The NWO/Spinoza prize is awarded to Dutch researchers who rank among the world's top scientists. Four winners were recognized for their outstanding contributions in economics, history, and physics.
A new study links workplace exposure to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affecting three to five million people in the US. The research suggests that controlling hazardous exposures can play a significant role in reducing COPD cases.
Researchers found that amphetamine and cocaine exposure blocked environmental-induced structural changes in the nucleus accumbens and parietal cortex. Exposure to complex environments increased dendritic branching and spine density in these areas, but was hindered by prior drug exposure.
A recent study of 118 heart patients found that while they made significant progress reducing fat intake, many failed to adopt a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. After two years, only 23% were meeting the recommended daily intake, highlighting the need for targeted nutrition education.
The UGA team will expand on their glancing angle deposition technique to fabricate nanoscale 3-D pillars, providing unique features for biosensing applications. The project aims to solve pressing health-related problems through interdisciplinary research and cooperation.
The American Chemical Society is honoring a high school chemistry teacher for his exceptional mentoring skills and commitment to the ACS Scholars Program. The program has provided scholarships to 28 students from Puerto Rico who took Mr. Fonseca's chemistry class, with some going on to win national awards.
David Anderson receives Rumelhart Prize for 30 years of research on human thought processes and learning, leading to effective computer-based tutoring systems. His work explores the neural basis of cognition, contributing to our understanding of the human mind.
Researchers are developing an automated search and retrieval process for drug names to minimize medication errors caused by soundalike words. The software will use intelligibility and perceptual neighborhood measurements to predict confusability scores.
A recent study identified 35 genes that may be linked to prognosis in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), providing new insights into the disease. These unexpected genes were found independently of current classification methods and separated patients into high- and low-risk groups.
Research suggests that planets with high tilt angles may be habitable if they have suitable geography, such as large oceans or continents near the equator. While extreme temperatures would make it difficult for simple life forms to survive, advanced water-dependent life could thrive in these environments.
A new nomogram model predicts prostate cancer likelihood in men with PSA levels below 10 ng/ml, helping to reduce unnecessary biopsies. The model identifies four independent risk factors for positive biopsy results and provides a score to calculate the likelihood of cancer presence.
Researchers at UCSD create tiny silicon chips, 'smart dust,' that can detect chemical or biological compounds and report information to the outside world. The dual-sided particles can collect at a target and self-assemble into a larger reflector for remote sensing applications.
Researchers found that infants as young as four months old learn object concepts through visual observation, not manual exploration. The study used eye-tracking experiments to show that babies quickly grasp fundamental concepts by watching objects in motion.
Researchers developed a novel computer protein design method that created a more efficient and stable version of the peptide Compstatin, which prevents autoimmune-mediated damage. The new method cut down on trial and error, allowing for faster development of potential biopharmaceuticals.
Research shows a shift toward 'medicalization' of deviation from women's traditional roles, while men's depressive illness is increasingly described in terms connoting work and aggression. The study highlights the importance of accurate media representation in influencing patient-doctor communication about mental health concerns.
A study found that 63% of patients with intractable epilepsy who underwent surgery remained seizure-free for over eight years. The duration of epilepsy before surgery was a significant factor in predicting seizure freedom, with patients having longer episodes more likely to remain free from seizures.
Researchers found that Indomethacin keeps phosphate levels normalized without causing life-threatening complications, offering a potential treatment alternative to conventional therapies for X-linked hypophosphatemia.
Donepezil has been shown to improve cognitive function in vascular dementia patients, while a study found that brain volume loss can predict Alzheimer's disease. However, a clinical trial of topiramate in ALS patients found no benefits and an increased risk of adverse events.
A Canadian study found that appreciation and emotional reactiveness to humor doesn't change with age. However, the ability to comprehend more complex forms of humor diminishes in later years due to decreased cognitive abilities. Older adults still enjoy a good laugh but struggle with understanding nuanced humor.
Biologists at Rice University are investigating the genetic and environmental factors behind Chinese tallow trees' success in Texas. The research aims to understand how the trees' low defenses against insects contribute to their rapid growth and success as an invasive species.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have identified a key finding about how donor kidneys adapt to new bodies. By analyzing gene expression patterns, the study found that donor kidneys can develop protective processes that shield them from the recipient's immune system, potentially reducing rejection rates and improving transplant outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that divalproex improved mood and behavioral disorders in over 78% of at-risk children. The medication may delay or prevent the onset of bipolar disorder, offering an alternative treatment option.
A WSU ecologist's research shows that induction of plant resistance to pathogens can also make plants more susceptible to certain insects. Salicylate, a natural plant chemical, plays a key role in this phenomenon.