A staged development concept for Yucca Mountain aims to allow decisions based on latest available information, avoiding rigid timelines. A pilot stage will study performance before storing large amounts of radioactive waste.
Scientists warn that leatherback sea turtles are on the brink of extinction due to declining populations in Pacific Ocean rookeries. Conservation efforts are needed to reverse this trend, with potential solutions including gear fixes, spatial closures, and changes in consumer demand for swordfish.
Charismatic Antarctic creatures are under threat from illegal fishing, with seabirds, fur seals, and penguins facing increased competition for food or being killed by fishing gear. Scientific research has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of Antarctic seabirds killed from longline fisheries over the last five years.
A new brain atlas developed by neuroscientist David Van Essen aims to improve our understanding of the brain's structure and function. The atlas provides a comprehensive map of the brain's cortical and cerebellar regions, which are essential for thought, learning, emotion, perception, sensation, and movement.
A study by Duke University researchers found that outpatient Mohs micrographic surgery is safe, with a complication rate of 1.64% out of 1,343 procedures performed in 2000. The results counter concerns raised by lobbyists and policymakers about the safety of outpatient surgeries.
A new study found that patients in higher-spending regions receive more care, but it does not translate to better outcomes, patient satisfaction, or access to care. Removing liver tumors by ethanol injection therapy followed by interferon therapy may reduce the risk of tumor recurrence in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus.
New research reveals nucleus is more than just a bag of chromosomes, with key findings including the discovery of rope-like proteins called lamins linked to human diseases. The study also sheds light on the orchestrated process of nuclear breakdown during cell division.
Research suggests that high intake of unsaturated fats may be protective against AD, while saturated and trans-unsaturated fats increase risk. Additionally, studies found no association between antioxidant vitamin intake and reduced AD risk.
Agricultural surpluses and tariffs imposed by wealthy nations deny developing countries the opportunity to produce more food and lift people out of poverty. The solution lies in investing in rural infrastructure, technology, and market structure to increase productivity and reduce hunger.
Kirk Johnson's latest discovery of the rainforest in Denver provides answers to key questions about ancient landscaping and will aid scientists in predicting groundwater availability. The rainforest, one of the oldest-known on earth, is now on display at the DMNS, accompanied by a Web site and book.
The symposium highlights the application of advanced mathematical concepts in various industries, including product development and decision-making. Key speakers from IBM, Boeing, and a consultant will discuss trends and opportunities for using mathematics in manufacturing and services, as well as research challenges.
Researcher North studies survivors of disasters, including plane crashes and mass shootings, finding most people are resilient but vulnerable to PTSD. People with a history of psychiatric illness are at high risk for developing PTSD, especially those experiencing avoidance and numbing symptoms after disasters.
The iScope system provides a platform for researchers to study mouse brain tissue samples and advance understanding of complex traits such as dyslexia and schizophrenia. By enabling real-time access to high-resolution images and genetic data, the iScope facilitates international collaboration and accelerates discoveries in neuroscience.
Researchers found that plasma glucose levels were poorly correlated with birth weight, and factors like smoking, pregnancy weight, and weight gain during pregnancy were more important predictors. The authors also questioned the historic link between gestational diabetes and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates.
Researchers at Cornell University found that the human eye can compensate for certain types of optical faults, such as corneal astigmatism and high-order aberrations. The study used wavefront analysis to measure deviations in the eye's optics and found evidence of internal compensation mechanisms.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that deleting the PUMA gene in colorectal cancer cells prevents cell death. The study builds on previous findings and suggests that increasing PUMA levels could lead to new cancer therapies.
Breakthroughs in snow making and ski design are transforming the industry. Advances in understanding snowflake formation will improve skiing and our knowledge of the natural world. Researchers also explore the applications of snow science to condensed matter and the origins of arctic phenomena like 'rock circles' and lightning.
A new monsoon forecasting method developed by Professor Peter Webster could guide farmers in choosing optimal planting times and making informed decisions about water management. This technique, applicable to any monsoon region, has the potential to create a significant increase in crop yields without relying on pesticides or fertilizers.
Researchers found that infants as young as 6.5 months can recognize word boundaries by identifying sound patterns in speech. As they mature, they rely on stressed syllables to determine word ends and begin. The study provides insight into how humans acquire language.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified 92 unique fruit fly memory genes that could be important for understanding human learning and memory. The study found that many of these genes have counterparts in humans and may be potential targets for developing therapies to treat Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Pascual and coworkers reveals that climate variability from ENSO influences cholera cycles, with a stronger link during warm events. Understanding this connection is crucial as ENSO predictions suggest a potential increase in disease variability under global warming.
The Arctic Oscillation has strengthened in recent decades, leading to increased warmth over the Northern Hemisphere. Recent computer-model simulations suggest a possible link between the AO and global warming.
A researcher has found a new cell type, VENT cells, that can give rise to all four major types of human tissue. This discovery challenges the existing understanding of human development and opens up new avenues for research into diseases such as Hirschsprung's disease and esophageal reflux disease.
A Virginia Tech researcher is developing a fleet of low-cost, miniature autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect elusive environmental data in Hog Island Bay. The AUVs will be equipped with sensors to monitor water parameters and work cooperatively to gather data that can't be collected with traditional methods.
Researchers found that Native American communities persisted for long periods, with some lasting over three centuries, due to successful farming practices and social ties. The study challenged the common misconception of village abandonment as a failure of community life.
Researchers found that 9-month-old American infants exposed to Mandarin Chinese were able to distinguish phonetic units of the language, even when exposed for less than five hours. This suggests that social interaction plays an important role in language learning and that brief exposure can have long-lasting effects.
Researchers explore new power plants that capture carbon dioxide before it leaves the facility, as well as synthetic trees that pluck carbon from the air. Despite promising results, challenges remain, including proper water disposal and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A study by Shortt and Shaw found no correlation between socioeconomic status and waiting times for elective surgical procedures. The authors suggest that health reforms should track trends in service delivery to vulnerable groups, highlighting the need for equity in healthcare.
A comprehensive analysis found that Medicare enrollees in higher-spending regions don't have better access to or quality of care, nor do they have better survival rates. In fact, those in higher-spending regions were less likely to receive preventive services.
Patients who leave hospital against medical advice (AMA) are at a higher risk of being readmitted, with 21% likelihood compared to 3% for routine discharges. Readmissions often occur within the first 15 days after discharge.
William T. Golden establishes endowment fund to support innovative programs and creative thinking in the scientific enterprise. The gift aims to improve human welfare through scientific advances, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation.
Researchers have discovered that chromatin folds at a much higher level than previously thought, leading to surprisingly large enzyme complexes. This finding has significant implications for understanding gene expression and regulation.