Browse Articles

AI is threatening science jobs. Which ones are most at risk?

Critical risk identification in construction projects using 2D and 3D risk matrices

Construction projects are exposed to numerous risks that may adversely affect project cost and duration. The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize key construction risks by combining a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with a Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) and analyzing these risks using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) risk matrices. In total, 63 risk factors were identified and categorized into five main areas of the work breakdown structure: earthwork, concrete, finishing, mechanical, and electrical. The questionnaire was designed based on each risk category and then sent to engineers, who were asked to estimate the risk probability and its impact. In total, 378 engineers responded. The respondents data were analyzed by using the risk matrix method. Two separate 3D risk matrices were made: one was based on multiplying all three data points, and the other was based on combining both impacts. The results clearly show that the 3D matrix, which combines cost and time impact, yields more accurate results than the matrix that multiplies cost impact and time impact.

Alcohol use and environmental factors: A cross-sectional study exploring health risks and social implications among Myanmar migrant workers

Alcohol use poses unique challenges for migrant workers. Existing literature is limited in understanding how various determinants interact to influence health, family relationships, and social outcomes in this population. This study aims to determine the prevalence of alcohol-related impacts and examine relationships between alcohol use, environmental factors, and their broader effects among Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. This cross-sectional study surveyed 610 Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand (Sep 2023–Mar 2024) using multi-stage sampling approach. Paper-based questionnaires were utilized, and alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), with scores categorized as low-risk (0–7), risky (8–19), and probable dependence (≥20). Alcohol-related outcomes were also assessed, and generalized linear mixed models identified associated factors. Of the 610 participants, the majority were male (73.93%), with a mean age of 34.80 years (SD = 10.61) and an age range of 18–73 years. The study found that 38.20% reported a moderate level of alcohol-related impact (95% CI: 34.41–42.12), while 0.82% reported a high level (95% CI: 0.34–1.95). While alcohol addiction significantly increased adverse outcomes (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.61–1.79), environmental and occupational factors demonstrated stronger associations, with rural residency being the strongest correlate (AOR = 6.52, 95% CI: 4.35–9.77), followed by housing problems (AOR = 5.00, 95% CI: 2.70–9.24). Other significant factors included longer work hours (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.02–5.60), daily work schedules (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.64–3.49), poor sleep quality (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.51–2.90), moderate/poor health (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 2.02–2.22), and strained co-worker relationships (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.88–1.90). These findings highlight that environmental and occupational factors are more strongly associated with alcohol-related impacts than alcohol dependence itself, supporting public health strategies that address structural conditions alongside individual-level interventions.

Burger JA, Barr PM, Robak T, et al. Final analysis of the RESONATE-2 study: up to 10 years of follow-up of first-line ibrutinib treatment for CLL/SLL. <i>Blood.</i> 2025;146(18):2168-2176.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of different doses of aspirin on preterm delivery in pregnant mice

Background Preterm birth is a major cause of perinatal mortality and complications, with inflammation being a key contributing factor. Current treatments, like uterine contraction inhibitors and antibiotics, are unsatisfactory. Aspirin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, shows promise in treating infectious preterm labor but has limited in vivo studies and an unclear mechanism. Methods In this study, a mouse model of infectious preterm birth was established via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, and the aspirin doses used in these animals were converted from the recommended human doses by the body surface area method, with the high-dose and low-dose groups set at 0.78 mg/kg and 0.21 mg/kg, respectively. ELISA detected inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in serum, amniotic fluid and placenta. WST-8 kit and TBA method measured serum SOD activity and MDA content, respectively. DTNB colorimetric method analyzed glutathione content in liver and placenta. Western blot detected MyD88, IκB, p-IκB and nucleus NF-κB p65 protein expression in uterine tissues. Results Results showed the 75 μg/kg LPS group had a 91.7% preterm birth rate and 4.67% stillbirth rate. Low-dose (66.7%) and high-dose (41.6%) aspirin reduced preterm birth and increased live birth rates, with significant intergroup differences (P &lt; 0.05). Aspirin lowered LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in serum, amniotic fluid and placenta, regulated oxidative stress, reversed MyD88/p-IκB overexpression and reduced p65 nuclear translocation. TLR4/NF-κB inhibitors downregulated these factors and nuclear NF-κB p65/p-IκB. Additionally, we found that inflammatory LPS induced abnormal fetal mouse skeletal development (e.g., malformation and deficiency), which was ameliorated by aspirin exposure. Conclusion Aspirin may ameliorate preterm birth by up-regulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway, laying theoretical basis for aspirin clinical application in preterm birth.

Ready, set, GO? Treating older adults with AML

Where talent flows: Trends and determinants of Chinese students’ city preferences

Employment location preferences offer critical insights into how students evaluate opportunities across cities and drive early-career spatial sorting. This study examines Chinese college students’ employment city preferences from 2016 to 2020, focusing on the evolving influence of campus performance, family background, and university characteristics. Using five waves of nationally representative longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Chinese University Students (PSCUS), we apply multinomial logistic regression and relative importance analyses. Our results show that university characteristics as the primary predictor: students from Double First-Class universities favor first-tier cities, even as second-tier cities attract the largest share of students. Strong campus performance allows students to be more flexible in their location choices, whereas family background plays a moderate, compensatory role. Temporal patterns suggest that students’ preferences reflect the combined influence of institutional prestige, personal merit, and family resources. The findings provide insights into early-career mobility and inform policies for balanced regional development.

Pharmacological inhibition of miR-126 enhances venetoclax activity in acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) depend on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) sustained by fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and mitochondrial fusion (mitofusion). In this study, we demonstrate that microRNA-126 (miR-126) maintains LSC function by promoting B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)–dependent FAO, OXPHOS, and mitofusion, whereas its inhibition disrupts mitochondrial metabolism, induces mitochondrial fission (mitofission), and triggers apoptosis. Mechanistically, miR-126 stabilizes BCL-2 through the SPRED1/extracellular signal-regulated kinase axis, which upregulates CPT1B (FAO) and NRF2 (antioxidant response) while regulating mitochondrial dynamics through DRP1 phosphorylation (inhibiting mitofission) and MFN1/2 phosphorylation (enhancing mitofusion). miRisten, a CpG-conjugated anti–miR-126 oligonucleotide now in clinical trials (NCT07025564), synergized with venetoclax (VEN) to suppress FAO/OXPHOS, promote mitofission, and impair LSC homeostasis. In vivo, miRisten potentiated the VEN/azacitidine regimen, an US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy for older or unfit patients with AML, significantly prolonging survival in patient-derived xenograft models. VEN/miRisten combination also reduced LSC burden and restored VEN sensitivity, establishing miR-126 inhibition as a transformative therapeutic strategy for AML.

Biotech investor set to lead US National Science Foundation

Enhanced lung volumes and pressures in traditional wind instrument musicians: The case of the Mejwez

To evaluate pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in Mejwez players compared to predicted norms, and to assess the influence of smoking behaviours on these outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving adult Mejwez players. Spirometric parameters (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV₁/FVC) and respiratory pressures (maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP)) were measured and compared to predicted values. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the impact of smoking behaviours on respiratory outcomes. Mejwez players demonstrated significantly higher FEV₁ (+0.38 L, p &lt; 0.001), FVC (+0.24 L, p = 0.001), MIP (+7.7 cm H₂O, p = 0.014), and MEP (+7.1 cm H₂O, p = 0.017) compared to predicted norms. Waterpipe smoking was significantly associated with reduced MIP (β = –9.3, p = 0.024) and MEP (β = –8.6, p = 0.025), while cigarette and vaping use showed no significant associations. This is the first study to characterise respiratory adaptations in Mejwez players, revealing enhanced pulmonary and respiratory muscle function. Waterpipe smoking was a significant negative predictor of respiratory strength. These findings highlight traditional music as a culturally relevant tool for respiratory health promotion and underscore the need for interventions addressing waterpipe use in the Middle East.

Introduction to a review series on hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome of life-threatening hyperinflammation that challenges pediatric and adult hematologists. Deputy Editors Helen E. Heslop and Jorge Di Paola introduce a 2-piece review series on this rare condition that, once seen, is not forgotten. Its descriptive name reflects an era when we did not understand the pathobiology of a group of diseases unified in common presenting features reflecting uncontrolled immune activation and excessive proinflammatory cytokine production. Verkamp, Jordan, and Allen address pediatric HLH, which is now well recognized to be underpinned by genetic lesions that undermine immune-cell cytotoxicity. They describe how presentations are driven by the intersection of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers. Hsu, Nikiforow, and Berliner review adult-onset HLH, which is more heterogeneous with a wide array of provoking stimuli and which often occurs in the absence of a known predisposing genetic immune defect. Both reviews cover recent advances arising from the use of targeted therapies directed at activated T cells and cytokine signaling pathways. The role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation is emphasized for pediatric patients, and the recently described entity “immune effector cell–associated HLH-like syndrome” after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is also explained.

Meningococcal carriage and transmission dynamics in college students in Louisville, Kentucky

Background Neisseria meningitidis is a cause of meningitis and outbreaks of it among young adults, especially college students. Rates of nasopharyngeal colonization and prevalence of specific capsular groups vary with age, geography as well as time, and may be influenced by meningococcal vaccination. The objective of this study was to measure the change in colonization rate, and define which meningococcal genogroups were present, in college students over a 3-month semester. Methods This was a prospective, longitudinal cohort study with sequential oropharyngeal swabbing among college students at the University of Louisville (UofL) in Louisville, Kentucky from August to November 2022. Participants were ≥18 years of age and were enrolled within 48 hours of moving to campus-affiliated housing. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected at enrollment, one month and at three months. Samples were screened for N. meningitidis , and isolates were characterized using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Behavior questionnaires were obtained at each visit to identify risk factors for N. meningitidis colonization. Results A total of 1047 participants were seen initially, of whom 821 attended all three visits. The baseline colonization rate was 3.5% followed by 3.9% after one month and 5.7% after three months. The genogroups of recovered isolates were capsule null (48%), B (38%; of which 11% were expressing capsule) and E (12%). No genogroup ACWY isolates were recovered. A total of 36% of participants had a history of receiving at least one MenB vaccine dose and 74% had a history of receiving at least one MenACWY vaccine. Risk factors for N. meningitidis nasopharyngeal carriage included being a second-year student, living on campus for the second year, smoking/vaping, kissing and sexual contact. Conclusions An increase in N. meningitidis colonization over the 3-month semester was observed from 3.5% to 5.7%. The overall proportion of student carriers was significantly lower, and there were no genogroup A, C, W or Y strains isolated compared to studies conducted prior to the availability of meningococcal vaccines and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, genogroup B carriage, transmission and acquisition were almost identical to pre-COVID pandemic studies. This study reinforces the importance of periodic epidemiological monitoring of carriage as well as disease.

Tuning mitochondrial fate to disarm leukemic stem cells

Characterization of the TREM-1 signaling landscape in human neutrophils

The Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells (TREM)-1 is a member of the Immunoglobulin superfamily, and an activating receptor mainly expressed on myeloid cells. Beyond its role in acute and chronic inflammatory processes, TREM-1 is also involved in cancer emergence and progression probably by alteration of the tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN) and macrophages (TAM). Advanced information about the TREM-1 signaling cascade may reveal novel targets for treating inflammatory and cancer diseases. As many specific kinase inhibitors are approved for treating various diseases, targeting kinases being active after TREM-1 ligation serves as a promising approach. Therefore, we investigated the protein tyrosine kinome (PTK) and serine threonine kinome (STK) by kinome activity profiling of purified human neutrophils after TREM-1 activation. As TREM-1 interacts with Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling, we used TLR4-activation by LPS to define TREM-1 specific pathways. We found an increased kinome activity after receptor ligation and could predict individual kinases. To gain further insights into the signaling cascade, we additionally investigated the transcriptomic profile that made us available to link the kinome activity to the resulting transcriptomic profile. In sum, we revealed several signaling pathways being active after TREM-1 ligation that are associated with various biological processed and diseases. This study facilitates selecting kinase inhibitors for further validation with the aim of targeting TREM-1 signaling in various inflammatory or cancer disease conditions.

PD-1–based combinations before autologous transplant are associated with improved outcomes in classical Hodgkin lymphoma

Abstract Combination therapy incorporating programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade results in unprecedented response rates in both frontline and relapsed/refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Previous retrospective studies have suggested benefit for PD-1 blockade before autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) but included few patients receiving PD-1 blockade with cytotoxic chemotherapy. To explore the impact of anti–PD-1 based salvage on outcomes for patients with R/R cHL, we retrospectively reviewed 1280 patients with R/R cHL who underwent ASCT from 2010 to 2022 at 6 transplant centers, none of whom received PD-1 blockade as part of frontline therapy. Overall, 25% received a PD-1 inhibitor at any point before ASCT (10% in conjunction with chemotherapy), 28% received salvage brentuximab vedotin (BV) without PD-1 blockade, and the rest received salvage chemotherapy alone. Patients who received PD-1 inhibitors at any point before ASCT had a significantly higher 2-year progression-free survival than those who received BV without PD-1 inhibitors or patients receiving chemotherapy alone (88.2%, 70.2%, and 67.4%, respectively; P&amp;lt; .0001). When restricted to patients in complete response before ASCT, the benefit of PD-1 blockade remained significant. PD-1 blockade before ASCT is independently associated with superior post-ASCT outcomes and patients proceeding to ASCT should be treated with PD-1–based salvage.

‘An AlphaFold 4’ — scientists marvel at DeepMind drug spin-off’s exclusive new AI

Re-examining hidden fitness: Female preferences for long-path songs in zebra finches

Female songbirds can evaluate male quality from secondary sexual characteristics such as songs. Studies have shown mixed findings on which acoustic features contribute to song attractiveness. In a 2024 study, Alam and colleagues introduced a holistic measure of song called “path length” and found that female zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata ) prefer long path length songs as compared to short path length songs. The original female-playback study was criticized for design limitations, notably its small sample size, and pseudoreplication. Here, we conducted a preregistered replication and extension study of the female preference for long vs. short path length songs. Our study will evaluate the robustness and generality of this preference.

CPX-351 vs daunorubicin, cytarabine, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin in older adults with non–adverse-risk AML: the NCRI AML18 trial

Abstract We compared daunorubicin/cytarabine plus fractionated gemtuzumab ozogamicin (DAGO2) with CPX-351 (CPX; 1:2 randomization) in 439 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) aged ≥60 years (median age, 68 years) without known adverse-risk cytogenetics. Median follow-up was 35 months. Patients not in measurable residual disease (MRD)-negative remission after course 1 could enter a second randomization between standard and intensified chemotherapy. Post–course 1, the overall response rate (complete remission [CR] + CR with incomplete hematological recovery) was greater after DAGO2 (60% vs 47.5%; odds ratio [OR], 0.61; P = .016). Following course 2, the overall response was not significantly different (85% for DAGO2 vs 78% for CPX; P = .095). More patients attained CR with MRD negativity after course 1 in the DAGO2 arm (47% vs 29% for CPX; OR, 0.46; P = .004). We observed better 3-year event-free survival (34% vs 27%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; P = .012) and overall survival (52% vs 35%; HR, 0.62; P = .001) with DAGO2. CPX did not provide a survival benefit in patients with myelodysplasia (MDS)–related mutations and was associated with poorer survival in patients with NPM1 (HR, 2.83) and FLT3 mutations (HR, 2.14). Overall, 37% of patients underwent transplantation in first remission, with no difference in transplantation frequency or survival after transplant between randomization groups. Among patients entering the course 2 randomization (n = 107), survival was equivalent between standard and intensified CPX doses (P = .565). In conclusion, in this population of older patients with AML without known adverse-risk cytogenetics, DAGO2 resulted in superior survival compared with CPX. CPX did not benefit patients with MDS-related mutations over DAGO2. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT02272478.

Going wild in banana breeding enables Fusarium-resistant hybrids with improved fruit quality

Social engagement and depressive symptoms in Korean older adults: The potential moderating role of employment status

Background Social engagement is known to alleviate depressive symptoms among older adults, and continued employment in later life may serve as a key mechanism for sustaining social engagement. However, the impact of employment on mental health can vary depending on job quality and socioeconomic conditions. This study aims to examine the association between social engagement, employment status, and depressive symptoms among older adults in South Korea. Methods This study utilized data from the Korea Community Health Survey conducted biennially from 2017 to 2023, excluding 2021. The analytic sample consisted of 199,205 adults aged 65 years and older. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The effects of social engagement, categorized by informal and formal engagement, were analyzed in subgroups based on employment status. Associations were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results All types of social engagement were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, with the strongest associations observed for contact with friends and participation in leisure or recreational activities. Employment status served as effect modifier of these relationships, with employed older adults generally showing a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms compared to their unemployed counterparts. The negative association with employment was particularly pronounced in the domains of friend contact and all types of formal social engagement. Discussion Our findings highlight the importance of promoting formal social engagement as a potential intervention strategy for preventing depression among older adults and emphasize the need to consider appropriate forms of employment as part of this strategy.