ScienceDaily: Most Popular News


Fast, efficient COVID-19 biosensor under development

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 11:15 AM PDT

Researchers are developing a 'biosensing platform' for COVID-19 that's fast, efficient, accurate and highly sensitive, which could help scientists stay on top of shifting virus variants.

Taste sensors keep proteins in order in flies

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 11:15 AM PDT

A set of genes that promote sweet taste sensation is also crucial for protein management during fly development, according to a new study. The finding expands the understanding of a key process in successful development, and suggests a connection between taste-related genes and disorders of protein aggregation.

A novel COVID-19 vaccine using modified bacterial DNA

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 11:14 AM PDT

Researchers describe a different way to build a COVID-19 vaccine, one that would, in theory, remain effective against new and emerging variants and could be taken as a pill, by inhalation or other delivery methods.

The outer limits: Future economic growth in the face of diminishing resource

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:20 AM PDT

University of California San Diego Professor of Physics Thomas Murphy believes that although no one can say with absolute certainty that the planet will reach an unavertable crisis by the end of this century, our current trajectory is unable to continue much longer.

Medical face mask membrane that can capture, deactivate SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on contact

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:20 AM PDT

SARS-CoV-2 is covered in spike proteins, which allow the virus to enter host cells once in the body. Researchers have developed a membrane that includes proteolytic enzymes that attach to the protein spikes and deactivate them.

Sick animals struggle to problem solve and adapt to changing environments

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:20 AM PDT

Even common infections can come with acute or lingering cognitive symptoms; one of the best-known examples is 'COVID fog.' In a new review article, cognitive and disease ecologists discuss how infection-associated decline in learning, memory, or decision making can affect how well animals, such as birds and bees, adapt to urbanization or climate change.

Astronomers develop novel way to 'see' the first stars through the fog of the early Universe

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:20 AM PDT

A team of astronomers has developed a method that will allow them to 'see' through the fog of the early Universe and detect light from the first stars and galaxies.

Cancer cells make unique form of collagen, protecting them from immune response

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:20 AM PDT

Cancer cells produce small amounts of their own form of collagen, creating a unique extracellular matrix that affects the tumor microbiome and protects against immune responses. This abnormal collagen structure is fundamentally different from normal collagen made in the human body, providing a highly specific target for therapeutic strategies.

An anti-bacterial liaison

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:20 AM PDT

Macrophages play a central role in our immune response. They can trap and digest invading pathogens. However, specific bacteria such as Salmonella or Mycobacteria can survive the digestive system of macrophages and escape the control of immune cells. Research reveals how different organelle systems communicate to activate a more effective anti-bacterial defense mechanism. Successful elimination of specific bacteria in the phago-lysosomal system depends on a signal controlling mitochondria. The yet unknown phago-lysosome-mitochondria crosstalk in macrophages leads to a better understanding of how immune cells work and may identify new intervention points for treating infectious diseases.

Blockchain gives Indigenous Americans control over their genomic data

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:19 AM PDT

Despite existing tools that facilitate the sharing of genomic information with researchers, none of those options give Indigenous governments control over how these data are used. In a new article, authors propose a new blockchain model where researchers are only allowed to access the genomic data after the Indigenous entities have approved the research project.

Lonely old deers: Aging red deer become less social as they grow older

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:19 AM PDT

A new social network analysis of female wild red deer on the Isle of Rum in Scotland shows that aging deer tend to adopt a life of solitude in their advancing years.

Patient deterioration predictor could surpass limits of traditional vital signs

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:19 AM PDT

A device driven by artificial intelligence that works to predict when a patient will deteriorate could provide a more accurate picture than traditional vital signs, a new study suggests. The technology continuously monitors patients using data from a single electrocardiogram lead, and researchers say it has the potential to save lives anywhere from the hospital to the battlefield.

Silk offers an alternative to some microplastics

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:19 AM PDT

Researchers developed a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics added to agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics. The processing method is simple and tunable, so the material could be adapted to work on existing manufacturing equipment.

Just 10 financial actors hold the key to climate change

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 10:19 AM PDT

A new report has identified the 10 financial actors with the most influence on the fossil fuel economy and outlines the decisive role they can play in helping de-carbonize our future.

Flexible method for shaping laser beams extends depth-of-focus for OCT imaging

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a new method for flexibly creating various needle-shaped laser beams. These long, narrow beams can be used to improve optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive and versatile imaging tool that is used for scientific research and various types of clinical diagnoses.

Pharmacist-based deprescribing successfully reduced older adults' exposure to anticholinergic drugs

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

A new study has found that using pharmacists as deprescribing care coordinators decreased prescription of anticholinergics by 73 percent and reduced cumulative use of these drugs by as much as 70 percent.

North 'plaza' in Cahokia was likely inundated year-round

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

The ancient North American city of Cahokia had as its focal point a feature now known as Monks Mound, a giant earthwork surrounded on its north, south, east and west by large rectangular open areas. A new study of the north plaza suggest it was almost always underwater, calling into question earlier interpretations of the north plaza's role in Cahokian society.

Physiological features of Japanese black cattle with high methane production

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Methane emitted from cows is a significant source of greenhouse emissions. Now, a collaborative project has used biomarkers to tell us more about the metabolic and nutritional characteristics linked to enteric methane emissions in Japanese Black cattle.

Lighting up the B cells

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Lighting up the B cells. Distinguishing B cells from T cells using an SLC35C2 transporter-targeting fluorescent probe.

At the water's edge: Self-assembling 2D materials at a liquid-liquid interface

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Molecular 2D materials find immense applications in materials science, owing to their wide structural variety and easy controllability. Establishing a simple and efficient method for their synthesis is, therefore, important. Now, scientists present a simple method for synthesizing heterolayer coordination nanosheets, a promising 2D material, shedding light on how certain chemical coordination reactions occur at liquid-liquid interfaces. Their method could help develop novel 2D materials with applications in optoelectronic devices.

Protective T cells remain 20 months after COVID-19, study finds

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Highly specialized T cells are detectable in blood for at least 20 months after SARS-cov-2 infection, a new study shows.

Electric nanomotor made from DNA material

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

A research team has succeeded for the first time in producing a molecular electric motor using the DNA origami method. The tiny machine made of genetic material self-assembles and converts electrical energy into kinetic energy. The new nanomotors can be switched on and off, and the researchers can control the rotation speed and rotational direction.

Why Jupiter doesn't have rings like Saturn

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Because it's bigger, Jupiter ought to have larger, more spectacular rings than Saturn has. But new research shows Jupiter's massive moons prevent that vision from lighting up the night sky.

New physics law could predict genetic mutations

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Genetic mutations could be predicted before they occur using a new law of physics, according to a new study.

'Sensing system' spots struggling ecosystems

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

A new 'resilience sensing system' can identify ecosystems that are in danger of collapse, research shows.

The birds and the bees -- and the temperature gauge

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:15 AM PDT

Animals will often put their lives on the line for reproduction, even if it comes at the cost of being the wrong temperature. Thermal biology co-adapts with the traits favored by sexual selection, including things like courtship displays, ornamental coloration and enlarged weapons like horns or claws.

How vaccine-related fears affect the flu shot experience

Posted: 21 Jul 2022 07:14 AM PDT

A novel long-term study of how vaccine-related fears influence flu shot outcomes has found that these fears not only reduce vaccination, but also fuel symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness at the time of the injection.

Finding the right target to prevent medulloblastoma relapse

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 04:37 PM PDT

Using a GLI inhibitor, rather than a SMO inhibitor, made medulloblastoma tumors smaller and weaker.

Do benefits of physical, mental activity on thinking differ for men and women?

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 04:37 PM PDT

Studies have shown that physical and mental activity help preserve thinking skills and delay dementia. A new study suggests that these benefits may vary for men and women.

Post-COVID lung disease shares origins with other scarring lung disorders

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 04:37 PM PDT

Researchers provide first insights into the fundamental cellular pathologies that drive interstitial lung disease in patients post-COVID.

Novel gene therapy could reduce bleeding risk for haemophilia patients

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 04:37 PM PDT

A single gene therapy injection could dramatically reduce the bleeding risk faced by people with haemophilia B, finds a new study.

Deep learning for new alloys

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 04:37 PM PDT

Supercomputer simulations are helping scientists discover new high-entropy alloys. XSEDE allocations on TACC's Stampede2 supercomputer supported density function theory calculations for largest database yet of high-entropy alloy properties. Deep Sets architecture generated predictive models on Stampede2 for the properties of new high-entropy alloys. Study of high-entropy alloys represents an effort of materials scientists to develop new materials for a more sustainable future.

Hypertension elevates risk for more severe COVID-19 illness

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 04:37 PM PDT

Hypertension more than doubles the risk of hospitalization related to Omicron infection, even in people who are fully vaccinated and boosted, according to a new study.

Overconfidence bolsters anti-scientific views, study finds

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 04:37 PM PDT

Historically, the scientific community has relied on educating the public in order to increase agreement with scientific consensus. New research suggests why this approach has seen only mixed results.

Feeding dogs raw meat associated with increased presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 04:37 PM PDT

New research has revealed an association between the feeding of raw meat to pet dogs and the presence of bacteria resistant to critically important antibiotics.

Cellular protein identified as possible drug target to combat Lassa hemorrhagic fever

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:06 PM PDT

Experimental approach could uncover new treatment options for the virus, which is highly prevalent in Western Africa.

Engineered mattress tricks your body to fall asleep faster

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:06 PM PDT

Bioengineers have developed a unique mattress and pillow system that uses heating and cooling to tell the body it is time to go to sleep.

Putting the brakes on 'budding' viruses

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:06 PM PDT

Paramyxoviruses have the potential to trigger a devastating pandemic. This family of viruses includes measles, Nipah virus, mumps, Newcastle disease and canine distemper. An international team has examined key stage in the life cycles of measles and Nipah viruses. It reveals how future therapies might stop these viruses in their tracks.

Higher rates of preterm birth in women infected with COVID-19 in late pregnancy

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:06 PM PDT

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, but only for women infected in their final trimester, according to researchers. The study of over 5,000 pregnant women is one of the first to look at pregnancy outcomes for COVID-19 patients by trimester.

Psychological traits of violent extremism investigated using new research tool

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:06 PM PDT

Researchers have developed and validated a new tool known as the Extremist Archetypes Scale to help distinguish different psychological traits found among people engaged in violent extremism.

Beliefs in conspiracy theories may not be increasing

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:06 PM PDT

A new analysis contradicts popular thinking about beliefs in conspiracy theories, suggesting that such beliefs may not have actually increased over time.

Robots learn household tasks by watching humans

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:05 PM PDT

Researchers have developed a new learning method for robots called WHIRL, short for In-the-Wild Human Imitating Robot Learning. WHIRL is an efficient algorithm for one-shot visual imitation. It can learn directly from human-interaction videos and generalize that information to new tasks, making robots well-suited to learning household chores. People constantly perform various tasks in their homes. With WHIRL, a robot can observe those tasks and gather the video data it needs to eventually determine how to complete the job itself.

Alexa and Siri, listen up! Teaching machines to really hear us

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:05 PM PDT

The implications of new AI voice research go beyond user experience to making AI more efficient, which could change the industry and significantly reduce carbon footprints.

Motion capture reveals why VAR in football struggles with offside decisions

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:05 PM PDT

New research has used motion capture technology to assess the accuracy of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technologies in football. The study suggests that VAR is useful for preventing obvious mistakes but is currently not precise enough to give accurate judgements every time. 

Study details U.S. health spending by region

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 12:05 PM PDT

A new study provides the first nationwide, small-area analysis of the variation in spending by the three main funders of health care in the United States: Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. The researchers' goal: to see whether there are regions that have low health spending by each of the three payers simultaneously or whether distinct factors drive health spending variation among the payers.

Study shows widespread mislabeling of CBD content occurs for over-the-counter products

Posted: 20 Jul 2022 09:10 AM PDT

Researchers tested more than 100 topical cannabidiol (CBD) products available online and at retail stores, and found significant evidence of inaccurate and misleading labeling of CBD content.