Researchers are exploring government policies to ensure a stable energy supply, including alternative sources like hydrogen, fuel cells, and alkaline fuel cells. Energy R&D spending is linked to energy-related patents, highlighting the need for increased investment in emerging energy problems.
A new food packaging technique using argon gas has been shown to extend the shelf life of foods by 25% and improve their overall quality, with some products seeing a 40-50% improvement. Argon replaces nitrogen, which causes food to oxidize and spoil, making it a safe and effective way to preserve food.
A new study involving young adult transracial adoptees found that their exposure and competence in their birth culture are not necessary for good psychological adjustment. The study suggests that family and peer relationships, rather than cultural identity, may play a more significant role in shaping their mental health.
Two studies suggest that environment plays a significant role in whether youth benefit from sports participation. In one study, urban youth showed positive influences on self-esteem and social competence, while rural African American girls found sports involvement may increase delinquent behaviors and substance use. The findings highli...
Investigators found that children with OSAS had smaller airway volume, larger tonsil and adenoid tissue, which restricts airways. Work-related factors are linked to a higher prevalence of persistent asthma in 29% of males and 17% of females.
Researchers have developed a new circuit using hollow carbon nanotubes, which can switch between 'on' and 'off' states and perform logic functions. The design enables more complex circuits to be built, potentially replacing silicon in microchips within the next 10-15 years.
A genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene provides protection against HIV infection, slowing the spread of AIDS in African populations. Studies suggest that this mutation may be more common in European populations due to historical epidemics.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) spacecraft will continue to provide vital data on global rainfall and climate change with its extended mission. Scientists anticipate improved climate predictions and a more robust record of rainfall patterns.
Experts analyze a study finding that religious involvement has the largest impact on early adolescent self-esteem. They caution against overlooking practical implications and highlight limitations of the study's explanations.
Researchers have discovered that a T arrangement in molecular electronic switches enables efficient communication between distant molecules, facilitating the on and off states of the switch. This finding broadens design possibilities for molecular photonics, solar energy conversion, and nanotechnology.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine and Pharmacy have developed a new method to calculate protein stability, which could improve drug design and engineering. The approach uses computational manipulations to predict the effects of amino acid mutations on protein stability.
A national survey of eighth graders found that religious involvement has the largest influence on their self-esteem, with positive effects observed in African American girls and White male students. The study suggests that churches and families play a significant role in shaping young adolescents' self-evaluations.
The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine has released a comprehensive guide for primary care doctors on obesity diagnosis and management. Obesity rates increased by 30% between 1980 and 1994, carrying significant direct health care costs for the United States. The guide addresses key aspects of medical a...
Research reveals that US nature reserves are unevenly distributed across ecological zones, leaving many plant and animal species unprotected. The study suggests that involving the private sector in conservation strategies can help preserve America's biodiversity.
A recent UCSF study found that fine needle biopsy (FNAB) accuracy can be significantly improved with formally trained physicians. The researchers analyzed 927 women's medical histories and tissue samples, finding that less-well-trained practitioners were more likely to miss cancers due to errors in sampling.
Researchers discovered that HIV DNA serves as a template to produce viral proteins Nef and Tat, bringing CD4 T cells out of their resting state. Non-integrated HIV DNA contributes to disease progression, despite not producing new viruses.
A new double transgenic mouse model has been developed to study Alzheimer's disease, featuring both brain plaques and tangles associated with the condition. The model is expected to contribute significantly to knowledge about the course of the disease and aid in further development and testing of potential therapies.
Research studies found that low MBL concentrations are associated with prolonged fever and infection in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. MBL infusions may represent a new therapeutic approach to reduce illness and death for these patients.
Researchers at UC Davis successfully cloned the first calf using a skin cell from an adult cow, but unfortunately, the calf died just three days after birth. The cloning technique holds promise for improving meat and milk production, with ongoing research aiming to overcome existing challenges.
Researchers found that bisexual and homosexual Caucasian men with one copy of the delta-32 mutation have a 70% reduced risk of HIV infection compared to those without the mutation. The study, published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, provides insight into resistance to HIV infection among high-risk populations.
A Rutgers researcher discovered the rapid revival of life around hydrothermal vents on the Pacific Ocean floor after a lava flow appeared to exterminate it. Over 500 new species have been found at these sites, including unique organisms like giant tube worms and hairy Pompeii worms.
A research team led by University of Colorado at Boulder Professor Roger Bilham failed to find alternatives to huge Indian earthquakes, concluding that at least one 8.1-8.3 magnitude earthquake and up to seven are overdue due to the movement of the Indian plate towards Tibet.
A team of researchers analyzed a rare, well-preserved meteorite found in Canada, revealing organic compounds with similarities to other known carbonaceous chondrites. The study suggests that the Tagish Lake Meteorite may represent an early stage in the evolution of complex carbon compounds in space.
Researchers at Lehigh University are developing a tiny generating plant, housed on a silicon chip, that can produce enough hydrogen to run power-consuming portable devices. The chip-based micro-chemical plant demonstrates feasibility in producing small amounts of hydrogen.
A Kenyan study found a significant link between exposure to particulate matter (PM10) from biomass fuels and acute respiratory infections. The researchers estimated the public health benefits of reduced PM10 exposure, with the greatest impact seen for average exposures below 1000-2000 mg/m3.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered a new immunological pathway involving the enzyme I-kappa-B kinase alpha (IKKa), which plays a crucial role in developing B cells and forming certain lymphoid organs. Blocking IKKa's action may offer a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases without compromising the immune system.
A Kenyan study found that inconsistent refrigeration, data-entry errors, and equipment failure contribute to HIV transmission through blood transfusions. The study led to the implementation of rapid HIV test kits, laboratory training programs, and universal screening of all blood donations to improve blood safety.
A recent outbreak of sleeping sickness in eastern Uganda may be attributed to livestock movement from another part of the country where the disease is endemic. The study found that over 50% of cattle traded at the market originated from areas with the disease, and that distance to the market was a significant risk factor for sleeping s...
Wind power has dropped in cost to 3-4 cents per kilowatt-hour, making it less expensive than coal energy. Shifting from coal to wind could address health, environmental, and energy problems, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Michigan Tech have deployed a laboratory on Pico mountain in the Azores to track air pollution drifting across the North Atlantic. The lab, known as PICO-NARE, will detect ozone, black carbon dust, and carbon monoxide, shedding light on the impact of local pollution on global warming.
A study of 72,904 French women found that those who consumed alcohol had a 29.5% higher calorie intake compared to non-drinkers, with protein and cholesterol intake also increased. Heavy drinkers were more likely to be smokers and experienced negative health effects.
A study of 183 Norwegian participants found that abstaining from filtered coffee reduced total cholesterol and tHcy levels, while increasing folate levels. This reduction in risk factors may be attributed to the presence of terpenoids in coffee that are only partially removed during filtering.
Seismologist Douglas A. Wiens finds deep earthquakes recur at the same spot repeatedly, supporting ductile shear zone model. The research uses seismic wave evidence to locate earthquakes with accuracy, enabling future study of deep fault zones.
Consuming caffeinated carbonated beverages results in small but significant increases in urinary calcium excretion, displacing milk's role as a major source of bone-building calcium. Regular consumption leads to nutrient deficiencies, causing bone loss.
Duke researchers have identified caveolae, small pits on cell membranes, as a route of entry for various pathogens and toxins. This finding could lead to new avenues for treating infections and delivering drugs into cells.
A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adult obesity is predicted by family social class and weight history. The research examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and social class across four generations. Early age at menarche was also linked to later obesity, while BMI at age 14 was a str...
A new combination therapy has shown promise in reducing ischemic complications after a heart attack. The study found that combining full-dose tenecteplase with prolonged subcutaneous administration of enoxaparin resulted in significantly fewer endpoints compared to other treatments.
Researchers will explore the Hudson Submarine Canyon, a conduit to the deep ocean, to study urban impact on canyon and deep sea life. The team aims to discover unusual creatures, investigate gas hydrates for offshore energy potential, and assess pollution recovery.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have successfully bred mice with both amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the key pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. The double transgenic mouse model provides a more complete representation of human AD and will enable researchers to test therapies aimed at preventing or halting progression.
Researchers use reflectance spectroscopy to determine the meteorite's composition, providing clues about early solar chemical evolution and differing from any seen in meteorites so far. The findings were published by NASA's Johnson Space Center and Brown University, funded by grants from NASA.
Researchers found that Drosophila neural precursor cells sequentially activate four different transcription factors, allowing them to maintain differences based on their time of birth. This 'memory' is crucial for normal brain development and may have implications for understanding human neural development.
Researchers found that patients with either a third heart sound or elevated jugular venous pressure were more likely to have progressive heart failure and subsequent hospital visits due to heart failure. The study highlights the importance of physical examinations in predicting outcomes for heart failure patients.
A study found that socially stressed mice were twice as likely to die after infection with a compound than physically stressed mice. The researchers believe social stress intensified the immune response, leading to toxic shock and organ damage.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania will explore ways to incorporate a focus on embedded computer reliability into product design, developing models and analysis tools to identify potential bugs. The goal is to improve product dependability and reduce costs by predicting reliability earlier in the design phase.
A study by UF researchers found that most sedentary adults overestimate the intensity of their moderate activities, with only a small percentage reaching high-intensity levels. The findings suggest that better guidance is needed for adults to define their level of activity and receive the greatest cardiovascular benefits.
The new global network of listening posts will track atmospheric signals from diverse events like secret nuclear tests, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes. Infrasound energy is generated by meteors, chemical explosions, supersonic aircraft, tornadoes, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
A team of Belgian and French astronomers have discovered three distant stars with extremely high Lead abundances, exceeding other elements heavier than Iron. This finding aligns with current stellar models predicting the buildup of heavy elements in stellar interiors.
Researchers suggest that Yasmin, with its unique progestin ethinyl estradiol combination, holds promise for reducing PMDD symptoms and improving women's lives. A three-month study found that 82 women taking Yasmin showed greater improvement than the placebo group.
The partnership aims to explore the impact of protein folding on diseases using IBM's Blue Gene research project and ORNL's supercomputing power. This effort will scale computer performance to petaflops, enabling breakthroughs in biology, climate science, and nanotechnology.
Brittlestars, also known as serpent stars, possess a unique 'visual' system that enables them to detect shadows and escape from predators. Their skeletal elements feature crystal lenses that transmit light to their nervous system, allowing them to respond to light changes.
Researchers have shed light on the brutal treatment of Maya scribes who supported defeated kings. The scribes' fingers were broken before they were executed, as part of a bizarre practice that muffled their ability to produce powerful texts. This practice highlights the importance of these scribes in Maya society.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that social stress makes specific immune cells resistant to corticosterone, a hormone regulating inflammation. This resistance can lead to uncontrolled inflammation, increasing the severity of infections and tissue damage.
A new study from Ohio State University finds that Republican presidents are associated with increased US prison populations. The research controlled for various factors and found a significant correlation between Republican administrations and rising prison rates.
Two Cornell University researchers are working on separate projects to develop new devices that could lead to huge increases in data storage and processing speed. George Malliaras is investigating the electrical properties of individual molecules, while Robert Buhrman is studying spin manipulation and quantum manipulation.
A new study published in the Journal of Women’s Health and Gender-Based Medicine found that oral contraceptive Yasmin significantly reduces premenstrual pain, acne, and food cravings associated with PMDD. The study enrolled 82 women aged 18-40 who experienced severe PMS symptoms.
Scientists use ion-trap secondary ion mass spectrometer (IT-SIMS) to detect chemical warfare agents like HD and VX at part-per-million levels. The technique offers increased specificity, speed, and minimal sample preparation, making it ideal for environmental restoration and national security applications.
Researchers at U-M discovered nearly 200 genes with varying expression profiles in normal and malignant prostate tissue. The study identified new clinical biomarkers, hepsin and pim-1, which were correlated with patient prognosis and could lead to new diagnostic tests.
Research shows that children who bully others have fewer health problems than their victims, while those who are both bully and victim experience more physical and psychosomatic issues. Breaking the cycle of bullying in early primary school years is crucial to prevent long-term health problems.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a new model of staph drug resistance that implicates an unlikely protein. The study shows that the mecA gene confers resistance to methicillin and other antibiotics by coding for a different PBP, which is not destroyed by beta-lactam antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully implanted LBS-neurons into patients with chronic stroke, showing a greater than 10% increase in metabolic activity in damaged areas. The surrounding area showed maintained or improved function, suggesting integration of the new neurons.