Materials scientists will use microgravity conditions to study material formation and behavior, producing high-value products. The U.S. Laboratory Module will house three Materials Science Research Racks, with each rack capable of conducting various experiments.
Researchers at the University of Delaware developed a new technique to produce extremely thin alumina films with an electrical storage capacity three times greater than silicon dioxide. These films could potentially eliminate reliability problems in semiconducting circuits by storing more electricity and reducing current-blocking flaws.
Researchers found that praising children for their intelligence can lead them to believe good test scores are more important than learning and mastering new things. In contrast, praising effort leads to a focus on learning goals and strategies for achievement.
Scientists have identified a powerful combination of heat shock proteins that can restore aggregated proteins to their functional states. The Hsp104-Hsp40-Hsp70 trio helps stabilize proteins during aggregation and refolding, providing essential protection against denaturation and promoting cell survival.
A team of scientists found a shared genetic marker among Jewish priests, linking them to the Biblical high priest Aaron and confirming ancestral ties between Sephardi and Ashkenazi communities. The study estimated the most recent common ancestor lived between Exodus and Temple destruction around 586 B.C.E.
The research proposes that cosmic ray jets can cause lethal amounts of muons, destroying the ozone layer and creating new species through rapid mutations. The theory explains key characteristics of massive extinctions and suggests ways to gather evidence for past catastrophes.
A nationwide study by the University of Florida suggests that women scientists and engineers struggle to balance their careers with family responsibilities. The survey found that 62% considered work-life balance their biggest challenge, while conflicts between tenure and biological clocks were a major concern for many.
Researchers Mark Young and Trevor Douglas have created a 'molecular cooking pot' using the protein case of a virus, enabling precise delivery of drugs to specific cellular addresses. The discovery has far-reaching implications for medicine, including breast cancer treatment.
A new laboratory tool has been developed by UNC-CH researchers to study the interaction between normal and abnormal heart cells during heart attacks. The tool, which simulates the conditions of a heart attack, aims to reduce death rates from sudden cardiac deaths in the US.
Researchers discovered a new gene called double-time that regulates circadian rhythms in fruit flies, which may also influence human sleep patterns. The gene affects the pairing of proteins essential for maintaining daily cycles.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered a way to reduce friction in mechanical systems by rapidly oscillating the width of the lubricant-filled gap separating two sliding surfaces. This technique maintains disorder in the lubricant, preventing molecular layering that can increase friction.
The UT Southwestern pediatric laboratory now has a Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer, allowing for local analysis of chemotherapeutic drugs and other substances. This technology aids in identifying molecular minutiae, potentially resolving side effects such as fatigue and cognitive problems associated with chemotherapy.
Research on Nicotiana attenuata reveals that induced defenses can have both ecological benefits and costs, including resource-based costs and potential negative impacts on seed production. The discovery of endogenous wound signals, such as jasmonic acid, has provided tools to activate defenses independently of herbivore attack.
A review of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforcement strategies concludes that current efforts are too slow and uncertain, leading to inadequate protection for workers. The authors suggest innovations such as worker education programs and devolving enforcement powers could improve safety further.
The conference will bring together over 100 principal investigators to discuss recent microgravity materials science research, including results from the Microgravity Sciences Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) mission. Researchers will also preview plans for the International Space Station and its Materials Science Research Facility.
A new study finds that unequal income distribution in US metropolitan areas is associated with a significant increase in mortality rates, exceeding the combined loss of life from several major causes. The research suggests that reducing economic inequalities should be a high priority to mitigate this burden.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that walking during the first stage of labor had no impact on labor duration, pain management, or infant outcomes. Women who walked showed similar results to those who rested in bed, with most indicating they would walk again in future labors.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that areas with high income inequality and low average incomes have significantly higher mortality rates, comparable to the combined loss of life from various diseases. The findings highlight the importance of considering equitable income distribution in public health assessments.
Astronomers detected a series of at least 26 starquakes, leading to the discovery of SGR 1627-41, the fourth conclusively identified SGR. The new SGR is believed to be caused by massive starquakes and has been linked to a supernova remnant.
Phytoplankton, tiny marine plants and bacteria, have evolved to stabilize the Earth's atmosphere by regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. They convert sunlight into oxygen and sequester carbon deep in the ocean, influencing climate regulation.
A new study at UNC-CH aims to help low-income black mothers cope with HIV by providing home visits, counseling, and teaching. The program has shown promising results in improving women's understanding of the disease and their mental health.
A study has found that methylotrophic bacteria and methanogenic archaea share common central carbon metabolism pathways involving C1 transfer reactions. These findings have implications for understanding the evolutionary history of these pathways in all organisms.
Researchers discovered lithium's dual anti-manic/anti-depressive effect by finding it stabilizes glutamate levels in mice brains, bringing them within a stable zone. This results in controlling both extremes of mania and depression in bipolar disorder patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are investigating the effectiveness of river-bank filtration in removing harmful viruses, protozoa, and bacteria from drinking water. The study aims to determine if this natural filter can produce cleaner drinking water while minimizing the creation of toxic by-products.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found six young football players died in the 1997 season as a direct result of injuries suffered on the field. The study also revealed seven cases of permanent paralysis from neck injuries and permanently disabling head injuries.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a protein called PR-39 that can suppress the production of toxic oxygen metabolites involved in reperfusion injury. The substance may hold promise as an anti-inflammatory fighter, potentially preventing tissue damage associated with blocked blood vessels.
The Lupus Foundation of America has awarded a summer internship to Yale student Su-jean Seo, who is conducting research on antigens targeted in autoimmune diseases like lupus erythematosus at the Wistar Institute. The fellowship will support her work under the supervision of Dr. Jan Erikson.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that treatment with sodium thiosulfate significantly reduces hearing loss in brain tumor patients receiving carboplatin chemotherapy. This breakthrough could help combat the hearing loss associated with platinum-based chemotherapy treatment for other types of cancer.
University of Munich and University of Delaware researchers have developed technology to probe artificial molecules, enabling the observation of Rabi oscillations. This breakthrough may help overcome technological hurdles associated with artificial molecules and pave the way for new computing strategies.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that medical regionalization in Maryland decreased the death rates for patients undergoing a complex pancreaticoduodenectomy operation for pancreatic cancer. The study showed that regionalization resulted in a significant reduction in mortality rates, with an estimated 57 patient lives saved.
Caroline Sokol, a researcher at The Wistar Institute, has been awarded the Goldie Simon Preceptorship Award for her work on autoreactive B-cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. She aims to earn a joint M.D./Ph.D. to conduct clinical research and improve understanding of the chronic autoimmune disease.
Andrew Caton, a Wistar Institute scientist, will receive the Lupus Foundation of Philadelphia's prestigious Sheryl N. Hirsch Award for his work on systemic lupus erythematosus. The award recognizes Dr. Caton's efforts to shed light on the role of infections in lupus initiation and exacerbation.
Researchers analyzed 19 samples of honey from 14 different floral sources and found that dark buckwheat honey packs 20 times the antioxidant punch as California sage honey. Darker honey has less water and more antioxidants than light-colored honey, making it a potential supplemental source for antioxidants.
A new study found that the biggest factor in student cheating is the instructor, with tenured or tenure-track faculty reducing cheating. Professors can reduce cheating by offering multiple exam versions, giving verbal warnings, and using additional proctors, making students 25-13-11 percent less likely to cheat.
A team of researchers found evidence of epitaxial processes that formed magnetite crystals in the ALH84001 meteorite, contradicting claims of nanofossils. The study suggests that the crystals were formed at temperatures too high for biological organisms to exist.
Researchers suggest that traumatic events in preschool years can significantly affect brain development and function. Extensive corrective experiences have been shown to help repair damaged neural connections over time.
Using high-intensity ultrasound, researchers discovered a dramatically improved catalyst for removing sulfur-containing compounds from gasoline and other fossil fuels. The new form of molybdenum disulfide is 10 times more active than the standard industrial catalyst.
Researchers developed a tamper-proof watermarking process that protects both owners and legitimate customers of multimedia data. The system combines encryption with part of the original image to create an invisible watermark.
Two Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory-developed technologies have been recognized internationally for their potential to improve the power industry. The Electro-Optic High Voltage Sensor provides safer and more cost-effective ways to measure high voltages. Rapid Solidification Process Tooling Technology reduces pr...
The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution is building a $1.5 million ocean sciences museum with a self-guided format, featuring interactive exhibits and displays on marine research, education, engineering, and ocean operations. The museum will open in late 1998.
The new microfluidic-NMR system enables high-performance capillary electrophoresis separations and simultaneous NMR spectroscopy, facilitating the development of desktop spectrometers. The technology has significant applications in drug discovery and combinatorial chemistry.
Archaeologist Stanley Ambrose's findings from the Enkapune Ya Muto rock shelter in Kenya suggest that modern human behavior emerged around 40,000 years ago. The discovery of stone tools and ostrich eggshell beads indicate an early form of social solidarity and adaptive technology.
Researchers suggest that anti-smoking programs should focus on countering the influence of parent smoking, rather than just peer pressure. Early interventions may help modify risk factors such as low behavioral self-control and parental monitoring.
Researchers found a link between rainfall and nitrate leaching, with increased rainfall leading to higher nitrate levels in tile flow. The study recommends applying nitrogen fertilizer in the spring to prevent excessive nitrate loss.
Researchers have demonstrated an instance of a thin ion layer being pushed downward to create a neutral sodium layer. Contrary to predictions, the formation of this layer was not significantly affected by intense auroral ionization, revealing new insights into the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere.
A new University of Delaware study explores the cognitive impacts of Williams Syndrome, revealing discrepancies in spatial and language skills. Children with Williams Syndrome exhibit extraordinary verbal skills but struggle with spatial tasks, such as replicating shapes or describing directions.
A new study by botanists at the University of Georgia shows that trees left standing in pastures can dominate reproduction in nearby remnant forests, creating a genetic bottleneck. The research indicates that tropical forest survival may be more complex than known, requiring new conservation strategies.
Community-wide treatment of curable STDs reduced STD rates and improved pregnancy outcomes, but did not reduce new HIV infections in a recent study. The treatment regimen also reduced the prevalence of most targeted STDs, including syphilis and trichomoniasis.
Research participants advocate for full disclosure of experimental vaccine details, physical and social harm reduction, and community collaboration. They also want assurance of compensation, confidentiality, and support in case of adverse reactions.
A new study finds that positron emission tomography (PET) can detect additional tumors in patients with warning signs of colorectal cancer. PET imaging confirmed disease in 15 out of 17 patients with tumors, while those with negative results remained cancer-free for at least nine months.
Io's volcanic hot spots reach surface temperatures of over 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, more than double previous measurements. The extreme temperatures suggest a unique process of differentiation and heavy element composition, shedding light on the moon's geological history.
Researchers identified specific aspects of attention that help predict driving performance in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Those who scored poorly on attention tests also performed poorly on driving tests, highlighting the importance of attentional control in driving.
A team of biologists developed a new method to census deer populations in urban areas, employing helicopters with trained observers and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The study achieved a high detection rate of 79%, providing valuable insights for managing deer populations in ecological harmony.
The new CERIAS center will address information security issues from various perspectives, including sociology, psychology, criminology, and economics. It will provide training opportunities for students and work with industry and government researchers worldwide.
Researchers use storage ring to study molecular recombination process, revealing need for further theoretical work to understand influence of vibrational excitation. The experiment demonstrates the importance of vibrational motion in dissociative recombination and guides future quantum chemistry calculations.
A study of 1,148 women infected with HIV or at high risk found that those with regular doctors had lower recidivism rates. Continuous medical care can also provide emotional support and substance abuse help, changing lives for many.
A new molecule, Bin1, has been identified by Wistar scientists as a potential indicator of malignant prostate cancer. Bin1 interacts with and limits the malignant potential of Myc, a protein found frequently in prostate cancers.
Researchers found that high-level expectations influence visual perception, overriding depth information in objects. This challenges the idea of veridical reflections of reality in the brain.
A study by UCSF found that many HIV-positive injection drug users are not receiving protease inhibitors despite their availability, with 21% unaware of their status and only 14% still taking the medication. Common obstacles include homelessness, fear, and lack of access to healthcare services.
A new study by University of California San Francisco researchers proposes expanding federal Medicaid coverage of HIV drugs to control the disease. The expansion would result in 9,600 more years of life for persons with HIV disease over five-years and prevent 4,200 deaths.