News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found lower brain connectivity in 'night owls' compared to morning larks, leading to poorer attention, slower reactions and increased sleepiness. This can be particularly problematic for those forced to fit into a societal 9-5 working day that doesn't align with their natural rhythms.
Researchers at Tallinn University of Technology developed a method to remove antibiotic residues from wastewater using metal-doped organic aerogels. The most effective material was found to be nickel-doped aerogel, which showed excellent adsorbent properties and photocatalytic degradation capabilities.
A new approach using environmental big data helps identify effective conservation methods for managing natural capital, including forests and ponds. The study shows that measures to reduce chemicals used by farmers will be particularly effective in protecting freshwater environments in northern Britain.
A new £35 million research network, SUSTAIN, aims to transform the UK steel sector by making it cleaner, greener, and smarter. The project will focus on two areas: zero waste iron and steelmaking and smart steel processing.
Japanese scientists confirm the role of radiation belt electrons in ionizing the deep atmosphere during auroral breakups. The research provides new insights into the phenomenon, revealing a higher energy level than previously assumed.
A new intervention has successfully encouraged couples in a rural South African area to undergo HIV testing. The Uthando Lwethu program improved communication skills and relationship dynamics, leading to higher HIV-testing rates compared to a control group.
Researchers at CRAG have discovered that chloroplasts play a key role in regulating the shade avoidance syndrome in plants, allowing them to optimize photosynthesis. This discovery has important implications for improving crop productivity without increasing land use.
The UK has invested £446 million in CDTs, which will equip the next generation of doctoral level researchers with skills needed for tackling global challenges. Industry partners have also contributed £386 million, with 1,400 project partners involved in the programme.
A study published in Current Biology found that participants could reactivate associations formed between foreign words and their translations during a midday nap. The brain's active states supported the retrieval of these sleep-formed associations, suggesting that learning can occur independently of consciousness.
Researchers at RCSI have developed a new treatment for osteomyelitis using a copper-rich glass implant. The implant attracts blood vessels and bone cells, accelerating bone repair and preventing bacterial growth. This breakthrough treatment has the potential to reduce antibiotic use and improve outcomes for patients with bone infections.
A study of 223 restaurant meals in six countries found 94% exceed recommended daily calorie intake. Popular meals like Brazil's rice and chicken dish contain up to 1656 kcal.
Researchers have identified key parameters influencing electrical conductivity in doped organic conductors, enabling further increases in performance. The study reveals molecular complexes with oppositely charged molecules play a crucial role in determining electrical conductivity levels.
Pol Besenius will develop fully synthetic vaccines using modular molecular building blocks to overcome stability and shelf life issues. The SUPRAVACC project aims to create immunological protection against bacterial diseases and anti-tumor vaccines.
A new study found that physically active men with a high waist-stature ratio are more likely to develop heart disorders than those with lower ratios. The researchers suggest that the waist-stature ratio is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than body mass index.
A NYU Tandon-led research team invented thermal lithography process for fabricating metal electrodes on 2D semiconductors, improving transistor quality and reducing power consumption. The new fabrication method offers advantages over standard electron beam lithography methods.
A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that individuals who are slim and healthy tend to have fewer genetic variants associated with obesity. The researchers identified new genetic regions involved in severe obesity and those contributing to healthy thinness, suggesting a genetic advantage for those who maintain their weight.
Researchers at COSINE-100 failed to confirm the existence of dark matter using sodium iodide crystals, unlike previous DAMA/LIBRA experiment. The detection is considered crucial due to the similarity in experimental setup and material used.
A recent study found significant correlations between the population structure of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and urbanization levels in São Paulo City. The researchers discovered that environmental pressures due to urbanization lead to the selection of phenotypes better adapted to the conditions, resulting in wing shape variability.
A new study found that plants adjust photosynthesis in response to rapid light changes using a sensory-like regulation system. The findings suggest that plants have evolved to prioritize long-term stability over short-term efficiency in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Scientists at ASRC develop a rigorous theoretical framework for resonant nonreciprocal circuits, clarifying fundamental principles governing light interaction with these devices. The research resolves outstanding questions on their potentials and limitations, establishing ultimate limits in performance.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a new ultra-precise ultrasound sensor on a silicon chip, capable of detecting vibrations in living cells. This breakthrough technology may transform applications in medical devices, biomedical imaging, and spatial sensing for unmanned vehicles.
The SIOP Visionary Circle is a charitable program that aims to provide transformational funding for I-O research and development. Donations start at $1,000, and visionaries will vote on the proposal with the greatest impact in the field at the 2020 conference.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed an ultra-sensitive ultrasound sensor on a silicon chip, revolutionizing medical devices and unmanned vehicle navigation. The technology can detect miniscule forces from surrounding air molecules, opening doors to new biomedical imaging and biological system understanding.
A study by UPV/EHU researchers found that Chinese companies often falsify their ISO 9001 quality certificates, compromising the validity of their procedures. The research group recommends improving transparency and not trusting certificates from China to avoid serious problems.
A new study reveals that wine experts in Canada have distinct opinions on wine quality, influenced by their geographic location and education background. The research found that Montreal wine experts detected more acidity and bitterness, while Okanagan panelists preferred wines with spicy aromas.
Experiments with Bose-Einstein condensates and optomechanical cavities reveal an increase in irreversibility due to quantum fluctuations. This counterintuitive discovery challenges current understanding of entropy production.
Researchers studied wild crickets for ten years and found that those who invested more in reproduction showed signs of aging, including reduced chirping and increased fighting losses. The study suggests that aging may be driven by energy allocation towards reproduction rather than decline, challenging the idea that aging is inevitable.
A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that foundation funding alters how journalists work, reducing news output and favoring outcome-oriented content. Foundations require evidence of their impact, incentivizing longer-form pieces aimed at specialist audiences.
Research confirms men and women remember pain differently, with men recalling earlier painful experiences and being stressed by later pain. Blocking memories of previous pain alleviates the stress response, suggesting a potential treatment approach for chronic pain sufferers.
Dr. Mustapha Laatiaoui will use the EU grant to develop a new approach for optical spectroscopy of superheavy elements, making it possible to obtain information about these elements that was previously inaccessible. This breakthrough could provide insights into the structure and properties of super-heavyweights.
A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown disease that causes children to suffer from epileptic seizures, loss of magnesium in urine, and reduced intelligence. The disease is linked to a mutation in the sodium-potassium pump's Alpha-1 form, affecting both kidneys and the brain.
Brazilian researchers used biogeographic analysis to study trilobites, arthropods that became extinct over 252 million years ago. They found paleobiogeographic patterns among trilobites and inferred their ancestral range in the southern hemisphere.
The Canadian-led team discovered the second repeating FRB ever recorded, providing a new clue to the astrophysical puzzle. The detection was made using the CHIME telescope, which detected 13 bursts over three weeks at lower frequencies than previously thought possible.
Researchers found rutin reduces clotting and protects against snake venom's clotting action, minimizing bleeding and inflammation. Rutin inhibits tissue factor activity, a key player in the clotting process, to prevent secondary complications of viper bites.
A new clause in Brazil's Forest Code could result in the loss of protection for up to 15 million hectares of tropical rainforest in the Amazon. This would compromise efforts to regularize legal reserves and lead to huge losses of biodiversity, water supply, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The transformation of Swedish mining policy has led to widespread resistance and demands for greater state responsibility. The book examines how the withdrawal of state involvement has shifted responsibilities to local administrations and companies.
Researchers at São Paulo State University synthesized a compound called GA-Hecate that effectively inhibits the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in multiple stages. The compound also displays activity against bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells, and is being tested against Zika and yellow fever viruses.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a potential new treatment for ALS by repurposing an existing medication called telbivudine. The drug targets the toxic properties of SOD1, a misfolding protein that causes toxicity in patients with ALS.
A study by the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute shows that sofosbuvir can eliminate both chikungunya and yellow fever viruses without damaging human cells. This finding has significant implications for public health, particularly in Brazil where a chikungunya epidemic is forecasted.
A new RNA-binding compound has been found to block the most common genetic cause of both familial ALS and frontotemporal dementia, according to researchers at Scripps Research. The compound targets a specific form of RNA involved in protein production, potentially providing a new avenue for treating these diseases.
A meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials found that Internet-based interventions significantly reduced mean weekly alcohol consumption and improved adherence to low-risk drinking limits. Older adults and those with lower education levels showed greater treatment response, while human-guided interventions had a stronger impact...
Anand Puppala, a professor of civil engineering at UTA, has been recognized as a Fellow of the United Kingdom's Institution of Civil Engineers. He is an expert in geotechnical and ground improvement, stabilization of expansive soils, and sustainable utilization of recycled materials.
Astronomers have discovered two stars, MM 1a and MM 1b, orbiting each other in the young star system. The team used ALMA to image the surrounding gas and dust discs, revealing a massive companion star with a mass ratio of 80:1.
A large-scale meta-analysis found strong support for accurate self-reporting of personality traits, with most people rating themselves similarly to their peers. However, individual differences in self-enhancement and self-effacement were identified, with some people overestimating or underestimating their behavior.
Researchers explore protein tyrosine phosphatases in metabolic diseases to understand diabetes development. They focus on inflammation's role in pancreas and liver cells, aiming to identify new therapeutic approaches targeting PTPs.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have devised a new method called Axon-seq to study axons and better understand the pathological development of ALS. The method reveals significant differences in RNA profiles between healthy cells and those with mutated SOD1 genes, which causes ALS.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus will partner with the Allen Institute for Immunology to understand the human immune system and find novel mechanisms to halt or reverse rheumatoid arthritis. The research program aims to identify biomarkers for early detection and develop new treatments for this debilitating disease.
The Butantan Institute and MSD will exchange proprietary process information and clinical trial data, accelerating vaccine development. The partnership aims to create a tetravalent vaccine effective against all four dengue virus serotypes.
Researchers propose guidelines for the therapeutic use of melatonin to address potential health risks, citing over 23,000 published studies. The guidelines aim to provide a systematic framework for analyzing melatonin's effects and role in human physiology and pathophysiology.
Researchers use Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation to study heteromorphy in Primula vulgaris, a plant with a complex reproductive system that fascinated Charles Darwin. The transformation system allows scientists to delve deeper into the mysteries of heteromorphy and potentially lead to improvements in commercial crops.
A new study from the University of Bath and UK universities reveals that international academics in the UK contribute significantly to public engagement, policy, industry, and non-governmental organisations. Foreign-born academics record 40% more international engagement activities than native-born colleagues.
Researchers have created a biotechnological tool to produce antifungal proteins in plants, offering a sustainable solution to combat fungal infections. The new compounds have shown potential in protecting crops and humans from pathogens, improving food security and human health.
A study of 350,000 people has identified eight genetic differences associated with red hair, revealing new insights into its inheritance. The research also uncovered over 200 genetic variations linked to blonde and brunette traits, including those related to hair texture and growth patterns.
The University of Bern has seen four researchers secure ERC Consolidator Grants, supporting their own research teams and promoting young scientists. The funding will enable more than a dozen doctoral students and post-docs to be appointed, advancing talent in these areas.
Researchers from Aarhus University and the University of Queensland found that newborns with vitamin D deficiency had a 44% increased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as adults. The study suggests that ensuring pregnant women have adequate levels of vitamin D may result in the prevention of some schizophrenia cases.
A new paper examines the rationale behind the 'Barcelona Declaration' for responsible AI development and usage in Europe, focusing on safety, reliability, and ethics issues. The declaration aims to integrate best practices proactively as part of the design process.
Researchers find that varying distances of microbial interactions affect community organization. Longer distances favor diffusible toxic molecules, while close-range interactions benefit contact-dependent devices.
A team from INRS has successfully generated high-dimensional cluster states and implemented novel quantum operations, paving the way for one-way quantum computing. This breakthrough uses photons as a data medium, leveraging their unique properties to increase information storage capacity and boost computational power.
Archaeologists used machine learning techniques to classify and predict the technological elements of ancient hunter-gatherer groups in Patagonia. The study identified two distinct 'landscapes' of technology, one for pedestrian groups and another for nautical societies, shedding light on their mobility patterns and interactions.
Quside co-founder and CEO Dr. Carlos Abellan has been recognized by the European edition of the MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35 list for his work on quantum random number generators. The technology, which enables gigabit-per-second quantum random numbers, is crucial for ensuring long-term data protection in a hyper-conne...