News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
The EDM Forum presents an update on using electronic clinical data (ECD) for comparative effectiveness research (CER), patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR), and quality improvement (QI). The supplement highlights lessons learned on building infrastructure to generate evidence and improve patient outcomes.
Research suggests that adding everyday herbs and spices to vegetables and reduced-calorie meals can improve their appeal to consumers. The study found that spiced-up versions of reduced-fat meals were rated as highly as full-fat counterparts, with spiced vegetables scoring above 7.0.
Concordia University's SenseLab receives $2.95 million grant to explore the intersection of art and knowledge through 'research creation'. Led by Erin Manning, the project aims to evaluate new forms of knowledge produced outside mainstream research settings.
A new drug candidate, SR9009, has been shown to significantly increase exercise endurance in animal models. The compound works by activating the core biological clock molecule Rev-erbα, which influences lipid and glucose metabolism, fat-storing cell production, and macrophage response during inflammation.
A global single-cell genomic study highlights British Columbia's role as an 'oasis' of microbial biodiversity. The research, published in Nature, provides new insights into the vital biological diversity encoded in microorganisms, shedding light on essential ecosystem functions and services.
A new study estimates that human-caused outdoor air pollution causes around 470,000 premature deaths each year due to increased ozone levels. Additionally, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to an estimated 2.1 million annual deaths. The effects of past climate change on air quality and health are found to be relatively small.
Researchers developed an integrated global energy system to assess the cost-effectiveness of BECCS for meeting stringent temperature targets. They found that implementing BECCS on a large scale can reduce temperature increases to as low as 1.5°C by 2150.
A new study reveals that fear of deportation is lower among farmworkers who receive medical care from community health centers and faith-based organizations. Key factors influencing medical service use include trusted community health organizations and local church connections.
Researchers at the UK's National Physical Laboratory have performed the most accurate measurement yet of the Boltzmann constant, which could revolutionize the way we define temperature. The new definition directly links the unit of temperature to the basic physical reality of atomic vibrations.
Researchers at TSRI will receive $2 million in funding to investigate the origins of life on Earth, focusing on chirality and replicating systems.
Scientists compare results from three commercial-scale carbon capture and storage projects, revealing that not all sites are equal and successful implementation requires careful appraisal. The study's findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring at CCS storage sites to ensure secure storage.
Researchers have found that increased carbon dioxide levels are causing an 11% increase in foliage cover across parts of the world's arid regions. This 'CO2 fertilization' effect enables plants to extract more carbon from the air or lose less water, leading to changes in leaf cover detected by satellite.
Researchers developed equations governing trajectory of spinning ball as it moves through air in presence of wind. The study reveals how cross-wind affects spin-bowler's delivery, changing pitch point on wicket.
Research suggests that individuals with low self-control are more willing to sacrifice time and energy for their romantic partners or best friends. This phenomenon is observed even when self-control is not explicitly taxed, indicating a possible link between impulsivity and pro-social behavior in close relationships.
Researchers at Concordia University have found that oxytocin can increase a person's trust in others following social rejection. In a double-blind experiment, participants who received oxytocin prior to being subjected to social rejection reported greater trust in other people compared to those who received a placebo.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found a causal relationship between adiposity and heart failure, as well as elevated liver enzymes. The research analyzed genetic data from nearly 200,000 individuals and discovered that higher BMI is associated with increased risk of heart failure and other cardiometabolic traits.
A study by the University of Exeter found that older male burying beetles invest more in parental care than younger counterparts, as they have less chance of reproducing again. This investment is driven by a desire to reduce the likelihood of female infidelity.
The AGA Research Foundation and Horizon Pharma awarded fellow and student abstract prizes to outstanding young researchers presenting at Digestive Disease Week. This year's winners include Jana G. Al Hashash, James D. Canavan, and Anne E. Powell, who received $1,000 awards each.
Research at Johns Hopkins Hospital found that nearly 1 in 10 doses of prescribed blood thinners were not administered to patients. Despite the effectiveness of preventive blood thinners, many patients are missing out on this crucial treatment due to misconceptions and lack of education.
A team of scientists, led by Professor Alan Wilson, tracked domestic cats in Surrey using GPS collars and cat-cams, revealing the extent of their daily roams. The study, funded by EPSRC, BBSRC, and DARPA, aimed to showcase scientific research methods to the public and demonstrate the utility of tracking technology.
A team of Spanish researchers has sequenced the global deep ocean genome using over 2,000 samples of microorganisms collected from the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. This groundbreaking study reveals a vast unknown species of microorganisms with intense biological activity.
A new study warns that peer support schemes for people with chronic diseases may have negative effects if not handled sensitively. The research found that mentors can be at risk of emotional entanglement and may need support after the relationship is severed.
Researchers have found that a small portion of the human brain involved in memory makes new neurons well into adulthood, according to data from nuclear weapons testing of the 1950s and '60s. The study supports the importance of investigating the therapeutic potential of adult neurogenesis for age-related cognitive disorders.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen are investigating which strategies work to improve social cohesion and trust in society. They will compare Denmark with Canada, France, and the UK, examining different understandings of community and their impact on social cohesion.
A new study linking medieval Irish chronicles with ice-core records shows that up to 48 explosive volcanic eruptions caused extreme cold events in Ireland from 431-1649. Volcanic sulfate deposits in ice cores matched written records of heavy snowfall, frost, and prolonged ice covering lakes and rivers.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers successfully controlled a remote-controlled helicopter using non-invasive brain waves. The experiment, published in IOP Publishing's Journal of Neural Engineering, demonstrates the potential for brain-computer interfaces to aid patients with disabilities or neurodegenerative disorders.
Scientists discovered that elevated carbon dioxide concentrations have caused a significant increase in foliage cover across warm, arid environments globally. The study found that the CO2 fertilization effect led to an average 11% increase in foliage, with some regions experiencing up to 10% growth.
Scientists aim to apply plant-inspired principles to develop cutting-edge technology, such as intelligent robots that can adapt to unknown environments. By investigating gene regulatory networks and self-organisation in plants, the team hopes to create more resilient and efficient robot swarms for applications like space exploration.
Researchers detected a magnetar suddenly rotate slower, dubbed an 'anti-glitch', revealing puzzling behavior in the internal structure of neutron stars. This finding may lead to renewed progress in understanding these exotic objects.
A systematic analysis reveals that 3.9 billion people globally are affected by oral conditions, with untreated caries being the most widespread. The study estimates 15 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to oral conditions worldwide.
Scientists have simulated the sliding of 'cold ions' on a substrate, discovering that it transitions from smooth to stick-slip regime based on hole depth and chain inhomogeneity. This study contributes to understanding friction at every scale, with implications for nanotechnology development.
A Wayne State University researcher found that affective commitment, or feeling loyal and proud of an organization, is the most desirable type. The study also showed that continuing commitment, driven by salary and benefits, can lead to employees staying too long due to high costs.
A £1 million project aims to design and build a reactor vessel that safely uses oxygen in manufacturing processes. This would enable compounds to be oxidised effectively while producing only water as a by-product, reducing toxicity and waste.
Researchers discovered that blind individuals can utilize echolocation skills similar to bats and dolphins to pinpoint object locations. The study also showed that high-frequency sounds (above 2 kHz) are crucial for effective performance.
The AGA Research Foundation has awarded 30 student fellowships to investigate digestive diseases. Eight high school students have received $2,500 each for 10-week research projects. Undergraduates and medical students will receive up to $3,000 each for a 10-week research project.
DuctTake combines multiple takes of the same shot into a single seamless output, reducing on-set takes and improving production efficiency. The technique uses computer algorithms to find irregular seams through video frames, enabling seamless composite videos.
A new study from Cornell University found that increasing gym class time reduces youth obesity probability by 4.8 percentage points. The study suggests PE is more beneficial for boys than girls, who may substitute increased PE with TV watching.
A new grant will fund research into the relationship between diet and specific microbes, genes, and colorectal cancer. The study aims to associate red meat intake with the gut microbiome on a population scale.
A new study by EMBO reports found that corruption in countries hinders the attraction and retention of highly skilled workers. The level of corruption directly affects the availability of skilled workers, leading to negative consequences for a country's economy.
The American Gastroenterological Association has announced the inaugural AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship Award recipients, supporting underrepresented minority students in digestive disease and nutrition research. The program aims to stimulate an interest in gastroenterological research and provide students with...
A study analyzing over 4000 summaries from peer-reviewed articles finds that 97% endorse the consensus that recent global warming is human-caused. The findings starkly contrast public perceptions, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action on climate change.
Paula Myrick Short, interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, has been selected as a Fulbright Specialist to engage in short-term collaborative projects at international universities. She will share expertise in reform strategies, leadership development, and policy support to enhance student success.
Glaciers in the Mount Everest region have shrunk by 13% in the last 50 years, with snowlines shifted upward by 180 meters. The researchers suspect human-generated greenhouse gases are causing climate change, but need to establish a firm connection.
Researchers from Royal Holloway University found that white Caucasians who experienced an illusion of having dark skin had reduced racial bias. The study used the Rubber Hand Illusion to create this effect, which involved touching a fake hand while also being touched on their own hidden hand.
Research shows disrupted brain gene activity in depressed brains, out of sync with the usual daily cycle, offering a new target for diagnosis and treatment. The findings also reveal a previously unknown daily rhythm to gene activity across many areas of the brain.
A pioneering collaboration aims to develop a 24/7 digital home health assistant to address pressing healthcare issues. The SPHERE project will use non-invasive sensors to monitor patients' health and wellbeing, targeting obesity, depression, stroke, falls, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases.
Royal Holloway has been awarded a multi-million pound grant to host a new Centre for Doctoral Training in cyber security, aimed at boosting PhD graduates with relevant skills. The grant will fund ten PhD scholarships and secure industry backing from prominent organisations like IBM and McAfee.
A study published in Biomacromolecules has identified a blend of natural fibers like cellulose and silk as a potential scaffold for stem cells to form into chondrocytes, the cells that produce healthy cartilage. The blend provides complex chemical and mechanical cues that induce stem cell differentiation without the need for expensive ...
A new study found that prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is associated with lower intelligence and hyperactivity in early childhood. The study, presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting, suggests that maternal exposure to PBDEs can disrupt thyroid hormone and cause learning problems.
Universal access to modern energy could be achieved with an estimated investment of $65-86 billion per year up until 2030. The proposed investments equate to just 3-4% of current global energy system investments. Improved access to clean-cooking fuels and stoves could avert between 0.6 and 1.8 million premature deaths in 2030.
Research reveals that males exposed to constant rivalry mate for longer, but ultimately die earlier and are less able to mate later in life. Fruit flies that were not exposed to rivals continued to mate into old age.
Berkeley Lab physicists measure antimatter gravity using an experimental method that could point to much greater precision in future tests. The study's findings show that measuring antimatter gravity is possible and may lead to definitive answers about antigravity.
Researchers from Scripps Research Institute and universities identified nearly 6,000 transcripts from sea slug genome, shedding light on RNA molecules transported to synapses. The new approach offers insights into localized translation and its role in maintaining long-term memories.
AcademyHealth has awarded the Presidential Scholarship to five promising researchers, providing them with financial support and networking opportunities. The recipients are recognized for their potential to contribute to health services research and policy.
The Seena Magowitz Foundation has donated $500,000 to support clinical trials of the drug Abraxane, which extends survival in pancreatic cancer patients. This donation represents a decade of advocacy and fundraising efforts, aiming to make a difference in the lives of pancreatic cancer patients and their families.
A new study reveals that white potato consumption is positively associated with an increase in potassium intake among adults and children. Potassium deficiency is a public health concern, affecting 97% of Americans, and the study suggests that white potatoes can help address this issue.
Participants who substituted white button mushrooms for meat lost seven pounds and showed improvements in body composition compared to those on the standard diet. The study found that mushroom substitution resulted in lower calorie and fat intake, as well as a reduction in waist circumference and body mass index.
Three studies found that consuming tree nuts was associated with a better nutrient profile, lower body weight and a decrease in several cardiovascular risk factors. Tree nut consumers had higher intakes of essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats.
Researchers at the University of Exeter developed a new photoelectric device that converts light into electrical signals using graphene and graphExeter. The ultra-lightweight, flexible device has potential applications in photovoltaic textiles, intelligent windows, and smart materials.
Researchers discovered that brain's 'slow waves' start in the cerebral cortex and are initiated by a local cluster of neurons. This finding provides new insights into processes like memory consolidation and learning, and could lead to a better understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's.