Researchers at the University of Massachusetts are flying into the eyes of hurricanes using advanced airborne sensors to gather real-time data. The new IWRAP system will provide finer resolution than previous systems, enabling better predictions about storm intensity and potential path.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have solved the structure of a neutralizing antibody against HIV, marking an important milestone in the development of an effective vaccine. This breakthrough demonstrates that the human immune system can produce antibodies effective against HIV and provides a template for vaccine design.
The study demonstrates a fundamental role of caveolin-1 and caveolae in organizing multiple signalling pathways in the cell. The absence of caveolae impaired nitric oxide and calcium signaling, leading to severe physical limitations in caveolin-1-disrupted mice.
A Mayo Clinic study published in Cancer journal reveals that daily alcohol consumption by women whose mothers, sisters or daughters have breast cancer may increase their risk for getting the cancer. The study found an increased risk among first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer, but less evidence among second-degree relatives.
A recent study by Dr. Laura C. Klein found that adolescent nicotine exposure directly affects stress hormone levels in adults, leading to increased risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. The research suggests a possible biochemical explanation for the effects observed in human studies.
A community-based therapeutic care component is being touted as a more effective and cost-efficient way to treat malnutrition during famine. The strategy aims to improve coverage, provide socioeconomic benefits, and reduce death rates from starvation.
The study found that exisulind significantly suppressed the rise in PSA levels compared to placebo, especially in high-risk patients. Exisulind therapy also lengthened the median PSA doubling time, suggesting a delay in disease progression.
A recent Wistar Institute study identifies an enzyme that modifies histones to activate specific genes in yeast. This discovery supports the 'histone code' theory, suggesting a complex interplay among histone modifications controls gene activity.
A UK population study found that an estimated 3.1% of adults aged 45 and older had definite or probable heart failure, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and targeted screening to alleviate symptoms and improve prognosis.
A study published in Science identified two genes, WNK1 and WNK4, that cause pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII), a disorder leading to hypertension. The researchers found that the mutated genes are overexpressed in affected family members, leading to increased salt reabsorption and blood pressure.
A recent trial found that WHO short-course chemotherapy was as effective as traditional Russian treatments in curing patients with tuberculosis. However, the results highlight the challenges of implementing changes in a healthcare system with entrenched cultural and structural barriers.
Researchers measured entropic forces exerted by rod-shaped viruses on particles in water, revealing additional effects of flexibility. The findings suggest that flexible viruses can effectively occupy more space, driving rearrangements in the system and increasing attraction between spheres.
Research suggests centromeric DNA and histones evolve rapidly, influencing species compatibility. Continuous evolution of centromeric histones may be driving adaptation to changing DNA sequences, contributing to the 'centromere paradox' and species sterility.
A new gene study reveals that early land plants and fungi evolved much earlier than thought, around 700-1300 million years ago. These organisms likely played a crucial role in changing the Earth's climate by increasing oxygen levels and decreasing carbon dioxide.
A study found that genetic traits from crops can persist in weeds for generations, potentially leading to hardy and hard-to-kill weeds. This raises concerns about the long-term impact of transgenic crops on weed populations.
Researchers Shiv Grewal and colleagues found that histone H3 variants are linked to gene expression and chromosomal structure. The study suggests a 'histone code' model for organizing the genome into active and silent regions.
Researchers at Clemson University are testing 15 houses with hurricane-resistant retrofits to determine their effectiveness. The study aims to provide more accurate estimates of retrofit costs and benefits, helping homeowners decide whether the expense is worth it.
A UK study found that childhood maltreatment and revictimisation of children and women are common problems. Abusive experiences co-occurred in both childhood and adulthood, with repetition and severity of childhood abuse independently associated with specific types of adult revictimisation.
The National Science Foundation is awarding $53 million to build a distributed terascale facility, supporting research in storm prediction, combustion engines and biology. The project will create a unique national resource for high-performance computing, connecting researchers across the US.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a novel photopigment in the human eye that regulates melatonin production, which plays a vital role in the body's circadian rhythms. Exposure to blue light has been found to be most effective in controlling melatonin levels.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have demonstrated improved fuel cell materials and systems, enabling operation at higher temperatures. The team will receive $2 million in grants to develop next-generation polymer electrolyte membranes and membrane electrode assemblies.
Research suggests that telomere shortening is associated with atherosclerosis, potentially linking it to premature ageing. Patients with severe coronary artery disease showed shorter telomeres compared to healthy controls, indicating accelerated cellular ageing.
A new computer-simulation tool developed at Purdue University has shown that a pre-cooling technique can reduce electricity costs for commercial buildings by as much as 41 percent during the hottest summer months. The tool takes into account factors like utility rates and climate to tailor the best strategy for individual buildings.
A team of researchers, led by George Cybenko and Sue McGrath, are developing a mobile agent-based system to monitor bone loss in astronauts during extended space missions. The system will analyze data on urinary calcium, diet, exercise, atmospheric conditions, and medical history to provide timely feedback and prevent bone loss.
Astronomers have observed a web-like structure in space using NASA's FUSE satellite, confirming theoretical models of how matter condensed into galaxies. The helium traces the universe's architecture back to very early times, shedding light on its re-energization by quasars and star birth.
Researchers found that newly restored wetlands often struggle with invasive weeds, which can outcompete native species for resources. The cost of wetland restoration is also a significant barrier, with some projects costing up to $200,000 per hectare.
A new study reveals the Tibetan Plateau is approximately 13.5 million years old and has reached its maximum average height of 5 kilometers. The plateau's formation is attributed to the collision between two tectonic plates, resulting in a flat-topped spreading plateau.
Researchers at the University of Florida have concluded that the few remaining populations of beach mice on the Florida and Alabama coasts are in substantial danger of extinction from hurricanes and continuing loss of habitat to development. The study predicts a 37-57% chance of extinction in 25 years and a 59-80% chance in 50 years.
The project, initiated in 1997, incorporates multiple viewpoints from the scientific, corporate, and environmental communities to balance ecology and economics in forestry management. The team's approach has formed notable partnerships and is regarded as a model for others striving to achieve this balance.
Case Western Reserve University has received a $2.2 million grant from the Charles B. Wang Foundation to establish the Center for Computational Genomics. The center will tackle cutting-edge problems in genomics and bioinformatics, focusing on genomic analysis and disease prevention.
The Ku heterodimer, a key player in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), is shown to 'cradle' broken DNA ends with its ring-shaped molecule, forming a precise alignment for repair enzymes. This structure provides insights into the accuracy of the NHEJ process and its importance in genome integrity.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with cardiac arrhythmias have a similar accident rate to healthy drivers. The study, which analyzed data from over 600 patients, showed that only 11% of accidents were preceded by potential arrhythmia symptoms.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that insulin can reduce pro-inflammatory components in the bloodstream while increasing anti-inflammatory components. The results suggest that insulin may have anti-atherosclerotic effects and potentially reduce the risk of heart attack, contrary to previous assumptions.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism involved in meningococcal disease, offering new insights into its treatment. A defect in the activation of Protein C could be treated with administration of active Protein C, bypassing the requirements for activation on blood vessels.
AIDS researchers urge collaboration to develop new treatments for drug-resistant HIV patients, who represent 30% of treated cases in the US. The lack of effective therapies sets the stage for a dangerous epidemic of drug-resistant HIV.
Researchers find nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in Pacific Ocean water samples near Hawaii, contributing significantly to ocean nitrogen fixation. The newly discovered bacteria are more abundant and active than previously thought, with potential implications for global warming.
A recent study by IBM and researchers found that software-based robotic trading agents ('bots') made seven per cent more cash than people in a commodities market test. The bots used basic strategies to maximize their profit, while humans were given an upper spending limit and minimum sale price.
The grant aims to continue research into breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer's genetic basis using the Hawaii/Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort Study. The expanded funding will enable the collection of blood samples from over 215,000 participants, providing insights into cancer risks and susceptibilities.
Researchers at UMass have created a new electron microprobe technique that can date specific parts of rocks with greater precision. This method will provide valuable insights into the movement of tectonic plates and the evolution of rocks over time.
The NIAID has awarded a $9 million grant to Celera to rapidly sequence the Anopheles mosquito genome. This initiative will provide scientists with a unique opportunity to study the natural history of malaria by analyzing and comparing the genomes of mosquitoes, humans, and Plasmodium falciparum parasites.
Researchers have found that thalidomide can help patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, a group of disorders affecting the bone marrow and leading to acute myeloid leukemia. The study showed a 20% response rate among patients treated with thalidomide, with some achieving transfusion independence.
Researchers study presolar diamond grains found in meteorites and simulate implantation of ions to test mechanism. The results reveal a bimodal release of noble gases with different temperatures, suggesting at least two events involved in the introduction of xenon.
The AI-powered Author system can generate readable prose, including dialogue and short stories, by analyzing a story plan and applying rules to create grammatically correct sentences. However, it still lacks the ability to discern fact from fiction, which is a significant hurdle before it can be used for hot news reporting.
A new study by Scripps researchers reveals that tiny marine crustaceans called copepods use cannibalism as a mechanism to limit their population. The study found that egg mortality in copepod species Calanus finmarchicus is directly related to the abundance of females in the population, suggesting a self-regulating mechanism.
Scientists have found a new source of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii, which could contribute significantly to ocean nitrogen fixation. The newly discovered bacteria are active at greater depths and longer time periods than known marine cyanobacteria, with potential implications for global warming.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered that a persistent lineage of Staphylococcus aureus is exceptionally adept at acquiring resistance to antibiotics. This 'Iberian' clone, first identified in 1986, has spread globally and is resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant threat to public health.
A Yale University study found that tracking unexplained illness and death can aid in identifying emerging infectious diseases. The research compared two surveillance methods, finding prospective surveillance to be 32% more sensitive than retrospective evaluation.
Researchers at INEEL have developed a revolutionary Super Hard Steel coating with unparalleled hardness properties, surpassing existing commercial coatings in wear and corrosion resistance. The coating can withstand extreme conditions, including high velocity blasting, and is nearly impossible to remove.
Russian scientists have developed a plant growth stimulator that can increase grass growth rate by 40% under controlled conditions, reducing the 18-month wait for harvest. Field tests are underway to assess its effectiveness in cleaning up oil-contaminated fields and agrochemicals.
A study by Ohio University health psychologists found that first-time blood donors who used an audiovisual program were less likely to experience symptoms of feeling faint. The program, which included 3D visuals and upbeat music, was more effective in distracting blunters from their stressors than monitors who received no distraction.
Researchers found that adolescents and young adults accounted for a relatively high proportion of all cases of meningococcal meningitis. The study revealed that infection in this age group led to death more often than expected due to higher rates of smoking, ecchymoses, and septic shock.
A team of UMass microbiologists led by Derek Lovley has extracted solid gold from water containing dissolved gold using iron-reducing microbes. The process involves the transfer of electrons to form a more valuable metal form, resulting in the formation of gold deposits.
Indiana University Professor David Shiffrin has been awarded the $100,000 Rumelhart Prize for his work on human memory and cognition. His findings have had a significant impact on the field of psychology, with many cited works continuing to influence research.
A study by Penn State researchers found that quaking aspen groves have declined by 30% in the last 50 years due to environmental changes such as fire suppression, livestock grazing, and increased herbivore populations. The unique history of the Lake Tahoe Basin also plays a role in this decline.
Researchers at Yale University have conducted a controlled study on guanfacine, finding it to be an effective treatment for children with ADHD and tic disorders. The study showed significant improvement in symptoms, including a 37% increase in total score on the ADHD Rating Scale compared to placebo.
Astronomers have detected the imprint of neutral atoms on light from a distant quasar, providing a glimpse into the early universe. The observation reveals that complex atoms such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and silicon were formed in the first stars and quasars, constraining the timing of the universe's reionization.
The report proposes differential pricing as a solution to bridge the gap between drug makers and activists. However, its implementation is uncertain, with experts disagreeing on how it should be set up or implemented.
A recent Duke University Medical Center study found that women and the elderly remain underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, with only 25% of trials including women and 9% including patients over 75 years old. This underrepresentation undermines evidence-based care for all cardiac patients.
Researchers tested new electro-mechanical actuator technology in a hot-fire test series, demonstrating its potential for future spacecraft propulsion systems. The successful test aimed to increase safety and reduce costs for space travel by reducing propellant flow rates and stresses on the actuators.
A recent study suggests that surgical teams with better teamwork learn new procedures significantly faster than those without. The research found that hospitals with more cumulative experience and better team communication had faster learning curves, while those with less experienced teams took longer to master new procedures.