Researchers found that foster children who receive mentors experience improvements in their peer relationships and develop trust. The study, published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, sheds light on how mentoring works for foster youth. Preliminary findings suggest that longer-term mentoring relationships yield better outcomes.
A team of scientists discovered that polymer molecules in ultra-thin films of 14 nanometers retain their shape and size comparable to their bulk counterparts. This finding challenges previous simulations, which suggested minimal changes in molecular structure with decreasing film thickness.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a computer simulation to understand nanoelectronics, a field where single electrons control devices. The simulation explores the interplay between quantum mechanics and matter's granularity, enabling scientists to design and optimize next-generation nanoscale electronic devices.
The new camera system uses beam splitters and folding mirrors to capture sequence of snapshots as an object is rotated in front of the aperture. The images are then processed to form a 3D representation of the object, which can be displayed on a computer screen or in a virtual reality environment.
German scientists used a climate model to conclude that the Sahara's desertification began abruptly 5,440 years ago due to subtle changes in Earth's orbit. The resulting desertification had significant impacts on ancient civilizations, with some of the most severe changes occurring between 4,000 and 3,600 years ago.
Researchers found that premature infants respond to pain and can differentiate between more and less painful procedures. They recommend universal pain management in newborns to mitigate the effects of early procedural pain. Premature babies, even those born very prematurely, become more responsive to pain with age.
Researchers have found dense clumps of formic acid in three interstellar molecular clouds, providing insights into the formation of complex molecules. The discovery could help identify regions where more biologically important molecules might be located, supporting future searches for glycine sources.
A study by UMass researchers found that athletes taking andro steroid may experience mood changes and affect their brains. The steroid alters neurotransmitters and stimulates libido and aggression, similar to testosterone.
Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered a naturally-occurring antibody that significantly reduces diabetic symptoms in mice. The study's findings suggest that masking the foreign nature of affected cells may prevent immunological processes that cause diabetes. Eighty percent of treated mice did not develop diabetic symptoms.
A study analyzing human genes reveals a wide range of sequence changes associated with blood pressure control and potential disease susceptibility. The research identified 50% of the changes that lead to protein structure alterations, suggesting their involvement in human disease.
A University of Iowa study found that nearly 70% of older Iowans received the flu vaccine, but only about half got the pneumococcal vaccine. The researchers identified factors such as age, marital status, and access to healthcare as associated with vaccination rates.
New research recommends a higher intake of vitamin C due to its role in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cataracts. Studies show that increased levels of vitamin C can reduce risk factors associated with these conditions, making it essential for overall health.
A study by Virginia Tech found that a $0.45 per-pack price increase for cigarettes leads to a 9% reduction in overall domestic consumption, with a notable impact on young smokers. The study suggests that the price hike will discourage youth from starting smoking and reduce existing habits.
A study of 5,888 senior citizens found that only those with high levels of atherosclerosis or diabetes and the ApoE4 gene are at high risk for cognitive decline. The majority of elderly people showed no significant decline in cognitive function over 10 years.
A study found that pine cones' spines hinder finches' ability to access seeds, encouraging seed dispersal. Researchers discovered a link between spine growth and the length of time seeds remain on pine cones.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a natural compound called pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) that offers nearly complete protection against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PEDF is a potent neurotrophic factor that may significantly protect spinal motor nerves against injury.
A new study by University of Michigan professor Dr. Arnold S. Monto found that zanamivir, an antiviral drug, is 67% effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed clinical influenza infection. The drug was also shown to be 84% effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed illnesses with fever.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute are developing vaccines targeting the mucosal immune system to prevent HIV-1 and human papilloma virus infections. They aim to induce neutralizing antibodies and killer T cells to prevent cancerous transformations in cells, with a focus on cervical cancer caused by HPV.
A new report from Dr. Anthony-Samuel LaMantia suggests a possible neuro-developmental theory of schizophrenia linked to altered brain development during the first three months of pregnancy. Abnormalities in retinoic acid signaling pathways may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
Researchers developed a new test to identify reading difficulties caused by brain injuries, which passed with high sensitivity compared to existing assessments. The Iowa-Chapman Reading Test can detect even subtle reading problems in patients who have trouble reading despite passing other standard tests.
New research from London's Institute of Psychiatry suggests that clozapine, an atypical drug for schizophrenia, can restore information processing abilities in patients. This restoration enables individuals to filter out background noise and focus on relevant information.
Researchers at University of Washington successfully grew large numbers of mouse blood stem cells in lab for up to four months. The discovery may allow better care of cancer patients and create possibilities for genetic cures by enabling the multiplication of blood stem cells outside the body.
Researchers identify nephrin's role in the kidney's filtration barrier, finding a 'zipper-like' structure that allows blood to pass but not plasma proteins. Increasing nephrin production or restoring its function is thought to improve kidney function and restore proteinuria.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have developed a new treatment for a myasthenia gravis-like disease in rats by administering genetically engineered receptor fragments through the nose. The approach may serve as a basis for treating this autoimmune disease in humans, where symptoms can be life-threatening.
Researchers found that mast cells recognize harmful bacteria and alert the immune system to destroy them, clearing up a mystery about their role. Mast cells can also boost the immune system in people with weakened immune systems.
Researchers at USC and UC Irvine have discovered two independent brain pathways that process visual information, highlighting the importance of integrating color and motion. The 'Third Order' system is found to be critical for detecting pure color motion, allowing humans to perceive movement in 'isoluminant' images.
The first ever-established complete clone-based physical map of a plant genome is published for Arabidopsis thaliana. The map covers the entire nuclear genome and is assembled entirely on the basis of BAC clones, offering strongly increased resolution.
Researchers discovered a protein called yotiao, which anchors enzymes to NMDA receptors in neurons, controlling electrical impulses. This sophisticated control mechanism allows for precise and rapid signaling, enabling nerve cells to rapidly recover from activation.
The World Conference on Science adopted a Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge, emphasizing investment in education and research. The framework aims to promote equitable access to science, particularly for girls and women, while addressing global issues like environmental degradation and inequality.
Scientists have identified enzymes called kinases that add phosphates to inositol, triggering the export of messenger RNA from the cell nucleus. The discovery provides insight into a previously unknown signaling pathway and its role in regulating gene expression.
The report focuses on crucial problems such as science and technology in society, development, and the environment. It examines how social sciences are organized, financed, and practiced worldwide. The World Social Science Report provides overviews of broad regions, including Latin America, Southern Asia, and Africa.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that many heart patients continue to take chest pain medications after undergoing angioplasty, suggesting a need for alternative treatment options. The gamma knife procedure is shown to be effective in treating various brain disorders, offering an alternative to surgery.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can mimic one of its molecular targets, blocking interferon's ability to kill viruses. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies by targeting the E2 protein sequence that interferes with PKR phosphorylation.
Researchers used mathematical analysis to determine how potassium ions move through cell membranes. They found that a pool of approximately 50 water molecules and four protein spirals create an environment similar to the inside or outside of the cell, allowing for quick potassium flow.
Gallium Nitride (GaN) systems enable smaller, brighter, longer-lasting light-emitting diodes with increased data storage-density. The Navy is interested in these blue-light emitters for microwave amplifiers and highly efficient white-light emitters.
The Modular-MPC 1/16 system by Aspex Microsystems Ltd. offers high-speed 3D data visualization with 10 frames-per-second performance for 16 million data elements. It achieves over 25 billion operations per second and is suitable for complex applications like computational fluid dynamics.
A four-decade study of a Southeastern forest found that while trees take up substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, the accumulation in soils is relatively slow. The researchers used radioactive Carbon-14 as a tracer to estimate carbon sequestration and found that only a small percentage of carbon was retained in topsoil, wi...
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville developed a new type of molecule that can block neurotensin's ability to lower body temperature and reduce pain sensation. The breakthrough could lead to drugs specifically created to fight diseases at the molecular level.
A study found that some boys will be infertile due to inherited Y chromosome deletions from their fathers, who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The deletion region AZFc accounts for 10% of male infertility cases. Genetic counseling is recommended for couples concerned about passing on the condition to their sons.
Engineers at Smart Fibres Ltd developed a smart mast that uses 'Bragg grating' strain sensor technology to monitor stresses and strains in composite materials. The technology has the potential for use in various industries, including aerospace and civil engineering.
Researchers have identified principles for insect flight that will help design and construct tiny robotic flies. The Micromechanical Flying Insect project aims to develop a robotic fly that can fly short distances and maintain stable hover
Researchers discovered that healthy young men with a family history of heart disease react to stress with elevated blood levels of cholesterol and other lipids. These findings suggest that lipid reactivity to stress may have implications for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.
The Active Tuned Mass Absorber (ATMA) system reduces propeller-induced sound in turbo-prop aircraft, improving passenger comfort and enhancing military surveillance. With over 200 units installed on DC-9 and MD-80 aircraft, ATMA has proven effective in reducing interior noise levels by up to 90%.
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute discovered that bacterial DNA forms a crystalline organization when exposed to stress, providing effective protection against oxidative agents and starvation. This finding may lead to the development of more efficient methods to fight bacterial diseases.
Researchers have discovered that sons conceived through ICSI can inherit the same genetic defects in their fathers, including AZFc deletions. This finding raises ethical questions about assisted reproduction techniques and potential remedies for affected males.
Researchers developed a method to identify high-risk individuals with Parkinson's disease using SPECT brain imaging and beta CIT radiopharmaceutical. They differentiated between Parkinson's patients and controls, as well as relatives of Parkinson's patients, with reduced drug binding.