Researchers at Virginia Tech are using molecular modeling to help chemistry students better understand molecules and their properties. Students explore specific molecules on the computer before making actual compounds in the lab, resulting in improved student engagement and outcomes.
Scientists are using an old photographic technique to study nuclear physics and potentially develop a clean, long-term power source through thermonuclear fusion. The petawatt laser facility generates high-energy gamma rays that can be used to trigger tiny fusion reactions.
Researchers have discovered a new polymer that produces water vapor and leaves a nearly nonflammable residue when heated, making it more fire-resistant than current materials. The study's findings could help prevent deaths in survivable airplane accidents, which account for 40% of fatalities.
A new study reveals that a specific gene variant can make African Americans more sensitive to salt, increasing their risk of developing high blood pressure. The researchers found that even small amounts of salt can raise blood pressure in individuals with the gene variant.
Ground-penetrating radar is used to map large areas and determine snowfall patterns, providing a record for comparison with climate models. The technology can accurately date ice layers, which is essential for studying glacial cycles and changes in atmospheric chemistry.
A three-year exercise program significantly lowered mortality rates among men who had suffered a heart attack. The study found that increased physical work capacity during the trial period was associated with reduced risk of death at every time period.
Researchers at Penn discovered that chemoembolization doubles the survival time of adult patients with colon cancer that has spread to the liver. The procedure, which delivers chemotherapy directly to tumor cells, outperforms systemic chemotherapy in managing metastasized disease.
Researchers created a wax experiment that replicates ocean floor spreading, allowing them to study millions of years of geological time. The experiments revealed the formation of microplates, tiny chunks of solid wax that roll up and rotate in a spiral shape, mirroring the Earth's natural phenomenon.
Researchers have developed new polyester materials that can retain carbon dioxide longer, leading to improved packaging and shelf life for food and drinks. Additionally, these polyesters can be used in electronic components, such as computers and automobiles, due to their environmental friendliness and recyclability.
Astronomers used numerical cosmology to study the earliest structures that formed in the universe, finding tiny star clusters containing 1,000-10,000 solar masses. These early clusters were likely the 'spark plugs' that started the formation of galaxies.
The US Navy's USS HAWKBILL is conducting a five-week scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean as part of SCICEX 99. The mission aims to examine geophysical, chemical, and biological properties of the Arctic Ocean, including mapping its poorly-charted floor.
A new NASA study reveals Atlanta's urban heat island effect, with temperatures 10 degrees higher than surrounding areas, worsened by human land use changes. The increased heat intensifies smog levels and creates thunderstorms, which can also have beneficial effects in cleaning the atmosphere.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that teenagers with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) experience significant impairment in social functioning, with 94% reporting difficulties. The disorder often begins before age 18, particularly at age 13, and can be treated effectively with antidepressants.
Researchers have discovered a way to describe how molecules self-assemble into cell-wall-like polymers without requiring biochemistry. This understanding could lead to the production of wood-like materials from other plant-derived molecules, such as straw, and help conserve forests.
A recent study suggests that heart attack severity is decreasing in the US, with possible reasons including increased preventive measures and better treatment for heart attacks. The analysis of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study found a decline in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital coronary heart disease mortality.