News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
The IADR/AADR announced winners of the 2019 William J. Gies Awards for outstanding contributions to dental research, recognizing advances in biological, biomaterials and bioengineering, and clinical research categories. The awards honor publications in the Journal of Dental Research with significant impacts on oral health worldwide.
A team of researchers found an association between hip joint hypermobility and behavioral alterations in dogs, which may suggest a universal trait among mammals. The study suggests that joint hypermobility could be linked to anxiety disorders in animals, mirroring findings in humans.
Shunsuke Minakuchi, a Tokyo Medical & Dental University Professor, received the 2019 IADR Award for his research on geriatric oral health. He has published over 115 papers and was previously honored with the Neal Garrett Clinical Research Prize.
A study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that serotonin may play a role in heightened somatic awareness, a condition characterized by unexplained physical symptoms. Patients with this condition are more likely to develop chronic pain and have lower levels of serotonin in their blood.
Graham Ogden, Chair in Oral Surgery at the University of Dundee, Scotland, is recognized for his sustained peer-reviewed research on oral cancer. The award acknowledges his contributions to understanding the mechanisms governing oral health and disease.
Scott L. Tomar, a University of Florida professor, received the 2019 AADR Jack Hein Public Service Award for his efforts to understand and eliminate disparities in oral health and tobacco epidemiology. He has also made significant contributions to various reports on tobacco and public health, including those by the U.S. Surgeon General.
Dr. Julie Marchesan, a rising young researcher, is the recipient of the $10,000 AADR Anne D. Haffajee Fellowship to support women in oral biology research. The fellowship aims to increase female representation in science and academia.
Walter Siqueira, a renowned researcher, has been recognized with the 2019 Salivary Research Award for his groundbreaking work on salivary gland structure, secretion, and function. His contributions have significantly improved our understanding of oral health, and he continues to inspire new research in this field.
Researchers found that homing pigeons increase their wingbeat frequency by one extra beat per second when flying in pairs compared to solo. This is equivalent to Usain Bolt running at his usual speed while adding nearly one extra step per second.
The study identifies Bulbostylis paradoxa as a plant that rapidly regrows and flowers in the Brazilian savanna after a fire. This rapid response is a significant advantage for the plant, enabling it to flower, fructify, and disperse seeds before competitors arrive.
Biodiversity expert Dr. Díaz emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living organisms, stressing that land use changes pose the greatest threat to biodiversity. She advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability and praises her team's efforts in developing a comprehensive understanding of ecosystems.
The study used CT scans and 3D imaging to analyze cranium fossils of two extinct species, identifying adaptations and relationships with extant platyrrhine species. The results showed that C. bambuiorum is closely related to Ateles, Brachyteles, and Lagothrix, contradicting its initial classification.
A new study shows climate change led to the decline of Amazon communities, with those who adapted to their environment being less affected. Researchers analyzed pollen and charcoal remains, sediments, and archaeological evidence to understand the impact of changing weather patterns on these ancient societies.
Researchers and health organizations are urging a coordinated effort to develop operational procedures, including methods for identifying scabies prevalence in impacted countries. The goal is to reduce the burden of scabies-related illnesses such as rheumatic heart disease through mass drug administration strategies.
Researchers discovered a modified enzyme produced by fungus Trichoderma harzianum that increases glucose release from biomass for fermentation. The modified protein proved 300% more efficient than the wild-type enzyme in terms of glucose release, making it suitable for industrial application.
The Supergen ORE Hub has received an additional £4 million in EPSRC funding to expand its support for researchers across the UK. This investment will enable the creation of a collaborative approach to address technical, environmental and interdisciplinary challenges in the offshore renewable energy sector.
Research finds that global conflicts lead to high mental health disorders, affecting one in five people with severe anxiety and depression rates being five times higher than the rest of the world. The study highlights the impact of trauma, instability, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare on mental well-being.
The new framework helps government and industry organizations visualize their ability to out-maneuver attacks by scoring their agility. Researchers used a honeypot system to attract and analyze malicious traffic, allowing them to better understand how cyberattacks evolve over time.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's Rare As One Project aims to accelerate research and drive progress in the fight against rare diseases by providing funding, technology, and mentorship to patient-led organizations. The project will support up to $4.5 million in initial funding for capacity-building services and research networks.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program supports reporters in producing high-impact stories on aging topics. Since its inception in 2010, the program has published nearly 700 news stories, educating journalists about aging issues and disseminating information on new scientific findings.
A new study from Linköping University found that dogs and their owners share similar stress levels, with high-stress owners having high-stress dogs. The study examined 25 border collies and 33 Shetland sheepdogs and found no correlation between dog personality traits and stress levels.
Research groups investigate KaiA and KaiC proteins' interplay to generate circadian oscillation in cyanobacteria. They find that KaiC degrades ATP within its ring structure, triggering the 'fishing a line' mechanism.
A study found that brain activity related to auditory perception parallels heart rate, suggesting that stress-induced changes in heart rate may impair auditory perception. Researchers suggest that vagus nerve activation by electrical stimulation could improve auditory perception and treat attention and communication disorders.
A study reveals that freshwater stingray toxins vary among individuals of the same species, with young female venom causing more pain than adult male venom. Adult rays' venom is more effective at producing tissue necrosis, a deadly effect for small fish and crustaceans.
A new research collaboration aims to develop detection and monitoring devices for smartphones and wearables, enabling real-time health data collection and improving health outcomes. The partnership will create state-of-the-art personal medical devices that can measure a wide range of biomarkers.
Plan Universal proposes funding organizations require preprint posting for supported researchers. This would increase accessibility and speed up research by allowing experts to build on others' work quickly.
Researchers at the University of Wollongong have discovered that iron-doping Sb2Te3 creates multiple response frequencies, reduces carrier density and mobility. This finding is crucial for informing future use in low-energy electronics.
Researchers found that a specific gene, Fads2, helps marine stickleback synthesize DHA, essential for development and health. The ability to utilize this nutrient determines where fish colonize freshwater habitats.
Scientists investigated satellite data collections for burned areas in the Cerrado biome, improving Brazil's space research output. The study refined data to provide more precise information on burned areas, including emissions and land use patterns.
Joanne Zhang, co-founder of life sciences startup Phytoption LLC, has been chosen to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in June. The event brings together top entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world to share knowledge and opportunities.
Researchers have confirmed the accuracy of older depictions of fan-shaped auroras using centuries-old drawings and modern spectral image data. The team also gained insight into how these rare phenomena appear in the sky and to the human eye. Next, they plan to simulate the effects of space weather on outer atmospheres during fan-shaped...
The AccessLab project enables broader access to scientific research through direct citizen-scientist pairings. Community groups and artists have benefited from the initiative, which exposes science researchers to accessibility challenges and promotes inclusive publishing.
Research published in BMJ Open reveals India's total health workforce density is estimated to be 29 per 10,000 population, but only 16 for trained workers. The study found an alarmingly large presence of unqualified health professionals, with 20% of doctors lacking required qualifications.
Engagement in extracurricular activities, such as student clubs, enhances analytical skills, leading to improved academic performance and higher job success. The study reveals a positive correlation between involvement in research, creative activities, and critical thinking development.
Researchers discovered that high pressure deep inside the young Earth may have driven vast stores of carbon into its core, while water ice undergoes complex crystalline metamorphosis under extreme conditions. The findings provide clues about how Earth-like planets are built and could be useful for studying worlds with icy surfaces.
Researchers from Baylor Scott & White's Center for Esophageal Research will discuss their groundbreaking research on Barrett's Esophagus and Eosinophilic Esophagitis. The center is conducting innovative, translational research to advance understanding of esophageal diseases and improve treatment for patients.
The Estonian e-residency program mainly benefits citizens from digitally advanced countries, while those from less developed countries apply for practical reasons. The study highlights the need for further analysis on the potential digital divides and inequalities related to e-residency
Researchers found that overweight adolescents have similar increased risks of developing heart disorders as obese teenagers. Cardiovascular fitness tests with boys and girls aged 10-17 showed no significant difference in heart rate variability between the two groups.
A study suggests that low plasma levels of PDIA1, an enzyme involved in protein disulfide isomerization, are associated with a higher risk of thrombosis. Researchers found no correlation between PDIA1 levels and well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
DGIST and CNR-ITAE agreed on a memorandum of understanding to share energy research information and promote human resource exchanges. The two institutions will focus on sustainable energy applications and technology-intensive energy use.
Researchers used cognitive dysfunction tests and analysis of drug use patterns to identify patients at high risk of relapse after treatment. The study suggests that a revised classification system may be needed to better predict vulnerability to relapse.
Research suggests that optimized work schedules can lead to less stress, better patient care, and reduced turnover in nursing homes. The study found that facilities using the 'Work-Life Needs' method showed a link between improved scheduling and fewer pressure ulcers in patients.
Researchers used machine learning to predict mechanical properties of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), which could be used for water extraction, gas storage, and hydrogen fuel cells. The results enable faster material characterization and design at the molecular scale.
Transplanting islets of Langerhans into mice reveals early autoimmune markers of type 1 diabetes, allowing for intervention before beta cell destruction. The study's findings offer hope for developing new drugs and clinical transplantation strategies to prevent damage.
Research by University of Illinois professor M. Teresa Cardador found that employees perceive their labor unions as supportive, leading to enhanced work meaningfulness and psychological benefits. This association persists even among those who don't strongly identify with the union.
A new study from Binghamton University reveals that countries with more memberships to international organizations experience a decline in the quality of their government. This is true regardless of whether they are influential or less powerful organizations.
A team of researchers developed a soft-bodied robot, LEeCH, inspired by land leeches that can climb vertical walls and transition to the other side. The robot's flexible body structure allows it to bend and elongate like a leech, enabling it to navigate complex terrain and obstacles.
Scientists at University of Cambridge developed tiny gold particles to create smallest pixels yet, a million times smaller than smartphone pixels, for large-scale flexible displays. These colour-changing pixels can be applied to building-sized screens, reducing production cost and enabling sustainable technologies.
Theoretical and experimental investigations confirm the Marcus hopping model for electronic transport in organic films. The study verifies the 'inverted Marcus regime' where higher voltage generates lower current, improving understanding of organic devices.
Protein shapes are crucial for determining their role and effectiveness in the body. Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method to map and classify 3D surface shapes of proteins, which will aid in understanding protein structures and functions.
Rainer Hedrich's new project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying frequency-dependent decision making in Dionaea, using mutants with disturbed stimuli transmission. The researcher hopes to determine the cellular basis for counting and decision-making in plants.
The AGA Research Foundation Awards Program has selected 52 promising researchers to receive funding, including 88% who are early-career investigators. The awardees will support clinical research and studies in gastroenterology and hepatology, with a focus on improving patient care and outcomes.
Researchers investigate Haumea's ring, suggesting a degree of eccentricity is required for resonance to act on particles. They identify stable, circular orbits compatible with the ring, contradicting previous assumptions.
A genomic tour-de-force identifies two extinct lineages and suggests speed was only selected for recently in horse evolution. The study sheds light on the complex history of horses, highlighting their diverse past and its impact on conservation and breeding practices.
Researchers are developing novel derivatives of glucagon to improve rescue kits for hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The new solutions aim to enable easy delivery methods like an EpiPen-like device and potentially intranasal delivery.
Researchers identify brain areas where flexible sensory integration takes place, including the parietal lobe and frontal lobe. The study's findings could be useful for understanding diseases affecting sensory processing, such as autism.
Researchers developed a new class of anti-ice surfaces called low interfacial toughness (LIT) materials, which can shed ice from large areas with minimal force. LIT materials work by causing cracks to form easily beneath the ice, allowing it to readily dislodge.
Scientists have traced a prehistoric eruption to the lesser-known volcano Campi Flegrei in Naples, which dated back 29,000 years. The research, published in Geology, used computer models and sediment cores to identify the ash layer's origin.
Researchers at TU Graz have made breakthroughs in super-battery research, finding ways to minimise the negative effects of singlet oxygen on redox mediators. They discovered a suitable quencher, DABCOnium, which transforms singlet oxygen into harmless triplet oxygen.
Researchers found that mechanically stretched carbon nanotubes can extract heat efficiently, making them a promising material for cooling flexible electronic devices. This technology could be an efficient alternative to traditional vapor-compression refrigerators, reducing ozone depletion and global warming.