News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Research by Technical University of Munich shows that faster-growing bacteria are more likely to die when deprived of food, highlighting the balance between growth and survivability in bacterial fitness. The study may lead to improved effectiveness of antibiotics by stimulating intestinal bacteria growth.
Adranos has obtained significant funding from the US Army to develop and test its ALITEC solid rocket fuel in hypersonic research. The technology is expected to increase firing range for both traditional solid rocket motors and air-breathing systems, maximizing end-to-end system performance.
Researchers at Purdue University have created an image- and video-based application using OpenCV algorithms that detects suspensible dust concentration, allowing employers to take safety measures before explosive atmospheres form.
Researchers at McMaster University isolated genes that cause some people to gain muscle while others don't through a novel experiment. A set of 141 genes regulates skeletal muscle growth, and isolating these genes may help target lifestyle and drug therapies to prevent muscle loss in older individuals.
Researchers advocate photodynamic therapy as an additional treatment for COVID-19 patients to combat secondary infections. The technique uses light and a photosensitizing chemical substance to kill microorganisms in the respiratory tract, potentially improving prognosis and reducing transmission.
The Purdue team created a fully implantable radio-frequency transmitter chip that consumes the lowest amount of energy per digital bit published to date. It enables real-time biophysiological data monitoring for conditions like glaucoma and heart disease, eliminating the need for batteries or frequent recharging.
Researchers successfully demonstrated that interlayer coupling in a van der Waals material can be largely modulated by a protonic gate. This discovery opens the way to exciting new uses of vdW materials with potential applications in high-temperature devices and 2D multiferroics.
A research group from the University of Bologna developed a new protocol that combines fear conditioning with neurostimulation to modify aversive memories. Participants who underwent TMS sessions showed reduced psycho-physiological responses to unpleasant stimuli, indicating successful alteration of fear memory persistence.
Researchers analyzed 884 fungal samples from 16 hospitals worldwide to identify clusters of genetically identical strains, suggesting the presence of more virulent and drug-resistant varieties. The study highlights the importance of monitoring hospital infection control protocols and finding effective therapies to combat Candidemia.
A new technique using a Gandolfi x-ray diffraction camera allows for faster and cheaper identification of Antarctic micrometeorites while conserving more sample material. The method was tested on small rock samples containing olivine and pyroxene, showing promising results.
New research in INFORMS journal Management Science suggests that organizations with safe workplaces have lower odds of survival. Employers who don't prioritize worker safety may gain an economic advantage by reducing costs and increasing productivity. The study analyzed data from 100,000 organizations across 25 years in Oregon.
A Brown University researcher found that nearly 14% of anti-climate action press releases received major national news coverage, compared to about 7% of pro-climate messages. The study suggests that this unequal coverage may contribute to public disengagement on climate change.
Researchers have created an optical fiber made of agar derived from marine algae that is edible, biocompatible and biodegradable. The fiber can be used for body structure imaging, localized light delivery, and localized drug delivery in various medical applications.
Research reveals that passionate and gritty players outperform others in football, with a strong correlation between player feelings and coach perceptions. While positive mindset is also important, it's not enough to guarantee success without passion and grit.
A new study found that a wider range of temperatures can improve health satisfaction and reduce cardiorespiratory conditions in healthy individuals. However, for vulnerable populations, a narrower temperature range may be safer. The researchers suggest a balance between temperature variety and protection from extreme temperatures.
Researchers at Purdue University developed self-powered wearable devices that can monitor cardiovascular health using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and transform mechanical energy into power. These devices have the potential to be non-invasive, personalized, and cost-effective for detecting common heart diseases.
A new, lightweight device has been developed to aid stroke patients in their rehabilitation, improving walking abilities and preventing falls. The device uses a spring-cam mechanism to generate greater ankle push-off power, aiding knee flexion during walking and reducing the risk of falls.
Researchers discover that alcohol activates microglia in the brain, altering geometry and increasing dopamine diffusion, which may promote addiction. This study provides a new understanding of alcohol's effects on the brain and suggests potential treatments.
A recent study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) found that one-third of ridesourcing trips potentially substitute for public transit. The substitution effect varies by location, with higher rates in city centers and suburban areas, but the study suggests that ridesharing amplifies existing digital divides.
A multidisciplinary group of Indigenous scholars, including professors and graduate students from Canada and the US, met in Hawai'i to brainstorm how Indigeneity intersects with AI. Their completed position paper offers diverse perspectives on what AI means and offers to Indigenous peoples, challenging long-held assumptions about Weste...
Researchers develop Proteus, a lightweight material that turns back the force of cutting tools upon itself, making it resistant to angle grinders, drills, and high-pressure water jets. The unique structure of ceramic spheres encased in cellular aluminium creates an interlocking, vibrational connection that repulses any attack.
Researchers have successfully created supramolecular poly-catenanes through molecular self-assembly, forming hierarchical structures composed of interconnected rings. The nano-poly[n]catenanes exhibit unprecedented physical properties and potential applications in molecular machines and active materials.
A Japanese research group led by Professor Shiki Yagai has successfully created polycatenanes, self-assembled molecule rings that can be observed under a microscope. By using atomic force microscopy, they confirmed the structure of poly[22]catenane made up of as many as 22 connected rings, reaching up to 500 nm in length.
A team of scientists from the University of Warwick has discovered a white dwarf star that survived a partial thermonuclear supernova explosion. The star, SDSS J1240+6710, is traveling at an incredible velocity of 900,000 km/h and has a low mass consistent with the loss of mass during the explosion.
Researchers at The Rosalind Franklin Institute have engineered llama antibodies that can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, blocking its entry into human cells. These nanobodies show promise as a potential treatment for patients with severe COVID-19.
Researchers have developed a new analytical approach called single-cell higher-order testing (scHOT) that enables the study of broad changes in gene behavior within human tissue. The method has been successfully tested on mice and identified novel pairs of genes that co-vary in expression, providing insights into neurodevelopmental dis...
Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg have successfully determined the structure of ferritin using an affordable electron cryo-microscope, achieving resolutions comparable to expensive equipment. This method enables collaboration on structural analysis of samples with medical and biotechnological potential.
A recent study from the University of Bath found that cigarette sales declined sharply in the UK after standardized packaging was introduced, with a 12-20 million monthly decrease. The researchers suggest this decline is a result of both the reduced appeal of premium brands and the increased tax on cheaper cigarettes.
A research team at the University of Warwick has developed a single-pixel terahertz imaging technology that reaches 100 times faster acquisition than the previous state-of-the-art. This breakthrough enables potential use in biomedical and industrial applications, including non-invasive security and medical screening.
A team of scientists has found that iron-platinum thin films exhibit minimal expansion when heated, making them suitable for HAMR memories. The discovery was made using ultrashort X-ray pulses to measure the crystal lattice's response to laser excitation.
Researchers found that chatbots can provide reliable guidance to those with COVID-19 symptoms, easing the burden on medical providers. When users trust the provider of the screening hotline, they view chatbots more positively than human agents.
The discovery of the DRIK1 protein has opened up new avenues for developing more drought-resistant plants. By identifying a synthetic molecule that binds to the protein, researchers aim to breed plants with naturally reduced or inhibited activity, reducing losses related to climate change.
Researchers used a new method to understand how corals' symbiotic algae respond to warmer temperatures. They found thermally tolerant algae adopt a 'shelter-in-place' strategy, storing fats and carbohydrates to persist through stress.
SpeechVive, a Purdue University-affiliated medical device company, has secured a convertible note to scale its business and expand access to its wearable device for treating Parkinson's disease. The funding will allow the company to pursue reimbursement from Medicare and commercial insurance companies.
The European Research Council has announced its first ERC Public Engagement with Research Awards, recognizing three winners who made an effort to engage audiences beyond the scientific community. Prof. Anna Davies from Trinity College Dublin won for her SHARECITY project, exploring urban food-sharing practices through online and social...
Scientists in the UK are developing a standardized system for detecting coronavirus in wastewater, which could provide an early warning of future outbreaks. The system aims to reduce reliance on costly testing and help contain the spread of infection by identifying hotspots.
A specific change in the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus virus genome, D614G, makes a small but effective change in the virus's 'Spike' protein, increasing its infectivity in cell culture. The variant has become the prevalent form globally, with tracking data showing its emergence in every geographic level.
A new COVID-19 strain with the D614G mutation has become the globally dominant form, according to a recent study published in Cell. The variant is more infectious in cell cultures under laboratory conditions, leading to higher viral loads in patients with Covid-19.
A small variation in the novel coronavirus has made it fitter, resulting in a higher viral load, but does not make it more deadly. The G version of the virus dominates cases worldwide, suggesting it may be more transmissible.
Scientists developed a new experimental approach to study chemistry at very low temperatures, revealing specific molecular properties and providing more accurate theories. The approach uses laser-excited molecules in the same direction, allowing for a better understanding of molecular interactions.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a more sustainable and greener method for producing composite boards by utilizing non-food-based biomass such as wood chips or rice straw. The new process reduces the use of formaldehyde-based resin binders, posing significant health hazards in consumer products.
A Brazilian biotech startup is developing a low-cost, high-performance COVID-19 diagnostic test using only locally sourced inputs. The test uses a cell-free protein synthesis technology to accelerate and optimize protein production processes.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed new sulfur polymers that provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrochemical-based plastics. The polymers, which can be recycled easily, exhibit shape-memory effects and can be self-repaired within minutes, opening up potential applications in soft robot...
Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a computational tool tracking COVID-19 growth rates across over 200 countries. The 'COVID-19 accelerometer' plots real-time growth curves to assess the effectiveness of public policies aimed at containing the pandemic.
The SeaBee project will develop a national centre for state-of-the-art environmental research, mapping, and monitoring of Norway's coasts using drones, machine learning, and novel cloud storage solutions. This will enable better understanding and management of the country's coastal environment.
Researchers found that fish eggs can survive gut passage in ducks, with 0.2% of eggs intact after 24 hours. This process may play a key role in the dispersal of invasive fish species, such as Prussian carp, across wide geographic areas.
University of Arkansas researchers have developed a diversity intelligence scale that measures leaders' knowledge, education, and behaviors related to protected class employees. The scale aims to improve diversity, inclusion, and equity within organizations, reduce labor lawsuits, and prevent equal employment opportunity complaints.
The Solo 8 robot, designed by NYU Tandon and Max Planck Institute, is a low-cost, easy-to-assemble quadruped that can be upgraded and modified. It enables researchers to perform complex actions like walking, jumping, and navigating terrain, making sophisticated robotics available to all.
A novel wearable patch has been developed to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs directly to melanoma sites, providing a more sustainable and long-lasting treatment experience. The patch uses biocompatible silicon nanoneedles that dissolve in tissue fluids, reducing toxicity and side effects associated with conventional treatments.
Scientists have identified a substance called Neuropeptide Y (Npy) in the kidney's filtering unit, which sends harmful signals causing proteinuria. Blocking this pathway with medical intervention may lead to new treatments for chronic kidney disease.
Monash researchers have successfully applied 'magic angle' twistronics to control the flow of light in extreme ways. By stacking two thin sheets of molybdenum-trioxide and rotating one layer, they observed controllable light waves over a wide range of wavelengths, enabling robust light propagation in tightly focused beams.
Six Purdue University researchers received $212,845 from the Trask Innovation Fund to support their patented innovations in life science and physical sciences. The funding will aid faculty and staff with commercialization efforts through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.
The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has developed the free Environmental Planner tool (E-Planner) to help farmers make informed decisions on agri-environment options. The tool assesses suitability of unproductive land for four interventions, including pollinator habitats and woodland creation.
A research team has discovered a novel cobalt compound with a low molecular weight, allowing it to be evaporated at high temperatures without decomposition. The compound's unique geometry enables an unusual spin configuration of ½, making it a promising candidate for ultra-thin layer applications.
A study published in Cognition found that 14-month-old infants expect to communicate with others who speak the same language, and that their environment influences these expectations. Infants from bilingual environments were more likely to predict successful communication across languages.
A statistical physics model demonstrates how environmental noise affects evolutionary cooperation between cellular components, leading to low dimensionality and robustness. The study suggests that a moderate level of noise enables the evolution of complex systems.
A new study reveals that deep water masses in the eastern Mediterranean can reach up to 70% of the western basin, contradicting classic hypotheses. The research uses rare earth elements and neodymium isotopes as conservative tracers to reconstruct the oceanographic structure of the Mediterranean basins.
A Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) project uses CRISPR tools to target and destroy the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome in cells, potentially providing a new therapeutic approach. The researchers will test the functionality and non-toxicity of CRISPR reagents in zebrafish embryos before moving on to human viruses and infected cells.
The OPTIMUSCLOUD system uses machine learning and data science principles to develop algorithms that optimize virtual machine selection and database management system options. This results in significant cost savings for cloud vendors and clients alike.
A recent study found that the international trade in timber, tobacco, cocoa, coffee, and cotton significantly contributes to malaria risk in countries with deforestation hotspots. The research linked over 10% of malaria cases to demand from developed countries for these commodities.