Researchers at Purdue University developed a method to use pesticides in a precise way to stop genetic resistance from arising. Using multiple pesticides together can delay resistance for decades, potentially reducing costs and social impacts.
The Agrobacterium genome, a key tool for genetic engineering of foodstuffs, has been sequenced and made publicly available. This will provide insights into its unique properties and enable the development of more nutritious and resilient crops.
Researchers from CU-Boulder are using tiny, unmanned planes to monitor conditions like temperature, humidity, and wind speed during tropical storms. The flights will provide high-resolution video footage and help understand sea-surface changes during hurricanes.
US children perform worse in math and science compared to those from single-parent households in countries with strong family policies. Financial and support benefits compensate for economic and time constraints. The US lags behind other industrialized countries in providing aid to poor and single-parent households.
Research suggests that breastfeeding duration may impact cognitive development. Children breastfed for less than three months were more likely to score below average on mental skills and total intelligence at ages 13 months and 5 years. The study controlled for factors like mother's age, education, and smoking habit.
Researchers from UCSF found that folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements can lower homocysteine levels by 25% and 7% respectively, resulting in a 8-13% decrease in heart disease rates and deaths. The study estimates that adding these supplements to daily grains could save $24 billion over 10 years.
Robert S. Langer will deliver a presentation on biomaterials and their impact on medicine, revolutionizing drug delivery and tissue engineering. His research has led to groundbreaking treatments for brain cancer, including an FDA-approved treatment that extends patient lives with fewer side effects.
A long-term study of over 1000 Finnish men found that reduced lung function due to smoking increases the risk of death from all causes. Quitting smoking halts this decline and reduces mortality risk, suggesting preserving lung function in later life may predict a longer life.
A study of French data from 1987-1997 found that heart attack deaths peak on weekends among young and middle-aged men. The exact reason for this is unknown, but strenuous activity during the weekend may contribute to increased risk.
Researchers found that current marriage conditions, including weekly work hours and household responsibilities, have a greater impact on marital satisfaction than spouses' past relationships. The study also revealed significant gender differences in how these factors affect marital quality.
Jean M.J. Frechet, a renowned Berkeley chemist, has been honored with the 2001 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for his groundbreaking research on dendrimers, complex organic compounds with various applications, including drug delivery to tumors and light-harvesting antennae.
Researchers at Dartmouth/VA reveal that operative mortality for major surgery varies significantly by procedure and patient age. Elderly patients face two- to four-fold higher mortality risks than younger patients, highlighting the need for more realistic estimates in decision-making.
Researchers will model and study supernovae to discover how they occur and the complex physical processes involved. They aim to understand challenging issues in theoretical and computational physics, advancing national security interests.
A chemist at Ohio State University has won a national award for his work on studying reactive intermediates in chemical reactions. He is using high-tech techniques to 'freeze-frame' these ephemeral species, which are crucial in determining the success or failure of reactions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a fluorous chemistry-based method to convert alcohols into aldehydes and ketones, retaining the convenience of the Swern reaction. The new reagents eliminate the byproduct dimethyl sulfide, producing an odorless and easily recyclable alternative.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute developed a new parallel focusing method to solve the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, enabling efficient simulation of complex biomolecules. This approach allows for high-resolution modeling of molecules like microtubules and ribosomes, providing insights into their collective properties and p...
Smoking cessation can lead to significant improvements in heart disease risk factors within a few weeks of quitting or reducing smoking. The sooner an individual quits, the more substantial the benefits will be.
Jeffery W. Kelly's work focuses on designing and utilizing small molecules to prevent neurodegenerative diseases similar to Alzheimer's but more rare. His team's molecular braces are now in preclinical trials for disorders like familial amyloid polyneuropathy.
Research finds that student activism is linked to extracurricular involvement and a strong social network. Students who are well-established in campus life are more likely to participate in protests.
A study found raw (uncooked), contaminated alfalfa and clover sprouts cause illnesses in California, leading to six outbreaks of salmonellosis and E. coli 0157. Researchers also discovered that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help lower blood pressure in women as they age.
The Terra satellite beams daily images of western U.S. wildfires to NASA, which are then transmitted to the Forest Service. The collaboration uses MODIS data to create Active Fire Maps that help resource allocation decisions and aid in public understanding of fire locations.
John Montgomery, a Wayne State University chemist, has developed a new method to create complex molecules efficiently. He achieves this by making multiple bonds at once, using catalysts based on reactive nickel.
A study found that emotional smokers have a harder time quitting due to the urge to smoke triggered by anger or anxiety. The research also revealed gender differences in emotional triggers of smoking, with men more likely to smoke when angry and women more likely to smoke when happy.
A new enzyme increases the number and size of heart muscle cells in mice, allowing them to live longer. This discovery could lead to gene-based therapies for heart disease, with potential benefits for millions of Americans affected by the condition.
A study by Dartmouth Medical School researchers found significant regional variation in neonatal intensive care workforce distribution, with cities like Washington DC and Newark NJ having higher numbers of neonatologists. The team's findings suggest that more resources do not necessarily lead to better outcomes for newborns.
Chemist Nicole S. Sampson has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the process of fertilization, discovering that protein fertilin-beta binds to egg protein alpha-6 beta-1 integrin. Her research could lead to new applications for sperm mimics and insights into tissue formation.
Murray Goodman, a bioorganic chemist at the University of California, San Diego, has developed new strategies to create more effective and selective drugs. His research aims to mimic the action of peptides, which help direct processes in the body, and improve upon their natural opioids.
Researchers created atomic-resolution maps of microtubules and ribosomes to understand their functions in transporting drugs like taxol. The maps revealed areas that play a key role in intracellular transport, with potential binding sites for such drugs.
A study by Steven M. Ortiz finds that athlete wives develop coping strategies to deal with the stress of infidelity, often using humor or changing boundaries of trust. The wives who marry athletes for glamour and money may be more accepting of their husbands' affairs.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers suggests that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is here to stay for the foreseeable future. The use of CAM therapies has steadily increased in popularity since the 1960s, with the largest growth rate occurring during the transition from the 1960s to the 1970s.
Researchers are conducting field studies on three Hawaiian islands to examine the origins and evolution of plant life on Earth. The team is collecting plant samples in various ecosystems to identify invasive species and determine their impact on native biodiversity.
Physicists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have produced a significant number of 'doubly strange nuclei', containing two strange quarks, to study nuclear forces and neutron stars. The discovery uses statistical techniques to infer the presence of these nuclei, which may provide insight into the properties of neutron stars.
Corn-based biodegradable plastics have won a national award, thanks to Cornell chemist Coates' innovative work in developing polymers that can be easily absorbed by the environment. His research has also led to new applications, such as sutures and drug delivery systems.
University of North Carolina chemist Michael T. Crimmins wins national award for developing laboratory methods to create compounds with anti-tumor activity and potential health benefits. His team successfully synthesized a chemical from the gingko tree called gingkolide B, which may also delay Alzheimer's disease onset.
Researchers analyzed lake sediment samples to find two naturally occurring warm periods in Alaska spanning 2,000 years. The initial period occurred from A.D. 0-300 and was accompanied by drier conditions; the second period corresponded to the Medieval Climatic Anomaly, a global warming event.
Richard R. Schrock has developed catalysts that make molecules efficiently, leading to discoveries of potential antibiotics and anticancer compounds. His work significantly influences the field of organic chemistry.
Dr. Duane Grandgenett receives nearly a million dollars in grants to study ways of inhibiting HIV replication in humans. He aims to develop an HIV inhibitor targeting the integrase protein, which plays a crucial role in the virus's survival.
Victor Snieckus has invented more efficient methods for creating organometallic compounds, which have applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and electronics. His research has led to the development of a new painkiller, fungicides for wheat crops, and conducting materials.
Scientists have created a synthetic antifreeze protein that mimics the natural defense mechanism of Arctic and Antarctic fish, which can prevent ice growth in living organisms. The new compound has potential applications in frost protection for crops, preservation of human organs, and elimination of freezer burn.
The American Sociological Association's Annual Meeting will discuss human subjects protection in social sciences, featuring a panel presentation on the topic. The special session aims to address issues related to research, teaching, and training in human subjects protection.
Research found that racial earnings disparities are smallest in low-paid occupations and largest in high-paid ones. Black professionals face significant disadvantages due to limited access to lucrative customer bases, occupational segregation, and lower social networks.
Researchers found that feeding hot pepper oil to chickens increases resistance to Salmonella enteritidis without adverse effects on feed consumption or taste. The oil causes mild inflammation in the intestines, making it difficult for the bacteria to bind and invade the body.
Weizmann Institute scientists propose a novel vaccination method to prevent secondary degeneration after partial spinal cord injury, leading to significant recovery of movement in rats. The treatment protected nerve fibers and showed potential effectiveness in other central nervous system disorders.
A study by University of Illinois researchers has identified a mechanism that determines whether pigment moves within cells. The discovery reveals that the motor protein is disengaged as a result of phosphorylation during cell division. If confirmed, this finding could lead to new cancer treatments targeting specific mechanisms.
The Center for Wireless Communications has been awarded $1.5 million in California matching funds to complement corporate funding for five separate research projects. The grants will support Ph.D. students performing wireless research on key issues such as achieving higher data rates and lowering wireless access costs.
Mutations of the Lkb1 gene cause Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a disorder characterized by polyps in the intestines and increased risk for cancerous tumors. Researchers found that Lkb1 regulates the formation of heart and blood vessels in embryos.
Scientists from PNNL are conducting a multi-organization study to gather first-of-its-kind air chemistry data essential to effectively address regional air quality problems such as ozone and microscopic atmospheric particles. The study aims to capture the distribution, transport, and formation of these pollutants in the atmosphere.
Researchers found that a fish oil-rich diet protects against colon cancer, while a corn oil-diet appears to promote it. The scientists also discovered how cancer spreads among cells in the colon, with a new understanding of cell damage varying from bottom to top within crypts.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that fire ant queens can alter the sex ratio of their colonies by limiting female eggs laid. This finding suggests a negotiated middle ground between queens and workers, who have competing interests in raising new colony members.
Scientists have successfully synchronized two independent femtosecond lasers to generate a single pulse of light exhibiting properties of both lasers. This breakthrough enables the creation of new shapes of light pulses that could not be achieved individually.
Prominent plant scientists share their perspectives on genetically modified crops, exploring their potential to address world hunger and improve nutrition. The publication addresses concerns over safety, regulation, and social impact, offering a science-based understanding of the GMO controversy.
The Center for the Advancement of Health is developing urban-life indicators to assess quality of life for minority populations. The project aims to identify key criteria and methods for ranking urban areas within specific quality-of-life domains.
Researchers analyzed data from electronic tags on Atlantic bluefin tuna, revealing significant insights into their migrations, diving patterns, and environmental preferences. The study found that Atlantic bluefin tuna often travel throughout the North Atlantic, with some individuals migrating between two distinct breeding populations.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that church-based nutrition and exercise programs significantly reduced heart disease risk factors in African-American women. The program, which included on-site exercise and dietary activities, showed a 10% reduction in 11 of 13 risk factors for heart disease after one year.
A Belgian study of non-identical twins found that female twins prolong gestation by 0.4 weeks, resulting in a higher birthweight for their male co-twin. Birthweights of unlike-sex twins were also compared, with female twins having similar weights to same-sex twins but male twins weighing an average of 78g more.
Researchers have developed portable chemical sensors using shifting liquid crystals, which can detect environmental exposure to residential pesticides and monitor food spoilage. The sensors are extremely sensitive and quick, taking only seconds to complete detection and reset.
A Swedish study published in The Lancet found no association between antihypertensive drug treatments and an increased risk of cancer. The study analyzed 6600 patients with hypertension, randomly assigning them to three treatment strategies, and found no significant difference in cancer incidence between groups.
A hospital-based study in Malawi found that children with HIV were less likely to develop rotavirus infection and shed the virus, but were more likely to die from diarrhea. The study's results encourage further research into the safety of rotavirus vaccines for HIV-infected infants.
Adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to cross-infection, including superinfection, from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chronic colonization occurs in up to 80% of CF patients, leading to increased illness and death. Genotypic changes in strains suggest social contact is a common mode of transmission.
Researchers found that 20% of caterpillars died from parasitoid attacks, mostly from introduced species. The study highlights the importance of understanding ecological costs of biocontrol agents to prevent adverse cascading events in food chains.