News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Researchers monitored students' success in a 17-week online program, finding that time of day had little effect on task completion, contradicting the theory of finite self-control. Students' performance on specific tasks declined after about an hour, regardless of when they started.
Researchers developed a predictive model to estimate the number of successful cyber intrusions, which found that internal security policies and network access patterns are strong predictors. The model's accuracy was improved by analyzing regression results and demonstrated the feasibility of constructing a practical predictive model.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of dozens of studies found cranberry products significantly reduced the incidence of recurrent UTIs, especially in patients with gynecological surgery. The review attributes this to proanthocyanidins, which prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to urinary tract walls.
A team of researchers has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a hybrid process called photo-electro-Fenton (PEF) in removing low concentrations of atrazine and its by-products from surface water. The study showed that over 99% of atrazine was eliminated after just 15 minutes of treatment.
Researchers sequenced Pearl millet genome, revealing molecular properties hinting at drought resistance mechanisms. The findings provide a resource for marker-selected breeding studies to improve agronomic traits in arid environments.
Scheme Lab develops a portable DNA sequencing kit for rapid detection of genetic variations in meat quality, seedlings, and plants. The 'point-of-care' test can be used anywhere - in factories, on farms, or at home.
SourceData, an open platform from EMBO, has been recognized for its innovative approach to making published scientific data easily findable. The platform uses a machine-readable format to describe the data published in figures, allowing researchers to search directly for data on specific research questions.
A new ERC grant will support research into the health effects of acrylamide exposure in early life, examining connections between foetal exposure and later health outcomes. The study aims to clarify acrylamide's other effects on humans beyond carcinogenic risks.
Researchers have created ultra-thin carbon nanomembranes that can filter out specific molecules from water and air, with significant implications for purification and other industries. The membranes' unique properties can be tailored to suit different purposes, making them versatile tools in various fields.
A study found that if Santos doesn't adapt to climate change, losses could be up to ten times higher due to flood- and global warming-related diseases. The model estimates R$1.5 billion in physical building costs versus R$3 billion in total losses including health and education.
A large study in Burkina Faso treated over 1600 children with acute malnutrition using a lipid-based nutrient supplement, resulting in significant weight gain from healthy lean tissue. The findings can be used to prevent and treat moderate acute malnutrition, potentially saving thousands of lives.
The Joint West Africa Research Group (JWARG) has begun a study to identify cases of suspected severe infectious diseases in West Africa. The study will enroll adult volunteers who present as severely ill with a suspected infectious source, and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people are more likely to cooperate when others reciprocate, rather than conforming to group norms. The researchers conducted three online experiments and found that participants were more cooperative when they had a cooperative partner and an uncooperative group.
Researchers at The University of Queensland found that strategic delays can improve conservation gains by leveraging investments, capacity building, and monitoring. This approach allows limited resources to protect more species and achieve better outcomes in less time.
Kimera Biotecnologia's biotech eCG has proven as effective as conventional eCG, reducing production costs by 30-50% and eliminating animal blood use. The hormone is produced in the lab, hastening puberty, inducing superovulation, and increasing fecundity.
A smartphone application developed by Osaka University aims to address Japan's sleep deprivation issues in infants. The 'NEN-NE Navi' app connects caregivers with pediatric experts, providing personalized advice to improve infants' sleep habits and reduce parenting stress.
A new independent study confirms that 73% of ERC projects have made breakthroughs or major scientific advances. The European Research Council's blue sky research is achieving its goals of funding high-risk/high-gain projects and interdisciplinary frontier research.
A new method for detecting strontium in milk has been adapted for use in routine environmental studies. The research group successfully applied the IAEA's emergency method to achieve reliable results at lower detection limits.
The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) telescope is a revolutionary radio telescope that will create a three-dimensional map of the universe, extending deep into space and time. By measuring dark energy, scientists will better understand the shape, structure, and fate of the universe.
Researchers from UK and China collaborate on five projects to tackle key challenges in offshore renewable energy, maximizing environmental and socio-economic benefits. The projects will inform technology development and structure resilience to extreme events.
A joint research project between universities in Germany will survey 6,000 refugees and other immigrants to understand their characteristics, experiences, and future plans. The study aims to assess how different immigrant groups integrate into German society, including those from EU member states and non-EU countries.
The European Research Council has awarded €605 million to 406 early-career researchers across Europe, with a record share of women amongst the new grantees. The funded research covers various disciplines and will help build teams that can engage over 1,500 postdocs and PhD students.
A new $2.7 million national study is evaluating ways to improve care planning conversations for frail elderly Canadians, with a focus on person-centred care based on their goals and values.
A study by Valeria Valente identified genetic alterations promoting aggressiveness in astrocytomas, with correlations to patient survival prognosis. The research aimed to customize treatment to patient needs, potentially predicting tumor behavior through gene signatures.
A Singapore-based health study found that consuming red meat and poultry increases the risk of developing diabetes. The study suggests replacing these meats with fish, tofu, or legumes may help reduce the risk.
Research on Medaka fish reveals dynamic seasonal changes in color perception, with variations in behavior, light response, and gene expression. This phenomenon may not be limited to Medaka and could be widely observed in various animals, including humans.
Researchers have discovered that stabilizing TREM2, a protein involved in neurodegenerative diseases, could be a viable therapeutic strategy to combat Alzheimer's disease. The study found that a mutation in the TREM2 gene accelerates its cleavage, leading to reduced full-length protein on microglia cells.
Lasertools, a Brazilian company, has extended its use of solid-state neodymium-doped lasers to increase power levels and processing speed, making micromachining more feasible. The company developed laser manufacturing methods for biocompatible metal implants, including coronary stents.
A new study published in The Lancet found that eating 3-4 servings of fruit, vegetables, and legumes per day (375-500g) achieves similar benefits against mortality risk as higher portions. This target is more affordable for people in low- and middle-income countries, providing a potential solution to food security issues.
Researchers discovered the role of cytokine TNF in causing herpetic neuralgia, a common symptom of shingles. The study provides insights into novel therapeutic approaches to combat acute and chronic pain associated with the condition.
A recent study reveals that declining expenditures in nonprofit organizations increase the likelihood of executive turnover. Nonprofits with annual expenditure decreases by 20% over three years are 50% more likely to replace their CEO. This finding highlights the accountability of nonprofit executives.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and two other organizations will attend the GAIN Annual Convention to promote careers in departmental research. The event offers job opportunities and networking platforms for young German academics.
A nine-month research project involved a control group and two groups of older people who learned to play video games or developed their own games. The results showed that the game developers performed significantly better than the control and player groups in terms of mental health, quality of life, cognition, and functional capacity.
The UK will build a cutting-edge space weather radar in the Arctic, providing unprecedented detail to understand space weather's effects on technology and society. The EISCAT_3D radar will measure the upper atmosphere and near-Earth space, helping scientists better comprehend the connections between Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.
The Oropouche virus is a serious public health risk for Brazil, spreading to major cities after being confined to villages in the Amazon. The virus causes acute fever and may lead to meningitis and meningoencephalitis.
Researchers have created a new national map of seismic hazards for Brazil, highlighting regions prone to tremors. The survey found that the Northeast, Mato Grosso, and Pantanal biome are at higher risk, with low-intensity tremors capable of causing significant damage.
A new international collaboration aims to identify common neurodevelopmental pathways and probable environmental triggers for cerebral palsy. The group is pooling data from genetically and clinically characterized cases to lay the groundwork for clinical trials and better management of the condition.
A new study reveals significant differences in the genes expressed by human and mouse microglia, with unique human genes playing a crucial role in immune response. The findings provide valuable insights for studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A newly discovered fossil from Turkey suggests that a 40-million-year-old metatherian carnivore, Anatoliadelphys maasae, may have dominated the region without competition from placental mammals. The animal's agile body and strong jaws indicate it was well-adapted for a carnivorous lifestyle.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to manufacture graphene using carbon dioxide, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and producing a more environmentally friendly process. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of graphene, a key material in sensors and flexible devices.
Researchers at University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum analyze 450 anatomical characteristics to place Chilesaurus in dinosaur family tree. The study reveals Chilesaurus fills a large gap between two major dinosaur groups, with implications for understanding the origins of Ornithischia.
The £5.5 million Supporting Evidence Based Interventions (SEBI) initiative is improving livestock health and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers are developing evidence-based technologies to address challenges faced by farmers, including disease surveillance platforms and portable diagnostic devices.
Scientists trap millions of rubidium atoms and apply a resonant radio frequency field to detect radio waves. They achieve high sensitivity by utilizing entanglement, reducing experimental noise and surpassing the standard quantum limit.
Researchers at Iowa State University have identified two key mechanisms by which bacteria can resist antibiotics: efflux pumps that extrude drugs from cells, and reinforced cell walls that make it difficult for antibiotics to penetrate. These discoveries could lead to the development of new treatments that target these structures.
A recent study by Exeter and Cambridge universities found that individual wild birds adjust their nest choices based on their specific markings. These adjustments enhance the birds' camouflage in relation to their predators, highlighting the link between behavior and appearance.
The new Max Planck Research Group for System Immunology aims to study the immune system as a whole, its interactions with the organism, and its impact on diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatism. The group will collaborate with non-university research institutes to promote holistic approaches in immunology.
Professor Wolfgang Seibel's research on black swans in public administration focuses on rare organisational failures with severe consequences. He investigates structural flaws and systemic weaknesses within public administration to prevent such incidents.
The sixth volume of the German Surname Atlas offers a comprehensive survey of surnames derived from given names in medieval Germany. The research provides valuable insights into the development of the spoken language and cultural history.
Researchers have discovered a way to estimate black hole masses by looking at spiral galaxy arms. The study found that galaxies with tightly wound spiral arms tend to have more massive black holes.
The study confirms the predicted decay of the Higgs particle into quarks, with a probability of 60% and a signal rate exceeding statistical significance. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the particle's properties and potential deviations from Standard Model predictions.
A study found that gun violence prevention groups promote a balance between individual rights and responsibilities, advocating for universal background checks, restrictive firearms policies, and cultural changes. These efforts have led to policy changes, company bans on open carrying, and increased public support.
A study found that oil impairs coral reef fish ability to find homes and evade predators, affecting their behavior and growth. The impact of oil on coral reefs could be catastrophic, with many people relying on these ecosystems for food and income.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have successfully trapped argon gas in a two-dimensional array of tiny 'cages', allowing for the detailed study of single atoms in confinement. This achievement could lead to the design of new materials for gas separation and nuclear waste remediation.
The symposium, The Architects of Aging, brings together leaders in biotechnology and biomedical research to target the underlying mechanisms of aging. Experts will present cutting-edge interventions that aim to modify biological processes of aging, with a focus on extending healthspan.
A series of papers calls for a global recovery treatment consensus for stroke patients, citing the need for standardized terminology, biomarkers, and consistent measures. The World Stroke Organization's first Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable aims to develop strong international partnerships to tackle this challenge.
A new DNA study reveals that fidelity to breeding grounds plays a major role in shaping humpback whale populations. The research found that female whales' annual returns to the same breeding grounds and their early experience with calves influence population structure, leading to differences between whale populations.
Researchers at the University of Bath have been awarded £1M to develop new catalysts using iron, which could reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency. The project aims to create sustainable methods for producing molecules crucial for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Researchers from the University of Freiburg have discovered over 900 mitochondrial proteins in baker's yeast using quantitative mass spectrometry and bioinformatics methods. This extensive dataset provides a foundation for understanding the biology of mitochondria in various organisms, from yeast to humans.
New research reveals genetic differences between Middle-Late Jurassic Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing and W-bearing granites in the Nanling Range. A proposed model attributes the formation of these granites to asthenosphere upwelling and basaltic magma underplating, driven by palaeo-Pacific plate subduction.
The World Health Organization predicts 135.5 million dementia cases by 2050, yet all neurodegenerative diseases are incurable. This Special Focus issue addresses challenges and advancements in therapy.