The challenges facing global food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers over the last year may at first appear insurmountable, yet IICI’s vital work continues to advance impactful agricultural innovations where they are needed most.
Month: October 2023
The Underappreciated Role of Pods and Siliques to Developing Seeds
Plants harness energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide through a process called photosynthesis which supports the generation of carbohydrates, proteins, and oils that are stored in seeds – like a kernel of corn, a soybean, or a grain of rice.
Drawing a tube of blood could assess ALS risk from environmental toxin exposure
Investigators have developed a new risk score that assesses a person’s risk for developing ALS, as well as for survival after diagnosis, using a blood sample based on exposure to toxins in the environment, a new study shows.
Virtual meetings tire people because we’re doing them wrong
New research suggests sleepiness during virtual meetings is caused by mental underload and boredom. Earlier studies suggested that fatigue from virtual meetings stems from mental overload, but new research from Aalto University shows that sleepiness during virtual meetings might actually be a result of mental underload and boredom.
Penn Research Projects Increase in U.S. Cardiovascular Deaths Due to Extreme Heat
The number of heat related cardiovascular deaths in the United States will increase over the next four decades, according to a new analysis from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
RUDN University Psychologists Created Scale for Students’ Attitudes Towards Digital Educational Technologies
RUDN University psychologists have developed a questionnaire to determine how students feel about digital educational technologies. It is one of the first such scales in Russia.
New study finds global climate change could impact the flavor and cost of American beer
There are few things tastier than the crisp bite of a cold IPA…for now. A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications found the changing global climate may be affecting the flavor and cost of beer. A warmer and drier climate is expected to lower the yield of hops — the aromatic flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant that give beer its signature bitter flavor — in Europe up to 18 percent by 2050.
Stink bugs: The good, the bad, and how to get rid of them
With summerlike temperatures on their way out and cooler temperatures moving in, homeowners may start to see more uninvited guests inside, particularly the brown marmorated stink bug. Virginia Tech experts say not only are these bugs a nuisance, they also pose an economic threat to farmers. But, there are some positives to having them around as well.
Modeling Polymers for Next-Generation Manufacturing and Sustainability
New computational methods “fingerprint” polymer motions under flow.
New Study Shows Insurance Coverage Disruptions Affect Key Cancer Screenings for U.S. Adults
A new study by researchers at the American Cancer Society shows that adults in the United States with prior insurance coverage disruptions are significantly less likely to receive guideline-concordant and past-year cancer screening, compared to people with continuous coverage.
Alpine rock reveals dynamics of plate movements in Earth’s interior
Geoscientists analyze rocks in mountain belts to reconstruct how they once moved downwards into the depths and then returned to the surface.
New parallel hybrid network achieves better performance through quantum-classical collaboration
Building efficient quantum neural networks is a promising direction for research at the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning.
Hidden way for us to feel touch uncovered by Imperial researchers
Previously, touch was thought to be detected only by nerve endings present within the skin and surrounding hair follicles.
Possible cause of male infertility
Mature spermatozoa are characterized by an head, midpiece and a long tail for locomotion. Now, researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the Transdisciplinary Research Unit “Life & Health” at the University of Bonn have found that a loss of the structural protein ACTL7B blocks spermatogenesis in male mice.
Study: Metformin can help youth manage weight gain side effect of bipolar medications
A new large-scale study led by researchers at the University of Cincinnati and Northwell Health, New York’s largest health care provider, found the drug metformin can help prevent or reduce weight gain in youth taking medication to treat bipolar disorder.
The Threat of Cholera in Africa
Announcing a new article publication for Zoonoses journal. A multi-country cholera outbreak has occurred in several developing countries in Africa, Asia and Oceania since mid-2021.
New Study Shows Adults Treated for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Vulnerable to Hazards of Wildfires
New research by scientists at the American Cancer Society and the University of California, San Francisco, shows individuals in the United States undergoing radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer who are exposed to wildfires near the treating facility have worse overall survival than unexposed individuals.
Cancer Research Institute to Honor Dr. Ananda Goldrath with 2023 Alt Award
The Cancer Research Institute is proudly awarding Dr. Ananda Goldrath with the 2023 Fredrick W. Alt award for New Discoveries in Immunology.
fMRI study finds correlated shifts in brain connectivity associated with overthinking in adolescents
A new study from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, University of Utah and University of Exeter (UK) substantiates previous groundbreaking research that rumination (overthinking) can be reduced through an intervention called Rumination-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RF-CBT).
Underwater robot finds new circulation pattern in Antarctic ice shelf
More than merely cracks in the ice, crevasses play an important role in circulating seawater beneath Antarctic ice shelves, potentially influencing their stability, finds Cornell University-led research based on a first-of-its-kind exploration by an underwater robot.
The AI Revolution: Surgeons Share Insights on Integrating AI into Surgical Care
A panel of leading surgeons convened recently to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern surgical practices. The surgeons, all pioneers in adopting AI into their work and studying potential applications, illustrated how this technology is revolutionizing patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Powassan Virus: What to Know about this Rare Tick-Borne Disease
Powassan cases are on the rise in parts of the U.S., says an expert at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Powassan is a life-threatening illness that can cause severe neurological symptoms.
Cedars-Sinai’s Smallest Babies Celebrate Halloween
It was another boo-tiful Halloween celebration at the Cedars-Sinai Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on Thursday. Hand-sewn costumes had been specially made for the smallest babies by Cedars-Sinai volunteers and were laid out in the NICU for parents to select.
New Study Finds Limited Documentation of Cost Discussions With Patients Newly Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer
A new study by researchers at the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, shows only about a quarter of individuals newly diagnosed with advanced cancers had documented physician discussions about costs of care, which may hinder identifying patient needs and tracking outcomes of referrals for assistance.
From Prevention to Treatment: The Giving Thanks Cancer Health Fest is Coming Saturday, November 4
The Giving Thanks Health Fest will be held at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church on 8282 I-10 Service Rd. in New Orleans East on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The faith-based symposium will explore community solutions for cancer health equity.
Ichthyosis associated with greater risk of anxiety, depression
People living with Ichthyosis – a rare disorder with symptoms including dry, scaly patches of skin – may be at higher risk for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, a new study finds. Researchers at Yale School of Medicine…
Hybrid nanomaterials promise a sustainability boost across multiple industries
Polyoxometalate (POM)-based nanohybrids potentially offer a step-change in sustainability across a wide variety of industries, but research into the substances is in its infancy. A group of researchers has produced a comprehensive review of the sector’s progress and challenges yet to be overcome.
Scientists build on artificial intelligence to create next-generation gastric acid treatment
Nagoya University researchers used AI to design and synthesize a new, highly effective gastric acid inhibitor, demonstrating the potential of AI in pharmaceutical development.
The sunscreen paradox: McGill University researchers warn of ‘false sense of security’
Sunscreen is important, says Dr. Ivan Litvinov, but it is also the least effective way to protect your skin when compared to sun protective clothing and sun avoidance
AI can alert urban planners and policymakers to cities’ decay
As urbanization advances around the globe, the quality of the urban physical environment will become increasingly critical to human well-being and to sustainable development initiatives. However, measuring and tracking the quality of an urban environment, its evolution and its spatial disparities is difficult due to the amount of on-the-ground data needed to capture these patterns. To address this issue, Yong Suk Lee, assistant professor of technology, economy and global affairs in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, and Andrea Vallebueno from Stanford University used machine learning to develop a scalable method to measure urban decay.
Youngest children in class with ADHD as likely to keep diagnosis in adulthood as older pupils, find scientists
New study shows for first time that younger children are no more likely to lose ADHD diagnosis over time than older classmates
Medicine & Magic: Parallel Pathways and Similar Goals
Expert: Houston Methodist Dr. Randall Wolf (https://www.houstonmethodist.org/doctor/randall-wolf/) Longtime cardiac surgeon Dr. Randall Wolf has been working his magic on patients with atrial fibrillation for decades. He performs a direct ablation on the outside of the heart where the nerves are located,…
New Research Shows Patients Receiving Cancer Treatment Understand Health Insurance Basics; Important Knowledge Gaps Remain
A new study by researchers at the American Cancer Society showed among patients receiving outpatient cancer treatment in two sites, most people could understand basic health insurance terms, such as premiums and deductibles.
Long COVID most prevalent in the most seriously ill
Severe physical symptoms persist for up to two years in people who had a severe COVID-19 infection, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring.
Okinawa’s ants change their seasonal rhythms amid land-cover changes
Ant communities in areas with more human development show reduced seasonal behavior.
IU scientists part of NIH-funded national consortium focused on improving Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine will play key roles in a national consortium led by Wake Forest University School of Medicine to study the use, interpretation and implementation of biomarkers to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. The multi-institution effort is funded by a five-year, $9 million grant from the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, that will establish the Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in Older Adults with Chronic Conditions (ADACC) Network.
Will machines soon be conscious?
The rise of the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has led to the view that these systems might soon be conscious. However, we might underestimate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying human consciousness.
Tri-City to Partner with UC San Diego Health in Delivering World-Class Medical Care
UC San Diego Health has been selected as Tri-City Healthcare District’s future health care partner.
CEHC Researchers Partner with National Weather Service to Improve Extreme Heat Communication
A new two-year study will focus on how current heat information is accessed and understood by people in the U.S. through $471,805 in support from NOAA.
The race of water droplets
A team of researchers has delved into the mechanisms governing the speed at which a water droplet slides along one or several fibers.
Tracking down environmental toxins
Detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by interrupted energy transfer
Intermittent fasting is safe, effective for those with Type 2 diabetes
More weight lost among people who fasted, compared to calorie restriction
Find-and-replace genome editing with CRISPR: A promising therapeutic Strategy
CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing offers hope for treating severe immunodeficiency disorders like SCID, with a novel approach for precise gene replacement, reducing risks and potentially aiding various genetic diseases.
A relational framework for microbiome research that includes Indigenous communities
Research and collection of microbiome samples from Indigenous communities has a history of exploiting and harming Indigenous peoples
Air Force awards $5M to FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, University of Florida collaboration on new research Center of Excellence
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida will collaborate on a new Air Force Office of Scientific Research Center of Excellence focused on high-speed flight and morphing aerospace vehicles, which can change shape while in flight.
Protein root discovery seals future of climate proof plants
Researchers have discovered a protein that seals plant roots to regulate the uptake of nutrients and water from the soil, the discovery could help develop climate proof crops that require less water and chemical fertilizers
Online games use dark designs to collect player data
The privacy policies and practices of online games contain dark design patterns which could be deceptive, misleading, or coercive to users, according to a new study from Aalto University
Unlocking Sugar to Generate Biofuels and Bioproducts
Plant biologists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have engineered enzymes to modify grass plants so their biomass can be more efficiently converted into biofuels and other bioproducts.
WVU to help STEM graduates invest in Mountain State’s environmental health
To foster a continuing interest in STEM fields, West Virginia University is collaborating with other state universities to establish One Health West Virginia, a network connecting research mentors with postbaccalaureate mentees who will acquire training and experience to pursue STEM-based careers and address environmental health issues in the state.
Rutgers Poison Control Expert Available to Discuss Halloween Safety
Diane Calello, Executive and Medical Director of the New Jersey Poison Center, is available to discuss safety measures parents should take during Halloween.