Researchers at Penn State are developing new approaches to integrating control and condition monitoring systems for Intelligent Vehicle Health Management. This will enable equipment to continue operating when something breaks or is about to fail, reducing the need for human intervention on long, unmanned deep space missions.
A new report by the Genetics & Public Policy Center reveals a polarized debate over cloning policies, with high awareness but limited understanding of its scientific feasibility. The report highlights the need for sound science policy and contributes to public understanding of the complex ethical and policy issues surrounding cloning.
The Lancet urges Martin Rees, the new President of the Royal Society, to conduct a wide-ranging review of the organization's purpose, programs, and aspirations. The society is criticized for being self-serving and superficial, lacking intellectual substance and international scope.
Women donating eggs for stem cell research face unique risks and lack adequate protections. Stanford bioethicists advocate for a new category of research subjects and set of guidelines to ensure informed consent. The proposed changes aim to promote ethical egg donation practices.
The Intelligent Information Systems Institute aims to explore AI's applications in data management, game theory, and more. Cornell faculty members are collaborating with visiting scientists to inspire innovation.
The NSB presents the Vannevar Bush Award to Robert Galvin, a visionary leader who enhanced US innovation and competitiveness in research and education. The award recognizes his commitment to human capital development and public service.
Researchers found that individuals over 80 with active root caries had twice the odds of cardiac arrhythmias. The study suggests that oral health issues in older adults can be a marker of general physical decline and may require serious attention.
The ESC has released new chronic heart failure guidelines featuring practical recommendations for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of CHF. The guidelines highlight significant developments in CCF management, including the use of natriuretic peptides and device-based therapies.
Researchers developed a mouse model that closely mimics human pancreatic cancer at multiple levels, including clinical presentation and histological changes. The model demonstrates distinct similarities to human pancreatic cancer, including metastasis to the liver and lungs.
Researchers at UF found dextromethorphan, commonly used in cough remedies, reduces fibromyalgia 'wind-up' pain. The study suggests the drug may eventually be an option for treating fibromyalgia and other conditions involving heightened pain sensitivity.
Scientists have discovered that human cells use RNA silencing to defend against HIV, a phenomenon previously unknown in mammals. The discovery of a novel siRNA sequence that targets the HIV protein Tat may lead to the development of new RNAi-based drugs to combat the virus.
A new study finds that childhood sexual abuse significantly increases the risk of developing health and social problems in both males and females. The study of over 17,000 California adults reveals a 25% rate of female victims and a 16% rate of male victims, with similar negative health outcomes for both genders.
Patients who survived at least two years post-transplant showed reduced risk of death each year after the fifth anniversary. Mortality not related to relapse was increased in patients with specific chemotherapy regimens and stem cell sources.
Scientists analyzed data from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, revealing a catastrophic event that highlights the need for more extreme worst-case seismic forecasts. The earthquake's impact was exacerbated by its location, which coincided with a popular holiday and high tide, resulting in widespread damage and loss of life.
The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the earthquakes, including the longest fault rupture and duration of faulting, as well as the seismic waves that traveled around the globe. The researchers also found that the earthquake caused the planet to vibrate with 'free oscillations,' like the ringing of a bell.
The World Bank and IMF's public health expenditure ceilings limit external financing for HIV/AIDS projects, forcing countries to allocate funds from existing budgets. This restricts the flow of desperately needed funds to combat the epidemic in developing nations.
Researchers estimated that the quake caused a massive 5-20 meter displacement along the 1,300-kilometer fault, leading to significant rearrangement of the Earth's surface. The tremors triggered devastating tsunamis killing over 300,000 people across Southeast Asia.
Nine individuals and five organizations have received the PAESMEM award for broadening opportunities in STEM education for underrepresented groups. The awardees include mentors who have pioneered innovative programs to improve retention rates and graduate success among underrepresented students.
The National Children's Study aims to track 100,000 children's health from birth to 21, but faces $2.7 billion funding gap over 25 years. The study will examine environmental factors contributing to childhood chronic disease, with potential economic benefits of reducing disease burden by 1% annually.
Researchers found nonlinear mechanisms that could lead to dramatic and swift changes in the North Pacific Ocean's biological systems. In contrast, physical characteristics such as sea surface temperature evolve in a linear manner, making regime-like fluctuations unreliable.
A single protein, REST, directs the transformation of embryonic stem cells into mature nerve cells by keeping genes off in non-neuronal tissues. The study reveals fundamental details of how stem cells retain developmental plasticity.
Scientists have found that strain is rapidly accumulating within a specific area south of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles, primarily in the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys. The study suggests that the Puente Hills Fault and nearby faults may be more likely to break than others, increasing the risk of earthquakes.
A new study published in Child Development found that children placed in a stable home environment fare better than those bounced from one home to another. Children whose emotions were more sad than angry tended to do well, while confusion and intense feelings of sadness prevail among many.
Despite China's genetically modified (GM) rice ambitions, poverty and unequal land distribution will persist, hindering efforts to eliminate hunger. The Lancet notes that GM technology is not a solution to food insecurity, but rather a Band-Aid on the symptoms of deeper issues.
The role of the National Security Council adviser requires balancing brokerage and political advocacy to maintain neutrality. However, in limited forms, advocacy can be beneficial when an underrepresented point-of-view needs to be heard. The adviser's ability to make sound decisions depends on effective processes.
Research finds bacteria in subgingival plaques of periodontally diseased individuals are also present in their heart arteries, potentially causing inflammation and increasing heart attack risk. Maintaining good periodontal health is advised to prevent this potential effect.
A team of researchers discovered a new protein, Vha100-1, necessary for the transmission of nerve signals. They found that this protein works together with SNARE proteins to facilitate the fusion of vesicles containing neurotransmitters and their release from nerve cells.
Research found that premenopausal women with higher birth weights (above 8.5 pounds) and those who were not breastfed as infants have an almost two-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. Breastfeeding during infancy was found to be protective against breast cancer in these high-risk groups.
A recent study suggests that chest CT scans can be used to identify patients who have had a heart attack. The study found that normal heart muscle enhancement is reduced in patients who have had a recent heart attack, making it possible for radiologists to look for this sign as the first step in identifying a potential heart attack. Fu...
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a silicon device that can modulate light on a micrometer scale, enabling the integration of electronics and photonics. The device uses a ring resonator to filter out specific wavelengths of light, allowing for efficient switching between states.
A new MRI technique called isotropic imaging shows promise in detecting meniscal tears and other knee injuries, potentially avoiding knee surgery altogether. With an accuracy rate of 96%, the technique could be used to determine if patients need immediate surgery or can benefit from rehabilitation first.
A new understanding of morphine's side effects has been gained through the discovery of methylnaltrexone, a peripheral opiate antagonist. This breakthrough allows scientists to distinguish between morphine's central analgesic and peripheral side effects, offering new hope for patients experiencing severe nausea, itching, and constipation.
A new long-haired forest primate, named Highland Mangabey, has been discovered in Tanzania's Southern Highlands. The critically endangered species is characterized by a distinctive call and adaptation to the cold climate, with an estimated population of between 500-1,000 animals.
Researchers have created patient-specific stem cell lines using somatic cell nuclear transfer, enabling the study of human disease in laboratory cells. The new cell lines displayed signs of immunological compatibility with patients' cells.
A new NIST method corrects time distortions in oscilloscopes, improving signal accuracy and reducing noise interference. The free software package can be applied to a wide range of equipment and signals.
Researchers used various models to recreate the rupture history and variation along the fault, revealing the earthquake's length, epicenter, and speed. The study provided valuable insights into one of the largest earthquakes recorded on modern equipment.
A new sonic flashlight device allows physicians to visualize ultrasound images during catheter placement, making the procedure faster and more efficient. This innovation has the potential to increase patient safety, decrease costs, and improve patient comfort, enabling medical personnel to perform procedures with greater ease.
Researchers have created a high-resolution ultraviolet light source that enables precise energy level measurements of specific atoms, timing of chemical reactions, and nanometer-scale object dimensions.
A recent study analyzed 10 studies on HRT and breast cancer, finding that randomized controlled trials show an increased risk of recurrence. The authors conclude that qualitative studies are unreliable due to methodological limitations and potential publication bias.
The book Making States Work examines the roles of international actors, local elites, and civil society in building public institutions. Key findings include successes in Mozambique and Costa Rica, as well as case studies on state failures in regions such as the Great Lakes and South Central Asia.
The US topped global rankings for high-tech imaging, with the highest per capita use of MR and CT. In contrast, India, China, and Indonesia had the lowest usage of these technologies.
A new kidney function test, cystatin-C, is more effective than the standard test creatinine in predicting death and cardiovascular outcomes in elderly participants. The study found that 60% of participants with high cystatin-C levels had abnormal kidney function, putting them at medium or high risk for cardiovascular complications.
Scientists at Ohio State University have discovered a gene called Avr3a that triggers the blight that destroyed Ireland's potato crops in the 19th century. The gene is found in the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, which causes massive agricultural damage worldwide.
Researchers from Columbia University and NASA used sediment layers to uncover a 500-year drought from 800 A.D. to 1300 A.D., as well as the effects of the Little Ice Age and European settlers' agricultural practices on the area's climate. The study found increased erosion, saltier water, and changes in vegetation during these periods.
A study found that attempts to change anti-vaccine attitudes can lead to increased opposition, damaging physician-patient relationships. Researchers discovered that after presenting evidence-based information or hearing from a polio survivor, some participants became more opposed to vaccination.
A large-scale study found that colonoscopy outperforms flexible sigmoidoscopy in detecting advanced pre-cancerous polyps in women, highlighting the need for unique screening approaches in women. The study suggests that women should get a colonoscopy after age 50 to prevent colon cancer.
A new kidney test using protein cystatin is more accurate than the standard test for serum creatinine in predicting risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease, especially among elderly people. The test measures kidney function independently of muscle mass, age, gender, and race.
Scientists detect dopamine release from nucleus accumbens in rats, revealing three distinct signals associated with cocaine administration. The findings suggest that dopamine release transients are highly plastic and governed by motivation, learned association, and pharmacological actions.
Researchers found hydroxycitric acid delays intestinal glucose absorption, reducing insulin output and slowing post-meal glucose levels. This delay can help reduce high peaks of glucose and the need for insulin, potentially leading to a therapeutic role in managing diabetes.
Researchers found that alarm pheromone triggers aphids to produce winged offspring and leave their host plant. Applying pulses of alarm pheromone could help reduce damage caused by aphid infestations in European fields.
The University of Rochester Medical Center's RCMBR pilot studies explore how mind drives or prevents disease, including depression following heart failure and psoriasis. Researchers aim to develop tailored treatments by understanding the impact of stress, personality traits, and mental health on physical diseases.
Researchers at Georgia State University are exploring virtual reality (VRE) therapy as a potential solution to treat fear of public speaking. By immersing individuals in a controlled virtual environment, Anderson's study aims to reduce anxiety and improve confidence in real-world public speaking situations.
Researchers found that rifaximin significantly improved disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease. The analysis of 8 patients showed a mean decrease in Harvey Bradshaw index of 7.1, indicating potential effectiveness as a treatment.
Researchers have developed a new purification process that combines high throughput with high selectivity, enabling more fine separations. By attaching a negatively-charged dye molecule to the protein of interest, retention is enhanced in higher proportion than when it wasn't tagged.
A recent study found that chest CT scans are necessary for multiple trauma patients, even if initial X-ray results appear normal. The study analyzed data from 563 patients and revealed that X-rays missed 40% of clinically significant thoracic injuries.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography has been awarded a 10-year contract to manage the International Ocean Drilling Program's Site Survey Data Bank, transforming it into an interactive tool for researchers. The new system will support proposal reviews and operations at sea with cutting-edge data.
Subjects rated odors more pleasant when labeled with positive words like 'cheddar cheese', whereas unpleasant labels had the opposite effect. The study also found that brain regions processing odors were activated by word labels, highlighting high-level cognitive inputs' impact on sensory perception.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a life-saving treatment for newborns with Krabbe Disease using umbilical cord blood stem cells. The study shows that 11 asymptomatic newborns and 14 symptomatic infants were successfully treated, with all asymptomatic babies surviving and 43% of symptomatic babies surviving.
The study reveals that both nature and nurture are essential for developing flexible self-control. The computer model demonstrates how the prefrontal cortex learns from life experiences to apply rules and strategies in new situations.
The University of Manchester is developing a state-of-the-art Vision Chip that will enable robots to respond to events and multitask like humans. The chip, based on the retina of the human eye, will process complex images at rapid rates, allowing robots to react in real time.