Researchers used atomic force microscopes to study the effects of biomolecules on crystal dynamics and shape. They found that specific interactions between growth modifiers and step edges controlled the formation of complex crystal shapes, challenging long-held theories.
Researchers used gene expression profiling to develop a prognostic profile for ovarian cancer, identifying 115 genes that provide important information about prognosis. This technology holds promise for understanding the root causes of ovarian cancer and designing targeted therapies.
Research in female mice reveals estrogen's protective effects against atherosclerosis, highlighting potential risks of COX-2 inhibitors for premenopausal women. The study identifies prostacyclin as a key mediator of estrogen's benefits.
The Multicenter UnSustained Tachycardia Trial found significant differences in characteristics, treatment, and outcome between men and women with coronary artery disease. Women were more likely to have experienced angina and had lower rates of atrial fibrillation than men.
The CBLAST-Hurricane project is using new ocean probes to collect data on water conditions before, during, and after hurricanes. This information helps scientists develop better models to predict a hurricane's development, which can inform the size of storm surges that pose a threat to ships in port.
Urinary incontinence and abdominal pain are key symptoms of ovarian cancer, with crampy abdominal pain being the most common symptom. The study found that women often ignore or downplay these symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis.
A $2.8 million NSF grant will create a virtual laboratory for earth and planetary studies, allowing researchers to share data and conduct simulations using computer visualization techniques. Karki's expertise in scientific computing and visualization makes the project a natural fit for his research interests.
Researchers at JILA have developed an efficient method to measure and control atomic energy levels with extremely high accuracy. The technique uses ultrafast pulses of laser light to record in real-time the energy required to boost atoms' outer electrons, enabling fine-tuning with lower power lasers.
A new fossil discovery in Spain reveals a 13-million-year-old ape species, Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, that shares key features with modern great apes. The species' unique adaptations for climbing and its relatively complete skeleton suggest it may have been the last common ancestor of all great apes.
The University of South Florida has been designated a Center of Excellence by the Huntington's Disease Society of America, offering comprehensive medical and social services to patients and their families. The center will also focus on research, including studies on stem cells and potential new therapies for the disease.
Scientists have discovered a defense mechanism in certain plant species that were believed to be bred out of existence due to human selection. The study found that a specific enzyme and protein complex work together to defend against insect attacks, but their activity is suppressed in plants bred for desirable traits.
The US government has awarded grants to support HIV/AIDS research and treatment in resource-limited countries, including Cambodia, Peru, Thailand, and Russia. The grants aim to develop clinical research centers and evaluate new treatments for co-infections with tuberculosis.
The development of spun carbon nanotube yarns has the potential to revolutionize engineered fabrics due to their excellent strength, toughness, and electrical/thermal conductivities. The new material is being explored for production of vests, soft body armor, medical devices, and other applications.
A chamber opera project, 'Hidden States,' explores parallels between alchemy and contemporary genetic science, featuring a sequence of five monologues on sequencing and cloning. The project has been funded by the Wellcome Trust's Engaging Science Programme to raise awareness of biomedical research.
A small-scale study of GVG, a drug approved for epilepsy in Mexico, found that it can help patients with methamphetamine and cocaine addiction stay abstinent for up to four weeks without visual side effects. The results are promising, but more large-scale studies are needed to confirm the treatment's efficacy.
A recent study by Krakow compared infants and toddlers adopted from China, finding that the younger the child is when adopted, the sooner they are likely to become age-appropriate in English. The study highlights the importance of identifying factors leading to variation in language development among internationally adopted children.
A NASA study found that conversion of wetlands to agricultural lands can lead to more severe freezes in south Florida. The researchers analyzed data from the Landsat 5 satellite and weather records to simulate three freeze events, concluding that land-use changes can enhance damage inflicted upon agriculture.
A UCR-led team is using data and analysis to identify effective strategies for reducing poverty in rural areas of Brazil. The two-year project aims to provide insights that can inform public policies nationwide.
A six-week study found that patients taking ADDERALL XR showed significant improvements in driving performance and cognitive functioning compared to placebo. The medication reduced ADHD symptoms by 30% in 80% of patients, leading to better driving skills and safety.
Researchers suggest that skeletal-muscle satellite cells can differentiate into neural cell lineages, potentially repairing damaged muscle or nerve tissue. These stem cells were shown to organise skeletal-muscle fibres in rats with spinal-cord injury and differentiate into astrocytes and neurons.
Researchers observed sea urchins growing new spines by depositing amorphous calcium carbonate before it crystallizes. This process reveals intricate growth patterns controlled by the template of the old spine.
Researchers have found that certain antipsychotic drugs can prevent brain cells from becoming infected with the JC virus, which causes PML. The discovery opens up new avenues for therapy and may lead to effective treatments or prevention methods.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a rare state of matter, Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC), in the ancient pigment Han Purple when subjected to intense magnetic fields. This finding represents a significant breakthrough in quantum physics and has implications for advanced computing technologies.
At Université de Montréal, researchers demonstrated real-time monitoring of ubiquitination on living cells using the BRET technique, shedding new light on the role of ubiquitin in protein degradation. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding health and developing targeted therapeutic molecules.
Up to 70% of spina bifida cases can be prevented by maternal folic acid supplementation around the time of conception. Individuals with spina bifida require both surgical and medical management throughout their lives.
The UGA Graduate School will launch interventions to reduce Ph.D. completion rates, collecting data on entering and exiting students to identify areas for improvement. The project is supported by Pfizer and the Ford Foundation.
The Solid Earth Sample Registry (SESAR) will provide globally unique identifiers to solve a longstanding problem in geosciences. The system will facilitate data sharing, database linking, and cooperation among researchers.
Researchers found that extended-release carbamazepine capsules improved symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, including those experiencing mania and mixed episodes. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported.
A team of Arizona scientists, led by Raina Maier, found microbial life in the Atacama Desert's core, which is one to two inches below the arid surface. The discovery contradicts a previous study that claimed the region was sterile, highlighting the importance of searching beyond the surface.
Social support significantly reduces the risk of depression in children who have experienced maltreatment, according to a new study published by Yale University. The research found that positive relationships with caregivers or peers can mitigate the negative effects of childhood trauma on mental health.
Researchers analyzed 191 untreated follicular lymphoma patients and developed a model that divides patients into four groups with disparate average survival rates. The model uses gene expression patterns from non-malignant immune cells to predict patient risk, suggesting new therapeutic approaches.
Reductions in carbon dioxide and non-carbon dioxide trace gases can stabilize the climate with warming less than 1°C at 520 ppm CO2 levels. The Montreal Protocol is effective in reducing ozone-depleting gases, but needs extension to address other trace gases.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology suggests that rapid ventricular pacing is a key factor in developing heart failure. The research found that goats subjected to high atrial and ventricular rates developed end-stage CHF, while those with low ventricular rates remained healthy.
Researchers found that Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) and plexin-D1 proteins work together to control vascular patterning in the developing embryo. Sema3E was shown to exert a 'repulsive' force, guiding blood vessels along their proper course and preventing abnormal growth.
The six winners of the 2004 AAAS Science Journalism Awards are recognized for their exceptional storytelling and dedication to science reporting. Amy Ellis Nutt's series on killer germs defeating antibiotics and Melinda Burns's story on Polynesians sharing sea-faring skills with the Chumash people were among the notable entries.
A research team at Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a new protein pair that stops blood vessels' growth in developing mice, shedding light on tumor development and nerve regeneration. The study, published in Science, reveals a unique mechanism of action for the protein Sema3E, which works differently from other semaphorins.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new metal alloy, BlastAlloy-160, with enhanced strength and resistance to blast damage. This breakthrough design could lead to improved safety in various industries, including construction and transportation.
LSU Assistant Professor Mette B. Gaarde has been awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER Award for her groundbreaking research on attosecond pulses of light. These pulses, produced in the interaction between intense laser pulses and atoms, can capture electrons as they rearrange during chemical bonding events.
Researchers have found that stem cells can preserve vision in mice with damaged retinas, holding hope for treatments of macular degeneration and other retinal diseases. The transplanted cells were found to migrate to the damaged area and regain or retain function in cone cells.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified key genes that regulate wood development using the small plant Arabidopsis. By analyzing the expression of over 25,000 genes, they were able to narrow down the number of potential wood formation genes to less than 500, with a focus on transcription factors.
A study found that 23% of zoo workers handling primates showed reactivity to the SV40 virus, but most reactions were likely due to cross-reactivity with other polyomaviruses. The study suggests occupational exposure to SV40 among those working closely with nonhuman primates.
A study found that sympathetic injections showed significant improvement in 20 patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), particularly those with allodynia. Patients who experienced initial improvement were more likely to have long-term success, highlighting the potential of this procedure for targeted treatment.
A randomized trial found that daily doses of cheap antibiotic co-trimoxazole nearly halved the mortality rate compared to placebo among HIV-infected children in Zambia. The study suggests that all children with clinical features of HIV infection in Africa should receive co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, regardless of age or CD4 count.
Researchers at UCSC have made new insights into the atomic interactions underlying zirconium tungstate's negative thermal expansion. The team found a combination of geometrical frustration and unusual atomic motions are likely important to this phenomenon.
Despite progress, older Americans face disparities in education, wealth, healthcare access, and risk factors for chronic diseases. The report highlights the need to address these gaps to ensure better quality of life for aging populations.
Researchers have created a system that detects pedestrian crossings in front of a person using a single camera, measuring road width and traffic light color to ensure safe crossing. The device uses projective geometry and 'projective invariant' calculation to accurately detect crossings in images.
Earth Science World received the 2004 Scientific American.com Web Award, recognizing its exceptional online presence. The site's Virtual Oil Well game and ImageBank were highlighted as notable components.