Cornell University researchers will create block copolymer electro-optical structures using low-cost materials and simple processing steps. The project aims to revolutionize routine lithographic nanopatterning and integrate soft materials onto silicon chips.
Researchers found that aggressive melanoma cells leave behind a molecular track in the extracellular matrix that contains information and cues. These cues can cause less aggressive tumor cells to become more aggressive when they interact with the same matrix.
Scientists have identified an important parallel between C. elegans and human NMD pathways, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy for masking genetic mutations. Inactivation of the human homolog of the C. elegans smg-1 gene inhibits NMD, allowing truncated proteins to accumulate and potentially compensate for genetic disorders.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is awarding $1 million each to 20 researchers who plan to revolutionize undergraduate science education. The selected HHMI Professors will receive grants to apply their creativity and enthusiasm to teaching, with a focus on fostering interdisciplinary research teams and mentorship.
A Mayo Clinic study found that over one-third of adults aged 45+ had plaque buildup on their aortic valves, increasing the risk of hardening and narrowing of the aorta. Lifestyle changes can help prevent life-threatening complications. Risk factors include male gender, high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated homocysteine levels.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a marine compound, pateamine A, with immunosuppressive properties. The study could lead to the development of new immunosuppressive drugs, and pharmaceutical companies are already inquiring about licensing the compound.
Scientists have produced new adult neurons from precursor cells using a growth factor, which could potentially treat neurological diseases. The technique, supported by the NIH, involves introducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) into the adult rat brain.
Researchers identified BONZAI1 as a central player in Arabidopsis plant growth homeostasis. The gene influences plant size at different temperatures, with mutant cells failing to grow normally at cooler temps. A related protein, BAP1, was also found to interact with BONZAI1 and is more highly expressed at lower temps.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a lower dose of mifepristone is as effective as higher doses when used with misoprostol for early pregnancy termination. The study showed that 72 out of 80 women experienced complete abortions after using the lower dose regimen.
Researchers propose allowing everyone over 62 to purchase Medicare at a community-rated premium, with subsidies for low-income individuals and tax-free savings accounts. The plan aims to make pre-medicare insurance more affordable without increasing government spending.
A UCSF/Harvard study analyzed 13,693 government inspections of nursing homes and found that for-profit facilities were cited for deficient care 46.5% more frequently than non-profits. For-profit homes had significantly lower staff-to-patient ratios, leading to concerns about the impact on patient care.
Researchers confirm a high degree of asymmetry between matter and antimatter, consistent with the Standard Model Theory. The finding sheds light on why the universe is made mostly of matter.
Professor Terrill Cool's research uses flame-sampling photoionization mass spectrometry to detect key-reaction intermediates in laboratory flames. The new facility will produce average photon fluxes 100 times larger than current sources, enabling more accurate predictive models of combustion kinetics.
A new model predicts a mega-tsunami could devastate the US coastline, with wave heights reaching 100 meters on the West Saharan shore and 50 kilometers high in Florida. The energy released would be equivalent to the electricity consumption of the entire United States in half a year.
The University of Maine will receive DuPont's papermaking technology, which aims to increase efficiency and environmental performance in paper mills. The school will conduct research to implement the technology at an industrial scale.
A federally funded study reveals that China trade has led to massive job shifts, with over 34,900 jobs lost in the US and stagnating wages. The study also shows that large companies are targeting low-cost markets in China and abroad, contrary to expectations of rising wages and living standards.
A large population-based study in Nordic countries found no increased cancer risk for siblings of children with common non-inheritable cancers. Siblings younger than 10 years were at higher risk, but this decreased with age. The study suggests that childhood cancer is not a predictor of increased cancer risk in siblings.
Researchers discovered MTBE in over 70% of gasoline samples across Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, raising concerns about its impact on drinking water. The widespread presence of the chemical, used as an oxygenate to reduce emissions, is attributed to tankers, storage tanks, and pipelines that carried reformulated gasoline.
A new protein called Fbw7 has been found to control cyclin E levels in cells, which is associated with cancer progression. The study suggests that the absence of Fbw7 in breast cancer-derived cell cultures may indicate a tumor suppressor gene, suggesting its potential role in preventing malignant change.
Researchers found that antioxidants like vitamin C can significantly reduce free radical generation and skin damage. Vitamin C was the most effective quencher, accumulating in the skin to neutralize free radicals.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that fluids with high enough speed can slip over smooth solid surfaces, unlike textbook predictions. This phenomenon has significant implications for applications such as microfluidic devices and lubrication in computer hard drives.
Patients with dementia in the middle stages are five times more likely to experience intense emotional distress than those in early or late stages. The study found that caring for personal hygiene, particularly invasive care, triggers acute distress. Strategies like supervision and environmental changes can help mitigate reactions.
Researchers at Virginia Tech use in-situ infrared spectroscopy to observe and control the synthesis of carbon fiber precursors. The study demonstrates the benefits of real-time observation in enhancing reactivity and efficiency in the conversion process.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institute have discovered a new pathway that regulates the activity of NF-kB, a protein controlling key inflammatory and immune responses. The study reveals how acetylation and deacetylation control NF-kB's ability to trigger biological processes.
A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology suggests that buoyancy plays a crucial role in causing hot, partially molten rocks to rise and erupt through the surface at mid-ocean ridges. This finding contradicts the long-held assumption of passive sea-floor spreading.
A study of 100 middle-class Indian fathers found they are more socially connected to their families, engaging in lengthy discussions with their children on various topics. In contrast, American fathers tend to be less engaged and absorbed in their work lives.
A study of 102 heart attack patients reveals that 40% experienced PTSD symptoms, with those having significant symptoms showing stronger association with nonadherence and more serious adverse events. This association was not explained by other psychiatric disorders.
Daily functioning and psychological symptoms improved in patients participating in a meditation training program, with benefits lasting up to one year. The program, known as MBSR, included mindfulness meditation training and group therapy, leading to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found PET scans to be more accurate than CT scans in detecting cervical cancer spread. The imaging method reveals metabolic differences between cancer cells and normal tissue, identifying abnormal lymph nodes.
A new study suggests that climate change, particularly drought, plays a key role in shaping plant communities. The research found that grasslands thrive in dry conditions, while trees and shrubs prefer wetter environments. This challenges the long-held assumption that CO2 levels are the primary driver of vegetation changes.
A recent international trial has shown that oxytocin is more effective than misoprostol in reducing maternal blood loss immediately after childbirth. The study found that 4% of women taking misoprostol experienced excessive bleeding compared to 3% on oxytocin.
A new study suggests that Asian Americans' higher anxiety scores on social phobia and anxiety tests may be a result of their culturally adaptive sensitivity in social situations. The researchers found that perceptions about norms were not related to the anxiety inventory scores among white Americans, but were related to those among Asi...
A study found that an oral immune-enhancing nutritional supplement improved preoperative host defence, reduced postoperative infections, and preserved renal function in elderly and high-risk patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass. The supplement contained L-arginine, 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and yeast RNA.
Researchers have developed a technology to engineer proteins as widely adaptable bioelectronic sensors for detecting specific chemicals. The engineered proteins, when attached to electrodes, can produce an electric signal reflecting the chemical's identity and concentration.
Two Dartmouth researchers, Erland Schulson and Carl Renshaw, propose a theory that brittle materials like rocks and ice crack in the same manner. They identify a specific type of cracking mechanism, 'comb' cracks, which leads to collapse in both ice and rock.
Researchers have discovered a new antibody treatment that prevents severe lung injury in premature babies without using steroids, which can stunt brain cell growth. The treatment, anti-CINC-1, blocks the action of white blood cells and reduces inflammation, promoting normal lung development and function.
Researchers found that ultrasound-induced lung damage is dependent on beamwidth, pulse duration, and exposure duration. The air-blood barrier near the surface of the lung may be the principal target for ultrasound-induced lung damage.
QSulf1 enables embryonic cells to express muscle-specific proteins by modifying signaling co-factors. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of cell differentiation and has implications for regenerative medicine.
Torture is pervasive in Nepal, with severe physical, social, and psychosocial consequences for survivors. The Centre for Victims of Torture, Nepal, implements treatment programmes for victims, but international interest is needed to encourage change.
Researchers predict that 42% of all HIV cases will be drug-resistant by 2005, mainly due to the conversion of drug-sensitive cases during antiretroviral therapy. The study recommends four epidemic-control strategies to minimize prevalence and transmission of drug-resistant HIV.
Researchers have developed unique polymers that can stabilize liposomes, improving the solubility of hydrophobic drugs. These polymers also enable the creation of crystal-clear beauty products by altering the liposome solution.
Researchers successfully tested a corn-based activated carbon for removing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, achieving results comparable to commercial products. The technology demonstration marked the first time this approach was applied to high-sulfur Illinois coal flue gas.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that states with mandatory licensing and registration of handguns reduce the number of crime guns sold by in-state dealers. Cities with stricter gun laws have lower rates of crime guns sold outside the state, supporting the benefits of comprehensive handgun sales laws.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a sensitive assay for detecting proteins associated with prostate cancer, which could lead to fast screening and molecular profiling for various diseases. The technique uses micromachined cantilevers that can detect levels of protein markers 20 times lower than the clinically relevant threshold.
A study of 16 'awareness' patients found that over half had PTSD, while control subjects showed no memory recall. Patients experienced intense emotions, helplessness, and dissociation after surgery.
Research suggests climate shifts, such as droughts and temperature changes, may be more important than carbon dioxide levels in determining plant community composition. The study analyzed sediment cores from Mexico and Guatemala, finding that trends in C3 versus C4 plants were correlated with shifts in rainfall rather than carbon dioxide.
A study published in JCI Journals reveals that an excess of healthy cells may hold leukemia in check. The researchers found that these healthy cells could be used as a therapeutic target to develop new treatments for the disease.
Research found workplaces open late on Saturdays and with only male employees or black/Asian workers have increased risk of on-site killings. Limitations include lack of data on personal characteristics or behaviors contributing to workplace homicide.
A study by Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study suggests that Earth's varying reflections can provide clues about distant, potentially habitable planets. By analyzing changes in light over time, scientists may gain insights into a planet's weather, oceans, or even plant life.
A new study shows that paramedics can effectively treat patients with acute and prolonged seizures using injections of benzodiazepines. Lorazepam was found to be more effective in stopping seizures than diazepam, with 59% of patients responding to the treatment.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed new proton exchange membrane (PEM) polymer nanocomposites that can withstand higher temperatures, making them suitable for more efficient fuel cells. The new materials use hetropolyacids to retain water molecules at higher temperatures, providing a mechanism for conductivity.
Genetic modified organism (GMO) crops can benefit from a 'refugia strategy' that preserves susceptible insect genes. This approach aims to counteract potential insect resistance by allowing certain pests to survive and breed in GMO-free areas.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new antimalarial drug that has passed the first stage of preclinical testing in mice and rats. The carboxyphenyl trioxane compound shows good therapeutic index, safety, and efficacy in treating malaria.
A new test measuring visual field responses to discordant images has provided clues about the brain activity underlying visual consciousness. The researchers found that binocular rivalry occurs at a lower level in the visual cortex, specifically in the primary visual cortex.
Researchers are investigating the predation habits of Nanomia cara, a gelatinous midwater animal, in the Gulf of Maine. The study aims to determine how this species affects food availability for young cod and other commercially important fishes.
Virginia Tech researchers have made a breakthrough in creating polymers that can be reversed using heat, opening up new possibilities for thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and novel adhesives. The team synthesized nano-phase separated polystyrene and polyisoprene based materials containing reversible linkages.
A new technology, InStreem™, has been successfully demonstrated at the George DeRuyter Dairy in Washington state, reducing odors and solids in waste lagoons. The system converts existing lagoons into extended aeration systems, establishing conditions favorable for both aerobic and anaerobic degradation of wastes.
Virginia Tech biochemist White identifies 200 genes responsible for coenzyme formation in Methanococcus jannaschi, an ancient Archaea bacteria. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of metabolic processes in these unique organisms.
Chemists are using statistical design of experiments and parallel reactors to improve the creation of polymers. This approach enables the efficient production of novel elastomers by determining the optimal reaction conditions. By doing so, researchers can generate predictive models and discover new materials.
A study found that consuming five or ten grams of ground flaxseed daily for seven weeks reduced blood levels of certain estrogens associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The researchers believe that lignans in flaxseed may lower estrogen levels by inhibiting enzymes involved in estrogen synthesis.