Researchers have developed a semiconductor technology that converts waste heat into electricity with unprecedented efficiency. The new device, called 'thermal diodes,' operates at high temperatures and has the potential to revolutionize power generation and recovery of waste heat from power plants and automobiles.
A study is underway to test the effectiveness of zoledronate, a bisphosphonate medication, in preventing bone loss in spinal cord injury patients. The results could also have implications for astronauts on long-duration space missions, where bone loss is a significant concern.
John Seiler, a tree physiology specialist, has received the USDA teaching award for his exceptional teaching skills and innovative approaches to educating students about forestry. He is also a recipient of several prestigious awards for his academic achievements in forestry education.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that adults tend to interpret messages metaphorically, whereas children tend to take things literally. As people grow older, their ability to understand and use metaphors improves, reflecting cognitive and linguistic advancements.
A new study published in Nature reveals that increased activity in one brain system is associated with decreased activity in another during learning of a simple skill. The findings suggest new strategies for dealing with learning disorders and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, as well as a better understanding of brain plasticity.
An international team of astronomers has discovered a very massive stellar black hole in the Milky Way Galaxy, weighing 14 times more than our Sun. The black hole is located in the binary system GRS 1915+105 and feeds on a low-mass star through a steady flow of stellar material.
Researchers investigate phenotypic variability in cystic fibrosis, revealing its impact on disease progression and treatment outcomes. The study highlights the importance of personalized medicine approaches to better manage CF patients.
Researchers found that medical school applicants with narcissistic personality disorder are more likely to engage in unethical behavior. The study suggests that screening out these individuals could minimize the risk of disasters like the Shipman murders.
A large study of nearly 40,000 women in Denmark found that moderate drinkers became pregnant faster than non-drinkers. However, high alcohol intake was related to longer waiting times, particularly among older women and those who smoked or were overweight.
The analysis found that two-thirds of the world's blind are concentrated in India, China, and Africa. Women living in underdeveloped countries were almost 40% more likely to be blind than men, while those in industrialized nations had a risk 63% higher.
Kilkelly's research explores the historical performances of jazz-tap dancing, considering constructions of gender, race, class, and sexuality. She aims to increase appreciation for tap dancing as a valuable art form revealing American culture.
A combination treatment of statin and niacin reduced cardiovascular events by 60-90%, reversing plaque buildup in the arteries. Antioxidant vitamins had no significant benefit on cardiovascular outcomes, contrary to previous assumptions.
A study found excessive inflammation and abnormal markings in lungs of healthy, middle-class children exposed to high levels of air pollutants in Mexico City. The research suggests a significant link between pollution and lung disease in otherwise healthy children.
Research in South Africa found that over 80% of respondents had witnessed or been victims of stranger violence, with 70% experiencing violence at home. The study concluded that high levels of violence put children at risk of serious mental health problems.
Researchers are studying ancient plant fossils in the Arctic to understand how plants adapted to harsh climates and survived continental-drift events. By analyzing fossilized leaves, stems, and roots, scientists can infer climate conditions and predict where tropical forests once existed.
Researchers found transgenic DNA in four out of six native Mexican corn samples, including the presence of a popular insecticidal bacterium. The contamination is believed to have occurred through multiple pollinations over time, threatening the region's diverse genetic heritage.
Researchers have found that vitamin B-vitamins can reduce the risk of repeat blockage in coronary arteries by 48 percent. This is based on a clinical trial involving 205 patients who received either a placebo or vitamin B-vitamins, with significant differences observed between the two groups.
Researchers have developed optimized antiviral peptide vaccines that exhibit enhanced efficacy against various viral infections, including HIV and SARS-CoV-2. These improvements are attributed to the incorporation of specific amino acid sequences that enhance immune responses.
Researchers investigated post-transcriptional regulation of COX2 in tumor cells. They found that microRNA-21 plays a crucial role in modulating COX2 expression by targeting its mRNA for degradation.
A new computer program, First Exon Finder, has been developed to detect overlooked gene segments in the human genome. The program identifies non-coding first exons, which are essential components of gene structure and function.
A study of over 1,900 young football players found that nearly a third suffered wrist fractures while trying to make saves with adult-sized balls. The most common injuries occurred during informal play on grass, with adult-size balls involved in almost three-quarters of incidents.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that factors like poverty, low education, and social isolation are linked to inadequate purchasing power for a nutritious diet. The research also reveals that functional impairments significantly increase the risk of food insecurity among elderly individuals.
A new study has shown that the flu shot does not trigger asthma attacks in people with moderate to severe asthma. The study included 2,032 children and adults diagnosed with asthma, who received either a real or placebo flu vaccine, with all participants receiving the actual flu vaccine by the end of the study.
A study published in Nature reveals that global fisheries catch has been declining steadily since the late 1980s, with vast over-reporting by China contributing to a false picture of ocean health. The study's authors warn that flawed data has led to complacency and unwise investment decisions.
Researchers at Stanford and Caltech have made a breakthrough in neural prosthetics, demonstrating that electrical signals from the parietal reach region can control movement and planning. The study enabled a monkey to control a cursor with its thoughts, paving the way for potential applications in helping severely paralyzed patients.
Researchers have successfully treated kidney tumors using radio frequency energy, achieving a 91% tumor ablation rate and no cancer recurrences in 9 of 11 patients. The minimally invasive procedure is less expensive, safer, and easier than surgery.
A US study of 2,481 heart disease patients found that treatment did not lower mortality rates despite reducing depression and boosting social support. Researchers hope to analyze data further to understand why the treatment failed to benefit patients.