A team of scientists found that climate change is causing a 3% reduction in the density of the Earth's outermost atmosphere, or thermosphere, by 2017. The decrease will reduce drag on satellites, allowing them to stay airborne longer and potentially saving millions of dollars in fuel costs.
A recent study found that patients with recurrent silent brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had a higher risk of subsequent ischemic strokes and vascular-related deaths. The study, published in Archives of Neurology, suggests that MRI may depict pathological changes before the development of clinical stroke symptoms.
Dr. Jingyue Ju's innovative DNA-sequencing technology, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, overcomes accuracy limitations of other systems. The license agreement with Intelligent Bio-Systems enables the development of a high-throughput DNA sequencing platform.
Two studies by University of Colorado at Boulder researchers predict a regional nuclear war could produce as many fatalities as World War II, disrupting the global climate for decades. The conflict could also lead to unprecedented climate change, with smoke emissions potentially exceeding 5 million metric tons.
Researchers developed a centrifugal gas separator to clean highly contaminated natural gas streams, reducing energy loss and increasing profitability. The technique can separate CO2 and H2S from natural gas with minimal extra costs or waste of energy.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a satellite radar technique to measure water levels in vegetated wetlands. The study found rising and dropping water levels in selected sites over a decade, including changes caused by seasonal rainfall.
A FSU professor has received two National Science Foundation grants to study effective models for teacher preparation and professional training, aiming to enhance student achievement. The research projects will focus on developing a model of teacher knowledge development and analyzing data analysis methods.
Researchers aim to reduce complications from bone marrow transplants by replenishing a natural host defense factor depleted during chemotherapy. A new multicenter study will test rBPI21, a manufactured form of BPI, in HSCT patients.
A small-scale nuclear conflict could produce as many direct fatalities as WWII and long-term climate disruptions, impacting nearly everyone on Earth. The scientists estimated fatality estimates ranging from 2.6 million to 16.7 million, and the environmental impacts could spread worldwide.
A study of over 36,000 women found that regular exercise can lower a smoker's lung cancer risk by 28%, but quitting smoking remains the most effective way to reduce risk. The absolute risk of developing lung cancer is still higher for current and former smokers, regardless of activity level.
The study reveals two molecular pathways controlling the organization of the nucleolus, a critical organelle that manufactures ribosomes, and heterochromatin, which mediates gene silencing. These findings have implications for understanding genome stability and its relation to human disorders like birth defects and cancer.
Scientists have identified nine new genetic mutations in cancer cells that make patients more likely to respond to bortezomib, a common multiple myeloma treatment. These findings may help physicians tailor treatment to individual patients, increasing the effectiveness of the drug.
A novel regimen of three chemotherapy drugs resulted in a significant clinical response in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The treatment showed promise for high-risk patients, with no age restrictions, and minimal side effects.
A Pittsburgh-based research team has created an innovative ink-jet system to print bio-inks that direct muscle-derived stem cells to differentiate into both muscle and bone cells. This technology could revolutionize the design of replacement body tissues, benefiting millions of people with damaged tissues due to various conditions.
A genome-scale map of genetic variation in the malaria parasite has been completed, revealing nearly 47,000 specific genetic differences among parasites worldwide. This study provides a critical foundation for dissecting the functions of important parasite genes and tracing the global spread of malaria.
A massive effort to sequence and compare complete or partial genomes of Plasmodium falciparum has revealed nearly 47,000 genetic variations. This data will help researchers understand the parasite's evolution and study malarial drug resistance. New antigens identified may be potential targets for new therapeutics or vaccines.
A new study found that the loss of PTEN function in glioma cells leads to high levels of B7-H1 expression, making it harder for T-cells to kill cancer cells. This discovery may have implications beyond brain tumors and could affect the effectiveness of emerging therapies.
The Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust and Imperial College London have been awarded Biomedical Research Center status, guaranteeing £19.5m annual funding for the next five years. This partnership aims to translate scientific research into benefits for patients, making West London a leading centre for UK biomedical research.
A large study of Australian women found that epidurals during labor and birth are associated with decreased rates of breastfeeding in both the short-term and long-term. Women who had epidurals were more likely to experience difficulty breastfeeding and give up breastfeeding before six months compared to those without analgesia.
In a Phase III study, eculizumab provided clinically and statistically significant improvements in intravascular hemolysis, anemia, fatigue and quality of life in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Eculizumab therapy also reduced adverse events and showed significant benefits in patient-reported outcomes.
A significant increase in oxygen levels in the world's oceans 580 million years ago likely triggered the sudden emergence of large animal fossils, according to Queen's University researchers. This discovery confirms the importance of oxygen as a catalyst for the early evolution of animals.
A Cornell study finds that people, especially those who are overweight, consume up to 50% more calories when eating low-fat versions of snack foods compared to regular versions. Larger serving sizes on low-fat snacks may help reduce overeating.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that teens ponder risks longer than adults, leading to a higher likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors. The findings suggest that interventions should focus on developing 'gist-based' thinking to avoid dangers rather than weighing pros and cons.
The vaquita, the smallest living cetacean, is critically endangered due to accidental mortality in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are underway to reduce bycatch and protect the species, but progress has been slow. The Mexican Government has taken steps to protect the vaquita's habitat and compensate affected fishermen.
A new probability model designed by Stanford University geophysicists weaves together data from Global Positioning System (GPS) and the geological record to estimate fault movement rates. This time-dependent model reconciles the discrepancy between GPS-paleoseismology data, providing a more accurate picture of slip rates.
A new study finds that 93% of gorillas at the Lossi Sanctuary in Congo were killed by Ebola during outbreaks in 2002 and 2003. The research suggests that targeted vaccination strategies could be effective in controlling the spread of the disease, which has devastated ape populations in Africa.
The EMBO Installation Grants scheme aims to strengthen science in selected member states by supporting talented life scientists in setting up their research groups. The grantees will receive 50,000 euro annually for three to five years, with networking opportunities through the EMBO Young Investigator network.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that children aged 8-12 can handle and wear contact lenses with ease, similar to teenagers. The study, which involved 169 participants, revealed that younger children were more satisfied with wearing contact lenses than glasses, citing improved vision and participation in activities.
A Cornell-built robot learns its own model of itself and can revise the model to adapt to injury, a process resembling human and animal babies discovering their bodies. The underlying algorithm could be applied to build more complex robots and allow them to adapt to changes in environment and repair themselves.
Scientists have developed a model of the phagosome using systems biology approach, facilitating study of its function and interactions. The model may lead to better understanding of infectious disease processes and development of new strategies to fight pathogens.
Recent studies found that people eat up to 28-45% more calories when consuming low-fat snacks, as they mistakenly perceive them as lower-calorie alternatives. This misperception can lead to overindulgence and a poor diet.
Abstracts on Soliris (eculizumab) will be presented at the ASH Annual Meeting, highlighting its potential to reduce thrombosis in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients. The therapy has shown promise in clinical trials with significant reductions in anemia and intravascular hemolysis.
A new study found that patients who initiate general discussions about antidepressant medication are more likely to be thoroughly evaluated for depression than those with brand-specific requests or no request. This increase in history-taking also leads to better provision of initial care and diagnostic accuracy.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new transistor technology that could lead to faster operation and smaller devices. The transistors, made from indium gallium arsenide, are 60 nanometers long and can switch and process information quickly.
Researchers at NIST have successfully used mechanical motion to induce rotation in rubidium atoms in a gas, generating an oscillating magnetic field. The technique allows for the detection of atomic spins with high precision, opening doors for applications such as high-performance magnetic sensors and quantum computer components.
High-temperature superconductors exhibit a 'pseudogap' when electrons are bound together, but the new study reveals the same cloverleaf-shaped energy gap appears in both non-superconducting and superconducting states. This finding may provide a key to understanding the superconducting phenomenon.
A breakthrough discovery by Vera Krymskaya at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has linked a potential treatment for Lymphangioleimyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease targeting only women during childbearing years. The treatment, utilizing a medication to inhibit abnormal growth, is now in clinical trials.
Scientists at UCSC developed a new instrument to measure water droplet sizes in clouds, revealing a combination of entrainment and turbulence in raindrop formation. The findings suggest that stirring up droplets can speed up coalescence, challenging long-standing debates over the mechanisms behind this process.
Scientists at ESRF have made significant progress in understanding zeolite synthesis by monitoring the process in real-time. They found that molecular organization occurs before crystallization, leading to more efficient catalysts.
A NIST-developed image enhancement technique, APEX, successfully sharpened details on distant galaxies in Hubble images. The method overcame limitations of traditional deblurring techniques by leveraging mathematical simplifications.
Current UK agri-environment schemes have worked well for rare and localised species but struggled to reverse declines of more widespread bird species. A new study suggests that tailored habitat management to regional differences could be key to success.
Researchers identified two genes from different fruit fly species that interfere with each other, preventing male offspring production. This finding supports the Dobzhansky-Muller model, which suggests hybrid incompatibilities are caused by diverged genes from a common ancestor.
Researchers found that breast-feeding counters genetic tendencies toward ear infections, which can lead to learning difficulties and language development issues. The study identified specific genes involved in the vulnerability, but found that breast-feeding effectively neutralized their impact.
Studies presented at the 2006 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology demonstrate significant gains in treating multiple myeloma and related blood cancers. New treatment regimens, including THALOMID, VELCADE, and REVLIMID, show promising results in both newly diagnosed and relapsed patients.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered targeting a single gene can inhibit bone decay while stimulating bone formation. This concept may lead to drug treatments for osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
Two studies on bee evolution support a new hypothesis that bees originated in Africa over 100 million years ago. The discovery of an ancient bee fossil in amber provides strong evidence for this theory.
Researchers develop a new approach to creating stable glassy materials from organic molecules, which could enhance drug delivery and enable targeted therapy. The process uses vapor deposition at low temperatures, resulting in densely packed molecules with exceptional thermodynamic and kinetic stability.
A clinical trial has found that a combination of nifurtimox-eflornithine offers a cure rate over twice that of current treatments for second-stage African trypanosomiasis. This combination also resulted in lower rates of adverse events, suggesting potential as a future therapy.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered a mutant mouse with increased genomic instability, leading to mammary tumors. The study suggests that impaired DNA replication genes may contribute to breast cancer.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University are developing mathematical models to represent the safest and most effective ways to perform surgery. By analyzing data from robotic medical tools, they aim to evaluate a surgeon's work and help doctors improve their skills. The goal is also to enable robotic surgical tools to perform with gre...
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that common blood pressure medications can reduce tumor-feeding blood vessels in laboratory studies. High levels of angiotensin II have been linked to poor cancer prognosis and early recurrence, making these drugs a potential treatment option for pancreatic cancer.
A recent study found that annual breast screening for women aged 40-49 years may not have a significant net benefit, with only a 17% decrease in breast cancer mortality. Additionally, the trial discovered a higher rate of false positive results among younger screened women compared to those over 50.
Irene Chen's research on protocells and RNA-based systems has led to a deeper understanding of the emergence of cellular behavior. Her work promises exciting insights into the origins of biological complexity, suggesting that evolving higher levels of organization might have been surprisingly easy during the origin of life.
A low-protein diet has been shown to have a greater protective effect against cancer than endurance exercise, independently of body fat mass. The study involved three groups of people and found significantly lower blood levels of plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the low-protein diet group.
Research suggests that massive ancient carbon releases caused global warming 55 million years ago, with temperatures increasing by up to 9°F (5°C) in just 10,000 years. The findings imply high climate sensitivity to CO2 and contradict skepticism about the Earth's response to increased carbon dioxide emissions.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers reveals that mixtures of native perennial grasses and other flowering plants provide more usable energy per acre than corn grain ethanol or soybean biodiesel. This approach can reduce global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, producing a 'carbon negative' fuel.
Research shows pro-vitamin E, alpha-tocopheryl succinate, reduces tumour volume in experimental animals with high HER2 levels. The compound induces controlled cell death and has the potential to be an effective treatment for hard-to-treat breast cancers.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology and the Colorado School of Mines have developed a unified theory to extract meaningful signals from acoustic noise. This theory enables the determination of parameters in flowing media, viscous media, and electrokinetic coupling parameters of porous reservoir rock.
Researchers at UW-Madison have created a novel glass that is stronger and more stable than traditional glass using a new glass-making technique. The new glass has potential medical applications, including the development of pharmaceutical compounds previously unusable due to instability.
Katey Walter, a University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate, has been awarded the nation's top dissertation honor by the Council of Graduate Schools. Her Ph.D. dissertation research identified a new method of measuring methane emissions from Siberian lakes, revealing significant greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on global warming. ...