Biocompatible thin films have been successfully fabricated on various biomedical substrates using electrostatic self-assembly techniques. These films can inhibit restenosis, a tissue buildup that occurs in blood vessels after trauma, and have potential applications in stents and dialysis tubing.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that falling wages and rising unemployment among men without college educations were significantly associated with increases in property and violent crimes between 1979 and 1997. The findings suggest that labor market conditions play a crucial role in shaping crime rates.
Researchers are developing a new method to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer by using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The study aims to identify areas in the prostate with more blood vessels, allowing for targeted biopsies and potentially reducing the number of unnecessary procedures.
Scientists have found a potential mechanism for obesity resistance in mice lacking the fat-making enzyme DGAT1. These mice are more sensitive to leptin and insulin, leading to lower tissue triglyceride levels and increased sensitivity to insulin, resulting in weight loss despite high-fat diets.
Research found that fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid, was the most effective treatment for asthma, reducing hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and need for additional medication. The study showed a nearly two to three times lower cost compared to other treatments, making it a more affordable option.
Researchers discovered a protein enzyme called calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) that controls mitochondrial production in muscle tissue, leading to improved metabolic properties. This finding has the potential to develop new drugs that mimic the effects of regular exercise for individuals unable to exercise.
Researchers found mostly beneficial gene substitutions in fruit fly Drosophila, but mostly detrimental substitutions in mustard weed Arabidopsis. The study attributes this difference to the Arabidopsis mating system of partial self-fertilization, which reduces effective population size and increases deleterious mutations.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that farming inside forests reduces bird diversity and nesting success compared to timber harvesting. The study's results suggest that small agricultural openings can have a significant impact on bird populations.
A survey by Johns Hopkins researchers estimates probable environmental concentrations (PECs) of the top 200 drugs, suggesting potential sublethal effects on aquatic organisms. The study suggests that certain classes of compounds, such as antimicrobials and anticancer drugs, may be found at high concentrations.
The American Geophysical Union has selected its 26th Congressional Science Fellow, OHSU student Amerson, who will spend a year working in Congress. She aims to apply her expertise in environmental science to inform sound public policy.
A study by Timothy Sullivan found that homeless urban Guatemalan street children have a similar average body mass index (BMI) to American children, suggesting better health and survival rates despite harsh conditions. The research challenges previous assumptions about the negative impact of homelessness on child health.
Researchers have developed the STED-4Pi-Microcope, which uses stimulated emission to narrow the focal spot of the fluorescence microscope, allowing for resolutions below 50 nm. This technique enables the imaging of features on a molecular level, advancing biological and medical research.
A recent study confirms that mutations are mainly caused by random errors in cell divisions, contradicting earlier estimates. The study found a low male-female mutation rate, especially in closely related species, but a high alpha in distantly related species, supporting the dominant role of males in driving evolution.
The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) will study blue compact dwarf galaxies, which are deficient in heavy elements and contain as little as 2 percent of the solar system's share. The telescope will provide detailed physical information about distant targets using its infrared spectrograph instrument.
Researchers at UPCI found that several plant extracts interact with estrogen receptors and induce strong estrogenic responses in female rats. The study highlights the need for caution when using these remedies, especially for women with a family or personal history of breast and uterine cancer.
Researchers found that a combination of targeted therapies can effectively inhibit tumor growth in prostate cancer. Using different drugs after resistance occurred inhibited tumor growth, suggesting multiple treatments may be needed to manage the disease. This approach is similar to how advanced breast cancer is treated today.
Researchers found that Tsavo lions live in large groups of females ruled by a single male, with an average of 7.4 adult females per group. The study suggests that the lions' manelessness may be an adaptation to their hot and dry environment.
Researchers found that a calcium-signaling protein transforms sedentary, easily fatigued muscle fibers into energy-producing, fatigue-resistant type I muscle fibers. This discovery could lead to novel measures to stimulate muscles in patients with chronic diseases or individuals confined to bed rest.
A study of over 40,000 young participants found that marijuana smokers are more likely to have the opportunity and try hallucinogens. By age 21, nearly half of marijuana smokers had tried a hallucinogen, compared to one in 16 who had never smoked.
Fox Chase Cancer Center researcher Glenn F. Rall is studying whether a link exists between the measles vaccine and the development of autism. He believes that maternal exposure history to measles may afford protection to offspring, but more research is needed.
A UMass project allows students to study plant growth in space, simulating micro-gravity conditions and evaluating plant-growth chambers. The project uses closed-loop systems and computer software to teach students about biology, engineering, and ecology.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are launching a three-year study to investigate prescription drug pollution in drinking water, sewage treatment plants, and coastal waters. Two new scientific tools have been developed to aid in the investigation, including a survey of environmental concentrations and a highly sensitive lab test ...
Researchers found glucose oxidase in caterpillar saliva, which converts glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme suppresses plant nicotine production by 26%, making caterpillars healthier.
The Johns Hopkins University team won second prize in the Microsoft .Net Best Awards for XML WebServices with their prototype virtual observatory program, SkyQuery. The service allows users to run queries across multiple databases simultaneously, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and 2 Micron All-Sky Survey.
Scientists have confirmed the syntenic relationship between rice and other cereal grasses like corn, wheat and barley, thanks to a pioneering genome sequencing project. This breakthrough allows researchers to identify important genes in these crops more efficiently.
Researchers have synthesized peptide mimics that may inhibit Pin1's action, which regulates cell division. The goal is to develop new anticancer therapies by targeting the cell-cycle-regulating enzyme Pin1.
The study predicts that over 50 years, changing climate will bring about great instability for wildlife, reshuffling ecosystems and introducing new diseases and parasites. A majority of species are expected to have smaller geographical ranges than today, with some local communities experiencing up to 40% species turnover.
Roger Balm examines the extent to which original pictures of Machu Picchu were framed to fit popular ideas about lost worlds rather than provide scientific documentation. He revisits an explorer's first photo-shoot at Machu Picchu using the same camera and film as the original 1911 expedition.
Women need active mentoring to realize their strengths and potential for career advancement. Flexible work arrangements and policies that support working mothers are also crucial. Companies that prioritize these aspects can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Researchers have recalculated the amount of carbon dioxide released from tropical forests into global waterways, finding that it is triple the current estimate. The new total is comparable to a fifth of human activities' carbon dioxide emissions, challenging the notion that forests are carbon sponges.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing injectable magnetic fluids to repair torn or detached retinas, a technique that could help prevent blindness in thousands. The treatment appears promising in laboratory studies, with the potential to be more precise and effective than current methods.
Researchers found that iron oxide minerals are effective in removing lead from water, with synthetic manganese oxides showing high efficiency. Manganese oxides, especially the Birnessite form, also adsorb lead in similar amounts to naturally occurring iron oxides.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an ultrasonic cleaning technique that can clean ceramic membrane filters without the need for harsh chemicals. The method uses sound waves to form and collapse bubbles, releasing heat and energy that flushes away contaminants.