Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new form of welding using highly reactive metallic films, which can bond objects at their surfaces without damaging the rest. This process is self-propagating and exothermic, requiring no oxygen to operate, making it suitable for use under water or in airless outer space.
The Compton Observatory detected the brightest gamma-ray burst in its five and a half year mission, releasing as much energy in tens of seconds as the Sun will produce in ten-billion-year lifetime. The burst is rare and may contain information about sources that cannot be extracted from weaker events.
The study reveals that higher brain structures directly control the abstract information in a bird's song, while lower brain centers manage individual notes. Researchers hope to gain insight into how learning influences brain activity patterns.
Sandia scientists have improved portable computer display screens using phosphor luminescence, which can reduce power consumption and improve performance. The new technology can operate at low voltage and is expected to outperform liquid crystal displays in various applications.
The US has signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which will be verified through a global seismic monitoring system. The treaty bans nuclear testing in all environments except underground, and the global network is being installed by IRIS and the National Science Foundation to detect seismic events of magnitude 4.25 or larger.
The University of Wyoming's Institute for Energy Research has developed technology to evaluate deep natural gas resources, which is gaining interest from Asian nations. This technology helps understand fluid-flow relationships and pressure, unlocking hydrocarbon resources in deeper parts of sedimentary basins.
UC Berkeley's Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Astrophysics will take over day-to-day operations of the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) observatory, fostering space science and technology innovation. The transfer aims to reduce costs and increase educational outreach through project-based learning experiences.
A team of astronomers observed extremely rapid bursts of high-energy gamma rays from a distant galaxy, challenging current theoretical models. The bursts were extremely rapid, occurring in under half an hour, while previous flares occurred over days or minutes.
Researchers at Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are developing an electromechanical artificial heart to save thousands of lives. The device is expected to be widely available by 2005 and could implant over 50,000 patients per year.
A three-year project is underway to sequence the entire Arabidopsis thaliana genome at a rate of 200 genes per month. The goal is to develop the first complete gene sequence map of a higher plant, which will lead to improved plants and plant-based products.
Researchers have found a way to identify ancient ash using chemical transformations, providing new insights into prehistoric lifestyles. The discovery could help explain how early humans used fire for cooking, warmth, and protection.
Seedlings of American mahogany trees can only successfully establish themselves on open land, not in the shade of other trees. Logging practices are creating 'mahogany deserts' by replacing mature trees with seedlings, posing a threat to the species' long lifespan of up to 600 years.
A new study finds that first and second generation Japanese-American men living in Hawaii have a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease compared to European-ancestry Americans. The study also notes that rates of vascular dementia remain unchanged in this population.
Orthostatic intolerance affects at least 70% of returning astronauts due to the body's adaptation to weightlessness. Astronauts often struggle with standing and may have puffy faces and thin legs during and after space travel. Researchers are studying this condition to improve astronaut health for future long-duration missions.
A large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with mild asthma do not need to take albuterol regularly. The study suggests that using albuterol only during symptoms can effectively manage asthma without negative consequences.
Researchers from Harvard University and Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a protein called RGS10 that turns off G proteins, which transmit chemical signals within cells. This finding may lead to new ways to regulate cell activity and treat conditions like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
Researchers are conducting studies on wind load, wind engineering meteorology, and wind flow around low-rise buildings. Computer programs have been developed to calculate direct/indirect costs of natural hazard disasters. The goal is to mitigate damage caused by hurricanes and other severe weather events.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a safer wireless antenna design called Safetenna. Safetenna eliminates transmission in the direction where the signal would be blocked by the user's head, reducing harmful absorption of power by the body. The new technology demonstrates improved performance with no trade-off on safety.
The FDA is expected to grant approval for COPAXONE, a protein-like molecule that reduces multiple sclerosis attacks and produces minimal side effects. The drug was developed by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and shows promise in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
A team of scientists led by Jennifer Doudna solved the 3D structure of a large portion of an RNA enzyme, revealing its ability to trigger cell activity and potentially provide the first method for genetic reproduction. This breakthrough could help design new drugs to fight lethal viruses and repair genetic errors.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed an ultrathin film made from gold atoms that conducts electricity by allowing electrons to 'hop' one at a time. This new material, called linked cluster network, could lead to the development of more powerful computers and miniaturized electrical devices.
Scientists at ORNL have synthesized a range of metal and semiconductor nanocrystals embedded in materials like silica and sapphire. These nanocrystals could enable faster, smarter computers and improved flat-panel displays.
Researchers from the University of Washington have developed a reproducible method demonstrating that subliminal messages can influence human cognition. The technique, called the response window technique, uses a brief flicker of time to test unconscious cognition on over 300 volunteer subjects.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science reports that Alaska's R&D funding may be reduced by 19-23% due to federal budget cuts, impacting research at universities and colleges. The University of Alaska Fairbanks receives 90% of the state's federal funding for academic R&D.
A US chemist, Cliff Meloan, has developed a comprehensive training manual to help Central American food inspectors detect pesticide residues using advanced analytical methods. The manual, published in 1996, covers procedures for handling raw and processed foods, identifying chemical compounds, and quality control and assurance.
A team of US researchers has cracked the three-dimensional atomic structure of a large RNA molecule, achieved after four years of research. The new image shows the densely packed and highly organized double-helix-shaped regions of the molecule, with magnesium ions providing 'glue' for its organization.
Research at Brandeis University reveals the human brain's ability to quickly adapt to changing gravitational forces. Directed motions such as pointing and walking speed are significantly affected by changes in gravity.
Researchers using Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites have developed a new technique to collect unprecedented accurate weather data, every hour of the day, for anywhere on Earth. This breakthrough could lead to greatly improved weather forecasts within months.
A new report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) reveals that U.S. taxpayer-financed investments in agricultural research abroad have generated significant economic benefits for U.S. farmers and consumers. The study found that every dollar invested in wheat research produces a return of up to $190, while rice re...
Researchers show that taking an inhaled beta-agonist at regularly scheduled times is safe but provides no greater benefit than taking the medication only when symptoms occur. The study also demonstrates that asthma patients continue to have a good response to inhaled beta-agonists even after months of daily use.
A recent study by University at Buffalo epidemiologists has found that police officers are eight times more likely to die by their own hand than by homicide. The study also revealed that police officers take their own lives at a much higher rate than other municipal employees.
A study by Prof. Michal Schwartz explains why mammals can't regenerate damaged central nervous system tissue, offering hope for treatment development. Researchers found that macrophages play a crucial role in wound-healing, and 'educating' them may help overcome this obstacle.
Researchers found that using beta-agonists regularly causes no adverse health effects and may be a sign of worsening asthma. The study followed 255 patients with mild asthma, ages 12 to 55, for 6 months, finding no significant differences in lung function or quality of life between regular-use and as-needed use groups.
Toichiro Kinoshita's numerical integration method achieves the most accurate estimates of the fine structure constant to date. The result has a high statistical confidence, standing out from other values vying for acceptance as the next standard.
The Duke Primate Center aims to capture three diademed sifakas for breeding in captivity, addressing the animals' critically endangered status due to habitat destruction and poaching. The expedition, set for October 2-18, will help build a captive breeding stock to replenish wild populations.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that removing career obstacles for women in academic medicine benefits men as well, increasing promotion expectations by 29% and reducing consideration of leaving by 42%. The interventions led to a 66% increase in women's expected promotions and a 63% decline in those considering leaving.
A recent study found that patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections acquired them in hospitals, resulting in high mortality rates and increased treatment costs. The study highlights the need for proper antibiotic utilization and collaboration among healthcare professionals to prevent antibiotic resistance.
A new vaccine has shown promise in treating brain tumors by boosting the immune system. The study found that GM-CSF produced a powerful anti-tumor effect, with 15% of mice appearing cured of pre-established tumors. The researchers believe this strategy may provide a potent double hit on aggressive brain tumors.
AmBisome, a liposomal formulation of amphotericin B, has been shown to sterilize the CSF significantly earlier than conventional amphotericin B, with at least equal clinical efficacy and lower nephrotoxicity. In a randomized multi-center study, low-dose AmBisome therapy produced a response rate of 68% in treating invasive aspergillosis.
Researchers have discovered a new type of bacteria that can produce magnetic iron oxides, which could be used to remove heavy metals from contaminated soils and groundwater. The bacteria were found in deep subsurface formations heated by compression and burial, and show potential for bioremediation applications.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have developed new corn germplasm lines that resist two key nematode pests, Meloidogyne incognita and M. arenaria. These resistant plants can help farmers reduce yield losses of up to 30% in southern US states, with little or no treatment required.
Researchers found biogenic methane deposits in Michigan's Antrim Shale, which can be economically viable and environmentally friendly. The shallow reservoirs are easy to access and produce methane more cleanly than coal or oil.
A multi-center trial involving 73 patients found that tacrolimus rescue therapy effectively reverses refractory kidney rejection, maintains long-term kidney function, and reduces repeat rejection. The study's results suggest a significant advance in reducing organ loss from persistent kidney rejection.
Researchers at Oregon Health Sciences University identify a new family of molecules regulating attention and cognitive functions. The SK channels play a prominent role in controlling cell firing and are expressed abundantly in brain regions responsible for cognition.
A study found that certain genetic variants next to the human obesity (OB) gene are associated with obesity in young women, as well as depression and anxiety. The results suggest a direct link between the OB gene variants and depression, rather than just secondary effects.
A five-center trial shows partial liquid ventilation is safe and effective, improving lung function and increasing survival chances for critically ill premature infants. The procedure involves introducing oxygen-rich liquid into the lungs, reducing pressure damage and improving oxygen exchange.
Orrin Pilkey, a nationally known authority on beach hazards, will discuss the risks of building on beaches during a media briefing in Myrtle Beach. The briefing will provide tips on minimizing storm damage and avoiding high-risk areas.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz found seismic evidence suggesting a partially molten layer in the lower mantle, which could fundamentally change our understanding of the core-mantle boundary. The suspected layer, between 5-40 kilometers thick, may conduct electricity more readily than solid rock and influence the planet's magnetic field.
A Cornell University study reveals that insects, including crickets, possess categorical perception - the ability to distinguish between 'friend' and 'foe' sounds. Researchers used a test originally developed for human infants to demonstrate this ability in crickets, finding a dividing line at 16kHz.
University of Wisconsin-Madison biologists document a staggering decline in native prairie plant diversity over the last 30 to 50 years. The research reveals that short, small-seeded plants like legumes experienced the heaviest losses due to fire suppression and dense growth.
A Brown University study reveals that many songbirds migrating south each autumn switch from insects to a berry-rich diet to store fat for the long haul. The study found that these 'pit stops,' crucial for tiny songbirds traveling thousands of miles, are under intense development and ecological pressure.
The Asian longhorned beetle is attacking Brooklyn's horsechestnut and Norway maple tree population, which are under immense pressure due to urbanization. The beetle's larvae can weaken trees structurally, posing a significant threat to the city's tree population.
A possible solution is lactic acid bacteria, called LAB by researchers, which produce natural acids that prevent Listeria from getting a foothold in foods. The extra margin of safety is that the same conditions that promote the growth of bad bacteria also cause LAB to thrive.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is part of a nationwide clinical study to test an oral insulin capsule on people at moderate risk for developing type I diabetes. The study aims to determine if the intervention can prevent or delay the disease.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified a genetic mutation that may be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. The mutation, found in the calcium-sensing receptor gene, was discovered in people with primary hyperparathyroidism and showed no link to this condition, but may play a role in other bone diseases.
Researchers discover a new parasitic wasp that attacks caterpillars harming citrus trees, offering an alternative to chemical pesticides. The discovery has economic potential for the US orange juice industry.
Wake vortices, created by large commercial aircraft, will be studied at Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) to develop a reliable detection system. The system aims to increase airport safety by providing controllers with observed vortex location and intensity information.
The Next Generation Project aims to refloat the US environmental policy debate with fresh thinking and new directions. A comprehensive compendium of ideas will be released at a workshop in Yale Law School, contributing to this fall's state and federal election campaigns.
Cornell materials scientists have created arrays of atomically flat silicon surfaces, eliminating atomic steps and overcoming a major hurdle in miniaturization. The technique involves creating a grid of ridges on the surface and forcing atomic steps into them, resulting in step-free regions.
A Cincinnati bridge has become a national test site for researchers seeking better ways to monitor the nation's highways. The bridge's design is similar to tens of thousands of other bridges still in use, making it an ideal test site. It was found that daily temperature changes can be just as devastating as heavy traffic loads.