Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed an electronic nose that can recognize and capture ten different smell groupings, including fruits, coffees, gases, and spices. The device connects to a PC and uses inexpensive electronic parts to solve the complex challenge of capturing smells.
A new small molecule drug, CX-3543, effectively reduces cMyc mRNA expression in colorectal tumor animal models, inhibiting growth of prostate and pancreatic tumors. Sun exposure is linked to a 53% reduced risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with higher childhood outdoor time showing the greatest benefit.
The PNNL team has developed a synthetic material that can absorb 99.9% of mercury from waste water, surpassing expectations and meeting regulatory limits. The technology, known as SAMMS, is tailored for specific tasks and can be adapted to target other toxins.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered that green tea's epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) component can help kill leukemia cells by disrupting their ability to survive. The study found that EGCG interrupted survival signals, prompting leukemia cells to die in eight of ten patient samples tested.
Researchers have completed a high-quality draft sequence of the laboratory rat genome, which will facilitate studies on cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and cancer. The comparison of the rat genome with that of humans and mice will provide insight into biological differences and evolution.
Astronomers using the Very Large Telescope have secured new data that provide the strongest constraints to date on the possible variation of the fine-structure constant. The study shows no evidence for a time-dependent change in this fundamental constant, contradicting previous claims.
Researchers analyzed E. coli's chemotaxis system to understand signal transduction networks, a universal design principle in nature. They found that individual variability can be regulated and carried important information about molecular mechanisms.
The NIAID-developed DNA vaccine significantly reduced SARS virus levels in infected mice, with antibodies alone responsible for the dramatic reduction. This breakthrough demonstrates the effectiveness of a novel vaccine approach against SARS, paving the way for future human clinical trials.
Archaeologists discovered ochre pencils, bone artifacts, and ostrich egg shell beads at a site in the Serengeti National Park, indicating early development of modern cultural behavior. The findings suggest that symbolic thinking may have emerged earlier than previously thought, around 280,000 years ago.
A study found that 45 first-year psychology students reported elaborate false memories of a fictional event after being told three stories about their grade-school experiences. The presence of a real class photo doubled the rate of false memories compared to studies without photographs.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new method to clean up toxic plumes by using solid forms of organic material containing potassium permanganate. These time-released chunks slowly dissolve over weeks and months, controlling the distribution of pollutants in wet soil. The method has shown promising results in laborat...
Researchers found evidence of Heterobasidion annosum pathogen originating from eastern North America, likely hitching a ride in untreated lumber from infected trees. The pathogen has since established itself in the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano, killing large swaths of stone pine trees.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that Big Red chewing gum reduced anaerobic bacteria in saliva by over 50% and eliminated bad breath-causing bacteria. The gum's cinnamic aldehyde content proved effective against halitosis, a common oral health issue.
Research reveals that beavers' selective herbivory affects plant types in their community, favoring hybrid cottonwoods with lower tannin levels. This study suggests a link between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through genetically-based plant traits.
The Rat Genome Sequencing Project Consortium has completed the genome sequence of the common laboratory brown rat, sharing approximately 825 non-repetitive DNA sequences with humans and mice. The study reveals unique genetic differences between rodents and humans, shedding light on evolutionary processes.
The completed human Chromosome 19 sequence offers significant revelations about the complex interplay between human health and the environment. The sequence contains critical regulatory networks of genes that control DNA damage repair, detoxification, and excreting chemicals foreign to the body.
Researchers at Northwestern University successfully induced embryonic stem cells to develop into precursor bone marrow and blood cells in genetically mismatched mice. The technique could lead to a renewable alternative to donor bone marrow transplantation, reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease.
The study reveals that granular materials exhibit complex rheology, making it challenging for continuum theory to predict their behavior. The enriched continuum model offers a new level of predictive capability, capturing the key transition mechanism and shear bands.
A study led by Michigan State University scientists found that lyophilization does not improve the safety of bones and tissues for transplantation, contradicting current clinical beliefs. The researchers tested five samples each of infected bone and tissue through lyophilization and found that the virus survived the process.
Researchers at PNNL accelerate soil aging using supercritical fluid, simulating decades of contaminant exposure in just a few hours. The technique enables monitoring of soil-absorption rates and trapping of volatile organic compounds.
Researchers found that ferns diversified in response to low-light conditions created by the rise of flowering plants, leading to over 10,000 living species. The study, funded by NSF, uses genetic and fossil analysis to reveal the evolutionary history of ferns and angiosperms.
Researchers found that acute stress symptoms were common among injured children, but only a small percentage met criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study suggests that more research is needed to develop better predictors of PTSD in children.
Players suffered from infections by Aeromonas hydrophila after playing in mud prepared with stagnant river water. Organizers advised precautions to protect players against infection, including using treated water and disinfectants.
University of Michigan's approach to teaching ethics in chemistry research involves providing students with critical thinking skills to handle sticky situations. By focusing on analyzing options and principles, students become more conscious of their actions and are better equipped to make informed decisions.
Researchers found that exposure to polluted coastal waters increased the risk of fever, stomach pain, and other symptoms in surfers. The study, which surveyed 1,873 participants at two California beaches, highlighted the importance of reducing pollutants discharged onto public beaches.
Researchers have discovered that the breakdown of mineral serpentine can trigger earthquakes in Earth's deeply buried crust. At pressures above a few tens of kilometers, scientists expected faulting instability only if volume change during serpentine breakdown was positive. However, experiments have shown that even with a strongly nega...
The US is likely to see an increase in West Nile virus cases in California this year, thanks to a combination of mosquito population, agricultural methods, and bird migration patterns. The state's diverse geography and climate will also contribute to the spread of the disease.
New Jersey Institute of Technology chemists create a cheap, usable field test for detecting pollutants in water, air, and food. The test uses nanotechnology to concentrate materials and identify trace pollutants, paving the way for lab-on-a-chip devices that can be used by workers or homemaker to quickly detect toxic chemicals.
Researchers found FoxP2 gene expressed in brain regions critical for song learning, similar to human brain. The study suggests that variations in the FoxP2 gene may have contributed to the development of language in humans.
Cardiff University is introducing students to state-of-the-art software for interpreting three-dimensional seismic data, enabling deeper study of the earth's structure. The new technology has already helped identify a meteor impact crater off the Yorkshire coast and aims to reduce risk and cost in oil exploration.
American chestnut trees have shown remarkable growth potential in plantations, growing up to 77% taller and 140% wider than other forest species. Purdue researcher Doug Jacobs is developing blight-resistant hybrids to restore the tree to its historic range.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that can target and break down chlorinated organic solvents, such as trichloroethylene, in groundwater. The particles can move easily through soil pores and reach underground pockets of contamination, reducing cleanup costs and improving effectiveness.
Dr. Dean Ornish challenges the effectiveness of low-carb diets like Atkins, recommending a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. He argues that these foods enhance fullness without adding significant calories, promoting healthier weight loss options.
Researchers suggest that small molecules, known as molecular midwives, played a crucial role in the production of the first RNA-like molecules. These midwives would have worked together to form RNA by spontaneously mixing with chemical building blocks.
Researchers have uncovered three new rock art depictions of armored horses on the Purgatoire River in southeast Colorado, shedding light on the Comanche's use of horse armor. The finds are significant as they provide a unique window into Comanche history and culture, dating back to the 17th century.
PNNL scientists have found a new way to see beyond the 'diffraction limit' of optical microscopes, revealing the structure of DNA molecules. By combining FLIM with AFM techniques, they've produced sharp images of DNA and nanobeads.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new marking scheme that can identify the originator of spam, viruses, and illegal file-sharing messages with high accuracy. The approach uses border routers to mark packets with identifying numbers, allowing for efficient traceback of malicious content.
Researchers have confirmed that molecules of water can freeze together to form a perfect crystal, allowing it to be manipulated by electric fields. This discovery enhances scientists' understanding of how naturally occurring particles of ice interact with the environment, particularly in chemical reactions such as ozone depletion.
Researchers found that mice embryos lacking the ATM gene were more susceptible to DNA damage and birth defects when exposed to ionizing radiation. The study suggests that the ATM gene protects embryos from oxidative stress, and its absence may lead to increased risk of birth defects in humans.
Research papers published in Vadose Zone Journal reveal complex environmental problems at INEEL, including microorganisms and geophysical imaging. Extensive cleanup and monitoring efforts are being based on current understanding of the subsurface and associated contamination issues.
A five-year study found that high dietary intake of alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, significantly reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer. The researchers also found that gamma-tocopherol offered no protection against bladder cancer.
A study by UCSD psychologists found that when people pick a dog, they seek one that resembles them, and purebred dogs are more likely to match their owners. The researchers used randomized photo matching techniques to confirm the high incidence of resemblance between owners and purebreds, but not mixed-breeds.
A novel method of three-dimensional mathematical analysis has been developed to quantify bone characteristics of humans and great apes. The results agree with genetic analyses, providing a clear family tree that defines ancestral relationships down to the subspecies level.
The European Society for Medical Oncology survey found that stem cell transplants for breast cancer decreased from 2,629 in 1997 to 330 in 2002. The use of autologous transplants continued to rise for certain types of solid tumours, while allogenic transplants saw a slight increase, particularly for metastatic tumours.
A study found that exposure to terbutaline and chlorpyrifos in early development can lead to brain damage and increased susceptibility to pesticide injury. The combination of the two chemicals caused significant loss of brain cells and nerve cell projections, particularly in regions critical for learning and memory.
A new multi-million dollar grant from Conservation International aims to save the eastern lowland gorilla by strengthening conservation efforts in the region. The investment will increase protection of over 3 million hectares, preserving a high degree of biological richness and species endemism.
Kansas State University researchers are using geographic tools to track the spread of a highly invasive soybean aphid, which could have significant implications for national security. By analyzing data and mapping patterns, they aim to predict future outbreaks and develop an early warning system.
A new study reveals that children under 10 are at risk for sustaining multiple injuries, with boys being 10% more likely to seek medical attention than girls. The study also found that certain ages are more susceptible to specific types of injuries, such as burns and poisoning between the ages of one and three.
Researchers have discovered that the DNA copying enzyme, DNA polymerase, retains a "short-term memory" of mismatches and halts itself past the point of the mismatch. The study found that mismatch structures differ dramatically from previous indirect biochemical studies, revealing why stalling occurs.
Researchers developed a biomarker to detect HBV mutations that speed up liver cancer development. Studies found HBV mutations predicted major liver disease, including liver cancer, up to eight years before diagnosis.
Researchers found that gingival inflammation decreases during menstruation compared to ovulation and premenstruation. The hormone estradiol may play a role in this phenomenon, according to the study published by the American Academy of Periodontology.
Scientists have identified a key gene, FoxP2, that enables vocal learning in birds, which is similar to human language production. The researchers found that the gene is expressed in areas of the brain responsible for song production and learning, and its expression levels increase during times of song learning.
Researchers studied fruitfly embryos to understand how specific cells change shape during gastrulation, a critical growth step in development. They found that many types of proteins are involved and that changes occur well before the cells actually transform.
Guohua Yang and Gang-yu Liu used scanning tunneling microscopy to study the behavior of thiols on gold surfaces, revealing up to 15 different structural phases. These findings shed light on the interaction between thiol molecules and the gold surface, potentially enabling the creation of patterns with other molecules.
A new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that taking patients off thyroid medication for only two weeks prior to a scan produces the desired changes in nearly 90% of patients. This simplified approach reduces the need for six-week follow-up scans, making it easier and quicker for patients.
Researchers discovered that Nembutal suppresses colon cancer metastasis and improves post-radiation brain function. Additionally, erythropoietin was found to protect cognitive function after whole brain irradiation, while a new vitamin B12 molecule targets tumor cells.
The symposium will focus on challenges in herb research, including the development of a valid test for herbal supplements and discussions on health benefits and quality issues. Experts will share their knowledge on polyphenols, regenerative properties of Chinese herbs, and quality problems with plant products.
Researchers have developed a new biological sensor platform that uses phospholipids to detect specific ions and molecules in real-time. The sensors can safely hold water-soluble dyes and enzymes, allowing for detailed analysis of cellular chemistry.
Researchers found that early exposure to environmental toxins reprograms the uterus to promote tumor growth in genetically susceptible rats. This new model of gene-environment interaction may explain why some people develop cancer while others don't, especially considering inherited BRCA1 mutations.
A Cardiff University team is designing and planning infrastructure for a pan-European wireless broadband network to provide affordable universal broadband access. The project aims to deliver low-cost services with negligible environmental impact, benefiting both citizens and businesses.