News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
The Cavendish Laboratory is set to receive a significant boost with £75 million government funding and an additional £85 million private donation, securing its position as one of the world's leading physics research facilities. The new facility will offer unrivalled resources for researchers in Cambridge and across the UK.
Paolo Falcaro and his team will analyze mechanisms and parameters related to the formation, control, and properties of MOFs. Their goal is to develop microfilms and microstructures with precisely aligned pores for smart components like microchips and sensors.
Researchers investigated shRNA therapy for Huntington's Disease, identifying novel methods to modulate construct expression and reduce off-target effects. The study proposes two feedback mechanisms to control shRNA expression, inspired by synthetic biology.
Research shows that longer stays in the neonatal ICU are linked to behavioral problems and impaired emotional regulation in preterm babies. The study highlights the importance of developmental care programs to reduce stressful experiences and promote protective strategies during early development.
A six-year program will provide multidisciplinary training to tackle urban and industrial runoff challenges and promote ecofriendly approaches to managing water and residual effluents. The grant supports INRS' Decontamination and Reclamation research area and ties in with NSERC's priority fields of environmental science and technology.
Scientists have successfully observed and followed real-time heat transport in van der Waals stacks, where graphene is encapsulated by hexagonal BN. The heat actually flows to the surrounding hBN sheets on an ultrafast timescale of picoseconds, dominating competing heat transfer processes.
Researchers found BMAA, a toxin linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS, in areas of Lake Winnipeg bloom impacted by pollution and farming. Cyanobacterial blooms are not isolated to Lake Winnipeg and pose public health risks.
Researchers used AI to analyze over 800 natural compounds for similarities in safety and gene-level similarity to metformin and rapamycin. Novel candidate mimetics of these compounds, such as allantoin and ginsenoside, were identified with potential less adverse effects.
A €1.9 million research project will explore the complex roles played by marine planktonic fungi, known as mycoplankton, in the cycling of carbon in the sea. The MYCO-CARB project will use innovative approaches to assess active mycoplankton diversity and abundance across various ecosystems.
The Biogerontology Research Foundation's Managing Trustee, Dmitry Kaminskiy, will present on the synergistic convergence of AI and Blockchain in healthcare. The conference aims to transform clinical translation and validation of therapies aiming to extend healthy, productive longevity.
A new project at Lancaster University aims to discover the likely privacy and security challenges arising from children using IoT devices. Researchers will work closely with child protection experts to provide guidelines and advice for children, their families, and teachers on programming IoT devices.
A new report by the University of Liverpool finds that nearly six in ten food and drink adverts shown during family programmes are for 'junk food', such as fast food and confectionery. The study highlights the need to extend existing regulations to restrict junk food advertising on TV until after the 9pm watershed.
Research by University of Granada researchers found that children aged 6-12 who commute to school unaccompanied have better safety perceptions and increased autonomy. Active commuting also improves physical activity and cardiovascular health.
The IceCube detector has successfully measured Earth's absorption of high-energy neutrinos, confirming that the planet can block these particles. The study provides insights into neutrino interactions and is consistent with the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
Scientists demonstrated that the Earth stops energetic neutrinos, interacting with matter and being absorbed by the Earth. The probability of neutrino absorption was consistent with expectations from the Standard Model of particle physics.
BGRF scientists introduce a blockchain-enabled framework to decentralize patient data management, incentivizing patients to contribute to clinical databases. This approach could accelerate progress in biomedicine by increasing data quality and comprehensiveness.
A new study found that cultural values of autonomy and harmony are positively associated with higher average levels of alcohol consumption. Countries with more traditional values, such as hierarchy and collectivism, tend to have lower average levels of alcohol consumption.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a novel synthesis strategy for highly reactive substances, overcoming the formation of polymers through electrochemical polymerization. This method uses an environmentally friendly approach with minimal reagent waste and produces only hydrogen as byproduct.
A recent study published in Neurology found that virtual reality training can improve arm and hand movement after a stroke, with results comparable to traditional therapy. The study involved 120 participants who underwent either standard physical and occupational therapy or virtual reality training for four weeks.
A new study reveals that female mongooses evict rivals to reduce reproductive competition and increase pup survival rates. This behavior also leads to the creation of new social groups and reduced chances of successful breeding for evicted females.
A study by Penn State researchers found that EMTALA violations are often caused by confusion about the law and conflicting priorities between healthcare professionals. Hospitals may not report suspected violations due to financial pressure, referral burdens, or reluctance to maintain good relationships with other hospitals.
Columbia University's SCRIPTS system uses AI to process documents in low-resource languages, providing summaries and translations. The project aims to enhance efficiency for intelligence analysts worldwide.
Researchers have successfully created tomatoes with significantly higher antioxidant properties by introducing a variant of HMGS into the plant. This enhancement includes increased vitamin E, carotenoids and phytosterols content, making it a promising step towards developing healthier crops.
A team of Brazilian astronomers observed a unique binary system consisting of a low-mass white dwarf and a brown dwarf. The white dwarf's existence was cut off due to the loss of matter caused by the companion, resulting in its premature death and transformation into a white dwarf.
Researchers found that selective breeding for high yield reduced the flexibility of corn varieties to respond to variable environments. This reduction in plasticity comes at the cost of maximum productivity.
Researchers in Brazil and the Netherlands explore using single-cell algae to remove pollutants from sewage waste, producing large amounts of biomass for composting. The decentralized system could enable small communities to treat their own black water, reducing the need for industrial-scale fertilizers.
RefEx is a web tool for comfortable search of reference data in gene expression analysis. It offers extensive collection of gene expression data from human, mouse, and rat tissues/cells measured by four different methods, enabling comparison of gene expression status among tissues/cells and measurement methods.
A recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that taking a moment to notice nature can increase general happiness and well-being. Researchers asked participants to document how nature they encountered made them feel, with positive effects observed even in urban environments.
The DAPT STEMI trial found that six months of dual antiplatelet therapy was non-inferior to twelve months in STEMI patients receiving drug-eluting stents, questioning the need for extended duration DAPT. The study's results suggest that STEMI patients may not benefit from prolonged DAPT therapy beyond six months.
The REDUCE trial found no difference in all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis between three and 12 months of DAPT. Major bleeding rates were similar among treatment arms, but overall mortality rates differed slightly at 1.9% vs 0.8%
Researchers found five native Brazilian fruits, such as araçá-piranga, to contain bioactive properties like blueberries and strawberries. The study suggests these fruits could combat free radicals and chronic inflammation, potentially preventing diseases like diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers have created artificial codes to regulate viral assembly, outperforming natural codes in efficiency. The new understanding of viral self-assembly codes could lead to breakthroughs in cancer therapy and immunization.
Researchers at University of Innsbruck have successfully levitated nanomagnets using quantum physics, exhibiting stability and entanglement properties. This breakthrough defies the classic Earnshaw theorem and opens new avenues for studying exotic quantum phenomena.
I_Systems' advanced control system Leaf enables companies to forecast consumption variations and optimize air flow and fuel intake, leading to cost savings. The technology has been successfully implemented by various customers in 25 industries, including Coca-Cola and Suzano Papel e Celulose.
Multiple sclerosis is believed to be a single disease with varied symptoms due to the same underlying biological mechanism: immune system attack on nerve cells. Computational simulations support this hypothesis by reproducing the variability of disease courses seen in patients.
A new study found that conservation spending from 1992 to 2003 reduced expected declines in global biodiversity by 29%. The $14.4 billion investment significantly impacted countries, with poorer nations experiencing greater gains.
Scientists in Brazil and Denmark found that adding enzymes to cassava flour can improve its baking properties, making it suitable for bread production. The study showed that cassava flour could replace between 20-30% of wheat flour without significantly altering the sensory characteristics or leavening process.
Researchers found that supplementing cell cultures with nicotinamide riboside protects cells and prevents malignant transformation. The compound may be used in chemoprevention to prevent cancer development.
A Brazilian scientist proposes a new definition of glass as a non-equilibrium, non-crystalline state of matter that appears solid on a short time scale but relaxes towards the liquid state. This definition challenges traditional views of glass as a solid and highlights its unique properties.
The CAMI challenge ranked metagenome interpretation tools to provide a roadmap for biologists. Biologists face challenges due to the high number of tools and limited accuracy assessments.
Rice University researchers have found that placing gold nanodisks into groups can selectively alter their vibrational frequencies, a discovery that could lead to new ways of converting light energy into mechanical energy. The study's findings show promise for applications in secure communications, sensing, and other fields.
Renowned cardiologist Elazer Edelman, MD, PhD, will be recognized for his contributions to the development of coronary stents and vascular disease research. He has authored nearly 300 scientific publications and mentored over 350 graduate students.
EnterUp's AI-driven system uses spatial collaborative filtering to personalize online searches, resulting in a 25% increase in property sales conversions. The technology also extends the range of offerings by suggesting areas with similar characteristics, such as nearby shopping malls.
Researchers warn that Zika virus is rapidly mutating in Brazilian patients, potentially leading to the emergence of new serotypes. This could hinder the production of effective vaccines and diagnostic tests, posing significant public health risks.
Architectural historians at the University of York have reconstructed the first dedicated House of Commons chamber using 3D visualization technology. The project has brought St Stephen's Chapel back to life, revealing parallels between 16th-century political debate and modern-day discussions.
A study found that middle managers used tactics like inflating subordinates' performance and coercing employees to deceive top management to achieve unachievable goals. This deception can harm an organization by affecting bonuses, strategic decisions, and resource allocation.
A new study by University of Illinois expert Ravi Mehta found that monetary rewards enhance creative performance, while social-recognition rewards have a negative impact. This research has practical applications for companies looking to boost creativity in their employees and for individuals seeking motivation to think outside the box.
Researchers compare sanitation systems in Brazil and USA, finding presence of contaminants in drinking water, including industrial compounds, pesticides, and endocrine disrupters. The study suggests that complementary treatments are needed to obtain clean water that can be safely consumed.
Researchers develop microneedle technology to increase topical anesthesia penetration, reducing patient discomfort during dental procedures. The method has shown promising results in preliminary tests, with patients tolerating deeper injections.
Researchers have discovered how Leishmania donovani uses physiological response to low oxygen levels to establish a chronic infection. The parasite induces the expression of HIF-1α, a master regulator of cellular response to hypoxia, in monocytes and macrophages.
A genetic study aims to improve the tenderness and productivity of Brazilian beef cattle. Researchers bred over 800 animals to identify genomic areas associated with meat quality characteristics, revealing molecular processes related to muscle deposition and fat thickness.
The Bacterial Energetics and Antimicrobial Resistance Group, led by Professor Greg Cook, has been recognized for its outstanding research on fighting TB infections. The team's work on developing a revolutionary class of antibiotics and innovative approaches to agricultural applications has shown great promise.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have identified molecules in lavender that create antimicrobial and insecticidal compounds, providing a potential solution for controlling fungal growth and pests. This discovery could lead to the development of more environmentally friendly pesticides.
Dr Anja Osei's project aims to evaluate parliamentary debates and surveys among Members of Parliament in seven African countries to understand the role of parliaments in autocracies. The research will explore whether legislatures enhance democracy or contribute to authoritarian rule.
A recent analysis found that there are only six studies with empirical data on factors associated with terrorism, and most have variable quality. The lack of research in this area underscores the importance of addressing it to inform national security.
The University of Portsmouth's AIR Network aims to address the significant contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular disease in low-resource settings. By engaging with local communities through arts, theatre, and other methods, researchers will explore co-creating viable interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution.
Researchers at IMDEA Networks Institute developed a new mobile radio access technology for mm-wave frequencies, achieving high data rates and efficient capacity delivery. The new radio system concept targets operation in wide-contiguous bands and addresses specific challenges of mm-wave bands.
Researchers found that chronic migraine patients are three times as likely to suffer from severe temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which causes difficulty chewing and joint tension. The study suggests that TMD may increase the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, but it does not directly cause the condition.
Researchers found that neurons fire in both cases of noticing and non-noticing, but differently, supporting a nuanced view of consciousness. The study used brain electrodes to record individual neuron activity in awake patients.
Researchers discovered intricate finger-like structures with suckers on the tip of the saliva tube, a previously unknown feature. This finding adds to our understanding of the African tsetse fly's unique feeding mechanism and its role in spreading human sleeping sickness.