The Cornell University-led Comet Nucleus Tour mission aims to conduct close-proximity comet flybys, studying the comets' geology and composition. The spacecraft will be launched in July 2002 and explore Comets Encke, Schwassmann-Wachmann-3, and potentially others.
Scientists have mapped the structure of a protein complex believed to influence cancer cell transformation, enabling potential development of unique cancer-fighting drugs. The Cdc42/GDI complex is a key regulator in both normal and cancerous cells.
A recent study by NYU Neurolinguist Diana Van Lancker explores the neurological patterns found in swearing, shedding light on its emotional, behavioral, and cognitive processes. The research reveals that swearing is selectively preserved in individuals with brain injuries or disorders, highlighting its complex role in communication.
A recent study by the Massachusetts General Hospital found that young, productive researchers are more likely to be denied access to data and materials. The survey of 2,366 scientists revealed that junior faculty members and those publishing multiple articles were at a higher risk of being withheld from resources.
A new study of borehole temperatures reveals that the 20th century was the warmest of the past five centuries, with Earth's temperature increasing about 1 degree Celsius since 1500. The analysis, which combined data from over 600 sites worldwide, found a greater warming trend in the Northern Hemisphere than previously estimated.
A USGS study shows that larger streams and rivers in the Midwest and Ohio Valley states deliver more nitrogen to the Gulf of Mexico than smaller streams, contradicting previous assumptions. Nitrogen pollution is naturally removed from water in small streams through denitrification, a process that significantly affects its delivery to t...
A recent NIH-funded study found that overweight breastfeeding mothers can safely lose weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise without harming their infants. The study showed an average weight loss of 5 kilograms in the intervention group, while the control group experienced variable results.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that brain neurochemicals, not gender, play a crucial role in shaping social behavior in fish. The study found that isotocin and vasotocin, equivalent to oxytocin and vasopressin in mammals, modulate electrical output of the brain establishing social behaviors typical of females.
Researchers used a scanning tunneling microscope to visualize the electron clouds around impurities in copper oxide superconductors, shedding light on their behavior and potential applications. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of high-critical-temperature superconductivity.
Researchers at the University of Washington found a strong correlation between the diversity of plants, algae, and bacteria in an ecosystem. The study suggests that altering biodiversity can have far-reaching effects on the entire food chain.
Dr. John Craig Venter and Professor Edward Wilson were awarded the Science prize for their work in biology, while Dr. Cynthia Kenyon won the Medicine prize for her research on aging. Their discoveries have led to significant advancements in understanding human genomes and developing hormone-based treatments.
Researchers identified a link between genetic mutations in the cathepsin C gene and severe gum disease and periodontitis. The study found that individuals with normal functioning of the cathepsin C gene tend to have healthy gums, suggesting dietary, bacterial, and other genetic factors can compromise its function.
A new study reveals that sleep disruption is a primary reason older adults with arthritis seek medical care, outweighing other symptoms like reduced mobility. The research suggests addressing sleep issues can be crucial in managing arthritis, particularly for those who may not connect their pain with sleep disruptions.
Steven J. Swoap, an assistant professor of biology at Williams College, has been awarded a $497,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to investigate the mechanism of how restricting caloric intake lowers blood pressure. He will also receive a $95,783 NIH award to study why skeletal muscle becomes more fatiguable under disuse.