Researchers at Virginia Tech are working on a project to develop higher quality, disease-resistant wheat varieties using molecular markers. The goal is to increase competitiveness of U.S. wheat in global markets by creating durable resistant varieties and improving milling and baking qualities.
Max Planck researchers find that human language processing involves two distinct brain areas, with younger Broca's Area activated for complex grammatical rules and older frontal operculum for simple probability-based rules. The study reveals insights into the evolutionary origins of human language faculty.
Despite losing some predators, anti-predator behavior can persist due to co-adapted suites with multiple predators. Studies of wallabies show that retention of anti-predator behavior is possible even after isolation from all predators.
The UK Department for International Development has pledged £3 million over two years to address the shortfall in funding for safe abortion services. This move aims to support the third, fourth, and fifth Millennium Development Goals, which focus on empowering women, saving children's lives, and reducing maternal mortality.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that Rev-erb is a critical component of the internal molecular clock in mammals and is sensitive to lithium. Lithium inhibits GSK3, preventing destruction of Rev-erb, which leads to activation of clock genes such as bmal1.
Researchers found that phytoplankton communities transiently disappear and then recover during abrupt climate changes, with most species adapting to new niches. The study suggests that phytoplankton are more resilient than previously thought, with only specialized and deeper-dwelling species being unable to survive sudden changes.
The study found a small but significant increase in hip bone density among women taking calcium combined with vitamin D, as well as a reduced risk of hip fractures. However, the benefits were more pronounced in women who were most compliant with supplement dosing and those over 60 years old.
David Michaels is recognized for his efforts to protect workers' health, particularly those exposed to toxic materials. He successfully advocated for stricter limits on exposure to beryllium and played a key role in establishing the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act of 2000.
Researchers found that low-dose MDMA had no effect on brain activity when no music was played. However, loud music increased the negative impact of low-dose MDMA and high-dose MDMA on brain activity. Brain activity returned to normal in rats not exposed to music after a day.
Researchers found that Botox injected into mouse tumors opened their cellular vasculature, allowing effective destruction of previously resistant cancer cells. This approach aims to alleviate tumor hypoxia, making them more susceptible to treatment.
The study shows that vitamin C supplements can protect against the loss of vitamin E in smokers, reducing cancer risk. Smokers who took supplements had about the same level of antioxidant protection as non-smokers.
A new study found that having a sick spouse increases the risk of death for partners, with some diseases having a greater impact. The study, which analyzed over half a million couples, suggests that social networks and caregiving can affect health outcomes.
L2G7 successfully causes brain tumor regression and improves animal survival in pre-clinical models. The monoclonal antibody targets key tumor growth factor hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), promoting cancer malignancy.
Two invasive vines, pale swallow-wort and black swallow-wort, are spreading rapidly in forests and fields, threatening local ecosystems. Researchers at Cornell University and the USDA-ARS are working together to identify biological controls to stem their growth.
Biologists at Brown University and the University of California–Berkeley have discovered a critical role for two proteins – TAF4b and c-Jun – in the growth and nurturing of granulosa cells that surround eggs. The finding provides important new information about fertility and may lead to better in-vitro fertilization therapies.
Historian Krijn Thijs investigates how dictatorship and democracy influenced Berlin's interpretation of its past. The research reveals that different versions of the city's history were constructed to legitimize power and define identity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have developed a new compound, CDDO-Im, which shows strong protective effects against liver cancer. The compound works by activating Nrf2, a master switch that stimulates the cell's defense mechanisms and removes harmful chemicals.
A new study found that eating one grapefruit daily can lower blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia, reducing the risk of heart disease. Grapefruit's antioxidant action is believed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded $10 million to 12 institutions to develop new graduate programs that combine scientific research with medical practice. The initiative aims to increase the number of researchers who can translate biomedical research into clinical applications.
The Invasive Species Forecasting System (ISFS) uses NASA satellite data to predict and manage the spread of invasive plant species like saltcedar, which is damaging water supplies. Land managers can generate color-coded maps to help combat the spread of these species.
Researchers have discovered young, massive stars in ultra-luminous infrared galaxies, surrounded by delicate crystalline silicates called Forsterite. This finding provides new insights into the formation and evolution of these violent cosmic environments.
The Merck Institute for Science Education has announced the winners of the 2006 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Program, recognizing institutions that foster interactions between biology and chemistry. The program supports research stipends for undergraduate students and aims to enhance education through research experiences in thes...
Researchers found a 12% reduction in hip fractures among women taking supplements, but only those who adhered to the full dosage saw benefits. Women over 50 should prioritize dietary sources of calcium and Vitamin D for bone health.
A team of scientists from Delft University of Technology, Brown University, and the University of Alabama have successfully created a 'spin triplet' supercurrent through a unique ferromagnet. The discovery breaks quantum physics theory by showing that electrons can exist in three quantum states inside the magnet.
The Finnish SIXS instrument will measure the Sun's X-ray and particle radiation on Mercury, providing valuable data on the planet's surface and magnetosphere. The instrument is part of the BepiColombo mission, a European Space Agency project that aims to explore Mercury's orbit and composition.
Researchers found that a nitric oxide-releasing aspirin derivative, NCX-4016, reacts with thiols in ovarian cancer cells to stop proliferation and increase susceptibility to chemotherapy. This treatment may offer new hope for patients with resistant ovarian cancer.
The H.E.S.S. collaboration has discovered gamma-ray emission from a complex of gas clouds near the Milky Way Galaxy's centre, revealing a prehistoric particle accelerator. The density of cosmic rays exceeds that in the solar neighbourhood, suggesting recent acceleration.
Researchers used recent meteorological data to simulate condensation cycles, finding that temperature differences across Antarctica explain isotope value variations but with strong spatial correlations. Climate signals stored in Antarctic snow are not representative of annual weather conditions.
The landmark COBY study found bipolar disorder in children and teens progresses differently than in adults, with more frequent mood swings and longer symptom duration. Children and teens often switch between different illness sub-types during the course of follow-up.
Sheila Browne, a physical organic chemist at Mount Holyoke College, received the 2005 AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement. She has mentored numerous women and minorities to pursue careers in science, including securing funding for research opportunities.
Pittsburgh researchers found biomarkers in infant blood that can identify possible cases of shaken baby syndrome, a traumatic brain injury often misdiagnosed. The study's findings have significant implications for decreasing morbidity and mortality in infants with SBS.
Cornell University is developing a distributed communications system to coordinate emergency response efforts, hospital management, and local officials. The system will combine real-time reports with databases of hospital capacity and resources to optimize treatment capacity during mass casualty events.
Two Dutch researchers, Gerard Roelfes and Jan van Esch, receive funding from ERA-Chemistry for their projects on DNA polymer-based nanostructures and self-organizing nanopatterns. These innovative materials have potential applications in asymmetric catalysis, programmable reactions, and biosensors.
Researchers at Duke University captured the clearest video yet of lightning-generated sprites, revealing new details about their development and structure. The team's findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, provide a better understanding of sprite dynamics and their possible effects on the upper atmosphere.
A new type of catalyst made from activated hydrotalcite has been developed, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional homogeneous catalysts. This innovative material can be used in various applications, including the production of methyl isobutyl ketone and other organic reactions.
Healthy preterm infants have reduced lung function, according to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The researchers found that male sex and lower gestational age were significantly associated with reduced expiratory flows in this group.
Dr. Lubchenco, a marine ecologist, uses her skills to create organizations that train scientists to communicate effectively with the public. Her work aims to address environmental problems by making information and expertise accessible to government leaders.
A recent study found that tetrabenazine, a medication currently available in Europe and Canada, showed significant improvement in reducing chorea, a hallmark symptom of Huntington's disease. The study involved 84 patients and was led by Dr. Kathleen M. Shannon.
Researchers used PET and MR imaging to show white matter volume loss precedes clinical symptoms of Huntington's disease. The study suggests a new approach to preventing the disease at an early stage by monitoring brain tissue volumes and basal ganglia dysfunction.
The GeneDesign program guides the design of DNA segments with exacting specifications required for studying gene function and genetically engineering cells. It automatically diagnoses design flaws in the sequence of bases making up the gene, simplifying the creation of artificial genes.
A new high-performance computing institute will enable researchers to analyze large biological databases in minutes, expanding the field of computational biology. The Microsoft-funded institute will focus on developing new software and applications for bioinformatics.
Norman R. Augustine has been honored with the 2005 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his exceptional contributions to advancing science, education, and innovation. His distinguished career spans over four decades, encompassing public service and industry leadership.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that emotional brain centers can dampen activity in executive centers responsible for memory tasks. The researchers used fMRI to examine how emotional distractions affect cognitive processing and found a 'see-saw' effect, where activation of emotional centers reduces activity in ...
A research team led by Yuichiro K. Kato has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the spin Hall effect, a phenomenon that had defied experimental detection for 33 years. The team's discovery has the potential to lead to new applications in sensing technologies, quantum computing, and quantum communication.
Researchers discovered variability in E. coli cell growth could lead to distinct survival advantages for bacteria, relevant to chronic infections and antibiotic resistance.
A recent study by Esaïe Gandonou found that reducing distance to the market has slight positive effects on grain yields and soil conservation. This is largely due to the increased use of artificial fertilizers, which require soil conservation measures.
Researchers found that orexin A induces adaptation necessary for drug-craving behaviors in human addicts. The peptide signaling pathways for orexin and CRF may prove fruitful targets in the search for addiction medications.
A landmark study by Harvard Medical School found that spousal illness significantly elevates a partner's mortality risk, particularly within the first two years. The study also revealed specific illnesses have varying effects on partners' health, with dementia and heart disease being most detrimental.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center have engineered a more efficient variant of the RuBisCO enzyme, which could lead to faster plant growth and more effective carbon dioxide conversion. The new enzyme produces up to 500% more enzyme than existing variants, paving the way for potential solutions to global warming.
The new SAL2 system combines accessible curricula, games and reference materials in a unified platform to open up new opportunities for learning, job-readiness and entertainment for people who prefer tactile and auditory channels. The system is significantly cheaper than the original device, reaching a wider audience.
Rice University's bioengineering Ph.D. students will receive comprehensive training in cancer biology, clinical medicine, and translational research through a unique partnership with MD Anderson. The program aims to revolutionize the translation of cancer knowledge into new technologies for detection and treatment.
A significant majority of displaced rural populations want to return to their villages, but few have actually done so due to conflicting ideas about 'returning'. The Turkish army and government agencies are hesitant to allow the return of rural populations, fearing they may support the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK).
A Mexican study found that indoor air pollution from wood smoke increases the risk of COPD, a lung disease. Women in developing countries are disproportionately affected due to their early exposure to biomass smoke.
Researchers discovered a compound called CDDO-Im that protects against liver cancer at extremely low doses. The compound activates a protein called Nrf2, which stimulates the cell's defense mechanisms and detoxifies harmful agents.
A new study finds that particles in cloudy water layers drift over long distances to be buried at depths of up to 1500 meters, affecting our understanding of carbon burial and climate relationships. This process may have been more vigorous in the past due to fluctuating sea levels.
A study by Cornell University found that women eat more candy when it's visible and convenient, but underestimate their intake. The study suggests that making healthy foods less visible and inconvenient may help reduce overconsumption.
Researchers find that histamine contributes to joint blood vessel leakage in rheumatoid arthritis, potentially leading to more effective treatments. The discovery may also apply to other autoimmune conditions and infectious diseases.
Research by Vaijayanti Gupta et al. reveals X chromosome dosage compensation occurs in male and female somatic cells across species, including C.elegans and mice. The single male X chromosome is expressed at the same level as two female X chromosomes, indicating hypertranscription.
Florida Institute of Technology is developing an interactive tutoring system to improve student competency in statistics and problem-solving skills. The software will be available in English and Spanish versions to reach a more diverse audience.
A global study estimates that 60.5 million people will have glaucoma by 2010, with 3 out of 4 cases being open angle glaucoma. By 2020, this number is projected to reach 80 million, mostly affecting women and people from Asia. The disease will also increase rapidly in India, causing significant blindness worldwide.