News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
A crowdlending pioneer developed a successful strategy by creating a niche market and collaborating with regulatory bodies. He achieved this through a 'coopetition' approach, combining competition and cooperation to bypass the banking monopoly and establish new regulations.
Research shows that authenticity and perceived racial diversity significantly decrease major experiences of discrimination in the workplace. Inclusive schools can also affirm identity among members of negatively stereotyped groups, leading to improved academic outcomes and increased well-being.
A large-scale study led by the Weizmann Institute of Science found that diet and lifestyle are the primary factors shaping our microbiome composition. The research suggests that understanding these influences may be key to improving health and treating common diseases.
A recent survey by NORC at the University of Chicago found that Democrats and Republicans are in agreement on how Congress should operate. Americans overwhelmingly believe that lawmakers should prioritize the general public's opinions over those of wealthy donors, political party leaders, or the president. Key findings include a majori...
A Brazilian study found that silky anteaters are comprised of at least seven different species, contrary to the long-held assumption of a single species. Genetic analysis and geometric morphometrics revealed distinct differences in DNA and morphology among the six newly identified species.
Researchers compared the conditions on Europa with those of a terrestrial environment, finding similarities with a deep subterranean mine where bacteria survive without sunlight. They propose that radioactivity in Europa's crust could lead to chemical imbalances and potentially support life.
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is investing £1.55m in a unique electron microscope that will allow researchers to visualize structures at near atomic scale in time and space. This technology will enable the development of new treatments for diseases such as cancer, malaria, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers question the longstanding guidelines for fluoride intake, citing changes in sources and prevalence of dental caries and fluorosis. The symposium highlights research gaps, including measuring total fluoride intake and evaluating its effects on children and adults.
A team from TUM developed a methodology to observe ultrafast chemical processes with quintillionths of a second resolution. This allows for the control and influence of ionization dynamics, shedding light on photosynthesis and silicon ionization in computer chips.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed ultra-small magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) down to a single-digit nanometer scale, achieving sufficient retention properties and fast switching speed. The new MTJ design utilizes shape anisotropy, enabling high thermal stability factors and current-induced magnetization switching.
A new study by Taylor & Francis Group found that boards of directors can increase public trust towards an organization by addressing CEO misconduct through proactive measures. Firing the CEO or keeping it in place while offering a genuine apology and acknowledgment of wrongdoing both increased trust, but in different ways.
A new medical imaging technology has enabled doctors to detect bacteria deep inside patients' lungs for the first time. Early tests indicate it can diagnose harmful bacteria in less than 60 seconds, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have discovered the neural circuit controlling cuttlefish's dynamic skin papillae, enabling 3D camouflage. The discovery opens up new avenues for biologically-inspired material design and may shed light on cephalopod perception.
Researchers discovered that characteristic patterns of the myelin layer are determined early on and can be adjusted by nerve cells. The team found that the speed of signal transmission through an axon is partly determined by the number and length of myelin segments.
A new prototype has been developed to monitor environmental variables in buildings, utilizing open-source platforms and the Internet of Things. The system aims to optimize building energy consumption and improve indoor air quality by detecting CO2 levels and optimizing ventilation.
A Brazilian startup has developed an AI-powered pest control system that uses IoT technology to help farmers apply agrochemicals at the right time and in the right amount. The system, which integrates integrated pest management techniques with machine learning algorithms, is expected to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
A novel research approach by Oregon State University has shed light on how midsize predators like fishers interact with each other. The study found that fishers are the dominant small carnivore when present, negatively affecting foxes directly and ringtails indirectly.
A study published in Science reveals that ultrafine aerosol particles can intensify rainfall in the Amazon region by enhancing cloud formation and thunderstorms. The presence of these nanoparticles, which are too small to play a significant role in polluted areas, has a substantial impact on the hydrologic cycle in the Amazon.
The UK government has invested £184 million in doctoral training for science and engineering research over a four-year period. This funding will support students entering training from October 2018 and October 2019, with 41 universities sharing the allocation.
A Tel Aviv University study proposes a novel approach to manipulate genes using a self-assembling platform that delivers nucleic acids to distinct cell subsets. The platform shows promise in treating autoimmune diseases and cancer by targeting specific cells and reducing inflammation.
Researchers developed a new self-efficacy scale to assess employees' ability to manage tasks, negative emotions, and interpersonal relationships. The findings show that high self-efficacy in these areas leads to better job performance, reduced counterproductive behavior, and improved well-being.
The UK is investing £16 million in 15 new healthcare technology projects to tackle international health challenges, including malaria and poor antenatal care. The projects aim to develop affordable imaging and diagnostics tools and prosthetics for low-income countries.
The Biogerontology Research Foundation and its partners emphasized the importance of AI in precision medicine at the Precision Medicine World Conference. Two startups, Abreos and Immusoft, emerged as semifinalists for their innovative approaches to precision medicine, including point-of-care assays and immune system programming.
The EPSRC has awarded £14 million to five research projects that employ novel approaches to data science, involving universities and industry partners. The initiatives aim to develop new algorithms and mathematical tools to better understand large data sets and make informed decisions in various sectors.
Researchers found a genetic mutation that alters limb shape by changing the regulation of a specific gene. This discovery provides evidence for how interchromosomal translocations can lead to morphological alterations.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki propose a new evolutionary scenario for snake origins, shifting focus from lizards to ecological habitats. Their study suggests that early snakes evolved from burrowing to various habitats like water and forests.
Researchers discover mechanism responsible for limit on indium content in InGaN thin films, affecting blue light emitting diodes. A regular pattern of atoms within the monolayer limits indium concentration to 25-30%.
A Singapore-Japan research team developed a new scheme to verify quantum computations after they're completed, allowing customers to check results and protect companies from dishonest users. The 'post-hoc verification' method can be done with or without specialized hardware.
An international team has developed a new approach to produce complex materials from simple organic building blocks through self-organization. The researchers successfully created a semiregular 3.4.6.4 tessellation with large hexagonal meshes, exhibiting unusual properties and potential applications.
A new study found that hunter-gatherer groups, such as the Semaq Beri, excel at naming odors with ease, while non-hunter-gatherer groups, like the Semelai, struggle. The researchers suggest that cultural practices may play a role in shaping olfactory cognition.
Research reveals that past work commitments can still affect employees negatively, hindering their ability to fully commit to new projects and supervisors. The study identifies common reasons for the end of these commitments, including changes in work circumstances and over-commitment.
Scientists at KIT create friction-optimized metal alloys using a unique approach that combines friction experiments with non-destructive testing methods, data science algorithms, and high-resolution electron microscopy. The goal is to develop materials with tailored friction and wear behavior, which could lead to significant energy sav...
Aalto University researchers have developed a new work model that allocates caregivers to a shared pool, reducing the need for temporary agency staff by up to 60%. This approach has improved home care services and reduced carers' workload, enabling them to better respond to clients' needs.
Researchers at AgeX Therapeutics, Insilico Medicine, and the Biogerontology Research Foundation used deep learning techniques to analyze gene expression data in embryonic stem cells. They identified genes, including COX7A1, that contribute to the regenerative capacity of embryos and ESCs, with potential applications in cancer therapies.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced support for 28 groundbreaking research projects, ranging from autonomous vehicles to energy storage and healthcare technology. These projects have the potential to make a transformative impact in various fields.
A team of researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg discovered the role of a special hormone in regulating plant growth at high temperatures. The findings, published in Current Biology, may help breed plants stable even at high temperatures and produce sufficient yields.
Researchers have identified genes implicated in the remarkable regenerative capacity of embryos and ESCs. COX7A1 was found to be dysregulated in various cancer types, suggesting its potential as a novel cancer therapy.
A research team led by Elena Monte discovered that proteins acting sequentially in the plant internal clock limit growth until nightfall. The CDF5 gene induces stem growth just before dawn, regulated by PIF and PRR clock proteins.
Researchers have discovered swirling gas motion in early galaxies, which spun like a whirlpool similar to the Milky Way. The galaxies, observed nearly 13 billion years ago, were found to be forming stars at a higher rate than expected, yet retaining order and appearing well-regulated despite their small size.
DEV Tecnologia's product, DEV FieldConnect, connects machinery and equipment to the internet, enabling online performance monitoring. The device has been successfully tested in a chemical-solvent-recycling machine and is expected to be well-received by the market, especially in Brazil.
The university is tackling socially relevant topics such as earth's water resources and the effects of regulatory measures on market development with funding from the German Research Foundation. Researchers will examine how institutional and regulatory parameters influence financial market decisions and outcomes.
Researchers combine small-scale experiments with computer models to explore human behavior in large groups, shedding new light on group problem-solving approaches. The approach validates the model by informing future experiments and examining policy interventions that alter social behavior.
The Future Vaccine Manufacturing Hub aims to increase vaccine coverage worldwide, improve response to deadly outbreaks, and overcome barriers in vaccine distribution. Researchers will explore innovative approaches, including synthetic RNA vaccines and protein stabilisation, to rapidly respond to emerging threats.
A Brazilian startup has developed a smartphone app that uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to identify animals. The 'Crowdpet' app combines photos of lost animals registered by owners with snaps of animals found in the street by volunteers, achieving a 99% success rate in distinguishing cats and dogs.
Scientists have created asymmetrical polymer structures that bind together in a spatially defined manner, similar to atoms coming together to make molecules. This breakthrough technique could lead to new materials for applications ranging from drug delivery to 'soft robotics',
Researchers Ana María Valencia García and Marília Junqueira Caldas resolved a longstanding controversy about the calculation of defect electronic structures in graphene. They used a hybrid functional method, which yielded results compatible with experimental data, resolving divergences between different simulation methods.
A new study found that community screening for osteoporosis reduced hip fractures by 28% in older women. Screening identified those at risk and led to targeted treatment, resulting in a significant decrease in hip fractures.
Seven researchers from Portugal, Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, and Turkey will receive €50,000 grants to set up independent laboratories. The funding aims to improve European science competitiveness by supporting talented scientists in countries with limited research resources.
A large multicentre study found that community screening for osteoporosis using bone mineral density measurements and a questionnaire led to a 28% reduction in hip fractures among older women. The approach is estimated to prevent one hip fracture for every 111 women screened.
Scientists have created a liquid one hundred million times more dilute than water and one million times thinner than air by cooling down potassium atoms to -273.15 degrees Celsius. The liquid droplets exhibit fascinating macroscopic behavior due to quantum fluctuations, allowing researchers to study unique quantum effects.
Researchers have visualized the atomic structures of Cpf1 and Cas9 proteins to analyze their properties and identify ideal tools for different applications in gene modification. The study suggests that Cpf1 is more suitable for inserting DNA fragments due to its ability to produce staggered complementary ends.
Researchers discovered a new species of freshwater fish, Hyphessobrycon myrmex, with distinct color patterns between males and females. The study found 109 species of Characiformes exhibit dichromatism, including six families where it appears in behavior.
Scientists are exploring multi-functional gene-editing technology by analyzing molecular features of Cpf1 and Cas9 proteins. The study reveals the high-resolution structure of these molecular scissors to better understand their working mechanism, including target DNA recognition and cleavage.
A new technology from UC3M's SoftLab research group has made Broadway musical comedies like 'The Addams Family' accessible to over 2 million deaf and blind people in Spain. The system uses augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and audio description to provide a synchronized and immersive experience.
Researchers studied a nanometric circuit exhibiting quantum effects due to its small scale, revealing how electrons can transit directly or via a cavity, leading to peaks and troughs in conductance values. The study provides a natural explanation for observed phenomena, shedding light on the behavior of electrons in such circuits.
Pebay's platform provides comparative analysis of cash flow, returns, and investor moves for over 500 Brazilian private equity funds. The platform offers financial performance metrics and decision-support data to help fund managers make informed investment decisions.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo and San Diego State University found that niobium boride does not exhibit superconductivity, contrary to traditional manuals. Instead, pure niobium filaments in the material are responsible for its high-temperature superconducting properties.
The UK government has allocated £11 million to three interdisciplinary research consortia, advancing healthcare sensing systems research and addressing pressing health issues. The funding will support the continuation of vital collaborations, furthering the UK's status as an innovation nation.
A new bioelectronic 'nose' has been developed to detect food spoilage by sensing the presence of cadaverine, a compound responsible for the stench of rotting bodies. The detector, which uses nanodiscs and carbon nanotube transistors, is selective and sensitive for cadaverine at low levels, enabling early detection of food spoilage.
The team built larger objects, including gears for nanomotors and microtubes with sizes comparable to bacteria. They also constructed closed cage structures with discrete-size cages attaining molecular weights and sizes comparable to viruses and small cell organelles.