Scientists at Stanford University have developed a system to work with millions of cell-sized squares composed of artificial membranes, offering new possibilities for experiments. The micro-membranes are stable, isolated, and retain their properties for several weeks, making them suitable for applications such as determining the struct...
The partnership aims to support state and local law enforcement in their efforts to fight crime in communities. Sandia will analyze available explosive detection technology and equipment in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Regional Center.
A Cornell University study found that New York adoptive parents are overwhelmingly in favor of laws allowing adult adoptees access to information in their birth certificates. The study surveyed 1,274 adoptive parents and found that adoptive mothers were more likely to support opening adoption records than fathers. Key findings include ...
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a key gene called NIK that plays a crucial role in triggering the immune response. By removing the 'brake' on the NF-kappaB protein, NIK activation sets off an immune response that could be harnessed to develop new medications for autoimmune diseases and HIV.
The Georgia Tech system automatically identifies defects as fabric comes off the loom, allowing immediate correction of process problems. It provides detailed records of weaving quality to optimize fabric use, and can pinpoint factors causing defects.
Researchers predict significant changes in mineral behavior and crystal structures under high pressure, affecting the Earth's magnetic field. The study investigates the properties of materials containing iron, manganese, cobalt, and nickel at extreme conditions.
The Penn State Cooperative Wetlands Center aims to develop specific guidelines for evaluating and restoring wetlands in Pennsylvania. The project has identified 51 reference wetlands and categorized them into types, such as riparian depressions and forested wetlands.
A new study of 121 children aged 5-14 found that allergy shots had no significant benefits for patients whose asthma symptoms are controlled with medication. However, shots may be useful in certain groups, such as those with irregular medication use or difficulty avoiding allergens.
A University of Washington study links hormone replacement therapy to an increased risk of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among women. Researchers discovered that post-menopausal women using hormone replacement therapy were over 70% more likely to suffer from TMD, while those taking oral contraceptives also showed a 20% higher risk.
Researchers find massive methane deposits in Blake Ridge area, equivalent to 35 billion tons, and estimate 7% of global carbon stored. The discovery suggests a significant role in past climate change and potential for future energy source.
Researchers will monitor auroral displays simultaneously from space, jet aircraft, and the ground to gain detailed measurements of the northern lights. The Fast Auroral Snapshot (FAST) Explorer satellite guides this three-dimensional study as it gathers data about the aurora while orbiting high above the polar north.
In 1996, 50% of streamgaging stations reported above-normal flows, while 29% reported below-normal flows. Record wet years on both coasts led to high loads of sediment, nutrients, and chemicals affecting water quality and living resources.
A landmark study reveals that high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and smoking equally affect the progression of atherosclerosis in women and men, as well as blacks and whites. The findings confirm that adopting healthful habits early is crucial for preventing heart disease.
A new research program using Arabidopsis as a model aims to improve plant branching patterns through DNA manipulation. This could lead to higher-quality wood and reduced harvesting time for eucalyptus and poplar trees, benefiting the paper and construction sectors.
A new study suggests that current methods for measuring nitrogen uptake in oceans are too low, resulting in an estimated 30% underestimation. The finding indicates that newly produced nitrogen may remain suspended as dissolved organic nitrogen, rather than sinking to the ocean floor.
Preliminary results from ACTG 315 show that an antiretroviral drug cocktail can partially restore immune function in people with moderately advanced HIV disease. The study found increases in CD4+ T cell counts, decreased plasma levels of HIV, and improved immune response.
MIT researchers verify coherence property in atomic beam, a key attribute of optical lasers, and extract controlled fraction of atoms from Bose-Einstein condensate to produce directional stream. This breakthrough may lead to significant innovations in nanotechnology and precision measurements at the quantum level.
A team of researchers has solved a centuries-old puzzle in eye development by discovering that the embryo has a single eye field that normally separates into two. The study found that an inhibitory signal shuts off gene expression in the middle of the eye field, leading to cyclopia if this fails to happen.
Researchers found that viral load in semen increases with progression of the disease in most patients. Using antiviral therapy, they were able to reduce viral load in semen to undetectable levels in six patients.
A study published in Science journal demonstrates the efficacy of vascular targeting agents (VTAs) in treating large solid tumors. VTAs selectively occlude tumor vasculature, causing massive tumor cell death and advanced necrosis within 72 hours. The treatment is well-tolerated and results in complete or partial tumor regressions in mice.
A new weather-forecasting system using a powerful Sun Microsystems computer is providing the Pacific Northwest region with highly accurate temperature and wind forecasts. The system helps predict weather patterns such as snow, rain, and precipitation, enabling agencies to prepare for extreme weather events and issue air-quality alerts.
A new study highlights the importance of managing multiple species to prevent extinction, according to Dr. Ron Pulliam, director of the National Biological Service. By identifying vulnerable species and human activities threatening them, conservation efforts can be targeted to save species.
A proposed dam in northern Thailand could submerge a golden teak forest, devastating wildlife and biodiversity. The project aims to account for the ecological, social, and cultural implications of such projects.
A paper by Peter D. Usher presents evidence that Shakespeare's Hamlet is an allegory for the competition between cosmological models of Thomas Digges and Tycho Brahe. The play dramatizes the struggle to discover the real picture of the universe from appearances in the sky. Hamlet favors the Diggesian model, which is the forerunner of m...
David Van Essen suggests that mechanical tension from axon connections creates brain folds. His hypothesis explains why human cortex is convoluted while others are smooth, and supports observations from transgenic mice studies. The theory could also account for individual differences in brain shapes.
Researchers have identified key chemokine receptors that enable HIV to infect immune system cells, including CCR5 and CCR-3. Understanding these interactions could lead to the development of new treatments and prevention strategies for HIV/AIDS.
Researchers developed a model to explain the Earth's inner core rotating faster than the rest of the planet, driven by electromagnetic forces and outer core fluid motions. The model provides insights into the mysterious processes generating the magnetic field deep within the Earth's core.
Participants of a forest-biodiversity workshop suggest using logging as a tool to save tropical forests and their wildlife. By implementing basic techniques such as directional felling and minimizing logging roads, biodiversity can be conserved. The experts also emphasize the need to maintain suitable habitat within major forest types.
Cornell researchers have developed a new technique to measure serotonin concentration in live cells, using pulsed lasers for excitation. This method allows for the visualization of serotonin secretory granules in real-time without damaging the cell or requiring external fluorescent markers.
The UNESCO Director-General urges scientists to take a more active role in shaping public policy, citing their ability to influence decision-makers. Scientists will have diverse opinions on the possible agenda for a World Science Conference.
A 22-year study found that socially dominant men, characterized by monopolizing conversations and excessive competitiveness, had a 60% higher rate of all-cause mortality compared to less dominant individuals. This suggests that social dominance is a moderate risk factor for early death.
The two miniature water worlds, designed by former Biosphere 2 crew members, have been safely transferred to the American space shuttle Atlantis for comprehensive testing of their effects on plants and animals in space. The experiments aim to provide insights into long-term human spaceflight and pharmaceutical research.
Researchers found that Bcl-xL protein can insert itself into artificial membranes, allowing ions to pass through normally impermeable barriers. This discovery suggests a potential lead on how these proteins regulate cell survival and coordinate cellular activities.
A new Cornell University study warns that water shortages will worsen globally unless resource-management practices improve. The report suggests ending irrigation subsidies and rewarding conservation to manage water more efficiently.
Scientists have developed spectral karyotyping, a powerful new way to visualize human chromosomes in a full-color palette. This technique allows for easy examination of chromosome changes that could lead to disease, such as missing or extra pieces, and can be used to identify chromosomal abnormalities linked to disease progression.
Studies at Yale and the National Cancer Institute have shown capsaicin's pain-relieving effectiveness. Capsaicin stimulates nerve cells to release more Substance P, leading to decreased pain signals and improved mobility.
Researchers at NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art and Sandia National Laboratories have created an inorganic coating that increases powdered calcite's longevity by a factor of ten when exposed to mildly acidic rain. The coating, chemically similar to glass, strengthens masonry without repelling water.
A recent study suggests that combining creatine supplements with extra carbohydrates can increase muscle creatine levels by 60% and muscle glycogen levels. This combination allows athletes to improve performance in both aerobic exercise and short, intense bursts of strength.
A comprehensive review of actuarial assumptions for public sector plans found that actuaries have been highly accurate in making critical demographic assumptions affecting retirement plan costs. The study of over 80 public retirement systems and 100 different retirement plans revealed accuracy rates ranging from 90-100% for key assumpt...
A new study by Ohio State University researchers finds that minimum retail prices for products can sometimes lower prices for consumers. In high-demand situations, such as holiday toys, retailers are encouraged to order more units, leading to increased availability and lower prices. This can result in benefits for consumers.
Researchers identified a chromosome 8 gene linked to human epilepsy and migraines, also affecting mice with similar traits. The study suggests a potential cure or prevention method for these diseases.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that alcohol was a factor in at least a third of fatal and non-fatal bicycle accidents. The researchers suggest that cycling safety programs including warnings against intoxication could reduce the estimated 60,000 alcohol-related cycling injuries annually.
A new virtual housewares catalog technology developed at Stanford University allows users to compare and purchase housewares online. The Infomaster system links online catalogs from various manufacturers, enabling searches for equivalent products despite different terms.
Researchers found that muscle fibers strengthen their relationship with one nerve and ignore the rest, a finding that could help explain how memories are soldered into the brain. The study suggests that synapse elimination may be a step-wise process where the muscle fiber decides which healthy axon to keep.
The review paper reviews powerful computational tools in studying ecology, genetics and evolution, infectious diseases and immunology. Computational biologists use models to understand the behavior of entire systems, mediated by smaller and larger scales.
Researchers have created a mouse model that mimics Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia (FCHL), a disorder causing high cholesterol and triglycerides, leading to premature heart disease. The study suggests APOC3 genetic variations underlie the disease, offering new hope for drug development.
Researchers at UC Davis analyzed eight lake studies and found that limiting nutrient supply is a stronger mechanism for controlling algae blooms than tinkering with food webs. This challenges the 'trophic cascade hypothesis,' which suggests manipulating food web structure can regulate lake clarity.
A workshop on long-term stewardship of the US nuclear weapons complex explored the need for institutions, information, and strategies to protect people and the environment. Key findings include the potential for decades-long cleanup efforts and the importance of reliable institutional controls and waste disposal facilities.
A new net design reduces bycatch of juvenile pollock in the US fishery by up to 75%. Researchers have found that modifying mid-water trawls to use single top-panels of mesh allows small pollock to escape, while retaining market-sized fish. This simple and effective technique could greatly enhance the survival and health of the resource.
A field program, FASTEX, investigates connections between coast-to-coast winter storms and Atlantic Ocean storms to enhance forecasting for both Europe and North America. The project aims to identify precursors that trigger cyclones, enabling better forecasts up to two or three days in advance.
The museum has developed an innovative program that allows visitors to reconstruct a fragmented clay pot, draw their own masterpiece, and play a tune on a 1,800-year-old flute using computer kiosks. This 'hands-on' approach makes objects in the museums seem more alive, providing a vast array of information about the artifacts and art o...
Researchers outline requirements for habitable moons, including stable orbit and atmosphere retention. Moons in the right position and size could support life on planets like Jupiter's Europa.
The USGS National Earthquake Information Center lost near real-time data from the AT&T Telstar 401 satellite, but regional networks and cooperation with other seismic networks maintained earthquake monitoring. Smaller earthquakes are now harder to track due to slower reporting times.
Astronomers analyze over 1,700 gamma-ray bursts and find they are isotropic, meaning their distribution on the sky is almost perfectly random. This contradicts previous theories that placed these bursts within or just outside of our own Milky Way Galaxy.
A new study suggests that dramatic temperature drops associated with glaciations at the poles and in the Northern Hemisphere reached around the globe. The research team analyzed fossil eggshells of large birds, finding a significant temperature shift in Australia's sub-tropical interior.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that nerve growth factor induces cell death in some childhood brain tumor cells. The findings suggest a potential new treatment approach for these cancers, expanding scientists' understanding of NGF's role in development.
Researchers found higher Down syndrome prevalence among Hispanic mothers under 40, lower rates among older mothers, compared to white counterparts. Prenatal genetic testing usage also showed significant differences between ethnic groups.
A new study reveals that hospital noise significantly disrupts the sleep of elderly patients in critical care units. The research found a strong correlation between peak sound levels and sleep arousals, with many patients spending hours awake at night.
A prison-release program for HIV-positive women successfully links clients with medical care and substance-abuse treatment on release from prison. The program resulted in a more than 50-percent decrease in the recidivism rate, with women experiencing reduced rates of return to prison within six months and one year.
Researchers found that HIV-positive patients living in the eastern United States are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis, particularly if they have low levels of CD4 cells. The study also revealed that nearly 25% of those diagnosed with TB died from the disease.