A flaw detection system developed by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping textile plants in the U.S. improve fabric quality and reduce defects, which could lead to cost savings and job preservation.
Researchers found that nitric oxide synthase is activated within minutes after nerve cell damage in medicinal leeches, leading to regeneration. The study suggests NOS may aid in minimizing tissue damage and infection by flagging down microglia at the site of injury.
Researchers at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center have developed a new brain mapping technology that can create realistic 3D images of brain activity in real-time. This breakthrough uses functional MRI data to produce high-resolution images, overcoming the previous bottleneck in processing time.
The U.S. Geological Survey detected MTBE in urban stormwater samples from 16 cities, with concentrations below the EPA's health advisory limit. In New England, MTBE was detected in 24% of ground-water samples, also at low levels.
The study reveals that more men than women were high-cost claimants, with the 50-59 age group accounting for the highest percentage of claims. The average charges per case were $80,000 for congenital disorders and perinatal conditions, highlighting areas where healthcare needs exist.
Scientists from UCLA and the University of Washington found that a combination of factors, including asteroid impacts and sea level changes, contributed to the extinction of 70 percent of species. The impact of meteorites accounts for 50-75% of extinctions, while sea level drop caused 0-25%.
Researchers at Resources for the Future found that biodiversity prospecting provides limited financial benefits for preserving habitats. The study suggests that funding sources other than commercial product research should be explored to support conservation efforts.
Scientists at the University of Georgia have discovered a three-dimensional structure of a fluorescent protein found in jellyfish that resembles a glowing green lantern. This discovery could help make it easier to use the protein as a biomarker for studying gene expression and cell lineage.
Duke University's OK-4 optical klystron FEL, developed in Russia, has begun operating at the institution, producing intense beams of gamma rays and ultraviolet laser light. The device is expected to be used for medical research and answering questions in nuclear physics.