Scientists discover that even mild COVID-19 can alter brain proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, potentially increasing dementia risk—raising urgent public health concerns. A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine investigated whether both mild and severe cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are linked to changes in brain biomarkers associated with [...]
A massive new study sheds light on how cannabis affects the brain, particularly during cognitive tasks. Researchers analyzed over 1,000 young adults and found that both heavy lifetime use and recent cannabis consumption significantly reduced brain activity during working memory tasks. This impairment was linked to worse performance on tasks requiring focus, problem-solving, and instruction-following. Brain [...]
With their high surface area and enhanced physicochemical properties, nanomaterials play a critical role in drug delivery, consumer products, and environmental technologies. However, their nanoscale dimensions enable interactions with cellular components in complex and sometimes unexpected ways, potentially inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, or bioaccumulation. As their use expands, understanding these risks through nanotoxicity testing becomes [...]
A nanotechnology-based drug delivery system developed at UVA Health to save patients from repeated surgeries has proved to have unexpectedly long-lasting benefits in lab tests – a promising sign for its potential to help human patients. The approach would allow surgeons to apply a paste of nanoparticles containing hydrogel on transplanted veins to prevent the formation [...]
Japanese scientists detected all five nucleobases — building blocks of DNA and RNA — in samples returned from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission brought back 121.6 grams of asteroid Bennu, unveiling nitrogen-rich organic matter, including DNA’s essential bases. Scientists found differences between Bennu’s chemistry and that of meteorites like Ryugu, suggesting diverse cosmic conditions shaped their molecular [...]
Scientists have pioneered a groundbreaking method to combat snake venom using newly designed proteins, offering hope for more effective, accessible, and affordable antivenom solutions. By utilizing advanced computational techniques and deep learning, this innovative approach has already shown promising results in neutralizing deadly toxins, potentially transforming antivenom development, and offering new strategies for tackling [...]
A pioneering study has unveiled the Au-HN-1 nanosystem, a cutting-edge approach that promises to transform the diagnosis and treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). By harnessing gold nanoparticles coupled with the HN-1 peptide, this innovative system targets TSCC cells with unprecedented precision, offering enhanced photothermal therapy (PTT) and dual-mode imaging capabilities. With the [...]
A landmark global survey conducted across 68 countries has found that public trust in scientists remains robust, with significant support for their active involvement in societal and political matters. The study highlights the public’s demand for science to prioritize issues like public health and energy solutions over defense technologies, pointing to a potential misalignment [...]
In a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers investigated the impact of microplastics on blood flow and neurobehavioral functions in mice. Using advanced imaging techniques, they observed that microplastics obstruct cerebral blood vessels by causing individual immune cells to become trapped in capillaries. The findings revealed a novel mechanism through which microplastics indirectly disrupt [...]
A new mathematical model enhances the evaluation of AI identification risks, offering a scalable solution to balance technological benefits with privacy protection. AI tools are increasingly used to track and monitor people both online and in person, but their effectiveness carries significant risks. To address this, computer scientists from the Oxford Internet Institute, Imperial College [...]
