A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that a woman's level of education is the strongest predictor of whether she will smoke before, during, and after pregnancy. The study also discovered that women with higher levels of education had significantly lower smoking rates compared to those with lower educatio...
Researchers at Purdue University are conducting an experiment to measure the Casimir effect, which could reveal new forces beyond the three spatial dimensions of length, width, and height. The study uses plates made of isotopes of nickel to test for a potential 'fifth force' that could interact with extra dimensions.
Researchers have linked Polycomb gene silencing to histone protein methylation, explaining the permanence of Hox gene silencing. The study found that Polycomb proteins function through methylating a specific lysine residue on histone 3, leading to permanent gene silencing.
Researchers create animal model that develops three types of lymphoma, shedding light on genetic mutations and cell signal pathways. The discovery holds promise for developing new treatments to block cancer-causing signals.
Researchers are continuing their five-year study on lentiviruses, a deadly viral infection, at Ohio State University. The project aims to identify the factors responsible for enhancing the viruses' infection of the nervous system.
Scientists have developed a new technique called COBRA to study the structure of thin films at an atomic level, revealing surprising alignment between film and substrate atoms. The technique provides precise information on atomic positions within films and their interactions with substrates.
Nancy Bowers, a Scripps Institution of Oceanography doctoral student, has been awarded the 2002 Chrysalis Scholarship from the Association for Women Geoscientists. Her research focuses on analyzing high-frequency fluctuations in Earth's magnetic field as observed in oceanic crust data.
Researchers at Washington University's Molecular Imaging Center are developing new applications for existing technologies like PET scans. They're also exploring new methods of molecular imaging using near-infrared fluorescence and bioluminescence probes to study protein-protein interactions, immune cells attacking tumors, and the cours...
Researchers used coral reefs to study the impact of hurricanes on ocean health and climate patterns. By comparing high- and low-frequency hurricane areas, they established a model for analyzing older fossil reefs.
Researchers develop mice with nerve tracts stained by up to four different fluorescent jellyfish proteins, enabling them to study neural connections in the living brain. This approach reveals clues about how learning occurs in the brain, including the elimination of many connections after birth.
Physicist Richard A. Loomis is using lasers to observe and control chemical reactions in real-time, creating 'movies' of molecules forming and breaking at atomic resolution. By recording snapshots at precise times, he aims to understand reaction dynamics and potentially improve industrial production processes.
University of Cincinnati geology graduate student Keri Craven investigates how Hawaiian volcanoes age by analyzing rock samples and applying computer models. Her research suggests that the weight of the volcano may drive its aging process.
A nationwide brain imaging network will share data from patients with schizophrenia to expand understanding of the disease and develop new treatments. The project, led by Steven G. Potkin, aims to create a comprehensive database of brain images and advance research in brain disorders.
The Clay Mathematics Institute presented the 2002 Clay Research Award to Oded Schramm and Manindra Agrawal for their groundbreaking work on the Loewner equation and primality testing, respectively. Agrawal's talk will discuss his ASK algorithm for polynomial-time primality testing.
Scientists have identified a unique mechanism used by the Esa1 enzyme to relax DNA packaging, differing from other enzymes in its family. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing targeted cancer therapies.
Researchers found that nornicotine permanently modifies proteins, affecting their function, and reacting with steroids to form advanced glycation endproducts, linked to diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's. The study highlights the need for more research into nicotine metabolites' consequences.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that prior concussions may lower the threshold for subsequent concussion injury and increase symptom severity in seemingly mild subsequent concussions. The research, which compared 60 athletes with no prior concussion history to 28 athletes with three or more concussions, showed a significant incr...
Researchers from the Pittsburgh Development Center are conducting clinical and pre-clinical studies to investigate genetic components of recurrent miscarriage, normal and abnormal pregnancy, and tobacco smoke exposure's impact on fetal growth. The team aims to track development at the cellular level using non-invasive imaging scans.
Duke researchers have made significant progress in synthesizing uniform 'buckytubes' using a new technique, which could lead to the development of smaller electronic circuitry and more precise control over their electronic properties. The achievement marks an important step towards realizing the full potential of carbon nanotubes.
Scientists using Whipple Observatory gamma-ray telescope discover energetic gamma-ray flares from active galaxies, revealing relativistic jets and compact emission regions. The study also holds promise to reveal nature of 'dark matter' and 'dark energy', which dominate universe's mass budget.
A new strategy in cancer treatment involves using genetic information to guide drug delivery, allowing for more targeted and efficient treatments. The approach uses nucleic acid-triggered catalytic drug release, recognizing and responding to unique cancerous sequences to deliver potent anticancer drugs.
A new online library, Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE), provides deaf students with interactive and visual resources that cater to their unique needs. The library offers reliable and up-to-date information, reducing the learning gap between deaf and hearing students.
The University of Wisconsin will lead a research network to develop and test immune-based treatments for asthma in inner-city children, building on successful NCICAS interventions that have reduced asthma severity.
The hypothesis proposes categorizing diverse symptoms according to unconscious aggressive conflict, rather than conscious superficial descriptors. This approach could reveal common neuroanatomical correlates among seemingly disparate symptoms.
A new excavation at Teotihuacan's Pyramid of the Moon reveals a distinctive Mayan-style burial with jade artifacts, suggesting a direct connection between Teotihuacan rulers and the Maya royal families. The discovery sheds new light on the government of Teotihuacan and its potential influence on Mayan politics.
The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Bank at UCSF is expanding its operations with new technologies and a central coordinating office. The bank now serves over one million specimens from around the world, including China, Thailand, and South America.
Boaz's discovery and commercialization of the BoPhoz¼tm chiral ligands have reached a total market value of over $100 billion, driving researchers to develop new catalysts for synthesizing one-handed forms. These ligands offer pharmaceutical scientists a new path to produce active ingredients quickly and at lower cost.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine that amplifies the production of beneficial antibodies to combat IP-10, a protein responsible for autoimmune disease progression. The vaccine rapidly suppressed experimentally induced rheumatoid arthritis and MS, offering potential relief for millions.
New research at the University of Illinois Chicago found that chromatin, not proteins, provides structural support for chromosomes during cell division. The study used a novel methodology involving DNA digestion and glass tube pipettes, which may help unlock the puzzle of how cells divide.
Research published in PNAS found that caloric restriction can confer significant health benefits for the heart and extend its working life by exerting influence on the genetic program governing heart cells. In middle-aged mice, cutting calories prevented age-related genetic changes that damage heart cells and promote inflammation.
A Rutgers University study shows that Prozac treatment preserves female learning ability even under stress. Chronic Prozac treatment was found to be effective in protecting females from the negative effects of stressful experiences on learning. The researchers also found that males and females respond differently to stressful experiences.
The Stardust spacecraft is using a flyby of asteroid Annefrank to prepare for its primary mission to capture particles from Wild 2. The asteroid's small size and distance from the spacecraft mean images won't be detailed, but it provides a crucial test for the spacecraft's systems.
A comprehensive periodontal examination can save lives by detecting undiagnosed protein S deficiency, a condition that causes thrombotic disorders and increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment outcomes and improved survival rates for patients with this condition.
The new sonar system, Advanced Sonar (SAS), offers four times the range and 36 times the resolution of traditional side-looking sonar. The CTTO facilitated a rapid transition by brokering a Memorandum of Agreement to incorporate SAS into the Mine Reconnaissance System.
A new study suggests that future extreme rain events could cause significant crop losses and damages, particularly in the US Corn Belt. The researchers used a modified crop model to simulate the effects of excess soil moisture on corn crops, finding potential damages up to $3 billion per year by the 2030s.
Researchers develop waveform templates to analyze gravity wave signals, enabling detection of neutron star collapses and black hole collisions. Gravity waves offer a window to the universe carrying different information than electromagnetic waves.
Morales-Martinez is recognized for her efforts to encourage economically disadvantaged high school students to pursue careers in chemistry through the Project SEED program. Her dedication to mentoring and promoting diversity has led to numerous awards, including the University Distinguished Service Medallion.
A Texas Agricultural Experiment Station study found that early planting, even in September, can give slash pine trees a growing head start towards better survivability. Container-grown trees showed more than 90% survival after the first year, compared to 60% for bare-root trees.
Researchers successfully transmitted haptic (touch) feedback across the Atlantic, enabling collaborative tasks like lifting a virtual box. The demonstration uses a robotic arm to simulate touch, allowing users to feel each other's manipulations in real-time.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that pituitary tumor cells express abundant PPAR-gamma, a protein receptor linked to growth and metabolism. Treatment with common diabetes drug rosiglitazone effectively shrunk tumors and reduced hormone production in mice with Cushing's syndrome.
A national effort is underway to study traumatic injury and develop evidence-based treatments. The project will compile extensive databases and standardize care procedures to help physicians choose the best treatment for each patient.
Researchers found that beta blockers significantly reduced overall death rates by 16-34% in two years, regardless of inducible tachycardia presence. However, the drugs did not reduce arrhythmic death or cardiac arrest, but showed a trend towards fewer events with combined antiarrhythmic and beta blocker therapy.
A new nanoparticle coating developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis mimics the natural properties of dolphin skin to prevent biofouling on ship hulls. The coating's complex surface features make it difficult for marine organisms to attach, reducing friction and drag.
A team of UCSD researchers found that regular outbursts of ultraviolet radiation from massive stars may play a significant role in stirring up galaxies. The simulation study suggests that this radiation acts as an important regulation mechanism, inhibiting further star formation and regulating the galactic perturbations.
A study using female rats found that long-term estrogen replacement therapy impaired memory performance, especially when combined with chronic brain inflammation. This effect is analogous to the observed decline in cognitive function in postmenopausal women with Alzheimer's disease who receive continuous estrogen therapy.
A brain study reveals that people with lower back pain experience severe pain even from a gentle finger squeeze, while fibromyalgia patients feel the same level of pain. The study uses fMRI to measure brain activity and finds enhanced response to pain in some areas and diminished response in others.
The GSA 2002 conference discusses the impacts of human activities on natural systems, including droughts, wildfires, and ground-water depletion. Researchers also explore the role of climate change in shaping Earth's history, as seen in sediment cores from the Great Blue Hole.
The study found that excluding exile groups from politics can lead to radicalization, as they become introverted and marginalized. Inclusive policies allow migrant organizations to engage in domestic politics and work on issues related to their European situation.
A survey of 299 HIV+ patients found that total pills per day had the greatest impact on adherence, followed by dosing frequency. Patients preferred low-pill-count regimens and those requiring less frequent dosing.
A study found that exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy improved fatigue, distress, mental health, and physical function in Gulf War veterans. Physical function improved more in those who received CBT, while mental health issues showed significant gains with exercise or both.
A new study finds that linezolid is as effective as vancomycin in treating infants and children with gram-positive infections, providing a valuable treatment option for this age group. The antibiotic is particularly promising for community-acquired MRSA infections, which are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
David Bottjer discovered that messier sediments held more advanced animal remains, suggesting churned conditions led to environmental pressure and evolutionary changes. This finding supports the idea that 'sod busters' accelerated the Cambrian explosion of new life forms by forcing earlier animals to adapt to harsh environments.
Jenny LaGesse is studying ancient North Carolina coastlines by analyzing cores and outcrops to understand rock types, stacking patterns, and changes over time. Her research aims to produce models with worldwide applications in environments similar to the Paleogene of North Carolina.
A study by Jennifer Stempien explores the geographic influences on species variation in ancient bivalves. She found that specimens from different locations exhibited wide variability in physical characteristics, suggesting a strong geographic influence over time.
A single geophone can detect seismic vibrations in Europa's icy crust, revealing its depth and potentially life-sustaining liquid ocean beneath. The technique, tested on Arctic Sea ice, aims to uncover the moon's internal structure without the need for a costly lander mission.
The sequencing of Chlamydomonas' chloroplast genome reveals its potential for improving crop tolerance to phosphates, reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution. The algae may also be used as a source of renewable hydrogen and bioreactor for producing novel proteins.
A new study on Chinese immigration in Europe reveals that the primary motivation is financial gain, enabling migrants to generate employment and wealth. Chinese migrants are highly mobile once they arrive, often changing countries to find better conditions.
The increasingly salty Mediterranean could lead to a new ice age in Canada due to changes in Atlantic circulation patterns. This is because the saltiness of the Mediterranean water makes it dense enough to sink easily, allowing warm water to replace it and keep seas south of Greenland relatively warm.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are conducting a large-scale aquifer test to improve groundwater management. They are using GPS antennas and remote-sensing radar satellites to measure land subsidence with millimeter accuracy, which will help managers maintain the elastic range of the aquifer and prevent land subsidence.
Thomas Wynn is creating a three-dimensional map of West Virginia's subsurface using well cuttings from 200 wells. He aims to find oolites that contain natural gas and better understand the transition from greenhouse to ice-age conditions during the Mississippian Age. The study has significant implications for accessing natural gas rese...