Scientists have discovered that laboratory rats fed soy meal develop less pain after nerve injury than those on a soy-free diet. The research suggests that diet could be an important factor in the expression of nerve-injury pain in rats, and may offer possibilities for understanding individual differences in pain perception.
Researchers used a copula model to analyze joint mortality data, finding that considering two covered lives as dependent rather than independent reduced annuity values by about 5 percent. The study's findings have significant implications for actuarial research and annuity valuation.
The Ecological Society of America will host three symposia on topics such as the impact of urbanization on water quality and animal life, the effects of non-native species invasions, and research into sustainable land-use practices. The symposia aim to explore options for managing invasive species and promoting sustainable urban systems.
University of Illinois researcher Paula Treichler argues that popular culture and narrative can effectively engage the public about science. The AIDS storyline on ABC's General Hospital is cited as an example of this approach, which used a soap opera format to educate and explore the meanings of AIDS.
Human neural stem cells have been cloned for the first time in a solid organ, validating decades of research on mouse cell biology. These cells hold potential for future therapies in conditions like Tay-Sachs disease and brain cancer.
The Institute for Coffee Studies will investigate the effects of coffee on the brain, depression, and alcohol dependency. Researchers aim to identify potential medicinal compounds in coffee that could benefit human health, with a focus on chlorogenic acids and their impact on neurotransmitter systems.
A University of Michigan project enables space weather researchers worldwide to share data, models, and instruments, bridging geographical gaps. Collaborative technology also empowers small universities to access expensive equipment and interact with a broader scientific community.
Orrin Pilkey, a Duke University geologist, argues that engineering models used to predict natural processes, such as beach erosion, are flawed and damaging to society. He proposes that beach erosion is linked to rising sea levels and that some coastal engineering measures can exacerbate erosion.
A team of scientists has created a detailed model of the structure of a protein in photosynthetic bacteria, which can help explain how certain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Mad Cow Disease occur. The model shows how nature uses irregular forms to create complex structures that are effective at absorbing sunlight.
Researchers at UPMC found PET scanning to be 84% accurate in detecting distant metastases, compared to CT's 63% accuracy. The study highlights the potential benefits of PET scanning in improving treatment decisions for patients with esophageal cancer.