Imagining the Physics of George R.R. Martin’s Fictional Universe

In independent research in the American Journal of Physics, Ian Tregillis and George R.R. Martin derive a formula for viral behavior in the Wild Cards, a science fiction series written by a collection of authors about an alien virus called the Wild Card that mutates human DNA. The formula he derived is a Lagrangian formulation, which considers the different ways a system can evolve. It’s also a fundamental physics principle, which also makes the fictional example a powerful teaching tool.

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Receive $3.3 Million Grant from NIH to Study Rare Kidney Disease

 Wake Forest University School of Medicine has been awarded a $3.3 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, to study and develop a treatment for primary hyperoxaluria (PH). This rare genetic disorder causes kidney stones and other serious health problems.

Melanoma metastasis: unveiling the ferroptosis pathway in bone

A recent study has uncovered the molecular mechanisms behind osteocyte death in melanoma bone metastasis, revealing that ferroptosis—an iron-dependent form of cell death—plays a central role in the destruction of bone cells. The research identifies the HIF1α-HMOX1 axis as a critical pathway that induces excessive autophagy and iron overload, leading to osteocyte demise.

Metronomic chemotherapy: a promising approach for pediatric neuroblastoma

Metronomic chemotherapy (MC) is emerging as a groundbreaking treatment for pediatric neuroblastoma, offering a more accessible and manageable option for children with high-risk and relapsed/refractory forms of the disease. This innovative approach could revolutionize care, particularly in low-resource settings where traditional treatments are often out of reach. A recent comprehensive review explores the evolution, clinical applications, and prospects of MC, shedding light on its potential to improve outcomes while reducing toxicity.

FAU Secures $21M Promise Neighborhoods Grant for Broward UP Underserved Communities

South Florida faces significant challenges, including more than 6,000 homeless children in Broward County and issues like absenteeism, mental health struggles, and limited early learning programs. These factors hinder social mobility and education. To address these issues, FAU received a $21 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Promise Neighborhoods program. The “Broward Unlimited Potential Promise Neighborhood” (Broward UP) initiative aims to provide children with access to quality education and strong community support, ensuring successful transitions to college or careers.

Sentinel skies: tracking wetland health in the clouds

Understanding how alpine wetlands are degrading is crucial for evaluating the full impact of climate change on these fragile ecosystems. In a significant scientific advancement, researchers have introduced alpine wetlands (AW-CCD)—a pioneering algorithm designed to monitor and characterize the complex, multi-scenario degradation of alpine wetlands using Landsat time series data.

A “Quad-Demic” Warning: Symptoms of Viral Influenza, COVID-19, Norovirus, and RSV Can Also Be Signs of Potential Heart Complications

Mount Sinai cardiologists warn about the risk of heart problems during surge of winter viruses for American Heart Month in February

Elaborating On Ethnic Entrepreneurship: How Differences in Immigrant Founders’ Strategic Choices Regarding Human Capital Sourcing Affect Business Model Designs and Evolution

Abstract Strategic human capital literature assumes founders mobilize human resources from the market. Social capital research shows that relying on nonmarket sources, such as ethnic communities, for resources results in distinct ways of organizing business activities in immigrant and nonimmigrant…

FAU’s Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., Honored as a Prestigious ASPET Fellow

Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., has been named a Fellow of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). Designation as an ASPET Fellow recognizes leaders in the field for their exceptional contributions to pharmacological research, education, mentorship and leadership.

Communicating During Societal Crises: How Entrepreneurs’ Interactions with Backers Affect Fundraising via Crowdfunding

Abstract We investigate how entrepreneurs communicate with crowdfunding backers during the onset of a societal crisis via a content analysis of campaigns active during the COVID-19 pandemic and a vignette experiment. While effective communication with stakeholders is critical for acquiring…

Ryght AI Launches Global Clinical Trial Site Network with the University of Southern California as their First Academic Site

Ryght, a real-time generative AI healthcare technology provider for the clinical research industry, announced today the launch of “The Ryght Research Network”, a global network of clinical research sites. The network includes a growing number of academic institutions, community practices, and healthcare systems of all sizes, across all geographies, covering all therapeutic areas with the intention of providing real-time communications between all trial stakeholders to accelerate clinical trial timelines with AI.

UC Irvine researchers reveal a revolutionary new approach for 3D CT imaging from a single X-ray projection

Computed tomography (CT) has long been a cornerstone of modern imaging, providing detailed 3D insights into the human body and other materials. However, conventional CT requires hundreds of X-ray projections from multiple angles, exposing patients to significant radiation doses and relying on large, immobile systems.

Insurance challenges limit psychologists’ capacity to address ongoing mental health needs

Although demand for mental health treatment remains high, administrative and financial barriers are preventing many psychologists from participating in insurance networks, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2024 Practitioner Pulse Survey. Barriers by many insurance companies can make it more difficult for psychologists to remain in-network and for patients to access the care they need, exacerbating the ongoing mental health crisis.

ما هي تنبؤاتك الصحية؟ خبير يشرح التفسير العلمي وراء التوجيهات الشخصية المتعلقة بالعافية

ربما تكون على دراية بمجموعة من النصائح لعيش حياة صحية مثل مراقبة وزنك وممارسة الرياضة وتناول الأطعمة المغذية والامتناع عن التدخين. ولكن ماذا لو كان بإمكانك الجمع بين عوامل نمط الحياة هذه مع مجموعة من المتغيرات الأخرى لمعرفة خطر التعرض لأمراض بعينها، للمساعدة في اكتشافها وعلاجها مبكرًا أو الوقاية منها بالكلية؟ يشرح فيكتور أورتيجا، دكتور في الطب وحاصل على درجة الدكتوراه، المدير المساعد لمركز مايو كلينك للطب الفردي في ولاية أريزونا، كيف يقترب العلم حثيثًا من جعل مثل هذه التنبؤات الصحية الشخصية ممكنة.

Governor Hochul Celebrates the Opening Of New York’s First Cell and Gene Therapy Hub at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo

Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the opening of the Roswell Park GMP Engineering and Cell Manufacturing Facility, New York’s first cell and gene therapy hub, located at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. The $98 million facility will create new jobs, help to support the research and development of life-saving cell and gene therapies at Roswell, significantly grow its well-established research capabilities, and establish Roswell as one of the premier cell therapy discovery and development institutions in the nation. The expansion also realizes Governor Hochul’s 2023 State of the State commitment to bolster the state’s leadership in the fast-growing CGT sector through establishment of an Upstate cell and gene therapy hub to catalyze its growth in western NY. The GEM facility meets U.S. FDA Good Manufacturing Practice standards for manufacture of clinical cell therapy products, positioning the Roswell Park team to be a multifaceted resource for patients, care teams

Threat of abrupt mortality events keeps endangered monkey population at risk, despite decades of growth

Despite the population being almost four times larger than it was in 1982, a new study published in the journal Ecology suggests the northern muriqui monkeys remain at risk, especially in the face of ongoing habitat disturbances.Northern muriquis, which live in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, are much more peaceful and egalitarian compared to other primates.

Controller with Integrated Machine Learning Tweaks Fusion Plasmas in Real Time

The conditions for high fusion performance in fusion devices can result in damaging energy bursts called edge-localized modes (ELMs). ELMs can be stabilized through small adjustments to the magnetic confinement field, but this approach is usually limited to manual, preprogrammed responses. In this research, scientists integrated machine learning with adaptive control to achieve real-time adjustment capable of responding to the dynamic conditions of a fusion plasma in the DIII-D National Fusion Facility and Korea Institute of Fusion Energy KSTAR tokamaks.

Staying sharp: Study explores how brain changes may affect financial skills

A new paper co-written by faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York sheds light on how age-related changes may affect the way we handle finances — and how we can stay sharp as we age.

DOE’s RENEW Initiative to Support Seven Pathway Summer Institutes for Educators of Underrepresented and Underserved Groups in STEM

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science (SC) will support nearly 85 educators who either teach at schools and community colleges with large populations of students historically underserved and/or underrepresented in STEM or are educators who are from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM through awards for seven Pathway Summer Institutes for Educators at seven national laboratories.

University Hospitals is the First Health System in Northeast Ohio Utilizing Da Vinci 5 Surgical Robot

University Hospitals is the first health system in Northeast Ohio utilizing the Da Vinci 5 for robotic-assisted surgeries. With substantial improvements over previous models to provide a better experience for surgeons, caregivers and patients, this latest technology represents an evolution in robotic-assisted surgery. Approximately 26 trained surgeons at UH Cleveland Medical Center will be using this robot for a large variety of cases, including esophagectomies and gastric bypasses.

Los Alamos conducts first critical experiment using high assay low enriched uranium in decades

A research team at Los Alamos National Laboratory recently performed the first critical experiment with high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel in four decades at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC) in Nevada. It achieved its objective of establishing an advanced reactor testbed.

MSU study highlights negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on special education students in Michigan

Researchers at Michigan State University’s College of Education published a new study exploring learning gaps for students with disabilities and especially for those who are Black, Asian, and economically disadvantaged students — with the 2019-21 school years showing staggering declines in identifying students who could benefit from special education.

Breakthrough in treatment approach showing promise in the fight against glioblastoma, the deadliest and most aggressive type of brain cancer

Mayo Clinic announces the results of an innovative treatment approach that may offer improvement in overall survival in older patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma while maintaining quality of life. Glioblastoma is the most lethal type of primary brain cancer due to its aggressive nature and its treatment-resistant characteristics. It is the most common form of primary brain cancer.

From advancing X-rays to unlocking exascale: Argonne highlights from 2024

As the year comes to a close, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory reviews some of its most notable achievements of 2024.