Researchers found that the Rpm1 resistance gene in Arabidopsis is approximately 9.8 million years old, with minimal changes over time, contradicting the 'arms race' theory. The study suggests an alternative 'trench warfare' model, where cycles of disease epidemics maintain stable forms of resistance and susceptibility genes.
The article explains that 'hard' NP-complete problems are difficult due to discontinuous phase transitions, making them impractical to solve even with moderate-sized inputs. The research suggests exploiting certain properties of these abrupt transitions to make the problems easier by nailing down critical variables.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that anti-diabetic agents can significantly reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in mice. The study suggests that these compounds may be an effective treatment for humans with ulcerative colitis, a debilitating disorder affecting millions worldwide.
Electronic theses and dissertations are gaining popularity worldwide, with hundreds of thousands of downloads from around 10,000 sites. The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations aims to promote education and research through digital libraries and preservation programs.
Researchers will examine strategies for persuading people to adopt healthier lifestyles, including better diets, exercise, and regular screening. The project aims to reduce the risk of colon cancer and save lives.
The study found that African-American and white patients rated their same-race physician visits as more participatory, while patients of female physicians also reported higher levels of involvement. Better health outcomes can be achieved through increased minority physicians and cross-cultural communication training.
Research suggests that herbivores prefer northern salt marsh plants over tropical ones, with a striking trend of consuming greater quantities of northern plants regardless of species or time of year. The reasons for this preference are unclear but may be linked to physical and chemical defenses.
The NIH is evaluating seven widely used plasticizers for their potential reproductive and developmental effects. A panel of scientific experts will meet to assess the chemicals' impact on human health.
The Williams College research team observed a two-and-a-half-minute period of totality in a clear sky, collecting fabulous scientific data that will keep researchers busy for years. The experiments focused on understanding the corona's temperature and magnetic field, which can reach temperatures of up to four million degrees Celsius.
Bioterrorism poses a significant threat to US agriculture, with pathogens like soybean rust capable of devastating yields and contaminating the food supply. Experts are working to identify the most-threatening pathogens and develop strategies for prevention and response.
The biotrickling filter technology uses naturally occurring microorganisms to metabolize air pollutants into harmless byproducts. It has been successfully tested at the Naval Air Station-North Island in San Diego, reducing HAP emissions from aircraft painting operations by up to 95%.
Researchers found that resistant mice have higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, which help protect against pancreatic beta-cell destruction. The study suggests a single gene may be responsible for the genetic resistance, and identifying it could lead to therapies to boost natural defenses against diabetes.
Despite having only a dozen mammary glands, naked mole-rat mothers produce up to 28 pups per litter and share nursing duties among the young. The colony's cooperative society allows for sufficient milk supply, eliminating competition among females.
A University of Michigan study found that a low sense of belonging is a stronger predictor of major depression than other factors. The research analyzed data from 31 clients with depression and 379 community college students, concluding that feeling connected to others is crucial in overcoming depression.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new way to measure slippage deep within the Earth using tickers, groups of identically repeating tiny earthquakes. By analyzing the timing and intervals between these quakes, scientists can track changes in fault strain associated with larger earthquakes.
The Alliance Chautauqua at Boston University brings together researchers, artists, and visitors to explore virtual labs and interact in real-time. The event showcases emerging technologies that facilitate remote collaborative work environments.
Long-term societal changes, particularly the aging baby boomer generation, contributed to a significant decline in serious crimes during the Clinton presidency. The strong economy and increased community-based crime prevention initiatives also played a crucial role in reducing crime rates.
The Initiative for Design of Bio-Inspired Materials receives a $2-million grant to explore new physical materials based on biological templates. Researchers aim to develop functional materials and control biological processes using advanced techniques.
A new report from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) states that cholesterol lowering in elderly Americans can significantly reduce heart disease and stroke risk. The NCEP recommends lowering cholesterol through a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management.
The Office of Naval Research is testing a new weather radar system that delivers potentially superior at-sea weather information. The system, which uses the Navy's SPY-1 phased array radar, will provide direct weather feedback and input to tactical weather forecasts.
Researchers will investigate whether azithromycin reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with documented heart disease. A total of 4,000 volunteers will be recruited nationally to participate in the Azithromycin and Coronary Event Study.
A Cornell University study found that senior volunteers enjoy significantly higher levels of psychological and physical well-being than non-volunteers. The research suggests that volunteering provides retirees with social connections, routines, and a sense of purpose, leading to improved overall well-being.
A recent study found that U.S. math students in smaller classes (6-18 students) outperform those in larger classes, but the effect size is marginal and unclear. This contradicts findings in other countries where class size has no impact on math scores.
Scientists from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will launch a weather balloon equipped with a digital camera to broadcast web images of the Perseid Meteor Shower. The camera will provide a clearer view of the meteor shower and capture particles from the stratosphere during the event.
A small pilot study found that nine of 13 patients reported long-term decreased binge eating episodes, with four ending uncontrolled consumption completely. Topiramate, approved for epilepsy, shows promise in treating binge eating disorder with minimal side effects.
A decline in burglary rates since 1980 is attributed to a shift towards drug trafficking and various forms of non-index crimes. Researchers suggest that the abundance of stolen goods has reduced demand, making burglary less lucrative, while improvements in security measures have also deterred potential burglars.
The Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Trials Group is conducting a clinical trial using pentosan polysulfate sodium (ElmironR) and hydroxyzine hydrochloride (AtaraxR) to treat IC. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these oral drugs in relieving symptoms in patients with IC.
Temple University physicist Zameer Hasan is working to increase the storage capacity of compact discs by using lasers to distinguish between different colors, allowing for a billion-fold increase in data storage. His research focuses on creating materials that can withstand high temperatures and improve the speed of laser reading.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique to identify abnormal blood vessels in the brain, improving diagnosis and treatment of related conditions. The 'high resolution BOLD venography' method revealed detailed information on blood vessel malformations in nine out of ten patients.
Penn State researchers found that working outside school affects not only U.S. children but also children worldwide, leading to negative effects on math and science achievement. Light work such as babysitting also has detrimental effects on academic progress.
A Penn State study reveals that unmarried mothers, particularly young and African American women, predominantly live with their parents before and after childbirth. The data indicates that co-residence with parents remains the most important living arrangement for first-time, never-married mothers.
Research reveals psychological uncertainty about pregnancy is a major barrier, rather than immigrant status, for Puerto Rican women seeking adequate prenatal care. Despite being U.S. citizens, some women report inadequate care due to unwanted pregnancies or lack of awareness.
Sociologists analyzed daily rituals and activities to understand the mechanisms of biculturalism in Chinese Americans. They found that both older and newer generations retain their cultural heritage through practices like family gatherings, language classes, and cultural events.
Research by Dr. Daniel B. Lee finds that elite colleges transmit cultural advantages from one generation to the next, including social skills and valuable networks. These advantages can lead to increased chances of joining the highest social stratum after graduation.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have found that persistent activation of Stat3 protein can cause normal cells to behave like cancer cells. This discovery presents a promising new target in the fight against cancer and suggests that drugs inhibiting Stat3 activation may be effective.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center created mice with narcolepsy by removing the neuropeptide orexin. The mice exhibited rapid eye movement (REM) sleep at the beginning of a sleep period, unlike normal mice, indicating a potential link to treatments for the disorder.
Researchers found that children gave better information during video interviews than face-to-face interactions, with reduced incorrect responses and improved cooperation. The use of video links also led to longer smiles and more frequent smiling among the children, indicating higher levels of comfort and relaxation.
Researchers discovered a connection between a brain hormone called orexin and narcolepsy, a severe sleep disorder. The study found that mice lacking the orexin gene exhibited abnormal sleep patterns and behaviors similar to those of humans with narcolepsy.
A Penn State study found that restructuring public schools can be detrimental to student performance, particularly in low-income communities. The researchers argue that complex educational technologies and instructional practices require skilled teachers and substantial resources, which may not be available in disadvantaged schools.
The research report highlights the emotional impact of organ donations on both recipients and donor families. Recipients often view their transplanted organs as mechanical objects, while donor families perceive them as a personal connection to the donor.
The NSF award establishes a Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, focusing on complex social behaviors and emotions. The center will study brain mechanisms and develop powerful new technologies.
A new imaging method is being developed to show images of plaque deposits in the brains of Alzheimer's patients as the disease progresses. The technology uses technetium-based probes to detect amyloid plaque deposits, which could allow for definitive diagnosis before death.
The discovery of the narcolepsy gene in dogs by Dr. Emmanuel Mignot opens the door to identification of the gene in humans and development of new treatment approaches. The study also links hypocretins, a recently discovered family of brain neuropeptides, to regulating sleep.
A new theory proposes that some of the carbon in diamonds originates from supernovae explosions and meteorites, rather than organic materials. This idea is supported by the antiquity of diamonds and similarities in carbon isotopic ratios to those found in meteorites.
Penn State engineers have developed a new manufacturing process that produces stronger and stiffer carbon fiber grids, which can be tailored to specific applications using computer simulations. The grids offer advantages over traditional steel reinforcing rods, including corrosion resistance and reduced weight.
Researchers use genomics to create 'road maps' of plant genomes, allowing them to quickly locate desirable traits and move them into other crops. This new approach promises to speed the development of crops that can withstand environmental stresses.
A team of Williams College astronomers will conduct scientific experiments during the August 11 solar eclipse to study the coronal heating of the sun. The research, supported by grants from NASA and National Geographic, aims to observe rapid oscillations in the corona using advanced telescopes and optics.
Researchers aim to understand the physics of auto airbags to design futuristic airbags with enhanced safety features. Preliminary findings suggest two modifications that could improve airbag safety, including reducing propellant use and installing an aspirator behind the dashboard.
New York University scientist Denis Pelli finds that the transition from grid to face in Close's paintings occurs at relatively short distances, revealing a size-dependent breakdown of shape perception. This challenges existing theories and credits Chuck Close with discovering this effect.
The UCSF Cancer Center has received designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), becoming the only NCI-designated cancer center in Northern California. The center will receive up to $850,000 per year for research infrastructure and administration.
A Dartmouth-VA study found that for-profit hospital ownership is associated with higher per capita Medicare spending and faster spending growth compared to non-profit hospitals. The analysis controlled for various factors that might influence health care costs.
Amputation rates among elderly Americans have risen due to limited capacity for bypass surgery and angioplasty procedures. Diabetes remains a major risk factor, with 40-60% of amputations involving diabetic patients.
Researchers at UCLA and Human Genome Sciences have discovered two human proteins, METH-1 and METH-2, that inhibit blood vessel formation and show promise in treating a range of cancer tumors. The proteins were found to be more potent than endostatin in preventing new blood vessel growth.
The US government has awarded a $11.3 million contract to Summa Technology Inc. for the manufacture, operation, and maintenance of Fastrac rocket engines. The company will build three new flight engines for the X-34 technology demonstrator and utilize one existing engine.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study finds that child abuse homicides are more common than vital records reveal, with over 9,400 US children under 11 dying from abuse between 1985 and 1996. The true number is estimated to be three times higher than reported cases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have converted dendritic cells into cells that deliver death signals, potentially preventing and treating inflammatory diseases. This technology could lead to the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The Second Annual International Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Competition will take place at the Naval Systems Warfare Center in Panama City, Florida. Six university teams will compete for a $10,000 prize, with a focus on developing capable AUVs and top-notch engineers to work on them.
Researchers found that women with high HIV RNA levels in their blood transmitted the virus to their infants more often than those with low levels, highlighting the importance of treatment strategies aimed at reducing viral load. The studies also suggest that undetectable viral RNA levels can significantly reduce transmission risk.
Researchers found that cinnamon is lethal to E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in liquid, including unpasteurized juices. The study suggests that cinnamon may help control foodborne illnesses and potentially replace preservatives.
The INEEL is developing a roadmap for vadose zone management, leveraging expertise from DOE sites, contractors, industry, and universities to enhance timely delivery of products. The goal is sound environmental stewardship through understanding based on defensible science.