Researchers found that copper modulates critical events within the central nervous system, influencing how well we think. Variations in genes coding for Atp7a, a copper transporter, may contribute to differences in thinking among individuals.
A clinical trial has demonstrated the efficacy of an H9N2 avian flu vaccine combined with an adjuvant in generating a strong antibody response in humans. The results suggest that even low doses of the vaccine can provide protection, making it a promising tool in pandemic prevention.
Researchers at MIT have created an engine on a chip that could run 10 times longer than traditional batteries, powering devices like laptops and cell phones. The device is made of silicon wafers and features a tiny combustion chamber, turbine blades, and mini-generator.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded a $998,325 grant to Berkeley Lab's Kenneth Raymond to develop new agents for large-scale radiological treatment. The goal is to test these agents with animals and proceed to clinical trials within 18 months.
A recent study found a possible link between the use of proton pump inhibitors and an increased risk of community-acquired Clostridium difficile-associated disease. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests that patients who have been prescribed these medications may be more likely to develop CDAD.
A new study reveals that the world's most widely used organic insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis, requires the assistance of other microbes to perform its lethal work. The research demonstrates that the bacterium needs the presence of other bacteria in the insect gut to exert its influence.
Researchers found that female house finches deposit significantly more antioxidants into eggs sired by unattractive males, which protects the embryo during development. This strategic allocation allows females to maximize reproductive output despite potential limitations from suboptimal pairings.
A groundbreaking study by Field Museum scientists reveals that wild lion manes develop according to local climate regimes and are influenced by age. Contrary to popular assumptions, most lions in regions like Tsavo do acquire respectable manes, and the best-maned lions are typically older.
The NIAID has awarded five grants totaling up to $4 million to fund the development of products that eliminate radioactive materials from the human body. The goal is to accelerate the development of previously identified compounds into effective products for licensing in the strategic national stockpile.
Researchers have achieved effective immunity with a low dose of bird flu vaccine using MF59 adjuvant, potentially stretching vaccine supply. The study showed that antibody levels were significantly better and that a single dose of the adjuvanted vaccine was as good as two doses without adjuvant.
A study found that herpes virus infects cornea cells through a process similar to how phagocytes engulf foreign invaders, allowing the virus to evade the immune system. This unusual pathway opens up new strategies for developing therapies against ocular herpes and has implications for understanding other herpes virus infections.
The HOPE Scholarship has increased enrollment at the state's colleges and universities by 15 percent, with a significant impact on freshman SAT scores. Historically black colleges and universities have also seen an increase in students attending Georgia institutions, thanks to the incentive provided by the scholarship.
Researchers found that humans can learn complex structures simultaneously from multiple sources, such as tones and colors or speech. However, performance drops when two sets of sequences are from the same perceptual class of stimuli, like two sets of speech stimuli.
The Academy of Finland is funding 12 research consortia and three individual projects to develop new eco-efficiency indicators and model an eco-efficient biorefinery. The goal is to create a more sustainable future through the recycling of raw materials, waste reduction, and innovative production methods.
A study analyzing 45 years of stroke research found that 75% of unpublished studies had negative or harmful results, while only 6% of published studies shared this outcome. The findings support the need for registering all clinical studies before they begin to prevent publication bias.
A study in Heliconius butterflies reveals that a single 'supergene' controls the variation of their wing patterns. The researchers found that this supergene region, responsible for producing diversity in color patterns, is conserved across three species.
Researchers found that piggyBac transposon is five to 10 times better than other circular pieces of DNA at making a home and difference in several mammalian cell lines. This could lead to safer and more efficient gene delivery for therapeutic applications.
A NASA study reveals the Earth is warming at a rate of 0.2° Celsius per decade, pushing global temperatures to levels not seen in thousands of years. This rapid warming trend is forcing species migration and posing a significant threat to biodiversity.
Scientists have discovered a natural protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis that is highly effective at treating hookworm infections and curing anemia. The protein, called Cry5B, targets both developing and adult parasites, and can be produced inexpensively and safely for humans.
Polar bears' habitat preferences shift as sea ice declines, affecting prey availability and reproduction. USGS research shows a causal link between earlier sea ice breakup and decreased polar bear survival.
An international team analyzed human genetic variation within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a critical immune region. The study provides a detailed map of MHC genetic variability, laying the foundation for future research into the genetic roots of immune-related diseases.
The MIT team analyzed 32,853 proteins and found the most complicated knot, a five-crossing trefoil knot, in only one protein. This knot may prevent the protein from getting sucked into the proteasome as it works, supporting the theory that complex knots are linked to the protein's function.
The Phase 3 clinical trial of Fampridine-SR demonstrated a consistent improvement in walking speed, with 34.8% of participants showing a significant increase compared to 8.3% on placebo. The study also showed a statistically significant improvement in leg strength and a reduction in disability reported by daily activities.
The University of Cincinnati has developed a faster approach to informing consumers online when the FDA withdraws a medication. The new system, using NetWellness.org, allows for updates in under 24 hours following an FDA announcement.
Senator Alexander was awarded the SURA Distinguished Friend of Science Award for his efforts to promote basic scientific research and improve math and science education. The award recognizes his commitment to advancing the nation's competitive edge in science and technology.
A new study found that CEO overpayment has a higher cost than previously realized, cascading down to lower employee levels. The research also revealed that CEOs serve as a key referent for employees determining fair pay, leading to turnover effects.
Rugby players from the UK and Ireland reported stressors such as injury, mental errors, and physical mistakes as a major concern. They found effective coping strategies like increased concentration, blocking negative thoughts, and positive self-talk to manage these stressors.
Stevens Institute of Technology has been awarded the US Commerce Department's Export Achievement Certificate for successfully entering the international marketplace through its USAID Grant. The grant provided scholarships to Bulgarian IT professionals pursuing a Master's degree in Sofia, Bulgaria.
A team of researchers used a sophisticated laser system to gain evidence that neuromelanin, a dark brown pigment accumulating in brains, consists of layers of two other pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. This structural arrangement may play a critical role in the neurodegenerative cascade behind Parkinson's disease.
A study found that directly observed therapy and physician experience positively influenced TB patient survival in Toronto over three years. Physician training and experience also played a significant role in managing TB cases effectively.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and University of Oxford have achieved a record-breaking acceleration of electron beams to 1 billion electron volts in 3.3 centimeters using laser wakefield acceleration. This breakthrough opens the door to compact high-energy experiments and superbright free-electron lasers.
Research found a strong link between AA membership and decreased homicide rates in Ontario, with men consuming more beer and spirits showing the greatest benefit. The study suggests that participating in AA can exert beneficial effects on alcohol-related violence at a population level.
Ecosystem services from boreal forests, including carbon capture and water filtration, are estimated to be worth $160 per hectare, totaling $93 billion/year in Canada. Globally, the value is around $250 billion per year. A natural capital accounting system is recommended to reflect these values.
Research found that alcohol-dependent individuals with comorbid personality disorders, particularly antisocial and borderline PDs, exhibit impaired decision-making abilities. This study highlights the importance of neurocognitive mechanisms in understanding alcohol-use disorders.
A new study found that parents are largely unaware of their children's alcohol and drug use, with significant discrepancies in reports. The study analyzed data from 591 adolescent-parent pairs and found that parent reports added little information to the knowledge of adolescent substance use beyond what adolescents themselves reported.
Chronic binge drinking in rhesus macaques accelerated SIV disease progression, increasing time to AIDS and viral loads. The study suggests that early treatment is crucial for reducing alcohol use and extending life among HIV-infected individuals.
A study published in Critical Care reveals that diabetes triples the risk of developing critical illness and dying young compared to non-diabetic individuals. Obesity without diabetes does not significantly increase the risk of critical illness or mortality.
Researchers from Indiana University and Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found evidence of dramatic climate changes during the Mesozoic Era, with temperature variations ranging from 30 deg C to 36 deg C. The discovery suggests that global fluctuations in carbon cycling played a significant role in shaping ancient climates.
Europe outperforms the US in formal technology transfer from public research, with more licenses executed and start-ups established. However, open science measures reveal Europe's actual performance is more nuanced.
In response to a parasitic attack, male crickets on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai developed silent wings, allowing them to mate with females despite the loss of their sexual signal. The new behavior enabled males to capitalize on the few remaining callers and escape the deadly fly, ensuring evolutionary success.
A new research program aims to teach computers to scan through text and sort opinion from fact, with the goal of improving national security. The project uses machine-learning algorithms to train computers on examples of text expressing both fact and opinion, enabling them to distinguish between the two.
Researchers have created a device that approaches the quantum mechanical limit at the largest length-scale, demonstrating back action and cooling an object by watching it. The results could have applications in quantum computing and cooling engineering.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified 17 families of mice with genetic mutations that cause hearing loss, similar to damage caused by chemotherapy and age-related hearing loss in adults. The mouse models will help scientists understand the genes responsible for this damage and potentially develop treatments.
Renowned scientist Roger D. Kornberg will deliver a lecture on chromatin and transcription at Science2006, exploring breakthroughs in gene regulation and protein synthesis. The event, which showcases the University of Pittsburgh's academic strengths in science and medicine, is free and open to the public.
The economic cost of HIV/AIDS in the US is estimated to be $36.4 billion annually, with minorities facing higher indirect costs due to lost productivity. The study suggests that universal access to antiretroviral therapy could reduce costs and improve outcomes.
Astronomers discover over 500 young galaxies, thriving less than a thousand million years after the Big Bang. The galaxies are smaller and bluer than today's giant galaxies, indicating intense star birth.
A new research by University of Calgary paleontologist Nick Longrich challenges the traditional idea that birds began flying by taking off from the ground. Instead, it suggests that the earliest known ancestor of modern-day birds took to the skies using primitive feathered wings on their arms and legs.
A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that all types of intravascular devices pose a significant risk of bloodstream infections to hospitalized adult patients. The study's findings suggest that IVDs have become the leading cause of bloodstream infections in healthcare settings worldwide.
A patented technology developed by HydroGlobe at Stevens Institute of Technology has won the Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award. The Metsorb TM system is a highly effective and low-cost method for removing arsenic and various heavy metals from ground and surface water.
A study published in Annals of Surgery found that duodenal switch surgery produced greater weight loss than gastric bypass in super-obese patients, resulting in higher success rates at one and three years post-surgery. The procedure also had fewer complications and improved nutritional outcomes.
A study by University of Rochester researchers found that young age, extensive surgery, and severe post-operative pain are risk factors for developing chronic pain after breast cancer surgery. The study suggests that counseling and analgesic drugs immediately after surgery may help prevent long-term problems.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that household levels of mold and bacterial endotoxins in post-Katrina homes were comparable to those in wastewater treatment plants and agricultural environments. The researchers strongly recommend wearing respirators for cleaning and repairing flood-damaged homes.
A study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center found acute diverticulitis affecting younger patients, often those who are obese. The condition, typically associated with older adults, is linked to a low-fiber diet and increased abdominal pressure, leading to inflammation and potential complications.
Using multiphoton fluorescence microscopy, researchers have watched chromosomes change their form to activate genes in living fruit fly cells. This discovery could significantly advance our understanding of the basic processes underlying gene expression.
Up to 20% of patients with heart disease meet criteria for major depression, highlighting the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment. The NHLBI Working Group calls for more research on the link between depression and cardiovascular health.
Progress has been made in reducing polio cases, but four countries remain endemic and the disease has re-emerged in others. Sustained education efforts on vaccination benefits are key to eradicating polio.
A Phase III efficacy study led by Dr. Peter Hillmen found eculizumab significantly improves anaemia and quality of life in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). The treatment also reduces intravascular hemolysis, fatigue, pain, and shortness of breath.
Scientists have named a new species of ancient marine reptile, Maiaspondylus lindoei, and discovered pregnant embryos in its fossil, marking the most recent record of a live birth in an ichthyosaur. The findings provide valuable insights into the evolution and extinction of these aquatic animals.
A 3-year-old Australopithecus afarensis girl, discovered in Ethiopia, provides a unique window into human infancy. The fossil offers clues about skull morphology, brain growth, locomotion, and height, shedding light on early human evolution.
Researchers will develop new methods to evaluate and test tobacco products, providing information to smokers for informed choices. The study aims to determine if these 'safer' alternatives truly reduce health risks and exposure to carcinogens.