Connecting Research and Experts with Journalists

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Survey reveals nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults support using emerging technology to screen embryos during IVF for risk of developing certain health conditions or traits that arise from more than one gene. Only about one-third of respondents approved of using the technology to predict traits unrelated to disease. Nearly all expressed concerns about potential negative outcomes for individuals or society. Findings underscore need for public education about benefits, limitations, ethical hazards of polygenic risk scores for embryos.

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Microtoroid resonators are one of the most sensitive biochemical sensors, capable of detecting single molecules. Light is most commonly coupled into these sensors using a fragile and vibration-sensitive tapered optical fiber, preventing translation to field-portable sensing. Scientists from the University of Arizona have achieved far-field coupling of light to ultra-high quality factor microtoroids using a single objective lens. This is the foundation of a fully on-chip multiplexed microtoroid sensing platform.

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Understanding the solid target ultrafast phase transitions induced by a high-intensity ultra-short laser pulse is crucial to many applications as laser-induced ablation or laser-driven ion acceleration. Scientists from Germany and France have used a single-shot probing technique that reveals the transition dynamics of the target from cold solid to overdense plasma. The physical processes at play are elucidated by a unique combination of simulation models accounting for both solid and plasma states.

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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed into law Senate Bill 1720/House Bill 2451, a vital patient protection measure that prevents the misleading use of medical specialty titles, including “anesthesiologist” and “anesthesiology” by unqualified individuals.

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In a new research commentary, the Artificial Intelligence in Sleep Medicine Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine highlights how artificial intelligence stands on the threshold of making monumental contributions to the field of sleep medicine.

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A new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that Generation Z adults, ages 18-25, are at risk for skin cancer due to increasing rates of tanning and burning. To encourage safe sun habits, the AAD is shining a spotlight on the ways that people can protect themselves from the most common and one of the most preventable types of cancer — skin cancer — this May for Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

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In traditional Indigenous Southern Plains culture, a love story begins with an original ballad performed on the flute. In order to win a lover’s affection, and respect among the tribe, each pursuer must compose one good flute serenade.

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Advanced information processing technologies offer greener telecommunications and strong data security for millions, a study led by University of Maryland researchers revealed. A new device that can process information using a small amount of light could enable energy-efficient and secure communications.

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Engineers at the University of California San Diego have discovered that some brain cells age more rapidly than others, and they are disproportionately abundant in individuals afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, researchers observed sex-specific differences in the aging process of certain brain cells, with the female cortex exhibiting a higher ratio of “old” oligodendrocytes to “old” neurons compared to the male cortex.

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FAU’s latest “Florida Climate Resilience Survey” found that 90% of Floridians believe that climate change is happening. Belief in human-caused climate change has surged among Florida Independents while slipping among Republicans. Despite these changes, the survey found enduring support among Floridians for increased government action to address the consequences of a warming planet.