The CONTOUR mission will examine the 'heart' of comets, exploring their composition and dynamics through high-resolution images and gas analysis. The four-year mission will visit two comets, Encke and Schwassmann-Wachmann 3, and potentially a new comet in the outer solar system.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a single-atom transistor by implanting a molecule between two gold electrodes. The device demonstrates the potential for shrinking electronic components to smaller sizes and may be used as a chemical sensor.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that cardiac resynchronisation therapy systems improved NYHA functional class, six-minute walk distance, and quality of life for patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. The treatment also reduced hospitalisations by 50% and hospital days by 77%.
Research shows that exotic honeybees significantly improve coffee crop yields by up to 50%. The study emphasizes the need to preserve natural habitats for these pollinators to maintain biodiversity and sustainable agriculture practices. By removing their natural habitats through intensive cultivation, we risk losing crucial pollinators.
Astronomers detect ND3, the first molecule with three deuterium atoms, in a molecular cloud at distances of 500 to1000 light-years from Earth. The discovery suggests that gas-phase reactions are responsible for producing molecules in interstellar space.
A study by Prof. Praveen Kumar and colleagues found that a CEO's equity compensation is negatively related to the fraction of the firm held by the largest external shareholder who poses a takeover threat to managerial control. Mid-sized boards with majority stake challenge CEOs for greater equity, limiting raises.
Astronomers at Penn State have discovered three faint dwarf stars orbiting nearby bright stars, marking a new era in imaging faint objects. The discovery uses an infrared camera with a specially shaped pupil mask, allowing for improved contrast and revealing the dim companions.
Researchers discovered how brain filters sensory inputs to focus on specific smells, tastes, or sounds by hardwiring sensory and motor cortices. This mechanism enables immediate motor signals to enhance sensory perception, illustrating the intricate connection between sensation and motor control.
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is now accepting nominations for the 2003 Sullivan and Perlman Awards, honoring work that enhances public understanding of Earth sciences. Eligible entries must have been published between December 16, 2001, and December 15, 2002.
Researchers at JCI Journals have made significant strides in understanding the biological function and clinical relevance of copolymers. The study's findings hold promise for developing new treatments for various human diseases.
Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard University develop transistors using single cobalt and di-vanadium molecules, controlling electron flow and demonstrating nanoscale electronics potential. The advancements pave the way for building smallest possible electronic components.
A new clinical trial at NCCAM investigates the effectiveness of electroacupuncture in managing delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea, which often proves difficult to treat with medications. The study aims to provide an alternative approach to alleviate this condition and its associated side effects, such as stress.
A new two-part therapy combining acyclovir with gradual reductions in immunosuppressive drugs has shown significant success in treating post-transplant lymphoma, with all patients achieving complete response and 82% maintaining it. The treatment stimulates the immune system to destroy EBV-infected cancer cells.
The MAP kinase pathway is activated in response to coxsackievirus infection, leading to increased viral replication. This signaling cascade also triggers host cell responses, including inflammation and immune activation.
A study reveals that Alzheimer's plaques can cause a flood of negative ions to drain healthy cells of their charge, leading to cell death. Researchers found that certain drugs can reverse this effect, suggesting a new direction for therapy development.
Researchers found that the interaction between Lithophragma parviflorum and Greya politella is a rare example of coevolution in action, with outcomes ranging from mutualism to antagonism. The study highlights the importance of considering large geographic scales to understand how coevolution shapes biodiversity.
Researchers discovered that some trees use fungi to obtain calcium from an intermediate pool of apatite, previously unknown as a plant-available source. This finding has implications for forest management and understanding the effects of acid rain on forests.
The consensus panel recommends expanding hepatitis C treatment to include patients who use injected drugs, suffer from co-morbid conditions, or are coinfected with HIV. Reliable HCV cultures and research networks are also prioritized to advance understanding of the disease and develop new treatments.
A study by researchers at Michigan Medicine found that nearly 38% of top-ranked US hospitals have fast-food franchises on their premises. The authors express concern that this serves a contradictory message to health promotion and may contribute to rising obesity rates in the US.
The University of Michigan researchers have successfully cooled a single atom to near absolute zero using laser cooling, a crucial step toward scaling up trapped atom computers. The proposal outlines a 'quantum charge-coupled device' architecture that could be used for large-scale quantum computing.
Researchers identified genetic mutations associated with inherited epilepsy that perturb brain cell electrical properties. These findings support a plausible mechanism for the disorder and suggest potential targets for anticonvulsant drugs.
Researchers found that mupirocin antibiotic ointment can significantly reduce the rate of Staphylococcus aureus surgical wound infections in patients undergoing elective surgery. The study's results have significant implications for reducing hospital-based infections and preventing illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified a potential detour for stalled intracellular lipid traffic. This novel approach could lead to the development of new treatments for various diseases, including those related to lipid metabolism.
Researchers have discovered a protein, alpha hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP), that binds to free alpha globin and prevents it from forming a precipitate that damages red blood cells. This discovery may lead to a new treatment for thalassemia by reducing the need for frequent blood transfusions.
Dr. You's research highlights the effects of endocrine-active chemicals on biological systems, finding altered gene expression in male rats exposed to high levels of genistein and methoxychlor. The study suggests plant-based estrogens can alter the effects of synthetic compounds like pesticides.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that beta-blockers provided significant protection to the brain and its functions in patients undergoing bypass surgery. The study analyzed medical records of 2,575 patients and found a 1.9% rate of adverse effects for those taking beta-blockers compared to 4.3% for those who did not.
The company's phase I clinical trial will examine NicVAX's safety and ability to stimulate the immune system in nonsmokers. If successful, additional trials will be conducted to investigate its efficacy in smokers and ex-smokers.
Researchers at Duke University found that density-dependent mortality plays a role in promoting tree species diversity, just like in tropical forests. Their study suggests that preserving natural enemies is crucial for maintaining tropical diversity.