Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a robot called BOA that removes asbestos from pipes, meeting OSHA and regulatory requirements. The device operates 10 times faster than humans, offering a safer and more economical solution to the nation's environmental problem.
A study of 975 older adults with hypertension found that about 40 percent maintained diet and exercise changes, enabling them to stop taking medication for high blood pressure. Participants who made moderate changes in body weight and salt intake showed impressive results, controlling blood pressure without medication.
Researchers analyzed data from 60 medical groups in Washington state, finding that physician compensation type did not affect patient costs or utilization. However, factors such as patient age, gender, health plan benefit level, and physician age were identified as significant influencers of health service use.
A team of researchers is working on creating silicon surfaces that are essentially totally flat, which could improve the performance of transistors in the semiconductor industry. The technique uses a basic hydrofluoric acid solution to etch away surface atoms one by one, producing small areas with perfect flatness.
The American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from March 19-21, 1998, explored innovative approaches to preventing heart disease. The conference highlighted new therapeutic targets, such as lipoprotein (a) and small dense LDL cholesterol, as well as the role of genetics in blood clotti...
Researchers at Yale University are using computer simulations to design more effective pharmaceuticals by optimizing chemical binding to target proteins. This approach has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for diseases such as dementia, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries.
A cost-benefit analysis found El Nino forecasting provides an annual economic return of 13-26% to the US agricultural industry, exceeding the government's minimum standard. The Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere (TOGA) climate research program yields benefits worth $240-266 million annually.
Researchers discovered the spontaneous trait transference phenomenon, where people who describe positive or negative traits in others are often attributed those same traits. This occurs even when participants are told there's no connection between the speakers and statements, suggesting an irrational, unconscious process.
The ASU-Led Project uses the scanning probe microscope to enable students in schools far from campus to operate the instrument remotely over the World Wide Web. Students can design their own experiments and manipulate the microscope with a mouse, getting results that are not yet available to most laboratories in the country.
A large-scale study shows that estrogen replacement therapy, with or without progestin, consistently and sustainably reduces plasma lipoprotein (a) concentrations, a high-risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. The results also confirm hormone therapy's broad-scale impact on cholesterol metabolism.
UCSF researchers are using powerful microscopes to observe the bonding process between tooth enamel and dentin. By analyzing structures as small as two micrometers, they aim to develop methods for creating tighter, more permanent bonds between teeth and plastic-based fillings.
The TONE study shows that weight loss and sodium reduction produce significant results in reducing the need for blood pressure medicine. Lifestyle interventions led to a 30% reduction in blood pressure medication use among participants.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that deep breaths can relax lung muscles and reduce wheezing in non-asthmatics by up to 80%. However, asthmatic patients showed minimal improvement from taking deep breaths before exposure to a contracting drug. This new finding could lead to the development of new asthma treatments.
IBM researchers Kirtley and Tsuei have made a major breakthrough in understanding high-temperature superconductors, resolving a long-standing question about the nature of electron pairs. Their discovery of d-wave pairing symmetry may lead to new materials with higher conductivity at even higher temperatures.
A study by Columbia University statistics professor Andrew Gelman and colleagues found that small-state voters have a higher probability of affecting the outcome of presidential races due to the electoral college system. In close national elections, vote tallies in politically balanced states are more likely to determine the outcome.
Most youth violence prevention programs lack scientific evidence, with only a few having undergone rigorous evaluations. Conflict management skills training and psycho-educational strategies show promise but require further research.
Researchers develop a new trap to confine Bose-Einstein condensates using light, enabling the manipulation of ultracold atoms. The team observes a Feshbach resonance for the first time in ultracold atoms, opening up new possibilities for studying and controlling this form of matter.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is enabling geologists to study earthquakes in real time, revealing incremental motion and slow squeezing within plates that can lead to earthquakes. This technology is improving earthquake hazard studies by allowing for more accurate predictions of seismic activity.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has selected seven top care centers to participate in an innovative Therapeutics Development Center network. This model will enable researchers to quickly translate laboratory discoveries into new therapies, with the goal of developing life-saving treatments for cystic fibrosis.
Researchers invent new way to see underground using electromagnetic energy, enabling better images at greater range and reducing drilling costs. The technique can also be used to characterize environmental problems and monitor remediation.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a genetic correlation between dog blindness and a similar human disease, potentially leading to new treatments for human eye disorders. The study identifies the canine version of the human RP17 gene defect, which could lead to gene therapy methods for both dogs and humans.
Purdue University researchers have developed a new class of co-polymer networks with diverse properties, suitable for various applications such as wastewater treatment, drug release and coating. The materials can be tailored to control their properties by varying the relative amounts of acrylic acid and oligoethylene glycol monomers.
Researchers at Columbia University have devised a computer model that shows how earthquakes occur in a pyramidal distribution, with one larger quake and multiple smaller ones. The model helps estimate the likelihood of future damage by analyzing the relationship between faults and earthquake distributions.
Scientists have identified eight genes necessary for vertebrate sensory hair cell function in a study of zebrafish mutants with balance problems. These genes are specifically involved in the production of extracellular potential generation, a key measure of hair cell function.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that granular particles can form dramatic chains to relieve stress, leading to potential explanations for self-destruction in passive containers. The study may also shed light on natural phenomena like earthquakes and the behavior of materials under low gravity.
Researchers will describe emerging Pfiesteria detection technologies, including a firefly enzyme-based assay and DNA-based molecular probes, to minimize public exposure to the organism. The University of Delaware's Ocean Lunch and Lecture Series will host expert JoAnn M. Burkholder on March 18.
The James C. McGroddy Prize for New Materials aims to stimulate discovery and innovation in materials science. This award recognizes Dr. McGroddy's significant contributions to the field, including his work on semiconductors and III-V compounds.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions found that 2.5% of healthcare workers already experience allergic reactions to rubber gloves, while 10% are sensitized but asymptomatic. The study aims to identify and prevent these potentially life-threatening allergies.
Researchers propose using an electrodynamic tether to propel and power a Europa orbiter, potentially reducing propellant needs and costs. The concept is still in its infancy, with challenges including Jupiter's dynamic environment and the need for sophisticated controls.
Researchers have developed computer crop models to predict crop yields and prices, helping farmers make informed decisions before an El Niño event. The models combine weather and soil information with virtual farming decisions, allowing for tailored growing strategies that reduce risks and uncertainties.
Primary care physicians are spending more time with their young patients, providing increased preventive services and counseling. The study also found a rise in medication prescriptions, including antibiotics and the stimulant Ritalin, without clear evidence of their appropriateness.
Researchers found that even mild forms of Alzheimer's can be distinguished from normal aging-related memory changes. The brains of patients with even mild Alzheimer's were found to have amyloid plaques, indicating early disease onset.
A simplified regimen of twice-weekly isoniazid preventive therapy for six months or rifampicin and pyrazinamide for two months was found to be effective in preventing active tuberculosis in HIV-infected individuals. Higher compliance with treatment was observed among those who received the shorter course of treatment.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that mild electrical stimulation of the brain region responsible for sound processing can quickly bulk up and reform connections, potentially speeding up stroke recovery. This technique may help patients regain lost brain functions such as speech, accurate hearing, and movement.
The COW project provides an interactive teaching tool that offers real-time feedback to students, helping them better understand calculus concepts. The site features 123 program modules and thousands of problems, making it an effective supplement to traditional classroom instruction.
Using advanced molecular methods, researchers at Harvard Medical School are identifying mysterious bacterial species that may be the cause of dental root caries and periodontitis. The team is also working on an integrated system for bacterial identification that can be used in various applications.
Researchers found that lutenizing hormone (LH) plays a critical role in sustaining the growth of egg follicles until ovulation. The discovery has important implications for women undergoing fertility treatments, as it may be possible to reduce the risk of multiple births by manipulating LH and FSH levels.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed an array of microscopic scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs) to speed up data storage. By depositing small bumps on a surface, the array can store up to 12 terabytes of data in a square centimeter, exceeding modern computer hard disk storage capabilities.
A new fluorescence technique has been developed for ultra-sensitive enzyme characterization at the single-molecule level. The technique, known as dual-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy, allows for precise and highly specific detection of molecules in large unspecific fluorescent backgrounds.
The Florida Marine Aquaculture Industry Development (MAID) Workshop aims to prioritize species for marine food fish aquaculture in Florida, focusing on production systems, markets, and regulations. The event also explores entrepreneurial and research opportunities for the industry.
The 215th national meeting of the American Chemical Society will feature over 4,700 papers on various topics including cancer therapy, global warming, and chemistry education. The event will also include a chemistry exposition with over 200 companies showcasing their products and services.
Scientists have discovered the most distant known object in the cosmos, a young galaxy existing when the universe was only 6% of its present age. The serendipitous discovery raises hopes for resolving two central questions in astrophysics: how and when did galaxies form.
Researchers have identified the binding structure of DNA and protein in ancient hyperthermophilic archaeons, revealing a more complex and interesting mechanism than previously thought. The study sheds light on how proteins attach to DNA to stabilize and protect it in extreme conditions.
Researchers have created a laboratory model of AIDS by infecting tonsil tissue with HIV. The model reveals that changes in the virus's properties lead to immune system deterioration and supports the idea that environmental factors contribute to AIDS development.
A University of Florida study found that women are more competent than men in finding personal items and remembering lists, despite men's greater confidence in their memory abilities. The research suggests that societal expectations and childhood play activities contribute to these differences.
The 2nd International Bioerosion Workshop will bring together experts in microboring, reef carbonate budgets, and modern/fossil collaborators. The workshop aims to exchange information, report on previous work, and continue discussion on the present state of knowledge of bioerosion.
A team of scientists has discovered a chain of five craters on two continents, indicating the breakup and subsequent impact of a fragmented comet or asteroid. The impacts may have contributed to one of the five greatest mass extinctions in history, with 80% of species becoming extinct.
Research shows that alcohol has a markedly different effect on the brain depending on age, with young people experiencing more significant impairments in learning and memory. Young animals and humans respond differently to alcohol, developing tolerance and sedation at a younger age than adults.
Experts discuss Earth's habitability amid global threats and climate change, with some arguing regions will experience radical changes due to limited adaptive capacities. Others propose innovative solutions like industrial ecology to reduce human dependence on the environment.
New experiments suggest that biodiversity loss can have significant consequences for ecosystem functions, including reduced resilience to extreme events. The type of species present also appears to play a crucial role in determining ecosystem function.
Researchers found no benefit from low-dose aspirin therapy in preventing preeclampsia in women at high risk, contradicting previous studies. High blood pressure and protein in urine can lead to eclampsia, which may be fatal.
The American Institute of Physics hosts a major physics meeting in Columbus, featuring discussions and press conferences among attendees. Online abstracts and a virtual pressroom are also available on the APS website, providing access to meeting information, schedules, and related resources.
Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in the Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome, which may hold clues for treating osteoporosis. The study found that people with TDO syndrome have exceptionally dense bones that fracture rarely, offering potential insights into improving bone density treatments.
Researchers found that bluntness is key to reaching both children and adults through anti-smoking ads, with messages portraying tobacco industry manipulations being effective in kindling viewer responses. Effective ads also targeted concerns over addiction and illustrated the dangers of second-hand smoke.
A European Union policy overhaul aims to reduce pollution and maintain biodiversity, but scientists struggle to design management strategies for a successful transition. Researchers are exploring the use of diverse plant and soil mixtures to facilitate re-colonization and re-establish natural communities.
Scientists study the feedbacks between vegetation and climate using computer models to predict future climate changes. The study found that forests create warmer temperatures in subarctic regions, affecting local ecosystems.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory will apply its advanced laser technology to monitor the characteristics of synthetic fibers during manufacturing. This will enable real-time process adjustments, reducing production time and costs. The project aims to significantly improve fiber properties measurement and production efficiency.
A recent study found that hospitals use various tactics to discourage patients from questioning their bills, including intimidating images and bureaucratic roadblocks. Hospitals may also use friendly communication to downplay the need for formal inquiry, but these efforts are often successful in deterring consumer challenges.
Scientists from Canadian Forest Services found that Canada's forests have shifted from a carbon sink to a source, primarily due to changes in disturbance regimes related to climate change. Strict carbon accounting is necessary to determine whether boreal forests can mitigate atmospheric carbon dioxide.
A new, aggressive strain of the late blight fungus, US-8, is devastating potato fields in the US and Canada, resistant to metalaxyl, a commonly used fungicide. The fungus reproduces rapidly, producing massive numbers of spores that can infect stored potatoes, leading to widespread crop loss.