Scientists have detected geoneutrinos using the KamLAND detector, providing crude information about the chemistry of uranium and thorium isotopes. This detection offers a new window into the Earth's interior, doubling the number of tools available for studying the planet's composition and structure.
Bill Dunn, a K-State associate professor of mechanical and nuclear engineering, has developed a device that can detect explosives remotely using gamma and neutron radiation pulses. The device aims to improve bomb detection safety without putting people at risk by getting too close to suspicious containers.
Researchers Ruchi Bhanot and Jasna Jovanovic found that girls are less confident in their math ability when their parents give intrusive support. The study, published in the journal Sex Roles, suggests that parents' endorsement of gender stereotypes can undermine girls' confidence in math and science. By being more sensitive to how hel...
Scientists pinpoint specific 'genetic endowment' genes that enable breast cancer tumors to metastasize to the lungs. The discovery offers a new set of molecular tools to test tumor biopsies, enabling early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Researchers have developed porous support materials that can withstand the rigors of high-temperature reforming of hydrocarbon fuels. The new materials satisfy all three key requirements for a catalyst support: high surface area, stability at high temperatures, and low pressure drop.
A recent study by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory suggests that the sun contains nearly three times more neon than previously believed. This discovery has solved a critical problem with understanding how the sun works. The increased amount of neon plays a crucial role in energy flow from nuclear reactions to space.
A study published in Nature Genetics indicates that loss of one copy of Plk4 is a major risk factor for primary liver cancer, increasing likelihood by half when enzyme levels are reduced. The research provides insight into genetic predisposition to hepatoma and implications for screening and early detection.
The NIST Guide for the Selection of Biological Agent Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders provides a comprehensive resource for selecting biological agent detection equipment. The guide cites 19 performance parameters to consider, including sensitivity and ease-of-use, to help first responders make informed decisions.
A study found that hospitalised older patients with delirium had a 13% shorter lifespan compared to those without delirium. The researchers estimate that this equates to approximately one year of life lost per patient.
Researchers studied two human volunteers with amnesia who could learn simple object discrimination tasks through repetition and habit learning. The volunteers' ability to select the correct item improved over time, suggesting that humans have a capacity for habit memory that is independent of conscious memorization.
Researchers found that Amazonian rivers and wetlands are rapidly releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere, with most recent releases dating back only 5 years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the storage of carbon in these ecosystems.
A study by Penn State researchers found that invasive brushy honeysuckle hybridized with the Rhagoletis pomonella fruit fly, creating a new insect species. The discovery suggests that hybridization is a common mechanism for speciation in animals, similar to what occurs in plants.
A study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has identified a gene set associated with breast cancer metastasis to the lungs. The researchers found that over half of patients with tumors carrying this genetic 'thumbprint' developed lung metastases, whereas only 10% of those without it did.
Researchers at NIST and university partners find that carbon nanotubes can be sorted by length during mixing, which could lead to more affordable high-quality polymer nanocomposites. The study reveals that shorter tubes tend to congregate near the walls of mixing equipment.
The UT Southwestern team will study how human cells respond to ionizing radiation in outer space, which can cause DNA damage leading to cancer. The research project aims to improve shielding material for spacecrafts and design safer spacesuits.
Researchers at NIST developed a compact, vertically mounted cavity that eliminates vibrations, allowing for stable laser light with minimal environmental disturbances. The new design outperforms previous systems in size and cost, enabling widespread adoption of precise optical technologies.
A new study found that patient-delivered partner treatment reduces STD recurrence and transmission. The method involves giving patients antibiotics to offer to their partners, resulting in higher referral rates and reduced unprotected sex.
Researchers found that stem cells in the bone marrow of female mice can produce new egg cells, contradicting long-standing theories on mammalian reproductive physiology. This discovery could lead to new treatments based on regenerative medicine.
Researchers at U Iowa successfully used RNA interference to prevent genetic deafness in mice, offering a potential new treatment for humans. The gene-silencing technique targets dominant negative mechanisms that cause deafness in humans.
A recent study found that motion significantly enhances people's ability to recognize subtle facial expressions, particularly when displayed dynamically rather than statically. The research suggests that motion reveals the temporal characteristics of emotions and improves sensitivity to communication of emotion.
A study found that a rapid increase in PSA levels (PSA velocity) is associated with a higher risk of death from prostate cancer following radiation therapy. Men with low-risk disease and high PSA velocity had a 19% 7-year mortality rate, compared to 0% for those with low PSA velocity.
A study found that doctors and caregivers often focus on physical and cognitive effects, but patients report additional challenges such as social isolation and self-consciousness. The research highlights areas that deserve more attention and suggests interventions like lip reading training and videos to improve patient recovery.
Researchers discovered that the protein CrebA single-handedly controls the entire set of events leading to secretion in the fruit fly's salivary gland, improving understanding of how cells become specialized for secretion. This finding could potentially help fix problems with pancreatic cells in juvenile (type I) diabetes.
A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology found methylotrophic bacteria present in the mouths of healthy volunteers and those with gum disease, but no association between bacterial levels and bad breath. The discovery may lead to a natural way of reducing smelly breath and feet.
The study found that Medicare beneficiaries received lower rates of preventive services, with strong associations between practice type and revenue from Medicaid. Practices with less than 6% of revenue from Medicaid were more likely to provide certain preventive services, while those with high percentages were less likely.
A study found that 45 out of 500 virtual colonoscopy patients had clinically important extracolonic findings, including kidney cancers and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The study suggests that virtual colonoscopy may be more effective at detecting diseases outside the colon than in the colon.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of elderly individuals (80+ years) have hypertension, with women facing greater risks. Poor control rates were 38% among men and 23% among women, mainly due to inadequate use of combination therapy.
A study by the Framingham Heart Study found that despite increasing rates of high blood pressure with age, treatment rates for older adults remain low. Seventy-four percent of people aged 80 and older have high blood pressure, but only a minority receive treatment.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati have developed a new chemical compound that can accelerate adult stem cell mobilization, enabling easier harvesting. The findings reveal the RAC GTPase family plays a crucial role in regulating stem cells' movement into bone marrow and blood stream.
A review published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest suggests that videotaping interrogations can curb false confessions. The authors propose that all interviews and interrogations should be recorded in their entirety to accurately assess confessions.
Researchers find B-1a cells regulate innate immunity, while B-1b cells drive adaptive long-term response to infections. The discovery sheds light on vaccine action and potential insights into designing vaccines.
A study of twins and their partners/friends reveals a strong genetic component to our tendency to seek out people like ourselves. The researchers found that 34% of preference for similar mates was due to shared genes, with the greatest self-similarity seen in more heritable items.
Researchers found that wild-caught mountain chickadees differ from previous species tested by consistently ignoring angular features of their environment and following landmarks. This discovery suggests that animals may be predisposed to navigate by geometry, contradicting prior research.
MR spectroscopy enhances breast imaging by identifying chemical compounds in tumors, leading to increased cancer detection rates (94-100%) and improved accuracy (57%). This adds value to existing MR exams, reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving patient outcomes.
A study found that blood pressure control is suboptimal in older women with hypertension, with only 28% of women in this age group achieving controlled blood pressure. The researchers also noted that treatment rates are high, but the use of cost-effective thiazide diuretics is low.
A study published in BMC Pediatrics finds that active maternal smoking, passive exposure, and even quitting during pregnancy can cause genetic damage in the developing fetus. This damage may have lifelong repercussions for the exposed fetus, affecting survival, birth weight, and susceptibility to disease.
False confessions are a significant issue in law enforcement, with various factors contributing to their occurrence. Research suggests that mandatory videotaping of police interviews and interrogations could help reduce these cases by providing an objective record of the proceedings.
The company will use the investment to accelerate its drug development program for neuropathic pain, a prevalent condition affecting an estimated 45% of diabetics and 75% of those over 70. With a significant worldwide market valued at US$3 billion, Spinifex aims to deliver a novel solution to this unmet medical need.
Researchers have discovered the chemical mechanism behind immunodominance, a process where the immune system targets specific pieces of disease-causing molecules. This understanding could lead to the development of more effective vaccines by targeting areas of pathogens that cannot be changed.
A study found that PSA doubling time, pathological Gleason score, and time from surgery to biochemical recurrence are significant risk factors for prostate-specific death. Patients at high risk can be identified and offered aggressive treatment, while those at low risk can be safely observed.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a heat spreader that uses phase-change heat process to cool the brain during epileptic seizures. The device, implanted on the neocortex, cools the brain from 38°C to 20°C to render it seizure-free.
A new study from UNC Health Care found that whole-body PET/CT scanners are highly accurate in detecting the spread and recurrence of head and neck cancer. The scans can pick up cancer where none was thought to exist, allowing for more precise biopsies and treatment planning.
Studies reveal high users of primary care are often over-serviced but underserved, and electronic medical records have little impact on diabetes quality of care. In contrast, patients treated with dignity report higher satisfaction, treatment adherence, and receipt of preventive services.
Research reveals that emotionally arousing events activate the brain's amygdala, strengthening connections between neurons and increasing a protein called Arc to store lasting memories. The study shows that the amygdala plays a pivotal role in forming long-term memories.
Hassan Khalil's model will allow for new experimentation in artificial organ control, making experiments more flexible and predictable. The collaboration between UH and the Texas Medical Center fosters collaborations between engineers, doctors, and professionals.
A study of 2,593 cases found that school pesticide exposure led to acute illnesses in children (7.4 cases per million) and adults (27.3 cases per million). The majority of illnesses were associated with insecticides, with integrated pest management programs recommended to prevent such exposures.
The Jefferson Lab FEL has been recognized as one of the top 100 most technologically significant products of 2005. It provides a scaleable path for high laser output power and enables new applications in materials science, national security, and more.
A U of T study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that a single exposure to methamphetamine during pregnancy can cause long-term neurodevelopmental problems. The developing fetus is vulnerable to DNA damage from the drug due to its lack of enzymes protecting it against free radicals.
A recent study found that virtual colonoscopy can detect extracolonic abnormalities in 63% of patients, with clinically important findings detected in 9%. The procedure is potentially cost-effective and can be used to screen for other conditions as well.
Researchers found that trained nurses and laypersons can accurately screen for vision disorders in preschool children, with some tests performing as well as optometrists. The study's results have significant implications for early detection and treatment of childhood eye disease.
Researchers have identified a crucial nicotinic receptor in nematode worms that plays a significant role in muscle contraction. The discovery may have direct relevance to humans due to the similarity between the nematode receptor and the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor found in the human brain.
Researchers found that a combination of precursor cells and gene therapy led to significant improvements in functional recovery from spinal cord injury. The treatment promoted myelination, resulting in improved mobility and electrical activity in the affected area.
Researchers investigated mental health outcomes after stroke and spinal cord injury, exploring the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and sensory evaluation tools. The study found that patients with depression struggled with low expectations of recovery and finding it difficult to accept losses.
A new study suggests that PET imaging can identify which breast cancer patients are likely to respond to chemotherapy, allowing for more effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized treatment plans, giving patients and doctors more options.
Researchers successfully entangled a photon and a single atom located in an atomic cloud, demonstrating the first time this has passed the rigorous test of Bell inequality violation. The findings are a significant step towards developing secure long-distance quantum communications.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's arts program offers expressive-arts classes for HIV/AIDS patients, providing a supportive community for them to express themselves. The program's facilitator-researcher, Dr. Kellman, aims to enable and facilitate healing through art-making.
Researchers identified three key risk factors for lethal prostate cancer recurrence after surgery: PSA doubling time, time from surgery to recurrence, and Gleason score. These risk factors allow doctors to distinguish between patients who need further treatment and those who can be closely monitored.
Gwen Hoben, a M.D.-Ph.D. student at Rice University, has won the highly competitive Hertz fellowship to pursue her research in tissue engineering. The award provides funding for tuition and fees, as well as a $28,000 stipend, giving her more flexibility to explore scientific questions.
A study by Ann Schlosser found that reading negative reviews triggers concerns among posters about social outcomes, causing them to lower their ratings. In contrast, lurkers' private attitudes did not differ from those of posters.
A new study reveals that ocean spray plays a crucial role in lubricating the swirling winds of hurricanes and cyclones. The researchers found that large water droplets kicked up by rough seas can inhibit turbulence, allowing winds to build to speeds approaching 200 miles per hour.