Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have devised methods to make spintronic devices based on electron spin, potentially increasing electronic device productivity. The development uses graphene-magnet multilayers and aims to create a full spectrum of spintronic devices, including re-writable microchips and transistors.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati developed a novel composite catalyst and optimal synthesis conditions to grow extremely long aligned carbon nanotube arrays. The longest array reached 18 mm in length, opening doors to potential applications in nanomedicine, aerospace and electronics.
University of Illinois researchers identify mouth-feel as key factor in diet soda taste, finding ingredient that gives body without adding calories. Flavour plays a crucial role in masking the mouth-feel difference, making lemon-lime flavor more appealing.
A study of nearly 600 people with hay fever symptoms found that workers missed an average of one hour of work per week during peak seasons. Diagnostic testing followed by proper treatment may help reduce missed work days.
Researchers at UC-San Diego have discovered that nanowire photodetectors can achieve single-photon sensitivity, making them highly sensitive to light detection. The unique geometry of nanowires traps holes, increasing the time electrons travel down the wire and triggering an increase in current.
A University of Southern California researcher has improved a technique to create custom-made gene chips, allowing researchers to detect specific message sequences in samples. The new method uses precise directional soundwaves to synthesize DNA bases on thin membranes, enabling the creation of high-quality microarrays.
A study suggests that people who decline to participate in research may not necessarily object to taking part, but rather due to confusion about the research nature and process. This finding highlights the importance of clarifying potential sources of confusion in participation requests.
A record-setting Antarctic ice core extracted during a recent drilling expedition provides unprecedented detail on the Ross Ice Shelf's history, indicating fluctuations of up to 50 times over the last 5 million years. The research project, ANDRILL, aims to understand the impact of global warming on oceans worldwide.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected 10 faculty members as the newest inductees into the Hartford Faculty Scholars Program, a program aiming to improve older adults' well-being by increasing trained geriatric social workers. The scholars receive $100,000 in funding over two years for professional development.
A new treatment, micafungin, has been shown to be equally effective as existing treatments in treating Candida-related infections. With fewer side effects, micafungin is a promising alternative for first-line therapy of candidemia and invasive candidosis.
Researchers have created a mouse model of infantile spasms, which closely resembles human cases and responds to current treatments. This model could lead to new treatments for thousands of young children suffering from these catastrophic seizures.
A study by Ohio University researchers found that one-third of sexually active older adults with HIV/AIDS have unprotected sex. The study suggests that more prevention efforts may be needed to target this specific group.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed the TeRK robot kit, allowing users to build sophisticated internet-connected robots using off-the-shelf parts. The kits feature a Qwerk controller and recipes that enable customization and extension, making highly capable robots accessible to a wide range of users.
A survey of 200 patients and healthcare professionals found that digitization can empower users and improve efficiency, but also undermines worker pride if not designed with established practices in mind. The study highlights the need for attention to areas such as technology design, user trust, and preserving workers' knowledge.
A Georgia Tech research team discovered that water exhibits layered properties when confined to channels less than two nanometers wide. The study found that the viscosity of water increases dramatically as it approaches one nanometer in thickness, potentially making it a more suitable lubricant for applications.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) is evaluating a new mathematical modeling system for lung allocation in the US, focusing on its effectiveness and comparing it to systems used in Europe. The system aims to give every patient an equal chance at transplant based on various factors.
A study found that virtually all practicing physicians in the US have relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, often through food or prescription samples. The extent and nature of these relationships vary by practice type, specialty, and patient mix.
A recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that frequent self-weighing is not associated with depression in women. The research suggests that daily weight monitoring can lead to lower BMI levels and less weight gain, making it a potentially beneficial practice for adults.
A research team from the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin aims to discover, engineer and produce promising phosphonate-based antibiotics. The project seeks alternatives to standard antibiotics due to growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance.
A study found that chronically ill prisoners face daily discomfort and fear of bullying due to inadequate healthcare policies. However, some prisoners reported improved health and access to mental health services during their incarceration.
New research reveals morphine makes lasting changes in the brain by blocking a key mechanism for memory making, suggesting addiction is a disease of learning and memory. The findings may help explain how addictive drugs affect the brain and support a new theory of addiction.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered microRNAs can suppress HMGA2 overexpression, a key feature of many tumors. This finding suggests microRNAs may have a role in preventing or curing diet-induced obesity-related diseases.
Researchers found that succimer chelation therapy improved postural balance by 6 percent and moving tasks by 19 percent in lead-exposed children. The therapy was effective in reducing lead levels in the blood but also showed benefits on neuromotor abilities.
Researchers found that cortisol production is cyclic in nature, involving rhythmic binding and unbinding of a protein essential to its production. This process starts with a signal from the hypothalamus, causing adrenal cells to increase cAMP production.
A study published in Immunology Letters describes new ways of inducing immune responses through selective B cell priming, suggesting a potential approach to rational vaccine design. This discovery could have significant practical implications for vaccination development.
A study by the Spanish Ageing Research Network found that melatonin, naturally present in food sources like corn, oats, and cherries, delays oxidative damage and inflammatory processes typical of old age. Daily melatonin intake could prevent or delay illnesses related to aging, such as neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes.
Researchers identify mutations in moonlighting enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) that contribute to the reduction of frataxin production, leading to increased severity of Friedreich's ataxia. The study suggests DLD as a potential target for therapies of this condition.
A new study found that hibernating black bears lose about half as much skeletal muscle strength as humans confined to bed rest for similar periods. The researchers tested the bears' muscle strength and fatigue resistance after a 110-day period of anorexia and confinement.
A study published in JAMA found that ranolazine is safe but ineffective in reducing major cardiovascular events, such as death or heart attack, in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The medication showed a reduced risk of recurrent ischemia, but failed to improve overall cardiovascular outcomes.
A nationwide study by Ohio State University's Jay Zagorsky found that people with below-average intelligence are just as wealthy as those with higher IQ scores. However, high-IQ individuals tend to earn higher incomes but struggle with financial difficulties such as maxed-out credit cards and missed bill payments.
Scientists have found that a group of sea snails can regain the lost larval stage, breaking Dollo's Law. This discovery suggests that animals may carry the potential for evolutionary change around with them.
A Duke University team develops a method to measure DNA mechanical properties upon irradiation, revealing unraveling of the double helix and crosslinking of bases. This work establishes a relationship between DNA nanomechanics and damage, paving the way for DNA diagnostics.
Researchers at Duke University have developed an ultrasound imaging software that enables the display of real-time stereo image pairs, improving early diagnosis of birth defects and surgeons' depth perception during medical procedures. The technology has potential to be upgraded in existing 3D scanners with minor software changes.
Researcher Reed L. Wadley examines the historical use of swidden or shifting cultivation by the Iban population in northwestern Borneo. He argues that colonial pacification methods exacerbated unsustainable farming practices, contributing to environmental degradation.
Physicists at the University of Florida propose a redesign to improve the detection of axions, a candidate for dark matter. The new design uses Fabry-Perot cavities to produce more photons, increasing the experiment's sensitivity by a factor of 10 compared to solar-based experiments.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia has found that carboranes can stabilize transthyretin protein and prevent harmful plaque formation without causing negative side effects. This discovery holds promise for developing new, safer treatments for diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's.
Eli Coleman, a University of Minnesota professor and director of the Program in Human Sexuality, received the Gold Medal Award 2007 from the World Association for Sexual Health. He has published extensively on topics like sexual orientation and compulsive sexual behavior.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found a connection between high insulin levels and impaired intestinal lipid metabolism in an animal model, supporting the role of intestinal metabolic dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Excessive insulin slows chylomicron removal from the bloodstream, leading to blockages and heart problems.
The FDA has added 'black box' warnings to all prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers, despite evidence showing naproxen is safe. This decision ignores the risk differences between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with Voltaren carrying the highest risk of heart attack.
Marine turtles migrate hundreds of miles to foraging sites, equally loyal as nesting sites, according to University of Exeter research. The study tracked twenty green and loggerhead turtles, finding they return to same feeding grounds up to five years later.
Richard Lifton was honored with the prestigious Alfred Newton Richards Award at the WCN 2007, recognized for his outstanding basic research in nephrology. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of renal and cardiovascular disease.
Patients with rare brain tumors may have a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. Radiation exposure increases the risk of developing these tumors in families where multiple members are exposed.
Eduardo Slatopolsky has been recognized for his pioneering experimental research in mineral metabolism, leading to improved treatment of patients with renal failure worldwide. He was awarded the ISN Amgen International Prize for Therapeutic Advancement in Nephrology in 2007.
Researchers from Virginia Tech, University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University aim to create high-performance membranes and electroactive devices using ionic liquids. The project seeks to integrate ILs into various applications, such as fuel cell membranes, micro sensors, and smart clothes.
The University of Delaware has been awarded a $1.9 million grant to establish a Center for Spintronics and Biodetection, which aims to harness the magnetic properties of electrons to encode and process data. The center will focus on developing highly sensitive sensors that can detect tiny magnetic fields generated by nanoparticles.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that nearly 22% of pregnant U.S. women smoke cigarettes, with a significant association between smoking and mental disorders among pregnant women.
Researchers found genetic polymorphisms associated with hormone levels, including lower progesterone levels and increased testosterone, linked to hotter flashes. Obesity was also linked to higher testosterone and lower estrogen levels, while moderate alcohol consumption reduced hot flash severity in some women.
Research found telephone-guided treatment with clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to be safe and effective for rural stroke patients. The study, the largest of its kind, showed improved outcomes compared to a large national study published in 1995.
The TRIPS processor is a demonstration of Explicit Data Graph Execution (EDGE) technology, offering an alternative approach to multicore processing. It features two 16-wide processors per chip, capable of issuing 16 operations per cycle and sustaining high execution rates.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a model that explains the avalanche-like behavior of superfluid helium. The model balances interaction and disorder, revealing a high-temperature synchronous regime and a low-temperature asynchronous regime.
Researchers found HIV-infected patients had a higher incidence of heart attacks and major cardiovascular risk factors compared to noninfected patients. The study's findings indicate that HIV-infected individuals should be assessed for cardiovascular risks and that strategies to modify those risks are urgently needed.
A recent study found that stem cell identity in culture is highly dependent on the surrounding environment, challenging traditional views of differentiation. Researchers suggest that this context-dependent approach could lead to more efficient stem cell culture methods and potentially even develop stem cells from differentiated cells.
Dr. Battey's dedication to the chemical senses has led to significant contributions, including leadership in trans-NIH scientific efforts and support of promising young investigators. He will receive the Distinguished Service Award from AChemS for his record of outstanding service.
A study found increased rates of serious pneumococcal infections among Alaska Native children who aren't protected by the current childhood vaccine. The rate increased 140% between 2004 and 2006, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and development of extended valency vaccines.
Researchers detected PFOA and PFOS in nearly all newborn umbilical cord blood samples, with concentrations lower than those found in adults. The study suggests a strong association between the two compounds, despite their different industrial sources.
A new study by Dr. Carmelia Suleiman explores the role of gender in media interviews with politicians Bill and Hillary Clinton. Researchers found that language choices and habits in conversation were influenced more by the interviewers' perspectives than the interviewees' genders.
A study found that specific genetic variants in genes CFH and LOC387715 are associated with an increased risk of progressing to advanced age-related macular degeneration. Smoking and high body mass index further increase the risk, but healthy lifestyle habits can reduce it.
A recent experiment confirmed what NASA satellites are telling us about how changes in clouds can affect climate in the coldest regions on Earth. Researchers found extremely high ice water content in snowstorms and embedded layers of liquid water in very cold multi-layer cloud systems.
A new study by University of Arizona College of Pharmacy researchers found that pharmacists' workloads increase the potential for medication errors. The study analyzed data from 672 pharmacies and found that each additional prescription filled per hour increased the risk of dispensing potentially harmful combinations of medications.
Researchers have discovered a weakness in the armour that protects B. cenocepacia from antibiotics, identifying a key sugar required for its protection. This finding may lead to novel molecules to disrupt its synthesis and develop new treatments.