Scientists will present evidence that global change exacerbates wildfires in the Mediterranean region by increasing air temperature, reducing precipitation, and altering landscape patterns. The study finds that water stress increases plant flammability, making conditions more favorable for wildfires in regions like Valencia, Spain.
A conference of 800 environmental scientists explores whether terrestrial ecosystems can slow down climate change by absorbing CO2. Recent technological developments, such as Free Air CO2 Enrichment technology, improve our ability to study carbon storage at the ecosystem level.
The increasing demand for food is projected to lead to the conversion of natural ecosystems into intensive agricultural systems, resulting in substantial environmental degradation. The study highlights the need for strategies like GIS-based management to mitigate land use changes and preserve vegetation and soil health.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated a technique to observe the dynamics of electrons as they move across the boundaries where metals and non-metals meet. The experiment showed that electrons can become delocalized, free to roam, before becoming localized and trapped in the interface.
Researchers from Rockefeller University have developed a new method to fight cancer by using dendritic cells to activate T cells. This technique offers the promise of new therapies for cancer, AIDS, and autoimmune diseases, potentially overcoming the need for designer immunotherapy.
Researchers found that African Americans and Hispanics with the APOE-4 allele have a similar risk of Alzheimer's disease as whites, but those without the allele had significantly increased risks. The study suggests that there may be new genes or environmental factors involved in the disease.
The University of Colorado's Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE) satellite is successfully returning science data, measuring nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere and X-rays from the sun. The NASA mission was controlled by students and faculty 24/7, marking the second university-led satellite to be operated.
Researchers are using sophisticated computer models to predict the dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems facing unprecedented rates of climate change. Plant species may need to migrate at speeds up to 10 times faster than historically observed, but some terrains offer less suitable habitats for this adaptation.
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 improves the Medicare picture by postponing the projected depletion of the Hospital Insurance trust fund from 2001 to 2010. Program savings are expected to be $150 over the next five years under moderate economic and demographic assumptions.
Rising global temperatures could lead to the expansion of dengue fever's geographic range into temperate regions. The mosquito Aedes aegypti's larval size and adult frequency will increase with warmer temperatures, boosting disease transmission.
A 1998 study predicts that global warming will increase the potential transmission of dengue fever in temperate regions. The researchers used computer models to simulate climate change and found that a relatively small temperature rise can lead to an increase in epidemic potential, allowing for more efficient virus spread.
Smoking-related Medicaid costs amount to $12.9 billion per year, totaling $322 billion over 25 years without inflation. The analysis provides a solid foundation for financial claims against the tobacco industry.
A study found that many seniors struggle with planning when to stop driving due to health issues or declining abilities. Alternative transportation options are limited, making it difficult for them to give up the keys without proper support.
Researchers are using outdated techniques, missing significant discoveries. Expert recommends revisiting studies and applying modern computational methods to correct issues.
Kenneth Crews, a copyright expert, warns that existing and pending copyright rules are severe constraints on creativity in higher education. These changes require educators to approach copyright in an informed and flexible manner to fulfill the university's research and teaching mission.
Nitrate reductase is an efficient enzyme essential for plants to acquire nitrate. Researchers aim to create a 3-D model of the enzyme to understand its structure and function. The study seeks to overcome production limitations and unlock the enzyme's full potential.
Experimental data suggests that elevated CO2 may not stimulate agricultural yield as much as previously thought, with potential losses due to temperature increases and increased pest pressure. Computer models are being used to simulate the effects of climate change on crop yields in various regions.
Researchers found a significant association between clinic experience and survival of women with AIDS, with 71% of patients in high-experience clinics surviving 21 months after diagnosis. The study suggests that physicians who treat a certain illness more frequently may do it better, especially in HIV management.
The Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems Project and the Land-Use/Cover Change Program present experimental and theoretical findings on global environmental changes. The conference aims to document and understand global land-use and land-cover change, its relationship to climate and biogeochemistry.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that preschoolers receiving federal food aid have healthier diets than their low-income peers not receiving assistance. The benefits of direct food aid outweigh those of a cash allowance, with significant boosts in iron and zinc intake, as well as other essential nutrients.
A new model of Venus suggests that crustal plateaus and volcanic rises were formed by a mechanism similar to hot spot plumes, a process still active on Earth. The thickening of the Venusian lithosphere approximately one billion years ago largely shut down the creation of crustal plateaus.
A new method developed at U of T directly dates individual grains of glaucony minerals, yielding ages scattered over millions of years. The study reveals variable sea levels and provides a way to follow their fluctuations, with applications in oil exploration industry.
A Johns Hopkins study found carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is safe for people in their 80s and 90s, with lower mortality rates than previously thought. The procedure's safety and efficacy were confirmed by analyzing data from over 9,900 procedures performed at 48 hospitals between 1990 and 1995.
Natural T cells are specialized cells that are part of white blood cells and help the body fight disease. Researchers at Penn State's College of Medicine have discovered that CD1d1 associates with glycolipids to transduce signals that 'turn-on' natural T cells, which helps the body fight disease.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed a new noninvasive test that measures creatine levels in the heart, which can indicate muscle damage from a heart attack. The test uses MRI and MRS to pinpoint depleted concentrations of creatine in injured heart tissue.
Researchers are developing atomistic simulations to predict macroscopic deformation behavior from atomic scale processes. These simulations use discrete dislocation dynamic methods, feeding mobility laws and short-range defect interactions into continuum models.
A new orthopaedic brace has been developed to help paraplegics regain independence. The SEPRIX device supports the torso, legs, and allows bending of knees during walking, facilitating rehabilitation and everyday life.
Researchers create detailed 'movies' of deadly heart irregularity, discovering spiral waves that can be controlled using chaos techniques, offering a less energetic alternative to massive jolts.
A team of 13 Virginia Tech researchers is developing a comprehensive model to assess the hydrologic, ecological, and economic effects of urban development on watersheds. The project aims to help local governments manage urban growth while sustaining good environmental quality.
Researchers found Leptospirillum ferrooxidans is a more important contributor to mine pollution than previously thought. The study could provide the mining industry with a new predictive technology to estimate acid mine drainage from a given site.
Case Western Reserve University math fellows are team-teaching a new graduate course to help Cleveland teachers discover mathematical concepts through hands-on activities. The course, led by fellows and Professor David Singer, will make advanced math accessible to teachers without a strong math background.
Scientists are searching deep ice from the Antarctic for signs of life that could survive in icy conditions, with a focus on Europa. The discovery of liquid water beneath the surface of another moon raises possibilities about potential life on Europa.
A study of 7,422 records found that women waited an average of 110 days to receive a liver transplant, 19 days longer than men. Minority groups also faced significantly longer wait times, with foreign nationals waiting 61 days and Asian-Americans and Hispanic-Americans waiting 138 and 107 days, respectively. The study's findings highli...
A recent survey found that over half of the island's wolves have died, likely due to a sharp drop in food supply after a major moose die-off in 1996. The remaining wolves are now less than five years old, with reproductive performance being a key area of interest.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill will study nanotube-based materials with potential applications in energy storage and display technology. The five-year grant aims to understand the chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of these molecules.
A Cornell University study found that chronic airport noise increases blood pressure and stress hormones in third- and fourth-grade children. The study, which tracked the same group of children before and after noise pollution, suggests lifelong effects on health.
A study found that cultures in hot climates used spices more frequently due to their antimicrobial properties, which helped reduce foodborne illnesses. The most effective spices were garlic, onion, and oregano, killing up to 80% of bacteria.
Researchers have discovered a new class of synthetic molecules that effectively inhibit inflammation by removing L-selectin proteins from the cell surface, preventing cells from sticking together. This approach offers a novel strategy for treating pain and swelling associated with injury or illness.
Qaisar Shafi's research proposes two distinct components of dark matter, with the 'cold' component residing in galaxy haloes and the 'hot' component gravitationally trapped by large-scale structures. This new understanding could guide experimental work and incorporate dark matter into models of the universe.
Researchers at the University of Florida are adapting space-age technology to improve citrus farming efficiency in the state. The team, led by Professors Jodie Whitney and John Schueller, is using precision agriculture techniques to help farmers optimize their fields and reduce costs.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that smoking in movies has returned to levels comparable to the 1960s, with pro-tobacco portrayals remaining prevalent. The incidence of smoking in films increased dramatically during the 1990s, exceeding real smoking rates and reinforcing misleading images.
A new scheduling system for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) uses algorithms to generate over 300 million possible schedules before arriving at a single optimal solution. The system provides numerous benefits, including ensuring fair matchups, convenient fan attendance, and rest time for athletes.
Researchers developed a mini respirator for mutant mice, increasing survival rate by over 50 percent. The machine uses oscillated pressure to inflate and deflate the lungs, addressing limitations of conventional respirators in small animals.
A five-year educational campaign in Thailand has dramatically cut HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases among young army draftees. The program, which promoted condom use, reduced the HIV rate by a factor of five and STDs by a factor of ten among those studied.
A study found that individuals taking nisoldipine had a higher rate of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks compared to those taking enalapril, sparking concerns about the safety of calcium antagonists for certain populations. The American Heart Association advises against panic and emphasizes the need for consultation with physicians.
Researchers found that echo-like sounds made by the inner ears of homosexual and bisexual women are weaker than those of heterosexual women, suggesting masculinization of brain structures responsible for sexual preference. The study indicates the potential value of non-invasive windows into brain development and sexual differentiation.
A USC/Norris study reveals how genistein suppresses the mammalian stress response, preventing cancer growth in cell cultures and animal models. This mechanism may provide insight into soy's anti-cancer effects and its potential as an effective agent.
A computer program developed at Ohio State University has enabled the U.S. Navy to design a new system of antennas that reduces radio interference and makes its destroyers less visible to enemy radar. The NEC-BSC program traces the path of electromagnetic waves and allows for the design of lighter materials and improved radar performance.
Scientists have mapped a defective gene responsible for hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to chromosome 9, bringing closer the isolation of the gene and potential treatment options. The gene is suspected to be linked to similar neurodegenerative disorders, with symptoms appearing in childhood but never being fatal.
Researchers at Columbia University are adapting industrial materials based on sugar to create novel, eco-friendly surfactants for household, medical, and industrial uses. These sugar-based polymers offer better cleansing properties than traditional detergents and can be used in personal care products.
Researchers at the University of Florida successfully prevented high blood pressure and its damaging effects on the heart and kidneys in laboratory animals. The study used gene therapy to decrease the effectiveness of angiotensin II, a hormone that regulates blood pressure, and showed promising results.
The proteasome is a crucial macromolecular machine responsible for eliminating abnormal proteins. It plays a vital role in various biological processes, including the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and immune response. The molecular architecture of the 20S proteasome is conserved from archaea to eukaryotes.
University of Michigan researchers have created the smallest biosensors ever developed, which can detect subtle changes in living cells' biochemistry. These probes, called PEBBLEs, contain dye that glows when exposed to specific ions or molecules, allowing real-time monitoring of cell processes.
A study using fMRI technology reveals impaired brain function in individuals with dyslexia when performing phonetic reading tasks. Dyslexic readers showed reduced activity in the angular gyrus and superior temporal gyrus brain regions.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a fast new method to analyze part designs and locate potential defects that may form in die-cast metal parts. The binary voxel model uses geometry to simulate die casting, producing an image with color-coded areas of concern. This method can identify weak spots in seconds, unlike more...
Recent data from NASA's Galileo spacecraft suggests that Jupiter's moon Europa may have a slushy ocean beneath its icy surface, with evidence including shallow impact craters and gaps in the ice. The findings support the idea that warmth from tidal forces could be keeping parts of the ocean liquid.
Vanderbilt University biologist Carl Johnson's research finds that internal clocks in humans and lower organisms are entrained by both artificial and natural light. The human biological clock speeds up with age, leading to early wake-up times and sleep disruptions, while napping is an innate function.
A new measurement technique developed by researchers at the University of Illinois can identify and measure up to 30 compounds found in a single cell. The method uses nanoliter sampling, capillary electrophoresis, and fluorescence spectroscopy to provide a detailed snapshot of the cell's physiology.
A new study at Ohio State University reveals that three out of four mothers feel their partner's opinion greatly influences their decision to breast-feed. Fathers' negative attitudes about breast-feeding often stem from misconceptions or feelings of being left out, but education can change these attitudes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a genetic algorithm that optimizes low-thrust trajectories for interplanetary missions, increasing payload capability and flexibility.