Researchers found that cave crickets in Texas forage up to 80 meters from their caves, double the previously reported range. This discovery highlights the need to extend protective buffer areas around caves to safeguard endangered invertebrate species.
Boston University has reached the 59th position on the TOP500 List of Supercomputing Sites with its new BlueGene/L unit, which will be used by approximately 500 researchers. The supercomputer's computational power will enable research in subnuclear physics, genetics, and space weather modeling.
Researchers found a strong association between endotoxin levels and asthma prevalence, with bedroom floor and bedding dust having the highest concentrations. Exposure to endotoxins worsens asthma symptoms in adults, regardless of allergy status.
Researchers found that exposing egg cells to nitric oxide can slow the hardening of their outer shells and increase the release of cortical granules, potentially extending their fertilizable time window. This could lead to improved fertility in women and reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities during early embryonic development.
A team of scientists has created a new method for controlled release of drugs by layering thin polymer films with embedded drugs. This technique allows for precise timing and sequence control, opening up broader applications in medicine.
The emerald ash borer's invasive beetle population is rapidly spreading in Ontario's ash forests, despite containment efforts. The insect's distribution expanded dramatically in 2004, infecting new sites beyond a previously created firewall in Essex County.
Recorded numbers of new sexually transmitted infections have doubled in five years, with many patients waiting over two weeks for treatment. Increasing capacity is essential to break the 'vicious circle' of delayed treatment and reduce future demand.
A new study suggests that investing in tuberculosis control programs in high-incidence countries like Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic can reduce TB cases and deaths in the US. The research predicts that $35 million in funding would result in net savings of $108 million over 20 years.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to reduce the cost of producing quantum dots by 80% by replacing expensive solvents with cheap heat-transfer fluids. The new method uses mathematical modeling and experimentation to predict particle size and growth behavior based on solvent properties.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect Earth-like planets by analyzing the chemistry of silicate vapor and steam-rich atmospheres. The approach uses thermochemical equilibrium calculations to identify the presence of silicon monoxide gas, which is expected to be distinct at high temperatures during the planet's formation.
A team of British, US, and French scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the behavior of high-energy particles in the Van Allen radiation belts. They found that low-frequency radio waves cause particle acceleration and intensify the belts, contradicting long-held theory.
Ivan Valiela is a renowned biologist recognized for his leadership in estuarine education and research. He has advised over 50 students and produced more than 200 publications, with a focus on the links between humans and coastal environments.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that climate change affects the oceans' ability to store carbon dioxide. The best location for injecting CO2 into the deep ocean changes with climate change, with the Atlantic Ocean proving more effective than other locations.
A new UCLA study highlights the importance of using CT scans to evaluate cervical spine injuries, finding that x-rays fail to detect secondary injuries in 36% of cases. The researchers recommend that all patients with cervical spine injuries undergo CT imaging to identify missed injuries and non-contiguous injuries.
Scientists have built molecules that can move large droplets of liquid across surfaces and up slopes against gravity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of artificial muscles and smart materials with potential applications in drug delivery and nanotechnology.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have successfully used molecular information processors to perform logic operations and process information in spaces a few nanometres across. This breakthrough harnesses the principle of photo-induced electron transfer, mimicking the process of photosynthesis.
Researchers found that small prions are significantly more infectious than large ones, yet there is a lower size limit beyond which infectivity is lost. The study's findings suggest that treatments targeting large prion deposits may do more harm than good by releasing the most infectious particles.
Researchers found that consumers tend to spend more money on brand-name items when someone they don't know is nearby. In contrast, consumers are more likely to buy cheaper items when no one is around. The study suggests that store owners can increase profits by optimizing product placement to minimize feelings of isolation or anxiety.
The Open Network Laboratory (ONL) provides a platform for researchers to develop, test, and demonstrate improvements in networking environments. With its high-performance routers and extensibility features, the ONL enables users to create new communication services and evaluate innovative ideas in a realistic setting.
The Linked Environments Atmospheric Discovery project aims to create a high-speed computing infrastructure for timely and accurate weather forecasts. The system will pool data from various sources, including ground sensors, satellites, and radars, to launch hundreds of simulations at the same time, resulting in more accurate predictions.
Researchers have found evidence of past water on Mars at the Gusev crater, indicating a hydrologic system that deposited magnesium sulfate and formed highly oxidized coatings. The study used data from the Spirit rover's trenches to detect high levels of magnesium sulfate and showed a tight correlation between magnesium and sulfur.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a new target for diabetes treatment: the protein TORC2. TORC2 regulates glucose production in liver cells and its activation can improve insulin sensitivity. The discovery holds promise for developing more effective diabetes medications.
Researchers at UTSA are studying safe effective vaccine candidates for long-term immunity against tularemia, a deadly pathogen associated with a 30-40% mortality rate. The study will focus on understanding the organism's strategies to evade immune responses and develop T-cell protection.
Scientists found evidence of rapid climatic change and massive burial of dead organic matter in ancient sediments. This variability led to oxygen-depleted deep ocean conditions and extreme climate fluctuations on land.
The Gaza Strip faces a severe contaminated water crisis, with the only source being unsuitable for drinking due to high levels of salinity and pollution. A proposed management plan aims to provide a win-win situation but requires cooperation between Israel and Palestine.
Researchers used chondrites to calculate early Earth's atmosphere, finding a reducing atmosphere with methane and ammonia. This contradicts the Miller-Urey experiment, which relied on an oxidizing atmosphere.
Researchers at RIT are working on a groundbreaking study to model how rumors spread in social networks and affect individuals and groups. The project aims to use two diverse methodologies combining psychological and mathematical expertise to investigate the impact of rumors on human relationships and society.
A recent study found that children using community health centers in medically underserved areas have a higher prevalence of overweight compared to the general population. The study analyzed data from nearly 2,500 children aged 2-11 and found that overweight children made up 22% of younger kids and 24% of older kids in these centers.
A new JAMA study compares sleep deprivation to alcohol ingestion and shows that long work hours impair young doctors' cognitive function. The researchers found that residents who worked extended hours performed similarly to those with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
A new study finds that adequate daily folic acid intake before pregnancy can reduce neural tube defects (NTDs) by up to 70%. The March of Dimes advocates for increased folic acid fortification in grain foods, particularly among Hispanic populations.
The US government has awarded a $20 million grant to develop novel synthetic catalytic scavengers (SCS) to protect against and treat the effects of radiation exposure. Proteome Systems will provide its SCS compounds for clinical application, aiming to create medical products for victims of radiological terrorism or radiation accidents.
The Academy of Finland and Tekes have launched a new funding programme to strengthen key areas of science and technology in Finland. The programme aims to build longer-term international research cooperation by hiring top foreign researchers, who will work as part of the Finnish research community.
The ACTIVE trial program was designed to evaluate the use of clopidogrel plus aspirin in patients with atrial fibrillation. After an interim analysis, it was recommended to discontinue the ACTIVE W trial but continue the ACTIVE A and I trials.
A recent study found that many resident physicians feel unprepared to provide cross-cultural care, despite recognizing its importance. The survey of over 2,000 residents revealed a lack of training in handling specific cultural situations and limited opportunities for mentorship and evaluation.
A diet high in soy protein prevents the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver despite obesity and hyperinsulinemia. This is achieved through reduced expression of genes involved in lipid production and increased breakdown of fatty acids.
The study reported a 10.6% rate of stent-related MACE for the control Tecnic group, while the Janus group had a 6.4% rate, with a significant reduction in TLR, and no stent thrombosis occurred
A study of 34 young pediatric residents found that working long hours and overnight shifts impairs their attention, judgment, and driving abilities. The researchers compared the effects of heavy work shifts with those of consuming three to four alcoholic drinks, revealing similar impairments in both cases.
A study found that teenage boys who believe they might get someone pregnant, regardless of their intentions, are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. Healthcare providers should initiate conversations with adolescent males about reproductive issues, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
The ELISA II trial found that triple antiplatelet (AP) therapy reduced enzymatic infarct size and improved epicardial coronary artery flow in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). Triple AP therapy also showed a trend towards better event-free survival at 96 hours and 30 days after randomization.
Researchers used PET scanning to track monoamine oxidase (MAO A) levels in smokers and nonsmokers, finding that MAO A was 50% lower in smokers' lungs. Smokers also held onto a tracer chemical longer and had reduced delivery of tracer into arterial blood supply.
Researchers created an animal model of Parkinson's disease using fruit flies with deleted DJ-1 genes, finding increased sensitivity to oxidative damage from common agricultural agents. The study suggests that DJ-1 plays a critical role in protecting dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress.
The Deep Impact mission revealed several dozen impact craters on Comet Tempel 1, with a powdery layer tens of meters deep. The comet's surface is composed of a fine-grained, loosely glued layer of organic powder and ice, sparking new questions about its composition and the formation of the solar system.
A study found that resident physicians feel insufficiently prepared to care for patients from different cultures, with significant gaps in cross-cultural education and mentoring. The survey results highlight the need for improved training programs to address racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare.
Hebrew University researchers found that investors prefer non-liquid, low-risk assets like bank deposits over liquid, high-yielding T-bills, paying a premium for the perceived safety. This 'ostrich effect' ignores reported risks in T-bills and unreported risks in bank deposits.
Researchers found that displaced songbirds in the high Arctic use a combination of geomagnetic and solar cues to adjust their orientation. The study suggests that birds may rely on declination to determine longitudinal position, allowing them to navigate despite challenging conditions.
Scientists have identified four sugar-coated faces made by stem cells as they develop into brain cells, which may help navigate the adult brain and repair brain injury or disease. These glycoconjugate markers could aid in functional recovery and controlling stem cell proliferation.
Research finds that long residency hours impair medical residents' performance, increasing the risk of accidents and errors. Heavy call rotations show comparable impairment to heavy drinking, highlighting the need for safer work schedules and countermeasures.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that 3D MRI can detect pancreatic cancer in patients with severe mid-abdominal pain and other symptoms. The study suggests that radiologists should look for pancreatic cancer even if the patient didn't have an examination for that purpose.
A study found that neighborhood safety concerns did not lead to increased TV time or obesity in preschoolers, challenging the intuitive solution of reducing screen time. The researchers instead recommend increasing outdoor play and making neighborhoods safer for children to improve their well-being.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a cell-based biosensor system that can scan thousands of compounds to identify those that activate dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system. The new screening technique is highly sensitive and cost- and time-efficient, allowing for rapid identification ...
A long-term study found that 3.1% of people who suffered a stroke developed epilepsy. Those with severe strokes had five times the risk compared to those with less severe strokes. New treatments and improved care may reduce the frequency of post-stroke epilepsy.
Researchers found that women taking letrozole experienced a significantly better overall disease-free survival rate and distant disease-free survival rate compared to those on placebo. This study confirms the protective effect of extended adjuvant letrozole therapy for postmenopausal breast cancer patients.
The STEEPLE study examines the safety and efficacy of enoxaparin in percutaneous coronary intervention patients, comparing it to UFH regimens. The results confirm earlier findings that enoxaparin is simple and effective, with minimal bleeding risk, and suggest its use as a standard treatment option.
The BASKET trial compares the costs and outcomes of drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare-metal stents (BMS) in 826 patients with PCI. The study aims to identify patient subgroups where DES are cost-effective, potentially impacting daily practice and preferences.
A study in western Alaska found that vegetation growth, particularly shrubs, interacts with snow to affect Earth's albedo and alter the winter energy balance of the Arctic. This could lead to accelerated warming and changes in the region's carbon budget, with implications for the rest of the world.
A study found that medical students are frequently exposed to pharmaceutical company gifts and activities, with 93.2% of respondents required to attend at least one sponsored lunch. Many students also believe they are entitled to gifts and think sponsored grand rounds can be educational but biased.
A study found that nearly 60% of prostate cancer specimens received higher Gleason scores than original assignments, suggesting that pathologists are more likely to assign high scores to contemporary tumor samples. This 'Will Rogers phenomenon' may lead to a false sense of therapeutic accomplishment and skew mortality rates.
Researchers found that abstract symbols can lead 3-year-olds to choose smaller rewards over larger ones, improving their impulse control. In contrast, tangible objects like candy often tempt children towards bigger rewards.
A study published in Science reveals the vast potential of small RNAs in regulating gene expression, with over 77,000 unique small RNAs identified in Arabidopsis plants. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding small RNA function and regulation, which may also contribute to cancer diagnostics.
African-American women are at high risk of physical inactivity, with nearly a third missing leisure-time exercise. A new study reveals that social support from family or friends significantly predicts physical activity, accounting for over 23% of the variance.