The Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities' spring conference explores how globalization affects cultural relations, identities, and belonging. Experts will discuss topics like diaspora, area studies, and global culture.
Bugscope is an online platform that allows students to conduct their own insect research using advanced microscopy technology. The platform, developed by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, provides students with access to a scanning electron microscope and real-time discussions with experts.
Scientists are developing a new urine test that can detect chemical indicators of cancer. The test looks for derivatives of pteridine compounds, which change levels in the urine of cancer patients. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and monitoring of treatment progress.
The EFF Cooperative Computing Awards offer over half a million dollars in prize money for finding huge prime numbers and solving scientific problems.
A new study found that individuals with right anterior frontal damage struggle to appreciate written and verbal jokes and funny cartoons. Instead, they prefer silly slapstick humor, which is often illogical and absurd, such as The Three Stooges.
The Emory-led WASID study aims to compare the effectiveness of warfarin and aspirin in preventing stroke and vascular death in patients with intracranial stenosis. The five-year trial will evaluate 806 high-risk patients at 50 sites across North America.
A new study by Dartmouth College researchers found that domestic wells in New Hampshire contain significantly more arsenic than municipal water sources, with levels exceeding federal recommended limits. The study's findings have significant implications for public health, particularly for residents relying on domestic wells.
Researchers have identified a receptor protein in rodents and humans that can detect temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, expanding the range of temperatures for which nerve receptors are known. The discovery holds promise for better understanding pain and developing drugs to block pain.
New research reveals malnutrition affects clearance of rotavirus more than immune response, suggesting a new vaccine may be effective in developing countries. The study found nourished piglets recovered faster and had less diarrhea than malnourished pigs.
Researchers have successfully removed up to 99% of trichloroethylene from contaminated soil using the innovative Lasagna technology, which uses electrical current fed to electrodes buried in the ground. This cost-effective approach has potential for wide use and minimal environmental disturbance.
Recent experiments at the University of Illinois cast doubt on the theory that segregation of coarse particles creates finger patterns. Instead, researchers found evidence suggesting an effective surface tension generated by cohesive forces between grains may be responsible for the formation of these patterns.
Researchers found a significant link between HIV infections and abnormal vaginal bacteria in pregnant women. Four times as many subjects with bacterial vaginosis were HIV-infected compared to those with a normal balance.
Experts argue that conservation biologists should move away from simplistic predictive models based on population size to conserve species effectively. John Wehausen analyzed California bighorn populations and found that many small populations persisted for 50 years, contradicting predictions made by a 1990 model.
Researchers discovered that children of alcoholics have lower natural opioid activity in the brain, making them more susceptible to addiction. This difference may alter the brain's reward pathway and response to stress, increasing vulnerability to alcoholism.
Researchers discovered that UV radiation blocks the ability of skin cells to recognize retinoic acid, a nutrient made from vitamin A. This triggers a cascade of biochemical changes, causing a functional vitamin A deficiency in human skin. Pretreating skin with retinoic acid before UV exposure can limit the damage.
Researchers successfully produce widespread transfer of corrective genetic material into muscle cells using a naturally-occurring hamster model. The technique, developed by Penn researchers, overcomes the existing problem of accessing millions of muscle cells requiring genetic re-engineering.
Recent research suggests that marijuana impairment does not increase driving accidents, but rather affects judgment. Drivers who consume marijuana slow down and drive more cautiously to compensate for their impairment.
A new way to immunize against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium has been developed, providing a fresh alternative to antibiotics in fighting this deadly microbe. The antibody blocks the toxin delivery system, allowing lung cells to mount a defense and prevent delivery of toxins.
A University of Iowa research team has developed a way to isolate replicating DNA molecules for studying the replication process. This advance will allow investigators to better understand DNA replication and may lead to improved therapies for treating diseases such as cancer.
Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed an ion trap mass spectrometer that analyzes both positive and negative ions simultaneously, improving data quality and reducing averaging requirements. Remote sensing tools are also being used to monitor public grazing lands, while miniaturized heat pumps offer efficien...
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have identified a key component of the immune system's over-aggressive response that leads to septic shock. The discovery confirms suspicions raised by recent studies and may lead to new treatment approaches for severe bacterial infections.
The new book Psychiatry and the Cinema explores how movie portrayals of psychiatrists have shaped public perceptions of mental health. By analyzing film representations of psychiatric treatment, the authors shed light on the intersection of entertainment and medicine.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that the transferrin cycle plays a limited role in iron transport, instead focusing on concentrating iron in red blood cells. The research may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of iron metabolism disorders.
Scientists have developed a new method to study sprites, the high-altitude companions of lightning strikes, using radio signals. By analyzing these signals, researchers can now estimate the number of sprites spawned by a single thunderstorm with greater accuracy.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that lifelong dietary intakes of potassium, magnesium and fruit and vegetables are determinants of bone mineral density in elderly men and women. Eating fruits and vegetables can help prevent osteoporosis by neutralizing acidity and maintaining bone health.
A study published in Injury Prevention reveals that pediatricians can curb violent behavior during well-child examinations by educating families about youth violence, counseling children directly, and advocating for gun safety. The study also highlights the importance of community resources and supports parents' discipline practices.
Researchers Joel Berger and Steven Cain found that the length of bison birthing periods is not longer in brucellosis-exposed populations. This allows ranchers to predict when it's safe to put cattle on public lands where bison live, typically delaying until July.
The caiman harvesting program in Venezuela, which began in 1983, has harvested over a million spectacled caimans, generating $115 million in export value. However, the program's direct link to conservation is threatened by changes to funding allocations and market instability.
Sandia National Laboratories' tiny acoustic wave sensors can detect specific chemicals in the environment and alert people to potential hazards. The sensors, similar to a 'canary in a mine,' are part of a hand-held chemical detection system called 'chem lab on a chip.'
Scientists discovered that p-glycoprotein and a similar protein collaborate to limit drug traffic through the brain. This finding could lead to improved treatment of diseases like AIDS, depression, cancer, and more.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a novel cancer gene therapy strategy that blocks NF-kappa B, a protein that enables many cultured tumor cells to escape death. The technique showed promising results in mice with human tumors, shrinking and eliminating tumors in some cases.
A new human gene has been identified as potentially playing a key role in regulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the body. The gene's overexpression in mice led to nearly undetectable HDL levels, a condition associated with high cardiovascular disease risk.
Behavioral factors can contribute to extinction, such as electrocution from roosting on electric wires or flying into lights. Biologists are using decoys and mimicry to reestablish colonies and attract species.
A recent study found that women with impaired hearing had lower blood levels of vitamin B-12 and folate compared to those with normal hearing. The researchers suggest that dietary recommendations aimed at influencing the course of age-related hearing loss may be possible, but more advanced studies are needed.
Researchers found distinct brain activity patterns in introverts and extroverts using PET scans. Introverts exhibit more internal processing, while extroverts show increased sensory processing.
Aging hamsters who received a new biological clock had their lifespan increased by 20%, proving the importance of circadian rhythms to health and longevity. Behavioural modifications, such as structured light-dark cycles, may achieve similar benefits in humans.
A new University of Delaware theory explains how good insect moms fiercely protect their young by fanning their wings and charging predators when all hopes are on a single batch of eggs. The semelparous insects, which lay a single clutch, defend their only genetic legacy to the death.
A recent study found that low-level inflammation in adults is connected to measures of insulin metabolism. The loss of sensitivity to insulin contributes to diabetes, which in turn is a major cause of heart disease. High levels of C-reactive protein indicate low-level inflammatory status and are associated with increased risk of cardio...
A new neuroactive chemical, HF-7, isolated from spider venom may block overproduction of neurotransmitters causing brain damage after oxygen deprivation. Theoretical studies suggest HF-7 could stave off severe brain damage during short bouts of oxygen loss.
Researchers at Cornell University are studying turbulent flows by releasing tiny polystyrene spheres into a water flow, tracking their movement through a laser beam. The goal is to gain a fundamental understanding of turbulence, which could lead to practical applications in weather modeling and fuel efficiency.
Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to scavenge heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, zinc, nickel, or manganese from very dilute solutions, reducing contamination to the lowest detectable level
A recycling plan devised by Cornell University students aims to save restaurant scraps from landfills and send them to compost piles, boosting community greenhouse-gardens. Seven restaurants have expressed interest in composting their food scraps, and a pilot study is underway.
A Cornell University chemist has developed a zinc-based catalyst to produce polycarbonates, a class of materials with potential as biodegradable materials. The breakthrough could lead to more economical and commercial possibilities for producing plastics from CO2.
A new cleanup system called Anodic Fenton Treatment (AFT) can clean up waste water from pesticides and textile processing on-site in just two to three minutes. The AFT process uses two electrochemical half-cells to produce hydroxyl radicals that break down unwanted chemicals, producing safe water for disposal.
Researchers found that measuring LDLc levels before menopause is a more reliable indicator of heart disease risk than tracking changes after menopause. Effective therapies include diet, exercise, and medication can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes among women.
A new screening tool combining CT scans and electrocardiograms has promise to be a highly effective and relatively inexpensive way to detect blood vessel disease. The test measures calcium in the heart's arteries, identifying signs of atherosclerosis that can block arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes.
A University of Pittsburgh team used electron beam computed tomography and carotid ultrasounds to assess heart disease in living people. They found that pre-menopausal risk factors such as smoking and low-density cholesterol strongly predict the development of coronary artery disease after menopause.
A 10-year study found that parenthood led to reduced leisure time physical activities in women, with a greater decrease observed among white women. The study suggests that mothers may need more time to exercise or design programs allowing them to exercise with their children present.
A study of 54 postmenopausal women found that a higher intake of vitamin E from food was linked to reduced oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key indicator of heart disease. This benefit occurred only in women who did not use supplements.
Researchers have made significant discoveries in various fields, including a new form of Ritalin that could treat cocaine addiction, a bone growth pill, and wrinkle-free cotton. Additionally, citrus limonoids show anticancer potential and can control insects, while polymers may aid in aircraft fire safety.
Researchers at Clemson University are developing practical and cost-effective solutions to create tornado 'safe rooms' in homes. They're testing various structural components, including wood-reinforced panels and metal decking, to prevent damage from wind-blown debris and falling trees.
Scientists discovered a common viral harpoon protein structure among measles, mumps and respiratory syncytial viruses. This finding suggests that these viruses may be related to HIV, influenza and Ebola viruses, potentially leading to the development of new drugs.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a common ancestor among viruses that cause measles, mumps, and respiratory infections in infants and HIV, influenza, and Ebola. The study found a similar entry mechanism among these viruses, suggesting new approaches to blocking infection.
Researchers found that a one-nanometer decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size is associated with a significant increase in heart disease risk, ranging from 30 to 230 percent, depending on the population studied. The study analyzed data from three different groups and controlled for various factors.
The American Heart Association reports that higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced inflammation. Additionally, researchers found that smaller LDL particles are an independent risk factor for heart disease.
New research suggests that the Southeastern US experienced a warm and wet climate during the Middle Holocene Period, contrary to previous theories. Fossil pollen data and paleochannels indicate intensified flooding and increased wetland plants, while a lack of windblown sand supports this finding.
USGS scientists will present research on rare plants, including soft-leaved Indian paintbrush and island jepsonia, and the effects of invasive species like feral pigs. The symposium aims to inform conservation strategies for California Channel Islands National Park.
Researchers reveal that the Type III TGF-beta receptor plays a crucial role in transforming heart cells and forming valves, providing new insights into congenital heart defects. The discovery could lead to improved treatments for children with heart defects.
Researchers use telescopes and computer simulations to understand gamma-ray burst explosions. They find evidence of shock waves generated by collisions between material flowing out at different velocities, potentially revealing the cause of initial visible light emission.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that HbA1 levels predict mortality from coronary artery disease in women with Type 1 diabetes. However, this association was not seen in men with the same condition. The study analyzed data from over 600 subjects and suggests a gender-specific link between hyperglycemia and CAD risk.