Researchers from Pitt and Bell Labs have successfully created a two-dimensional semiconductor structure that allows excitons to exist longer and travel farther than previously recorded. This breakthrough could lead to the development of excitonic circuits for optical communication, enabling photons to be converted directly into excitons.
Researchers found that insomnia prolongs bouts of sadness and hopelessness, making recovery less likely. Elderly patients with insomnia are nearly 11 times more likely to still be depressed at six months than those sleeping well.
A study of 1,779 patients with infective endocarditis found that healthcare-associated S aureus IE was common worldwide, with distinct features compared to community-acquired forms. MRSA is now a relatively common cause of IE globally, associated with persistent bacteremia and requiring better treatment strategies.
A study by Johns Hopkins University suggests that cell phones and driving don't mix because directing attention to listening effectively 'turns down the volume' on visual input. Brain activity recordings show that attention is strictly limited, affecting both auditory and visual tasks.
Scientists at Ohio State University discovered that bumpy surfaces on interstellar dust grains can explain the formation of molecular hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe. By simulating different surfaces, researchers found that only bumpy textures enable two hydrogen atoms to bond in space.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a wafer-level fabrication technique to create microfluidic cooling channels directly onto integrated circuits, enhancing reliability and reducing thermal damage. The approach uses polymer pipes to facilitate electronic and cooling interconnections.
The Stanford Institute for the Environment has awarded a total of $640,000 in grants to support innovative interdisciplinary research. Five proposals have been selected for funding, including projects focused on reintroducing butterflies to campus lands and assessing agricultural-urban water markets in India.
The University of Oregon has developed an online resource called GEMs (Greener Education Materials) to teach green chemistry principles. The platform provides a wealth of resources, including lesson plans, activities, and test questions, to support the teaching of green chemistry across various disciplines.
Jan Winn, associate professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, has been honored with the Outstanding Educator Award by the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section. She is praised for her ability to explain complex concepts and incorporate new information into her classes.
Researchers at PNNL developed ScalaBLAST, a sequence alignment tool that can analyze large genomic sequences in minutes, rather than weeks. This breakthrough enables faster discovery of diseases, development of new treatments, and understanding of biological systems.
Researchers have found that adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) can selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. The study suggests that AAV2 recognizes abnormal cancer cells and induces apoptosis, making it a promising candidate for an anti-cancer therapy.
The Wesley J. Howe School of Technology Management has been distinguished as an elite institution in its field, contributing significantly to technology management research. This recognition is a testament to the school's dedication to educating technology managers who can lead and manage innovation.
The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) proposes several key strategies to stabilize immunization financing, including expanded funding for vaccine programs and improved reimbursement structures. The NVAC also recommends expansion of the Vaccines for Children Program to include underinsured children in all public health clinics.
Researchers at Ohio State University have provided first experimental proof of a previously theoretical quantum effect, known as quantum monodromy. The phenomenon relates to molecular behavior and vibrational frequencies, with potential implications for astronomy, atmospheric science, and biology.
A new clinical tool helps war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder by assessing their brain's fear control mechanisms. The system uses electrodes to measure fear responses based on blink size, providing an objective way to test for PTSD.
NASA's National Lightning Safety Awareness Week aims to educate summer swimmers, picnickers, and others on the dangers of thunderstorms. The agency's research has created lightning maps that reveal uneven global distribution of lightning strikes, indicating areas prone to storms.
Researchers find high levels of acrolein, a known carcinogen, persist in spinal tissue after injury, contributing to debilitating paralysis. Detoxifying drugs targeting acrolein could treat not only spinal cord damage but also other conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers created a novel statistical technique to analyze neural activity in response to random, complex images. This approach revealed previously unsuspected mechanisms that contribute to the brain's processing of visual information.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a vicious cycle of protein formation involving alpha-synuclein, leading to fibril formation and further protein clumping. The study suggests that inhibiting the malicious form of an enzyme could potentially lead to new treatment avenues for Parkinson's disease.
The program combines academics, research, and entrepreneurship to accelerate the development of fuel cell technology. 28 doctoral students will study fuel cell science and engineering over five years.
Research by Professor de Swiet reveals that women over 35 face a higher risk of maternal mortality, pulmonary embolism, and chronic health problems. He advises women seeking motherhood between 25-35 years old for the best outcomes.
A randomized trial found that antibiotic treatment does not significantly improve cure rates in children with conjunctivitis. The researchers suggest parents treat children themselves without medical consultation unless symptoms persist or worsen.
A study found that relatives of black patients with early-onset lung cancer had a risk of developing lung cancer that was more than twice as high as those of white patients. Smokers with a family history of early-onset lung cancer also faced an increased risk, especially after age 60.
A study of 840 Italian couples found that the new law led to a significant reduction in embryo storage options, with 77.7% opting for disposal or donation. The law's impact on pregnancy rates is also being questioned, with some doctors citing reduced success rates due to the prohibition on embryo freezing.
Researchers found that young intravenous drug users, mainly heroin and methadone abusers, show brain damage linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests increased risk of brain damage associated with opiate abuse, particularly among young individuals.
Researchers have found that disruption of the Foxp2 gene affects the ability of infant rodents to emit ultrasonic vocalizations, which is crucial for social communication. The study suggests that Foxp2 subsumes communication across species, enabling researchers to learn about human speech and articulation.
Michael R. Zalutsky, a professor at Duke University Medical Center, has been honored with the 2005 Berson-Yalow Award for his pioneering work in targeted radiotherapy. His research focuses on developing molecularly targeted radiodiagnostics and radiotherapeutics for oncologic applications.
Researchers discovered a protein in the eye that prevents the immune system from responding to foreign invaders, protecting delicate tissue. The F4/80 molecule plays a crucial role in 'immune privilege,' preventing inflammation and immune activation in privileged sites.
Scientists are exploring the relationship between manatee tears and blood vessel formation to better understand the animals' immune system. The study found that manatees have a thick, mucusy tear film rich in antimicrobial components, which may help protect against pathogens.
Researchers found that tufted capuchin monkeys performed similarly to humans in making decisions under uncertainty, but also made similar mistakes. The study sheds light on the evolutionary origins of human economic behavior and its implications for understanding consumer decision-making.
Cellular behavior exhibits properties of both solid and fluid states, with researchers finding novel nanotechnologies that reveal the fundamental physical laws governing cell mechanics. This discovery offers a new perspective on mechanisms of disease, including airway narrowing in asthma and vessel narrowing in vascular disease.
Researchers have found evidence of photosynthesis deep within the ocean, with green sulfur bacteria thriving near hydrothermal vents. This discovery expands our understanding of life's resilience and potential for existence on other planets.
Childhood sexual abuse survivors from families with rigid gender roles and poor communication often faced social isolation, making it difficult for them to disclose the abuse. Only 40% of participants disclosed during childhood, underscoring the need for professionals to cultivate skills to detect subtle cues.
A recent UCLA study has found a significant association between obesity and impaired coronary circulatory function, highlighting the importance of early detection and monitoring. Quantitative PET imaging may help identify at-risk individuals, enabling targeted interventions to prevent cardiovascular events.
A recent study using fruit flies has revealed the role of the dFMRP protein in regulating actin dynamics, which is crucial for neuron formation. This research holds promise for a better understanding of fragile-X-syndrome and brain development.
Researchers used SPECT imaging to evaluate the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in patients with coronary heart disease. The study found that stem cells improved damaged heart function, surpassing improvements from increased blood flow to the affected area.
Researchers found that cells in the caudal region of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) synchronize their gene-expression rhythms to dawn, while those in the rostral SCN exhibit an opposite response. This suggests that synchronous gene expression may be a hallmark of short-day acclimation, while regional de-synchrony increases on long days.
A study using PET scans found that cognitive behavioral therapy alters brain chemistry in patients with bulimia nervosa, particularly in regions related to feeding and reward. The results suggest a relationship between opioid receptors and bulimic behavior, potentially informing more effective treatment strategies.
A recent study suggests that Cyr61 gene therapy may be effective in treating severe myocardial ischemic disease by inducing the growth of new blood vessels. The research found potent stimulation of myocardial angiogenesis, a novel gene therapeutic approach, using Cyr61 in a porcine model of chronic myocardial ischemia.
Researchers found that brain predicts and attenuates internally-derived sensations to prioritize external stimuli. The study suggests an element of prediction is involved in attenuating internal sensations, making external touches more detectable.
A German-developed expert system enhances the diagnostic accuracy of Alzheimer's disease using FDG PET scans. The system, which was tested in 150 cases, helps inexperienced physicians diagnose Alzheimer's and differentiate it from other dementia disorders.
Researchers argue that oxygen-rich atmospheres are essential for complex life to exist. However, since levels of oxygen won't have had time to develop sufficiently before a sun dies, life may not be able to evolve on planets orbiting short-lived suns.
Scientists have successfully developed ovarian structures containing eggs from embryonic stem cells, a breakthrough that could provide new hope for infertile couples. The method uses growth factors derived from testicular cells to induce the development of female reproductive cells.
Researchers have discovered a new enzyme family that plays a role in Alzheimer's disease, generating toxic molecules called amyloid-beta peptides. The study uses genetically-engineered mice to show that the toxic activity of this enzyme can be separated from its other benign activities.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown human stem cells in a lab setting that mirrors the natural developmental process of blood cells. The study provides unprecedented insight into how stem cells specialize into blood cells, shedding light on the mechanisms behind leukemia and lymphoma.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be predicted using PET scans in trauma patients, allowing for early treatment with aggressive immune modulation therapy. This method has the potential to reduce mortality rates and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that macromolecules on the surface can modify the mobility of underlying lipids in phospholipid bilayers. The adsorption of larger polymers slows down lipid movement, while smaller ones have a minimal effect.
A nationwide Canadian study found that 5.5% of surveyed Canadians are very afraid of visiting the dentist, leading to over 400,000 people missing annual appointments and 1.5 million cancelled or avoided appointments at some point in their lives. Increased use of general anesthesia or sedation may be a potential remedy for this issue.
Researchers found that zebrafish embryos with human metastatic melanoma cells suppress tumor development, suggesting potential for new cancer therapies. The study provides a powerful model for investigating tumor-microenvironment interactions and reversing the aggressive phenotype of cancer cells.
Researchers propose a new magnetic herding technique that manipulates colloidal objects using magnetism, offering flexibility and convenience over existing methods. The technique has potential applications in biosensors, medical diagnostic devices, and microelectronic components.
A randomized controlled trial found that liposomal lidocaine significantly improved cannulation success rates and reduced pain and procedure time in children. The study suggests that liposomal lidocaine can be recommended for cutaneous analgesia in children, providing a promising new approach to pediatric procedural care.
A study published by Massachusetts General Hospital found that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective long-term treatment for kidney tumors, with success rates of 100% for surface tumors and 78% for central tumors. The procedure has been used to treat over 100 renal cell carcinomas in 85 patients with similar results.
Researchers found that patients with Barrett mucosa had tumors diagnosed earlier, were smaller in size, and had a better five-year survival rate. Conversely, adenocarcinomas without detectable Barrett epithelium may be more advanced stages of the same disease, leading to poorer outcomes.
A University of Toronto study found that upgrading to R2000 homes can save up to $818 a year in energy costs. Homeowners can generate an annual cash flow of $423 by increasing mortgage payments, making energy-efficient homes a financially attractive option.
A new scoring system, ABCD, predicts the risk of stroke within 7 days of a 'mini-stroke'. The system helps identify high-risk individuals who require emergency investigation and treatment. Most strokes in the UK occur in patients who have been referred to hospital clinics but not seen.
A new study found that ramelteon helped adults with chronic insomnia fall asleep faster and sleep longer, while also demonstrating no abuse potential or behavioral impairment. Ramelteon works by targeting two brain receptors, MT1 and MT2, to regulate the body's circadian rhythms.
The Gamma Medica imaging system enables researchers to use PET only, CT only, or a combination of modalities, allowing for flexibility and efficiency in research objectives. This tri-modality system is expected to speed up the development of life-saving drugs by enabling faster and more efficient work.
Researchers have successfully cloned mice using direct nuclear transfer from terminally differentiated natural killer T cells. The cloned pups and their placentas exhibit rearranged T cell receptor genomic loci specific to NKT cells, demonstrating that fully differentiated cell nuclei can support embryo and placenta development.
Researchers improve measurement of Casimir force, influencing small objects more than gravity, with implications for nanotechnologists. The study confirms gravity behaves as expected, ruling out exceptions to Newton's theories.
A study published by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found that babies born after SET (single embryo transfer) in IVF pregnancies have similar birth weights, gestational ages, and stillbirth rates to those conceived naturally. However, SET pregnancies reported more hypertension.