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.
A new study finds Keppra alleviates severe nerve pain in cancer patients by reducing VAS scores to 0-3 within 3-14 days, with a significant decrease in opioid use. The medication was well-tolerated and showed potential therapeutic benefits for further investigation.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that two types of medications used to treat osteoporosis and certain cancers can cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. The research found that almost 100 patients experienced blurred vision, pain, and swelling as a r...
A 2002 conjunctivitis outbreak at Dartmouth College revealed bacterial pinkeye caused by a strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae lacking protective capsule. Effective collaboration between doctors, health officials, and the CDC helped contain the outbreak through rapid communication and basic hygiene measures.
Scientists at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research developed a screening strategy to identify mutations that cause cancer drug resistance. The study identified 112 mutations, including 15 previously linked to Gleevec resistance, and created a 3D computer model to visualize their location on the BCR/ABL protein.
UCB's pharma sector announces a new antiepileptic drug candidate, ucb 34714, which demonstrates higher efficacy than existing levetiracetam in reducing epileptiform activity and seizure severity. The compound also shows tolerability and disease-modifying properties, supporting its potential for improving epilepsy therapy.
A study found that women with bacterial vaginosis or abnormal vaginal flora had a higher risk of late miscarriage and spontaneous preterm delivery. Treating these conditions with antibiotics may reduce this risk, with the number of women needed to be treated calculated at around ten.
The Association for Computing Machinery has awarded Carroll the CHI Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to human-computer interaction. His research focused on scenario-based design, usability specification, and participatory design, which have had significant impacts on software development and user experience.
A study found that VA facilities in the US offer limited on-site specialty care for women veterans, with most services provided off-site through contracts. Facilities with more specialist physicians and separate women's health budgets offered more specialized services on-site.
African Americans with chronic pain experience significantly more symptoms than whites when seeking treatment, including greater levels of pain, depression, and impairment. Economic factors also play a significant role in producing these disparities.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have discovered a new polymer membrane that allows for more efficient movement of lithium ions, leading to better battery performance and longer lifespan. The membrane, made from MEEP material, can be molded into any shape and is temperature-tolerant, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers have developed a technology that uses gold nanoparticles to attach enzymes to electrodes, improving the measurement of biological molecules. The technique enables more sensitive and specific glucose monitoring in diabetic patients, with higher flow rates detected than with traditional methods.
A NASA study has found a significant increase in solar radiation over the past 24 years, which could contribute to global climate change. The trend is comparable to one previously reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and may have been present throughout the 20th century.
RIT's Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies has developed an asset health management system that continuously monitors vehicle health through remote sensors and satellite communications. The system diagnoses problems, recommends repairs, and aggregates data to optimize fleet performance.
A study found that Keppra, when used in combination with conventional treatments, provided significant pain relief for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Over half of the participants showed marked improvement and continued treatment with Keppra.
A community study of 400 patients with various pain types found that Keppra was well-tolerated and provided significant pain relief. The medication was effective in treating a range of conditions, including migraine headaches, nerve pain, and diabetic pain.
Researchers argue that primary care is misunderstood by academia and funding bodies, lacking a clear boundary to establish its distinct knowledge base. The editorial disagrees, emphasizing the importance of family practice in influencing all clinical specialties.
The region is facing a major public health crisis with an estimated 1 million individuals already infected, mostly through injecting drug use. Improved measures are urgently needed to prevent further HIV spread and protect vulnerable populations.
Researchers created a unique DNA probe, PNA2-DNA2 hybrid quadruplexes, which show great promise for studying genetic regions and preventing diseases. This breakthrough could lead to new compounds as biosensors or gene blockers.
The new guidelines recommend directly observed therapy for patients with TB to improve treatment completion rates. Four regimens are recommended for treating patients with drug-susceptible organisms, with an initial phase of 2 months followed by a continuation period of 4 to 7 months.
A study of Native American artifacts found high levels of mercury, naphthalene, and DDT, posing a risk to human health. Museums are advised to handle these objects with proper precautions until further research is conducted.
Scientists identified 10 genes that function similarly to the Oct4 gene, essential for embryonic development. Inefficiently expressed genes in somatic cell-derived clones may contribute to their failure to survive. The study aims to improve cloning efficiency and yield vital information about disease and cell development.
A new study reveals that iron deficiency leads to significant economic losses, particularly in developing countries. The research estimates that iron deficiencies result in a 0.6% loss of GDP due to physical productivity losses from adults lacking iron, rising to 4% with added learning and motor impairments.
Women in professional occupations reported feeling a sense of loss upon retirement, while those in nonprofessional jobs felt relieved. They also differed in their decision-making processes, with professionals focusing on pension eligibility and health concerns, while nonprofessionals based it on family issues.
Employers and insurers are exploring new hospital-tier insurance plans to increase enrollees' sensitivity to price variations between hospitals. This trend aims to moderate hospital prices by providing incentives for cost-conscious consumers to choose lower-cost facilities.
The study found that complex interactions between common gene variants contribute to Parkinson's disease risk in women. Environmental exposures are thought to play a greater role in men, with estrogen reducing the risk of developing the disease in women.
Trachoma is a substantial global burden, with millions blinded worldwide and estimated annual costs of $2.9 billion. Future research should consider the broader impact of trachoma on disability beyond visual loss, according to the study's authors.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a new physics phenomenon that uses metamaterials to create a focused beam of light. By amplifying evanescent waves and correcting their phase, these lenses could revolutionize the engineering of electronic devices at the nanometre scale.
Researchers found that lightning creates significant amounts of nitrogen oxides and ozone in the free troposphere. The study showed that lightning is a major contributor to regional air chemistry, generating more oxidants that help clean up the atmosphere while also producing pollutants like ozone.
Scientists have discovered two signaling molecules, Wnt and noggin, that influence immature stem cells to form hair follicles. These findings may lead to new ways to promote or inhibit hair growth, as well as insights into the development of other tissues like teeth and lungs.
Researchers have identified two natural proteins, Wnt and noggin, that promote the development of hair follicles in stem cells. These proteins work together to change the stem cell's shape and separate from adjoining cells, a crucial step for hair growth.
Bierman and Landry will conduct research to improve Army land managers' understanding of landscape change and detect mustard gas using porous materials. The projects aim to expand research opportunities in states with limited federal funding for university research.
HIV-1 uses a unique 'glycan shield' mechanism to evade antibody attack, continuously changing large sugar molecules on its surface. This allows the virus to outsmart the immune system and escape elimination.
A study found that venom immunotherapy significantly reduced the risk of severe systemic reactions to jack jumper ant stings in healthy adults. The treatment was effective in preventing life-threatening reactions, even in those who had previously experienced severe symptoms.
Sarah Billington and Alexandria Boehm, two Stanford professors, are pioneering research in earthquake-resistant construction and coastal water quality. Their work aims to improve infrastructure sustainability and environmental protection.
Researchers developed an underwater sensor system that uses hierarchical, acoustic method to transfer information from sensors in water to the air for monitoring of rivers, lakes, and ponds. The system enables continuous, in-place monitoring, which is easier, more timely, and less expensive than traditional methods.
A continental SuperGrid could meet the US energy demands in the 21st century by delivering both electrical power and hydrogen fuel. The concept links urban centers to remote power sources, reducing transmission bottlenecks and improving system reliability.
A Salk Institute research team has discovered a receptor-protein interaction that guides nerve cells along specific pathways. The binding of protein Wnt5 to receptor Derailed prevents nerve cells from entering the wrong pathway, ensuring accurate connections.
Airway epithelial cells use a repair mechanism that is triggered when the cell barrier is breached, allowing messenger molecules to communicate with receptors and initiate rapid repair. This study suggests that certain diseases, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, may impair this mechanism, leading to abnormal cellular changes.
A scholar suggests that an economic system may be a contributing factor to dissatisfaction in the West. Her book, Radical Gratitude, proposes that people can be happier by being more grateful for what they possess and have accomplished.
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that IVF births are associated with a higher incidence of exstrophy-epispadias complex, a rare birth defect affecting the bladder, pelvic bones, and genitals. Researchers estimate the risk is up to 7.3 times more common in IVF children compared to the general population.
The PPG Industries Foundation has initiated the American Chemical Society/PPG Scholarships Plus Program, funding 60 students and hiring two ACS/PPG Scholars. The program provides financial scholarships, mentorship, and summer research opportunities to academically accomplished African American, Hispanic, and Native American students.
A new study published in JAMA found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of dementia in older adults. The study analyzed data from 373 dementia patients and 373 control subjects, finding that moderate drinkers had a 54% lower risk of dementia compared to abstainers.
Research on STI571 and paclitaxel shows potential in controlling prostate cancer metastasis to bone. Lung cancer risk varies widely among smokers, with accurate prediction models helping individuals decide on screening. Non-BRCA mutations may be linked to high breast cancer risk in younger women.
A study found that 75% of men aged 50 and older reported undergoing PSA testing, compared to 63% for colorectal cancer screening. The mismatch between screening rates highlights the need for better patient education on effective cancer tests.
Researchers at RIT have developed MRE heating technology, enabling hot meals and drinks for soldiers. The device uses magnesium to produce heat and has been part of every MRE used by US troops since the Persian Gulf War.
Researchers found that 68% of invasive low-grade ovarian tumors and 61% of precancerous lesions carried one of the three common mutations in BRAF or KRAS. Blocking KRAS-BRAF signaling may provide more effective therapy for these cancers, which generally do not respond well to conventional chemotherapy.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how proteins fold by capturing single proteins in action. The study reveals that protein molecules vary in the routes they take to form the same folded shape and create numerous intermediate shapes along the way.
A new study reveals that peanut allergies are on the rise in Quebec, affecting approximately 1.5% of Montreal schoolchildren, compared to previous estimates of 0.5%. The Association québécoise des allergies alimentaires has also launched a certification program for allergen-free food products.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered an RNA decoy strategy to divert the NF-kappaB protein, which plays a negative role in disease activation. This approach has potential as a novel drug development method for cancer, AIDS, and inflammatory diseases.
The University Spider connects businesses with top university experts in high-tech fields, enabling collaborative sponsored research and licensing agreements. The system also promotes heightened visibility for universities in the region.