Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are developing new tools to improve speech recognition accuracy. The team aims to enable computers to understand any kind of human speech and provide a powerful way to search through hours of recorded speeches and news reports.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered an enzyme in Porphyromonas gingivalis that activates blood-clotting in humans, potentially linking periodontal infections to heart disease. The study suggests a mechanism for this connection and may lead to a vaccine to neutralize the enzyme.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new material that outperforms existing lubricants in industrial conditions. The material, made of tungsten disulfide fullerene-like molecules, reduces friction between moving metal parts by less than half and wear by up to six times.
A study of 472 women found a significant link between estrogen use and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that estrogen may stimulate nerve cell growth, inhibit apolipoprotein E levels, and increase neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, potentially reducing the risk of AD.
A new oral vaccine approach is being developed to protect pancreatic cells and prevent the autoimmune disease type I diabetes. Early trials have shown promising results using a combination of insulin and cholera toxin.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel Nuclear Magnetic Resonance approach to tag and label the connection point of fat chains, allowing for the monitoring of enzyme effects on individual chains. This breakthrough enables industrial chemists to better understand and control the quality and performance of fats.
Researchers found that people with high ACE levels immediately after a heart attack are at risk for heart enlargement one year later. The study suggests measuring ACE levels directly after a heart attack and treating patients with high ACE levels with an ACE-inhibitor to prevent complications.
The American Heart Association recommends a daily fiber intake of 25-30 grams from whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits to lower blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. A diet rich in these foods can also aid in weight control and improve overall nutritional health.
Researchers at UW-Madison found that limiting calorie intake later in life can stall muscle deterioration associated with aging. The study shows promise for human health, particularly for addressing sarcopenia, a condition contributing to physical frailty in older people.
A new study reveals striking fluctuations in blood cholesterol levels among children and teenagers, suggesting that normal cutpoints for testing may need to be revised. The study found that boys' body fatness levels decrease as they mature, while girls' body weight increases with minimal changes in body fat percentage.
A new clinical model has been developed to accurately predict survival among groups of patients with moderate to severe heart failure. The model, based on seven readily obtainable measurements, enables the efficient use of scarce donor hearts and identifies high-risk patients for enrollment in clinical trials.
A population-based study found that higher vitamin C levels were associated with lower oxidative stress and a reduced risk of cell damage. The study involved 393 participants and measured the actual level of vitamin C in their blood serum.
A study published in Cancer found that women with breast cancer who received care at a multi-disciplinary clinic had definitive treatment within 29.6 days, compared to 42.2 days for those seeing specialists sequentially. Patients are also more satisfied with their care, wanting quick resolution and comprehensive support.
Researchers at UNL have discovered a glycoprotein complex, p67, that correlates directly with cells' resistance to viruses. The team found that encouraging the growth of p67 could be a useful means of preventing viruses from taking over cells' reproductive machinery.
The US Congress's Office of Technology Policy and the Japan Documentation Center co-hosted a conference on access to Japanese scientific, technical, and business information. The event explored the impact of the Internet on access issues and featured presentations from leading experts in the field.
A four-year study found that poverty is a significant risk factor for emotional disturbances in white children, but not in American Indian children. Despite having a higher poverty rate, American Indian children were less likely to experience emotional disturbances.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that black women are half as likely to report ever having had a mammogram and 17% less likely to have had one in the past year compared to white women. The single strongest predictor of whether a woman undergoes the test was her doctor's recommendation, which ...
Researchers discovered a growth hormone antagonist that reduces eye disease by 33-44% in mice. The findings suggest the use of this antagonist or a drug inhibiting growth hormone release may help prevent retinal neovascularization and treat related eye diseases.
A study by Harvard Medical School reveals that growth hormone blocks the formation of new retinal blood vessels, which can cause blindness. The findings suggest new treatments may prevent blindness related to this condition.
Researchers have discovered that tiny clusters of eight water molecules naturally arrange themselves into small cubic structures, revealing unique properties of water. The study found that even in very small water clusters, water has the capacity to arrange its hydrogen bonds in several distinct orientations.
Astronomers have found powerful accelerators of material close to home, in our own galactic neighborhood, as nearby black holes with jets. The jets appear to move at velocities approaching the speed of light and are thought to be connected to the accretion disk and surrounding regions.
Researchers found a yeast protein similar to frataxin controls iron levels in mitochondria, leading to cell death and oxidative damage. The study suggests iron overload may be a key factor in Friedreich's ataxia, but further research is needed for treatment.
The 1996-1997 Human Genome Lecture Series featured nine speakers who discussed various aspects of the human genome, including genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and genetic research in specific populations. The series aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the human genome and its implications for genetics research.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center have found that certain metabolites of an antipsychotic drug inhibit HIV replication in human cell cultures, but at high concentrations. The findings suggest possible anti-viral activity against other viruses.
Researchers found that manipulating fish populations can alter the flow of carbon between lakes and the atmosphere, with implications for global climate. The study reveals that even slight rearrangements of an intact ecosystem's food web can have far-reaching consequences.
Recent discoveries demonstrate that Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) originate from the most remote parts of the universe, releasing as much energy in 10 seconds as the Sun emits in its entire lifetime. The uniform distribution on the sky and brightness distribution rule out galactic halo and suggest distances exceeding billions of light years.
The Johns Hopkins University team used the Midcourse Space Experiment satellite to create a wide-angle ultraviolet image of dust surrounding a star-forming region, M42. The image offers insights into star birth and galaxy properties, with potential to learn about the cycle of star formation, death, and rebirth.
The discovery of a 130-million-year-old fossilized bird hatchling provides significant insight into the early evolution of birds. The hatchling's primitive skull contains teeth, while its advanced features suggest that flight took precedence in early bird development.
The study reveals that chemical activity within brain cells exhibits behavior characteristic of self-organized criticality, which may help identify disease processes. Researchers used modeling techniques to simulate brain networks and found a power law distribution of wave sizes and durations, adhering to the signature of self-organize...
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a process to make topsoil from coal ash, yard waste and industrial byproducts. The resulting soil is nutrient-rich and outperforms local topsoil in terms of yield.
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center has detected Newcastle disease in Salton Sea cormorants, which has killed over 1,600 birds. The laboratory is conducting further analysis to determine the specific strain of the virus, with implications for domestic poultry and bird migration patterns.
Global climate factors point to more active storm era, with warmer sea surface temperatures and increased rainfall in the Sahel region. This trend contrasts with the most inactive four-year stretch within the same period, from 1991-94.
Oregon Health Sciences University professor James T. Rosenbaum suggests two solutions to improve scientific expert testimony reliability: appointing experts or empaneling a group to advise the court. Using silicone breast implant litigation as an example, he emphasizes the importance of neutral expert panels and conflict disclosure.
Researchers at the University of Rochester and UCLA have discovered a novel way to target HIV by genetically engineering a mutant tRNA primer that disrupts the virus's replication process. The approach, which has been patented, opens up new avenues for gene therapy in AIDS treatment.
Researchers have developed a method to align liquid crystals using molecular anchors, allowing for the creation of stable patterns on both flat and curved surfaces. This technology has potential applications in fields such as optics, displays, and biosensing.
A new RFF issues brief highlights the potential impacts of climate change on agriculture, with estimates suggesting a modest reduction in grain production in developing countries and improvements in industrialized nations. However, the author notes that regional changes are highly uncertain due to varying climate models.
Patients with a history of depression often deny or attribute early warning signs, such as fatigue and stress, to external factors. Early intervention is crucial to prevent or minimize relapse, and recognizing these signs can provide control over emerging depressions.
New RFF issues brief examines interactions between climate change policies and the tax system. Research suggests that reducing carbon emissions may produce economic benefits when revenues from pollution control are used to reduce other taxes, potentially offsetting added costs. However, policy approaches can significantly impact costs.
A newly isolated bacterium, coccoid Strain 195, reduces toxic tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene to nontoxic ethene gas. The Cornell researchers' discovery will lead to better pollution cleanup strategies in the field.
A recent study found that treating depression in diabetic patients can lead to improved blood glucose control. Researchers discovered that as depression improved, glucose levels also decreased. The study showed that nearly 60% of depressed patients experienced significant improvement after treatment.
A collaborative study between the US and Russia aims to uncover the causes of Hepatitis C, a prevalent liver disease. The project will collect blood samples and questionnaires from over 4,000 individuals across New Mexico and Chelyabinsk-70, with results expected to shed new light on the virus.
A new study of over 1,000 prostate cancer patients found that those who underwent surgery had remarkably good outcomes, with few reporting dissatisfaction or problems with urinary or sexual function. Despite fears about complications, most men felt healthier and satisfied with their treatment after surgery.
Environmental scientists have developed an internet-based chat room to analyze ozone levels, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions. The site provides real-time data and interactive tools, helping researchers better understand the regional nature of ozone transport.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that plants with simulated leaf domatia attract beneficial insects, reducing spider mite populations and increasing cotton yield by 30%. This mutually beneficial relationship offers a natural biological control strategy to pesticides.
New Arecibo radar images show no signs of ice in permanently shadowed areas at the moon's poles. Researchers believe rough surfaces from impact craters may be responsible for observed reflections instead.
Researchers have developed a technique using liposomes that can detect metal ions in solution, leading to practical sensors for heavy metals, viruses, and environmental cleanup. The technique involves entrapping liposomes in sol-gels, which increases their sensitivity, making them suitable for use in various applications.
A new RFF issues brief highlights the potential impacts of climate change on water supplies, including increased precipitation, evapotranspiration, and extreme weather events. The report emphasizes the need for more efficient water management and use to mitigate these effects.
A recent study published in Science found that genetic inheritance patterns continue to play a significant role in how people learn and process knowledge in old age. The research, conducted on Swedish twins aged 80+, showed that heritability accounted for 55% of individual differences in cognitive ability.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that students who need the most help in math are least likely to ask for it due to fear of peer judgment. The study suggests that parents and teachers should encourage students to focus on their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others.
Researchers have found fertile offspring that closely resemble primitive domesticated corn, carrying genetic traits from two wild American grasses. These hybrids exhibit resistance to the corn rootworm and drought tolerance, potentially leading to improved crop yields and reduced pesticide expenses.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs with ZBLAN material, a potential game-changer for optical fiber communications. Made in space, ZBLAN exhibits properties that far exceed current state-of-the-art materials, offering vast potential for applications in fields like medical surgery and temperature monitoring.
A laser-based surface-engineering process significantly reduces friction between metal or ceramic components, prolonging machine part life and increasing performance. This breakthrough technology complements traditional lubricants, enabling the use of lower-cost materials in high-performance engines.
A National Science Foundation study reveals that emotions after disasters are more complex than portrayed in the news, with positive emotions often present. Survivors who receive early social support tend to cope better over time.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that one child asphyxiated in a window covering cord every 27 days between 1981 and 1995. The most common scenarios involve infants in cribs near windows or toddlers suspended from pull cords after jumping or falling nearby.
Researchers found that by January of their first grade year, gender differences existed in the way children approached problem solving, not in accuracy. Girls were more likely to use overt methods, while boys relied on memorized answers.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have devised a way to modify metal surfaces with self-assembled monolayers of an inorganic compound, called silicotungstate. The resulting films exhibit superior stability and mechanical properties, making them suitable for corrosion inhibition and catalysis.
Studies suggest that slow stop-signal reaction time is responsible for poor impulse control in individuals with ADHD. Researchers are developing an objective diagnostic technique to refine understanding of ADHD and improve diagnosis.
A study of 66 children who stuttered found a strong genetic link to the condition. Most people who stutter have a common genetic factor that contributes to their persistence, with males being more likely to experience persistent stuttering.
A new laser technique called photodynamic therapy appears to prevent further vision loss in people with the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. The treatment uses a red laser light to activate a toxic form of oxygen that stops abnormal blood vessel growth, potentially confining scar tissue and preventing vision loss.
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that immune globulin injections enabled nine out of ten critically ill patients with damaged hearts to recover without heart transplants. The treatment has shown great promise in treating acute cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting up to 50,000 adults each year.