The US Department of Energy has awarded $102 million in grants to small businesses for innovative research projects focused on energy, environmental, and national security. The selected companies will explore the feasibility of their proposed innovations over the next year and may apply for further funding.
A study found that large amounts of Ki-67 antigen in cancer cells predict the growth and return of pilocytic astrocytoma, a common childhood brain tumor. The presence of this protein increases the risk of cancer recurrence or growth.
Researchers found that bacteria in mazes congregate in small rooms and dead-end pathways, suggesting a survival mechanism. This active seeking behavior could lead to new drugs disrupting the congregating behavior of harmful bacteria.
Researchers found that caspase cleavage of tau promotes the formation of abnormal filaments resembling tangles. This discovery provides a new link between amyloid-beta and tau tangles, suggesting a common cause for Alzheimer's disease.
A new study aims to reduce juvenile delinquency in rural areas by providing home-based, family-oriented health services and early intervention. The Rural Appalachia Project will work with opinion leaders to change social context and improve mental health treatment for children aged 9-17 with serious conduct problems.
A new study found that larger exposures to anthrax spores require longer antibiotic therapy. In low-exposure cases, sixty days of antibiotics provide adequate protection, but four months are needed for high-exposure situations.
Scientists discovered a single gene, PHAN, that regulates leaf shape in plants. The study found similar patterns of PHAN gene expression and leaf shape in over 500 plant species, suggesting a limited number of ways to change leaf shape.
Twelve invasive marine species have grown larger by up to 40%, including European green crabs and Chinese mitten crabs. The findings suggest that these animals are no longer held back by predators or parasites, leading to increased size.
The EU's Europe Against Cancer Programme has shown promising results in reducing cancer deaths across most European countries. However, tobacco use still poses a significant threat to public health, with many countries experiencing declining trends in cancer death rates while others struggle with rising rates.
A new three-year grant will help researchers better understand the causes and risk factors of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects 30,000 people in the US. The study aims to investigate the link between a genetic mutation called Hfe and the onset and progression of ALS.
The study found that superintendents face barriers to reform due to micromanaging school boards, inflexible unions, and pressure groups. To improve student performance, districts need clearer authority to hire, fire, and adjust teachers, reconfigure bad schools, and adjust curricula.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that administering the drug trichostatin A can effectively delay the start of labor in mice by allowing progesterone to continue functioning. This is significant because mice have a short gestation period, and pre-term birth affects over 460,000 infants annually.
Researchers have developed a mouse embryonic stem cell model that can differentiate into pancreatic precursor cells and islet cells producing four types of hormones. This study could provide valuable insights into normal pancreatic development and potentially lead to better stem cell-based therapies for diabetes.
A large study found that estrogen replacement therapy prolongs the QT interval, increasing risk for arrhythmia and heart problems. Women who used hormone therapy had a 50% higher odds of QT prolongation compared to those who never used hormones.
A study published in Animal Behaviour found that female fiddler crabs are attracted to burrows, not just male courtship signals. The researchers suggest that some male signals may be designed to keep females safe as they search for a mate.
A Canadian consortium, led by NOVA Chemicals and the Alberta Research Council Inc., has developed a new membrane technology to improve olefin production. The process aims to reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions in petrochemical plants, with potential economic and environmental benefits for industry and Canadians.
NYU scientists have developed a new mathematical method to analyze genetic data, reducing noise and errors in gene expression microarrays. The algorithm corrects for various types of errors and is expected to be widely incorporated in gene-related cancer research.
A study by Joslin Diabetes Center has identified a family of metabolic genes associated with type 2 diabetes risk. The research found that 55 genes showed altered activity in both people with diabetes and those at high risk for prediabetes, suggesting a continuum from normal to diabetic states.
A molecule called nitric oxide is a natural regulator of new neurons in the adult brain. Blocking nitric oxide production stimulates neural stem cell proliferation, increasing brain neuron generation and contributing to the adult brain's architecture.
A new system allows for continuous monitoring of mortality rates in general practices, helping identify unusual trends and potential areas for improvement. The tool can aid in spotting high-quality care by highlighting low mortality rates.
Recent studies establish that beta-amyloid activates caspases, cutting tau at its tangle-blocking end and generating abnormal filaments. This process occurs before neuronal apoptosis, promoting death of the neuron.
Researchers found that rotational deceleration increases with higher falls and harder surfaces, leading to more severe diffuse brain injuries. Inflicted impacts on hard surfaces are likely to cause subdural hemorrhage and possibly diffuse axonal injury.
The report provides a sober assessment of nanotechnology's possibilities, distinguishing between current applications, potential future advancements, and unfeasible goals. It also explores the role of social science in nanotechnology development, highlighting opportunities to anticipate and incorporate implications into the technology.
Researchers at Purdue University have made a significant breakthrough in creating a method to keep embryonic stem cells of zebrafish viable, enabling them to study gene function related to human diseases. This innovation has the potential to reduce time and costs associated with researching gene function, making zebrafish a more attrac...