The Center for Power Electronics, a leading research center in power electronics technology, has received a $12.5 million funding renewal from the NSF. This investment aims to develop more efficient and integrated power electronics devices, resulting in significant energy savings and increased U.S. competitiveness.
A genetic defect has been found to confer risk of major depression and resistance to SSRI drug therapy. The study identified a novel molecular mechanism underlying dysfunction in serotonin neurotransmission, which may explain the development of depression and other psychiatric disorders.
A recent study at McMaster University reveals that fitness experts can significantly increase self-confidence in beginner exercisers. By setting and achieving specific goals, individuals experience increased motivation and confidence in their abilities.
A blood test for HSV-2 can detect antibodies in people at high risk for STDs, HIV-positive individuals, and those whose partners have the virus. Pregnant women with uninfected partners do not require screening, as most women develop antibodies after three months of infection.
Researchers at Rice University aim to create implantable TMJ discs grown from patient cells, offering a potential alternative to transplantation. The goal is to provide a treatment option for the nearly 11 million Americans suffering from TMJ disorders.
Scientists have identified a promising new antibiotic target in diphosphomevalonate (DPM), which can inhibit the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and prevent its survival. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel antibiotics to cure pneumonia and other streptococcal diseases.
Researchers will enroll 100-150 children with autism, along with their parents and unaffected siblings, to conduct detailed behavioral evaluations and DNA analysis. The study aims to identify genetic differences and patterns that mark different autistic spectrum disorders, providing clues to their biological causes.
Research reveals that changes in aerosol levels affect the type of landscape, with forests and croplands becoming carbon sinks due to increased shade, while grasslands become sources. The study suggests that aerosols alter the ground surface temperature, affecting photosynthesis rates.
Price promotions benefit consumers overall, but not manufacturers or retailers in the long run. Introducing store brands is beneficial to premium brand manufacturers and offers increased profit margins for retailers.
Gene deserts, once thought to be 'junk DNA,' play a crucial role in regulating gene activity. Researchers discovered stable desert regions with non-coding regulatory elements and variable regions with limited functionality.
Researchers found that breast cancer patients who lose tau protein expression are twice as likely to have a good response to Taxol treatment. The discovery suggests that tumor tissue could be screened to predict which patients will respond to the chemotherapy, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
NASA is collaborating with Idaho National Laboratory (INEEL) to evaluate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for routine fire surveillance and management. The project aims to improve speed, safety, and cost efficiency in firefighting efforts.
A new study led by McGill University aims to collect data on the safety of medical cannabis use in Canada. The COMPASS study will follow patients with chronic pain and assess various safety issues, including adverse events and cognitive function.
A Stanford University team is working to restore native forests in Hawaii by offering landowners financial incentives. They are focusing on the restoration of koa trees, which provide numerous ecosystem services including recharging freshwater aquifers and storing carbon.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that stressed mice develop skin cancer faster than non-stressed mice. Stress-reducing programs like yoga and meditation may help individuals at high risk for skin cancer stay healthy longer.
The loss of gray wolves in western North America has triggered ecological effects on elk populations, beaver, birds, fish, and even tree species, leading to collapsing health of aspen and other vegetation.
Child survival must be UNICEF's priority to address the global plight of children and prevent unnecessary deaths. The agency needs a visionary leader with the skills and experiences to tackle institutional weaknesses and promote child health.
A study by Yale University found that shorter hospice enrollment is associated with elevated depression among family caregivers. The research highlights the importance of thinking about hospice earlier in an illness and seeking appropriate care before a patient's death.
Researchers discovered that specific HLA-B alleles generate stronger immune responses against HIV, influencing viral load and immune system health. The findings have significant implications for vaccine development to combat the AIDS epidemic.
Yale researcher Nita Maihle has been awarded a visiting professorship at Pfizer, where she will collaborate on cancer research for 12 weeks. The program aims to improve the drug discovery process and facilitate associations among Yale investigators and Pfizer staff.
The chicken genome sequencing project has identified similarities between chickens and humans, including shared genes that enhance natural disease resistance in birds. This research also sheds light on genetic traits influencing desirable chicken characteristics, such as egg production and fat content.
The ATAC study's 5-year follow-up results show anastrozole increased disease-free survival and reduced cancer recurrence, with fewer side effects compared to tamoxifen. Anastrozole is now considered the preferred initial adjuvant endocrine treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive localised breast cancer.
The Usher Institute has played a significant role in advancing public health in Edinburgh, with a particular emphasis on the study of human genetics and its impact on health outcomes. The institute's research programs have contributed to the University of Edinburgh's reputation as an international research centre.
Agricultural runoff from Mexico's Yaqui River Valley has been found to directly trigger massive algal blooms in the Sea of Cortez, potentially harming ocean life and fisheries. The study, published at the AGU meeting, provides evidence of a one-to-one correspondence between irrigation events and algal blooms.
Researchers tested recordable optical disks' durability in various conditions, finding that some can store data for decades. The Government Information Preservation Working Group is setting requirements for archival quality media, allowing organizations to identify suitable high-quality media for long-term data storage.
The completed chicken genome provides invaluable information for studying the human genome due to its ideal evolutionary distance. Strong conservation in previously thought 'junk' DNA regions has been found, shedding light on their importance.
The analysis of the chicken genome provides new insights into its value as a model for study of developmental disorders and diseases. The genome has about the same number of genes as the human genome, but contains significantly less DNA. Key similarities with humans include genetic sequences related to early development and telomeres.
A validation study has shown that a 70-gene signature is more effective than current standard criteria in predicting the time to distant metastasis and overall survival in breast cancer patients. The results have the potential to reduce chemotherapy prescriptions by up to 20% and improve quality of life for many women with breast cancer.
The root-knot nematode causes more than half of $100 billion in annual crop and plant damage worldwide. Researchers will sequence its genome for a better understanding of its attack mechanisms.
A study examining 919 cardiovascular drug ads found that 80% depicted male patients, with women underrepresented and often portrayed as younger than men. The research highlights the potential impact of gender bias in advertising on physicians' treatment decisions for heart problems.
A study of 226 elderly adults with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, or COPD found that virtually all participants experienced moderate to severe symptoms, including limited activity, fatigue, and physical discomfort. The study highlights the importance of addressing these symptoms in this vulnerable population.
A 12-center study found that an immune-modulating therapy, IVIG, reduces high antibody levels and improves transplantation rates in highly sensitized patients. The study showed a significant benefit of IVIG over placebo, with transplant rates more than double for the treatment group.
Researchers at Argonne National Lab have developed a new technique using WAXS to study ligand-induced structural changes in proteins, comparable to X-ray crystallography results but faster and cheaper. This method has the potential to identify lead drugs and analyze protein-ligand interactions more efficiently.
A recent study by Zenzi Griffin found that people who make word substitution mistakes, such as calling a hammer an axe, look at the object just as long before speaking as they do when speaking correctly. The study suggests that speech errors are more indicative of planning issues than attention problems.
The MammaPrint test uses gene expression profiling to assess recurrence risk in breast cancer patients, providing valuable assistance for oncologists. Approximately 70% of breast cancer patients are stage I and II, with nearly 50% under age 60.
A new study from Michigan State University has found that canola seeds use an unconventional biochemical reaction to produce energy-rich oil, increasing efficiency by 20% and reducing carbon dioxide loss by 40%. The discovery sheds light on the role of the enzyme Rubisco in plant metabolism.
A new study by Loyola Medicine found that tamoxifen or other hormonal therapy alone may not be sufficient to treat hormone-dependent breast cancer. Chemotherapy proved more effective in stopping cancer recurrence, especially when combined with tamoxifen.
Researchers found that patients with basal-like and erbb2+ subgroups had the highest rates of pathological complete response to chemotherapy, while luminal tumors showed minimal response. The study suggests stratifying patients into molecular subgroups for more accurate treatment predictions.
The newly published chicken genomic sequence provides significant information on vertebrate evolution, revealing a clade of at least 9,600 avian species. The analysis also sheds light on the unusual genomic organization of chickens, including large variability in chromosome size and germline mutations.
A study found that fine particulate matter from brake wear and engine emissions increases inflammatory cells, clotting pathways, heart rhythm variability, and red blood cell volume in drivers. Exposure to pollution causes cardiovascular risks through effects on the heart rhythm and blood clotting pathways.
Researchers developed a new live rabies vaccine by manipulating the virus, making it weaker and more effective in provoking an immune response. The vaccine has shown promise in preventing the spread of rabies in wildlife and humans, with potential applications for stray dogs and animals.
A new study suggests that ocean tides contributed to the enigmatic Heinrich events by breaking gigantic icebergs from the ice sheet covering northern Canada. The research used a state-of-the-art computer model to capture ancient tidal variances with high accuracy, revealing that tides were highest in the Labrador Sea during these events.
Researchers used a simple climate model to demonstrate that changes in the strength of winds in the stratosphere can cause changes in tropospheric weather systems. This understanding is crucial for improving seasonal weather forecasts and predicting the effects of ozone depletion and global warming on our climate.
A study published by University of Toronto researchers found that Canada receives only 10% of US foreign investment, compared to over half received by Europe. To improve Canada's productivity performance and attract more investment, experts say it is a difficult challenge for policymakers and academics.
Researchers found that laptop use increased left and right scrotal temperatures by 2.6°C and 2.8°C, respectively, potentially harming sperm production and fertility. The study suggests men consider limiting laptop use on their laps to prevent long-term reproductive health issues.
Researchers found that a critical protein called Serum Response Factor (SRF) is essential for the development of heart cells, and its absence can lead to improper heart function. The study provides new insights into how genetic mutations may disrupt heart function and potentially cause adult cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that particular versions of HLA-B molecules make a significant difference in how well the immune system responds against HIV. The study's results illuminate evolutionary interaction between virus and human immune system, providing new insights for developing an effective vaccine.
A recent study published in NEJM found that levodopa did not accelerate Parkinson's disease progression but may actually slow it. The multi-center trial involved 361 newly diagnosed patients and showed a clear-cut benefit of levodopa, with higher dosages producing more beneficial results.
The chicken genome contains approximately 20,000-23,000 genes, less than the human genome's 20,000-25,000 genes. Researchers found that about 60% of chicken genes correspond to similar human genes.
Researchers found that microbial diversity increases as the area they occupy increases, suggesting a universal law common to all domains of life. The study has significant implications for understanding ecology and biodiversity of tiny organisms.
Researchers taught baby sparrows to sing a complete song using overlapping segments, revealing that memories are stored as distinct phrases. This study provides insights into the physiological basis of language learning in birds and may inform understanding of speech development in humans.
The chicken genome sequence has revealed significant insights into the evolutionary history of mammals and birds. The study found that about 60% of protein-coding genes in chickens have counterparts in humans, highlighting the shared genetic mechanisms underlying various biological processes.
A study presented at the SABCS showed a 30 percent reduction in breast cancer recurrence when postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer were switched from tamoxifen to AROMASIN after 2-3 years. This finding supports ASCO recommendations for adjuvant therapy with aromatase inhibitors.
The NIH panel's statement highlights the need for enhanced communication among patients, families, and providers, as well as recruitment of under-represented populations in end-of-life research. The panel also recommends creating networks of researchers and patient cohorts to facilitate coordinated studies.
Researchers from UC San Diego analyzed changes in gene orders on chromosomes and compared rearrangements in the chicken genome to those in the human, mouse, and rat genomes. The study found that chickens are closer to humans than previously thought when it comes to genomic architecture.
A new microchip has been invented at the University of Alberta, promising to revolutionize small devices with low power needs. The chip uses analog decoding technology to consume extremely low levels of power, making it ideal for applications like implantable health care devices and ultra-high-speed communications systems.
A recent survey found that asthma control in US children falls short of national treatment goals, with most experiencing frequent symptoms and missed school days. The study highlights the need for better communication between parents and children to effectively manage the condition.
Researchers found that unconscious subcortical bias can be squelched by the frontal cortex, and that early perceptual processing may result in an automatic emotional response. Consistently, participants with less racial bias displayed less amygdala activity to black faces.
The sequencing of the chicken genome has provided valuable insights into human genetics, with similarities found between the two genomes that can help understand the function of human genes. The availability of the chicken genome will aid in the breeding of healthier chickens and the design of better veterinary vaccines.
The microchip industry is struggling to achieve precise timing as device dimensions and tolerances continue to shrink. To address this issue, NIST is supporting the development of time synchronization standards in collaboration with International SEMATECH's e-Manufacturing initiatives.