receive energy from it, with non-linear effects occurring at high electric current values.
The University of Göttingen has been awarded a new Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) to analyze experimental data using mathematical modelling and analysis. The CRC will focus on extracting meaningful information from noisy data in various natural sciences fields.
Researchers developed a novel spectroelectrochemical cell to study electrolyte behavior, improve fuel cell performance, and analyze catalyst efficiency. The device can perform in situ infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption/diffraction analysis.
Dr. Tonya Vitova and Professor Laurent Schmalen are awarded ERC Consolidator Grants to study actinide bonds and develop energy-efficient communication technology. Their projects aim to improve the environmental behavior of actinides and reduce complexity and energy consumption in communication systems.
Researchers found that applying an ultra-thin layer of organic film from markers or glue significantly improves the machinability of metals like aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, copper, and tantalum. This discovery reduces cutting forces, energy consumption, and manufacturing costs.
A 22-year study of red squirrels in the Yukon found that living near familiar neighbors increases survival and reproductive success. The benefits were especially pronounced in older squirrels, who could offset aging by maintaining all their neighbors.
Researchers at UNICAMP conducted over 120 experiments to model Mars' long, slow-moving barchan dunes. They identified five basic types of interaction between the dunes, including chasing and merging mechanisms.
Research analyzing England's early-adopter councils found that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies resulted in habitat losses despite promises of net gains, with lower-quality habitats being compensated for higher-quality ones years later.
The Innovation Partners Institute at Purdue University has launched a new technology tool, KeepOthersSafe, to help organizations monitor COVID symptoms, track test results, and connect users to support tools. The app uses interactive questions to reinforce healthy behaviors based on CDC guidelines.
A Finnish study of 1,449 participants found that those with better midlife heart health scores had a lower risk of dementia later in life. Maintaining lifelong cardiovascular health behaviors may reduce dementia risk, according to the findings.
Dr Peter Garraghan aims to unshackle ICT systems from growing energy demand with a new approach to sustainability. He will develop a system that can dynamically reconfigure its components to operate within limited renewable energy targets.
Researchers developed a wearable device called Biomechanics Sensor Node that captures user data and controls virtual environments. The system stimulates sensory systems, especially sight and hearing, to intensify central nervous system information input and output.
A new research group at the University of Oldenburg is studying subsurface processes on North Sea beaches with high waves and strong tides. The team aims to assess the importance of these underground habitats for coastal ecosystems and global carbon, nutrient, and trace element cycling.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed a new class of magnetic materials that enable faster information transfer. They were able to transmit and process information in a standard antiferromagnetic insulator at room temperature over long distances, raising the prospect of ultra-fast spintronic devices.
The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded €655 million in Consolidator Grants to 327 researchers, including 37% of female applicants. These grants will fund research projects across Europe, creating over 2000 jobs and addressing topics such as patent-free medicines, viral pandemics, and elephants' long pregnancies.
Researchers recreated a 700-year record of Southern Hemisphere westerly winds using sediment cores. The study found that winds intensified and migrated poleward during warm periods, which is likely to continue with climate warming.
Researchers found that some caterpillars have bodies covered with molecules identical to those of the plants they inhabit, making them 'invisible' to ants. Others produce a caloric reward for ants to coexist, demonstrating a form of chemical mimicry and potential adaptive advantage.
The team successfully scaled down MTJs to 2.3 nm diameter, exhibiting high data retention properties and low-voltage write operation. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of ultrahigh-density, low-power memory for IoT, AI, and automobiles.
An international research team led by Professor Jonathan Roberge has been awarded a $2.4 million grant to explore the sociological implications of artificial intelligence. The project, titled "Shaping 21st Century AI", will analyze debates around AI in four countries and examine how it is perceived as a problem or solution.
A novel harmonization method was used to develop a generalizable brain network marker for major depressive disorder (MDD), based on resting-state fMRI data. The marker achieved approximately 70% generalization accuracy for an independent validation dataset, demonstrating its potential for clinical applications.
The VARIPath project aims to develop a 'crystal ball' for predicting disease progression in viral respiratory tract infections. Researchers will analyze virus evolution and host immune response characteristics using high-throughput sequencing techniques. This could lead to personalized treatment strategies and improved prognosis.
Researchers found that red propolis extract was more effective in reducing parasite load and killing helminths than the only available drug, praziquantel. Red propolis also blocked reproduction and oviposition, making it a promising alternative treatment for schistosomiasis.
Researchers review factors contributing to disconnect between created and utilized marketing data, highlighting overlooked sources for growth opportunities. The study explores the potential of biometric and social network data to support customer acquisition, relationship development, and retention.
Researchers are using artificial intelligence to analyze COVID-19 patient data from multiple healthcare institutions, identifying trends and connections to improve treatment outcomes. The initiative aims to accelerate global collaborative research on COVID-19 and develop new treatments.