The University of Houston has received a five-year, $1.5 million NSF grant to enhance its engineering curriculum and increase prospective students, with a focus on collaboration and interactive learning methods.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is shifting its approach to prioritize reducing global health disparities and addressing emerging epidemics. The organization aims to strengthen health systems and deliver sustainable care to vulnerable populations by 2015. This shift in focus will depend on research priorities and funding to achieve...
Researchers develop methylation filtration method to capture gene-rich regions, excluding repetitive DNA, and achieve 93% reduction in sequencing time. The approach enables complete gene sequence recovery from difficult-to-decipher genomes.
A study of long-haul air travelers found a 1% risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Traditional risk factors and prophylactic measures may need further investigation to reduce the risk.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science names WMAP satellite and Sloan Digital Sky Survey as key discoveries confirming a dark, expanding universe dominated by 73% dark energy. Scientists also identified genes increasing mental illness risk and reported global warming impacts.
The HapMap project aims to create a catalog of common genetic patterns, or haplotypes, which will simplify and accelerate efforts to identify genes associated with chronic diseases. By analyzing DNA samples from over 270 individuals from four countries, the project hopes to provide insights into human genetics.
A study by Dr. Kimberly O'Brien found that adolescent pregnancy compromises a girl's ability to reach optimal bone growth, potentially leading to osteoporosis. Girls who consumed more calcium during pregnancy showed less bone loss when tested post-partum.
A new study found that overharvesting Brazil nuts significantly reduces seedling and young trees in the Amazon. Scientists recommend limiting harvests, restricting seasons, or planting more trees to ensure sustainability.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers suggests the risk for recurrent yeast infections is related to a woman's immune response to the yeast. Women who have had cunnilingus or masturbation with saliva in the past month were more likely to develop recurrent yeast infections.
A $1.6 million federal allocation will support polymer research initiatives at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Southside Virginia. The funding aims to stimulate economic growth through the development of new technologies, businesses, and job creation.
A cholesterol-free mouse model was generated, supporting the 'sterol synergism' theory and highlighting the importance of cholesterol in developmental stages. The knock-out pups showed poorer growth characteristics than normal animals.
Researchers found that Concord grape juice improved short-term memory and neuro-motor skills in senescent rats, with significant improvements seen in tests measuring spatial learning and balance. The study suggests that high levels of natural antioxidants in the grape juice may be responsible for these benefits.
Researchers analyzed features in mid-latitudes on Mars, similar to those in Antarctica's Dry Valleys, to indicate significant ice buried near the planet's surface. The study provides new insights into Martian ice ages driven by variations in the planet's orbit and tilt.
The study found that oil's negative effects last far longer than expected, with some species suffering long-term losses due to chronic exposure. The findings highlight the importance of controlling stormwater runoff and revising water quality standards to mitigate pollution.
A recent study by St. Mary's College of Maryland professor Edward Orlando reveals that hormones from cattle feedlots are altering the reproductive biology of wild fish in Nebraska's Elkhorn River. The research showed significant changes in male and female fish, with reduced testosterone levels and altered estrogen levels.
The NY Academy of Sciences' Harbor Consortium recommends minimizing mercury emissions from coal combustion to reduce pollution in the New York/New Jersey harbor watershed. The group cites a direct link between atmospheric releases and mercury levels in fish, emphasizing the need for a national and international commitment.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has awarded fellowships to 10 Chinese reporters to promote science journalism in China. The program aims to encourage young journalists to accurately convey scientific issues to the public, supporting sustainable development and vaccine research.
A pilot study found that children who underwent steroid-free immunosuppression had a lower rate of graft rejection after 12 months compared to those who received steroids. The findings suggest no harmful effect on graft acceptance, but further follow-up is needed to confirm the results.
Scientists have discovered a key role for lipid metabolism in the regulation of the immune system. The study reveals that natural killer T cells can recognize lipids on the surface of bacteria, triggering an immune response. By understanding this process, researchers hope to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people with lupus are more likely to develop fatty deposits in their arteries, accelerating atherosclerosis. The risk is higher in patients who have had the disease longer and those who have used less immunosuppressive treatment.
This year's Wakley Prize essays share personal reflections from doctors and patients in Peru, highlighting the struggle to tackle tuberculosis despite financial constraints. The essays reveal how poverty draws a line between life and death for many individuals.
The current Brazil nut harvesting practices are not sustainable in the long term due to disrupted regeneration cycles, leading to a dwindling number of older trees. The researchers recommend close monitoring and management of exploited populations to avoid future failures and encourage younger tree establishment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified malonyl-CoA as a key chemical regulator of appetite in mice. By injecting the compound C75 into the brain, they found that levels of malonyl-CoA increase immediately after feeding, triggering appetite signals. This breakthrough understanding could lead to new ways to control appetite.
A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that dependent older patients incur significantly higher hospital costs compared to independent patients. On average, dependent patients stayed in the hospital for 2 days longer than independent patients, resulting in a 23% increase in costs.
Researchers found that aged roaches develop a 'tarsus catch' where the leg joint hardens, causing tripping and loss of gait. As they age, sticky pads change from supple to hardened brown ones, affecting their climbing ability.
A massive gene-comparison project found evidence of positive selection in genes involved in olfaction, smell perception, and hearing. This suggests that lifestyle changes, such as the shift from a plant-based diet to meat-eating, drove the evolution of unique human traits.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective alternative to sequencing the entire genomes of complex plants by combining two gene-enrichment techniques. The new method provides about a four-fold reduction in sequencing necessary to find all maize genes, highlighting its potential for analyzing large and complex plant genomes.
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) has received funding to launch AnthroSource, an electronic initiative providing access to anthropological media, journals, and gray literature. This project aims to make high-value material permanently available and expand visibility for anthropology content worldwide.
Dr. Walter Reich received the AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for his work exposing psychiatric abuse in the Soviet Union. He revealed how Soviet psychiatrists used this tactic to curb dissent, leading to human rights abuses.
A study published in Science reveals that the overwhelming source of human genetic variation is between individuals, not ethnic groups. The research also highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in advancing medical knowledge.
John Allen Paulos, known for communicating the pleasures of mathematics to huge audiences, has received the AAAS Award for Public Understanding of Science & Technology. He has written seven books, including 'Innumeracy' and 'A Mathematician Reads the Newspaper', which have received glowing reviews.