Science & Technology
Genomic sequencing is changing diagnosis, treatment for patients with brain cancer
Patients diagnosed with a type of brain tumor survived for longer when they were treated aggressively with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. But far from suggesting that more treatment always leads to better survival, the study underscores the criti…
Differences in children’s behavior predict midlife health behaviors, study finds
A recent study in Finland investigated the paths from childhood socioemotional behavior to midlife health behavior decades later. Socioemotional behaviour at age 8 predicted health behaviour both directly and indirectly through education.
Deepest sediment core collected in the Atlantic Ocean
A team of scientists, engineers, and ship’s crew on the research vessel Neil Armstrong operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) recently collected a 38-foot-long cylindrical sediment sample from the deepest part of the Puerto Rico Tr…
This algorithm has opinions about your face
Researchers have now taught an AI algorithm to model first impressions and accurately predict how people will be perceived based on a photograph of their face.
New algorithm could simplify decisions for ship channel dredging
Every ship channel has to be dredged. With high costs involved, a dredging project’s managers have to be on the money in their timing and logistics choices. A new algorithm presents decision-makers with accurate context, comparisons and boots-on-the gr…
Calming overexcited neurons may protect brain after stroke
By scanning the genomes of nearly 6,000 stroke patients, researchers have identified two genes associated with recovery. Both are involved in regulating neuronal excitability, suggesting that targeting overstimulated neurons may help promote recovery i…
Kauai’s 2018 record-setting rain caused by a series of supercell thunderstorms
A record-setting rainstorm over Kaua’i, Hawai’i in April 2018 resulted in severe flash flooding and estimated damage of nearly $180 million. The deluge damaged or destroyed 532 homes, and landslides left people along Kaua’i’s north coast without access…
COVID-19 can directly infect and damage human kidney cells
Researchers showed that SARS-CoV-2 can infect kidney cells via multiple binding sites and hijack the cell’s machinery to replicate, causing injury and COVID-19-associated kidney disease.
Machine-learning model can distinguish antibody targets
A new study shows that it is possible to use the genetic sequences of a person’s antibodies to predict what pathogens those antibodies will target. The new approach successfully differentiates between antibodies against influenza and those attacking SA…
‘Spring-loaded’ system pops phosphorus into molecular rings
Chemists have devised a new chemical reaction that allows them to synthesize a phosphorus-containing ring, using a catalyst to add phosphorus to simple organic compounds called alkenes.