Biophysicists at Cornell University have developed a new technique to optically record millisecond-by-millisecond signaling through nerve cells. The method combines multiphoton microscopy with specially developed dyes and second-harmonic generation, allowing for high-resolution images of brain nerve impulses. This breakthrough could he...
Scientists propose that alterations in cholesterol and ceramide contribute to neurodegenerative cascade destroying neurons in Alzheimer's disease. Oxidative stress triggered by beta amyloid peptide leads to ceramide accumulation, causing nerve cell death.
Chiu presented her research on correlating gene changes with limb structure, a topic of interest to paleoanthropologists. By studying the mouse, she found that significant developmental differences are due to changes in gene regulation.
Computer scientists at Cornell University have developed an algorithm to identify influential people in online communities. The method uses web crawlers to map communications links and can be applied to various goals such as product sales, disease prediction, or identifying terrorist leaders.
Researchers found a significant bias against recovered memories, with an average rating of 3.6 compared to 4.0 for continuous memories. This bias may be caused by imprecise terminology and misleading media reports, which can harm victims of child abuse.
Scientists, including Stephen H. Schneider, will discuss challenges of assessing and communicating scientific risk in managing marine fisheries. Schneider also emphasizes the importance of effective science communication to counter false dichotomies in media coverage.
A University of Minnesota physicist reveals surprising accuracy in superhero comics regarding basic physical concepts. He uses Superman as an example to calculate the strength needed for superhuman feats.
Research by Susan Goldin-Meadow found that adults develop a syntax similar to deaf children's gesture systems when communicating through hand gestures. The study suggests that the order of gestures reflects a more fundamental property of human thought, independent of communication.
Researchers successfully cloned three mule foals, including Idaho Gem, using increased calcium concentrations in the media. This breakthrough may aid understanding of human diseases, as equine cell activation and division rates can be accelerated by exposure to calcium.
Researchers found that traditional Iroquois cropping systems, mimicking natural polycultures, outperform monoculture methods in controlling pests and diseases. The 'three sisters' system also promotes soil fertility through crop residue recycling.
Researchers conclude that large pools of carbon on land may shrink in the coming century, affecting carbon removal. Planting trees remains an effective way to sequester carbon, but growth rates are unlikely to be supercharged.
Research found that acetylcholine helps keep old information from interfering with new learning, while anticholinergic medications can impair memory function. The study suggests targeting cognitive 'stress tests' to detect early dementia symptoms and discourages chronic use of medications with anticholinergic effects.
Recent studies suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be effective in treating social anxiety in alcohol-dependent individuals, particularly those with severe depression. Additionally, anticonvulsants like sodium valproate and atypical antipsychotics like clozapine show promise in reducing alcohol use among bi...
Researchers have developed materials that enable wavelength division multiplexing, transmitting 5 terabits of data per second. These new materials require less than one-fifth the voltage needed for standard lithium niobate crystals, improving performance by nearly fivefold in just four years.
The AAAS survey found that nearly 80% of Americans believe human stresses are threatening coastal regions and oceans. Despite this, a significant majority - nearly two-thirds - would eat less fish if it helped protect natural resources. The town hall meeting aims to bridge the gap between scientists, policymakers, and the public.
A national study of 44 African-American Ph.D. chemists found that despite experiencing discriminatory practices and attitudes, most respondents had positive feelings about chemistry and built successful careers. The study highlights the importance of mentoring as a key factor in overcoming obstacles.
Science teacher training should focus on understanding how students learn, rather than just teaching strategies. Recruiting talented undergraduate science majors as teachers can significantly improve the preparation of science educators.
The study found increasing calcium levels in cloned equine embryos led to improved pregnancy rates and successful births. The research also suggests a link between calcium regulation and human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
The AAAS symposium features educators and authors using popular culture to make physics accessible. Chemical physicist Catherine Asaro uses romance novels infused with quantum physics, while Professor James Kakalios illustrates physics principles through superhero comics.
The number of women faculty of color in academia is low and stagnant, with implications for students, research quality, and the educational experience. Strategies such as individual mentorship, institutional support programs, and clear criteria for tenure can help address this deficit and promote diversity in STEM fields.
The US National Science Foundation (NSF) is funding sensor research to monitor environmental factors, structural integrity, and health threats. Sensor networks will enable early detection of climate change, earthquakes, and biological hazards.
New neutrino research has significant implications for technological advancements and our understanding of the universe. The study aims to improve techniques for making clean materials and detect clandestine nuclear weapons tests, while also shedding light on the role of neutrinos in the early universe and star explosions.
National Ocean Commissioners and scientists propose a holistic ecosystem-based approach to manage the oceans, shifting from single-species management to integrated governance. This approach aims to restore ocean health by considering the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems.
Michigan State University ecologist Jianguo 'Jack' Liu says embracing ambiguity is key to environmental policy, focusing on interactions of different policies rather than isolated fixes. Liu's work at China's Wolong Nature Reserve shows unexpected effects from policies due to human nature and complexity.
A new perspective on placebos suggests that they can be effective in healthcare settings without relying on 'dummy' medication. According to Professor Howard Brody, features of a positive healing environment, including care and compassion from healthcare providers, play a crucial role in treating patients.
The report provides nine design principles for success in higher education, including institutional leadership, targeted recruitment, and enriched research experience. These principles aim to increase participation of underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Recent research on aerosols suggests they can have substantial impacts on local heat budgets, exceeding those of greenhouse gases. Aerosol compositions and effects are being studied for their implications on regional climate change and human health.
Researchers use computer models to simulate the spread of diseases and develop strategies for containment. The models help predict how many people should be vaccinated or treated with antibiotics, providing critical information for public health officials.
The US Department of Energy allocates $318 million for fuel cell and hydrogen research, focusing on efficient production and storage. New technologies aim to reduce emissions and enhance energy security.
The US government is expected to issue a draft report with recommendations for ocean policy, addressing issues like resource stewardship and pollution prevention. The commission's report emphasizes the need for ecosystem-based management to sustain long-term exploitation.
Traditional access control with passwords is insufficient for protecting complex data, according to experts. Adding filters to outgoing data can help prevent unauthorized access and ensure that sensitive information is only shared with authorized users.
Researchers found that anthrax spores can germinate, reproduce and form new spores in soil samples, defying the long-held belief that they require a host to survive. The study suggests that the deadly pathogen may be more versatile and resilient than initially thought.
A study in Egypt found cultural differences between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims on IVF, with strict rules on third-party donation. Middle Eastern societies prioritize biological children due to prohibition of adoption and gamete donation.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have identified a vast array of 4,000 distinctive proteins in human blood plasma, surpassing previous reports by 10 times. This significant advance paves the way for the early detection of cancer and other diseases.
Dr. Offit reviews scientific evidence on vaccine safety, finding no link between vaccines and weakened immune systems, allergic or autoimmune diseases, or mercury injury. The Vaccine Education Center provides up-to-date science-based information on vaccines and preventable diseases.
Roald Hoffmann highlights the overlooked scientific achievements of his wife, Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze Lavoisier, and her husband Antoine Lavoisier. The collection at Cornell University provides insight into their lives and work.
Dr. Anseth's team has developed an injectable scaffold to regenerate cartilaginous tissue using light-activated chemistries, with potential applications in treating Parkinson's disease by injecting stem cells into human brains.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) honors forensic anthropologist Fredy Peccerelli for his work with the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation, investigating mass human rights abuses and exhuming thousands of victims' remains. Despite facing death threats and impunity, Peccerelli's work has promoted hu...
Global food safety experts gather to discuss new approaches to assessing risk of microbiological foodborne hazards. The symposium aims to create mathematical models that predict the number of illnesses that can occur and help managers control food safety strategies.
Scientists plan to deploy the Huygens probe to study Titan's lakes, seas, and climate. The moon's thick atmosphere and liquid hydrocarbons will provide a unique environment to understand oceanographic processes and predict climate changes.
The database provides survival rates of people who received cell grafts, helping doctors evaluate the potential risks and benefits of transplantation in treating disorders like leukemia. Researchers can generate hypotheses on the role of donor matching in blood and marrow stem cell transplants with this new resource.
The intelligent design movement argues that life's complexity demands a knowing designer, potentially altering the way science is taught in schools. While differing from scientific creationism, its agenda to weaken or eliminate evolution's teaching in public classrooms remains ambitious.
Researchers have created a computational tool to mine genomic data and identify biologically meaningful gene regulatory networks. The tool uses a probabilistic framework that integrates data from various sources, including microarrays, DNA sequences, and protein-protein interactions.
The AAAS panel on human-nature interactions examines six NSF-supported projects focusing on urban development, Polynesian culture, and shoreline development. Biocomplexity researchers discuss the linkages between human behaviors and natural systems, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and new technologies.
Researchers studying small farms in Kenya found that restoring natural resources can improve agricultural productivity, particularly in villages with high soil degradation. By adopting more fertilizers and other inputs, farmers in a second village showed better economic outcomes.
Researchers studied household land-use strategies in Brazil and the Midwest, finding that crop prices, conservation plans, and state/federal forest protection programs influence decisions. This complexity may make it difficult for policymakers to develop a single, uniform policy for entire regions.
HUPO scientists have created a master proteomics database from human blood plasma, which will help answer key questions about protein identification and analysis. The project's long-term goals include identifying all protein constituents of human blood plasma and determining variation across populations.
University of Minnesota professors Terry Roe, Ronald Phillips, and G. Edward Schuh will discuss topics such as trade disputes, GMO crop plantings, and biosafety protocols at the symposium. The event aims to shed light on the impact of international trade policies on economic growth and institutional reform in less developed countries.
John Staver, a K-State science education professor, argues that intelligent design cannot be considered a scientific theory due to the absence of empirical evidence and rigorous testing. He emphasizes the importance of scientific experimentation and peer review in establishing new scientific ideas.
Kansas State University professor James Stack presents a paper on the National Plant and Diagnostic Network, which uses diagnostic centers, regional labs, and expert databases to rapidly detect and diagnose potential bio threats in crops and livestock. The network has already been effective in detecting natural outbreaks like BSE and s...
Researchers found that lake classification systems can increase property value by protecting lakes from overdevelopment and preserving environmental quality. In Vilas County, Wisconsin, homeowners who adopted a lake classification system saw significant increases in property prices due to their commitment to environmental preservation.
Researchers found that even delayed responses to smallpox cases could still contain the outbreak through targeted vaccination and isolation. Surveillance and containment were more effective than mass vaccination in controlling the spread of smallpox.
Research by Ann Bostrom reveals that people's willingness to accept vaccine risks depends on what they do and don't know. Personal experiences with adverse reactions also impact risk perception. The study highlights the need for both technical analysis and deliberation in decision-making processes.
Research suggests that gas hydrates, formed in deep-sea sediments, contain massive amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. These hydrates can charge and discharge variable amounts of methane constantly, responding to factors not yet understood. This finding necessitates a revised view of the carbon cycle.
A two-year study found that quetiapine treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements in positive, negative and depressive symptoms. Patients also showed notable enhancements in quality of life, with minimal reported side effects.
New acoustic tracking technology provides detailed knowledge of fish movement and habitat use, enabling the design of effective conservation measures. Small reserves can effectively protect adult fish populations, while larger reserves may be more beneficial for overall marine biodiversity.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science recommends physicians consider risk factors and prevention options when prescribing hormone replacement therapy. Women with a high risk of chronic diseases may benefit from alternative treatments, while those with menopause-related symptoms may still be suitable candidates for HRT.
The Georgia Institute of Technology's NSF ADVANCE program is addressing subtle inequities that affect women's advancement in academia. The research-driven approach focuses on how environments shape positive or negative outcomes, with a emphasis on improving collaboration, equitable evaluations, and access to tacit knowledge.
A novel laser technique has been developed to identify and quantify toxic molecules, such as trichloroethylene, in the environment. The method enables quantitative studies of real-world surface processes without requiring ultrahigh vacuum conditions.
Researchers suggest that a person's sleep/wake cycle, also called the circadian rhythm, may be linked to their cancer prognosis. Disrupted circadian rhythms can lead to reduced melatonin production, which can spur cancer-causing mutations in cells.