Researchers found that welfare-dependent individuals and working poor people face negative attitudes from professionals and encounter barriers in their daily lives. They struggle to lead ordinary lives without facing stigma, which drains their energy and hinders their progress in moving up the economic ladder.
Researchers at Spalding Sports Worldwide aim to create a golf ball that travels up to five yards farther when hit by the average amateur golfer. They are exploring solid-core balls with modified cores and new crosslinking agents.
Researchers have developed a new fuel formulation that produces 40-50 percent fewer unburned hydrocarbons and 20 percent less carbon monoxide compared to gasoline. The P-series fuel blend can power flexible fuel cars, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline.
Researchers found that extrusion-processed wheat bran in cereals can reduce the number of aberrant crypt cells in laboratory rats by up to 40%, compared to raw wheat bran and flaked cereals. The study suggests that processing wheat bran improves its health-promoting properties, making it a potential tool in reducing colon cancer risk.
Researchers have successfully released nerve growth factor (NGF) via pea-sized pellets implanted in test animal brains, which showed improved health. This breakthrough treatment could potentially help treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
Kansas State University researcher Xiuzhi Susan Sun has developed a new soy protein adhesive that is water resistant, strong, and non-toxic. The modified soy protein molecule unfolds to promote water resistance and increases adhesive strength. This adhesive performed well in various tests, including ASTM standard tests for adhesives.
A Penn State study reveals single mothers on welfare are more likely to have psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for mental health services in welfare reform programs. The research found that major depression and agoraphobia were prevalent among welfare recipients.
The U.S. shows a drop in international rankings in math and science between the fourth and eighth grades due to low gains from year to year. Researchers attribute this to systemic issues in the education system, including curriculum and teaching quality.
A team of researchers has determined the three-dimensional structure of an enzyme responsible for gentamicin resistance, presenting a possible target for designing drugs to inhibit its action. The enzyme's structure resembles a cupped right hand wrapped around a cylinder, with a cavity that could hold gentamicin in place.
A new study by Dawn Stauffer and Rukmalie Jayakody found that 23% of welfare recipients had major depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health problems. This rate is significantly higher than previously estimated, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health services in welfare reform.
The American Sociological Association has released a new report examining the impact of affirmative action on reducing discrimination in the workplace. Barbara Reskin, Professor of Sociology at Harvard University, is the author and co-author of several dozen books and articles on discrimination, segregation, and professional life.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a molecular pathway that converts fast strength muscle fibers into slow endurance muscles. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that restore endurance muscle tissue in individuals with congestive heart failure or diabetes.
Researchers at Stanford and Harvard have identified specific brain regions responsible for predicting memory recall. Neural activity in the medial temporal lobe system, particularly the parahippocampal cortex, was found to predict whether a person would later remember a photograph or word.
Research at Washington University in St. Louis uses fMRI to capture images of specific memories as they are formed within the brain. The study found that increased activity in certain brain structures predicts whether information will be retained or forgotten.
Researchers discover shared structure among 150 enzymes, promoting transfer of acetyl group and affecting antibiotics and neurotransmitters. The discovery provides a potential solution to emerging antibiotic resistance and sheds light on the fundamental structures of proteins.
The Aerosonde successfully completed the 2,000-mile, 26-hour trans-Atlantic flight, becoming the smallest aircraft to cross the Atlantic. The achievement marks a significant milestone in autonomous aviation and demonstrates the potential of unmanned aircraft as workhorses for the next century.
Researchers at Purdue University have successfully modified yeast to ferment both glucose and xylose from plant matter, producing more ethanol from the same amount of material. This breakthrough could make ethanol production cheaper and more sustainable.
A scientific team's findings suggest that tsunamis may pose a significant threat to the Pacific Rim and other coastline regions due to the instability of submarine structures. The team believes that earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater can trigger massive underwater landslides, resulting in devastating tsunamis.
A new environmental monitoring system, E-SMART, uses integrated optic chemical sensors to detect contaminants in soil, groundwater, and air. The system reduces health and safety risks, saves time and cost by operating in situ, and enables real-time assessments of environmental impact.
Mass extinctions may not be fundamentally different from local catastrophes in their impact on global diversity. According to University of Cincinnati geologist Arnold Miller, regional and local bursts of diversification occur at different times around the world, contributing to a misleading picture of diversification trends.
The significance of defects in semiconductors cannot be overstated, as they determine many crystal qualities and enable the creation of useful variability. The controlled substitution of host atoms by foreign atoms is a key idea in semiconductor materials engineering.
Researchers used fMRI to capture brain activity during verbal tasks, revealing specific structures involved in memory formation. The study found that increased activity in the left frontal and temporal lobes can predict whether participants will remember a word seen in the scanner.
A recent study found that males from father-absent households face a significantly higher risk of incarceration, with odds almost three times as high as those from intact families. The presence of live-in grandparents in these households can help mitigate this risk.
Four Pennsylvania science teachers participated in a research expedition to study hydrothermal vents and active volcanoes on the ocean floor. The teachers worked with international scientists to understand how communities of animals live on these structures and developed new lesson plans for their students.
Researchers discovered a gene segment that can 'jump' into foreign DNA, enabling vertebrates to create millions of different antibodies. This ability is crucial for the adaptive immune system, which relies on two lines of defense to detect and destroy invaders.
The website provides a comprehensive educational program on genetics, genetic testing, diagnosis, counseling, and cancer risk assessment. It features three levels of education for different audiences and includes case scenarios, problem sets, and moderated discussion groups.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a molecular motor mechanism that divides genes during cell reproduction. The discovery provides clues to infertility and birth defects, such as Down syndrome, by understanding how chromosomes are separated during cell division.
Researchers at Cornell University have made significant progress in making gallium nitride transistors with output power of up to 2.2 watts per millimeter, promising to deliver hundreds of times more power at microwave frequencies.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center have identified a genetic mutation in the CYP3A4 gene associated with prostate cancer progression. Men carrying this mutation are nearly 10 times more likely to develop advanced tumors, highlighting the potential for targeted prevention strategies.
The USDA has developed two innovative devices to help farmers control insects that devastate their crops. The Aerodynamic Transport Body (ATB) is a clay pigeon-like catapult that launches parasitic wasps at high speeds, while the Mite Meter is an insulated dispenser that keeps tiny mites immobile until they hit the ground. These device...
Researchers found distinct patterns of gene expression linking cognitive control regions to stress control regions in laboratory animals. The study suggests that the brain controls stress responses through inhibition, rather than excitation, and may lead to the development of future stress intervention strategies.
The center will focus on 'designed' materials using computer-based analysis, modeling, and simulation to create tailored fibers and films. The project aims to reduce operating costs exponentially and generate over $200 billion in industry-wide revenue.
Researchers have confirmed a genetic influence for Alzheimer's disease in families with high incidence of the disorder. The study identified a gene on chromosome 12 associated with an increased risk and susceptibility to late-onset Alzheimer's disease, offering new insights into the disease's causes.
A group of hackers, the Cult of the Dead Cow, has released a malicious Back Orifice program that allows them to secretly control a machine over local networks or the Internet. The program can be downloaded without users realizing its presence, and once installed, it enables hackers to take control of the system like a puppet.
The survey, a collaboration between National Geographic and distinguished sociologists, aims to map communities and change around the world. It will collect data from 18,000 participants and address how often people have moved, their role in communities, and the impact of geography on tastes.
The HERS study found that hormone replacement therapy did not prevent further heart attacks or death from coronary heart disease (CHD) in postmenopausal women with CHD, despite positive effects on lipoproteins. However, the treatment increased the risk of clots and lung embolism.
Studies in monkeys reveal a neural mechanism for recognizing and sharing meaning through actions, supporting the idea that human speech evolved from ancient gestural communication. Researchers also found similar brain circuits in humans, linking hand movements to Broca's area.
A new poll by UNC-CH found that Southerners are dissatisfied with the amount of work required in schools and believe students need more discipline. The survey also showed a decline in adults' confidence that children today are being educated better than their peers.
The editorial emphasizes the need for improved scientific literacy, citing a 'dangerous ambiguity' in definitions of the issue. The authors argue that promoting scientific literacy requires a new way of teaching, stressing long-term process over short-term results.
A major study of 45,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 years old or older found that only half received beta-blockers after heart attacks, despite the medication's proven benefit in reducing mortality. This underprescription highlights an opportunity for improvement in caring for elderly patients who are at high risk of another heart attack.
Scientists have developed SAMMS, a self-assembled monolayer on mesoporous support that selectively binds toxic or precious metals like mercury and lead. The technology has shown promise in cleaning up contaminated waterways and recovering valuable metals.
Researchers have identified an unusual molecular mechanism that amplifies the disease-causing power of influenza A virus, potentially explaining its lethality in past pandemics. The discovery may lead to better understanding of pathogenesis and identification of new markers for predicting pandemic potential.
Researchers have determined the complete crystal structure of cytochrome bc1, a crucial protein complex in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This breakthrough has provided detailed images of the complex at an unprecedented resolution of 3 angstroms, shedding light on its role in energy production for living cells.
Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory tested various sealing materials, including clear plastic tape, foil-backed tape, mastic, and injected aerosol sealant. Only duct tape failed the tests, while others formed good seals for extended periods.
New Swedish research reveals that even small doses of environmental pollutants can cause lifelong neurological disturbances in laboratory animals. The study also raises concerns about the impact on human babies, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in monitoring these toxic substances.
The HERS study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and death in postmenopausal women with established heart disease. In the three-year follow-up, more deaths from heart disease occurred in the HRT group than in the untreated group.
A partnership between Colorado State University and Michigan has made canola-based motor oil available to consumers, offering a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based oils. The oil reduces vehicle emissions by 30 percent and produces no hazardous waste.
A 10-year analysis of ischemic heart disease deaths among 34,492 postmenopausal women showed that those who consumed the most whole-grain had the lowest risk. The positive effect was attributed to increased intake of phenols, vitamins, and phytoestrogens.
A study found that red wine polyphenols increased the lag time of LDL oxidation, decreased lipid peroxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and boosted plasma and LDL polyphenols. Vitamin E supplementation also showed antioxidant effects, although with varying degrees depending on EDTA presence.
Daily consumption of a tomato-based juice supplemented with vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene significantly decreased breath pentane excretion and improved LDL oxidation resistance. Increased plasma lycopene concentrations were also found to be correlated with antioxidant defenses.
Scientists have identified several elements in the lunar atmosphere, including oxygen, silicon, and aluminum, but only in small amounts. The study aims to learn which other atoms the regolith may release and form part of the Moon's atmosphere.
Researchers are testing whether digitally enhanced mammograms can help detect breast cancer earlier, with a goal of improving radiologists' performance and enabling general radiologists to perform as well as specialized radiologists. The trial involves enhancing images from about 450 mammogram cases in a national database.
Studies have shown that low doses of dioxin can cause spontaneous abortions, changes in the immune system, and developmental issues in animals. Fish are also being studied as models for understanding dioxin toxicity, with high levels of toxic pollutants found in northern environments, affecting polar bears, porpoises, and other species.
A recent study found that women who participated in a short sexual assault education program were just as likely to experience sexual assault as those who didn't participate. The research suggests that these programs may only help women learn more about sexual assault, without reducing the risk of assault.
Researchers at UW-Madison discovered a molecular mechanism that allows influenza viruses to cause sweeping damage throughout the body. The finding provides an additional marker for scientists to be aware of in their surveys of emerging viruses and may have broader implications in the virology field.
A three-hour program reduced sexual assault rates by 20% compared to a control group. Women in the program were also less likely to be revictimized at six months follow-up. The program's effectiveness suggests it may help prevent sexual assault.
Researchers found that testosterone injections significantly improved energy levels in 79% of HIV-positive men with low interest in sex and depressed mood. The treatment also boosted enjoyment and satisfaction with life, although the long-term effects remain unknown.
A team led by University of Colorado at Boulder Professor Robert Hohlfelder has discovered a 1,700-year-old Christian church submerged in shallow water off the coast of southern Turkey. The stone church, with an elaborate apse and multicolored mosaic, is likely the only underwater church known from that era.
Researchers have determined the first structure of a functional protein unit involved in neurofibromatosis, which regulates Ras and contributes to tumor growth. The study confirms mechanistic ideas about neurofibromin's function and links NF1 to cancerogenesis.
A recent study by the American Sociological Association found that men tend to do less household chores when they live with a partner. The research suggests that this shift in domestic workload can have significant implications for relationships and overall well-being.