News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Researchers found pigment cells move and multiply randomly during early development, contradicting previous theories on piebald patterns. The mathematical model can now be used to understand conditions linked to early cell positioning.
A new study of 285 couples found that working longer hours does not negatively impact relationship satisfaction. Couples compensate for lost time with their partners by optimizing their private lives after work. The study challenges traditional assumptions about the effects of working hours on romantic relationships.
The Biogerontology Research Foundation proposes classifying aging as a disease to tackle chronic conditions and attract resources to aging research. The proposed classification system would provide a framework for treating aging as a unique, multisystemic disease, alleviating financial, social, and moral burdens.
New research indicates that stars older than the Sun spin less than expected, affecting age calculations. This discovery has significant implications for understanding stellar aging and predicting future changes in our own Solar System.
A new grant proposal by Prof. Dr. Stefan Wagner proposes novel tools to analyze software manually and automatically during creation, providing contextual and focused feedback to developers. The approach aims to detect potential quality problems early on, reducing the risk of defects.
A new theoretical model proposes that humans have an exclusively human capacity for mental time travel, composed of episodic memory and scenario construction. However, no definitive evidence supports foresightful behavior in animals, suggesting they may not possess the same level of mental time travel capabilities.
A recent study published in Human Relations found that Santa Claus performers experience unease and threat due to the cultural re-association of the character with exploitative male sexuality. To address this, performers engage in self-management techniques, including having female staff present, to maintain the character's innocence.
Five new research centres will explore how mathematics and statistics can help clinicians tackle serious health challenges. The centres will develop new tools from predictive mathematical models to enable earlier diagnosis of chronic diseases.
The Deep Knowledge Life Sciences (DKLS) investment fund will invest in companies with breakthrough technologies, focusing on genetics of age-related diseases, oncology, and regenerative medicine. DKLS will combine AI insights from VITAL with top-level expertise to create analyses and treatments for diseases while de-risking investments.
The UK and Singapore are collaborating on six joint research projects to develop new cybersecurity solutions, with a focus on enhancing system resilience. The projects aim to improve the detection of cyber threats and create more robust systems for critical infrastructure.
The study found that the net fiscal redistribution from the non-refugee population to refugees in Sweden corresponded to 1.0 percent of Swedish GDP in 2007. This is due to lower public per capita revenues from refugees compared to the total population, largely attributed to their lower employment rate.
Researchers can follow the emergence of hydrogen-bonded capsules in modern physical organic chemistry, enabling new arrangements of molecules and reaction vessels. The book covers various types of capsules and their functions, providing insights into encapsulation phenomena at the molecular level.
Three high-value research projects will receive £13.9M in funding to develop cheap and effective vaccines for poultry, create self-fertilising plants and breed elite lines of wheat. The projects are led by world-leading researchers and will address major scientific challenges with five years of funding.
A mathematical problem in particle and quantum physics is provably unsolvable, showing that even a complete microscopic description cannot predict macroscopic behavior. This finding limits the extent to which we can predict the behavior of quantum materials.
Scientists have found a way to solve complex problems using a quantum computer traveling along 'open timelike curves' without breaking the laws of causality. This breakthrough allows for supercomputational power while maintaining the integrity of quantum principles.
Scientists have developed a new, faster way to detect explosives using quantum dots. The approach can identify five dangerous compounds, including the 'shoe bomber' Richard Reid's explosive, within 10 seconds.
The discovery of Phosphorosaurus ponpetelegans, a 72-million-year-old marine reptile, reveals new insights into the evolution of mosasaurs. The fossil's superior preservation provides details on its unique characteristics, including binocular vision and a hunting strategy that involved targeting glowing fish and squids at night.
A recent study by Cornell University found that firefighter platoons who eat meals together have better group job performance compared to those who dine solo. This phenomenon is attributed to the social bonding and intimacy that comes with sharing meals, which spills over into improved work performance.
Researchers have identified the KLF4 protein as a crucial regulator in the development of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a disease characterized by vascular lesions that can lead to cerebral hemorrhage. The study suggests that blocking the development and progression of CCM could prevent mortality due to brain hemorrhage.
An international team of astrophysicists led by Johns Hopkins University scientist Sjoert van Velzen witnessed a star being destroyed by a supermassive black hole, ejecting a jet of plasma at nearly the speed of light. The team observed this event over several months using multi-wavelength telescopes and satellites.
Researchers at Oxford University found that faster pigeons tend to become flock leaders, learning navigation skills more effectively. In a study of 40 homing pigeons tagged with GPS devices, the team discovered that leadership experience improved efficiency in faster birds.
A study on homing pigeons reveals that speed plays a crucial role in determining flock leadership. Faster birds lead and learn to navigate better routes, while slower birds follow and improve their skills over time. This simple yet effective mechanism explains the emergence of leadership in bird flocks.
A report by the General Medical Council reveals that medics from different backgrounds perform better or worse due to multiple factors influencing their performance. The review highlights the importance of addressing differential attainment to create a level playing field for all candidates.
The BK polyomavirus often causes complications after kidney transplantation due to immunosuppressive drugs like Tacrolimus. Researchers have found that Tacrolimus directly activates virus replication, while Sirolimus inhibits it, providing a rationale for clinical trials.
Researchers discover regulatory mechanism that extends 'healthspan', the time an organism is at its optimal health, using C. elegans roundworms. Maximum velocity (MV) of wild-type worms at day 9 adulthood reliably predicts longevity and physical decline.
A University of Cincinnati professor examines how casting agents with anthropological training navigate conservative views in the fashion industry. Her research reveals that these individuals often turn to creative outlets like documentaries and blogs, highlighting the evolving role of anthropology in understanding professionals.
Researchers have demonstrated the generation of ultra-short x-ray pulses using existing technology, opening up a range of scientific applications. The breakthrough could reveal intricate details in processes like electrons moving in atoms and compressing X-ray flashes to attosecond duration.
Junior Professor Denis Scholz will continue speleothem research, extending it to longer-term objectives. Speleothems are suitable archives of past climate variability due to their global distribution and precise dating capabilities.
A recent study published in Psychology and Aging suggests that depressive symptoms continue to increase throughout old age, contrary to previous studies which only examined the issue up to age 85. The research found that levels of physical impairment, medical conditions, and death's approach significantly contribute to these increases.
The new Transregional Collaborative Research Center 'Waves to Weather' aims to improve forecast models by analyzing ensemble forecasts and studying predictability. Scientists will investigate the physical processes and interactions behind severe weather events, with the goal of developing new models and methods to extend forecast range.
In a study by Oxford University researchers, wild birds chose to stay close to their partners over accessing food, even when it meant spending less time foraging. This demonstrates the importance of social relationships for wild birds and shows how individual behavior can be shaped around maintaining key relationships.
The Genome Analysis Centre has achieved a major milestone in wheat research by assembling the genome into larger and more complete chunks. This breakthrough, made possible by improved sequencing technology, will enable researchers to develop new insights into wheat genes and breeding programmes.
Research finds that areas with more restrictive alcohol licensing policies have lower drink-related hospital admissions, with a 2% reduction seen in local authorities with medium-high intensity scores. This suggests that tighter local curbs can lead to measurable reductions in alcohol-attributable hospital admissions.
A University of Tokyo research group has developed a flexible, lightweight temperature sensor that responds rapidly to tiny thermal changes. The sensor is composed of graphite and a semicrystalline acrylate polymer and can measure body temperature with high accuracy without additional circuitry.
Researchers have discovered a single gene regulating salmon age at maturity, which also influences human puberty timing. The VGLL3 gene affects body fat accumulation and balances out sex-specific traits to maintain population stability.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a hormonal mechanism explaining why women with PCOS are more likely to develop mental health issues. The study found that excessive testosterone exposure during fetal development can lead to anxiety-like behavior in both male and female offspring.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences has presented eight new recipients of the INFORMS Fellow Award, recognizing their outstanding achievements in various areas. The awards are given to individuals who have made significant contributions to education, management, practice, research, and service in the field...
Dr. Michael Brand's research focuses on understanding how the brain can be stimulated to regenerate, aiming to develop new therapies for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. The ERC Advanced Grant will support his investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying the zebrafish brain's ability to regenerate itself after a lesion.
A study by Aalto University and the University of Oxford reveals that bodily maps of touch are tightly linked to social relationships, with pleasure caused by touching influencing what areas can be touched. The results highlight the importance of non-verbal communication in maintaining social relationships.
A four-year multi-partner study investigates the effects of various pressures on freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on connectivity and stressor interactions. The research aims to improve our understanding of these impacts and inform sustainable management strategies.
NYU researchers have developed a new game-based online simulation training program called ALIVE, which helps firefighters understand how to fight modern residential fires and minimize their cardiovascular risk. The training module is funded by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
A new Mainz-based Emmy Noether independent junior research group aims to explain the principles behind the transport and controlled arrangement of colloidal particles. The goal is to combine microfluidics and self-assembly in soft materials for a more profound understanding and new uses.
A new study found that small and hungry prawns are more likely to innovate when in a group, while size has no effect alone or with hunger. This challenges the long-held notion that necessity drives innovation.
Researchers have identified ten new genetic risk loci for eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. The study found strong correlations with known risk factors for asthma, allergies, and other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that four-month-old infants can correctly identify the source of a tickle on their feet, but six-month-olds cannot. This suggests that human babies perceive touches solely on their bodies before developing a sense of touch in external space.
A research group at Tohoku University has developed a comprehensive reference panel of genetic variants from 1,070 Japanese individuals through deep whole-genome sequencing. This analysis detected signatures of purifying selection on regulatory elements and coding regions, as well as structural variants that may contribute to complex h...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that OSU6162 can reduce craving for alcohol in people with alcohol dependence, normalizing dopamine levels in brain reward system. Thorough clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy.
Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans worms to develop a method to predict lifespan based on metabolic profiles. The study found that middle age was a key turning point in aging, with normal lifespan worms aging 40% faster than long-lived counterparts at this stage.
A new study has found that changes in the polar regions can significantly affect the ocean and climate on the opposite side of the world, far quicker than previously thought. The research linked ocean currents to climate conditions during the last ice age, revealing a tight connection between the two.
A UCLA study analyzed over 6 million scholarly publications in biomedicine and chemistry, finding that most researchers prioritize established knowledge over innovative questions. This 'publish or perish' pressure leads to a tradeoff between traditional productivity and riskier innovation.
A recent review of the effects of a series of biomedical research reviews found that some initiatives have reduced waste and increased value, but more needs to be done. The reviewers questioned whether it's time to reconsider the current system for awarding research funding, which may not reflect changing biomedical research needs.
A recent study found that leader-humor's effect on subordinates' job satisfaction depends on the relationship quality between leaders and their subordinates. Positive or negative humor use by leaders is positively related to subordinates' job satisfaction when the relationship is good.
A new study found that 87% of Millennials use paid content for entertainment or news, with popular services including movies and TV, music, and Facebook. Socioeconomic differences were not a major indicator of paid content usage.
Scientists have discovered a method to predict certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, allowing for potential prevention and improved heart health. The researchers used mathematical modeling to analyze the transition from normal to abnormal heartbeat patterns in embryonic chicken cells.
A Cardiff University team developed an intelligent system to detect malicious links disguised in shortened URLs on Twitter, identifying cyber-attacks within 30 seconds with 98% accuracy. The system was tested using tweets from high-traffic events and showed promise in preventing malware infections.
A new study reveals that Millennials are not a monolithic group, but rather four distinct types with different information consumption habits. The study identifies key characteristics of each group, including their age, interests, and media use.
Research groups worldwide are developing TENGs to power wearable electronics and sensor networks. A set of standards has been proposed to quantify device performance, including structural and materials performance of four major types. The standards will facilitate comparisons and selection of devices for specific applications.
Researchers sequenced the complete genomes of 11 Przewalski's horses, including museum specimens, and compared them to domesticated horses. The findings show that captivity led to lower genetic diversity, increased inbreeding, and gene variants from domesticated individuals.
Researchers from Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre demonstrated the use of optical phase conjugation to improve transmission capacity in long-haul optical systems. They successfully doubled transmission capacity using a dedicated dark fibre network, showcasing potential for high-capacity signals over long distances.
A report by EMBO examines the potential benefits and challenges of using gender quotas to achieve better gender balance in academia. The study suggests that quota systems, such as cascade models, can be effective in increasing female representation in higher academic positions.