The study found that coral reef fish deliberately choose mangrove forests and seagrass fields as nursery grounds, providing shelter from predatory fish and a feeding place. Without these habitats, common and economically important coral fish species will not survive.
Researchers developed a tiny, portable neutron detector using a small wafer that can detect neutron signals from hidden nuclear weapons and materials. The device operates at minimal voltage and is cost-effective, making it a potential game-changer in detecting weapons of mass destruction.
Biologists have found that viruses can destroy entire algal blooms within days, particularly when nutrients are depleted. Free-living cells are highly susceptible to viruses, which break down the cell content and dissolve it in seawater.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic mechanism to prevent cancer development by targeting the Cdk4 gene. The study showed that knocking out this gene can make cells resistant to cancer even if their tumor suppressor defense is deficient. Cells then enter senescence, offering a promising new option for cancer therapy.
Researchers found that novice drivers don't always identify hazardous situations, leading to unsafe responses. A new web-based program helps teach new drivers to anticipate these dangers without putting themselves or others at risk.
The study used x-ray microscopy to visualize the formation of steel crystals, finding smaller crystals at lower temperatures, leading to stronger steel. The research team discovered that rapid cooling results in many small crystals and strengthens steel.
Researchers are working to isolate the nicotine N-demethylase gene, which converts nicotine into nornicotine, a potent carcinogen. The goal is to reduce levels of harmful nitrosamines in Burley tobacco and explore alternate uses for the crop.
Researchers have successfully restored sperm production in infertile mice by transplanting healthy Sertoli cells. The technique, developed by Dr. Ralph L. Brinster, may provide a new way to replace defective Sertoli cells and initiate normal spermatogenesis.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that teens with friends in higher grades were more likely to have sex in early adolescence. Additionally, going steady in early adolescence significantly increased the odds of having sex. The study suggests a significant minority of youth engage in sex outside of relationships.
Researchers found associations between altered physiologic systems and geriatric syndrome of frailty in a study of 5,888 community-dwelling individuals. The study suggests that understanding the biology of frailty can help develop interventions to better care for older adults.
The pharmaceutical industry's focus on high-income markets is hindering access to essential drugs in less-developed countries, where millions lack access to life-saving medications. Voluntary licensing arrangements and freer trade could improve access to patented drugs, according to experts.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute report that antibodies can kill bacteria through the production of hydrogen peroxide, which also leads to the formation of ozone. This discovery opens up possibilities for new antibody-mediated therapies for conditions ranging from bacterial and viral infections to cancer.
Researchers found that incorporating standard appliances, real plants, and natural materials can create a comfortable environment for residents. The study recommends varying counter heights and using side-by-side refrigerators to accommodate different needs.
A new study documents the unique ways women overcome substance abuse, challenging earlier research that assumed a single path to recovery. Women's experiences highlight the importance of self-discovery and addressing underlying issues like domestic violence and low self-esteem.
Researchers at UCL create first laboratory-generated deep and intermediate focus earthquakes, recreating extreme pressure and temperature conditions. The study reveals dehydration reactions as the cause of these enigmatic earthquakes, which can occur hundreds of kilometers below the Earth's surface.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that KSHV, a known carcinogenic virus, inhibits immune function and causes cancerous cells to grow through a hormone-like substance called vIL-6. This discovery reveals an overlap between the immune system and tumor suppressor pathways targeted by KSHV.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a plumbing system for microfluidic chips using dielectrophoresis, allowing for efficient movement and mixing of tiny droplets. The system uses electrostatic attraction to divide water into dozens of droplets and position them on a chip for diagnostic tests.
Researchers grew a molecular film on liquid mercury, discovering four distinct patterns as molecules assemble. The study paves the way for controlling film growth and tailoring materials for nanoelectronics and nanosensor technology.
A new model developed by Emory University researchers suggests that targeted smallpox vaccinations could be an effective intervention against deliberate attacks. The study found that rapid response and targeted vaccination strategies can significantly reduce the spread of smallpox, particularly when pre-existing immunity is considered.
A new study led by Alan Scott found that screening men for aortic aneurysms can significantly reduce aneurysm-related deaths. The Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study showed a relative risk reduction of around 50% among screened men, with a corresponding decrease in absolute risk.
The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) has recorded the Sun's influence on ozone and atmospheric gases over an 11-year solar cycle. The complete dataset provides key measurements toward understanding natural and man-made influences on ozone.
Researchers suggest that vaccinating 'first responders' and allowing people to be vaccinated if they choose could increase the effectiveness of vaccination efforts. Targeted vaccination was found to prevent more cases per dose of vaccine, especially when delayed until multiple cases had been detected.
Patrick Harran, associate professor of biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has won the AstraZeneca Excellence in Chemistry Award for his discovery of a synthetic alternative to an anticancer compound. His research reveals that the initial structure reported for the natural product was incorrect.
Researchers have identified a gene called takeout that plays a key role in controlling the sex drive of male fruit flies. Takeout is regulated by sex-specific forms of the master gene regulators DSX and FRU, and its expression in the head is required for normal courtship behavior.
A study of 189 older mothers (60+ years) found they are most ambivalent towards adult children who don't achieve financial independence. The mothers reported closer relationships with their daughters, but also the most conflict, as they require more emotional support.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research explores the relationship between alcoholism and serotonin. Researchers found that a specific drug probe did not elicit a hormonal response in abstinent alcohol-dependent subjects, suggesting alternative explanations for the connection between serotonin and alcohol depen...
Research suggests that moderate drinking during pregnancy may cause subtle, long-lasting cognitive problems in offspring. Studies found that adult rodent offspring of mothers who consumed low to moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy had impaired spatial learning and reduced synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
Researchers reveal the role of chaperone proteins in fiber assembly, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating urinary tract infections. The study provides insight into how disease-causing bacteria build and secrete proteins that enable them to cause disease.
A study comparing two short screening instruments for alcohol-use disorders found that the Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS4) is more effective than the CAGE questionnaire, particularly among women and ethnic minorities. The RAPS4-QF variant performed significantly better in identifying alcohol abuse across all gender and service-ut...
Researchers have found that Cdk4 expression is essential for Ras-induced cancer development, making it a potential target for therapy. Dr. Hiroaki Kiyokawa and colleagues showed that Cdk4-deficient cells can enter a protective state of senescence when exposed to oncogenes like Ras.
Researchers extract biochemical information from fossil bones, avoiding errors associated with morphology, to compare ancient and modern species. The study reveals the survivability of osteocalcin protein in fossil bones, paving the way for new insights into evolutionary relationships.
A K-State microbiologist has developed a new instrument called the PULSIFIER to detect bacteria and pathogens in food samples without breaking them down. The device shakes pathogens into the liquid instead of pulverizing the food, resulting in cleaner samples that are easier to analyze.
Researchers study soccer heading to understand cognitive decline and long-term brain damage risks. The study found linear accelerations of 15-20 G's and angular accelerations of 1,000-2,000 radians per second squared, values below established injury thresholds.
A UCI research team will study the chemistry of water-air interaction, shedding light on air pollution and atmospheric chemistry in Southern California. The five-year project involves international collaborations and will incorporate experiments and theory to understand dissolved particles and gas interactions.
Researchers found that teen-age girls with a history of depression display enhanced alpha activity in the brain, indicating a consistent abnormality. A family history of alcoholism is associated with beta activity in a different region, suggesting potential biological markers for liability to alcoholism or depression.
Researchers at UVA have identified a gene called RhoGDI2 that plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of cancer. The study found that replacing this gene in human metastatic cancer cells can suppress their ability to metastasize, suggesting new therapeutic options for treating metastatic disease.
Researchers use firefly protein to visualize cellular communication pathways in mice, revealing potential for non-invasive cancer treatment and disease research. This breakthrough enables scientists to watch proteins in their natural setting, improving understanding of human diseases.
A new DNA vaccine has entered human trials, incorporating parts of four HIV genes to target various subtypes. The trial aims to determine the vaccine's safety and immune response, with expanded tests planned for international sites.
Researchers at Rutgers-Newark are using electrical imaging to monitor the performance of permeable reactive barriers, which remove contaminants from groundwater. The study aims to improve the understanding of iron wall impacts and develop a tool for long-term monitoring of underground technologies.
Researchers develop technology to characterize unknown bacteria, helping astronauts stay healthy in space. The system predicts bacteria's source and identifies potential infection risks.
A study by Syracuse University researchers found that the frequency of El Niño events peaked around 1,200 years ago and may increase in the early part of the 22nd century. The 2,000-year cycle could have a significant impact on global climate conditions.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study reveals that microorganisms in Boston Harbor sediments can break down PAHs using sulfate, potentially reducing the need for expensive remediation strategies. The findings suggest that natural activity can clean up contaminated harbors without active environmental protection.
A study published in Nature found that changes in the North Atlantic Oscillation synchronize population fluctuations of caribou and muskoxen across Greenland. The researchers used local and global weather data to show cross-species synchrony, indicating the North Atlantic Oscillation's influence on their population dynamics.
Researchers have developed a sepsis vaccine that provides outstanding protection by reducing inflammatory chemicals by nearly 95%. The vaccine targets endotoxins, which trigger the immune system's response to infection.
The 2002 AAAS Science Journalism Award recipients were honored for their exemplary communications efforts on various topics including climate change, marine reserves, and reproductive technologies. The award recipients will each receive a $2,500 cash award and plaque during the 2003 AAAS Annual Meeting in Denver.
Acorda Therapeutics has received the L.W. Freeman Award for its pioneering work in regenerative therapies and functional improvements for spinal cord injury patients. The company's lead product, Fampridine-SR, is in Phase 3 clinical trials for chronic SCI and aims to restore function in people with SCI.
Physicist Bryan Caron and his team have achieved a world record-breaking data transfer rate, equivalent to transferring a full compact disk in under eight seconds. The team created a dedicated 'light path' spanning 12,000 km, bypassing the public Internet to establish a new transatlantic superhighway for researchers.
A recent study found that high levels of cyclin E are closely associated with aggressive breast cancer, making it a powerful predictive marker. The presence of low molecular weight forms of cyclin E also showed strong prognostic value, indicating a higher risk of recurrence and spread.
A nationwide survey of adoption agencies found that 63% of respondents accepted applications from homosexual individuals, with nearly 38% having made at least one adoption. Key factors impacting willingness included religious affiliation and the type of children placed.
Researchers aim to enhance understanding of artificial and natural knee joint failures, improve surgical procedures, and create longer-lasting implants. They are developing computational wear models that make quantifiable predictions of deterioration, enabling surgeons to select individualized knee designs.
A recent study found that a combination of growth hormone and sex steroids showed significant increases in lean body mass and decreases in fat mass, but also reported common side effects such as joint pain and swelling. The study suggests that the treatment is not yet ready for prime time due to its adverse effects.
Researchers from the University of California - Irvine discovered that even a single intense bout of exercise in teens and preteens raises cellular chemicals associated with disease while building muscle mass and increasing fitness. The study suggests a need to determine how much exercise is too much for healthy children.
Researchers at Alberta Research Council have developed a working demonstration unit of micro fuel cell technology, capable of powering a small electric fan. The single-cell fuel cell uses hydrogen gas as a fuel and can be adapted to run on various fuels, including natural gas and butane.
A study of 610 participants found that wearing an ionized bracelet for 28 days did not provide significant pain relief compared to a placebo. The researchers conclude that the equivalent improvement in pain scores may call into question the true benefit of using such bracelets.
Mayo Clinic researchers identified Mycobacterium avium complex as the cause of 'hot tub lung', a previously poorly understood disease. The study found that warm temperatures and inadequate cleaning practices facilitate the growth of MAC in hot tub water, leading to respiratory problems.
Researchers found a significant correlation between maternal placenta inflammation and infant neurological function decline. The study revealed chorioamnionitis as a key cause of perinatal brain injury, potentially leading to new diagnostic tests and preventive strategies.
Research suggests that reducing air pollution can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare, particularly for outpatient care. The study found a strong correlation between air pollution levels and respiratory admissions, with the greatest hospital admissions occurring in the Deep South.
A recent study of 289 identical twin pairs reveals that twins differ in their feelings of emotional distress, despite being genetically identical. The twin who was less distressed tended to have closer relationships with their mother and teachers, attend church more often, or had parents granting them more autonomy.
A study found that an uncommon variation of the Nogo gene increases schizophrenia risk, particularly when inherited from both parents. One in five people with schizophrenia has this risk gene, and researchers hope to discover new related genes to aid diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found a link between maternal testosterone levels and increased masculine-typical behavior in girls, but no correlation for boys. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 children born in England and suggests that hormone-related predispositions may play a role in shaping gender roles.