Researchers at NIEHS and U.C. Davis have identified a key protein involved in sperm-egg fusion, paving the way for new approaches to family planning and infertility diagnosis. A vaccine targeting this protein may provide women with a non-hormonal means of birth control.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory implemented an automated computer system to operate naval plants, improving cost efficiency and reliability. The program has resulted in annual savings of nearly $800,000, with individual sites experiencing significant improvements.
A new study found that non-custodial fathers with biological children in a new relationship tend to crowd out their original children's lives, but not if they have stepchildren. The research suggests there is no easy way to define the complex relationships between absent fathers and their children after divorce.
The Leonid meteor storm may pose a significant threat to satellites due to the high likelihood of invisible meteors. Astronomers predict that most meteors will burn up at low temperatures, making them undetectable.
The University of Washington is launching a doctoral program in astrobiology, funded by a $2 million NSF grant. Students will study organisms living in extreme conditions on Earth to prepare for finding life on Mars and Europa.
The Swissair disaster revealed a flaw in the rules governing black box flight recorders, leaving investigators without critical data. The aircraft's recorders stopped working six minutes before the crash due to a power failure, highlighting the need for backup power to prevent data loss.
Researchers found that malnourished rats producing more glutathione had enhanced free-radical fighting capacities, lungs, and liver protection. Glutathione supplementation nearly doubled lung GSH levels, increasing protection against damage.
A study of 379 children at an Ohio State University elementary school found that most kids perceived their community as having both negative and positive aspects. Despite exposure to violence, nearly half felt safe at home, with 39% describing their homes as peaceful. The research highlights the complexity of urban childhood experiences.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient worm-like animals in rocks dating back 1.1 billion years, challenging the traditional timeline for multicellular life. The discovery suggests that animal body plans changed little before the Cambrian period, and that soft-bodied animals may have existed even earlier.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified multiple regions on five different chromosomes responsible for wound healing and regeneration in mammals. The study, led by Ellen Heber-Katz, reveals the genetic basis of tissue regeneration in mice, with potential applications in human medicine.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed an electronic nose that can recognize different types of cheese by analyzing key fatty acids. The device correctly discriminated among cheeses and showed promise as a research tool for understanding the human sense of smell.
Scientists have grown healthy human placental cells in a laboratory using a new technique, providing a means to test the safety of drugs during pregnancy. The cells can survive and function like those in the womb, mimicking blood flow and nutrient exchange.
A new consortium of experts plans to increase the number of physician nutrition specialists on medical school faculties, establish educational standards for post-graduate training, and promote accreditation and monitoring. The goal is to help create a supply of nutrition professionals who can inform medical curricula and patient care.
A study linked three specific genes to the progress of Long QT syndrome, a heart-rhythm disorder that affects 25,000 Americans annually. Patients with defective genes can now expect their disease course, allowing for targeted treatments and improved outcomes.
Research at Ohio State University found that hospital patients often leave without knowing the basics of their new medication regimen, highlighting the need for prescription counseling. The study suggests that even a few minutes of counseling can make a significant difference in patient understanding.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a model to predict refugee migrations, identifying long-term root causes such as weak governments and economic dependence. The model also finds that large migrations are often preceded by generalized violence or civil wars.
Researchers found 'anomalous X-ray pulsars' in supernovae remnants, which spin slower and have stronger magnetic fields than radio pulsars. This discovery reverses the understanding of how pulsars behave after a star explodes as a supernova.
A study by Ohio State University found that MBA students perceive certain bargaining tactics as acceptable or unacceptable based on their individual characteristics. The research suggests that business professionals should prepare for negotiations by discussing ground rules and setting the right tone.
A Cornell University study found that 40% of world deaths can be attributed to environmental factors. The study highlights the impact of organic and chemical pollutants, climate change, and emerging diseases on human health.