A series of Weizmann Institute studies discovered that more flexible polymer chains in a mixture settle at the surface. The rate of thickening is controlled by van der Waals forces, leading to extremely slow growth in accordance with a mathematical formula involving approximately the power of 4.
Researchers found a three-drug combination of indinavir, zidovudine, and lamivudine significantly reduces AIDS symptoms and prolongs patient survival compared to two-drug combinations. The study enrolled 1,156 participants and showed a 45% reduction in disease progression events.
A Wake Forest University professor's applied mathematics enable new adaptive optics technology to improve the sight of ground-based telescopes and new laser weapons, resulting in 'Hubble-like' improvements. The tech also enhances missile defense capabilities against enemy missiles and space junk.
A recent NIH study found that a combination of a protease inhibitor and two nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors can significantly reduce the occurrence of AIDS-defining illnesses or death. The study, ACTG 320, demonstrated improved survival and delayed disease progression in patients receiving triple combination therapy.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati present success stories in bioremediation and risk assessment, including bacteria strains capable of breaking down toxic compounds like N-heterocyclics and PAHs. A team develops ultra-trace methods to detect metal pollutants, improving accurate risk assessment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a connection between viral infections and immune system B cells producing immunoglobin E, a protein that causes allergic reactions. The study suggests that vaccinating children against mild childhood viral diseases could reduce the incidence of asthma and allergies.
Researchers find parallels between Mount St. Helens' recovery and the Indonesian volcano Krakatau's transformation from a devastated island to a thriving tropical rainforest. Plants establish a stable surface, holding back water and nutrients, allowing for gradual growth and revegetation. This process is key to understanding the renewa...
The new report updates asthma clinical practice guidelines with a focus on early use of anti-inflammatory medication, personalized treatment approaches, and reduced exposure to environmental allergens. The guidelines also include practical tools for physicians and expanded information about identifying specific allergens for each patient.
Researchers found that black children have more frequent and severe asthma than white children, with higher IgE serum levels and increased risk due to factors like dust mites and season of birth. The study also suggests that parents can take preventive measures by reducing dust in the home.
Researchers have developed a new theory that can pinpoint more black hole candidates in distant space by analyzing data from the NASA Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite. The team used this approach to identify a black hole candidate at GRS 1915+105, suggesting that others may exist before the year is out.
A new method for isotope separation has been developed by Dr. Ilya Averbukh, combining the advantages of mechanical separation with laser techniques. The technique uses wavepackets to distinguish between different isotopes, allowing for fast and effective separation in industries such as chemical and pharmaceutical research.
Researchers observed hundreds of thousands of high-energy collisions between protons and positrons, far exceeding expected statistical probabilities. The unexpected results may indicate new physics or a mistake in understanding what's inside the proton.
A study found that paying high-performing employees according to their performance can help retain them, as promotions alone do not effectively reduce turnover among top performers. High salary growth also helps retain high performers more than it does low performers.
The American Heart Association President states that the age-adjusted death rate from CHD has slowed, with an average annual decline of 2.6 percent, compared to 3 percent in the 1980s. The organization attributes this slowdown to increased prevalence of CHD and risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is working to protect coral reefs worldwide through research, conservation, and management programs. WCS has been studying coral reefs in various locations, including the Belize Barrier Reef, where they have made significant progress with fishery replenishment zones and sea urchin control.
A study by University of Georgia researcher Velma McBride Murry found that African-American women who became mothers as adolescents do not suffer as much as previously thought. In fact, many adolescent mothers reported living above the poverty level and having similar backgrounds to those who remained virgins or had abortions.
A 16-month study will assess genetic diversity in beaver and spruce grouse populations in Acadia National Park, aiming to understand how habitat fragmentation affects their long-term viability. The project aims to develop conservation strategies based on the findings.
A significant NIH study found that digitalis reduces hospitalizations for heart failure patients by 6-10%. The study, which followed over 6,800 patients with heart failure, also showed that digitalis can benefit patients whose symptoms are not controlled by other drugs.
The WWF and WCS have unveiled a new strategy to conserve tigers by identifying the top 25 high-priority areas for long-term survival. The framework, which will be implemented over three years, aims to stop international illegal trade in tiger products and develop conservation programs.
Stephen Schneider proposes a 'meta-institution' to evaluate scientific assertions and urges citizens to ask experts for information. He recommends asking three questions: What can happen, what are the odds, and how do you know?, to help navigate complex decisions.
A massive study found that primary care physicians who communicated effectively with patients during office visits had lower rates of malpractice claims. The researchers discovered specific conversational behaviors, such as facilitation and humor, that were associated with reduced risk of lawsuits.
Moderate hypothermia therapy has been shown to improve patient outcomes for those suffering from severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that patients who received the treatment had better recovery rates and lower mortality rates compared to those treated conventionally.
Stanford University's Technology Ventures Co-op program accelerates the transfer of technology and science into the economy by teaching engineers entrepreneurship skills. The nine-month program places students in summer jobs with top Silicon Valley startups, providing on-the-job experience and exposure to high-tech products.
Researchers have developed a genetic test that can identify children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tic disorders associated with strep throat infections. The blood test detects the D8/17 genetic marker in 85% of children with strep-associated OCD and tics, and 89% of those with Sydenham's chorea.
The role of non-experts in science policymaking is crucial for informed decision making. Non-experts can learn enough to make intelligent decisions about funding and research, suggests expert Dr. Daniel Lee Kleinman. Democratizing science requires new policies to encourage cooperation between experts and non-experts.
Research suggests that children from less wealthy families have better survival rates among the Herero people, a group of pastoralists in Botswana. The study found that wealthiest families' children had lower body fat, but overall mortality is low due to the high prosperity of the community.
The Cornell University scientists are leading an effort to develop agricultural systems that explicitly improve human health. The new approach, known as a 'food systems' approach, aims to increase the availability of micronutrients like iron in staple crops, reducing illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.
A Vietnamese chemist, Vu-Thi-Yen, has developed a new method to improve the durability of rubber products by blending it with cardanol, an oil extracted from cashew shells. The blended rubber is stronger and longer-lasting than plain latex, showing potential applications in various industries.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a process to make polypropylene, a stiff plastic, that can flex like a rubber band. The elastic polymer has potential applications in various industries, including the production of disposable diapers and automotive dashboards.
Developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, adaptive current tomography (ACT) aims to improve breast cancer screening without radiation exposure. The system uses electrical conductivity and permitivity measurements to detect tumors, offering advantages over X-ray mammography.
A new study by Cornell University researchers reveals that plants require vitamin C to withstand environmental stresses, such as high ozone levels and ultraviolet radiation. This finding has significant implications for improving crop foods with low vitamin C content, which can help address nutritional deficiencies in humans.
Scientists warn that humanity's disregard for ecosystem services will have severe economic losses, estimated in trillions of dollars annually. The loss of nature's services can lead to floods, mudslides, and extinction of species, posing an existential threat to human survival.
Ecosystems provide essential services such as air and water purification, climate regulation, and soil fertility. These services are crucial for human survival and well-being. Scientists highlight the importance of preserving these services in the face of human activity's impact on the environment.
A national survey of 1,466 gay men and lesbians found that one out of four reported poor treatment, including verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. The study calls for the establishment of total quality assurance systems to ensure client safety and community input on service effectiveness.
Ecologists are exploring how many species must be saved to keep an ecosystem functioning, with studies suggesting that losing even a small percentage of biodiversity can have significant consequences. Key findings include the importance of 'keystone' species and the impact of genetic variability on ecosystem resilience.
Researchers argue that low-temperature formation of mineral deposits supports life on Mars, contradicting recent claims. The Martian meteorite Alan Hills 84001 holds a crucial clue to understanding the planet's potential for past life.
Product-based learning, developed at Stanford University, takes a radical approach to higher education by having students design and build real products for external clients. This method promotes deeper learning, relevance, and team collaboration. By working on projects that have real-world applications, students develop problem-solvin...
Cornell ornithologist Andre Dhondt highlights the importance of involving volunteers in scientific research and education. He notes that thousands of school children and teachers contribute valuable data to projects like Project FeederWatch and Classroom FeederWatch, helping scientists answer real-world questions.
Research suggests that higher hCG levels are associated with an increased risk of morning sickness during the first trimester. The study also found a link between age and pregnancy-related sickness, with older women experiencing less symptoms.
The Large Angle and Spectrometric COronagraph Experiment (LASCO) on the SOHO spacecraft has made public images and movies taken during the week of December 22-27, 1996. The released data includes coronagraphic images and a movie with an image cadence of approximately 50 minutes.
A study by Elizabeth Loftus and colleagues found that people's imagination can sometimes make them believe they experienced fictional childhood events. In a series of experiments, subjects were asked to imagine fictitious events, such as breaking a window or getting in trouble for calling 911, and then reassessed their confidence in th...
Rural women in developing countries tend to experience menopause about eight years earlier than in developed countries due to stress and low body mass. However, improved nutrition, better medical care, and fewer pregnancies are expected to increase the age at menopause as these countries develop.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have determined the three-dimensional structure of Hck, a cancer-causing protein that plays a key role in regulating cell behavior. The study reveals that the protein's shape is controlled by the SH3 domain, which enables it to transform cells into cancerous ones.
A half-million-year record of ostracodes shows that biodiversity declines during glacial periods and increases during interglacial periods. Global climate change may further affect the richness of life on Earth beyond habitat degradation.
Astronomers have discovered a 45-day cycle of radiation surges from V1159 Ori, a cataclysmic variable system. The energy release is due to hydrogen buildup around the white dwarf triggering a massive dump of material, resulting in an enormous energy surge.
Researcher Robert Connelly uses tensegrities to model molecular structures like buckminsterfullerenes, which have unique geometric stability. His work provides insights into the behavior of certain-shaped molecules and could lead to a catalogue of stable tensegrity structures.
The US South's economic transformation from rural farm to industrialized society was driven by government policies, including infrastructure investments and trade protection. Despite initial success, social inequalities persisted, with poverty rates for Black Americans remaining three times those for Whites.
The BirdSource website enables citizens to share their bird-watching observations, creating a comprehensive database of North American bird distribution, migratory pathways, and population trends. This initiative leverages citizen-science data from programs like FeederWatch and the Christmas Bird Counts.
Researchers studied 1,947 women and found that taking progestin with estrogen therapy reduces risk of endometrial cancer by four-fold, but risks increase with shorter progestin cycles. Women who took combination therapy for over five years had a higher risk of endometrial cancer compared to non-users.
The Stanford research group synthesized a compound that replicates the chemical wizardry of cytochrome c oxidase, a vital biochemical process found in all oxygen-using organisms. The model converts oxygen molecules into water, releasing energy to charge biological batteries and generate heat.
Most young molecular biologists (91%) are satisfied with their career choice despite facing challenges in the field. They believe effective gene therapy and a cure for AIDS will be significant breakthroughs in the next decade.
A study by Cornell University biologist Stephen T. Emlen found that evolutionary predispositions, such as helping closely related kin, can lead to conflict and violence in modern families. The biologist suggests that increasing awareness of these inherited behaviors can help minimize damage in stepfamily situations.
A study by University of Illinois professors reveals that graduate education programs often prioritize competitiveness over collaborative team efforts and ethical values. The research highlights the need for standardized methods to assess mentoring quality and emphasizes the importance of teaching general scientific ethics.
In 1996, a total of 72 significant earthquakes occurred worldwide, with one great earthquake (magnitude 8.1) causing 108 deaths and widespread damage in Indonesia. Another major quake in China resulted in over 251 fatalities and left nearly one million homeless.
New research suggests that the Pacific Ocean's natural air-ocean circulation system may be counteracting global warming by redistributing heat. The study, conducted by Lamont-Doherty scientists, found that surface waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific have cooled over the past century despite rising Earth temperatures.
Microbial subsurface life is likely to be found on Mars and other planetary bodies in our solar system. The theory proposes that life evolved from the inside out, using rocks for oxygen, and suggests that petroleum has come up from great depths, not from biological sediments.
The world's major cereal crops have increased variability in quantity from year to year, posing a risk to the poorest people who spend much of their income on food. Long-term climate change, technology adoption stages, and other factors contribute to these fluctuations.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that blacks are less likely to undergo heart bypass surgery compared to whites. The research suggests that patient preferences and cultural factors contribute to this disparity in treatment.
Despite its popularity in classrooms, board game therapy remains untested and potentially ineffective due to a lack of scientific studies. Therapists are advised to scrutinize games before using them in therapeutic settings to avoid making uncritical claims about their benefits.
Researchers have identified an inactive gene that contributes to cancer development when it fails to work in harmony with the tumor-suppressing p53 gene. The findings suggest that the bax gene can act as a tumor suppresser, and its dysfunction may lead to increased cancer cell death and tumor growth.