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.
Researchers discovered that HER-2 protein receptors can travel into the nucleus and turn on genes associated with different carcinogenesis pathways, including COX-2. This finding may change treatment strategies and open up new avenues of research.
Researchers at U of T found that municipal wastewater contains enough organic material to generate significant amounts of electricity. By using anaerobic digestion instead of aerobic treatment, wastewater treatment plants could produce enough electricity for their own operations and potentially export excess energy to the grid.
Researchers found dopamine transporter injury in HIV dementia patients, suggesting a new direction for treatment. The study suggests that viral suppression may lead to recovery of deficits in the dopamine system.
The study found that obese trauma patients were 6 times more likely to die from their injuries compared to non-obese patients. The researchers also discovered that the obese group had a higher incidence of multiple organ failure, with 13% experiencing this complication compared to 3% in the non-obese group.
Researchers found that amyloid growth can occur independently of oligomers in yeast prion protein Sup35. The study suggests that creating conditions favoring fiber growth while inhibiting oligomer formation might limit the toxic effects of amyloid plaques.
A recent study found that IV access does not provide a significant advantage for healthy children undergoing minor ear surgery. Children without IV access experienced reduced pain requirements and shorter hospital stays. Meanwhile, parents whose children did not receive IV access reported higher satisfaction rates with the procedure.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have successfully treated medulloblastoma brain cancer in lab models by targeting a single protein in the hedgehog pathway, demonstrating potential for novel treatment approaches and improved outcomes for patients.
A study of 4,522 patients found that 48-53% received less than 85% of recommended chemotherapy doses due to treatment delays or dose reductions. Patients over age 60 had significantly higher risk of under-treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of timely and effective chemotherapy management.
Timothy Gardner, a Boston University biomedical engineer, has been selected for the TR100 award for his groundbreaking research on gene regulatory networks in bacteria. His work aims to optimize metabolic networks for bioremediation and energy production, with potential medical implications such as inferring mechanisms of drug action.
The study suggests that monitoring glycated hemoglobin levels can help identify individuals at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Researchers found a significant association between elevated glycated hemoglobin levels and increased risk of large-vessel cardiovascular disease among people with type II diabetes.
Researchers have developed a variant of vanillin that can treat sickle cell disease, a condition that causes red blood cells to form the hazardous sickle shape. The compound, MX-1520, was tested in mice and found to inhibit the formation of rigid sickled cells, offering hope for safer and more effective treatment options.
Two studies find that high hemoglobin A1c levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, including heart disease and stroke. Improvements in glycemic control may improve health outcomes in people without diabetes.
Researchers have identified a protein tag that is unique to cancer cells and can be targeted by a drug delivery system. The strategy showed effectiveness in laboratory tests and animal models, and the team plans to test it next in human tumors.
Researchers have cracked the genetic code of B. mallei, a highly evolved pathogen that causes glanders, an infectious equine disease. The study reveals a tightly regulated set of virulence genes and genomic instability, which may explain why B. mallei can evade host immune responses.
A recent study using binocular rivalry demonstrates the importance of feedback in interpreting visual images. The experimenters found that once a walking figure is recognized, it can cause dominance of signals from one eye and suppression of signals from the other.
Experts recommend seven potential options to raise funds for development, including global environmental taxes and private donations. The policies aim to increase external flows of finance to the poorest countries by 2015 to meet MDG targets.
Researchers found that inhibiting NF-kB or TNFα can prevent inflammation-induced tumor growth, allowing TRAIL to tip the balance in favor of cancer killing. The study suggests using NF-kB inhibitors with anti-TNFα drugs and TRAIL-inducing cytokines to promote tumor killing.
RIT will receive $1.2 million to study nanomaterials and nanostructures for space photovoltaics, aiming to develop more efficient solar cells for robotic exploration. The goal is to upgrade power supplies, improving performance and range for NASA's robotic missions.
A study of 128 women found that immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy did not delay the initiation of postoperative chemotherapy. The overall rate of wound complications was 15.5%, with higher rates in patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction, but these complications did not affect chemotherapy timing.
Researchers developed a small molecule inhibitor of the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway, HhAntag, which completely eradicated medulloblastoma tumors in mice. Long-term treatment prolonged medulloblastoma-free survival without toxic side effects.
Researchers found that combining 308-nm excimer laser therapy with topical tacrolimus ointment resulted in 100% repigmentation in group A lesions and 85% in group B. The treatment was well tolerated, with an average of 10-12 sessions needed to see improvement.
Deletion of d-catenin leads to severe learning and memory deficits and alterations in synaptic plasticity. The study establishes a causal link between d-catenin deletions and cognitive dysfunction, offering insights into the mechanisms underlying Cri-du-Chat Syndrome and Familial Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new potential target for preventing colon cancer: the PPARdelta gene. By 'knocking out' this gene in mice, they found that polyp development was inhibited, providing a promising avenue for safer prevention methods.
Women with fibromyalgia often struggle with breast-feeding due to medication side effects and pain. Research suggests healthcare providers should explore non-prescription methods and refer women to lactation consultants for support.
Amyloid fibers assemble individually through the addition of monomers, contradicting earlier theories that suggested oligomeric globules played a key role in their formation. This finding has significant implications for understanding amyloid diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Scientists have found a trackway of fossil genes in the Japanese yeast Saccharomyces kudriavzevii, showing how an organism discards traits when they are no longer needed. The discovery provides insights into the process of evolution and how genetic pathways become obsolete.
Martin Saunders will receive the James Flack Norris Award for his seminal contributions to NMR spectroscopy, structures, and rearrangements of carbocations. He developed new methods for studying these highly reactive species, allowing him to discover detailed mechanisms and rates of rapid rearrangement reactions.
Scientists successfully eliminated leukemia in genetically modified mice by disrupting the BCL-2 protein. The study provides strong support for a new paradigm of cancer treatment involving targeted apoptosis regulation.
A study by Dr. Massey Beveridge highlights the importance of orthopedic care in developing countries, where road traffic injuries and falls are major causes of disease burden among children. With only 400 surgeons serving 200 million people, access to simple surgical and obstetrical procedures could prevent up to 10% of all deaths.
T.P. Ma, a Yale University professor, is honored with the 2005 IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award for his groundbreaking research on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) gate dielectrics. His work has focused on microelectronics, semiconductors, and memory applications.
A multidisciplinary team reports the first complete genome sequence of Methylococcus capsulatus, a methane-loving bacterium that can consume methane and produce protein. The genome provides insights into methanotroph biology and its potential for bioremediation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and degrading pollutants.
The study reveals that methanotrophs, including M. capsulatus, have multiple pathways for using methane and can respond to environmental changes by switching between different chemical pathways. This flexibility could make them a valuable tool for reducing methane emissions.
In a breakthrough study, scientists discovered that stimulating the production of utrophin improves muscle function and quality in mice with muscular dystrophy. The research uses a small molecule to turn on utrophin production, bypassing the need for gene therapy. Utrophin levels increased by threefold, leading to improved muscle tissu...
Researchers found that PGE2 activates PPARd through a signaling pathway promoting cell survival and polyp formation. This effect was not observed in mice lacking PPARd, highlighting the role of PPARd as a critical downstream mediator in PGE2-stimulated colorectal tumor growth.
The study reveals that Strep bacteria employ a dual strategy to outsmart the immune system: producing a toxic 'sword' called hemolysin to kill immune cells, and an antioxidant 'shield' made of carotenoids to protect itself from oxidative damage. This unique approach makes GBS a more lethal pathogen.
A survey found that the public perceives 'cosmetic surgery' as more temporary and less technical compared to 'plastic surgery', with lower risk and recovery time. However, respondents struggled to distinguish between the two terms in terms of cost and risks associated.
RIT's NanoPower lab has secured a three-year project to improve the efficiency of alpha voltaic batteries for miniature military devices. The team, led by Ryne Raffaelle, will use nanotechnology materials to protect semiconductors from radiation damage.
Researchers at MIT and partners successfully integrated a photosynthetic protein complex with a solid-state electronic device, paving the way for efficient energy generation. The innovation uses spinach chloroplasts to create a dry environment that stabilizes protein complexes, enabling the development of practical organic solar cells.
A study reveals that the apparent movement of eyes in paintings is caused by visual perception, not supernatural forces. The researchers found that changes in viewing direction had little effect on the observers' perceptions, except for making the torso look thinner when viewed from an angle.
Researchers Konrad Körding and colleagues used utility functions, commonly used in economics, to analyze motor control. They found a surprising amount of agreement on preferred movements and a counterintuitive result that longer resistance was preferred over stronger resistance.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered new insights into ancient mating and migration patterns in humans using genetic data. The study found that men's genes traveled farther than women's, contradicting previous assumptions about patrilocality, a common marriage practice.
Research finds that areas with high levels of informal voluntary activity enjoy better health, higher GCSE grades, and lower crime rates. Volunteering is also strongly linked to overall life satisfaction and happiness, with some communities recording the highest percentages of people satisfied with their lives.
A study found that preschool participation significantly increases rates of high school completion and lowers juvenile arrest rates. The primary contributors to these outcomes include attendance in high-quality elementary schools and parental involvement in school.
Researchers produced genetically modified linseed plants that accumulate significant levels of very long chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in seed, improving human nutrition. The production of these oils in plants may reduce unsustainable pressures on fisheries and provide a sustainable alternative for consumers.
Research on the 1970 British Cohort Study found that middle childhood development significantly affects adult outcomes. Children's relative cognitive ability changes between ages 5 and 10 are crucial, as those who 'escape' their initial performance tend to have better life chances and reduced risk of negative adult outcomes.
The study found that adolescents' autonomy increased over five years, with more independence in personal and multifaceted issues as they aged. Parental involvement in prudential and conventional decisions was associated with better adjustment, while joint decision-making on multifaceted issues predicted positive outcomes.