A brain scan technique called functional MRI reveals differences between healthy elderly persons and those with poor memory, indicating less effective data storage. This finding has implications for diagnosing normal memory problems versus the early stages of dementia.
Scientists at UCSB and Helsinki University of Technology develop a novel material combining the favorable economics of mass-produced plastics with the properties of designer plastics. The resulting material, mostly made of polystyrene, exhibits the conducting properties of polyaniline.
Dutch technologists have developed a more environmentally friendly car tyre by mixing silica and rubber in a specific ratio. The tyre features a low rolling resistance, leading to reduced fuel consumption. Silica grain size plays a crucial role in the rolling resistance, with smaller particles resulting in lower resistance.
Research shows that fire frequency impacts the ability of forests to store carbon, with younger stands storing less carbon than older ones. Forests dominated by rapidly growing aspen trees tend to store more carbon than those with slower-growing black spruce and jack pine trees.
A computer model has been developed to calculate how concrete responds to salt and moisture exposure, allowing for the simulation of various factors that affect its durability. The model can be used for both designing new concrete structures and analyzing existing ones, enabling more accurate predictions of their lifespan.
The study reveals that photochemical effects dominate the winter-to-spring ozone increase, while stratospheric sources account for a small fraction of the observed ozone. Local ozone production is found to be more significant than the amount delivered from aloft during late spring.
Dutch chemists Ries Janssen and colleagues have visualized the porous structure of a zeolite catalyst and found that about a quarter of canals are closed cavities. They developed two methods to create better canals, using carbon powder and carbon fibers as templates, resulting in improved accessibility and structure.
Researchers from Delft University of Technology found that reinforced high-strength concrete cracks less quickly than previously believed. By omitting extra steps during the hardening process, costs can be saved and environmental impact reduced.
NCAR has surpassed the one-petabyte mark in its data archives, storing over 1 trillion gigabytes of climate research data. This achievement is made possible by StorageTek's automated tape systems and high-performance computing infrastructure.
Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of St. John's wort and citalopram in treating minor depression, a common disorder that can impair daily life and increase the risk of major depression. The study aims to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations for primary care clinicians.
Researchers found that ethylene is vital for plant protection against microorganisms, enabling plants to detect and respond to infections. Modified ethylene-insensitive tobacco plants were more susceptible to diseases due to the lack of ethylene's protective mechanism.