Scientists used a new measurement technique to study muscle movement at the molecular level, shedding light on how myosin and actin interact. The technique, called luminescence resonance energy transfer, provided direct evidence for the lever-arm model of muscle contraction.
Children's literature experts believe that traditional storytelling can reconnect kids with books and media. The new book 'Story: From Fireplace to Cyberspace' offers practical and theoretical approaches to revitalize storytelling for children.
An international team of scientists identified regions on the Sun where the high speed solar wind originates using the Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation spectrometer on SOHO. The research will lead to a better understanding of the solar wind's effect on Earth's space environment.
A team of astronomers has found convincing evidence for a key tenet of the three-phase model of the interstellar medium. The study of a supernova remnant in the Large Magellanic Cloud reveals the features of evaporating gas and shocked cloudlets, supporting the theory.
A new experimental drug derived from snake venom, ANCROD, has shown promising results in reversing the physical and mental effects of stroke. In a 500-person trial, 42% of patients treated with ANCROD within three hours of stroke onset recovered their previous faculties.
A recent study confirms that clot-busting drug tPA has no benefit in improving stroke recovery after three hours. Instead, it carries a 7% risk of worsening the stroke and a 3% chance of early death. The research firms up guidelines for using tPA, emphasizing the importance of prompt hospital care within the 3-hour window.
A recent study by University of Illinois researchers has identified a key gene that controls Salmonella's ability to live dormantly or cause disease in pigs. The finding, led by Richard E. Isaacson, could lead to the development of methods to prevent Salmonella from causing illness in farm animals.
A University of Illinois professor found that transformational leadership techniques practiced by front-line supervisors lead to increased employee satisfaction, supervisor effectiveness, and extra effort. This research highlights the importance of leadership skills at all levels, not just office executives.
Teachers who prioritize social-emotional needs create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help. In contrast, competitive classrooms deter students from asking for assistance due to fear of appearing incompetent.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a processing method that preserves soy's health benefits in breakfast cereals and snacks. The extrusion process helps retain isoflavones, which are linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Researchers found a direct correlation between the pattern of X-ray emission and the size of supernova remnants. Larger remnants exhibit brighter X-ray emission from their centers, suggesting changes in gas distribution as they age.
NASA is investing half a million dollars in an experiment to create a device that shields a rocket from the Earth's gravity. The project, led by physicist Ronald Koczor, aims to replicate elements of Russian scientist E. E. Podkletnov's controversial experiments on antigravity.
A new bioreactor system uses solvent and bacteria to clean up toxic organic chemicals like benzene, toluene, and p-xylene. The system can recover over 99% of pollutants from soil and is efficient at breaking down high concentrations of waste.
A German study suggests that people complaining of health problems related to dental amalgam fillings may be using it as a scapegoat for underlying psychological issues. The researchers found low levels of mercury in the saliva, blood, and urine of participants, contradicting concerns about the alloy's safety.
Dan H. Sanes' research focuses on understanding how deafness affects the growth and function of the central nervous system, particularly through the development of inhibitory synapses. His lab aims to find ways to restore function following traumatic injury to nervous system pathways, including axon regeneration.
A landmark study found that cocaine and tobacco use significantly increased the risk of miscarriage in inner-city pregnant women. The study reported that 24% of the risk for miscarriage could be related to cocaine and tobacco use.
A new detoxification method using titanium dioxide and light has been developed to destroy potentially deadly microcystins found in drinking water. The method is quicker and more effective than current methods, but further testing is needed to confirm its safety.
A mercury poisoning illness known as Minamata disease has resurfaced in the Amazon rainforest, affecting thousands of people. The disease, which causes severe neurological damage, is linked to consumption of methyl mercury-contaminated fish.
A University of Michigan team discovered that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) helps blood vessels survive and proliferate in the face of nutrient depletion. This mechanism is thought to support tumor growth, leading researchers to explore strategies for inhibiting VEGF to starve tumors.
A gene knockout study has found that inactivating the Bax gene in female mice sustains ovarian function into advanced age. The research reveals that aged Bax-deficient mice maintain hundreds of ovarian follicles with functioning cells but are unable to ovulate or become pregnant.
Exercise can reverse age-related decline in lung capacity, increase muscle strength, and improve mobility. Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of disability and cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
The study reveals the first detailed structure of a protein involved in regulating the body's day/night rhythms, shedding light on how melatonin is produced in response to darkness. The breakthrough may pave the way for the development of new drugs to fight jet lag and serotonin-related diseases like depression.
Research reveals that specific growth factors can speed up muscle regeneration and quicken healing in animal models. The findings hold promise for treating various types of muscle injuries in humans, including those affecting athletes who risk ending their careers due to disabilities caused by muscle injuries.
Researchers developed a sensitive and accurate probe to measure cartilage damage, using ultrasound and load cell units. The probe can be used arthroscopically, allowing for precise assessment of cartilage thickness and mechanical strength before surgery.
A preclinical study published in Nature Medicine demonstrated that Immunex's TRAIL molecule suppresses tumor growth and induces complete remission in a high proportion of treated mice. The study shows promise for the treatment of various cancers, with the potential for minimal toxicity.
Researchers discovered a novel family of cell surface proteins that regulate nerve cell connections by inducing synapse formation. The Neuroligin/b-Neurexin junction is the core of this process, forming a transsynaptic cell-adhesion complex that initiates protein-protein-interaction cascades.
A new study found that older adults with chronic illnesses can benefit from wellness programs regardless of whether they are conducted in a classroom setting or at home. The programs produced significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as reductions in medical symptoms and better sleep quality.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have successfully used biological engineering to prevent the closing of the ductus arteriosus, a key passage between the heart and lungs. This breakthrough approach could lead to a more effective and safe way to help infants with severe heart problems survive.
A human factors approach to interface design significantly reduces errors in patient-controlled analgesia. The redesigned device shows a 55% reduction in errors, an 18% improvement in performance time, and a strong preference among nurses.
Researchers have produced a new radio image revealing a supernova remnant and numerous pulsar candidates, showcasing the Milky Way's central region in unprecedented detail. The technique will be useful for astronomers to study the galaxy's major components.
Researchers at Oregon Health Science University have uncovered a mechanism used by certain leukemia viruses to attach themselves to cell surfaces and sneak into cells. They've also developed a rapid cloning method for human genes encoding viral receptors, which could lead to new treatments for viral diseases.
The Navy has developed a new miniature sensor to remotely detect and monitor corrosion in inaccessible areas of ships, aircraft, submarines, and weapons containers. The sensor system reduces maintenance costs by allowing for on-demand inspection and retrieval of corrosion information.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully inserted a human cancer-suppressing gene into fruit flies, demonstrating a direct link between human and fly tumor suppressor genes. The study reveals that the insects can provide important new insights into human cancers.
A new database of over 360,000 mouse gene fragments will help scientists study mammalian development and compare genome sequences with humans. The catalog, developed by a team of researchers led by Marco Marra, provides quick access to genes and aids in mapping genes onto chromosomes.
The study found that elderly pedestrians often encounter insufficient crossing time at intersections, with many experiencing physical difficulties. The researchers emphasize the need for countermeasures such as engineering design considerations and educational campaigns to enhance safety.
Professor Lynda Warren argues that local residents' opinions are distorted by political rhetoric and underestimated by the industry. She calls for increased transparency and involvement from politicians and companies to address public fears about radioactive waste.
Researchers at UNC-CH discovered a pentapeptide that breaks apart collagen fibrils, allowing for improved restricted movement due to joint injuries. The discovery has the potential to lead to new treatments, including injecting peptides into patients to loosen up stiff joints.
University of Pittsburgh researchers isolated bone-precursor cells from skeletal muscle and genetically altered them to produce bone growth. Injecting these cells into mice showed they could form bone inside the animals. This discovery may lead to targeted treatments for incomplete fractures.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that highly motivated sellers tend to list their homes for shorter periods and receive lower offers. The study found that sellers with strong motivations to sell, such as those who have already purchased another home, can expect to sell their houses up to 30% less time than other...
A study investigated the impact of local/short-haul operations on driver fatigue, identifying fatigu e and roadway design as top safety concerns. The research aimed to gain an understanding of general safety issues in L/SH trucking from drivers' perspectives.
The center has reduced the number of patients having major strokes during bypass surgery to 1%, and less severe injury to 18%, significantly below national averages. The research aims to make a safe operation even safer by exploring additional ways to avoid brain injury.
A study by Ohio State University found that younger farmers are at a higher risk of injury, with 32% of injuries linked to farm equipment. Neurological symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and chemical exposure also correlated with increased injury risk.
Researchers have identified the importance of neutralizing antibodies in preventing HIV infection, with studies showing that these antibodies can prevent infection in primates. Additionally, a study found that vaccines must elicit responses in all three major immune cell subsets to be effective, suggesting that broadly based immunity i...
Research at Ohio State University found that higher-income consumers are more likely to take advantage of bargain prices on certain products by stocking up and buying less when prices rise. In contrast, lower-income consumers may be less able to afford discounts and instead pay full price.
A new ergonomic framework measures office productivity by analyzing task time, posture, and sequence. This approach allows companies to evaluate the impact of ergonomic interventions on worker productivity, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits of this approach.
Estrogen has been found to improve blood vessel function and provide protection against coronary artery disease in premenopausal women. The hormone works by causing endothelial cells to produce more nitric oxide, leading to increased blood flow and reduced risk of heart disease.
A well-designed learning environment impacts teachers and students physiologically, emotionally, and psychologically. The PCs for Families project aimed to create a technology-rich networked classroom that integrates technology into the fabric of the classroom while minimizing distractions. Ergonomic design considerations included ligh...
The NASA Explorer MIDEX Program has selected the Auroral Multiscale Midex Mission (AMM) for a feasibility study. The mission aims to study the interaction between Earth's atmosphere and its nearby space environment, with a focus on understanding auroral phenomena.
A University of Southern California study found that DDT and PCBs are widely distributed in the Palos Verdes Shelf water column, leaching from sediments. The substances' concentrations decreased exponentially with distance from the ocean floor, indicating they're being transported by ocean currents.
Researchers discovered that auto-antibodies play a direct role in the development of multiple sclerosis by destroying myelin sheaths. The study, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that antibodies produced by B cells are responsible for breaking down myelin, a key component of nerve fibers.
Researchers found that a combination of an insecure man with a dismissive woman increases the likelihood of domestic violence. The study suggests that attachment styles, particularly insecure and dismissive styles, can be a powder keg waiting to explode.
A study by researchers at Ohio State University found that genes involved in detoxifying cancer-causing chemicals play a role in the development of colorectal tumors. People with certain genetic mutations tend to develop tumors at younger ages or in the distal area of the large intestine.
A seven-year national study found that white patients with chronic renal failure were three times more likely to receive cardiac catheterization and surgeries than their black counterparts. However, once blacks developed end-stage renal disease and became eligible for Medicare, the disparity narrowed greatly.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found nearly 20% of young patients with colorectal cancer have the HNPCC syndrome, a dominantly inherited disorder that increases lifetime risk of developing multiple cancers. Individuals with HNPCC require special surveillance to protect against additional cancers.
A Cornell University study found that almost 40 percent of third-to-fifth graders used computer workstations with heights, keyboards, and monitors that put their musculoskeletal development at risk. The research highlights the need for ergonomic considerations in elementary school settings to prevent health problems.
The discovery of the Hephaestin gene offers insight into a cause of iron-deficiency anemia, revealing an intimate relationship between copper and iron metabolism. The protein facilitates transport of iron from the intestines to the body's circulatory system.
Researchers found that 82% of mothers of full-term babies thought their child's temperament was easy, while only 34% of preterm baby mothers shared the same sentiment. This disparity may be attributed to prolonged hospital stays and limited social interaction with other mothers.
A large class size provides a broad range of experiences, as students bring in their own ethical problems from internships. The course focuses on practical workplace situations, generating heated discussions on topics like women in engineering.
A study by Emory University infectious disease specialists found that most inner-city HIV patients hospitalized for HIV or AIDS had not received outpatient care or HAART therapy in six months prior. Despite the effectiveness of combination drug therapy, patients often fail to take advantage of available resources.
Researchers have developed cost-effective methods for manufacturing ultralight porous metals that can be used in various applications including cooling motor drives and reinforcing aircraft parts. The new materials are lightweight, extremely heat resistant and strong in three dimensions.