Pitt researchers create tiny semiconductor islands that can confine individual electrons, a crucial step towards building a quantum computer. The achievement demonstrates the potential of nanotechnology in advancing quantum computing.
The Lancet editorial calls on UK Parliament members to consider the health implications of voting on a smoking ban. Exemptions for pubs without food service may perpetuate health inequalities and increase second-hand smoke exposure, particularly in poorer areas.
Researchers found that tropical glaciers on Mars were formed from snow brought from the polar regions, similar to Earth's mountainous regions. This discovery sheds light on past climate changes on Mars and potential pockets of ice scattered across the planet.
The study reveals that MDC1 plays a critical role in amplifying distress calls from injured DNA, triggering the repair process. This discovery provides insights into how cancer researchers can design new treatments to manage DNA damage and resist tumor formation.
Researchers have discovered a gene in barley that controls flowering time, allowing for longer growing periods and potential adaptation to UK climate conditions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new crop varieties better suited to hot and dry summers.
A new approach eliminates some steps in conventional tanning, resulting in substantial production efficiencies and a significant reduction in pollutants. The reverse process produces comparable leather with 42% less time, 54% fewer chemicals, 42% less energy, 65% less water and up to 79% fewer emissions.
Researchers have identified vitamin D as a potential target for preventing bone loss and osteoporosis. The study suggests that vitamin D may signal anti-osteoclastogenic action, which could lead to new treatments for this condition.
Scientists have identified a key gene, ramosa2, that regulates inflorescence architecture in maize and other grasses. The ra2 gene's expression pattern is conserved across multiple species, suggesting its critical role in shaping the initial steps of inflorescence development.
Researchers found that two classes of antivirals prevented flu symptoms but not infection, and did not stop virus shedding. Dr. Tom Jefferson advises against using these drugs for seasonal influenza control, citing low effectiveness and potential adverse effects.
A UW astronomer has successfully collected a record-breaking amount of cosmic dust from comet Wild 2, which dates back to the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago. The aerogel collector, which greatly reduced impact stress on particles, revealed tracks of larger particles visible from several feet away.
Women with Lynch syndrome have an equal risk of developing endometrial and colon cancers, and are at high risk for additional cancers. Prophylactic surgeries, such as hysterectomy and ovary removal, significantly reduce the risk of these two gynecological cancers.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified EF1A-1 as a critical step in the pathway leading to high cellular fat and cell death. The protein plays a role in protein synthesis and cytoskeleton maintenance, and its presence dictates sensitivity to palmitate-induced cell death.
A Stanford study reveals that the brain's auditory system responds more strongly to sounds from the same spatial location as the animal's gaze direction. This finding suggests a common strategy for focus attention across different species and parts of the brain.
Researchers have established that microsaccades are responsible for driving 80 percent of our visual experience, resolving a scientific debate. This discovery brings new hope to patients who are blind much of the time due to fixational eye movement problems.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed tiny chemical cages that can enclose drug and pesticide molecules, enabling safe delivery and improving chemical production. The one-step process creates tight bonds, surpassing earlier approaches in simplicity and efficiency.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in the calnexin gene that can lead to degenerative blindness, providing new insights into retinal degeneration. The study's findings may one day enable doctors to deliver tailored treatments to patients with specific calnexin mutations.
A nursing professor is calling for a total review of the nursing education system to address the 'reality gap' between theory and practice. The professor believes that sufficient funding and modernized practice learning requirements are needed to bridge this gap.
Scientists at Boston College have successfully stretched single-walled carbon nanotubes to remarkable lengths using high temperatures and electrical currents. The research indicates that these superplastic nanotubes may be useful in developing new generations of computer chips and strengthening ceramics and other nanocomposites.
A comprehensive survey of physical activity in children reveals that about half of active kids participate in non-organized sports, such as biking or walking to a friend's house. The study also highlights demographic and social factors that influence physical activity levels in children.
A new mechanism for regulating brain function has been discovered using microRNAs, fine-tuning synaptic connections to enhance information storage and computational capacity. The research suggests a link between microRNA miR-134 and disorders such as mental retardation and autism.
The Daphnia pulex genome, a model organism in ecological research, has been fully sequenced, providing insights into the genetic responses of species to their environments. The completion of this project will help ecologists understand how genetic variation influences adaptation and population survival in changing ecosystems.
The UK Biobank project and the American National Human Genome Research Institute project will gather information to study the interaction between genes and environment over time. The studies aim to identify new treatments for diseases such as cancer and heart disease, but critics raise concerns about privacy and data reliability.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered that magnetic vortices in nickel-iron alloy exhibit unique behavior when trapped within lithographically patterned ferromagnetic structures. The study, published in Nature Physics, shows promise for the development of faster and more energy-efficient electronic devices.
A saltwater aerosol solution has been found to restore the thin lubricant layer on airway surfaces, promoting mucus clearance and reducing lung damage in cystic fibrosis patients. The therapy is inexpensive and shows promise for slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered a genetic mechanism in plants that prevents the regrowth of a trait once it's lost, contradicting earlier studies. The findings highlight the importance of considering genetic data when reconstructing evolutionary history.
A study published in Psychopharmacology found that genetics and environmental factors contribute to the relapse of drug-seeking behavior. The research used rat models to identify glutamate as a neurotransmitter involved in stirring cravings and uncontrollable urges. Dr. Paul J. Kruzich suggests that genetic variations may increase susc...
Researchers obtain unique view of electronic orbitals and separation of NO dimers by exciting molecules with femtosecond laser pulses. The experiments reveal an intermediate Rydberg state that dissociates in about 600 femtoseconds, providing a detailed understanding of the dissociation process.
The ARM Mobile Facility (AMF) will collect atmospheric data on absorbing aerosols from desert dust in the dry season and deep convective clouds during the summer monsoon. This information will help improve model simulations of global climate and increase understanding of the influence of the West African Monsoon.
Businesses have successfully implemented agent-based systems to boost productivity, such as a factory floor that increased production by 10% and a shipping company that improved its route management through simulations. However, challenges remain in adopting these technologies, including cultural and conceptual barriers, as well as the...
Researchers have discovered a new key area in the brain that responds to the fat hormone leptin, which plays a crucial role in resisting high-fat-diet-induced obesity. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) region, previously thought to only be involved in appetite regulation, was found to also respond to leptin and is essential for maint...
A recent study found that active participants in online breast cancer support groups reported more positive physical, psychological, and social status. They also experienced fewer concerns about breast cancer and higher perceptions of family support. The study suggests that women with closer relationships to their families are more inc...
The public's perception of environmental protection is decreasing, with job creation becoming a top priority. Experts stress the importance of re-explaining the value of environmental management to elected representatives and the media.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a novel lung-cancer tumor-suppressor gene, TCF21, which is silenced through DNA methylation. The study suggests that reactivating this gene may provide a new strategy for treating cancers, and the findings could lead to improved early detection methods for lung cancer.
Researchers found that growth hormone treatment can worsen or trigger sleep apnea in obese children exposed to colds, potentially leading to death. Doctors are urged to perform sleep studies on these patients before and during treatment to monitor their health.
The American Institute of Physics and Acoustical Society of America sponsor the 2006 Acoustics Writing Awards. The awards recognize outstanding popular works on acoustics by journalists or professionals. Entries must be published between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a gene therapy that turns off the alpha-synuclein protein, a key player in Parkinson's disease. The therapy uses RNA interference to selectively disable the gene, leaving other genes unaffected, and has shown promising results in rat models.
The study reveals that specific cells in fly brains detect distinct tastes, with separate neurons responding to sweet and bitter substances. This discovery suggests a model of taste encoding in the brain where dedicated neural circuits dictate behavioral outputs.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University has discovered that neurons in the brain's visual center respond to different components of a shape and fit them together like a puzzle to create an image. The brain constructs an internal representation of an object from disparate pieces, allowing for quick recognition of objects.
A study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has identified 5'-AMP as a key molecular mediator that switches mice from burning glucose to burning fat in response to darkness. This switch is also observed in active mammals, such as bears and humans, and may lead to new therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A new study challenges prior models of behavioral and cognitive differences between Neanderthals and modern humans. Researchers suggest that the establishment of larger social networks allowed for more extensive division of labor and routine use of distant resources, potentially driving the replacement of Neanderthals in the Caucasus.
A Lancet study reveals a significant increase in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths involving co-sleeping on sofas, particularly in deprived families. The data also shows a decline in SIDS deaths outside of the parental bed, with a 50% reduction over the past 20 years.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new software tool that can detect 'inflamed plaque' in blood vessels, highlighting areas prone to future rupture and blockage. This technology will provide doctors with an early detection method to reduce fatalities due to unpredictable heart attacks.
Studies show that attractive faces are perceived as more intelligent, receive more attention, and are associated with positive attributes. The researchers explored this phenomenon through three experiments, including rapid face rating and priming tests, revealing the innate beauty bias.
The Strategies for Management of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (SMART) trial found that participants on continuous antiretroviral therapy had significantly lower risk of disease progression compared to those on episodic therapy. The study also revealed increased risks of cardiovascular, kidney, and liver diseases in participants on the drug ...
A study suggests that plant methane emissions do not contribute to global warming, but rather are a natural part of the greenhouse effect. However, reforestation programs may be slightly impacted by these emissions, with potential benefits outweighing negative effects.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has created a miniaturized silicon chip that can control laser light, enabling faster data transfer rates in high-performance computing devices. The chip uses silicon photonic crystals to slow down light travel, allowing for modulated transmission of information.
A new report emphasizes the importance of studying the intersection of social science and ecosystems in long-term ecological research. The study suggests that a more integrated approach will improve our ability to forecast future scenarios and understand the impact of humans on biophysical systems. By examining how social and ecologica...
A new theory explains how cracks propagate in brittle materials, shedding light on material failure in nanoscale devices, airplanes, and earthquakes. The research simulates the behavior of atoms under extreme conditions, uncovering the physics behind fractures.
Researchers argue that COX-2 inhibitors, including Vioxx, are as effective as traditional NSAIDs but carry fewer gastric side effects. They suggest these drugs may be the best option for some patients without cardiovascular risk factors who cannot tolerate traditional NSAIDs.
Researchers found that hypertonic saline treatment increases mucus volume, helping to clear bacteria and debris from airways, potentially limiting lung infections. The study's results could lead to improved outcomes for CF patients, especially if benefits are seen in infants and young children.
Researchers found that a once-daily antiretroviral combination of tenofovir DF, emtricitabine, and efavirenz leads to higher viral suppression rates and fewer side effects compared to traditional regimens. The study, involving 517 patients, demonstrates the superiority of this regimen over zidovudine-lamivudine therapy.
Physicists at Penn State University have developed a new method to study frustration in complex systems, including materials with magnetic moments. The researchers created artificial spin ice using electron beam lithography, allowing them to manipulate the strength of frustrated interactions and probe individual elements within the sys...
Climate change is exacerbating landslides worldwide, particularly in Asia and the Americas, resulting in significant human and financial losses. International experts propose various strategies to mitigate landslide risks, including land use planning, building codes, and infrastructure development.
A new study by the Regenstrief Institute finds that successful medical outcomes rely on stable and enduring relationships between doctors and patients. This approach recognizes that healthcare is not just about mechanics, but also social and emotional context.
A new meta-analysis of over 95,000 patients found that aspirin significantly reduces cardiovascular events in both men and women. However, the major reasons for this risk reduction differ between the sexes, with aspirin lowering the risk of heart attacks in men and stroke in women.
The UNC Charlotte and Georgia Tech partnership will create an artificial reasoning system to analyze enormous multimedia databases and provide effective intelligence analysis and decision-making support. The system will be integrated with human analyst interaction to structure data, organize it, and ultimately understand it.
A system is needed to monitor and address performance issues in doctors due to underlying causes such as mental health problems, substance abuse, or physical illness. The proposed model involves explicit performance standards, annual evaluations, and access to treatment programs.
The Manomet Conservation Center has been awarded a major grant by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support conservation efforts for shorebirds in North, Central, and South America. The grant will fund conservation initiatives in eight nations, including Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
A study by Utah researchers confirms that a specific region on chromosome 3 is linked to autism, with results showing strong similarities to Finnish studies. The researchers used genetic markers to analyze the DNA of 31 family members, seven of whom have autism or an autism-related disorder.
Researchers created mice with a genetic defect that affects learning and memory, mirroring symptoms of schizophrenia. The animals struggled to adapt to new environments and scents, highlighting potential treatments for the mental health disorder.