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.
The discovery represents the first known structure of JNK3, a MAP Kinase family enzyme implicated in neurological diseases like epilepsy. Vertex's interdisciplinary approach may lead to new drugs against innovative targets, building on their track record of applying structural information to genomic discoveries.
A new study found that countries with a smaller percentage of Catholics and no state support for the church have higher annulment rates. Annulments have increased since the Second Vatican Council made them easier to get, with the largest rise occurring in the US.
Scientists discover that adding defects to materials can enhance their performance in semiconductor devices, leading to breakthroughs in information technology, high-speed communications, and the development of new LED technologies. Researchers are also exploring ways to exploit defects in optical fibers to increase bandwidth capacities.
Researchers discovered ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne infection, shows increased fluid in lungs on chest X-rays, helping doctors diagnose it earlier and potentially treat it more effectively. The illness can be mild but also rapidly fatal, and early detection is crucial.
A new Martian meteorite was discovered in the hot desert climate of the Sahara, increasing the total number of Martian meteorites to 13. The meteorite's inert gas inventory and elemental ratios confirm its Martian origin, providing valuable insights into Mars' geochemical processes and evolution.
A 2,000-year-old climate warming event was discovered in East Africa by analyzing sediment cores from a high-altitude lake. This study suggests that the climate can warm up suddenly without human activity, providing new insights into past climate fluctuations and potentially informing predictions about future climate change.
A recent Cornell University study found that men are less accepting of obese partners compared to women with eating disorders. The study surveyed 752 university students and revealed that 74% of men would be uncomfortable dating someone who is obese, while only 59% said they wouldn't date a woman with an eating disorder. This disparity...
A study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that low-prejudice people are more critical of weak arguments made by minority group members, while high-prejudice individuals ignore such statements. Low-prejudice individuals notice flaws in arguments from minority groups and are motivated to ensure their responses are not prejudiced.
Cornell University is part of a national effort to pioneer new integrated circuit design and support the US microchip industry. The university's contribution will focus on photonics and novel information distribution methods.
A study by Jeanne McCauley and colleagues found that abused women face significant barriers to discussing their abuse with doctors, including shame, denial, and a lack of supportive physicians. Despite this, many women reported improvement in their health after leaving the relationship or speaking with a doctor.
Researchers at Oregon Health Sciences University have identified a genetic cause for age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the US. A large family study revealed a specific gene location on chromosome 1q25-q31, offering hope for future treatments and preventative measures.
A study by Adrian Raine found that three-year-olds who are half an inch taller than their peers tend to be more aggressive as 11-year-olds. The researchers also discovered that stimulation-seeking and fearless toddlers were at higher risk for aggression, regardless of gender.