The American Statistical Association is seeking nominations for its Excellence in Statistical Reporting Award, recognizing individuals and organizations that promote statistics in public life. Eligible nominees include commentators, reporters, writers, and others who use communications media as their primary product.
Researchers found that a peptide called LL-37 selectively kills the vaccinia virus in the smallpox vaccine, which could enable thousands of civilians or military personnel with atopic dermatitis to receive the vaccine. This breakthrough may lead to safer testing and better predict and control reactions to the vaccine.
Antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, as well as selenium, were associated with lower asthma prevalence in US youth under age 17. In contrast, continuous positive airway pressure therapy improved systolic heart function and reduced symptoms in patients with congestive heart failure and sleep apnea.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a new mode of action for tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen medication used to treat breast cancer. Tamoxifen turns on the tumor suppressor gene maspin, which inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis in normal breast cells.
Researchers in Hawaii have developed a way to grow the complete life cycle of long ogo, an edible red seaweed, without needing to harvest starter plants from the ocean. The sustainable system for growing fresh long ogo is unique in the United States and provides additional income for 40 farmers.
The new SPEAR3 facility at Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory offers cutting-edge x-ray science capabilities, including higher resolution and brightness for studying smaller objects. Researchers can utilize the facility to advance fields like structural biology, materials science, and chemistry.
Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland discovered a molecular mechanism involving RNA structure changes that may play a role in HIV-1 viral assembly. This finding could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs by targeting these structural changes.
Researchers have identified a specialized area in the monkey brain's left temporal lobe that processes species-specific vocalizations, mirroring the human brain's linguistic abilities. This finding suggests that vocalizations can be deciphered better when processed by one temporal pole rather than both.
Researchers at NIST quantify the problem and solution of carbon nanotube demixing, revealing flow conditions that can lead to demixing. The findings provide insight into how to process nanotubes more efficiently for various applications.
Scientists have discovered that snakes made their debut on land, not in the ocean, as they evolved from their lizard ancestors. The research resolves a long-debated question about the origin of snakes and provides evidence for why they lost their limbs.
A new RIT study aims to improve the quality of art imaging in American museums by documenting current practices and developing new testing procedures. The project will also increase the scientific level of museum imaging professionals.
A study published in Nature Biotechnology found that the Sindbis virus is effective at killing tumors in mice, with varying time and injection schedules required. The virus targets tumor cells by binding to a specific receptor, making it a potential tracking device for cancer.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has launched a $100 million brain repair initiative aimed at restoring nerve function in people with MS. The program will fund research into new disease models, advanced MRI monitoring tools, and human clinical trials.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a moderate-fat diet may be more beneficial for heart health than a low-fat diet. After six weeks, participants on the moderate-fat diet had a healthier heart profile, with reduced cardiovascular risk and improved lipid profiles.
The XENDOS study found that Xenical significantly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 37% compared to lifestyle changes alone and 52% in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. The medication also produces greater long-term weight loss and improves cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers at Purdue University identified a protein on intestinal cells that allows Listeria monocytogenes to attach and cause infection. Understanding this mechanism could help develop a vaccine strategy to prevent the deadly disease, which has a 20% fatality rate.
A new cryogenic refrigerator, developed by NIST, uses a solid-state design to cool X-ray detectors to subKelvin temperatures. The device reduces the need for bulky and expensive current equipment, making it ideal for semiconductor manufacturing and astronomical applications.
The Protein Data Bank (PDB) has received a $30 million grant from the federal government to continue its work in unlocking biological secrets. The PDB, an internet-accessible repository of 3-D models of proteins and other macromolecules, will help design new drugs that interact with these molecules.