Scientists have mapped a vast water system beneath two of West Antarctica's fastest-moving ice streams using NASA's ICESat satellite data. The study reveals that these subglacial lakes are actively filling and emptying, with water moving at rates of several meters per day.
Researchers found telltale signs of a link between quantum effects and thermodynamic properties in YbRh2Si2, shedding light on collective organization of microscopic particles.
A study by Ellen Peters found that numeracy significantly impacts how people process information, influencing decisions on medical options, stock investments, and risk assessment. The research highlights the importance of presentation in helping individuals better understand numbers and make informed choices.
The European Union's changed policy will negatively affect dairy farmers' income, especially small farms, leading to a decrease in the number of farms. This will result in the disappearance of many small farms, allowing remaining farms to expand and increase production.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a critical pain pathway that explains why opioids are effective in blocking pain signals. By understanding how these channels work, drug companies can develop more effective painkillers.
Researchers at NIST found a 40% reduction in critical current due to compressive strain, which can be accommodated in design but requires knowledge ahead of time for large-scale devices. The discovery provides new insights into the fundamental mechanism behind high-temperature superconductivity.
Researchers at USC have developed an advanced retinal implant, the Argus II, designed to help patients with retinitis pigmentosa regain some vision. The device, approved by the FDA, uses an external camera and video processing system to provide rudimentary sight to implanted subjects.
A UCSB study found evidence of a nonconscious mechanism in the human brain that identifies genetic siblings based on cues guided by hunter-gatherer ancestors. This mechanism regulates feelings of altruism and aversion to incestuous relations, suggesting natural selection played a role in its evolution.
A study found that montelukast treatment in children with intermittent asthma reduced symptoms by 14%, hospital visits by 29%, and parent time off work by 33%. The medication also resulted in a savings of $96 per treated episode.
The Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation (MCAF) presents its cooperative research programs at the AAAS conference, focusing on improving fishery sustainability. The initiatives include reducing seabird mortality by over 80% and developing excluder devices to minimize bycatch.
The Xie Lab has demonstrated that the microRNA pathway is essential for controlling self-renewal of germline and somatic stem cells in Drosophila ovaries. Understanding this mechanism could lead to developing new methods for expanding stem cell populations for tissue repair.
Neural prostheses aim to restore function through electrical stimulation to damaged motor neural circuits, exploiting brain plasticity to enhance treatment outcomes. By engaging the brain in a remediation process, devices can be designed to promote plastic adaptation and optimize performance.
A recent study by Ohio State University scientists reveals that Antarctic warming is reducing animals at the base of the ecosystem, causing some penguin populations to shift southward. The loss of sea ice and decrease in krill abundance will have significant impacts on marine ecosystems.
The Model Coupling Toolkit enabled researchers to couple individual climate models into a single system, improving the accuracy of climate projections. The toolkit played a crucial role in preparing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's new report on climate change.
Studies on Mexican cavefish reveal distinct evolutionary pathways for eyes and pigmentation. Evolution by natural selection drives eye regression due to metabolic costs, while genetic drift influences pigment cell density variations.
Physicist Cheng Chin creates a vacuum chamber in his laboratory that can reach billionths of a degree above absolute zero, simulating the conditions after the big bang. The experiment aims to explore the formation of galaxies and understand the origin of complex structures in the universe.
Dutch researcher Rajesh S. Pillai developed a new method to visualize the microstructure of food and lipid droplets in cells using short infrared laser pulses. This technique has high promise for research into fat storage and diseases related to disrupted lipid metabolism.
Researchers found fossil evidence of domesticated chili peppers in seven archaeological sites across the Americas, dating back 6,000 years. The discovery provides insights into ancient diets and suggests possible contact between distant cultures.
A team of researchers has designed a biochip platform using a novel 'daisy' molecule that enables efficient gene expression and protein production without living cells. The system allows for the patterning of genes on silicon surfaces, enabling selective trapping of specific proteins with high spatial resolution.
Researchers have observed the quantum Hall effect in a new form of carbon called graphene at room temperature, pushing the phenomenon's boundaries. The discovery opens up possibilities for measuring resistance standards at elevated temperatures and magnetic fields.
New study finds that electrons retain their spin alignment for up to three nanoseconds when confined around defects in semiconductors. This discovery presents a design challenge for spintronic devices, as optimal memory retention conditions are not conducive to efficient transport properties.
Researchers have traced the earliest known evidence for chili pepper domestication to sites in Ecuador dating back 6,100 years. The analysis of starch microfossils reveals that common varieties of chili peppers were widely used in a region extending from the Bahamas to southern Peru.
Researchers found that telomere length shortens with every successive generation in families with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, resulting in more severe cancers at an earlier age. This discovery could represent the first biological marker for clinical monitoring in these families.
A study by Netherlands researcher Taede Tillema found that households and companies adjust car journeys to avoid pay-as-you-drive tolls, reducing non-daily shopping trips by 19% and work journeys during rush hour by 15%. The most effective measure is a kilometres-driven toll during rush hour or tolls on specific sections of road.
Researchers discovered that carbon nanotubes can repair themselves by moving blemishes across the surface of the material, sewing up larger holes as they go. This self-repair mechanism allows the nanotube to retain its strength despite severe damage, but comes with a price: releasing energy and mass in the form of gaseous carbon atoms.
Scientists detected subtle rise and fall of Antarctic ice streams' surface as lakes and channels filled and emptied. The discovery provides new insight into how much and how frequently these 'leaks' occur and impact the ice sheet.
A University of Oregon psychologist argues that genocide prevention efforts fail due to a lack of emotional response to increasing numbers of victims. Research suggests that people's capacity for empathy decreases with larger groups, making it difficult to reach critical mass for decision-making.
New images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show linear fractures and 'halos' of light-toned bedrock, suggesting past fluid flow through underlying bedrock. The findings provide a promising site to search for evidence of habitable niches in the Martian past.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created searchable databases of relevant product emission studies to estimate indoor pollutant sources and devise reduction strategies. The new electronic databases are linked with software tool ContamLink, accelerating the understanding of indoor air pollution.
A randomized controlled trial shows that low-dose hydrocortisone continuous infusion minimizes hyperglycaemic episodes and serious adverse events in critically ill patients with sepsis. Continuous infusion also reduces nurses' workload by requiring fewer insulin dose adjustments.
Researchers identify serine proteases and PAR2 as therapeutic targets for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pain. The study found increased levels of these enzymes in colonic biopsies and washes from individuals with IBS, leading to increased pain responsiveness in mice.
Researchers identified primary targets of HIV-1 in the human vagina, finding that Langerhans cells and CD4+ T cells are key sites of entry. The study suggests that blocking transmission through the vaginal epithelium could prevent local spread and ultimately alleviate the pandemic.
Researchers have found a way to deliver a messenger into cancer cells that forces them to respond to death signals using an HIV protein. This approach has shown promise in killing cancer cells and could provide new treatment options for patients with deadly cancers.
Researchers have discovered that RNA interference (RNAi) regulates local protein synthesis in axonal nerve fibers, enabling the repair of damaged nerves. This breakthrough provides new hope for treating degenerative disorders and injuries affecting the nervous system.
The Dutch government excels in knowledge development and diffusion, but struggles to create a reliable market for sustainable energy. This leads to high-risk entrepreneurship and fewer technological successes.
Researchers have identified Hsp90 as a key player in Alzheimer's disease, with a new drug candidate showing promise for reducing tau protein levels. Additionally, serine proteases may be the cause of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome, and targeting them could provide relief.
Researchers found that Antarctic temperatures did not increase as predicted by climate models, despite a global warming trend. The continent's vast size and limited data availability contribute to the discrepancy.
A University of Nottingham scientist has won a Royal Society award for his work in developing ways to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The award recognizes the potential of this technology to play a key role in reducing global climate change and reducing the need to store highly pressurized CO2 underground.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have received a $3 million grant to explore the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease. The study will investigate two primary areas: identifying genetic variants in unique populations and understanding how the amyloid protein becomes toxic, leading to neurodegeneration.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine finds that adolescents with sleep disturbances are more likely to receive bad grades, experiencing symptoms such as restless legs, difficulty concentrating, and snoring. Parents and teens can improve school performance by following recommended sleep habits.
Four authors and an illustrator of children's science books won the 2007 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, recognized for promoting scientific literacy and appreciation. The winners include Dianna Aston and Sylvia Long for Children's Science Picture Book, Catherine Thimmesh for Middle Grades Nonfiction Science Boo...
Jianguo Wu, Arizona State University landscape ecologist, received the 2006 AAAS International Scientific Cooperation Award for his outstanding contributions to sustainable science. He has made fundamental contributions to the study of grassland ecology and urban landscapes, with a focus on China's Inner Mongolia region.
A study found that Lexington's 100% smoke-free public places ordinance had no negative economic impact on the city. Employment at restaurants grew by 3% after the law was enacted, while bar employment remained stable. The findings support previous studies suggesting that smoke-free laws do not harm businesses.
Researchers have identified the liver as a promising target for cancer gene therapy using viral vectors, taking advantage of the structural disorganization in cancer cells. The study demonstrates that adenoviral vectors can selectively infect cancer cells while leaving normal liver cells unharmed.
Researchers have generated an atomic-level picture of a stable HIV surface protein component that appears vulnerable to attack from the b12 antibody. This finding could help develop an HIV vaccine capable of eliciting a robust antibody response.
Researchers created dual-modality microbeads to identify disease biomarkers, allowing for faster and more efficient detection of viruses and proteins in human blood and urine. The new technology can analyze very low concentrations of target molecules, enabling diagnosis of diseases like Alzheimer's with high sensitivity.
A new theory by FSU researchers accurately predicts the association rate for proteins, a critical factor in biological processes. The theory could lead to more effective treatments for genetic disorders and other life-threatening conditions.
Researchers found that Olig2, a transcription factor, enables tumor growth in brain cancer by repressing cell-replication brake p21. Knocking out Olig2 function nearly eliminated tumor formation in mouse models.
Raymond L. Johnson, a professor at the University of Maryland, received the prestigious AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement for mentoring 23 African American students to PhDs in mathematics. Gary S. May, head of Georgia Tech's electrical and computer engineering school, was also honored for guiding 33 African American students t...
QUT scientists have developed advanced ceramic membranes for nanofiltration that can remove viruses from water, air, and blood. The technology has the potential to filter out HIV from blood, saving millions of lives.
Physicist S. James Gates, Jr. has been recognized with the 2006 AAAS Public Understanding of Science and Technology Award for his efforts in making complex scientific concepts accessible to diverse audiences. Through various media platforms and educational initiatives, Gates has promoted STEM education, particularly among underrepresen...
A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft scientists finds that bacteria Helicobacter pylori spread with humans out of Africa, following similar migration paths. The genetic diversity of H. pylori is larger than man's, but paves the way for analyzing its data to understand human history.
Research published in Psychological Science suggests psychologists are adopting improved statistical practices, using more graphs with error bars to report their research and estimating effect sizes. The shift signals a step forward in data interpretation, leading to better conclusions.
A recent global study found that a nasal spray flu vaccine reduced the attack rate of flu in children by 55 percent compared to traditional flu shots. The vaccine was well-tolerated and induced a more complete immune response, with fewer ear infections reported.
Researchers create a super-thin membrane, 50 atoms thick, that can sort individual molecules with high efficiency. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize dialysis, fuel cells, and neuro-stem cell cultivation.
Researchers have developed a new accelerator technique that doubles the energy of electrons in just one meter, revolutionizing the field of high-energy physics. This breakthrough technology, using plasma to amplify energy, has the potential to make future accelerators more feasible and affordable.
Scientists at PNNL and UCLA developed a new proteome map, enabling comparisons of healthy brains with those affected by Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological diseases. The study uses quantitative proteomics and imaging to generate detailed information on brain proteins.
Eugenie Scott and nine science teachers who fought against the introduction of intelligent design in science classrooms are recipients of the 2006 AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility. The award recognizes their efforts to defend the integrity of science, particularly in Pennsylvania and Georgia.
Research in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa, reveals that elephants' preference for marula fruits poses a risk to female Marula trees, which are more susceptible to damage and death. The study suggests that evolution may have favored the development of trees with better resprouting abilities to counter this selective pressure.
Researchers at UCSB are developing a new approach to determine the structure and composition of the Abeta 42 peptide, which is responsible for Alzheimer's disease. They hope to find non-toxic drugs that can prevent further damage by identifying early markers of the disease.