Researchers have developed a theory to explain the sudden change of rare earth mirror materials into transparent windows when exposed to hydrogen. This phenomenon has potential applications in smart windows for energy savings.
Law enforcement teams can practice responding to hostage situations using a virtual reality simulation called VRaptor. The simulation allows participants to determine who are the hostages and save them, take prisoner those kidnappers who surrender, and shoot those who fire weapons.
Researchers found that bulimics exhibit a range of physiological and psychological problems, including abnormal blood pressure, poor response to stress, and low self-esteem. The study also revealed that bulimics are more likely to experience cardiovascular problems and major depression.
The study found a significant decline in chronic disability rates for people 65 and older, with the largest rate of decline occurring from 1989 to 1994. The researchers attribute this trend to medical advances and technological improvements.
Researchers at Indiana University launched a full-scale expedition to explore ancient Taino Indian sites in the Dominican Republic. The underwater site has yielded over two dozen artifacts, providing valuable information about the tribe's culture and interactions with Europeans.
Researchers can now customize surfaces to specific qualities, such as absorbency, adhesiveness, and bio-activity. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fields like medicine, microelectronics, and oil recovery.
Astronomers, led by Professor Patterson, use digital cameras and computers to record binary star variations. This allows for continuous monitoring of stars across the globe, providing valuable data to aid in understanding celestial mechanics.
Research by Indiana University kinesiologists suggests that encouraging leg movements on a miniature treadmill can lead to an eight-to-12 month improvement in the time Down syndrome babies take their first independent steps. This intervention is found to decrease family stress and facilitate cognitive, spatial, and social development.
A survey of UMass biology graduates found that those with research experience are significantly happier in their present job. Over 85% of these graduates report being satisfied, compared to just 46% of those without research experience.
A Duke University study found that patients who received magnesium during CPR were 69% less likely to experience brain damage and had better neurological outcomes. The researchers discovered that magnesium may have neuroprotective effects by preventing calcium flow into brain cells, but more trials are needed to confirm the results.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that protein-deprived diet reduces life expectancy in both male and female Medflies, but females are harder hit. This reversal of the natural lifespan advantage suggests a vulnerable window of time for females during reproduction.
The GovNews Project introduces a new category on Usenet, facilitating the delivery of official notices, news, announcements, reports, and publications from government agencies. Millions of people will now be able to participate in discussions on topics like privatization, procurements, and environmental issues.
The European Science Association aims to foster debate on the relationship between science and society in a pan-European spirit. It seeks to involve young scientists, media professionals, industrialists, teachers, and other stakeholders in its activities.
A study by Joel Milgram found that a small number of teenagers successfully completed high school while living alone, with most valuing the sense of freedom. Despite struggling with poverty and parental conflicts, these students maintained academic performance and even improved their lives through independent means.
US unemployment remains below 6%, with record employment rates globally. North Carolina's economy is robust, with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $165.65 billion in the third quarter of 1996, exceeding national growth. Despite a concerning education system, Smith recommends policy changes to enhance economic prospects.
Dr. Bob Reinert recommends states adopt a single set of guidelines to minimize exposure to contaminants in fish. Effective guidelines can help anglers filter out unwanted chemicals from their catch.
Researchers at Duke University found a significant decrease in disability rates among older people in the US between 1982 and 1994, with a relative decline of 14.5%. The number of functional problems also decreased, particularly among those aged 65-74, 75-84, and 85 and older.
A novel mechanism has been initiated at UC Davis to pool university and industry resources, compensating nations for valuable genetic material. The Genetic Resources Recognition Fund will finance graduate fellowships for students from countries that originally provided the genetic material.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are investigating soybean component genistein's potential to prevent and treat cancer. The study aims to determine safe doses and treatment efficacy in humans, building on existing evidence from Japanese diets rich in soybeans.
A group of Duke University engineering students designed and built a custom-made goalie slider for Daniel Delimata, a cerebral palsy patient who was unable to participate in street hockey games. The slider allows him to move more efficiently and effectively, improving his coordination, balance, and overall playing experience.
Researchers propose optimality theory to explain how infants quickly learn complex languages. The idea suggests that a basic understanding of language is already present in the brain, requiring only fine-tuning mechanisms to acquire specific grammar rules.
Astronomers worldwide are gathering data from comet Hale-Bopp with a festival of observations, revealing secrets about comets' composition and behavior. The raw material will construct the most intricate portrait of a comet to date, providing insights into the early solar system.
Cancerous cells produce high amounts of free-radicals that promote uncontrolled cell growth; antioxidants and protein inhibitors can suppress this process, slowing down runaway cell division.
The new map reveals hot spots for genes and a large region where DNA remains intact across generations. It also identifies variations in chemical composition along the chromosome, shedding light on X's genetic code
A new study published in Science by a team led by University of Wisconsin-Madison geochemist John W. Valley reveals low-temperature origin for the carbonate globules found within the meteorite ALH84001, lending powerful support to the notion that features of the meteorite may have been formed by living organisms.
Researchers visualize calcium stored deep within intact muscle and brain cells, discovering tiny, discrete compartments that can be opened or closed by drugs or natural chemicals. This finding could lead to a better understanding of physiological mechanisms underlying high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and aging.
A teleapprenticeship program is being tested in teacher education to connect students with experts, providing a learning model that benefits both on and off campus. The program has shown success in making teaching more sustainable by involving multiple people in the process.
Scientists at the University of Illinois are investigating how glucocorticoids help regulate the body's response to infection, including changes in behavior. Glucocorticoids appear to modulate cytokine production and reduce behavioral effects, providing a protective mechanism against immune overreaction.
A Johns Hopkins study found that physicians in psychiatry and surgery have a higher risk of divorce, with rates ranging from 51% for psychiatrists to 29% for other specialties. The study suggests that marital counseling during residency training may help strengthen marriages.
The Nutrition Analysis Tool (NAT) allows users to analyze the nutrients in over 5,200 common food items based on daily allowance data from the US Department of Agriculture. Researchers are working to add an energy calculator to help high school athletes at risk for anorexia and bulimia make better nutrition decisions.
A UNC-CH report evaluates the effectiveness of family planning programs in developing countries, identifying key components linked to success. The research emphasizes the importance of evaluation in allocating resources for maximum impact.
A revised ocean depth model developed by Northwestern University geologists significantly better fits observed data, correcting inconsistencies in existing models. By adjusting the assumed thickness of the lithosphere to 95 kilometers, the new model accurately predicts ocean depths surrounding the Hawaiian Islands.
A new software developed by UD researchers can generate a simulated version of reforming scenarios in just 100 CPU seconds, improving the accuracy and speed of modeling catalytic reforming processes. The NetGen reforming software allows researchers to build models in a day instead of months.
Researchers found that post-exercise meals containing amino acids and carbohydrates can enhance recovery and peak-performance levels. Eating oat-based cereal before exercise also helped fight fatigue and hunger.
Researchers support a low-temperature origin for carbonate globules in the Martian meteorite ALH84001, suggesting microscopic depositions may be fossilized bacteria. The study uses secondary ion mass spectrometry to analyze oxygen and carbon isotope ratios, indicating a potential formation temperature of less than 300 degrees C.
Scientists argue that computer models and satellites are useful tools, but only when their limitations are well understood. They found that most of the difference between MSU and surface trends could be explained by two significant drops in MSU data for 1981 and 1991.
The study, published in the EMBO Journal, shows that viral tails play a crucial role in controlling the shape and formation of new viral particles. The research demonstrates the importance of these protein parts in the development of the virus.
Researchers investigate melatonin's potential to alleviate insomnia in patients with depression undergoing antidepressant treatment. The study aims to determine the optimal dose of melatonin to restore normal sleep patterns.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed a new chemical process for depositing titanium disilicide on submicron-scale device structures, overcoming current manufacturing limitations. This breakthrough enables the fabrication of smaller, faster microelectronic devices.
A National Research Council panel recommends hiring criteria, training programs, and better displays for air traffic controllers to maintain situation awareness and improve system reliability. The FAA is expected to assess different types of automation and make recommendations on implementation.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a computer model of the Ford Explorer to simulate 35 mile per hour crash tests. The model will provide information used to assure future, lighter vehicles meet safety requirements, reducing the need for expensive actual crashes.
A team of NASA scientists disagrees with a recent study suggesting that satellite data shows no warming trend in the Earth's lower atmosphere, while surface temperature data shows a +0.12 deg C/decade increase. The disagreement is largely due to differences between satellite and surface measurements over oceans versus land areas.
Researchers have found that cidofovir, a new antiviral drug, can slow the progression of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, a common cause of vision loss and blindness in AIDS patients. The study showed that both low and high doses of the drug were effective, allowing for less frequent treatment compared to traditional options.
A team of scientists from NCAR analyzed global temperature trends obtained via satellites and surface instruments. They found that satellite data can produce spurious drops due to changes in satellite records, which can mask actual rises in global temperatures.
A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that black women have lower resting metabolic rates than white women, making it harder to lose weight. This difference in metabolism was observed even after adjusting for weight and muscle mass.
A recent Penn State study found that high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets may cause a drop in testosterone levels due to inadequate nutrient balance. The study revealed a positive correlation between dietary fat and resting testosterone levels before and after exercise.
Children with FAS have behavioral and learning problems in addition to brain damage and facial abnormalities. Researchers found that children with FAS can focus on tasks but struggle with using new information and switching attention, which may explain why drugs like Ritalin are ineffective for this group.
According to sports psychologist David Yukelson, athletes can master a quick mental turnaround in a game situation by recognizing problem situations, practicing positive coping strategies, and evaluating their own progress.
Athletes often overconsume carbohydrates while underconsuming fats, leading to inadequate calories. A well-balanced diet with essential fatty acids is crucial for performance enhancement.
Researchers are evaluating potential health effects of long-term mercury exposure on former workers and employees. The study aims to characterize how mercury affects the nervous system, kidney function, and reproductive system.
A recent study published by Duke researchers has found that the toxic marine organism Pfiesteria piscicida causes severe learning impairment in rats. The toxin was shown to affect spatial learning, with injected rats performing poorly on new tasks even after training had begun.
Researchers developed a microelectrode that can measure multiple chemical species simultaneously in seawater biofilms, including dissolved oxygen, iron, manganese, and iodide. The device is hardy enough to withstand various marine settings and can detect pollutants at low levels.
A new study by Victor Cicirelli asks older adults about their end-of-life options and finds that a majority would prefer to live, but some may choose assisted suicide under low-quality conditions. The study also reveals that social support and well-being are not key factors in these decisions.
A CU-Boulder professor is developing artificial habitats for captive-born Aruba Island rattlers to promote fear of predators and rattle behavior. He's also studying lab-raised Aruba rattlers' ability to locate suitable temperature and humidity conditions in the wild.
UNESCO has issued a declaration stating that human cloning is unacceptable, citing ethical concerns and the preservation of humanity's infinite diversity. The organization's director-general has called for a world commission on ethics and science to tackle issues related to scientific developments beyond genetics.
A study found that serotonin function declines with age, particularly in the hippocampus region, leading to impaired cognitive function and increased risk of depression. Researchers hope to develop new therapeutic approaches based on these findings.
A recent report from SPRU reveals that British companies are making significant contributions to scientific research, publishing over 41,000 articles between 1981 and 1994. This has led to a reevaluation of the role of industry in advancing science, with findings suggesting that companies are driving innovation across various sectors.
Scientists at Indiana University have identified a new potential target for treating parasitic diseases in human cells. The discovery suggests that chloroplast-like plastids, which are found in single-celled parasites, may play an important role in the cell and could be targets for drug therapies.
Agricultural workers in Georgia are now being educated about skin cancer risks through a new program, thanks to $1.15 million in funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The program includes sun block, hats with built-in neck protection, and educational materials targeted at farmers' families.
Researchers studied 171 hospital patients with diabetes mellitus and found that sliding scale insulin regimens provided no benefit. Patients on standing regimens fared better than those on sliding scale regimens, which tripled the risk of hyperglycemia when used alone.