Physicists have achieved head-on collisions between electrons and positrons at the Asymmetric B Factory, a $177 million particle collider. The dual-ring machine will help researchers study the differences between matter and antimatter.
A 1996 hurricane study found that recovery rates increase with dispersal ability and size, while larger organisms are more resistant to moderate disturbance. The researchers also discovered that tidal surges can cause devastation on low-lying islands.
Research found an association between childhood-onset schizophrenia and large CAG/CTG repeats in male patients. The study confirms previous findings on adult-onset schizophrenia but notes a gender-specific link. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Researchers identified a strong association between a 12 bp mutation in a newly discovered X-chromosome gene and X-linked mental retardation. The mutation was found in 7 percent of all institutionalized mentally retarded males surveyed, as well as in higher frequency among those with Autism.
Researchers investigated whether a specific serotonin transporter gene polymorphism is associated with psychosis and hallucinations in schizophrenia. Patients with the ll genotype had significantly higher ratings for psychosis and increased intensity of hallucinations compared to those with other genotypes.
Researchers discovered that cooling papers to 10 degrees Celsius reduces decomposition rates by six-fold, making it an effective method for preserving documents. This technique could extend the shelf life of valuable books and papers by hundreds of years, potentially saving them from degradation.
Researchers from UC Davis and Washington University found that larger organisms were more resistant to hurricanes' immediate impact, but the most prolific ones recovered faster. After a year, lizard populations had not changed, while spider numbers returned to pre-hurricane levels.
A new diagnostic technique has been found to distinguish benign breast abnormalities from breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. The test, called the Biofield Diagnostic System, performed best in this age group, with a high sensitivity and specificity rate.
A chemist at Washington University has created a molecule that mimics the behavior of ribozymes, acting as a catalyst to dismantle dangerous genetic codes involved in viral and fungal diseases, certain cancers, and HIV. The discovery shows great promise for improved drug treatments.