The AAAS expert panel emphasizes the need for new scientific research to improve voting performance, focusing on technologies, voters' knowledge and behavior, election administration, and accountability mechanisms. This research will help ensure maximum voter participation, trust, and integrity while guaranteeing privacy.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has been tapped to coordinate the design of a national network dedicated to ecological observations, known as NEON. The project aims to improve scientific understanding of various research areas, including climate change and biodiversity.
Georgetown University is launching a new trauma center with a $2.5 million NIH grant, partnering with local organizations to develop innovative treatment approaches for low-income women and their families. The Center will conduct research on culturally appropriate methods for trauma intervention and provide training and mentoring.
A recent study by a U.Va researcher found that walking regularly is associated with benefits for cognitive function later in life. Men who walked over two miles per day had significantly lower dementia risk compared to those who walked less than a quarter mile per day.
A study published in JAMA found that walking less than 0.25 miles per day was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of dementia compared to those who walked more than 2 miles per day. Regular walking was also linked to a reduced risk of dementia, with men who walked the most experiencing significantly lower risk.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are exploring a new gene transfer technique that uses CERE-110 to deliver nerve growth factor to specific areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to prevent cell death and reverse cell atrophy, which may have a widespread effect on the entire brain.
Research finds that age-related testosterone depletion promotes Alzheimer's disease in men by protecting neurons from injury and reducing beta-amyloid protein levels. The study suggests that understanding the link between testosterone loss and Alzheimer's is crucial for identifying those at risk.
A study by Saint Louis University researchers reveals a region in the Midwestern United States where summer daytime temperatures are not expected to rise as high as elsewhere, contrary to previous climate projections. The finding suggests that the impact of global warming on this region may be more complex than previously thought.
Researchers at the Center for Internet Epidemiology and Defenses will measure and analyze live Internet epidemics to develop robust defense mechanisms. They plan to construct large-scale monitoring instruments to provide early warning of incipient outbreaks and craft practical solutions to counteract new outbreaks.
Researchers tested the oral compound PKC412 in patients with Myeloproliferative Disease (MPD) and saw symptoms improve. The drug targets a specific genetic mutation, blocking abnormal tyrosine kinases that cause uncontrolled cell division and growth.
A randomized trial found that a Mediterranean-style diet reduced the prevalence of metabolic syndrome by approximately one half after two years. The diet was rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, walnuts, and olive oil.
A team of scuba diving scientists discovered a new type of marine habitat in Alaska's Prince William Sound, specifically rhodolith beds. These colorful algae structures have been found worldwide but never in Alaskan waters, sparking debate over their protection and potential impact on the ecosystem.
Researchers use meteorite composition to test theories on solar system formation, shedding light on the sun's oxygen makeup. The Genesis spacecraft collected particles blown out from the sun, providing new insights into local variations in oxygen isotopes.
The NSF's Cyber Trust program awards funding for two new centers: the Center for Internet Epidemiology and Defenses and the STIM Center. The former focuses on understanding internet vulnerabilities to prevent malware outbreaks, while the latter explores network interactions to create effective defenses against cyberattacks.
Satellite data shows Antarctic glaciers speeding up by up to five times their previous speed after the Larsen B ice shelf collapse. This acceleration is linked to climate warming and could have significant effects on sea-level rise.
The book Uncertain Vision provides an extraordinary analysis of the BBC during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including its response to government oversight and its pioneering digital platform. It argues that the Birt era's policies led to a decline in creativity and quality of British television.
The university will develop tools and processes for mass-producing devices at the nanoscale level, potentially catapulting the field into a $1 trillion industry by 2015. The center will also assess environmental, economic, regulatory, and ethical impacts of nanomanufacturing.
The National Science Foundation has awarded 22 new projects for plant genome research, exploring the role of genetics in plant development, metal tolerance, and disease susceptibility. These projects will also develop genomic tools for crops such as loblolly pine and cotton.
Research finds that higher levels of physical exercise, especially walking, are associated with improved cognitive function and reduced cognitive decline in older women. The study, involving 18,766 women aged 70-81, shows a 20% lower risk of cognitive impairment among those who engaged in moderate physical activity.
A Mediterranean diet rich in plant foods and fish, combined with physical activity, moderate alcohol use, and nonsmoking, was found to lower all-cause death risk by 23%, coronary heart disease risk by 37%, and cancer risk by 22%. Having all four low-risk factors resulted in a 65% reduced death rate.
The DOE has successfully sequenced the poplar tree's genome, providing a critical resource for developing faster-growing trees and increasing biomass conversion. Researchers aim to engineer trees that can sequester more carbon from the atmosphere, potentially helping mitigate global warming.
Researchers from UC Davis uncover the mechanism of mitochondrial fusion, a normal process that can lead to programmed cell death if disrupted. The study sheds light on two neurodegenerative diseases affecting nerve cells in the eyes and limbs.
A study by Associate Professor Lily Stojanovska investigates the mechanisms of resilience in menopausal women, revealing three significant themes: coping with life's challenges, displaying resilience or not, and searching for tools to cope. The findings support education guidelines for improving women's resilience during menopause.
A virtual zebrafish microanatomy atlas will be created with the grant, providing high-resolution files and three-dimensional images of body structures. The atlas will enable data-sharing among researchers to speed discovery in human diseases.
A recent study published in Carcinogenesis found that specific DNA patterns enhance breast cancer protection from marine n-3 fatty acids. Women with low-activity versions of genes associated with GSTs have a lower risk of breast cancer, while high-activity versions show no benefit.
Srinidhi Varadarajan designed a record-breaking, low-cost supercomputer that transformed the industry with its innovative use of off-the-shelf products. His work has opened doors to affordable high-performance computing for major research universities and enterprises.
Children of parents with schizophrenia are vulnerable to developing interpersonal difficulties later in life. The study highlights the need for support to help these individuals cope with the illness.
Researchers found that ice shelf collapses in the Antarctic Peninsula can cause nearby glaciers to accelerate by up to eight times, leading to rapid elevations drops and increased sea level rise. The study provides clear evidence of the relationship between ice shelf breakdown and accelerated glacier flow.
A recent study published by Oregon State University found that wood framing used 17% less energy than steel construction and 26-31% less global warming potential. The research also suggested ways to redesign houses to lower fossil fuel use, reduce material waste, and recycle demolition wastes.