A team of US marine scientists has discovered a new cluster of hydrothermal vents in the Lau Basin, a geologically unique back-arc basin. The vents are expected to hold secrets about the origin of life on Earth, and the discovery is part of an unprecedented research effort that includes multiple expeditions over the next two years.
A study of college students found that 62% relied on prayer to handle stress-related difficulties, regardless of their religious affiliation. Spiritual support was shown to be similar to social support in promoting mental health and well-being.
A recent study published in Demography found that fathers are less likely to cohabitate with infants who have health issues. The research suggests that low-income children in poor health face significant challenges in maintaining a stable family structure.
A K-State sociology professor is working on a project called The Going Home Initiative for Re-entry of Serious Juvenile Offenders to improve the system for girls. Williams found that girls are treated more harshly than boys, with lower tolerance for their offenses and longer custody times.
The study reveals that a gene called phytochrome-interacting factor 1 (PIF1) regulates the production of protochlorophyll, a precursor to chlorophyll. Plants with mutated PIF1 genes accumulate too much protochlorophyll, leading to photo-oxidative stress and bleaching on leaves.
A retrospective study found that low-dose ketamine infusions provided complete relief from CRPS pain for 76% of patients, with 54% remaining pain-free for three months or more. The therapy's effectiveness was linked to its ability to block NMDA-receptor complexes involved in pain processing.
A study published by Express Scripts found that pharmacy dose consolidation programs offer minimal cost savings, ranging from $0.02 to $0.03 per member per month. The program's effectiveness was limited due to the low number of prescriptions and the availability of generic or over-the-counter options.
Scientists have discovered a new species of sea reptile, Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, from the Guanling Formation in southeast China. The creature had a long-necked body, measuring over five feet, with relatively stiff neck and short limbs, suggesting it was adapted for life in the water.
Researchers at The University of Scranton and the University of Illinois have made groundbreaking discoveries about how molecules interact in nanoscale devices. Using IR Raman Spectroscopy, they measured the pathways for energy transfer across a molecular wall, shedding light on how to design materials that move heat effectively.
The Earth Institute at Columbia University aims to increase the number of women in its affiliated departments and research centers to 25%. The ADVANCE Program, funded by a $4.2M NSF grant, uses a five-fold approach to help women overcome career barriers in earth sciences and engineering.
A study found that Mexican-born Hispanics returning to Mexico experience lower mortality rates, adding up to five to eight years of extra life expectancy at age 45. The analysis suggests that return migration is a key factor in this anomaly.
Biologists at Duke University discovered that nitric oxide delays flowering in plants, influenced by external concentrations of the chemical. This finding suggests that air pollution from burning fossil fuels could impact critical plant processes.
Norman, a morphine-free poppy variant, produces thebaine and oripavine compounds preferred by industry. CSIRO's Dr Phil Larkin and colleagues discovered genetic differences in Norman that facilitate its superior pain relief properties.
The study reveals that recycling endosomes transport molecular cargo to the neuronal surface after being drawn into the neuron, regulating long-term potentiation (LTP) and spine growth. This discovery suggests a unifying mechanism for understanding LTP and its role in learning and memory.
A recent study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center researchers used multiple methods to detect SV40 DNA, RNA, and protein in human pleural mesothelioma samples, finding no evidence of a significant role for SV40. The team also discovered that common laboratory plasmid vectors may be causing false-positive results in assays.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered that recycling endosomes store and transport AMPA receptors, which are essential for memory formation. The study provides new targets for treatments for disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and mental retardation.
A retrospective study from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that high levels of telomerase gene expression are associated with an unfavorable outcome for children treated for osteosarcoma, including lower progression-free survival rates and decreased overall survival.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have uncovered the structure of an enzyme that produces folate, a nutrient essential for bacterial survival. The team created images of the molecular structure using X-ray crystallography and discovered a new target for drugs that could avoid antibiotic resistance in anthrax bacteria.
Researchers studied vibrational energy flow through a water-surfactant-organic solvent system, finding that the shape of molecules plays a crucial role in heat transfer. The study reveals that different excitations travel along different paths and rates, leading to significantly longer energy transfer times.
A new Chinese fossil discovery sheds light on the evolution of protorosaurs and their long-necked marine reptiles. The Dinocephalosaurus species' 25 cervical vertebrae neck may have enabled a unique suction-based feeding method, allowing it to capture prey more effectively in water.
A Swedish study of over 700,000 young adults found that low birthweight and being born to a teenage mother are independent risk factors for increased suicide risk. The study also showed that individuals born fourth or more in sibling order and those from poor maternal socio-economic backgrounds are at higher risk of attempted suicide.
USC researchers warn that a strong earthquake could trigger a tsunami in San Pedro Bay, potentially devastating the largest container ports in the US. The study found that a magnitude 7.6 earthquake could cause waves to build to nine feet inside the harbor, threatening ships and coastal areas.
A randomised trial found that doubling the daily dose of imatinib improves progression-free survival by 12% compared to a single daily dose. The study also showed no significant difference in treatment side-effects between the two groups.
The CYPHER Stent significantly reduces major adverse cardiac events in women, including diabetics and smokers, by up to 90% over conventional bare metal stents. The analysis of 345 female patients showed a low target lesion revascularization rate, indicating fewer procedures and better outcomes for women with heart disease.
The NSF and AAAS announced the winners of the 2004 Visualization contest, which spanned research fields from viral medicine to Earth science. The top entries were selected in categories such as photography, illustration, graphics, interactive media, and non-interactive media.
A wolverine with a GPS collar traveled 543 miles over 42 days, crossing three states and multiple national parks. The study's findings suggest that wolverine populations may function over a vast geographic scale, highlighting the need for habitat conservation and cooperation among agencies and landowners.
Researchers found that bacteriophages can rapidly evolve new variants to target resistant bacteria, opening up possibilities for developing dynamic anti-microbial agents. The discovery could provide a renewable resource of smart antibiotics for treating bacterial diseases.
Researchers will develop tools for nano-scale manufacturing and apply them to biosensors for early disease detection and nanotube memory chips. The collaboration aims to create new products contributing 2 million jobs and $1 trillion in revenue by 2015.
The US Department of Energy has announced seven winners of the prestigious E.O. Lawrence Award, honoring researchers who have made significant contributions to various fields of science and energy. The award recipients include Nathaniel Fisch for his work on fusion tokamaks, Bette Korber for her HIV research, Claire Max for her astroph...
Yale researchers have been awarded a $7.5 million grant to investigate the role of viruses in cancer development. The grant will support studies on human papillomaviruses, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus, focusing on viral genes and cellular pathways that lead to cancer.
The Inland Northwest Research Alliance (INRA) hosted a poster event showcasing over 30 student projects in water, energy and other natural resources. The top three winners received cash awards totaling $1,750.
Harvard University scientists have developed nanowire detectors that can identify single viruses using specific receptors, offering a highly sensitive solution for diagnostics and biosafety. The technology has the potential to detect viral infections at early stages and distinguish between different strains and variants.
A recent study found that teenage girls are more likely than boys to start smoking, with 31% of girls and 16% of boys aged 15-16 regularly indulging. The researchers suggest that positive attitudes towards smoking, living with smokers, and having friends who smoke may contribute to this trend.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found a significant association between elevated CRP levels and negative psychological attributes. Respondents with anger, hostility, and mild to moderate depression had significantly higher CRP levels, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Researchers have found that rock-dwelling micro-organisms can photosynthesise and store carbon just as much as plants in the polar regions. The discovery suggests that even the most inhospitable places may harbor surprising habitats for life, including other planets like Mars.
Researchers found that THC prevents viral reactivation in gamma herpes viruses, which are linked to certain cancers. The study suggests a potential antiviral drug based on nonpsychoactive derivatives of THC, but further research is required.
Men who consumed four or more glasses of red wine per week reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 50 percent, while white wine showed no significant effect. The study suggests resveratrol, an antioxidant in red grapes, may be responsible for this benefit.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a new mechanism in bacteriophages that allows them to rapidly evolve new variants to target bacterial resistance. This discovery has the potential to create
Researchers have developed a chemical that discourages the landing and feeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit yellow fever. The discovery provides new hope for combating the deadly disease.
The poplar's genome has been cracked, revealing potential genes specific to trees that could aid in combating global warming. By comparing the genomes of Populus and Arabidopsis, researchers hope to identify tree-specific genes that can be used to modify trees for better energy production and wood quality.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found a significant decrease in liver rejection rates using a monoclonal antibody, basiliximab, in combination with tacrolimus and low-dose steroids. The one-year survival rate improved to 88%, with no complications reported.
Researchers have uncovered patterns of granular motion that promote layer formation and interfere with achieving uniform mixing, which could be useful in manufacturing and understanding particle flow on a larger scale. The study's findings could help engineers design barriers to divert rock slides from populated areas.
Researchers have developed a novel gene regulation strategy using ribozymes, which can be controlled with virtually any drug, offering a safer alternative to existing methods. The technique enables the easy turn on and off of genes, allowing for potential applications in therapeutic and research settings.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that acupuncture is more effective than medication in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as decreasing pain levels. The study, which used electro-acupuncture, showed significant improvements in patient satisfaction and comfort after major breast surgery.
Astronomers have detected high-energy gamma rays emanating from the center of the Milky Way galaxy, sparking debate about the nature of these mysterious emissions. The observation suggests a giant supernova explosion as the possible source, which could accelerate cosmic gamma rays to unprecedented energies.
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.