China's Xi says 'light of hope in front of us' on Covid

President Xi Jinping said Saturday the "light of hope is right in front of us" as China faces an explosion of Covid-19 cases after an abrupt lifting of restrictions.

Skiing in the Alps faces a bleak future thanks to climate change

Skiing was introduced into the Alps comparatively late in the 1880s, with the first ski-lift being developed in the Swiss resort of Davos in the winter of 1934. The industrial revolution was two centuries old by that point, but the world climate was still largely pre-industrial.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/skiing-in-the-alps-faces-a-bleak-future-thanks-to-climate-change

Share the data, WHO urges China at Covid surge talks

The World Health Organization met Chinese officials for talks on Friday about the surge in COVID-19 cases, urging them to share real-time data so other countries can respond effectively.

France, Britain impose Covid tests on travelers from China

France and Britain on Friday joined a growing list of nations imposing COVID tests on travelers from China, and the World Health Organization pressed Beijing to be more forthcoming on real-time data amid an explosion of cases there.

Cities in Asia ready for New Year parties after COVID hiatus

Revelers began gathering in major city centers across the Asia-Pacific region to celebrate the first new year without COVID-19 restrictions since the pandemic began in 2020.

Applications to plastic surgery residency programs lag behind significant increase in residency positions

Historically plastic surgery has been considered one of most competitive and highly sought after residency programs. While this remains true recent appearing wrinkles may be of concern, according to an article in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Between new rivals and a distracted boss, Tesla suffers on Wall Street

Tesla lost a staggering two-thirds of its market value in 2022, a victim of fears about demand for electric vehicles, dismay at Elon Musk's tribulations as head of Twitter and the end of easy money on Wall Street.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/between-new-rivals-and-a-distracted-boss-tesla-suffers-on-wall-street

Sanctions-hit Huawei says back to 'business as usual'

Chinese tech giant Huawei said on Friday it had returned to "business as usual" despite US sanctions as it estimated annual revenues to remain flat for 2022.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/sanctions-hit-huawei-says-back-to-business-as-usual

Spain to check airport arrivals from China for COVID: minister

Passengers arriving at Spanish airports from China will be screened for COVID, Madrid's health minister said on Friday, following an explosion of cases in China.

US winter storm death toll rises to 61

The death toll from a fierce winter storm that gripped much of the United States over Christmas rose to at least 61 on Thursday, officials said.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/us-winter-storm-death-toll-rises-to-61

China insists official Covid data is transparent: state media

China has insisted the data it publishes on COVID-19 deaths has always been transparent, state media reported, despite the official figures being tiny compared with other countries and its hospitals overwhelmed with infections.

First legal recreational marijuana shop opens in New York City

New York's first legal recreational marijuana dispensary opened on Thursday in the heart of Manhattan.

Concern over China Covid surge 'understandable': WHO

Restrictions some countries have introduced in response to China's COVID-19 surge are "understandable", given the lack of information from Beijing, the head of the World Health Organization said Thursday.

Japan tests all China arrivals for COVID amid surging cases

Japan on Friday started requiring COVID-19 tests for all passengers arriving from China as an emergency measure against surging infections there and as Japan faces rising case numbers and record-level deaths at home.

China faces bumpy road to normal as infections surge

After three years of quarantines pushed them close to shutting down, restaurant owner Li Meng and his wife are hoping for business to rebound after China rolled back severe anti-virus controls.

Global alarm grows over China's COVID surge

The United States has joined a growing number of countries in imposing restrictions on visitors from China after Beijing announced it would remove curbs on overseas travel as COVID cases surge at home.

They survived the hunters: now king penguins face climate change

Once hunted to the brink of extinction, the thousands of king penguins that densely congregate on the remote Possession Island each year now face a new threat: climate change.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/they-survived-the-hunters-now-king-penguins-face-climate-change

Holy icy chill, Batman! Freezing bats saved in Texas

It was a rescue worthy of Batman.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/holy-icy-chill-batman-freezing-bats-saved-in-texas

Twitter outages hit thousands of users worldwide

Twitter users around the world reported errors accessing it for several hours, web monitors said Wednesday, in one of the biggest outages since Elon Musk bought the platform.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/twitter-outages-hit-thousands-of-users-worldwide

New app to help people eat five portions of fruit and veg a day

A new app has been developed to help people reach the recommended target of eating five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.

Spray-on smart skin uses AI to rapidly understand hand tasks

A new smart skin developed at Stanford University might foretell a day when people type on invisible keyboards, identify objects by touch alone, or allow users to communicate by hand gestures with apps in immersive environments.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/spray-on-smart-skin-uses-ai-to-rapidly-understand-hand-tasks

Indian astronomers detect dozens of variable stars in the NGC 381 region

Astronomers from the Aryabhatta Research Institute of observational sciencES (ARIES) and from the Physical Research Laboratory in India report the detection of 57 variable stars in the field of the open cluster NGC 381. The discovery was detailed in a paper published December 19 on the arXiv preprint server.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/indian-astronomers-detect-dozens-of-variable-stars-in-the-ngc-381-region

US digs out from monster storm as death toll passes 50

The monster storm that killed dozens in the United States over the Christmas weekend continued to inflict misery on New York state and air travelers nationwide Tuesday, as stories emerged of families trapped for days during the "blizzard of the century."

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/us-digs-out-from-monster-storm-as-death-toll-passes-50

'It just dies': Yellow-band disease ravages Thailand's coral reefs

Underneath the calm turquoise waters off eastern Thailand, a rapidly spreading disease is killing corals over vast stretches of the sea floor, and scientists fear it may be getting worse because of climate change.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/it-just-dies-yellow-band-disease-ravages-thailands-coral-reefs

Brain area necessary for fluid intelligence identified

A team led by UCL and UCLH researchers have mapped the parts of the brain that support our ability to solve problems without prior experience—otherwise known as fluid intelligence.

First total ear canal removal surgery performed on pig

Doctors at Oregon State University's veterinary hospital performed the first known total ear canal ablation surgery on a pig last week, in consultation with a human ear doctor who previously operated on the lead veterinary surgeon's ear.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/first-total-ear-canal-removal-surgery-performed-on-pig

Time spent in nature appears to slow Parkinson's, Alzheimer's

Living in an area with easy access to parks and rivers appears to slow the progression of devastating neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Computer vision is superior to surgeons in identifying spinal implants, shows study

Identifying previously placed spinal hardware can be difficult and time consuming when a patient needs revision surgery. Detailed information on the implant model and type are often lacking when patients are referred elsewhere or may be missing in the surgical notes. To overcome this challenge, researchers developed a computer vision machine learning approach that more accurately and efficiently identifies previously placed thoracolumbar instrumentation.

A checkerboard pattern of inner ear cells enables us to hear

A Japanese research group has become the first to reveal that the checkerboard-like arrangement of cells in the inner ear's organ of Corti is vital for hearing. The discovery gives new insight into how hearing works from the perspective of cell self-organization and will also enable various hearing loss disorders to be better understood.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/a-checkerboard-pattern-of-inner-ear-cells-enables-us-to-hear

Dressing 'revolution' seeks artificial skin for burn victims

Far from the humble sticking plaster, medical firms and researchers are seeking to create the "ultimate dressing"—artificial skin they hope will revolutionize the treatment of severe burns.

'Blizzard of the century' leaves nearly 50 dead across US

Emergency crews in New York were scrambling Monday to rescue marooned residents from what authorities called the "blizzard of the century," a relentless storm that has left nearly 50 people dead across the United States and caused Christmas travel chaos.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/blizzard-of-the-century-leaves-nearly-50-dead-across-us

China to end quarantine on arrival in fresh COVID rule relaxation

China said Monday it would scrap mandatory quarantine on arrival, further unwinding years of strict virus controls as the country battles a surge in cases.

Elon Musk removed suicide prevention feature from Twitter, report says

A Twitter feature designed to redirect people contemplating suicide has been discontinued by Elon Musk, according to a report.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/elon-musk-removed-suicide-prevention-feature-from-twitter-report-says

These tech firms live-track this year's 'fastest-ever' Santa with NORAD data

With the world population topping eight billion for the first time, "Santa is flying faster than ever; we estimate he's traveling over Mach 7 this year"—seven times the speed of sound, more than a mile per second—"to hit all those datapoints around the world in one night," says Adam Gorski, aerospace engineer for Exton, Pennsylvania-based Ansys Government Initiatives.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/these-tech-firms-live-track-this-years-fastest-ever-santa-with-norad-data

Xi urges steps to 'protect' lives as China battles Covid wave

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged officials on Monday to take steps to protect lives in his first public remarks on COVID-19 since Beijing dramatically loosened hardline containment measures this month.

Deaths of 3 endangered Cambodian dolphins raise alarm

Three endangered freshwater dolphins have died within 10 days of each other, alarming conservationists in Cambodia.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/deaths-of-3-endangered-cambodian-dolphins-raise-alarm

Philippines floods force tens of thousands to flee homes

Christmas Day floods in the Philippines forced the evacuation of nearly 46,000 people from their homes, civil defence officials said Monday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/philippines-floods-force-tens-of-thousands-to-flee-homes

Savage US blizzard leaves 32 dead, power outages, travel snarls

A brutal winter storm that brought Christmas chaos to millions of Americans will be slow to dissipate, the US National Weather Service said Monday, after intense snow and frigid cold caused power outages, travel delays and at least 32 deaths across the eastern part of the country.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/savage-us-blizzard-leaves-32-dead-power-outages-travel-snarls

China's COVID-19 surge raises odds of new coronavirus mutant

Could the COVID-19 surge in China unleash a new coronavirus mutant on the world?

China to stop publishing daily Covid figures: NHC

China will no longer publish daily figures for COVID-19 cases and deaths, the National Health Commission (NHC) said on Sunday, ending a practice that began in early 2020.

22 dead as savage US blizzard cuts power, snarls travel

More than 200,000 Americans woke up without power on Christmas morning as a days-long winter megastorm that hammered several eastern US states Sunday left more than 20 people dead.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/22-dead-as-savage-us-blizzard-cuts-power-snarls-travel

Dinosaurs were in their prime, not in decline, when fateful asteroid hit

Paleontologists agree that a massive asteroid strike triggered the end of the dinosaurs, but a debate has persisted over the reptiles' overall state at the time of the fateful collision.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/dinosaurs-were-in-their-prime-not-in-decline-when-fateful-asteroid-hit

Glass act: Scientists reveal secrets of frog transparency

Now you see them, now you don't.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/glass-act-scientists-reveal-secrets-of-frog-transparency

En garde! Wasps use penis spikes to ward off predators

An accidental sting has helped Japanese scientists prove some male wasps have a rather unusual predator defence weapon: penis spikes.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/en-garde-wasps-use-penis-spikes-to-ward-off-predators

Deadly winter blizzard leaves US in pre-Christmas deep freeze

A fearsome winter storm that pummelled the United States with blinding snow and powerful Arctic winds left about a million customers without power Saturday as thousands of cancelled flights stranded travelers making last-minute dashes for Christmas.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/deadly-winter-blizzard-leaves-us-in-pre-christmas-deep-freeze

5,700 years of sea-level change in Micronesia hint at humans arriving much earlier than we thought

Sea levels in Micronesia rose much faster over the past 5,000 years than previously thought, according to our new study published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/5-700-years-of-sea-level-change-in-micronesia-hint-at-humans-arriving-much-earlier-than-we-thought

Mystery Nevada fossil site could be ancient maternity ward

Scientists have uncovered new clues about a curious fossil site in Nevada, a graveyard for dozens of giant marine reptiles. Instead of the site of a massive die-off as suspected, it might have been an ancient maternity ward where the creatures came to give birth.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/mystery-nevada-fossil-site-could-be-ancient-maternity-ward

'Epic' winter storm wallops US, leaving 1 mn without power

More than a million US power customers were in the dark Friday as a "bomb cyclone" winter storm walloped the country, closing highways, grounding flights and causing misery for Christmas travelers.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/epic-winter-storm-wallops-us-leaving-1-mn-without-power

New bacterial therapy approach to treat lung cancer

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the United States and around the world. Many of the currently available therapies have been ineffective, leaving patients with very few options. A promising new strategy to treat cancer has been bacterial therapy, but while this treatment modality has quickly progressed from laboratory experiments to clinical trials in the last five years, the most effective treatment for certain types of cancers may be in combination with other drugs.

Hospitals overflow in China's COVID wave

"Deceased, deceased," a staffer in full protective gear shouted as she handed a nurse a death certificate, their hospital in central China overflowing with COVID patients.

China's ByteDance admits using TikTok data to track journalists

Employees of Chinese tech giant ByteDance improperly accessed data from social media platform TikTok to track journalists in a bid to identify the source of leaks to the media, the company admitted Friday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/chinas-bytedance-admits-using-tiktok-data-to-track-journalists

Arctic storm brings holiday travel chaos to US

A "once-in-a-generation" winter storm with temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) caused Christmas travel chaos in the United States on Thursday, with thousands of flights canceled and major highways closed.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/arctic-storm-brings-holiday-travel-chaos-to-us

Canadian polar bears near 'bear capital' dying at fast rate

Polar bears in Canada's Western Hudson Bay—on the southern edge of the Arctic—are continuing to die in high numbers, a new government survey of the land carnivore has found. Females and bear cubs are having an especially hard time.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/canadian-polar-bears-near-bear-capital-dying-at-fast-rate

Massive 'marimo' algae balls at risk for deadly winter sunburn

Climate change could overexpose rare underwater "marimo" algae balls to sunlight, killing them off, according to a new study at the University of Tokyo. Marimo are living fluffy balls of green algae. The world's largest marimo can be found in Lake Akan in Hokkaido, Japan's northern main island.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/massive-marimo-algae-balls-at-risk-for-deadly-winter-sunburn

Treating COVID-19 infection with molnupiravir can lead to quicker recovery at home

Molnupiravir (taken as an 800mg dose twice daily for five days) does not reduce hospital admissions or deaths in vaccinated adults with COVID-19 infection who are at higher risk of mortality, according to the results of a randomized controlled trial, published in The Lancet journal. However, the patients treated at home with molnupiravir recovered quicker compared to the control group.

White matter hyperintensity load is associated with premature brain aging

A new research paper titled "White matter hyperintensity load is associated with premature brain aging" has been published in Aging.

Final tally: Nearly 107,000 US overdose deaths last year

Nearly 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year, according to final figures released Thursday.

France fines Microsoft 60 million euros over advertising cookies

France's privacy watchdog said Thursday it has fined US tech giant Microsoft 60 million euros ($64 million) for foisting advertising cookies on users.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/france-fines-microsoft-60-million-euros-over-advertising-cookies

Managing precision and stabilizing local knowledge

In 1911, a meridian circle manufactured by A. Repsold & Söhne in Hamburg, Germany, was installed at the National Astronomical Observatory of Chile under the watch of Friedrich W. Ristenpart, a German astronomer and the observatory's director. The installation was an essential step in Ristenpart's goal of relocating the observatory to gain better sky visibility on the south side of Santiago. As a precision tool, this new meridian circle would support the observatory's international work of establishing the official time, determining latitudes and longitudes, and cataloguing stars and planets.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/managing-precision-and-stabilizing-local-knowledge

New study reveals dementia risks unique to people with African ancestry

In the largest-ever genetic study of dementia in people of African ancestry, VA researchers identified several genetic risks different from those seen in people of European ancestry.

Neutron experiments reveal what maintains good function in bones

Around 500 million years ago, early vertebrates in the seas became fish, adopting an inner skeleton and a flexible spine based on a nanocomposite of fibers and mineral, known as bone material. This "invention" of evolution was so successful that the basic structure was also adopted for later vertebrates that lived on land.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/neutron-experiments-reveal-what-maintains-good-function-in-bones

Black and Hispanic patients more likely to develop chronic lower back pain or high impact lower back pain

New research from Boston Medical Center discovered that Black and Hispanic patients with acute low back pain were more likely to develop high-impact chronic pain when compared to White patients. Published in Pain Medicine, researchers suggest experiences of discrimination, unmet social needs, and elevated levels of stress may explain the observed racial disparity in long-term outcomes for acute low back pain.

Policy, climate, war make 2022 'pivot year' for clean energy

For renewable energy companies in India, it's a good time to be in business.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/policy-climate-war-make-2022-pivot-year-for-clean-energy

Study reveals the true value of elephants

New research examining the services and benefits of elephants has revealed many values are often overlooked when deciding how they should be protected.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/study-reveals-the-true-value-of-elephants

New study finds birds build hanging-nests to protect offspring from nest invaders

A new study has found that birds build hanging-nests, particularly those with extended entrance tunnels, to help protect offspring against nest invaders like snakes and parasitic cuckoos.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/new-study-finds-birds-build-hanging-nests-to-protect-offspring-from-nest-invaders

Popular folk medicine remedy known as 'The Secret' doesn't prevent bleeding after invasive heart procedures

A popular folk medicine remedy for staunching blood, known as "The Secret," doesn't stop bleeding after invasive coronary procedures used to diagnose or treat cardiac problems, finds research published in the open access journal Open Heart.

Chemists make the unimaginable possible in crystalline materials discovery

The world's best artists can take a handful of differently colored paints and create a museum-worthy canvas that looks like nothing else. They do so by drawing upon inspiration, knowledge of what's been done in the past and design rules they learned after years in the studio.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/chemists-make-the-unimaginable-possible-in-crystalline-materials-discovery

Oat biscuit best for busy NHS staff tea breaks, study finds

Busy health care workers can safely enjoy a cup of tea within less than 10 minutes, and the best accompanying biscuit for nutritional content, crunchiness, and dunking is oat based, finds a study in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.

NASA enables future of science observation through tri-band antennas

NASA's Near Space Network enables spacecraft exploring the solar system and Earth to send back essential science data for researchers and scientists to investigate and make profound discoveries.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/nasa-enables-future-of-science-observation-through-tri-band-antennas

Doctors find mental health chatbots are effective in helping treat symptoms in people with depression

Clinician scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have found that mental health chatbots are able to effectively engage people with depression in empathetic conversations and assist in the treatment of their symptoms.

Study inspects population of variable stars in the cluster NGC 7006

Using the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, India, astronomers have observed a globular cluster known as NGC 7006. Results of the study, presented December 9 on the arXiv pre-print server, yield important insights into the properties of variable star population of this cluster.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/study-inspects-population-of-variable-stars-in-the-cluster-ngc-7006

Concentration of surgical care to one research hospital shown to improve operations for childhood cancer

Neuroblastoma is a tumor of the sympathetic nervous system that occurs mainly in young children. Every year, 25 children in the Netherlands receive this diagnosis. Surgery to remove the tumor tissue forms an important part of the treatment plan.

A face recognition framework based on vision transformers

Face recognition tools are computational models that can identify specific people in images, as well as CCTV or video footage. These tools are already being used in a wide range of real-world settings, for instance aiding law enforcement and border control agents in their criminal investigations and surveillance efforts, and for authentication and biometric applications. While most existing models perform remarkably well, there may still be much room for improvement.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/a-face-recognition-framework-based-on-vision-transformers

Musk polls Twitter users about whether he should step down

Elon Musk is asking Twitter's users to decide if he should stay in charge of the social media platform after acknowledging he made a mistake Sunday in launching new speech restrictions that banned mentions of rival social media websites.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/musk-polls-twitter-users-about-whether-he-should-step-down

Dam plans threaten China's migratory bird haven

Spooked by a historic drought, local authorities in China have renewed controversial plans to dam the country's biggest freshwater lake.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/dam-plans-threaten-chinas-migratory-bird-haven

China nursing homes struggle to keep residents safe from COVID wave

China's nursing homes are fighting an uphill battle to keep their elderly residents safe as a wave of COVID-19 infections sweeps the country following a relaxation of the government's zero-tolerance virus policy.

Journalist suspensions widen rift between Twitter and media

Elon Musk's abrupt suspension of several journalists who cover Twitter widens a growing rift between the social media site and media organizations that have used the platform to build their audiences.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/journalist-suspensions-widen-rift-between-twitter-and-media

Sound of a dust devil on Mars recorded for first time

The sound of a dust devil on Mars was recorded for the first time as the eye of the whirlwind swept over the top of NASA's Perseverance rover, a new study said Tuesday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/sound-of-a-dust-devil-on-mars-recorded-for-first-time

Study uncovers existing limitations in the detection of entanglement

Quantum entanglement is a process through which two particles become entangled and remain connected over time, even when separated by large distances. Detecting this phenomenon is of crucial importance for both the development of quantum technology and the study of quantum many-body physics.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/study-uncovers-existing-limitations-in-the-detection-of-entanglement

Biodiversity talks in final days with many issues unresolved

Negotiators at a United Nations biodiversity conference Saturday have still not resolved most of the key issues around protecting the world's nature by 2030 and providing tens of billions of dollars to developing countries to fund those efforts.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/biodiversity-talks-in-final-days-with-many-issues-unresolved

Arctic Report Card reveals rainier, shifting seasons with broad disturbances

In the Arctic, the freedom to travel, hunt and make day-to-day decisions is profoundly tied to cold and frozen conditions for much of the year. These conditions are rapidly changing as the Arctic warms.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/arctic-report-card-reveals-rainier-shifting-seasons-with-broad-disturbances

Short bursts of physical activity during daily life may lower risk of premature death

Most of us know that regular exercise is important for our health and longevity. But with our busy schedules, many of us struggle to find the time to fit in a workout. Data from our latest study has shown that you don't need a lengthy workout to get health benefits from exercise.

Malaysia landslide death toll rises to 23

Rescue workers scoured muddy terrain for survivors and bodies on Saturday as the death toll from a landslide at a Malaysian campsite rose to 23, including six children, authorities said.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/malaysia-landslide-death-toll-rises-to-23

Twitter chaos too much? There are plenty of other options

Twitter has been engulfed in chaos since billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk took the helm, cutting the company's workforce in half, upending the platform's verification system, reinstating previously banned accounts—including those of white nationalists—and suspending journalists who've been covering him.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/twitter-chaos-too-much-there-are-plenty-of-other-options

FDA approves "glowing tumor" imaging drug to aid lung cancer surgery

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the targeted imaging agent Cytalux (pafolacianine) for use in lung cancer surgery. This injectable diagnostic binds to cancerous tissue and glows when stimulated by near-infrared light, making it easier for surgeons to remove tumors completely while sparing healthy tissue.

Newly identified protease inhibitors may aid uninhibited potato cultivation

As humans domesticated plants, they saved certain seeds to plant in the next growing season based on desirable traits. Susceptibility to diseases popped up on this path to domestication, but wild varieties of plants could fight off these pathogens. Today, most cultivated potato varieties are susceptible to soft rot and black leg disease—caused by Pectobacterium species—but struggle to combat the pathogens like their wild ancestor. Specific resistance genes are currently unknown, posing Pectobacterium as a major threat to global potato production and food security.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/newly-identified-protease-inhibitors-may-aid-uninhibited-potato-cultivation

Breaking up is hard to do: Separation of Fiji and Vanuatu tied to Samoan seamounts

The islands of Fiji and Vanuatu rise from the tropical waters of the South Pacific in one of the most tectonically active and geologically complex regions of the world. A new study of volcanism in this area sheds light on the ancient breakup of a long island arc, which swung apart like "double saloon doors." Fiji and Vanuatu started out as close neighbors and ended up 800 miles apart on separate sections of what had once been a continuous arc.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do-separation-of-fiji-and-vanuatu-tied-to-samoan-seamounts

Activated vitamin D3 treatment may reduce the risk of arsenic-mediated skin cancer

According to recent estimates, over 140 million people from 50 countries regularly get exposed to arsenic through drinking water. The exposure level significantly exceeds the guideline value (10 μg/L) stipulated by the World Health Organization. It is an established fact that chronic arsenic exposure from drinking water causes a variety of cancers including skin cancer.

Study finds hepatitis C treatment gap for individuals with alcohol use disorder

A new study supported by the National Institutes of Health shows that individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are less likely to receive antivirals for hepatitis C, despite current guidelines recommending antiviral treatment regardless of alcohol use. Direct-acting antiviral treatment is highly effective at reducing serious illness and death among individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a condition that commonly occurs among people with AUD. Led by scientists at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, the research was conducted by a team of international scientists and published in JAMA Network Open.

Long COVID rehab program shows 'impressive results'

A rehabilitation program that helps people with long COVID reduce their symptoms and increase activity levels has shown "impressive" results, say scientists.

Women of color less likely to get recommended regional pain relief for childbirth, finds study

Women of color are less likely to receive recommended regional pain relief for childbirth, despite a wealth of evidence showing that it is better for mother and baby, finds a study of practice at one major university health system, and published online in Regional Pain & Anesthesia Medicine.

Measuring the stress of moving house

University of Auckland Business School researcher Dr. William Cheung is analyzing micro-level data about people and households to examine the effects of moving house on mental well-being and stress.

Study finds surprising risks for COVID-19 infection

A new paper in Biology Methods & Protocols investigates risk factors and protections against contracting COVID-19, and also for suffering from severe COVID. Researchers have identified several characteristics—including male sex, lower age, blood group B, and larger household size—that increased the risk of infection and many other characteristics—including mask-wearing and using vitamin D—that decreased it. They also identified the things that increased or decreased the risk of a severe course of COVID-19. Some of these findings are unexpected.

More exercise linked to less-severe COVID-19 outcomes

Kaiser Permanente members who were more physically active prior to being diagnosed with COVID-19 had a lower risk of severe outcomes, according to research published Dec. 15, 2022, in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Ancient grammatical puzzle solved after 2,500 years

A grammatical problem that has defeated Sanskrit scholars since the 5th century BC has finally been solved by an Indian Ph.D. student at the University of Cambridge. Rishi Rajpopat made the breakthrough by decoding a rule taught by "the father of linguistics," Pāṇini.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/ancient-grammatical-puzzle-solved-after-2-500-years

Prototype AR shopping devices could benefit both consumers and retailers, says new study

Augmented reality (AR) could change the way we buy clothes in the future.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/prototype-ar-shopping-devices-could-benefit-both-consumers-and-retailers-says-new-study

Team develops image deep learning technology to present VR and AR screens more vividly and realistically

Professor Jin Kyong-hwan's research team of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) has developed image processing deep learning technology that reduces memory speed and increases resolution by 3dB compared to existing technologies.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/team-develops-image-deep-learning-technology-to-present-vr-and-ar-screens-more-vividly-and-realistically

Study examines what microorganisms on Mars would need to survive

No life has yet been found on Mars, but it is exciting to explore the circumstances under which it might be possible. A team led by the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) with the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) has studied the cellular processes that regulate the adaptation of microorganisms to perchlorates. If microorganisms could genetically adapt their stress response to this salt, which occurs in some deserts and on Mars, their survival on the Red Planet might be possible.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/study-examines-what-microorganisms-on-mars-would-need-to-survive

Snakes have clitorises, scientists say, slamming research 'taboo'

Female snakes have clitorises, according to the first detailed study on the subject Wednesday, in which the scientists lashed out at how little female sex organs have been researched compared to males across species.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/snakes-have-clitorises-scientists-say-slamming-research-taboo

China says tracking COVID cases now 'impossible' as infections soar

China's top health body said Wednesday the true scale of coronavirus infections in the country is now "impossible" to track, with officials warning cases are rising rapidly in Beijing after the government abruptly abandoned its zero-COVID policy last week.

Research links gene variants to medication-induced fatal brain infection

New research has confirmed a strong link between four genetic mutations and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but often fatal brain infection that can be triggered by dozens of FDA-approved drugs.

Fewer, but more serious, injuries at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics than at previous Games

There were fewer but more serious injuries among athletes competing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics than at previous Games, with the newly introduced sports of taekwondo and badminton ranking among the sports with the highest injury rates, finds research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Keeping secrets can make you sick

Feeling low? It might be because your secrets are weighing you down.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/keeping-secrets-can-make-you-sick

Examining moral courage in the operating room

Danielle Quintana, certified perioperative nurse and assistant clinical professor at the University of Houston College of Nursing, has conducted the first concept analysis on surgical conscience among perioperative nurses, those charged with overseeing surgical safety and sterile fields, or asepsis (the absence of bacteria, viruses and other organisms), inside hospital operating rooms.

Endocarditis in patients with cocaine or opioid use disorder increased markedly from 2011 to 2022

The incidence rate of infective endocarditis—a rare but often fatal inflammation of the heart valves—among patients with cocaine use disorder or opioid use disorder increased from 2011 to 2022, with the steepest increase occurring from 2021 to 2022, a new study reports. Study findings contribute to expanding evidence of endocarditis as a significant and growing health concern for people who inject drugs, and further demonstrate that this risk has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ask the Pediatrician: Especially this time of year, all my kids want to eat is sweets. What should I do?

"Can I have a treat?"

To stop spread of cancer, researchers target two signaling switches that trigger new blood vessel growth

Hitting two targets at the same time may be the key to stopping the spread of aggressive cancers, according to new research from the University of East Anglia and the Quadram Institute.

Effective prevention: Absolute risk reduction supports more equitable vaccine distribution policies

In a new study, New Mexico researchers using an alternative analysis based on evidence-based medicine have found that the effectiveness of COVID vaccines is much greater in areas of the world with higher prevalence of infection—an approach that could lead to more equitable distribution of vaccines.

Chemotherapy before surgery can improve survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients

Treating pancreatic cancer patients with chemotherapy before surgery significantly improved 1-year survival rates compared to immediate surgery, a randomized clinical trial has found.

Blood clotting research holds hope for sepsis

Researchers from the University of Birmingham, UK, who identified a novel mechanism for platelet activation in pathogenic blood clotting (thrombosis) are now turning their attention to sepsis.

Researchers infect a 'brain in a dish' in search for Zika antivirals

A University of Queensland-led project has used a "brain in a dish" to study the effects of the Zika virus, taking research a step closer towards developing drugs to combat the infection.

China faces soaring Covid cases as hardline policy eases

COVID cases are surging in the Chinese capital, officials said Monday, as the country navigates a rapid turn away from its zero-tolerance coronavirus strategy.

Washington state quinoa can make a better cookie

The "super grain" quinoa has the potential to make a super cookie, according to research by Washington State University.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/washington-state-quinoa-can-make-a-better-cookie

Novel drug shows early promise in treating multiple myeloma

A first-of-its-kind drug known as modakafusp alfa has shown early potential in combating multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer, in a study presented by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center at the 2022 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.

Alcohol-involved injuries linked to increased risk of dying in the next year

When people are injured severely enough to require treatment at the hospital and they are either intoxicated or have an alcohol use disorder, they have a fivefold increased risk of dying in the next year, according to a new study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

Study reveals recommended anticoagulant therapy for COVID patients

The AustralaSian COVID-19 Trial (ASCOT) has pinpointed the most efficient level of blood thinning treatment needed for patients hospitalized with COVID-19, in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine Evidence and presented at the American Society for Hematology conference today.

World-first use of base-edited CAR T cells to treat resistant leukemia

A patient with relapsed T cell leukaemia has been given base-edited T-cells in a world-first use of a base-edited cell therapy, in a 'bench-to-bedside' collaboration between UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH).

Researchers present advance in re-treatment with CAR T therapy

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center presented preliminary results of an ongoing Phase I clinical trial demonstrating successful re-treatment with CAR T cell therapy for patients whose cancers relapsed after previous CAR T therapy at the 2022 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.

Twitter relaunching subscriber service after debacle

Twitter is once again attempting to launch its premium service, a month after a previous attempt failed.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/twitter-relaunching-subscriber-service-after-debacle

NASA Moon capsule Orion due to splash down after record-setting voyage

After making a close pass at the Moon and venturing further into space than any previous habitable spacecraft, NASA's Orion capsule is due to splash down Sunday in the final test of a high-stakes mission called Artemis.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/nasa-moon-capsule-orion-due-to-splash-down-after-record-setting-voyage

Japanese company's lander rockets toward moon with UAE rover

A Tokyo company aimed for the moon with its own private lander Sunday, blasting off atop a SpaceX rocket with the United Arab Emirates' first lunar rover and a toylike robot from Japan that's designed to roll around up there in the gray dust.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/japanese-companys-lander-rockets-toward-moon-with-uae-rover

Extending chemo slashes risk of aggressive childhood leukemia coming back

Many children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have a good outcome of their disease. After two years of chemotherapy treatment, 9 out of 10 children are cured. But some children have a more aggressive form of the disease. For example, children with a so-called Ikaros change in the DNA of their leukemia cells have a greater risk of their disease coming back after treatment. In order to improve the chances of survival and quality of life of all children with leukemia, the treatment protocol has been continuously adapted over the years, based on the latest scientific insights.

Experimental cancer therapy shows success in more than 70% of patients in global clinical trials

A new therapy that makes the immune system kill bone marrow cancer cells was successful in as many as 73% of patients in two clinical trials, according to researchers from The Tisch Cancer Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Warmer noses are better at fighting colds: study

Chilly weather and common respiratory infections often go hand in hand.

How tackling invasive species on land can spark 'stunning' improvements at sea

Restoring islands devastated by invasive species and helping coastal "connectors" like seabirds boosts nature on land and at sea—and may be a new way to increase resilience to climate change, researchers said Monday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/how-tackling-invasive-species-on-land-can-spark-stunning-improvements-at-sea

New treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis shows promising long-term results

Patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who participated in a clinical trial of rocatinlimab—a novel, patient-tailored monoclonal antibody therapy—showed promising results both while taking the drug and up to 20 weeks after the therapy was stopped, Mount Sinai researchers reported in The Lancet.

Keep talking: Disgraced crypto king's high-risk strategy

Omnipresent on talk shows and conference panels, disgraced cryptocurrency tycoon Sam Bankman-Fried is defying the advice of the legal profession and staying in the public eye despite facing the real threat of prosecution and even jail time.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/keep-talking-disgraced-crypto-kings-high-risk-strategy

Racial and ethnic disparities in swimming skills found across generations

A parent survey from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago published in the journal Pediatrics found intergenerational trends in swimming skills, with stark racial and ethnic differences.

Evolution of bat wings and calls through 'foraging syndromes' allows diversity to flourish

Bats are an evolutionary success story. With approximately 1,400 species living today, they thrive in every environment except the polar regions.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/evolution-of-bat-wings-and-calls-through-foraging-syndromes-allows-diversity-to-flourish

Prudent health care approach key to transforming health and care system, says think tank

A prudent approach to health and care, incorporating the values people, patients and local communities attribute to their health and care services, is key to transforming the health and care system.

Convictions remain rare for police accused of sexual assault

Over the past few years, social movements from #MeToo to Black Lives Matter have raised awareness of sexual violence, police brutality and systemic racism.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/convictions-remain-rare-for-police-accused-of-sexual-assault

Racism and discrimination are fundamental drivers of health disparities worldwide, finds new series of studies

Racism, xenophobia, and discrimination are fundamental influences on health globally, but have so far been overlooked by health researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, according to a new four-paper series published in The Lancet.

Suicidal thoughts surged as people struggled with finances and isolation during COVID-19

The sudden economic fallout at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic affected millions of people and contributed to a three-fold rise in persistent or elevated depression in the United States. But the extent of this toll on mental health is still coming to light.

Virtual reality helps reduce patient anxiety and need for sedatives during hand surgery

As an anesthesiologist, Adeel Faruki, MD, MBA, works with patients to manage not just pain, but also anxiety. It can be a particular concern for patients receiving a nerve block, rather than sedation or general anesthesia, for upper extremity procedures such as hand surgery.

Antibodies to common antibiotic possible new risk factor for type 1 diabetes

Antibodies produced against the commonly used antibiotic, gentamicin, appear to increase the risk of type 1 diabetes in children already genetically at risk, scientists say.

Flocking to fire: Wildfires don't deter Americans from moving to at-risk regions

Americans are leaving many of the U.S. counties hit hardest by hurricanes and heatwaves—and moving towards dangerous wildfires and warmer temperatures, finds one of the largest studies of U.S. migration and natural disasters.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/flocking-to-fire-wildfires-dont-deter-americans-from-moving-to-at-risk-regions

People with disabilities who misuse opioid drugs 73% more likely to attempt suicide, national study finds

People who take medical opioid drugs without a doctor's prescription are 37% more likely than non-users to plan suicide—and the risk is even greater for those with disabilities, who have 73% higher odds of attempting to take their own life.

Genetic vulnerability to ADHD signals risk of Alzheimer's disease in old age

Genetic predisposition to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can predict cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease later in life, revealed an analysis published today in Molecular Psychiatry by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers.

Argentine ants will do anything for sugar, but they won't do this

It might seem like common sense that a starving animal is more likely to take dangerous risks to obtain food than one with a full belly. But new research from UCLA shows that groups of Argentine ants, who forage boldly when they're well fed, exercise far more caution when they've been deprived of carbohydrates and the risks from competitors are high.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/argentine-ants-will-do-anything-for-sugar-but-they-wont-do-this

Study finds that working in extreme heat puts strain on fetuses of pregnant women

A new study reveals that the fetuses of women working in the fields in extreme heat can show signs of strain before their mothers are affected, new research has shown.

Hospital parking fees contribute to financial toxicity for cancer patients

Transportation to and from cancer centers for outpatient cancer treatments has been identified as one of the two most impactful out-of-pocket costs that cancer patients and their families incur, along with food costs.

Comprehensive new review of COVID-19 vaccines shows they are effective

A comprehensive review of all the evidence available from randomized controlled trials of COVID 19 vaccines up to November 2021 has concluded that most protect against infection and severe or critical illness caused by the virus.

Ankylosaurs battled each other as much as they fought off T. rex

Scientists from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Royal BC Museum, and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences have found new evidence for how armored dinosaurs used their iconic tail clubs.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/ankylosaurs-battled-each-other-as-much-as-they-fought-off-t-rex

Harvesting light to grow food and clean energy together

People are increasingly trying to grow both food and clean energy on the same land to help meet the challenges of climate change, drought and a growing global population that just topped 8 billion. This effort includes agrivoltaics, in which crops are grown under the shade of solar panels, ideally with less water.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/harvesting-light-to-grow-food-and-clean-energy-together

Meet the (protein) neighbors: New method lets researchers detect proteins in close proximity in single cells

Today, most methods to determine the proteins inside a cell rely on a crude census—scientists usually grind a large group of cells up before characterizing their genetic material. But just as a population of 100 single people differs in many ways from a population of 20 five-person households, this kind of description fails to capture information about how proteins are interacting and clumping together into functional groups.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/meet-the-protein-neighbors-new-method-lets-researchers-detect-proteins-in-close-proximity-in-single-cells

New rat lungworm disease resource to help doctors with diagnosis, treatment

As climate change continues, human cases of rat lungworm disease are anticipated to become more widespread globally, especially in places where the parasite that causes the disease is not yet present. A review paper, led by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers, was published to educate medical professionals in the U.S. and around the world as they encounter an increasing number of patients with the disease.

Boosted by government programs, cover cropping is increasing across the US Midwest

Cover crops, with their ability to reduce erosion and promote soil health, are being planted across more U.S. Midwestern land than ever. That's according to new University of Illinois research showing that cover crop adoption reached 7.2% in 2021, up from just 1.8% a decade prior. The finding is the result of sophisticated satellite-based remote sensing efforts that accurately detected cover crops across 140 million acres of cropland and tracked their expansion over 20 years.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/boosted-by-government-programs-cover-cropping-is-increasing-across-the-us-midwest

Using spatial single-cell transcriptomics to visualize diffuse midline glioma

Children diagnosed with diffuse midline gliomas often die within a year after their initial diagnosis since there are no effective treatments yet for this rare cancer. But researchers now have a better understanding of what these tumors look like and can work towards developing new treatment approaches.

Seaweed molecules used to improve outcomes for bypass surgery

Researchers are using a natural material derived from seaweed to promote vascular cell growth, prevent blood clots and improve the performance of synthetic vascular grafts used in heart bypass surgery.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/seaweed-molecules-used-to-improve-outcomes-for-bypass-surgery

Study examines medication hesitancy to treat childhood anxiety disorders

Both medication and a specific form of talk therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are proven evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.

Federated machine learning enables the largest brain tumor study to-date, without sharing patient data

Researchers at Penn Medicine and Intel Corporation led the largest-to-date global machine learning effort to securely aggregate knowledge from brain scans of 6,314 glioblastoma (GBM) patients at 71 sites around the globe and develop a model that can enhance identification and prediction of boundaries in three tumor sub-compartments, without compromising patient privacy. Their findings were published today in Nature Communications.

Study examines ties between state TANF policies, Child Protective Services and foster care

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which was established in 1996 and renewed in 2005, constituted a major reform of the U.S. welfare system. But since its renewal, few studies have examined its effects on children.

As Musk is learning, content moderation is a messy job

Now that he's back on Twitter, neo-Nazi Andrew Anglin wants somebody to explain the rules.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/as-musk-is-learning-content-moderation-is-a-messy-job

It's not them, it's you: Why potatoes don't deserve their bad reputation

With low or no-carbohydrate diets rising in popularity in recent times, the humble potato is now regularly overlooked in favor of other vegetables.

Making science more accessible to people with disabilities

The pandemic prompted workplace changes that proved beneficial to people with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine (STEMM), but there's fear that these accommodations will be rolled back. With International Day of Persons with Disabilities taking place on Dec. 3, a research team including faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York is calling for ways to make work in STEMM more accessible.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/making-science-more-accessible-to-people-with-disabilities

China reports 2 new COVID deaths as some restrictions eased

China on Sunday reported two additional deaths from COVID-19 as some cities move cautiously to ease anti-pandemic restrictions amid increasingly vocal public frustration over the measures.

As chatbot sophistication grows, AI debate intensifies

California start-up OpenAI has released a chatbot capable of answering a variety of questions, but its impressive performance has reopened the debate on the risks linked to artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/as-chatbot-sophistication-grows-ai-debate-intensifies

New toothy diving dinosaur discovered

A new species of non-avian dinosaur with a streamlined body similar to those of modern diving birds, such as penguins and auks, is described in a study published in Communications Biology. The findings represent the first case of a non-avian theropod—a type of carnivorous dinosaur that walked on two legs—to have a streamlined body.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/new-toothy-diving-dinosaur-discovered

How giant-faced owls snag voles hidden in snow

Hovering over a target helps giant-faced Great Gray owls pinpoint prey hidden beneath as much as two feet of snow.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/how-giant-faced-owls-snag-voles-hidden-in-snow

Research suggests one way to prevent depression and anxiety is a strong sense of connection in high school

About 1 in 5 young Australians will experience a mental health problem like depression or anxiety each year. The COVID pandemic has only intensified mental health concerns in young people.

Beijing, Shenzhen scrap COVID-19 tests for public transport

Chinese authorities on Saturday announced a further easing of COVID-19 curbs with major cities such as Shenzhen and Beijing no longer requiring negative tests to take public transport.

Coronavirus drug target that could halt virus replication identified

Structural details of an attractive drug target in coronaviruses that could be used against SARS-CoV-2 and in future pandemics have been published by international teams co-led by UCL researchers.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/coronavirus-drug-target-that-could-halt-virus-replication-identified

Accelerating pathogen identification in infants and children with bloodstream infections

A collaborative team led by researchers from Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOSH), London and including researchers from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University and BOA Biomedical in Cambridge has re-engineered the process of microbial pathogen identification in blood samples from pediatric sepsis patients using the Wyss Institute's FcMBL broad-spectrum pathogen capture technology. The advance enables accurate pathogen detection with a combination of unprecedented sensitivity and speed, and could significantly improve clinical outcomes for pediatric and older patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) and sepsis. The findings were published in PLoS ONE.

Nevada toad in geothermal power fight gets endangered status

A tiny Nevada toad at the center of a legal battle over a geothermal power project has officially been declared an endangered species, after U.S. wildlife officials temporarily listed it on a rarely used emergency basis last spring.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/nevada-toad-in-geothermal-power-fight-gets-endangered-status

Muscle wasting severity linked to type, size and location of tumor in mice

About 80% of people with cancer suffer from significant muscle wasting, or loss of muscle tissue, and 30% of these patients die from this condition. New research in mice finds that the severity of muscle wasting is related to the type, size and location of the tumor.

Study reveals extent of residual lung damage after COVID-19 hospitalization

In a new study published online in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers sought to determine the percentage of COVID-19 patients discharged from the hospital who had a type of fibrotic lung damage, known as interstitial lung disease, that requires ongoing follow-up care. These patients had varying degrees of COVID-19 severity at hospital admission.

Study finds that government-implemented warning labels can help reducing poor-nutrition related diseases

The adoption of best practice front-of-pack nutrition labeling in more countries of the Americas can help reduce poor-nutrition related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers in the region, a recent study led by researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) suggests.

Adults living in areas with high air pollution are more likely to have multiple long-term health conditions: Study

Exposure to traffic related air pollution is associated with an increased likelihood of having multiple long-term physical and mental health conditions, according to a new study of more than 364,000 people in England.

Purchasing loot boxes in video games associated with problem gambling risk, says study

Gamers who buy "loot boxes" are up to two times more likely to gamble, shows new research published today in the journal Addiction Research & Theory.

African continent finally to receive 1st mpox vaccines

Africa's top public health body says the continent is set to receive its first batch of mpox vaccines as a donation from South Korea.

New study puts gut microbiome at the center of Parkinson's disease pathogenesis

New research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham says the gut microbiome is involved in multiple pathways in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. The findings, published in Nature Communications, show a wide imbalance in microbiome composition in persons with Parkinson's disease. The study is the largest microbiome study conducted at the highest resolution.

Novel 3D printing method to fabricate complex metal–plastic composite structures

Three-dimensional (3D) metal–plastic composite structures have widespread potential applicability in smart electronics, micro/nanosensing, internet-of-things (IoT) devices, and even quantum computing. Devices constructed using these structures have a higher degree of design freedom, and can have more complex features, complex geometry, and increasingly smaller sizes. But current methods to fabricate such parts are expensive and complicated.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/novel-3d-printing-method-to-fabricate-complex-metal-plastic-composite-structures

Integrated platform promises to accelerate drug discovery process

Many successful drugs have their origins in natural sources such as plants, fungi, and bacteria, but screening natural products to identify potential drugs remains a difficult undertaking.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/integrated-platform-promises-to-accelerate-drug-discovery-process

Researchers discover crucial role of brain's striatum cilia in time perception

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered that removal of cilia from the brain's striatum region impaired time perception and judgment, revealing possible new therapeutic targets for mental and neurological conditions including schizophrenia, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, autism spectrum disorder, and Tourette syndrome.

Exploring nanodiamonds that can be activated as photocatalysts with sunlight

Nanodiamond materials have great potential as catalysts. Inexpensive nanoparticles made of carbon provide very large surfaces compared to their volume. However, to catalytically accelerate chemical reactions in an aqueous medium, electrons from the catalyst need to go into solvation and in pure diamond materials this requires high-energy UV light for excitation. On the other hand, the extremely small sizes of the nanoparticles allow new molecular states on the surfaces of nanodiamonds that also absorb visible light.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/exploring-nanodiamonds-that-can-be-activated-as-photocatalysts-with-sunlight