A study by Brookhaven chemists Santanu Chaudhuri and James Muckerman found that adding titanium to aluminum surfaces significantly improves hydrogen absorption, making it suitable for practical applications. This breakthrough enhances the performance of sodium alanate, a complex metal hydride used in hydrogen storage materials.
The Whitaker Foundation offers international fellowships and scholarships to US biomedical engineering students, aiming to provide an international outlook. The program will fund 15 years of fellowships and scholarships, with a focus on increasing interaction between US-educated engineers and overseas colleagues.
A study by Alex Woods and colleagues suggests that climate change may be behind an unprecedented epidemic of dothistroma needle blight in forests. Increased summer precipitation is believed to have spread the pathogen, which typically thrives in moist conditions.
The latest version of IMG, a collaborative effort between the DOE JGI and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, enables users to add annotations and save analysis results. The update also features improved comparative analysis capabilities and a new training workshop designed for teachers and students.
Researchers found that lesions stained with toluidine blue were six times more likely to become oral cancers and contained molecular alterations linked to high risk. The dye-staining lesions had characteristic molecular changes that predicted higher risk for oral cancers, even at early stages.
The South African Large Telescope (SALT) has achieved 'first light' with its full array of mirrors and imaging camera, SALTICAM. This milestone marks the beginning of its scientific observations, which will explore distant galaxies, asteroids, and comets.
A new protein called ABIN-1 has been discovered that can prevent the death of liver cells in people with hepatitis. Researchers have shown that an extra dose of ABIN-1 provides a double protective effect against inflammation and cell death, offering new hope for treating liver disorders.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a compound called GRN163L that blocks the enzyme telomerase, which keeps cells immortal and implicated in most human cancers. The compound works rapidly and in doses considered reasonable for therapy.
A gene called iagA anchors LTA on the bacterial cell surface, allowing bacteria to cross into the central nervous system. Removing the iagA gene from Streptococcus inhibited bacterial interactions with the blood-brain barrier, reducing mortality rates up to 90% in mice.
A national survey of over 5,500 Americans found that patients treated with respect and dignity were more likely to adhere to treatment plans, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities. The study also showed that being involved in decision-making was associated with higher adherence rates for whites.
Certain bacteria, such as Rhodococcus equi, have evolved strategies to survive and even multiply within macrophages, which are intended to digest pathogens. This occurs when the bacteria prevent phagosome development, avoiding acidification and lysosomal digestive enzymes.
Emerging technologies aim to quickly and accurately detect weapons of mass destruction, saving lives and preventing attacks. Advances in sensors, radio waves, and analytical systems are being explored.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that current nitrogen recommendations are faulty and balanced fertility is key to efficient crop use. Higher planting rates and crop residues impact soil nitrogen cycling and availability, requiring adjustments in nitrogen fertilization methods.
A study by USC researchers has identified two competing proteins, DSP and DPP, that influence the strength of tooth enamel. Over-expression of DSP increases enamel hardness, while over-expression of DPP creates pitted and chalky enamel prone to fracture and wear.
A rapid assessment survey found a type of sea squirt, Didemnum sp., in Cobscook Bay that can damage ocean floor habitats and commercial species. The bay is an important source of seafood, but further research and monitoring are needed to determine the extent of the threat.
Half of high blood pressure patients reporting no medical care or guidance, despite 50 million adults affected. Guidelines for ER evaluation and management needed to address this issue.
Scientists discover a new connection between macrophages and lymph vessels in the eyes, which could lead to new therapies for eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy. The study also suggests that this link may be universal and involved in spreading cancer.
Researchers propose that human TSE-contaminated material was the cause of BSE, transmitted via animal feed, and originated from the Indian subcontinent. The study calls for global cooperation between public health, agriculture, and industry organizations to thoroughly investigate the sources of animal by-products.
Researchers found that pomegranate fruit extracts inhibit the overproduction of MMP enzymes in human cartilage cells, slowing cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic effect for consuming pomegranate fruit extract to protect cartilage.
Researchers discovered that CD11b-positive macrophages play a crucial role in the development of lymphangiogenesis in the cornea during inflammatory conditions. These macrophages transform into endothelial cells or stimulate the division of existing lymphatic cells, leading to the formation of new lymph vessels.
A study found that the BRCA2 gene mutation significantly increases cancer risk in men, with higher rates of prostate, pancreatic, pharyngeal and bone cancers. The mutation is associated with an increased risk of developing these cancers, particularly among younger men.
A study published in The Lancet found that minimally invasive coil treatment is more effective than neurosurgical clipping for ruptured brain aneurysms, resulting in a 24% reduction in mortality and disability. Long-term follow-up data showed that the early survival advantage was maintained up to 7 years.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created a new type of composite material that can be molded into bipolar plates with high electrical conductivity, good mechanical properties, and ease of manufacture. The material's properties exceed industry standards and will enable faster and more efficient production of fuel cell stacks.
Researchers identify neuregulin gene as key factor in myelin production, enabling faster neural transmission. The discovery opens possibilities for repairing damaged spinal cords and brain tracts.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that polyphenols in oats inhibit the Maillard reaction, reducing off-flavors and stale odors. The findings suggest that controlling polyphenol levels could prevent undesirable reactions, including those linked to human diseases.
Researchers have successfully used human muscle-derived stem cells to restore leak-point pressure in animal models of stress urinary incontinence. The therapy involves injecting the cells into the periurethral muscle, which differentiates into new muscle fibers to prevent atrophy. Clinical trials are underway in Toronto.
Researchers Dr. Dixie Mager and colleagues identified 37 instances where retroelements were deleted during human-chimpanzee evolution, suggesting an important role for short DNA sequences in genomic deletions. The study also found that non-retroelement sequences underwent significant changes, indicating widespread genomic variation.
A multi-center clinical trial found that an oral contraceptive containing drospirenone was effective in improving productivity, enjoyment of hobbies, and social activities among women with PMDD. The study showed that the low-dose oral contraceptive was roughly as effective as serotonin reuptake inhibitors in reducing symptoms.
Bumblebees are twice as likely to choose green flowers over orange flowers when they watch others foraging on them. This is the first demonstration of insect social learning, where bumblebees learn by observing other insects.
Researchers develop stealth particles to deliver chemotherapy drugs to tumors, reducing phagocytosis by 24% in cell culture. The system allows for targeted delivery of lower doses, potentially improving cancer treatment outcomes.
The chimpanzee genome's remarkable closeness to the human genome will make it a powerful tool for comparative genetics. The analysis reveals genetic changes that prompted the chimp-human species divergence and provides insight into how evolution has continued since then.
Researchers at UCSD advocate for standardized, humane guidelines for studying captive great apes, emphasizing the need for specialized care and data management. They propose a national network of facilities to support this effort, which could contribute to the survival of great ape species.
Researchers found that the human Y chromosome has stabilized itself over 6 million years, while the chimpanzee Y chromosome is accumulating mutations making its genes useless. The human Y's ability to defend itself is due to carrying spare copies of testis-expressing genes.
Researchers found that human Y chromosome retained its genes despite chimp's mutation, likely due to human monogamy. The study suggests natural selection preserved regions of the Y with self-repair mechanisms.
Scientists at Monell Chemical Senses Center discovered a natural anti-inflammatory compound, oleocanthal, in olive oil. Oleocanthal inhibits COX enzymes, sharing similar action as ibuprofen, and may play a causal role in health benefits associated with Mediterranean diet.
Purdue University researchers have discovered a catalyst that can produce hydrogen without extreme cold temperatures or high pressures. This method could offer solutions to fuel cell development, potentially replacing fossil fuels in automobiles.
Scientists have developed techniques to analyze the chemical composition of brain cells, enabling them to map the distribution of biologically important molecules like vitamin E. This breakthrough may lead to a better understanding of brain function in healthy and diseased brains.
Researchers analyzed gene activity in volunteers exposed to a bacterial product, identifying previously unknown relationships among genes involved in blood cell responses to infection. The study provides valuable insights into the human genomic response to inflammation, which can be fatal in severely burned or injured patients.
Researchers found that large-scale segmental duplications account for 2.7% of the human genome, while single base-pair changes make up only 1.2%. These duplication events have altered gene expression, with some segments implicated in human developmental disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy and Prader-Willi syndrome.
The study found that two brain regions, nucleus accumbens and anterior insula, are activated before making risk-seeking versus risk-aversion investment mistakes. This discovery may help improve the design of economic institutions to facilitate optimal investor behavior.
A team of researchers developed a tracer molecule to highlight beta-amyloid in PET brain scans, aiming to diagnose Alzheimer's disease earlier. PET biomarkers could also evaluate the effects of drugs on the brain, potentially improving treatment outcomes for neurodegenerative conditions.
Scientists have discovered a way to create electricity from cow waste by harnessing the power of microorganisms that break down cellulose. This process uses rumen fluid and cow dung to generate electricity, offering a promising alternative to traditional energy sources.
A study of 1150 pubs in North West England found that 44% do not serve food and would be exempt from smokefree legislation. The proportion of non-food serving pubs increases with deprivation levels, contradicting the government's goal to reduce health inequalities due to smoking.
The study found that the human and chimp genomes are almost 99% identical in terms of directly comparable DNA sequences. At the protein level, 29% of genes code for the same amino sequences in both species.
A new algorithm called Automatic Distillation of Structure (ADIOS) has been developed to learn complex patterns in raw texts, including transcripts of parents' speech directed at young children. The algorithm can generate grammatical new sentences and prove useful in fields like bioinformatics.
Researchers at Penn State developed implantable glucose sensors to monitor troops' metabolic health in the field. The sensors can detect glucose, oxygen, lactate, and pyruvate levels, providing valuable insights into a soldier's overall metabolic picture.
Critically ill patients with glucose in their bronchial aspirates were twice as likely to develop MRSA and spend longer in intensive care. Elevated glucose levels may have caused or promoted bacterial growth.
Researchers created a new mathematical model to predict and prevent societal collapse, shedding light on the mysterious Easter Island population crash. The model successfully mimics the island's rapid decline due to finite resource depletion, providing valuable insights for modern population management.
Duke University's integration of electronic laboratory notebooks improves student engagement and reduces cheating, but has limitations due to software challenges. The adoption of electronic notebooks is not widespread among universities and businesses.
Researchers investigated Botox's mechanism of action for treating enlarged prostate symptoms. The study found that Botox blocks adrenergic receptors, causing muscle relaxation and improving urine flow. This could lead to a new therapy option for millions of men suffering from this common condition.
Researchers developed a nanoscale optical biosensor to detect amyloid ?-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs), tiny proteins accumulating in brain tissue of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The findings may enable early diagnosis of the condition, currently only possible after death.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered a low-temperature sulfur oxides absorbent, silver hollandite, that maintains its catalytic activity even when aging. This inexpensive catalyst has the potential to reduce diesel emissions.
Researchers at The Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre discovered the Scaramanga gene, which regulates early breast development and influences nipple number and position. This breakthrough may help understand normal breast formation and connect it to breast cancer.
VNS therapy has been shown to be effective for some patients with treatment-resistant depression, with up to 20% experiencing total remission. The treatment involves surgical implantation of a device that stimulates the vagus nerve, delivering mild pulses to areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
A newly discovered muscle gene, Srpk3, has been linked to centronuclear myopathy, a rare genetic disorder affecting skeletal muscles. Researchers found that mice lacking the gene exhibit symptoms similar to those seen in humans with centronuclear myopathy, suggesting potential human mutations exist.
The study reveals that a decrease in medial temporal lobe activity tracks the level of perceived memory strength for faces. Graded reductions in cortical responses support graded perceptions of item familiarity, allowing organisms to discriminate between novel and familiar items.
Researchers found that IP 751 significantly suppressed bladder overactivity without affecting contractility, offering a new option for IC treatment. The study's results are promising for patients with interstitial cystitis, a chronic pelvic pain disorder affecting millions of Americans.
A recent study has mapped the chimpanzee genome onto the human genome sequence, revealing a 2.7% difference in segmental duplications. The researchers found that around a third of duplications are unique to humans, while some segments show 'hyperexpansions' with up to 400 copies in chimpanzees.
Researchers explored commercially important ingredients and delivery technologies in a symposium on cosmetic nanotechnology. Novel formulations, such as synthetic nanocarriers that encapsulate Vitamin E, were presented to improve skin and hair care products.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new assay to quantify ergothioneine in fungi, finding that white button mushrooms have about 12 times more of the antioxidant than wheat germ and 4 times more than chicken liver. Exotic mushrooms contain up to 40 times as much ergothioneine as wheat germ.