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S-index periodicity detection based on multiple random spectral observations
Abstract The solar magnetic activity cycle has a profound impact on our lives, yet its underlying causes remain elusive. While similar cycles have been observed in other stars, these results are scarce due to the significant challenge posed by the length of time required for observation. Continuous observation over an extended period is a luxury,…
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Therapeutic effects of faricimab on aflibercept-refractory age-related macular degeneration
Abstract Though vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and other proangiogenic factors, such as angiopoietins (Ang), may be involved in the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD), only drugs that inhibit the VEGF family are available for the treatment. The newly approved anti-VEGF drug faricimab, which also inhibits Ang-2, is expected to be effective in…
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Microbiologists at COP28 push for a seat at the climate-policy table
The archaeon Methanosarcina barkeri produces methane in the guts of cattle.Credit: Dennis Kunkel Microscopy/Science Photo Library Gaunt polar bears. Bleached coral reefs. Shrinking ice floes. Climate scientists and others often use emotionally impactful images such as these to illustrate the effects of global warming. Microbiologists have more difficulty getting people to care about climate effects…
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Tiny robots made from human cells heal damaged tissue
Each anthrobot is made up of a few hundred cells.Credit: Gizem Gumuskaya, Tufts University Scientists have developed tiny robots made of human cells that are able to repair damaged neural tissue1. The ‘anthrobots’ were made using human tracheal cells and might, in future, be used in personalized medicine. Developmental biologist Michael Levin at Tufts University…
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True prevalence of long-COVID in a nationwide, population cohort study
Abstract Long-COVID prevalence estimates vary widely and should take account of symptoms that would have occurred anyway. Here we determine the prevalence of symptoms attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, taking account of background rates and confounding, in a nationwide population cohort study of 198,096 Scottish adults. 98,666 (49.8%) had symptomatic laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections and 99,430 (50.2%)…
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Effect of temperature on fast transmission of COVID-19 in low per capita GDP Asian countries
Abstract An abrupt outbreak of COVID-19 caused enormous global concerns. Although all countries around the world are severely affected, developing Asian countries faced more difficulties due to their low per capita GDP. The temperature was considered a leading variable in spreading viral diseases, including COVID-19. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between temperature…
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Greening initiatives in the Middle East can leverage urban infrastructure to enhance sustainable water use
Large-scale afforestation is championed as a way to restore degraded habitats, conserve biodiversity and advance societal improvements. In the Middle East, a severely water-stressed region, we argue that urban greening will need to play a major part in efforts to deliver a more sustainable and water-sensitive strategy, while also enhancing urban liveability. Over the past…
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A snapshot of 2023
As we close volume 5 of Nature Reviews Physics, here are some highlights of the past year. A Nature Reviews journal is more than a collection of high-quality review and commentary articles: we strive to provide context and highlight important topics for our community. Here are some of the themes from this year. Artificial intelligence.…
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How language can be a path away from neo-colonialism in geoscience
Dismantling oppressive colonial structures and challenging institutionalized racism are vital actions needed to preserve the integrity of future research. This stems from the deep-seated framework in which research, including geoscience, is conducted: colonialism and colonial thinking1. This thinking regards places like Africa, Asia and South America as vast, homogenous, un- or sparsely inhabited, so-called ‘terra…
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Why the geosciences are becoming increasingly vital to the interpretation of the human evolutionary record
Abstract Advanced geoscience techniques are essential to contextualize fossils, artefacts and other archaeologically important material accurately and effectively. Their appropriate use will increase confidence in new interpretations of the fossil and archaeological record, providing important information about the life and depositional history of these materials and so should form an integral component of all human…