Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that even identical polymers can unfold in various ways when exposed to the same conditions. This finding challenges long-standing theories and provides new insights into polymer behavior.
University of Michigan Professor Nicholas Steneck warns that research misconduct is a persistent problem. He suggests several solutions to address the issue, including random audits, exit interviews, and nationwide calls for creative solutions.
Astronomers discover a small galaxy orbiting the Milky Way, which is surprisingly sturdy due to its high dark matter content. The discovery challenges current understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.
Researchers confirm that plants have an adaptive immune-like response to insect damage, increasing seed production by 60% and resisting pests. The study used wild radish as a model plant and found that triggering this response enhanced plant fitness, providing a potential alternative to chemical pesticides.
Dr. Ray Herrmann, a USGS scientist, has been named an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished efforts in advancing science through his watershed research. He is being recognized for his leadership in communicating the importance of watershed investigations to various stakeholders.
Researchers aim to understand how the sun's corona reaches temperatures of two million degrees Celsius despite the surface being only 6,000 degrees. The team will use various techniques, including comparing electronic images and searching for rapid oscillations, to gather data during the February 26 eclipse.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that direct instruction using the Control of Variables Strategy is effective in teaching young children about science. Children can distinguish between knowing an answer and having to guess with minimal training, making it a crucial process skill for scientific experimentation.
A study of 101 adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus found that young people are more likely to adhere to treatment plans when given empowering messages. Health professionals may need to shift their communication strategy from focusing on risks to emphasizing the benefits and capabilities of following a treatment plan.
Dr. Glenn McGee presents a regulatory model to ensure the welfare of cloned children, drawing from adoption and divorce laws. He highlights concerns about physical safety and potential damage to family relationships, emphasizing the need for checks and balances in cloning.
Researchers have identified genetic and biological factors that influence a person's propensity toward obesity, suggesting a link between hormonal imbalances and weight gain. These findings may lead to tailored drug treatments, enabling physicians to detect predispositions and treat obesity with precision.
The USGS has taken the lead in establishing the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) to increase access to biological diversity data and information. The initiative aims to democratize environmental science by providing a broad array of knowledge on the diversity of nature's living creatures.
A recent study commissioned by President Clinton emphasizes the importance of nuclear power in meeting ambitious environmental goals. The report suggests that nuclear energy will be necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet growing energy demands.
New research reveals a link between the immune system and neuropathic pain, suggesting potential approaches to treating chronic pain. Investigators discovered that cytokines play a key role in producing pain-associated behaviors.
Rockefeller University researchers identify a critical link between autoantibodies and inflammation, suggesting novel ways to uncouple this connection. They found that preventing the activation of antibody receptors by autoantibodies is an effective way to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus.
The ITIS system provides a unified way of naming nature's living organisms, enabling easy access to credible databases and information on species origin and distribution. This standardized terminology facilitates accurate documentation, data sharing, and research among scientists, resource managers, and the general public.
Dr. Arthur L. Caplan argues that human cloning poses significant moral and ethical dilemmas, including the safety of the procedure, social implications, and emotional toll on clones. Despite advancements in technology, Caplan emphasizes the need to address these issues before pursuing human cloning.
Researchers at Henry Ford Health System discovered evidence that male brains shrink faster with age than female brains. Brain regions involved in thinking, planning and memory show greater age-related shrinkage in men. The findings may help explain sex differences in age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Research suggests that REM sleep plays a crucial role in protecting the cornea from suffocation by circulating aqueous humor. This theory challenges the conventional view of REM as a dream-processing mechanism, proposing a new purpose for this stage of sleep.
Marc Kamionkowski has been awarded the Helen B. Warner Prize for his significant contributions to cosmology, astrophysics, and particle physics. His research focuses on the cosmic microwave background radiation and its potential to clarify the origins of the universe.
Taxonomic names are in flux, reflecting current knowledge about species. The USGS-developed ITIS database provides a tool to link and integrate name changes over time.
At the AAAS meeting in February 1998, USGS scientists presented research on predicting the fate of contaminants in the New York Bight and developing a regional map of sea floor characteristics. The study aims to provide information for guiding habitat and resource management and monitoring long-term environmental change.
University of Maryland scientists have discovered a way to transform sodium channels into calcium channels, which could lead to the development of new treatments for heart failure and various neurological conditions. This breakthrough, reported in the journal Science, opens up novel targets for drug discovery and molecular medicine.
Industrial ecology focuses on sustainable development, encouraging recycling, reuse, and upcycling. Graedel advocates for dematerialization, reduced energy intensity, and mining residue recovery to minimize environmental impact.