Researchers will focus on assessing earthquake resistance and retrofitting options for major structures in urban areas. The project aims to develop more sophisticated criteria for earthquake hazard prevention, potentially saving $10 or more in building costs for every dollar spent on research.
The number of women dying from breast cancer is decreasing due to earlier detection through mammography. Physicians play a key role in recommending and performing mammograms, with 93-94% of women complying with requests.
Recent satellite data show no definitive warming trend in Earth's lower atmosphere over past two decades, contradicting computer models' predictions. The accurate temperature measurements are verified by multiple methods, including balloon-borne observations and intercalibration among orbiting platforms.
Researchers have discovered that common antibiotics like streptomycin can cause hearing loss and kidney damage in some individuals. Using iron chelators to prevent the formation of toxic molecules could provide a safe and inexpensive solution.
A Yale University robot is modeled after bat and dolphin echolocation behavior, exploiting sensor mobility and rotating ears to pinpoint objects. The robot can detect and identify various objects, such as coins and ball bearings, with high accuracy and ease.
A phase I multicenter trial uses transgenic pig livers as an ex vivo support system to remove toxins from patients' blood, extending their lives until a human donor liver is available. Researchers aim to alleviate the critical shortage of human donor organs, which claims 3,000 lives per year in the US.
A new national health database allows researchers to measure the long-term benefits of biomedical research on the entire US population. The database, created using data from National Long Term Care Surveys, shows significant declines in chronic disability and institutionalization among older Americans.
A recent study at the University of Illinois found that polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating can undergo attractive interactions with proteins, changing its configuration and potentially increasing biocompatibility. The discovery has significant implications for biomedical applications, such as implants and artificial scaffolds.
Young children who received direct instruction and demonstrations showed dramatic improvement in social skills, while those who watched videos worsened over time. The study suggests that teaching positive social skills through live demonstrations is more effective than relying on books and videos.
Researchers found that groups outperform individuals in solving subjective tasks, but group confidence can be unjustified. Confidence should be placed in context of the problem being solved, as objective issues may yield clearer results than complex problems with alternative solutions.
Researchers have found that increased electrical activity in the right posterior of the brain reflects panic attacks, while more activity in the left frontal section is associated with worry. This study may clear up years of confusing research on anxiety.
Researchers find that collision of liquids at high speed creates intense local heating, generating highly reactive intermediates for destroying contaminants in water. This method has potential as a simple way to purify water contaminated with low levels of chemical waste.
Shaul Mukamel, a professor of chemistry at the University of Rochester, has received the Humboldt Research Award for his lifetime work on molecular dynamics and its applications in various fields. The award will enable him to conduct research in Munich with European colleagues.
Researchers found that defects in silicon wafers, not grain boundaries, cause low efficiency; optimizing processes can remove contaminants and improve performance. The goal is to achieve 18% efficiency on the production line, a significant step towards making solar cells more profitable.
The research aims to determine the prevalence of neurotoxic poisoning among Gulf War veterans, design a national survey, and identify cost-effective screening tests. The goal is to find treatments to allow affected veterans to live more comfortable lives.
Researchers found a strong correlation between low levels of the Rb-2/p130 protein and aggressive, metastasizing lung cancer. The study's findings may lead to a new lung cancer tumor-grading test to enable early diagnosis and tailor treatments.
A recent study published in the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology found that children with soft tissue sarcomas who did not respond well to chemotherapy can benefit from radiation therapy. The treatment was shown to improve survival rates by up to 40% in this patient population.
Researchers found that potassium ions play a critical role in triggering programmed cell death or apoptosis in nerve cells. By blocking potassium channels, they may be able to prevent nerve cell death and reduce brain damage in patients with stroke, spinal cord injuries, or neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a fast, low-cost inspection system that uses ultrasonic sound waves to detect damaged tires. The system can evaluate and characterize damage within the tire, determining its remaining useful life and whether it's worth retreading.
The CU instrument package will study Saturn's spectacular ring system, moons and atmospheric gases. It will analyze the atmosphere of Titan, a moon with conditions similar to early Earth.
The NIH study aims to determine if St. John's Wort is effective in treating moderate depression, a condition affecting over 17 million Americans annually. The three-year trial will enroll 336 patients and compare the herb's efficacy with an SSRI antidepressant.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a new protein receptor, TACI, that interacts with CAML to trigger the immune response. This finding may lead to more effective cancer treatments for leukemia and lymphoma patients.
Two studies suggest that caloric restriction in monkeys can lead to increased HDL2B levels, reduced triglycerides, and lower blood pressure, potentially extending life and health. Caloric restriction also slows the age-related decline in DHEA levels, a biomarker of aging.
A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that older adults often struggle with using ATMs due to lack of training and design flaws. The researchers propose several suggestions for banks to improve ATM usability, including improved lighting, error correction mechanisms, and user-friendly interfaces.
Researchers found that young capuchins learn to forage through manual skills but don't become self-sufficient until they have sufficient size and strength. This pattern is unusual among monkeys and suggests that physical growth plays a significant role in successful foraging.
A new model developed by psychologists at the University of Georgia can predict how caregivers will suffer from depression or resentment based on their past relationship with the spouse they care for. The research, supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Mental Health, may help family caregi...
Researchers Cecilia Soderberg-Naucler and Jay Nelson identified the host site where human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) resides and developed an activation mechanism in specific white blood cells. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for HCMV-related complications, including birth defects and transplant deaths.
Researchers describe a powerful new immunotherapeutic approach that uses heat shock protein complexes to stimulate the immune system against cancer cells, with 80% of treated mice surviving longer than control mice. The treatment has potential for treating various cancers and may be applied in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that young people with early-onset mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders, are more likely to have children in their teenage years. The study also suggests that expanding mental health coverage may be an economical step to take.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a method to coat disks and sliders with diamond-like carbon, allowing for increased storage capacity and improved durability. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-density data storage devices with reduced wear and tear.
A new mouse model, swe mice, has been identified by researchers at Jackson Laboratory with a defect in the Nhe1 gene. The mice exhibit both petit mal and grand mal seizures, similar to human absence and convulsive epilepsy, making it a promising authentic model for studying human absence epilepsy.
A University of Illinois team will investigate how humans and machines learn concepts through interdisciplinary research. The project aims to develop a computer system that builds on previous knowledge like a person.
Dr. Daniel C. Ralph has made significant contributions to the development of experimental techniques for studying nanoscale structures. He was awarded the 1997 McMillan Award for outstanding work in condensed matter physics.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered a unique behavior in paper wasps called 'male-stuffing,' where females aggressively force males into empty nest cells to limit their food consumption. This behavior may maximize worker wasps' inclusive fitness and contribute to the colony's fitness.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a new rare form of diabetes, MODY4, associated with the ipf-1 gene. The study found that most family members with diabetes carried a single copy of the mutation, highlighting the critical role of this gene in insulin secretion.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory's NEAR spacecraft has detected a major gamma-ray burst, validating its instrument as a true partner in the interplanetary network. The detection expands the network to locate gamma-ray sources with greater accuracy.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that Medicare's reimbursement system encourages millions in increased payments to rehabilitation hospitals. Hospitals with higher patient charges and longer stays received the most incentive payments.
Researchers found that HIV gene vpr blocks cytokine production in infected cells, preventing immune activation. Vpr also prevents apoptosis in infected cells but induces apoptosis in neighboring immune cells, making it harder for the body to defend against the infection. The antisteroid compound RU-486 reversed many of these effects.
Scientists have discovered a new catalyst that enables the production of alpha-olefins at lower temperatures and pressures, resulting in higher-purity products. The modified metallocene catalyst simplifies the manufacturing process for plastics and other consumer goods, potentially reducing costs and improving safety.
Boston University is participating in the National Computational Science Alliance to build a network of advanced computers for complex problem-solving in fields like cosmology and nanomaterials. The university will establish a regional center, MARINER, offering training and access on high-performance computing resources.
Over 1,500 scientists, including most Nobel laureates in science, call on governments to act immediately to prevent devastating consequences of human-induced global warming. A strong climate treaty would address the planet's most serious threats and protect future generations.
A new coating developed by Sandia National Laboratories has increased sensor sensitivity by a factor of about 500, making it ideal for detecting dangerous molecules in the air or water. This technology could aid in combatting terrorism and also benefit industries such as oil and pharmaceuticals.
Infants born to mothers imprisoned during pregnancy have healthier birthweights, on average heavier than infants born to mothers jailed at other times. Research suggests that prenatal care, food, and shelter may contribute to this phenomenon, possibly due to reduced domestic and sexual abuse.
Researchers discovered identical DNA fingerprints in bacterial cultures from two TB patients who were bronchoscoped at the same hospital. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining TB DNA fingerprint registries to identify unsuspected transmission modes.
Researchers created a topical hand cream that prevents two common latex allergy reactions, sensitization and contact dermatitis. The cream's zinc gel composition forms a protective matrix on the skin's surface, binding soluble latex proteins and other irritants to prevent allergic responses.
Researchers develop novel approach to block HIV virus from invading white blood cells, potentially treating AIDS patients with genetic modification and reinfusion of immune-boosting lymphocytes. This strategy may provide a new paradigm for HIV treatment, protecting cells from infection rather than inhibiting replication.
New research from Cornell University suggests that African women working outside the home may face
Researchers have created an efficient method to study Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) using transposon mutagenesis, allowing them to examine the effect of individual gene mutations on the bacteria's ability to grow or cause disease. This breakthrough enables the development of new drug targets and potential vaccine candidates.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a modified filtration system that effectively traps heavy metals and improves water quality. The partial exfiltration trench (PET) system shows trapping efficiencies ranging from 82 to 97 percent, even in heavy rainstorms.
Researchers found that growing strands of DNA can accurately incorporate a nucleotide that closely resembles thymine but lacks hydrogen bonding ability. This finding suggests that the distinctive shapes and sizes of DNA bases may underpin the impressive 99.99-percent accuracy of DNA replication.
A new study suggests that inhibiting poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzyme may protect nerve cells from energy loss and prevent irreversible damage after a stroke. The research, published in Nature Medicine, found that genetically modified mice without the PARP gene experienced reduced brain damage compared to unaltered mice.
University of Notre Dame paleontologist J. Keith Rigby discovered the largest Tyrannosaur skeleton on record, but it was found to be seriously damaged by poachers on a northeastern Montana cattle ranch. The damage includes two-thirds of the left side of the skull missing and both lower jaws also destroyed.
A new book reviews the evolution of home economics, examining its influence on women's options and careers. The book brings together perspectives from historians, educators, and economists to provide a comprehensive understanding of home economics' development.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a novel death-receptor gene called KILLER/DR5 that responds to chemotherapy and radiation by killing cancer cells. The discovery provides new insights into how cancer cells are killed after treatment, with potential implications for improving cancer therapy.
The study uses fMRI to map brain activity in response to cocaine, revealing a broader range of brain structures involved than previously thought. The nucleus accumbens and amygdala play key roles in the reward system, with the former associated with reinforcement and the latter with incentive.
A new electronic device can detect even small holes in high-pressure gas pipelines, issuing an immediate warning if a pipeline or tank is struck by a hard object. The system relies on listening devices that analyze signal changes from within the vessel to identify leaks.
Scientists have discovered a crucial region on nerve cells that may be essential for the actions of inhaled anesthetics, potentially leading to safer, more potent pain medications. The finding also provides insight into the genetics of alcohol addiction and may help develop new treatments.
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements is expanding its research support for dietary supplements, with new grants focused on the role of antioxidants in preventing cataract development and intestinal supplementation of amino acids in infants. The ODS will also continue to fund five existing studies in various areas of health and disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a novel biochemical mechanism for carbon monoxide poisoning that may lead to new clinical approaches. The study reveals that CO binds to heme proteins, usurping nitric oxide and leading to tissue-damaging oxidants and free radicals.
The American Association of Cereal Chemists' (AACC) 82nd Annual Meeting will take place in San Diego from October 12-16, featuring a technical program with topics such as blood glucose control, cereal carbohydrates, and sensory evaluation. Over 230 exhibitors will showcase the latest equipment and services.