ScienceDaily: All - November 12, 2024
Today's top research news
Einstein's equations collide with the mysteries of the Universe
Why is the expansion of our Universe accelerating? Twenty-five years after its discovery, this phenomenon remains one of the greatest scientific mysteries. Solving it involves testing the fundamental laws of physics, including Albert Einstein's general relativity. Researchers compared Einstein's predictions with data from the Dark Energy Survey. Scientists discovered a slight discrepancy that varies with different periods in cosmic history. These results challenge the validity of Einstein's theories for explaining phenomena beyond our solar system on a universal scale.
Image: Aree_S/Shutterstock.com
Bystander CPR up to 10 minutes after cardiac arrest may protect brain function
The sooner a lay rescuer (bystander) starts cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a person having a cardiac arrest at home or in public, up to 10 minutes after the arrest, the better the chances of survival and brain protection, according to an analysis of nearly 200,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in the U.S. from 2013 to 2022.
AI can detect serious neurologic changes in babies in the NICU using video data alone
Study findings could serve as a foundation for broader neuro-monitoring applications across intensive care units globally.
Study reveals best timing for getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy to protect newborns
Current guidelines recommend that pregnant people receive a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) -- which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most adults but can be deadly for infants -- during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. New research suggests that vaccination earlier in that time-frame, closer to 32 weeks, could provide the best protection for newborns against RSV.
Swirling polar vortices likely exist on the Sun
Like the Earth, the Sun likely has swirling polar vortices, according to new research. But unlike on Earth, the formation and evolution of these vortices are driven by magnetic fields.
The refrigerator as a harbinger of a better life
To get a good sense of a country's level of development, you need to look at the items people have in their homes, according to economists. Research on low- and middle-income countries often focuses on income, health or education, but that doesn't tell you the full story of a country's situation.
A new paradigm in high-speed photoacoustic small animal whole-body imaging
A team develops high-speed rotational scanning PACT system for monitoring whole-body biodynamic.
Scientists use microcellular drones to deliver lung cancer-killing drugs
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) loaded with customizable anti-cancer antisense oligonucleotides suppressed cancer growth.
The discovery, centred around controlling tiny hurricanes of light and electromagnetic fields, could revolutionise how much information we can deliver over cables.
The Shellowship of the Ring: Two new snail species named after Tolkien characters
Researchers have named two newly discovered freshwater snail species from Brazil after characters from The Lord of the Rings.
Study leads the way to early detection and treatment of aggressive prostate cancer
Scientists uncover functionality of a genetic variant in the prostate specific antigen (PSA) gene to improve the current diagnostic test to help distinguish aggressive from non-aggressive prostate cancers.
Research team successfully produces microbial plastic to replace PET bottles
Researchers have succeeded in developing a microbial strain that efficiently produces pseudoaromatic polyester monomer to replace polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using systems metabolic engineering.
Patients may become unnecessarily depressed by common heart medicine
All patients who have had a heart attack are typically treated using beta blockers. According to a recent study, this drug is unlikely to be needed for those heart patients who have a normal pumping ability. Now a sub-study shows that there is also a risk that these patients will become depressed by the treatment.
Elephant seal colony declines one year after avian flu outbreak
A year after an outbreak of H5N1 killed thousands of elephant seals in Argentina, only about a third of the seals normally expected here returned, scientists estimate.
Researchers uncover new role of mutant proteins in some of the deadliest cancers
Researchers have discovered a new way in which RAS genes, which are commonly mutated in cancer, may drive tumor growth beyond their well-known role in signaling at the cell surface. Mutant RAS, they found, helps to kick off a series of events involving the transport of specific nuclear proteins that lead to uncontrolled tumor growth, according to a new study.
Where does the periodic table of chemical elements end and which processes lead to the existence of heavy elements? Researchers report on experiments to come closer to an answer. They gained insight into the structure of atomic nuclei of fermium (element 100) with different numbers of neutrons. Using forefront laser spectroscopy techniques, they traced the evolution of the nuclear charge radius and found a steady increase as neutrons were added to the nuclei. This indicates that localized nuclear shell effects have a reduced influence on the nuclear charge radius in these heavy nuclei
International canine gene research database accelerates biomedical research
A new database covering over 100 different canine tissues can significantly enhance our understanding of hereditary diseases and provide valuable information for health research in both dogs and humans.
Robot that watched surgery videos performs with skill of human doctor, researchers report
A robot, trained for the first time by watching videos of seasoned surgeons, executed the same surgical procedures as skillfully as the human doctors, say researchers.
'Emotional contagion' a factor in seniors' mental health
A new study finds that seniors who tend to mirror other people's feelings are more likely to show signs of being anxious or depressed themselves.
Carpet fibers stop concrete cracking
Engineers have found a way to make stronger and crack-resistant concrete with scrap carpet fibers, rolling out the red carpet for sustainability in the construction sector.
Carbon recycling instead of plastic trash
Plastics are inescapable in our daily lives. The vast amounts of plastic garbage heaped in landfills and in the environment, however, are as problematic as the plastics are useful. A research team has now introduced a new method for recycling polystyrene waste. Their efficient electrochemical process uses an inexpensive iron catalyst, produces hydrogen as a byproduct, and can be powered by solar panels.
Two hundred times better catalysts thanks to carbon
How well a catalyst works often depends on the surface it is placed on. For years, it has been known that carbon substrates work well with precious metal catalysts, but it could never be properly explained. Now scientists managed to get to the bottom of this phenomenon -- with remarkable results: Metal atoms which are placed directly next to carbon are two hundred times more effective as catalysts.
Inland Delaware watersheds impaired by human waste
A new study suggests that human waste, both treated and untreated, is responsible for the waterway impairment in Delaware watersheds.
Consistent bedtime linked with better child emotion and behavior regulation
A consistent bedtime may be more important to a child's ability to control their emotions and behavior than the duration or quality of their sleep, according to a new publication.
Discovery taps 'hot carriers' for on-demand, emissions-free hydrogen and catalyst regeneration
Researchers have developed a new photocatalyst that could render steam methane reforming entirely emissions-free and extend catalyst lifetimes.
Secret behind the corpse flower's famous stench
A new study on titan arum -- commonly known as the corpse flower for its smell like rotting flesh -- uncovers fundamental genetic pathways and biological mechanisms that produce heat and odorous chemicals when the plant blooms. The study provides insight into the flower's ability to warm up just before blooming through a process known as thermogenesis, an uncommon trait in plants that is not well understood. The researchers also identify a new component of the corpse flower's odor, an organic chemical called putrescine.
Older adult prostate cancer patients are increasingly being overtreated
Increasing percentages of some older U.S. men with intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancers are undergoing treatments that carry risks of side effects that can significantly reduce the quality of life without extending life, according to a new study. This trend is problematic because these men may not have life expectancies that would allow them to receive the benefits of more aggressive treatments.
Experiences of discrimination linked to postpartum weight retention
Researchers have been unable to explain why after giving birth, Black patients are two to three times as likely to retain or gain additional weight compared to their white counterparts, even when pre-pregnancy weight and gestational-weight trajectories are comparable. A first-of-its-kind study points to the stress of lived experiences with racism and gender-based discrimination as a possible explanation.
New antibody could be promising cancer treatment
Researchers have developed a new form of precision medicine, an antibody, with the potential to treat several types of cancer. Researchers have managed to combine three different functions in the antibody, which together strongly amplify the effect of T cells on the cancer tumor.