A recent study found that more than a million people have become internally displaced in Darfur, Sudan, with extremely high death rates due to violence and insecurity. The research confirmed the serious nature of the crisis, highlighting the need for humanitarian aid and accountability.
Researchers found a novel rhodopsin protein in bacteria that can distinguish between blue and orange light, enabling more efficient harvesting of light for photosynthesis. This discovery sheds light on the role of cell membranes in biological functions and has potential applications in nano-machinery as a color-sensor.
The Lancet article highlights the under-reported issue of elder abuse, affecting 2-10% of elderly people and increasing mortality risk by three times. A multidisciplinary approach involving family physicians, nursing, social workers, advocacy organisations, and law enforcement is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology found radiofrequency ablation to be a safe and effective treatment for children with various forms of heart problems. The procedure showed high success rates, with over 98% of patients able to be cured, regardless of demographics or specific disorder location.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antioxidant supplements do not prevent gastrointestinal cancers and may actually increase mortality risk. The study analyzed data from 14 randomized trials involving over 170,000 participants.
Researchers have found that low-dose synthetic lycopene alone can suppress the growth of human prostate tumors by over half. A combination of low-dose lycopene and vitamin E was shown to be even more effective in inhibiting tumor growth, with a significant reduction in PSA levels.
A Cardiff University study finds that e-learning attracts those who were already inclined to learn, with ICTs reinforcing existing patterns of education. Most adults use technology for informal purposes, such as hobbies and communication, rather than seeking formal learning.
Exposure to cigarette smoke condensate breaks both strands of DNA and compromises chromosome integrity in human fibroblasts. This can lead to genetic imbalances and increased cancer risk due to the formation of anaphase bridges and reactive oxygen species.
Research suggests that early life stress can alter the developing immune system, making it more vulnerable to diseases like multiple sclerosis. Infant mice subjected to maternal separation showed increased virus levels and impaired recovery from infection compared to non-separated mice.
Researchers discovered that MMP-1 operates as an extracellular molecular motor converting chemical energy into motion by breaking collagen bonds. This process contributes to tissue growth, development, and repair, and may even aid in cancerous invasion.
Research suggests that parents support limiting access to soft drink vending machines in schools, with many wanting healthier alternatives. Eating a large salad as a first course may also aid in weight management by reducing meal energy intake by 12 percent.,
A new targeted cancer treatment, cetuximab, has shown improved response rates and survival times in advanced colorectal cancer patients who develop an acne-like rash. The study found that the severity of the rash correlated with better tumour responses and longer median survival times.
Belgian researchers have discovered a revolutionary approach to angiogenesis by opening up tumor blood vessels, allowing for improved access to cancer drugs and radiotherapy. The key to this ability lies in the peptide endothelin-1, which stimulates tumor cell proliferation and causes arterioles to contract.
A study found that parental approval of underage alcohol use is prevalent, but strict consequences and responsible parenting can deter teenage drinking. Parents who model moderate drinking behaviors may also teach their children the same.
The genomic map of Thalassiosira pseudonana reveals surprising insights into its nitrogen, fat, and silica usage, as well as an unusual urea cycle that may reduce its dependence on nitrogen. The research provides new understanding of the diatom's role in mediating global warming.
The Penn State Center for Environmental Kinetics Analysis will bring together experts to measure and synthesize kinetic data for environmental systems, with a focus on scaling and modeling. The center aims to increase understanding of environmental systems among researchers and the general public through education and outreach initiati...
Researchers at Boston University have developed a new type of memory cell that outperforms traditional chip-based systems in terms of speed, density, and power consumption. The nanomechanical memory cell can retrieve information at speeds of millions and billions of cycles per second, while operating on minuscule amounts of power.
María Blasco, a Spanish scientist, was awarded the EMBO Gold Medal for her groundbreaking research on telomeres and cancer. Her work has led to significant discoveries on telomerase RNA component, interplay with DNA repair and cell cycle, and chromatin epigenetics.
According to Professor Mohan Dutta-Bergman, local health campaigns are not reaching the at-risk American population, who get their information from sources like soap operas, sitcoms, and sports programs. This is crucial as young adults are less likely to read newspapers, which can lead to developing unhealthy habits.
Researchers are building a cyberinfrastructure to link communities of oceanographers via high-speed wireless and optical networks to observatories in the Northeast Pacific and offshore Southern California. The prototype grid will enable routine ocean access to researchers, educators, students, and the general public.
Researchers at Lehigh University are developing embedded Model Predictive Control technologies in a system-on-a-chip framework to control small devices. The goal is to create implantable biomedical devices that deliver insulin and other treatments with the help of pocket-sized controllers.
Climate scientists attribute observed global warming to a combination of natural and human activities, but removing long-term solar cycles from models reveals minimal impact on early 20th century warming, suggesting other influences may play a greater role.
The NSF has launched three Science of Learning Centers to study the foundations of learning across various situations, from cellular to complex processes engaging different brain areas. The centers will support interdisciplinary research and develop new methods for improving human learning and developing intelligent machines.
Researchers at Washington University ophthalmology discovered that a non-opsin protein, cryptochrome, plays a dominant role in controlling pupil constriction independently of light-sensitive photoreceptor cells. The study found that reducing cryptochrome production by 50% resulted in a corresponding loss of sensitivity to light.
Boston University has been awarded $20.1 million to establish a Science of Learning Center, which aims to develop a model of how the brain learns. The center will bring together educators, scientists, and technologists from four institutions to investigate the foundations of learning across various situations.
Researchers at UT Southwestern will examine the behavioral, metabolic, and molecular mechanisms that cause obesity and related disorders, with a focus on the brain and liver. The team aims to develop state-of-the-art research programs and translate scientific findings to humans.
Researchers found a 10% higher concentration of iron in lava samples from Hawaii compared to other volcanic regions, providing new insights into the Earth's mantle. The discovery could help scientists study the iron-rich core below the mantle using this method.
Researchers screened 2000 anonymous surgical tonsillectomy specimens for the presence of rogue prion protein causing vCJD. No positive cases were identified, but a national large-scale prospective prevalence study is necessary to determine true community infection rates.
A US National Science Foundation study has improved forecasts for Midwest thunderstorms, bow echoes, and tornadoes. The Bow Echo and MCV Experiment found that smaller bow echoes are often the highest risk for tornadoes, contradicting the long-held assumption that size equals strength.
Dr. David S. Alberts, a renowned cancer researcher, has been honored with the 2004 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) – Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation Award for Excellence in Cancer Prevention Research. He is recognized for his groundbreaking work on chemoprevention and treatment of various types of cancer.
The Schepens Eye Research Institute will combine forces with experts from other biomedical and technological fields to develop a center for curing eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The three-year grant will fund the planning and piloting phase of an interdisciplinary research center.
The NSF has awarded over $130 million to 120 new projects tackling various topics including interactive ocean observatories, stress corrosion cracking, and secure access to confidential social science data. The funding aims to advance science and engineering, economic prosperity, and national security.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic syndrome, Timothy syndrome, characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and atypical autism. The syndrome arises from a single gene mutation that impairs a fundamental calcium channel, leading to widespread cellular overloading. Calcium-channel blocking drugs may provide treatment for symptoms.
A new study demonstrates that GVG significantly blocks toluene-seeking behavior in rats, suggesting potential hope for treating inhalant abuse. The findings extend the value of GVG as a treatment for addiction and show promise in treating this growing problem among adolescents.
The USC Interdisciplinary Center aims to explore new directions in stroke neurorehabilitation, focusing on rehabilitation strategies for the arm and hand in people who have survived a stroke. The team will develop novel virtual environment tests and computational models to assess and rehabilitate human functional performance.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $21.7 million to 37 projects investigating human behavior, social dynamics, and communication. These interdisciplinary studies aim to promote breakthroughs in knowledge about crucial issues affecting the social sciences.
Timothy syndrome is caused by spontaneous genetic mutations that interfere with calcium channels regulating heart excitation and contraction. A class of drugs may alleviate arrhythmia, while improving cognitive function in some cases. The disorder affects 200,000 to 400,000 children in the US.
The USF College of Nursing will create an interdisciplinary disaster and trauma management program with a focus on bioterrorism education. The college will work with hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health agencies to provide quality training.
A European study found that shorter chemotherapy courses for children with Wilms' tumour are as effective as traditional treatment, but with reduced side effects and healthcare costs. The two-year survival rate was around 90% in both groups.
A Canadian biotech contest has been found to help students plan their studies and find vocations in fields like biotechnology, healthcare, and the environment. The competition, which has been running since 1994, provides a real-world experience with access to first-class equipment and mentors.
Scientists found that removing long-term solar cycles from global climate models takes away about a tenth of a degree Celsius of early 20th century warming, suggesting other influences may play a greater role than the Sun's. The study adds to the puzzle of understanding complex relationships between the Sun and climate.
A study found genetic mutations in 16.3% of individuals with no lung cancer, associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from smoky coal emissions. Women in Xuan Wei have an abnormally high lung cancer death rate despite low tobacco smoking rates.
A study of megafauna extinctions during the late Pleistocene reveals that both climate change and human activities played significant roles in driving species to extinction. The research, published in Science, suggests that humans and climate change were a one-two punch that led to the loss of many large mammal species.
A novel vitamin E compound, alpha-TEA, has been found to effectively reduce primary tumor mass and prevent lung metastases in genetically identical mice. The compound also shows promise in blocking breast cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has proposed a system to map planetary systems around other stars and detect exo-solar planets as small as Earth's moon. The New Worlds Imager concept uses a giant 'pinhole camera' in space to capture images of distant planets, including their oceans, continents, and atmospheres.
The center aims to consolidate knowledge on protein behavior and develop a platform for screening small molecular libraries against proteases. The technology will help define the role of human proteases in physiology and pathology, enabling the development of new therapies.
Researchers examine land-use practices that increase soil carbon dioxide uptake, such as intensifying cropping and afforestation. Comprehensive economic comparisons are necessary to determine the competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of these methods.
The University of Houston's H-LSAMP program has seen significant success in increasing minority graduation rates in STEM fields. The program, which aims to double the number of students graduating with STEM degrees in five years, has achieved impressive results thanks to its strong partnerships and comprehensive support services.
The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico has broken up, with hypoxia moving further offshore and marine life returning to previously low-oxygen areas. Strong coastal currents and eddies are thought to be key factors in this change.
The University of Washington will create a science of learning center with a focus on implicit learning, informal and formal learning. The center will conduct research on 29 separate studies to advance human learning through new technologies and collaborations.
Researchers find evidence of early human stone tools and bone marrow extraction at Majuangou site, suggesting strong connections to African hominins and rapid spread across Asia. The discovery pushes the known timeline of human presence in Northeast Asia by approximately 340,000 years.
Researchers estimate that the most recent common ancestor of humanity lived around 3,000 years ago, sharing ancestors who domesticated horses and built ancient structures. The study used realistic computer models to simulate human history over the last 20,000 years.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $9.7 million to the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center to install a Red Storm system from Cray, Inc., capable of approximately 10 teraflops. The system will enable researchers to explore high-performance computing capabilities and demonstrate its potential for various scientific applications.
The Decision Center for a Desert City (DCDC) will use Geographic Information System-based tools, climate models, and cognitive research to inform water management decisions. DCDC aims to enhance decision-making by investigating relationships between population growth, limited resources, and climatic variability.
A new report by Science Museum of Minnesota identifies three key factors: Engagement (spark), Capacity (skills) and Continuity (pathways) needed for students to succeed in sciences and quantitative disciplines. The authors emphasize the need for a unified effort among parents, mentors, teachers, administrators and resources.
A study by Dr. Namanjeet Ahluwalia found that iron deficiency in older women can impair immune function, affecting T-cell and granulocyte responses to infection. The study included 72 healthy women over 60 living in rural Pennsylvania counties.
The St. Petersburg/New Haven Partnership aims to develop a community-wide HIV/AIDS care program in Russia, with training and exchanges between American and Russian health professionals. Led by Yale's Krystn Wagner and Robert Heimer, the partnership seeks to improve HIV/AIDS care and treatment in Russia.
The second-generation antisense cancer drug OGX-011 has shown promising results in a Phase I trial, inhibiting clusterin production in patients' cancers. The Phase II trials will investigate the effectiveness of OGX-011 combined with standard chemotherapy in patients with metastatic hormone refractory prostate, breast, and lung cancer.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that the VEGF molecule plays a significant role in the development of asthma by inducing asthma-like abnormalities in genetically engineered mice. The researchers also discovered that blocking VEGF can prevent these manifestations, suggesting new potential targets for treatment.
A recent study led by Dr. Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh and Dr. Kamran Alimoghaddam found that arsenic achieved complete remission in over 90% of newly diagnosed APL patients. The treatment has also shown promising results in other cancers like multiple myeloma, with a mean survival time of nearly 34 months for most patients.