New Cedars-Sinai Study Investigates Shifting Trends in GLP-1RA Prescription

Investigators at Cedars-Sinai and other institutions conducted a nationwide, population-based study to identify trends in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs)—prescription medications sold under popular drug names like Ozempic and Wegovy—in the United States.

Blood pressure high for years? Beware of stroke risk

Years of high systolic blood pressure are linked to a greater risk for the two most common types of stroke. The results suggest that early diagnosis and sustained control of high blood pressure over the lifespan are critical to preventing stroke, especially in Black and Hispanic patients who are more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension.

Resolved: A Long-Debated Anomaly in How Nuclei Spin

Atomic nuclei vary in shape from prolate to oblate, and these shapes have different moments of inertia, such that it takes different amounts of energy to spin different nuclei. Previous research has suggested that the amount of energy to spin some nuclei ever faster changes unexpectedly due to an anomalous increase in the moment of inertia, possibly because nuclei start to bulge out.

FSU to co-sponsor international quantum symposium

By: Bill Wellock | Published: July 22, 2024 | 3:10 pm | SHARE: Florida State University is partnering with the University of Florida (UF) to bring a flagship symposium in quantum materials to the state.The 2024 International Symposium on Quantum Fluids and Solids will take place July 24-30 in Jacksonville, Fla. The event brings scientists and engineers whose work explores the workings of materials characterized by quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at very small scales, such as atoms, molecules and subatomic particles.

Smell of human stress affects dogs’ emotions leading them to make more pessimistic choices

Dogs experience emotional contagion from the smell of human stress, leading them to make more ‘pessimistic’ choices, new research finds. The University of Bristol-led study, published in Scientific Reports today [22 July], is the first to test how human stress odours affect dogs’ learning and emotional state.

Tuning into the frequencies of conical shells: a fluid-structure symphony

In a pivotal study, researchers examine the natural vibrations of truncated conical shells partially filled with an ideal compressible fluid. This exploration is crucial for advancing our understanding of fluid-structure interactions, particularly in complex geometries where traditional analytical methods fall short. The study’s findings could revolutionize the design and safety of structures in various engineering applications.

Wetland wonders unfold: aerial systems shed light on ecosystem services

A cutting-edge study revolutionizes coastal wetland mapping by integrating unmanned aerial systems with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and multispectral sensors. This innovative approach provides detailed elevation data and vegetation analysis, enabling highly accurate classifications of diverse wetland types. The research advances conservation by offering a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective method that is instrumental in climate change mitigation strategies and informs policy-making for coastal resilience.

New tech addresses manufacturing bottlenecks in a lifesaving blood cancer treatment

Relapsed B-cell ALL is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and young adults. UniSA research has shown the potential of new microfluidic technology, to improve the CAR T-cell manufacturing process by efficiently removing contaminating cancerous cells and other large white blood cells – potentially leading to greater access and lower costs of treatment.

Biodiversity Research Institute Announces Publication of a Special Issue on Mercury in Ecotoxicology

To advance scientific understanding of mercury exposure in biota from around the world, an esteemed group of almost 200 scientists from more than 30 countries collaborated on producing 18 peer-reviewed papers that form a Special Issue of Ecotoxicology titled Assessing Global Environmental Mercury Exposure in Biota and Potential Impacts on Biodiversity.

Mental health apps may help those waiting for care, study finds

The recent surge in people seeking mental health care across the country has led to long wait times for first appointments with therapists and psychiatrists. Now, a new study offers hope that while they wait to get care, patients could still get some relief by using evidence-based smartphone apps and wearable devices to track sleep and activity.

Against the odds: the genetic secrets of a rare conifer’s climate change defiance

In a remarkable twist of evolutionary adaptation, the rare Tibetan cypress, Cupressus gigantea, has shown unexpected genetic resilience. Despite facing the brink of extinction due to climate change and habitat loss, the species has experienced a significant reduction in harmful genetic mutations.

Bubbling with benefits: hydrogen nanobubbles boost tomato antioxidants

A pioneering study has unlocked the potential of hydrogen nanobubbles to significantly augment the antioxidant content in tomatoes. This innovative irrigation technique not only fortifies the fruit with higher concentrations of health-boosting compounds but also opens new avenues for enhancing the nutritional value of agricultural produce.

Unlocking the genetic keys to cucumber perfection: a new player in flower and fruit development

Scientists have illuminated the role of heterotrimeric G protein α-subunits in cucumber’s development, a breakthrough in our comprehension of plant organ formation. This insight into the CLAVATA (CLV) signaling cascade may lead to innovative approaches in crop cultivation, promising advancements in both nutritional value and agricultural output.

FruitFlow: a new citizen science initiative unlocks orchard secrets

The “FruitWatch” initiative, a groundbreaking citizen science project, has significantly enhanced the accuracy of predicting flowering times for fruit trees across Great Britain. This improvement is vital for the agricultural sector, enabling better planning for pest management and pollinator support, which are crucial for maintaining optimal fruit yield and quality.

From roots to leaves: the nitrogen connection to photosynthetic efficiency

Delving into the nuances of plant nutrition, researchers have discovered that the form of nitrogen intake profoundly affects the efficiency of photosynthesis in plants. This pivotal finding sheds light on how plants process and utilize nitrogen, offering critical insights for enhancing crop productivity and optimizing nitrogen use in agriculture.

Peeling back the genetic layers of stone fruit domestication

Unraveling the genetic underpinnings of stone fruits, a pivotal study explores the genomic landscape of apricot, peach, plum, and mei. It uncovers the signatures of selection pressures driving their domestication and adaptation, revealing a rich tapestry of genetic diversity and evolutionary convergence that shapes the traits we value in these crops.

Nature’s gender reveal: key gene controls female flowers in Cucurbita pepo

A transformative study has pinpointed the CpMYB62 transcription factor as a key determinant in the sex differentiation of Cucurbita pepo flowers. This gene mutation, which impedes the female floral transition, may be partially reversed by ethylene, indicating its critical role in ethylene-mediated sex determination pathways.

Pineapple peel’s red secret: scientists uncover the molecular mechanism behind its color

A pivotal study has identified AcMYB266 as a crucial transcription factor that governs the red coloration in pineapple peels, a genetically complex trait. This discovery is set to revolutionize pineapple breeding, offering a pathway to enhance fruit quality and appearance by manipulating anthocyanin levels, thereby unlocking both commercial and nutritional potentials.

Blueprint for blueberry: decoding the genetic pathways of plant regrowth

A pivotal study has shed light on the genetic factors that govern the ability of highbush blueberries to regenerate from shoots, a critical process for plant breeding and genetic engineering. By comparing the transcriptomes of two genotypes with contrasting regeneration rates, researchers identified key auxin-related genes and transcription factors crucial to this process.