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.