New research indicates that hands-free devices are not the solution to driver distraction, as they can still disrupt driving and lead to poor speed control. The study also shows that auditory information, such as voice commands, competes for drivers' attention more than visual displays.
A study by Boston College and UMass found that students' MCAS English/Language Arts exam scores improved when they used computers to write papers for school, but decreased with recreational computer use. The study controlled for home learning environments and teacher practices.
Physicists at UC Berkeley have successfully produced a quantum whistle in superfluid helium-4 using an array of tiny holes. The whistle is achieved at a temperature of 2 Kelvin, making the sensors user-friendly for scientists unfamiliar with cryogenic technology.
A team of international scientists is measuring the Arctic atmosphere to validate NASA's Aura satellite data. The focus is on understanding ozone depletion in this sensitive region, which can have severe effects on humans and ecosystems.
Researchers found that most parents and teachers agree on the importance of providing healthy food options in schools, with 90% supporting snack availability. However, only 18% of parents and 31% of teachers believe schools prioritize student nutrition.
Virginia Tech professors Fred Piercy and Margaret Keeling will provide mental health training in Indonesia to help therapists work with families and children. The training aims to promote culturally sensitive interventions and community support, taking into account the importance of cultural and religious rituals in Indonesian society.
A North Carolina State University study found that up to 79% of DHS safety symbols are unacceptable for communicating hazard-related information. The researchers recommend using human factors solutions such as testing, iterative comprehension testing, and public awareness campaigns to improve the effectiveness of these symbols.
A recent study contradicts previous research by failing to detect human herpesvirus 8 in lung tissue samples from Japanese patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. The study suggests that the virus may not be associated with this condition in Japan, unlike in US patients where it was previously linked.
Researchers from NASA's Langley Research Center and Goddard Space Flight Center studied tropical convective clouds in Florida to classify ice crystals, which can help predict next winter's snowstorm. They hope to contribute to improving weather and climate models by accounting for clouds' role in atmospheric conditions.
Researchers will investigate the spread of 'superbugs' and develop more effective antimicrobial agents and vaccine strategies to treat lung infections. The goal is to determine when segregation of CF patients is necessary, reducing social strain on families and individuals.
A new study found that green tea extract (GTE) supplementation improves swimming endurance by 8-24% over 10 weeks, with benefits attributed to increased fat oxidation and lower respiratory quotients. The study also suggests that long-term GTE consumption may be beneficial for improving exercise performance and overall health.
A research team has published a paper in Science magazine that uses molecular biology to illuminate the evolutionary history of bats. The study reveals that large fruit-eating bats (megabats) emerged from four major lineages of smaller, night-flying bats (microbats), with the latter originating around 52-50 million years ago.
Researchers found stretches of DNA on chromosomes 7, 8 and 10 that were shared in 60% of gay brothers, suggesting a complex trait influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. The study analyzed the genomes of 456 men from 146 families with two or more gay brothers.
Qdot molecular imaging enables precise tracking of tumors, identification of cancer types, and real-time optical biopsy. The technology holds promise for a one-two punch approach to diagnose and treat cancer.
Researchers found that diabetic patients are more likely to develop bacteremia caused by urinary tract infections, leading to a higher risk of death. The study suggests that diabetics should seek medical care promptly if they experience signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection or bacteremia/sepsis.
Researchers found that nicotine caused a significant increase in atrial interstitial fibrosis and electrical remodeling in hearts with myocardial infarction, leading to atrial flutter. The study suggests a causal link between nicotine and atrial flutter, potentially informing new therapeutic strategies.
The conference will address patent regulations for genetically engineered organisms, regulatory challenges for new drugs developed through genetic investigations or stem-cell research, and public acceptance of these products. Experts with international reputations will discuss future pathways of innovation in the life sciences.
Researchers discovered a key protein, BZR1, that regulates plant growth by binding to a specific DNA sequence and stopping the production of an enzyme needed for BR synthesis. This feedback loop helps maintain optimal steroid levels for plant growth.
Researchers have found that cooling can significantly reduce brain damage in newborn babies who suffer from oxygen deprivation at birth. The treatment involves lowering the body temperature of the baby for 72 hours after birth using a water-filled cap. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to bring routine treatment to babies s...
Researchers discovered a critical 'gatekeeper' function that prevents auto-antibody accumulation in lupus, which can be restored to reverse the disease. Increasing Fc receptor activity by 40% restored health in animal models of lupus.
A partnership between The Beard Company and Pinnacle Mining Company will utilize patented Microcel TM technology to recover clean coal from fine coal impoundments, providing a new energy resource. The project is expected to produce 240,000 tons of clean coal per year.
EndGenitor Technologies Inc. will market test kits for researchers to detect endothelial stem and progenitor cells, which can be used to treat chronic degenerative diseases associated with aging. The company aims to create cell therapy products using the 'ancestor' cells discovered by Drs. Mervin C. Yoder Jr. and David A. Ingram Jr.
The study reveals that obese individuals have low non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), a biological need to sit more, which is linked to brain chemical differences. Encouraging NEAT-seeking behaviors can help obese patients overcome this defect and achieve weight loss.
Researchers found a biochemical switch, PGC-1beta, in liver cells that triggers the harmful effects of saturated and trans fats. The discovery offers hope for developing drug therapies to lower cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.
Lynne E. Maquat and her team identified a novel pathway for regulating RNA degradation, called Staufen1-mediated degradation (SMD). This mechanism affects numerous transcripts and is a new form of gene regulation. SMD activity may be regulated by cell signaling pathways.
A defect in neuroligin genes disrupts neuronal connections and results in an imbalance of neuronal function, providing a possible explanation for autistic children's neurodevelopmental defects. Understanding this cellular defect is crucial towards developing therapies for autism-spectrum disorders.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully implemented Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, reducing the number of false positives and increasing follow-up rates. Rescreening infants four hours after birth improved outcomes, while providing outpatient retesting encouraged parents to return for further evaluation.
A new Stanford study has found that self-identified racial and ethnic groups correlate strongly with their genetic profiles, with an error rate of less than 0.14%. The research, involving 3,636 participants, challenges the idea that race is a social construct with no genetic basis.
The ARM Mobile Facility is a moveable, atmospheric-measuring suite designed to withstand temperatures from minus-40 to plus-120 degrees Fahrenheit. The station measures physical properties of air and heat radiating from clouds and the ground, providing critical information missing in climate models.
Scientists at Ohio State University have found that a long-ago ice age occurred 10 million years earlier than previously thought. The discovery resolves an inconsistency in climate change research and suggests that CO2 concentrations drive climate. Sea levels may have been low globally at the time, likely due to a global ice buildup.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine suggests that PPARã can turn genes both on and off. By targeting this ability to turn off genes without affecting others, researchers may develop drugs called SPPARMs that decrease TZD-related side effects.
A study of 150 subjects found that listening to a relaxation tape prior to and during mammography did not decrease women's feelings of pain and anxiety. In fact, virtually none of the participants experienced pain or anxiety during the test, contradicting previous studies that attributed non-compliance to pain.
A large study found that early surgery does not reduce deaths and disability in patients with brain hemorrhage. Only patients with small blood clots near the surface of the brain may benefit from surgical intervention.
The study investigates how people navigate risk and uncertainty in their personal lives, relationships, and careers. Key findings include the erosion of traditional roles and relationships between men and women, as well as the increasing importance of private responsibilities and public support.
Tributyltin oxide (TBT) affects the mechanical activity of outer hair cells, which boost incoming sound energy to inner hair cells. The study found rapid and profound effects of TBT on outer hair cell membrane chloride ion exchange.
Researchers analyzed satellite data from four years of MISR observations to find a concentrated pool of particles over Bihar, largely due to inefficient biofuel burning. The pollution affects human health and local climate, with altered temperature and precipitation patterns.
The ESRC Social Contexts and Responses to Risk network examines perceptions of risk and responses to it in various areas, including town-planning, intimate sexual behavior, and social care. The research aims to provide a clear assessment of how the social sciences can contribute to understanding and managing new risks.
A new study suggests that cardiac rehabilitation programs lasting at least six months can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health. The research found that patients who participated in extended programs experienced greater benefits than those in shorter programs, with peak effects occurring at 38 weeks.
A study of 45,354 US women found that high calcium intake reduced the risk of colorectal cancer by 26%. Consuming a diet rich in calcium, even lower than current recommended daily allowance, is a safe and effective way for women to guard themselves against colorectal cancer.
Researchers at NETL and Carnegie Mellon created a predictive model for hydrogen flux through copper palladium alloys, allowing for the screening of other complex alloys. This breakthrough could significantly improve industrial hydrogen purification, taking us closer to a hydrogen-based economy.
Researchers at UCSD and Salk Institute have discovered that small carboxyl-terminal domain phosphatases (SCPs) play a crucial role in the maintenance of neural stem cells and silencing of neuronal genes. This finding suggests a way to expand the pool of neuronal stem cells, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological disorders.
A new study identifies a genetic variant associated with increased MS risk in women, suggesting that interferon gamma production plays a key role in the disease. The findings provide potential targets for future research and treatments, as well as insights into gender differences in disease susceptibility.
A groundbreaking study aims to create more accurate surveys by considering context and long-term implications. However, the researchers warn that this approach may require significant investment in training and respondent commitment.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research shows that Herstatin blocks the growth of brain tumors by inhibiting signaling inside tumor cells. The treatment has shown promise as a viable alternative to traditional brain tumor treatment methods, particularly for glioblastoma, the most deadly form of brain cancer.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding how plant steroids regulate gene expression, which could lead to increased crop yields and reduced costs. The studies revealed the molecular mechanisms by which steroid hormones activate receptor proteins on plant cell surfaces, and identified key transcription factors involved in th...
Researchers gather stories from two communities in Essex to understand people's assumptions and values on environmental risks. The study aims to give more insight into the social, cultural and local factors that influence attitudes towards technological risks.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that monkeys will pay to view images of familiar, high-ranking individuals or those with potential sexual partners. This study demonstrates that monkeys assess visual information by its social value, providing insight into their social cognition.
Roger Atkinson, a leading atmospheric chemist, has been elected Fellow of the American Geophysical Union. His pioneering research on atmospheric reactions and photochemical smog has received recognition from various quarters. He has contributed to the development of analytical and experimental methods for researchers.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and MUSC developed a novel mathematical model that accurately predicted the behavior of a key signaling pathway in yeast. The model was tested experimentally and showed promising results, with predictions validated in all qualitative scenarios.
Researchers at NIST developed a simple, chemical way to attach electrical contacts to molecular-scale electronic components. The technique, patented by the institute, uses copper ions to form strong, chemically bonded contacts that protect fragile molecules during further metallic vapor deposition steps.
Recent studies suggest that brain avalanches, triggered by neurochemicals, may be optimal for information storage. This discovery could lead to new treatments for memory disorders.
A study estimates that a person would need to eat at least 1.5kg of neural tissue from an infected animal to be at risk of developing vCJD. The investigation found the efficiency of infection from cow to primate could be 7-20 times lower than intraspecies infection for cattle.
Researchers found Celebrex significantly reduced adhesions after surgery, with 55% of mice completely adhesion-free. The study suggests COX-2 inhibitors could prevent adhesions in adult surgical patients, offering a new treatment option.
Physicists at NIST recreate key process for nuclear energy production in dense stars using ultracold crystals. The experiments may help study nuclear fusion as an energy source and demonstrate a new method for modeling dense stellar objects.
A team of experts from the University of Manchester and Imperial College London discovered a gene called melanopsin that causes nerve cells to become photoreceptive. Activating this gene in non-light-sensitive cells makes them sensitive to light, which may provide a new approach to treating visual loss.
Scientists at NIST have developed prototype pyroelectric detectors coated with carbon nanotubes, showing improved heat conduction and laser resistance. The coating absorbs light and converts it to heat, generating a current that measures the power of the laser.
Researchers found that periodic syphilis outbreaks are caused by a loss of immunity among those at risk of infection, not changes in sexual behavior. The study analyzed data from 68 US cities since the 1940s and found that rises and falls in disease cases followed a distinct 10-year cycle.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed etanercept was ineffective in preventing disease flares for patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. The study found that most patients experienced disease remissions at a high cost due to treatment-associated adverse effects.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) advises organizations to carefully consider the security implications of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) systems. Implementing common security measures, such as firewalls and encryption, can result in poor voice quality and blocked calls if not done properly.
The IBDchip is an open tool that includes polymorphisms associated with the disease, predisposition, and evolution. Progenika has developed similar products, including the Lipochip for hypercholesterolemia diagnosis and the Bloodchip for genotyping blood donors.