Researchers at Rockefeller University have been selected to develop new vaccines targeting dendritic cells to stimulate stronger immune responses against various diseases. The project aims to create long-lasting protective immunity against HIV, malaria, and certain forms of cancer.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has issued a report calling for strengthened codes to prevent similar nightclub fires. The recommendations aim to enhance occupant safety by implementing measures such as sprinkler systems, flammable material restrictions, and emergency preparedness practices.
A new $1.4 million ARM Mobile Facility is stationed near the beach to collect data on marine stratus clouds, which are thin, low-level clouds that cover the sky like a blanket. The facility will gather data on cloud properties, suspended particles and other atmospheric variables to analyze aerosol effects.
Richard Horton argues that the GMC is not equipped to handle complex medical-law cases and advocates for a Royal Commission to improve judicial processes and strengthen child protection services. The causes of Sally Clark's sons' deaths remain unascertained, highlighting the need for a broader approach to learning from the Clark case.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel 3D rendering technique for PET/CT images, allowing for simultaneous viewing of multiple modalities. This new paradigm has the potential to revolutionize diagnostic and treatment procedures for various diseases.
Researchers found that the unstructured regions of protein Ets-1 play a crucial role in controlling gene expression, acting like a dimmer switch rather than an on-off switch. The study reveals that phosphorylation affects protein activity by decreasing internal motion and altering gene binding.
A recent study by the University of Florida found that fentanyl patch abuse led to the death of 115 people in Florida last year. The abuse often involves removing the full dose from the patch and taking it all at once, either through injection, ingestion, or smoking.
Researchers found that Eastern Bluebirds were 31% more likely to be found in connected patches, while seeds from wax myrtle plants were 37% more likely to be found in traps. The study showed a 'tight fit' between predictions and actual seed movement.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a report with 30 recommendations to improve the safety of tall buildings, their occupants, and first responders. The recommendations aim to enhance fire resistance, prevent progressive collapse, and design buildings for efficient evacuations.
The Targacept compounds demonstrate a long-lasting effect on cognition by normalizing acetylcholine levels, a key neurotransmitter for cognitive processing. This mechanism of action suggests potential treatment for CNS disorders such as dementia, depression, and pain.
The DOE is exploring the potential of Active Denial Technology (ADT) to protect nuclear assets from intruders. A small-sized ADS system is being developed for DOE fixed-site applications, which has shown encouraging results in previous studies and human effectiveness testing.
A 12-week e-mail campaign increased physical activity levels and confidence in participating in physical activity. The study also found a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among those receiving the emails, while the control group experienced a slight increase.
Rates of HIV-1 infections are growing rapidly in Moscow, with the epidemic spreading beyond high-risk groups to heterosexual populations. The study highlights the urgent need for intervention, such as screening and health education, particularly among women and young people at risk.
New research by Dr Jan Bogg at the University of Liverpool reveals a strong perception that NHS managers do not view part-time workers for career advancement in the same way as full-time staff. This is one reason why women are underrepresented in senior positions, with men occupying more authoritative and influential roles.
The NIST design uses a simplified type of contact between the nanowire channel and electrodes, allowing more electrical current to flow. The results suggest that nanowire transistors can improve performance in nanoscale electronics while retaining industry's existing silicon technology infrastructure.
A new method identified by Sean J. Morrison and colleagues distinguishes hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from other progenitor cells using specific SLAM family receptors. The technique enables the purification of HSCs before transplantation, potentially leading to safer transplants.
Researchers created translucent three-dimensional crystals to study melting, finding evidence for premelting at imperfections in solid crystal structures. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the melting process and design of strong materials resistant to temperature changes.
The Yale project aims to create a predictive model system for vaccine testing, addressing the need to predict vaccine safety and effectiveness. The team will study a novel solution using mice engineered with human immune systems, generated with technology developed in Switzerland.
Infectious disease transmission in prisons can be prevented with simple and safe harm reduction strategies, yet governments remain reluctant to endorse alternative approaches. The Lancet emphasizes the need for a global approach to acknowledge prison health's contribution to health inequalities.
A study suggests that breathing in manganese vapor during a shower can cause permanent brain damage, posing a significant risk to public health. The researchers found that concentrations as low as 0.5 milligrams per liter may lead to brain injury, despite the Environmental Protection Agency's current drinking water standard.
Researchers discovered that specific DNA sequences, known as AluYb elements, played a crucial role in human evolution by secretly spawning hyperactive copies. These elements are responsible for the development of genetic disorders such as hemophilia and some cancers.
The new Web-based modules, developed by COMET, will acquaint forecasters with the physics behind rip currents and help them use wind and wave forecasts to produce outlooks of rip-current risk. The modules include animated depictions of rip-current evolution in three dimensions.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has identified 125 major questions that scientists have yet to answer, including the nature of dark matter and the biological basis of consciousness. The journal's special issue marks its 125th anniversary and explores these fundamental gaps in scientific knowledge.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty treatments offer pain relief for osteoporosis sufferers, with the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimating 44 million Americans over 50 affected. The procedures stabilize fractured bones and prevent movement, providing significant cost savings.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab's Center for X-Ray Optics achieved a resolution of better than 15 nanometers using zone plate lenses, surpassing previous limits. The new technique allows for the fabrication of small three-dimensional structures and has potential applications in biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a master switch in cell death, which can help control tumor formation and potentially lead to new cancer treatments. The enzyme Mule destroys a key molecule that regulates apoptosis, allowing for the degradation of proteins that control cell death.
Researchers developed guidelines for surgeons to assess whether patients are candidates for a sinus-saving modified Lothrop procedure. By analyzing CT scans and anatomy of seven cadavers, they identified critical measurements that determine the feasibility of the procedure.
Researchers at NYU's Center for Comparative Functional Genomics discovered that thousands of genes in the fruit fly genome are regulated by microRNAs, with 70% having a predicted biological function. The study suggests a larger role for microRNAs during evolution and could explain differences between species.
A recent study reveals that knowledge of the Tuskegee Study is less important than negative interactions with healthcare systems in fueling mistrust among African-Americans. The study found significant racial disparities in mistrust, with black participants more likely to believe a similar study could occur today.
Researchers at Northwestern University create a new method to produce nanowires with controlled gaps, enabling the design of devices for diagnostics and drug discovery. The technique, called on-wire lithography, allows for the fabrication of nanowires with precise electrical measurements on individual molecules.
ORNL's national lab-leading total increases to 122 with three new R&D 100 awards. The innovations include the compact and energy-efficient SEMCO Revolution rooftop air conditioner and SensArray Integrated Wafer for precise semiconductor temperature control.
The Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research is leading a $14.3 million project to store carbon dioxide in unmineable coal beds, promising to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants and prolong the life of these reservoirs. Field tests will be conducted in three target geologic formations within the southeast region.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is establishing a program to accredit voting system test labs, which will be part of the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). NVLAP accreditation is a prerequisite for laboratories to be considered as Voting System Test and Certification Authorities (VSTC...
The study has given clues to pursue in understanding human cancers, with the parasite's genome providing information on its ability to induce cancer-like cells. The genome sequence also reveals key pathways that differ between T. parva and the malaria parasite.
New research from University at Buffalo biologists found that female butterflies are attracted to the sparkle created by ultraviolet reflectivity of pupils in male butterfly wings, not the size of the eyespots. Females prefer a set of narrowly defined features, such as eyespot pupils measuring approximately half a millimeter.
Researchers found that people constructing job criteria favor the strengths of dominant groups. However, committing to hiring criteria beforehand eliminates gender discrimination in hiring decisions.
The global survey found that 26% of respondents never disclose their bipolar disorder due to social stigma, while 71% believe the public does not understand their illness. The survey also revealed that successful treatment would lead to significant quality of life changes.
Researchers have identified 10,567 active promoters in the human genome using a set of DNA microarrays. This breakthrough may help investigate genetic causes of diseases and inform personalized therapies.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that welfare reform led to increased rates of hypertension, obesity, and poor self-reported health among single mothers. The study's findings suggest that the impact of welfare reform on women's health was not fully considered in policy decisions.
A study by Michael Kitson of the Judge Institute of Management found that biotechnology firms believed economic changes had a negligible impact, but relied on large cash reserves for insulation. In contrast, aerospace firms developed portfolios of activities driven by different business cycles to reduce vulnerability.
Researchers found that Viagra can stimulate water permeability in kidney cells by increasing cyclic-GMP levels, potentially alleviating symptoms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Long-term studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of this approach.
Researchers developed a tool that combines atomic force microscopy (AFM) with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to monitor both topography and biochemical activity simultaneously. The technology promises to be valuable for various biomedical and biotechnological applications, including studying cystic fibrosis.
A recent NCAR study found that Alaskan and Canadian wildfires emitted 30 teragrams of carbon monoxide, causing a 25% increase in ozone levels in parts of the northern continental US and a 10% increase in Europe.
A new promoter map has been created to understand how genes are controlled in fibroblasts, providing a framework for analysis of genetic control in other human cell types. The researchers discovered multiple promoters controlling single genes in parallel and found new DNA sequences not previously recognized as genes.
Researchers have discovered that nonlinguistic monkeys have an area comparable to Broca's area, which is responsible for controlling oral and facial actions. This finding suggests that Broca's area may have evolved to control certain aspects of the speech act in humans.
A multidisciplinary team at USC Viterbi School created a two-way voice translation system that turns doctor's English questions into Persian and vice versa. The Transonics Spoken Dialog Translator uses a combination of human observation, computer code, and machine learning to achieve fluent communication.
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered a 13-million-year cycle in the mountain-building process, which is significantly shorter than previously believed. This finding has implications for our understanding of geological processes that shape the Earth, including the formation of volcanoes and deep-seated continental earthquakes.
A new study shows that ACTOS significantly improved components of diabetic dyslipidemia compared to Avandia. The results indicate that treatment with ACTOS lowered triglycerides and increased HDL-C, while improving LDL-C particle concentration and size. This is important for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that warmer air could increase Antarctic sea ice volume by suppressing ice below sea level and refreezing as thicker ice. This counterintuitive phenomenon is driven by thermohaline circulation, impacting global climate patterns.
A computerized water monitoring system is deployed on the historic schooner The Pioneer, measuring water temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen in New York Harbor. Students can access data from home to learn about forecasting and environmental monitoring.
An international team has launched the first detailed physical map of Drosophila buzzatii chromosomes, a species widely used in studies of genome evolution and ecological adaptation. The map was constructed using genomic library and physical mapping techniques, providing insights into the species' evolutionary history.
Researchers found that cobblestone walking improved balance, mobility, and reduced blood pressure in older adults. The activity, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to be therapeutic and can be done at home with manufactured mats.
The BioCassava Plus project aims to develop cassava plants with increased levels of zinc, iron, protein and vitamins A and E, while reducing cyanide content and improving shelf life. The five-year grant will be used to increase the root's nutritional value and resistance to devastating plant viruses.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism controlling lung dryness and fluid entry, potentially leading to better prognosis for those with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The discovery focuses on the SIP3 receptor, which, when activated, causes pulmonary edema, offering new avenues for treatment.
A study found that maximum avoidance inbreeding strategies can help reduce population crashes and extinction risk when released into the wild. This approach is more effective than limited inbreeding for certain species.
Researchers found that newborn dolphins and orcas remain active 24 hours a day in the first month, unlike all other mammals. This allows them to reduce danger from predators, maintain body temperature, and facilitate rapid growth.
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder developed a new method to visualize forces beneath the Himalaya, allowing for a deeper understanding of earthquakes and mountain formation. The study uses seismic sensors and creates high-resolution images of the crust and upper mantle.
A new survey suggests that Seroquel provides significant quality of life improvements for bipolar patients, with 79% believing a successful treatment would lead to increased functionality and improved lifestyle. The medication has been shown to effectively manage symptoms of depression and anxiety in rapid-cycling patients.
Two scientists outline China's environmental impact on the world, including pollution, resource consumption, and human health dangers. They recommend education, environmental law enforcement, market tools, and lifestyle changes to address these issues.
Nanofluidic transistors, the basis of future chemical processors, have been successfully created by researchers. These devices can control fluid flow without moving parts, enabling applications such as cancer diagnosis and biomolecular sensing.