A new process makes HMF from fructose, a compound used to make plastics, diesel-fuel additives, and diesel fuel. The method also offers environmental benefits by using carbon dioxide and modern solar energy that crop plants absorb.
A new scoring system can help determine which patients are at the lowest risk of dying after gastric bypass surgery. The system is based on five easy-to-identify patient characteristics and provides a standardized way to compare outcomes among centers performing the surgery.
Researchers from NASA and international agencies have developed a new tool to predict the timing of ozone hole recovery. They predict the ozone hole will recover around 2068, nearly 20 years later than previously believed.
A new study shows that cochlear implants lead to improved spoken language skills in deaf children when used earlier, with the best results seen in those under 24 months old. The research suggests that these devices can help children learn spoken language at a level comparable to hearing peers.
Scientists at Rutgers have created a computerized model to understand the degree of harmful exposure in the immediate aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. The model, combining satellite data and regional weather forecasts, provides a way to evaluate human exposure to aerosols released during the disaster.
A recent study published by University of Utah psychologists found that drivers using handheld or hands-free cellular phones are as impaired as drunken drivers. The study's lead author, David Strayer, suggests that legislators should consider outlawing cell phone use while driving to address driver distraction.
A Canadian study found that people with diabetes are up to four times more likely to have cardiovascular disease as those without it. Diabetes leads to an earlier high-risk category for CVD, with diabetic men and women being about 15 years younger than non-diabetic counterparts in the same risk group.
A new study published in the journal Science found that future greenhouse gas conditions are likely to result in lower crop yields, particularly for C3 crops such as rice, wheat, and soybeans. The researchers used open-air field trials involving five major food crops grown under carbon-dioxide levels projected for the year 2050.
A study shows that a prostate cancer vaccine, sipuleucel-T, can increase survival by up to four-and-a-half months and provide a greater than three-fold increase in survival at 36 months compared to patients in the placebo group. The vaccine was well-tolerated with mild adverse effects.
Researchers present Phase 2 clinical results showing AC-100 stimulates the formation of new dentin, especially in deepest cavities. The study demonstrates a novel biological approach to promoting dentin formation as a supplement to routine dental care.
The Lancet highlights the case of CancerBACUP, a UK charity that accepted funding from drug manufacturer for trastuzumab, yet failed to disclose this in press releases. The charity's failure undermines its credibility and raises questions about its true interests.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered the rules governing gene amplification events, including the role of palindromic sequences and hairpin-capped double strand breaks. This finding has potential applications in cancer prevention and treatment by identifying strategies to restrict gene amplification.
Particles of toxic lead solder used in plumbing can evade detection in some water quality tests, according to researchers funded by the National Science Foundation. Larger particles can get trapped in faucet aerator screens, while smaller particles stick to sampling containers, resulting in inaccurate readings.
A new study by McGill University researchers demonstrates that mice can display empathetic behavior, increasing their own pain sensitivity when exposed to the pain of a familiar mouse. This form of emotional contagion sheds light on the role of social interaction in pain management.
Researchers found that solving an anagram before seeing a brand increases preference for that brand over competitors, possibly due to fluency associated with solved anagrams. The study's findings have implications for marketing strategies and could be used to influence consumer behavior.
Researchers have created a nano-sized pH meter using nanoparticles that can detect pH changes with high accuracy. The device, called the pMBA sensor, could enable non-invasive 'optical biopsy' to measure acidity in cancer tumors, revolutionizing medical diagnosis.
Scientists have identified a novel gene NEDD9 that facilitates the spread of malignant melanoma. This gene is abnormally abundant in more than a third of melanomas that have metastasized, but not in primary melanomas.
Researchers at Kent State University are studying a new class of liquid crystal molecules with a boomerang shape to enhance flexoelectricity. This phenomenon has the potential to be used in environmentally friendly micro-power generators.
The Lancet and Mexican Ministry of Health are hosting a meeting to report on Mexico's experience with health-system reform over the past 6 years. The conference aims to provide scientifically-based policy options for middle-to-low income governments facing similar challenges.
A new theoretical model explains how cooperation can emerge in a 'cheater's world', where self-interest typically prevails. In this model, group size plays a crucial role in the evolution of cooperation, with smaller groups allowing altruistic individuals to thrive and maintain their numbers over time.
In Drosophila cells, ribosomal proteins are associated with linker histone H1 protein on chromatin. Depletion of both causes up-regulation of target genes.
Contrast-enhanced sonography outperformed sonography and CT in detecting solid organ injuries in blunt abdominal trauma patients, with a sensitivity of 91.4% compared to sonography's 45.7%. The new tool offers a user-friendly and simple alternative for diagnosing traumatic abdominal injuries.
Researchers discovered a connection between catastrophic freshwater release from glacial lakes in North America and dramatic cooling in climate records approximately 8200 years ago. The study found that the freshwater forcing led to changes in deep ocean currents, which in turn affected northern hemisphere climate.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has announced the leadership for its newly restructured HIV/AIDS clinical trials networks. The six networks will focus on high-priority research areas, including developing an effective HIV vaccine and conducting translational research for new drug development.
A study found that even a mild dose of alcohol can significantly impair attention and increase the likelihood of missing unexpected visual stimuli. The researchers' findings have serious implications for drivers, as they may not be able to process multiple sources of information simultaneously.
Researchers identified VCP/pr 97 as the protein responsible for destroying defective CFTR in cells, and used RNA interference to block its production. This approach restored chloride transport function and reduced inflammation, offering new hope for cystic fibrosis treatments.
A new study published in Science found that people overestimate the impact of income on well-being. Despite high incomes, people do not necessarily spend more time in enjoyable activities. The study used the Day Reconstruction Method to measure daily life and found a weak correlation between income and happiness.
Researchers found that community awareness of poor oral health, framing fluoridation as a public health issue, and unified support from health professionals significantly influenced councillor decisions. The study's preliminary findings suggest that these strategies can be effective in promoting water fluoridation in other rural areas.
A $5 million grant will establish an Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Center at Indiana University School of Medicine. Researchers aim to identify diagnostic biological markers for eczema and asthma, leading to better treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that smokers using light cigarettes are 50% less likely to quit than those smoking non-light cigarettes, with the effect increasing with age. The study suggests that physicians should warn patients about light cigarettes during smoking cessation counseling.
DNA damage resets the cellular circadian clock, suggesting a link between circadian timing and cancer. The study implies that the biological clock has a protective dimension in addition to its pacemaker functions.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that knocking down the glycolytic pathway, specifically LDHA enzyme, effectively shut down glycolysis in breast cancer cells. Eighty percent of mice outlived a four-month experiment with tumor cells lacking this enzyme.
The study found that water fluoridation continues to be a cost-effective preventive measure, with annual per person savings ranging from AUS$56 in the 1970s to AUS$18 in the 1990s. However, the cost-saving benefits may decline with age due to plateaued new tooth decay and higher periodontal treatment needs.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a natural mechanism to prevent apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. The discovery reveals that adding ATP to cancer cells may actually impede apoptosis, highlighting a new potential target for cancer therapies.
The study found that B7-H4, an immune system blocker, is present in aggressive kidney cancers and vessels, allowing the cancer to grow and spread. This discovery may lead to better treatment options for patients with renal cell carcinoma, a deadly form of kidney cancer.
Researchers identified a new protein, JET, required for the circadian response to light in fruit flies. The protein's mutation disrupts the body's internal clock, leading to jetlag-like behaviors.
The University of Washington's Restoration Ecology Network empowers students to take on real-world restoration projects, from streamside restorations to neighborhood revitalization. By developing stewardship plans and working with clients, teams gain hands-on experience and create lasting bonds between the university and the public.
A nationwide study found that there is no consensus across the US on whether to teach K-12 students about human-environmental interactions. Research suggests that most states prioritize teaching about human impacts on the environment over environmental impacts on humans and society.
The publication of consensus recommendations for FDG PET usage is expected to reduce variability in clinical trials, leading to shorter trials and improved treatment outcomes. The guidelines provide a valuable reference for incorporating PET into clinical trials and promoting drug development.
A new study by Princeton University researchers shows that people respond to social out-groups with disgust, not fellow humanity. Brain imaging confirms this prejudice at an unconscious level, dehumanizing individuals from these groups.