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.