Scientists sequenced the first complete tree genome, poplar, to develop sustainable plantation forestry and biofuels production. The research identified over 45,000 protein-coding genes and 93 genes associated with cellulose production.
Panic disorder affects up to 5% of the population, causing recurrent anxiety attacks and agoraphobia. Anti-depressants and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective treatments, but less than half of those in need receive care due to barriers such as diagnosis difficulties and insurance coverage issues.
The Ames Laboratory will collaborate with Iowa State University and Sandia National Laboratory to develop software that enables access to three of the world's most important computational chemistry codes. The project aims to accelerate scientific discovery in areas such as energy, climate change, and materials science.
Researchers found that slow theta oscillations tune into high-gamma waves, allowing areas of the brain to coordinate activity and transmit information. This coupling enables top-down executive processes like attention and memory to be connected to low-level perceptions and actions.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics has identified two distinct genetic profiles among modern Europeans, which can be used to control for ancestry in genetic studies. The findings have significant implications for understanding the distribution of genetic variation in European populations and their impact on disease research.
The Lancet has published profiles of the 13 WHO Director-General election candidates, highlighting their relevant experience and achievements. The journal will continue to follow the campaign and publish detailed statements from the candidates on its website.
Researchers have developed two new technologies to measure cell growth in the laboratory, one for monitoring drug effects on cancer cells and another for testing multiple cell types or dosages simultaneously. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate assessments of cancer treatments and improved drug development.
Researchers found that patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck whose tumor samples over-expressed p53 protein were significantly more likely to respond to Advexin therapy than those with low p53 protein. The study suggests that p53 overexpression may be a predictive biomarker for Advexin efficacy.
Scientists create radioactively tagged molecules for positron emission tomography (PET) scans, providing insights into addiction and brain function. The radiotracers help monitor drug distribution and receptor activity in the brain, revealing key factors in addiction.
Researchers at MIT have found a unique cloud forest in Oman where trees extract moisture from passing clouds, but the ecosystem is under threat from over-grazing camels. The trees' ability to collect water from fog may not be enough to recover if the camels continue to eat too much foliage.
Researchers have successfully unraveled the first tree genome, that of the poplar, revealing approximately 45,000 genes. This knowledge can help accelerate bio-ethanol production and improve trees' efficiency in processing biomass for paper and energy.
A Kansas State University research team has received a four-year, $1 million grant to conduct curiosity-driven nanoscience and technology research. The team, led by distinguished professor Chris Sorensen, aims to develop new particles with unique properties that can be used to create novel materials.
A study published in Child Development found that children aged 5-11 who read stories about friendships between their group and a stigmatized group had more favorable views of the group. The stories emphasized the commonalities between the characters, leading to increased understanding and reduced prejudice.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine identified a molecule that plays a critical role in lung tissue recovery following severe injury. The study found that FoxM1, a protein controlling cell proliferation, is involved in endothelial regeneration and barrier integrity restoration.
A study by Purdue University researchers has identified unusual genetic traits in voles that challenge current scientific understanding. The vole's unique genetic makeup, including its ability to insert DNA into the nucleus, could have important implications for human genetics and gene therapy.
Researchers found that imatinib can block the development of disease in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, providing hope for a new treatment. Additionally, studying adrenomedullin's effect on female mice revealed that reduced expression may severely decrease fertility. Meanwhile, a study on TNF-alpha discovered that it decreases e...
A team of researchers has produced cyclopeptides that imitate the HNK-1 carbohydrate from human natural killer cells, stimulating axon growth in motor neuron cell cultures. These glycomimetics could be a promising starting point for developing treatments for spinal cord injuries.
The International Astronomical Union has named the newly discovered dwarf planet Eris and its moon Dysnomia. The name Eris was proposed by Michael Brown and accepted unanimously by the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature and the Committee for Small Body Nomenclature.
A study by Kathleen Caron and colleagues found that reduced expression of gene AM in female mice leads to severely decreased fertility and fetal growth issues. This suggests a potential link between altered AM expression in humans and impaired fertility.
Researchers found that a single genetic assay can predict response to different targeted therapies in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Patients with exon 9 mutations or wild-type genes may benefit more from Sutent, while those with exon 11 mutations may require longer Gleevec treatment.
Several chemistry professors successfully implemented kitchen chemistry experiments in their distance learning courses, achieving impressive results. Students made accurate measurements using common household items like baking soda and vinegar, improving their understanding of qualitative analysis, paper chromatography, and density.
A new study reveals that white children attending primarily white schools are more likely to attribute negative intentions to African-American children than those in diverse school settings. Children from diverse backgrounds were more optimistic about cross-race friendships.
A new 'superlens' has been integrated into a microscope to visualize two-dimensional objects, such as holes in gold films. This innovation increases the resolution beyond the wavelength of light, allowing for previously impossible imaging of ultra-small objects.
A climatologist and a political scientist argue that planning for droughts can minimize losses. In contrast, the US still reacts to droughts as unexpected emergencies, wasting resources. Experts call for a shift in perspective and proactive risk management.
A team of researchers has captured images of molecular motors' structural changes using electron microscopy. The findings provide insights into the mechanisms behind these tiny molecules' movements, which power cellular processes like cell division.
A new study suggests injecting sulfates into the stratosphere could slow down global warming and provide more time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The approach has been shown to stabilize climate for up to 20 years, but geoengineering is not a panacea and mitigation alone can also address ocean acidification issues.
A growing concern among Americans is the rising cost of healthcare and access to medical services. The Lancet editorial calls for a comprehensive solution to address these issues, with a focus on improving the healthcare system for all Americans.
The partnership aims to address pediatric health concerns through groundbreaking scientific research and monitoring disease, with the goal of finding long-term solutions for childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. The collaboration will also support increased awareness and education on these critical health issues.
Researchers developed culturally sensitive cartoons to measure aggressive behavior in African American inner city schoolgirls. The cartoon versions were found to be as valid as written descriptions in measuring how these girls interpret social situations.
A team of archaeologists has uncovered a previously unknown system of writing on a stone block in Veracruz, Mexico, believed to be the earliest in the New World. The Cascajal block dates back to around 900 BCE and features a distinct script with poetic couplets, challenging existing knowledge of Mesoamerican civilization.
The Cassini spacecraft has detected a massive ethane cloud surrounding Titan's north pole, contradicting previous assumptions of extensive ethane clouds and surface liquids. The discovery suggests that ethane may be 'snowing' onto the surface, forming methane lakes below.
Genomatix Software GmbH has won a $1.6 million BioChance grant to research RNAi mediated regulatory networks. The two-year project will expand its competence in this field, complemented by academic partners from LMU Munich and DKFZ Heidelberg.
Researchers have successfully created a nanoscale system to control the Kondo effect in semiconductor materials. The two-quantum-dot system exhibits interesting behavior, including filtering the effect of current leads and studying pseudo-gapped systems and correlations.
Researchers discovered how Myc oncoprotein drives tumor angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer by inducing IL-1beta expression. Blocking IL-1beta activity can thwart tumor angiogenesis, offering experimental evidence for cancer drug therapies targeting this pathway.
Researchers discovered that estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) binds to a novel enhancer in the cyclin D1 gene (CCND1), promoting estrogen-responsive cell proliferation. This basic understanding may lead to the development of improved therapies for patients with breast cancer.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund is providing $1.292 million to support Project Suc-SEED, a partnership between CIIT and the ACS to recruit underrepresented students for Ph.D.s in chemistry. The project aims to build on the success of Project SEED, which has placed 36 national award winners in science competitions.
The Georgia Guidebook for Pedestrian Planning provides a vision, goals, and objectives for pedestrian planning in the state. The guidebook aims to enhance safety, create seamless integration of pedestrian facilities, and encourage a pedestrian-friendly environment.
ACTOS demonstrated significant improvements in reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes. The study showed a 23% reduction in heart attacks and an 18% reduction in combined risk of cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack, or nonfatal stroke.
A new study published in Science estimates that at least 200,000 people have died in Darfur, far exceeding previous estimates of tens of thousands. The study's authors used primary surveys and extrapolation to arrive at this revised estimate, which underscores the urgency of the situation.
A study by molecular biologists at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine suggests that the most stable parts of a protein are also the parts that fold first. The research combined advanced computational modeling with cutting-edge experiments to investigate protein folding.,
Researchers found accelerated brain changes in people with Parkinson's, while mice exposed to pesticides showed increased oxidative stress and reduced dopamine uptake. Exposure to banned pesticides like dieldrin may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's earlier in life.
A study found that African-American parents' messages to their children about race vary depending on the neighborhood, with high-risk neighborhoods associated with better cognitive development. Promoting mistrust of other races was linked to behavior problems in low-risk but not high-risk neighborhoods.
Researchers at Stanford University have found that Gleevec can block the development of disease in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, providing hope for a new treatment. Imatinib inhibits the function of immune cells contributing to RA and also suppresses joint cell proliferation.
The University of North Carolina has received a $21.3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop new treatments for late-stage African sleeping sickness and visceral leishmaniasis. The project aims to create affordable therapies for diseases affecting hundreds of thousands of people in developing nations.
A study finds that children of immigrants are more likely to pursue math and science careers due to higher economic aspirations and parental expectations. The research suggests a positive impact on the US economy as these individuals contribute to the nation's changing workforce needs.
Researchers found that a compartment of the spleen called the marginal zone is where autoreactive B cells are primarily located. Transplanting immune cells from this zone into mice with lupus-like disease led to the production of pathogenic antibodies, highlighting the spleen as a potential target for new therapies.
Researchers investigate chitosan, a natural and safe biomaterial found in crab and prawn exoskeletons, as a potential chelator to reduce radiation dose. Chitosan's ability to bind and remove radionuclides like cobalt, strontium, and radium is being tested in laboratory rats.
The World Trade Organization is expected to rule on biotechnology-altered foods, with differing perceptions about the 'precautionary principle' leading to trade clashes. The Japan-based Institute for Advanced Studies of the United Nations University calls for international agreement on common approaches to risk assessment.
A study found that African-American children who experienced racial discrimination were more likely to report symptoms of depression and engage in antisocial behavior. However, those with supportive homes, friends, and schools were less likely to develop problems. Positive relationships with parents, friends, and teachers also played a...
Rutgers scientists have developed a polymer-based drug delivery system to kill bacteria that attack gum tissue during periodontal disease, promoting healing and regeneration of tissue and bone around teeth. The system treats bacterial infection, inflammation, and pain with pharmaceuticals incorporated into the material itself.
Research at Mayo Clinic found that 16% of men experience moderate or higher pain during prostate biopsies, with the injection of lidocaine causing more pain than ultrasound insertion. The location of biopsy, specifically the prostate apex, is a significant predictor of pain scores.
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund finds that nearly nine of 10 individuals who seek individual market health insurance are unable to secure coverage due to unaffordability or pre-existing conditions. Those with high-deductible plans face significant cost burdens, including higher out-of-pocket expenses and increased medical debt.
Researchers confirm the Olmec people wrote down their speech around 900 BC, based on nearby art and a stone block discovery in southern Veracruz, Mexico. This finding is significant as it marks the first strong indication of visual recorded speech among the Olmec civilization.
Researchers propose using existing facilities to produce vaccines from cell cultures, which could make enough doses to cover the US in just 3-4 months. This approach would reduce downtime and capital investments required for new dedicated facilities.
Jean Futrell, a Battelle Fellow at PNNL, receives the American Chemical Society's Frank H. Field and Joe L. Franklin Award for his contributions to mass spectrometry theory and practice. His work addresses fundamental questions in the field through innovative instrumentation development.
A new lunar meteorite, MIL 05035, has been discovered in Antarctica, providing a rare opportunity to study a part of the Moon's surface not visited by the US Apollo program. The meteorite exhibits unusual mineralogy and texture, offering clues about the Moon's formation and evolution.
Astronomers have used a pair of pulsars to show that general relativity is correct within 0.05% accuracy, the most stringent limit to date. The double-pulsar system provides independent tests of general relativity and its predictions, including gravitational waves and time dilation.
Robert Angelici receives ACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry, recognizing his significant service and outstanding research in inorganic chemistry. He has published over 370 papers and is known for pursuing unique research problems.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have found a natural way to control the spread of destructive Argentine ants by manipulating their chemical cues. The team created a synthetic version of a recognition compound that causes untreated nest mates to attack, disrupting cooperative behavior within colonies.
Research found that immigrant children from different racial/ethnic groups have varying levels of verbal development, with some experiencing a significant disadvantage compared to non-immigrant peers. Despite this, most immigrant children make individual progress in their verbal ability over time.
The Public Library of Science (PLoS) has launched PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, a new open access journal focused on the world's most neglected diseases. The journal aims to promote science, policy, and advocacy for diseases affecting poor countries, with a focus on rigorously peer-reviewed research.
Researchers found that most multi-racial adolescents change their reported racial category over time, with some identities, like Native-American, being more fluid. This challenges common assumptions about race and its stability, highlighting the need for nuanced measurements in social sciences and government analyses.
The new online learning tool illustrates the implications of dual-use biological research through case studies and historical background on bioterrorism. Biology students will learn to assess their research in terms of modern security concerns and recognize the risks of misusing scientific work.