The US-led humanitarian relief effort in Iraq was plagued by mismanagement, with the Department of Defense dominating the effort. The Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and other agencies had more experience handling crises, but were overlooked. The study highlights the importance of separating military and humanitarian assistance.
Researchers found that bird abundance and reproductive success are often disconnected, with some species adapting to human disturbances and others facing declines. The study suggests that using bird counts alone may not accurately reflect habitat quality.
A new report highlights the potential of biotechnologies in improving health in developing countries. The report proposes a global institute to share and promote the benefits of genomic sciences, aiming to save tens of millions of lives per year.
Virginia Tech has been selected by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) to host a new research lab focused on improving railroad safety, productivity, and efficiency. The lab will be established with an annual grant of $200,000 and is expected to foster closer ties between the university and the railroad industry.
The University of Illinois will develop criteria for selecting digital material for capture and preservation, exploring ways for libraries and repositories to share and preserve digital resources. The project aims to identify methods and technologies that will help avoid losing information of significant historical value.
Infants with breathing pauses or slow heart rates during sleep scored lower on mental development tests at one year of age. Children with frequent snoring, loud breathing, or sleep apneas also performed worse on intelligence, memory, and behavior tests.
Researchers found that six days of moderate-intensity exercise improved insulin action in sedentary, overweight individuals by 40%, while traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors showed positive trends. In contrast, those who consumed sports drinks and additional food during exercise showed no significant changes or even negat...
A new hydrogel adhesive has shown promise in replacing sutures used for cataract surgery, demonstrating ease of use and reduced risk of complications. The transparent gel, similar to liquid bandages, could also be used to repair eye wounds associated with LASIK surgery and other conditions.
A team of researchers from MIT has identified three new carcinogens found in cigarette smoke as risk factors for bladder cancer in nonsmokers. The study, led by Professor Steven R. Tannenbaum, aimed to identify sources of exposure for non-smokers and highlights the importance of preventing cancer rather than treating it.
Researchers at U-M used a technology called ubiquitin-mediated fluorescence complementation to study a cell-signaling mechanism. They discovered how ubiquitin modified protein Jun's function and location, and found that an E3 ligase binding enzyme called Itch played a key role in this process.
Researchers used embryonic stem cells to rescue congenital heart defects in mice by releasing signals that corrected neighboring heart cells. The study found a critical role of the Id protein and two signaling molecules, IGF-I and WNT5a, in this process.
Virginia Tech will lead two research projects worth $17 million each, focusing on integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture in developing nations. The projects aim to reduce pesticide use, increase farm income, and promote ecologically sound practices for improved food security.
A team of seismologists at Arizona State University has discovered a highly active region beneath Earth's surface, where the mantle meets the liquid iron core. The study found unusual layering in the deep interior, which may hold clues about how the interior churns and convects.
The article discusses the importance of rigorous data collection and review in drug development, citing the Vioxx case as a prime example. Pharmaceutical companies must also learn from their mistakes, and regulatory agencies must reassess safety and efficacy thresholds to prevent patient harm.
A multidisciplinary team is investigating the impact of inflammation on taste and smell function, with potential therapeutic interventions for chemosensory dysfunction. The studies aim to improve diagnosis and treatment targeting for patients with conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis and radiation-induced taste loss.
Scientists have found a new form of long-term memory T cell that can combat leishmaniasis even without the parasite's presence. This discovery may lead to an effective vaccine against this disease and others mediated by immune cells.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that female soccer players who suffered an ACL injury at a young age are at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Over half of the women studied had OA of the knee, accompanied by persistent pain and functional limitations.
A historical study found that elevated aridity in the western US may be a natural response to climate warming. The study revealed a 400-year-long period of epic drought during the Medieval Warm Period (A.D. 900-1300), which could lead to increased aridity if temperatures continue to rise.
Radio astronomers have demonstrated a new technique called e-VLBI, which allows them to combine data from multiple telescopes worldwide and produce high-quality images of the sky in real-time. This enables the observation of distant objects like IRC+10420, a supergiant star surrounded by dusty gas and emitting strong radio waves.
The study reveals how botulism-causing Clostridium botulinum detects nitric oxide, shedding light on its role in human cardiovascular, neurological, and immunological systems. The research also provides insights into the structural details of soluble guanylyl cyclase, a protein difficult to crystallize for analysis.
Researchers have discovered a key plant protein, VPEg, that plays a crucial role in defending plants against various pathogens by activating programmed cell death pathways. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of how plants control cell death and may lead to new strategies for improving crop resistance.
A large population-based study found that current smokers have a 2.8-7.5 times increased risk of rheumatoid factor positive RA, while those with the SE gene have a 15.7 times higher risk. The study suggests a strong interaction between smoking and the shared epitope gene in increasing disease risk.
A new study by UNC researchers reveals that Hispanics in the South suffer more fatal occupational injuries than blacks or other groups. The findings highlight the need for greater injury prevention efforts focused on Hispanic workers in the region.
A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center reveals that functional endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improves fatigue levels in patients with sinusitis. The procedure has been shown to offer substantial benefits for those not responding to medications, with cost savings also a consideration.
A large international study has found that anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat severe head injuries can increase the risk of death by up to 20% within two weeks. The CRASH trial recruited over 20,000 patients from 49 countries and concluded that these drugs should not be used routinely to treat head injury
Schumm's study analyzed the impact of Iraq's payments to Palestinian families fighting Israelis on suicide bombings. He found a significant reduction in fatalities after the invasion, with potential prevention of up to 1,100 casualties. Improved antiterrorism intelligence within Israeli security forces may also have played a role.
A study found racial and gender differences in lipid profiles, with African-American women having the best distribution and white men having the worst. These differences can determine cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers developed an experiment to measure the behavior of curling stones, revealing that wet friction is involved in their curl. The study found that a thin liquid layer reverses the dominant frictional force on the stone, resulting in a clockwise-turning stone curling to the right.
The new UCI Environmental Molecular Science Institute will investigate how chemical reactions occur at the boundary between air and liquid droplets, affecting atmospheric pollution and climate change. Researchers will use theory, experiments, and computer modeling to gain new insights into smog formation and acid rain.
NASA has successfully tested artificial intelligence (AI) software that can detect and diagnose errors in satellite systems. The Livingstone Version 2 (LV2) software is being used to troubleshoot the NASA Earth Observing One (E0-1) satellite's instruments and systems, allowing for more efficient and effective maintenance.
A Université de Montréal study reveals that early- and late-onset blind subjects excel in spatial hearing tests, distinguishing sounds from ambient noise. This improvement may stem from increased time spent developing the sense of hearing and compensatory cortical adaptations.
Researchers have found that carbonyl sulfide forms peptide bonds spontaneously, addressing a long-standing question in the origin of life. The discovery suggests that this chemical component may have played a significant role in the emergence of life on Earth.
The study introduces value-based metrics such as value retention and value-added to evaluate the effectiveness of electronics recycling firms. It found that these metrics worked well in case studies of three US firms and can help improve recycling efficiency.
Scientists discover endothelial cells have higher levels of receptors for endostatin, which protects melanoma cells from angiogenesis inhibitors. This finding may lead to new cancer therapies targeting both angiogenesis and tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a cooperative RNA switch in nature, which responds to various target compounds and regulates metabolic processes. This discovery supports the theory of an RNA World, where RNA molecules served a central role in early life.
A Dutch study found over 5% of parents reported smothering, slapping, or shaking their baby due to crying. The risk was highest for parents from non-industrialized countries and those with limited work hours.
The Center for Food and Nutrition Policy challenges the 'nutrient displacement hypothesis' suggesting added sugars replace essential vitamins and minerals. The study's findings indicate energy from other sources has a stronger association with micronutrient intake.
Experts call on EU politicians to improve cancer treatment access, modernize healthcare through increased funding and reduced bureaucracy. The European CanCer Organisation highlights the need for political will to translate scientific discovery into practical treatments.
A new model reveals that calcium control regulates synaptic plasticity, allowing rapid changes and stabilizing synapses without growing indefinitely. This breakthrough sheds light on the fundamental basis of memory, learning, and brain development.
A new study suggests that providing air rather than 100% oxygen for newborn babies requiring ventilation after delivery can reduce infant mortality. The findings are based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of five trials, which found that 5% fewer babies given air died compared to those given 100% oxygen.