The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed a multi-step process to convert levulinic acid from biomass into an important component for alternative fuels, methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF). The new technology produces MTHF with significantly lower costs than current methods.
A new study found that nicotine alters activity levels and exploratory behaviors in male rats but not female rats. Female rats who lived in groups showed increased time spent in the center of an open arena after nicotine administration, suggesting reduced anxiety. The findings may reflect human sex differences in reasons for smoking.
A recent study found that the smell of old women's armpits can significantly improve a person's mood, while the scent of young people tends to have a depressing effect. The researchers suggest that hormones may play a role in this finding, with older people's odors signaling approachability.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found no link between mitral valve prolapse and stroke in young people, contradicting earlier studies. The study's authors used advanced imaging techniques to diagnose mitral valve prolapse accurately, revealing the condition occurs in only about 2% of the population.
A smoke-free home is strongly associated with lower cigarette consumption, longer duration of smoking cessation attempts, and increased likelihood of quitting. Family pressure and complete home smoking bans are found to be crucial factors in changing smokers' behavior.
Researchers found that iguanas recognize individuals through both visual and auditory cues, with head bobs indicating familiarity. The study demonstrated human recognition by a lizard for the first time in scientific research.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have delivered therapeutic genes to a rabbit's heart, boosting its function and increasing sensitivity to heart-stimulating drugs. The breakthrough is a key step towards developing a genetic treatment for congestive heart failure.
Researchers found mitral-valve prolapse is substantially less common than initially believed, affecting about 2% of the population, not 5-35%. The condition also has lower rates of associated complications like stroke and heart failure compared to previous estimates.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that blocking C5a, a protein that normally activates the immune system, provides significant protection against sepsis in animal studies. In sepsis-induced rats, blocking C5a resulted in more than half surviving compared to just 5% in a control group.
Research by James M. Royer suggests that males' faster mental calculations may contribute to the gender gap in math performance on standardized tests. However, in classroom settings, preparedness, study habits, and behavior become crucial factors for success.
Researchers have discovered that specialized proteins in the nose called olfactory receptors can bind with multiple odor molecules, creating a unique 'fingerprint' that the brain understands as a particular smell. This discovery could lead to new fragrances and flavors, as well as artificial smell sensors.
Researchers are exploring using tiny amounts of radioactive material to power microscopic devices, improving medical equipment, environmental management, and automobiles. The goal is to capture the natural decay of radioactive material and convert it into a power source, without the use of nuclear reactions.
A new study by researchers from the University of Washington reveals that depression significantly impairs heart disease patients' ability to work and perform daily activities. Patients with both major and minor depression were found to function less well than nondepressed patients, reporting more heart disease symptoms.
In an experiment, Weizmann Institute scientists succeeded in measuring the smallest electronic charge, equal to one-fifth the charge of a single electron. This measurement was made using a different electronic system, proving that it refers solely to the electronic charge itself.
The Narcolepsy Network is launching a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about narcolepsy, a chronic neurological sleep disorder that affects an estimated 125,000 Americans. The 'Wake Up to Narcolepsy' program aims to educate people with the condition and their physicians about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, helping ...
A study found that prescription use patterns among 68,000 recipients of pharmacy benefits in nine US states varied significantly, with cholesterol and blood pressure lowering drugs showing the widest variation. The study adjusted for age and copayment rates to minimize influence on findings.
The study highlights the benefits of anonymity, including its value in protecting users who engage in socially unacceptable activities. It recommends balancing regulation with education and public awareness to foster legitimate uses while deterring illegal ones.
Researchers have successfully eliminated human brain tumors grown in mice using a toxin produced by E. coli bacteria, providing a potential breakthrough in treating astrocytoma and glioblastoma, two common types of brain cancer. The next phase of research will focus on preliminary clinical trials in older children and adults.
A new study found that support groups for substance abuse significantly improve active coping responses, friendship quality, and social networks. Individuals who participate in these groups are less likely to use drugs and alcohol after treatment and report better stress management.
A team of scientists has discovered that a type of experimental semiconductor can repair itself after damage, thanks to its unique ability to move atomic bonds back into place. This 'self-healing' property could lead to the creation of more stable and effective solar cells.
A new study by Oregon Research Institute shows that dental hygienists can help patients quit chewing tobacco by providing cessation intervention. Quit rates tripled among those who received the intervention compared to usual care.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have designed 'Quiet Curtains' that combine audio privacy and aesthetics to reduce nocturnal noise in nursing homes. The high-tech drapes can block unwanted decibels by up to 12 dB, providing a significant improvement in patients' rest and quality of life.
A study found that breast cancer patients experiencing estrogen deficiency during treatment are at a higher risk of developing depression. Eight women (38 percent) developed major depression, most in the first six months of treatment.
A University of Pittsburgh-led study has found a specific gene, APOE-4, to be associated with an increased risk of hip and wrist fractures in women over 65. The researchers discovered that women carrying the APOE-4 allele were twice as likely to suffer these fractures compared to those without the allele.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that fluctuations in the hormone Insl3 influence testicular descent in mice, a finding they believe applies to human cryptorchidism. The study also revealed that Insl3 regulates gubernaculum development, leading to underdevelopment and sterility in mice with no Insl3 activity.
Depression-treating drugs were the biggest contributor to a record-setting pharmacy benefit cost increase of 16.8 percent last year, according to Express Scripts. Plan sponsors who actively managed their pharmacy benefits cut the cost increase in half by encouraging the use of lower-cost but equally effective drugs.
Pharming Healthcare Inc. plans to invest $37 million in Virginia to produce Human Factor VIII and Fibrinogen in the milk of transgenic animals, treating patients with hemophilia and controlling bleeding in surgery and trauma. The company's production techniques are partially based on technologies developed at Virginia Tech.
A University of Toronto study found the chance of needing a second operation following primary knee replacement surgery was between four and eight percent, half the rate expected by family doctors and rheumatologists. Younger patients with active lifestyles and those living in urban centers had slightly higher risks of follow-up surgery.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that lean cuts of red meat can be part of a heart-healthy diet. Researchers found that subjects who consumed 80% lean red meats had nearly identical changes in cholesterol levels compared to those who ate lean white meats.
Research by Leslie Ries and colleagues found that restored prairie along roadsides increases the number of sensitive butterfly species, with twice as many rare butterflies present compared to grass and weeds. This could provide crucial corridors for butterfly habitats, reducing road-crossing risks.
A team of researchers at Ohio State University has created a single, reliable system that combines three sensing techniques to inspect the quality of high-power laser welds. The system can detect faults with significantly better accuracy than individual sensors alone, and is estimated to cost around $7,500 for manufacturing partners.
A new study by Ohio State University found that men and women agree on the characteristics of a 'sexual person', prioritizing love, compassion, and sensitivity. Men who scored high on sexual self-concept were more likely to be in relationships and experience feelings of love.
A recent AAP recommendation suggests that young children with simple febrile seizures do not need anticonvulsant medication, instead aiming to prevent unnecessary testing and drug therapy.
Researchers captured images of brain activity while students learned an associative task on a computer, revealing a network of brain activation. The study confirms that learning and awareness involve multiple regions acting in concert, contradicting the traditional view of the prefrontal cortex as sole responsible.
International documents from the Antarctic Treaty System are now available in an easily-searchable database on the World Wide Web. The technology provides a visual display for collapsing large amounts of information into an expandable hierarchical structure.
Researchers at U of T have created a new kind of luminescent silicon film that emits and transmits photons, a significant step forward in photonics. The discovery holds out the promise of new improved light-emitting diodes, optical interconnectors, displays, and chemical sensors.
A study by Ohio State University found that divorcing parents who attended a parent education seminar reported better parent-child relationships than those who did not. The program was most effective during the first four years following divorce, with participants showing improved closeness and satisfaction with their relationship. Des...
Researchers found that digital exams nearly doubled vaginal bacteria entering the cervix and uterus in 80% of patients. Potentially harmful bacteria like Group B Streptococcus and E. coli were isolated from cultures, posing a risk to newborns.
A new study reveals that gastric bypass surgery significantly improves health perception outcomes in severely obese patients, surpassing non-obese control groups in four categories. Patients report improved social functioning, emotional well-being, pain relief, and vitality after weight loss.
Research reveals penguins can quickly acclimate to tourists visiting their breeding colonies, with reduced stress levels after brief exposure. After 10 days of repeated human visits, penguin stress levels decreased significantly, suggesting a possible long-term adaptation to ecotourism.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to create smaller, faster computer chips by stacking electronic devices in vertically connected layers. The technique, called epitaxial lateral overgrowth, allows for the creation of multiple layers of transistors with extremely short connections, leading to faster and denser cir...
The gray wolf population is thriving in Yellowstone, with 10 breeding pairs established in each of the three states. The reintroduction of wolves has boosted biodiversity, reducing elk and coyote populations while increasing eagle, pronghorn, foxes, and wolverine numbers.
The USGS report found complex mixtures of nutrients and pesticides in streams with significant agricultural or urban development. However, concentrations of individual pesticides were often lower than current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking-water standards.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found signs of a compact, supermassive object at the center of galaxy NGC 5548, suggesting the presence of a black hole. The study used data from the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite and ground-based telescopes to analyze changes in light from the galaxy's active galactic nucleus.
Researchers found that sites with high agricultural land had a stronger correlation with red-legged frog declines than UV radiation or global warming. The study suggests that wind-borne pesticides from the Central Valley may be contributing to the frogs' decline in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The American Heart Association awarded Gold Heart Awards to Edmond M. Hoffman and Harold C. Strauss for their significant contributions to the organization over several decades. Their work includes promoting increased federal funding of biomedical research and relocating the National Center from New York City to Dallas.
The American Heart Association honored three volunteers, Coletta Barrett, Philip Greenland, and Rose Marie Robertson, with national awards for their significant contributions to advancing the association's objectives. Barrett was recognized for her passion and enthusiasm for American Heart Association programs, while Greenland was prai...
Scientists are conducting a month-long atmospheric research effort near Nauru to study the tropical ocean's impact on global weather and climate. The Tropical Western Pacific serves as the earth's heat engine, driving global weather events such as El Nino and La Nina.
Charles L. Curry, a professor at Howard University College of Medicine, was honored for developing education and compliance programs to control high blood pressure. His efforts have led to increased awareness and compliance with high blood pressure treatments in underserved areas.
A new study published in the American Journal of Medicine finds that managed care insurance systems can standardize care, eliminate unnecessary tests, and minimize antibiotic resistance by implementing a single guideline for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The study, which included over 3,800 women, showed that using a...
Researchers at the University of Rochester have created a remarkably short antisense compound that targets Pneumocystis carinii, an opportunistic pathogen causing pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems. The breakthrough marks a step toward designing drugs that knock out vital sections of molecules essential for the microbe's ...
A new species of deer, the leaf deer, has been identified in remote mountain regions of Southeast Asia. The species was confirmed through DNA sequencing and represents a significant discovery in conservation biology.
A new study by the NIH/NINDS found that lower doses of aspirin (81-325mg) taken before and after carotid endarterectomy surgery are more effective in preventing strokes than higher doses. The results suggest that lower doses may be better tolerated and easier to take, making them a promising option for stroke prevention.
The Institute of Food Technologists' meeting will address foodborne disease challenges and the role of genomics in food production. It also explores the potential of nutritionally-enhanced foods and consumer preferences for functional foods.
A study led by Charles A. Czeisler found that healthy older adults tend to wake up earlier due to restricted sleep hours relative to their circadian period, similar to younger individuals. The study suggests that age does not inherently shorten the human circadian period.
The Wistar Institute has received a five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments for metastatic melanoma. The goal of this project is to improve patient outcomes by understanding the underlying molecular events that contribute to the development and progression of the disease.
Recent dinosaur fossil finds suggest dinosaurs developed new abilities through opportunistic approach, rather than gradual adaptation. The breakup of supercontinent Pangaea led to regional extinctions and replacements by other species, shaping the evolution of new species.
Researchers have reclassified animals into three primary evolutionary lines based on new molecular evidence, including a study of the Hox gene family. The findings support earlier genetic investigations and provide insight into animal development and evolution, with implications for our understanding of life's origins.
The US Navy has developed a new hot water suit with a layer of foam containing bits of wax inside tiny plastic beads to prevent heat loss in cold ocean depths. The wax absorbs warmth from the diver's body and melts, then freezes in icy waters, radiating latent heat back to the diver.
Guillermo Gonzalez argues that the Sun's exceptional characteristics made intelligent life emerge on Earth. The Sun is unusually massive and has a stable light output, making it an ideal place for life to thrive. This rules out over 95% of stars in the Galaxy as potential candidates.