Scientists are releasing 15,000 fingerlings into northeast Georgia's Broad River as part of a reintroduction effort for the robust redhorse, a fish thought extinct until survivors were discovered in 1991. The fingerlings have been artificially bred from surviving members and will be released at seven sites to help the species flourish.
The program aims to increase understanding of climate change policy issues, focusing on economic and environmental consequences, policy design, interactions with other policies, equity and efficiency, and development of analytical tools. RFF will conduct research projects and issue papers on selected topics.
A new report by Resources for the Future highlights the District of Columbia's environmental priorities, ranking drinking water and air pollution as top concerns. The study suggests creating a separate environmental agency to address these issues, which have serious consequences for attracting businesses and residents.
Researchers from UC Berkeley have disproved the hypothesis that the Earth's inner core is a perfectly aligned mass of iron crystals. Instead, they found that the crystals align themselves like boats in a circular eddy, driven by the rise of hotter iron toward the surface. This finding has implications for modeling the Earth's magnetic ...
Archaeologists found that prehistoric Indian villagers in southeastern Iowa consumed knotweed and little barley seeds, which were rich in carbohydrates. The discovery sheds light on the diet and agriculture practices of the Oneota Culture, a Native American tribe that lived from 1580 to 1640.
Researchers discovered a genetic basis for the hormonal mechanism regulating drone development in male honey bees, which accelerates their growth and allows them to mature early. The findings provide evolutionary insight into the mechanisms controlling worker bee behavior and could lead to new tools for brain research.
A study by University of Illinois researcher Peter Mulhall found that middle-school-age latchkey youth are three times more likely to say they have ever been drunk, and almost four times more likely to drink in the past month. The study also reveals higher rates of marijuana use and smoking among latchkey youth.
A robot has been taught to play air hockey, a step towards developing intelligent robots that can perform complex tasks. The robot's ability to sense its surroundings and react accordingly opens up new horizons for robotic applications.
The digital hard hat combines functions of a camcorder, tape recorder, notepad, and digital camera into one device. It allows workers to collect, store, receive, and transmit construction-project information via text, images, sound, and video.
Researchers highlight the ongoing threat of ice on small plane wings, which can compromise control and safety. Despite a redesigned deicing 'boot', other aircraft and severe icing conditions remain a concern.
A University of Michigan study analyzes data from various studies to show that whole-body metabolic rate changes over the course of the menstrual cycle, becoming about 7 percent lower after menstruation. This metabolic cycling saves an amount of energy equivalent to six days' worth of food over four menstrual cycles.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Medical School have shown that vaccination can reduce or prevent fatal immune responses to a virus in mice, even though the virus continues to live in the animals. This finding has important implications for treating chronic and latent viral infections such as AIDS, herpes, and tuberculosis.
Researchers found that seed corn growers in Illinois using irrigated sandy soils can increase profits by cutting back on nitrogen fertilizer use. Excessive nitrogen application leads to organic nitrogen accumulation in soil microorganisms, hindering crop growth.
Emory University researchers identified a subpopulation of HIV-infected infants with a thymic-defect profile, characterized by low CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts. These high-risk infants were found to develop AIDS symptoms sooner and have increased mortality rates compared to those without the profile.
A recent University of Illinois study found that using starter fertilizer on no-till corn fields can increase yields by up to 14 bushels per acre. This technique provides early nutrient availability, which is particularly beneficial for no-till farming due to cool and wet soils during the initial growing season.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine examines firearm injuries in three American cities, finding that nearly 90% of non-fatal gunshot wounds resulted from confirmed or probable assaults. The study also reveals alarming rates of injury and fatality among young black men, with a rate of 1,708.4 per 100,000 person-years.
A long-term epidemiological study found a strong association between high bone mass and increased risk of breast cancer. Women with higher bone mass had 3.5 times the risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer compared to those in the lowest quartile.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a process to convert corn into commercial chemicals, reducing reliance on imported oil and expanding domestic agriculture. The new process produces 1,2-butanediol, tetrahydrofuran, N-methyl pyrrolidone, and other essential chemicals for various industries.
According to Bruce Rittmann, microbes can break down a wide variety of pollutants, including PCBs and chlorinated solvents, through processes such as in situ bioremediation. In these processes, microbes are fed oxygen and nutrients to stimulate their growth and degradation of contaminants.
A Northwestern University study reveals a biochemical connection between alcoholism and nicotine addiction, suggesting that low concentrations of alcohol may interact with the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The researchers propose that this interaction may contribute to the high correlation between alcoholism and smoking.
Researchers found a direct link between changes in the brain's receptor sites and cocaine addiction behavior, suggesting that the body's natural opiates play a key role in craving. The study uses PET scans to measure binding to opiate receptors, providing new potential avenues for predicting relapse and treating addiction.
Researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center found that p53 mutation does not trigger cancer development for colorectal cancer, contrary to long-held dogma. Instead, they identified a mysterious enigma controlling cell progression to cancerous states.
UB physicists have developed the first single-crystal, semiconducting nanomaterials that can bend without breaking. The new semiconductors retain structural integrity and optical properties, making them suitable for future advances in optical computing.
A new technique called laser capture microdissection enables researchers to extract and analyze small clusters of cells from tissue samples in as little as eight seconds. This allows for immediate analysis of gene and enzyme activity, revolutionizing the understanding of cancer's molecular basis.
A new study by Ohio University's Center for Teaching Excellence found that 40% of students reported improved learning in courses with e-mail and internet use. The study surveyed over 700 students in 13 classes, revealing that more students gain from electronic communication, becoming prepared for a tech-savvy world.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center have developed a new approach to treating long-term diabetic patients by transplanting their pancreas alone. The study found that using two new anti-rejection drugs, Prograf and Cellcept, resulted in a one-year pancreas survival rate of 77 percent for patients.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that nicotine inhibits the formation of amyloid plaques, a toxic substance in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests a potential link between nicotine and preventing or slowing down amyloid formation in AD patients.
A neural prosthetic system has been recommended for FDA approval, allowing paralyzed people to grasp objects without assistance. The system, developed over 25 years, enables users to regain hand function and perform routine activities with greater independence.
The University of Maryland Medical Center now offers a new therapy to prevent stroke disability using the FDA-approved drug Activase. This clot-busting treatment is administered intravenously and can significantly reduce disability risk for patients who receive it within three hours after symptom onset.
A new, potentially serious disease known as White Pox has been discovered on coral reefs near Key West, Florida, causing extensive damage and killing up to 80% of elkhorn coral. The cause of the disease remains unknown, but researchers are studying it to understand its origins and potential impact on the marine ecosystem.
The Electric Power Research Institute is developing new opportunities in aquaculture, including recirculating systems that use waste heat and advanced technologies like ozonation for water disinfection. These innovative solutions aim to increase U.S. seafood production and meet growing global demand.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new surgical semiconductor laser that can produce a unified beam with high power and precision. The laser's design makes it possible to achieve power levels of 6-12 watts, twice as much as current devices.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Medical School have identified genes for two devastating genetic disorders affecting abnormal pigmentation, including Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and Chediak-Higashi syndrome. The discoveries may pave the way for genetic testing to identify patients and carriers, as well as new areas of biology.
The Central Park Wildlife Center will introduce a state-of-the-art electric-based water system using ozone to purify its aquatic exhibits. The ozone system destroys parasites, viruses, and bacteria, leaving cleaner water for the animals and better visibility for visitors.
The USABC will focus on reducing the costs of mid-term electric vehicle batteries and developing long-term lithium-based battery technologies. The research aims to increase range and improve electric vehicle performance, promoting a cleaner transportation system and reducing dependence on foreign oil.
The ancient port of Berenike continued to operate for centuries longer than previously thought, with entrepreneurs keeping costs low to maximize profits. Traders brought in luxury goods like elephants, gold, and red coral, while also exporting essential items like frankincense and Indian pepper.
A new hormonal drug combination allows post-menopausal women to get the benefits of estrogen without experiencing menses-like bleeding. The therapy significantly increases bone mineral density and improves blood cholesterol levels.
Scientists have isolated and cloned the gene responsible for Fanconi anemia (FA), a rare disorder causing severe bone marrow failure, birth defects, and leukemia. The discovery enables the development of a quick diagnostic test for 65% of FA patients and may lead to better treatments, including gene therapy.
Two new classes of organic compounds show promise in limiting damage caused by lung disease and other inflammatory diseases. By blocking enzymes that cause connective tissue damage, the compounds reduce inflammation and potentially prevent further tissue harm.
A study of Finnish subjects failed to find an association between the Dopamine D4 Receptor (DRD4) gene and novelty-seeking personality traits. The researchers found that individuals with higher novelty-seeking scores had a lower frequency of the DRD4 gene, contradicting previous findings.
Ecological economists suggest that economic growth is unsustainable and must be rethought to prioritize sustainability. The field of ecological economics aims to minimize growth while improving quality of life by exploring new strategies to reach sustainable social and economic systems.
Researchers have invented a new digitally encoded plastic transparency to test the accuracy of ultrasound scanners. The new phantom is more accurate and works faster than current phantoms, which are cumbersome hand-built blocks made of various tissue-mimicking materials.
Researchers have identified mobile DNA segments in the maize genome that are similar to retroviruses, which could provide a mechanism for plants to resist certain viruses. These 'selfish DNAs' can replicate and transmit to future generations without harming their hosts.
Researchers at Boston University found that introducing background noise can enhance a person's ability to feel subtle stimuli. The study suggests potential applications for clinical treatment and developing tactile interfaces for telerobotics and virtual environments.
A University of Wyoming professor and specialist in forensic anthropology is leading an effort to study the Kennewick Man skeleton, believed to be over 9,300 years old, before its reburial. The team of scientists hopes to gain insights into human evolution and population change in North America, which could shed light on the bone struc...
The U.S. National Science Foundation is supporting over 145 Antarctic investigations this season, focusing on carbon cycling in the Southern Ocean, deicing dynamics of sea life, archea ecology, UV-B impact on terrestrial plants, and drilling an ice dome in West Antarctica.
A new blood test called troponin T has been shown to be a powerful indicator of how injured a heart is, especially in patients with no clear signs of trouble. The study found that patients with high troponin T levels are more likely to die within a month, and the test may save thousands of lives annually.
Cryosurgery has been used to treat prostate and skin cancers, but recently began treating advanced liver cancer. The procedure freezes tumors using liquid nitrogen, with Emory University Hospital as one of the few medical centers offering it.
Scientists have documented the invasion of a single-celled amoeba-like organism, Trochammina hadai, into San Francisco Bay, raising concerns about the impact on native species and ecosystem. The introduction of exotic microorganisms is a growing problem in US waters, with potential consequences for harbors and waterways.
Scientists have identified a human protein that allows herpes simplex virus to penetrate into lymphocytes, a key step in understanding recurrent herpetic disease. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of new classes of antiviral drugs.
The Weizmann Institute groundwater sampler, MLS, tracks microscopic particles to assess pollution spread and identify contaminated layers. It has been used to study the saltiness of the Sea of Galilee and help pinpoint areas where bacteria can clean up pollutants.
A University of Florida scientist has discovered that ancient oysters grew faster over time, revealing a key mechanism in the evolution of larger animal species. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that gradual growth drove evolutionary changes.
Using NCAR computer models of climate and vegetation, Benjamin Felzer found which plant types ancestors would have walked among during the last glacial maximum. The model reveals a global picture of vegetation 21,000 years ago, with significant changes in central Asia and Africa.
A recent study published in the journal Stroke found that patients who receive primary care from a neurologist after a stroke have better survival rates and less disability. This is in contrast to those cared for by generalists, where death rates are higher despite similar short-term costs.
Researchers at Scripps have discovered a previously unknown relationship between a protein in eggs and a protein on white blood cells, potentially leading to new treatments for leukemia. The protein structure reveals a molecular cavity that can be modified to alter signal transmission and eliminate leukemia cells.
A new study suggests the Yucatan asteroid impact was particularly deadly to North America due to its oblique angle, spreading energy northwest. The severe extinction intensity was highest downrange of the impact in North America.
Researchers Ebersole and Miller analyzed fossil data and found no regional differences in extinction rates during the Late Permian mass extinction event. They also discovered that environmental zones and latitude had little impact on the severity of the extinction, suggesting a global cause.
Scientists are installing a network of 250 Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to continuously measure the movement of earthquake faults in southern California. The data will enable researchers to forecast future earthquake hazards and prioritize mitigation activities.
A team of scientists from the US, France, Italy, CAR, and Congo conduct a rare study of the African atmosphere, exploring biomass burning, rainforest-savanna boundaries, and global air chemistry. The EXPRESSO project collects chemical data to understand how vegetation and fires interact with the atmosphere.
Researchers studying ancient oceans using supercomputer-based models found that changing surface waterways can affect ocean circulation patterns. The study suggests that alterations in freshwater runoff may lead to changes in deep water formation sites, which could impact carbon dioxide concentrations and the environment.