A study by UCLA neuroscientists found that pre motor mirror neuron areas of the brain can ascribe intentions to actions when presented within a context. This expansion of knowledge supports imitation-based treatments for autism and similar disorders, which may improve social interaction skills.
Carla Gomes and Bart Selman have developed new techniques to tackle combinatorial problems, such as airline scheduling and chess, by finding key variables that can be fixed in advance. These approaches exploit the structure of real-world problems, allowing computers to find faster solutions.
Dr. Piero Rinaldo calls for improved newborn screening due to inconsistent use of existing technology and variability in quality parameters. He highlights the success of secondary analysis in reducing false positives and improving screening value.
A new study reveals that a secreted signaling protein called Wnt10b stimulates the growth of bone cells and inhibits fat cell development, leading to increased bone mass and density in mice. The research also shows that Wnt10b protects against bone loss from aging or estrogen deficiency.
Susan Bryant, a leading researcher in limb regeneration, was elected a 2005 Association for Women in Science fellow for her efforts to increase women faculty at UCI. Her work led to a significant increase in the percentage of women recruited to tenure-track positions across campus.
Researchers propose an equitable antiretroviral allocation strategy to ensure fair access to the life-saving drugs. The strategy considers the population's geographic distribution, healthcare facilities, and treatment goals, aiming to maximize epidemic reduction while minimizing disparities.
Researchers found that a person's specific allele of a single bitter-taste-receptor gene determines their perceptual sensitivity to PTC and related compounds. This suggests that genetic variations play a dominant role in determining individual differences in bitter-taste perception.
Researchers propose a new method to detect OSAS in patients with snoring, using medical history and routine physical examination. A study of 101 patients found that these methods were insufficient to distinguish between snorers and those with OSAS.
Researchers found that the number of vertebrae in cloned carp-goldfish fish was determined by the goldfish's egg cytoplasm, not its genetic code. The study suggests a
Despite advances in molecular biology, microbes have outpaced pharmaceutical companies in developing resistance to antibiotics. Dr. Julian Davies highlights over 300 known genes that confer resistance, and notes the need for a deeper understanding of microbial evolution.
Researchers found a psychiatric rate of 5.27% among emergency department patients, significantly lower than national prevalence rates. The study identified significant disparities in psychiatric diagnoses between Caucasians and African Americans.
The panel discussion highlights concerns over funding cuts for environmental research programs, including NASA's Earth Science program and the Climate Change Science Program. The scientists warn that these cuts will have a significant impact on graduate student training and the nation's economic competitiveness.
The new version boasts improved translation quality, speed improvements of 5-10 times over previous versions, and enhanced multi-processor capabilities. This upgrade enables faster automation of the translation process, saving customers time and money.
Research demonstrates that the sympathetic nervous system mediates bone resorption through a receptor on bone cells, which is required for osteoporosis development. Preventing this effect could lead to the prevention of osteoporosis. Drugs like beta blockers show promise in reducing fractures and may be repurposed to target bone health.
A study of over 4,500 Finnish men found that boys taller between birth and 1 year had higher earnings in adulthood. Those who grew slowly as infants were less likely to achieve higher education levels, suggesting a link between physical growth and economic outcomes.
Researchers found that mice lacking type VI collagen developed osteoarthritis at a rate five times greater than those with a functioning gene. The study provides new insights into the role of type VI collagen in cartilage health and its impact on osteoarthritis development.
Hatfull, a Pitt professor, discusses ways to make research experiences available to students at all stages of education. He has turned high school students into
A study found that air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes by thickening blood, a process triggered by particulate matter. Exposure to pollutants boosted inflammatory activity and promoted clotting factors in cells, suggesting a potential link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease.
Manuel Ares has developed a teaching exercise for undergraduate biology classes that helps students resolve conflicts in scientific data and apply processes used by scientists. The exercise involves laboratory experiments, literature searches, and presentations to develop a model of the system.
A two-year study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that tailored dietary interventions can improve fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income young adults. The participants who received personalized phone calls and materials showed significant progress in eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Ultra-cold atoms can help researchers understand quantum systems, including superconductivity. The atoms' interactions can be precisely calculated and controlled.
A study of 201 children found that hyperkinetic disorder is associated with a higher risk of family breakdown, with 18% of affected children being removed from their homes. The findings suggest that recognizing and treating hyperactivity in children could help prevent family disruption.
Tissue engineering aims to regenerate human tissue through artificial means, mimicking the body's natural processes. Researchers at U-M School of Dentistry are working on combining therapies to improve tissue engineering outcomes, such as using parathyroid hormone and bone morphogenetic proteins.
Cornell University researchers have developed multimedia teaching tools for neuroscience, including Koé, a CD-ROM that explores sound, and Fruitfly, which delves into neurogenetics. These interactive tools aim to make complex concepts more engaging and accessible for students of all levels.
A decade-long study on water availability in the Yakima River Valley found expected losses to agriculture of $92-163 million by mid-century due to projected snowpack reductions. Climate models predict up to 70% reduction in snowpack for the West Coast, with severe droughts becoming more frequent.
El Nino forecasting can aid in managing high-yield fisheries with boom-and-bust cycles, controlling tropical diseases like mosquito-caused malaria, and protecting marine mammals and other ocean species. By predicting ENSO events nine months in advance, scientists can deploy resources effectively.
Researchers found that mice with leukemia develop a similar DNA methylation pattern as humans, identifying a new gene linked to cancer. The study uses genome-wide sequencing to map tiny bits of DNA and reveals a potential target for intervention.
As climate change intensifies, humans will become more vulnerable to heat-related mortality, air pollution-related illnesses, infectious diseases, and malnutrition. Developing climate forecasts and warning systems can mitigate future health problems, but it's crucial to avoid maladaptation and take proactive measures to minimize risks.
A new study from Georgia Tech and Emory University suggests that the body's response to a combination device may be different and potentially detrimental when multiple components are involved. This can lead to an enhanced immune response, making it more difficult for the device to integrate smoothly into the patient.
The end-Permian extinction was caused by a combination of factors, including volcanic carbon dioxide emissions, which warmed surface ocean water. This reduced the amount of oxygen available in the deep oceans, leading to an increase in hydrogen sulfide production and ultimately, mass extinctions.
The mathematical model developed by Sandra Lee and Marvin Zelen provides quantitative predictions of the mortality benefits of different screening schedules. The study suggests that annual screenings from age 50 to 79 can reduce mortality by 37%, while starting mammograms at age 40 reduces overall risk of death by five percent.
A new Georgia Tech micro-CT imaging technique helps tissue engineers develop better bone grafts by analyzing vascularization and mineralization. The technique provides high-resolution 3D images of bone repair, enabling researchers to optimize implant design and improve bone healing.
Researchers have discovered clear personality traits in dogs, hyenas, and monkeys, which can be measured like human personalities. These findings have implications for animal welfare, matching animals with owners, and exploring the biological causes of temperament.
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and International Linear Collider (ILC) are two colossal machines being built to study the ultimate building blocks of matter. The LHC, nearing completion in Geneva, will collide protons with unprecedented energy, aiming to answer questions on mass, dark matter, and dimensions.
Researchers used Doppler radar-like technique to track gas around the center of NGC 4395, measuring a mass less than a million solar masses - about 100 times smaller than others of its type. This discovery provides insight into midsize black holes and their role in galaxy formation.
The study found that only 10% of the original marshes survived as fully functioning wetlands after extensive drainage and irrigation, but also identified areas with high restoration potential.
A new cybersecurity protocol called 'delayed password disclosure' aims to prevent identity authentication attacks on online banks and ad hoc wireless networks. By using this protocol, users can verify their identities without divulging sensitive information, making it difficult for attackers to steal funds or sensitive data.
Researchers are exploring muon radiography to detect hidden burial chambers in the Pyramid of the Sun, track volcanic eruption potential, and identify illicit nuclear materials. The method involves tracking muons passing through objects, allowing for non-invasive detection with minimal radiation exposure.
Scientists are restoring the marshes of Eden in southern Iraq, which were devastated under Saddam Hussein's rule. The project aims to rebuild wetland ecosystems and reacquaint local experts after two decades of isolation.
Stealth attacks on wireless networks pose a significant threat to personal information, online banking, and military communications. Jakobsson argues that developing new software is crucial to defending against these attacks in the civilian sector.
A new system of racial identification is proposed by sociologist David Harris, considering the multidimensional nature of racial classification. The 'matrix of race' identifies nine cells of identification based on genotype-ancestry, phenotype, and culture, addressing issues with census data collection.
Scientists have achieved negative differential resistance in a single molecule attached to electrodes, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of molecular devices. The discovery was made possible by using an electrolyte solution and applying an insulating coating to minimize electrical contact with the surrounding environment.
Researchers propose a 'systems engineering approach' to protect public spaces from chemical and biological terror attacks. This involves central command centers, response strategies tailored to facilities, and sterilizing chambers built into air-circulation systems.
Recent advances in genetics have revolutionized whale research, revealing surprising tales of population sizes. Marine biologist Steve Palumbi's work has sparked controversy, but also led to a deeper understanding of humpback whales' population history, estimated at 1.5 million before commercial whaling.
A study by Larry Crowder at Duke University suggests that coastal dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico can have significant impacts on target species and commercial fisheries. The research group has found that fish and shrimp can evade death by relocating to the zone's edge, but growth rates of some Gulf fish and shellfish may be lower.
Researchers use underwater microphones to track whales' songs and calls in the North Atlantic, finding evidence of long-distance communication over thousands of miles. The findings suggest whales have acoustic memories analogous to visual memories, guiding their movements and distribution.
The US is investing $3 million in Egyptian science, with a focus on biotechnology, manufacturing technology, and environmental technology. This partnership aims to foster an atmosphere of international trust and understanding, leading to economic stability in the region.
DNA analysis of whale samples reveals a past with an ocean teeming with whales, contrary to recent surges in minke populations. The study also uncovers deep-sea communities thriving on whale carcasses, shedding light on life's diversification in specialized habitats.
Dr. Felix Herrmann proposes a new theory that seismic data may be showing a simpler interplay of only two substances, rather than complex mineralogies, allowing for clearer images and better understanding of the Earth's interior structure. This approach could lead to improved oil patch discovery and enhanced geological resolution.
A Pitt researcher has developed a decision-making model to help patients weigh the risks and benefits of accepting organ transplants. The model uses mathematical techniques to provide insight into patient physiology and quality of life, helping doctors make informed decisions.
A new study reveals that nitrogen pollution from fossil-fuel combustion is a significant source of watershed pollution, particularly in wet climates. Climate change models predict increased nitrogen pollution in the northeastern US, which could undermine efforts to restore coastal ecosystems like the Chesapeake Bay.
Restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay should cross traditional boundaries and include upland and coastal areas. The approach emphasizes adaptive management and incorporates ecological resilience to withstand perturbation without a fundamental change.
A Harvard researcher predicts a decline in cleansing summer winds, leading to increased ground-level ozone pollution. This could exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma for affected populations.
New technologies such as multi-beam sonar enable detailed mapping of the ocean floor, revealing undersea mountains, new species and improving safety for shipping. This advancement allows for better management of marine resources, including fisheries and conservation efforts.
Microbial contamination of food is a significant problem worldwide, causing millions of deaths and illnesses. Experts recommend new approaches to food control, including centralized policies and increased surveillance, to ensure safe food production and trade.
Researchers have discovered that older fish produce exponentially more larvae, which are crucial for the survival and growth of younger fish. Removing these older fish can lead to a 'Darwinian debt' for future generations, where evolutionary damage is difficult to repair.
Researchers question current fisheries management practices, highlighting the importance of older fish in maintaining productive populations. The study reveals that eliminating older generations drastically reduces a population's ability to replenish itself, leading to collapse of West Coast fisheries.
Agriculture can provide food and energy security while sustaining soil and water resources, says Kansas State University professor Charles W. Rice. Properly managed agricultural systems can conserve soil and water, but excessive tillage, low productivity, and residue removal result in loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation.
A two-sided market framework is used to compare the traditional 'Reader Pays' model with the newer 'Author Pays' or Open Access publishing model. The study finds that Open Access appears efficient when distribution costs are minimal, but editorial quality may affect profitability.
University of Houston professor Arnold Eskin's research suggests the biological clock regulates long-term memory formation, with neural circuits shutting down at night. His studies on Aplysia reveal that circadian rhythms influence memory formation, but not short-term memory.