A new study examining household preferences for school quality finds that college-educated households are willing to pay $58 more per month than those without a college degree to live in an area with 10% more college-educated neighbors. Additionally, blacks are willing to pay $98 more per month to live in a neighborhood with 10% more b...
Two studies examine triage guidelines for emergency heart patients and find that those who followed the guidelines had similar outcomes to those who did not. However, low-risk patients who were discharged after receiving standard treatment had a small risk of developing acute coronary syndrome in the long term.
Binghamton University researchers study archived human blood samples to understand how Plasmodium falciparum evolved resistance to chloroquine. The analysis aims to provide insights for current treatments and future drug development.
A new molecular tool, eco-tilling, helps detect early signs of herbicide resistance in weeds, reducing the need for chemical use. This technique uses reverse genetics to identify mutations at a fraction of the cost of alternative methods.
A research group led by Dr. Cato T. Laurencin has received a $2 million NSF grant to explore novel methods for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. The project aims to engineer new material surfaces that will allow a range of tissues to grow, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
A study published in The Lancet found that exposure to passive smoking increases the risk of developing COPD by 48% among never smokers in China. With over 60% of adults being never smokers, high levels of passive smoking are expected to result in approximately 1.9 million excess deaths from COPD.
A new study found that pill box organizers significantly improved HIV patients' adherence to medication, leading to better viral suppression and reduced risk of disease progression. The inexpensive tool was associated with a 4% improvement in adherence and an estimated 11% reduction in the risk of clinical AIDS.
Researchers found that SWCNTs can kill bacteria like E. coli by severely damaging their cell walls, and this effect is only seen when there is direct contact between the nanotubes and the bacteria.
A team of scientists has identified an odorant receptor that allows male honey bee drones to detect the presence of a queen up to 60 meters away. The receptor, which can detect the specific pheromone '9-ODA', is expressed in the antennae of male drones and plays a crucial role in their mating rituals.
The Lancet proposes adding chronic systemic inflammatory syndrome to COPD diagnosis to address frequent comorbidities and improve patient care. Patients with COPD often die from non-respiratory disorders such as cardiovascular disease or cancer.
Agencies producing large datasets face challenge of protecting personal information while preserving its value to researchers. Traditional de-identification methods are inadequate, and alternative approaches, such as administrative procedures and statistical transformations, may be necessary to ensure adequate privacy
A new device aimed at reducing deaths and brain damage from hypoxia in newborns will be developed with a $750,000 NIH grant. The device will measure the precise temperature of the brain, allowing doctors to maximize the benefits of therapeutic hypothermia.
Researchers found a copy of the entire Wolbachia genome within the genome of its host, Drosophila ananassae, suggesting frequent gene transfer between bacteria and multicellular organisms. The discovery raises implications for evolution and genome sequencing projects.
Researchers have observed elusive oscillations in the Sun's corona, known as Alfvén waves, that transport energy outward from the surface of the Sun. These discoveries can help unlock secrets of the corona's heat and solar storms, and improve our understanding of how the Sun affects Earth.
Scientists from Berlin developed a theoretical model that shows how an orientation map develops in the brain, allowing for the emergence of place cells and head direction cells. The model analyzes realistic image data to extract information relevant to orientation, leading to the formation of cognitive maps.
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder found that fireproofing houses in forests can significantly reduce wildfire sizes. By insulating homes, fire risk is reduced, protecting not only structures but also neighboring forests and communities.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present five awards for key contributions to space science and technology during the AIAA SPACE 2007 Conference & Exposition. Burt Rutan will be recognized as the AIAA Engineer of the Year for his innovations in access to space.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are developing a single test to identify more than 20 different food and waterborne pathogens, as well as a treatment that could protect against over 20 potential pathogens. The tests aim to improve public health by detecting outbreaks of E. coli and other parasites more quickly.
A Brown University study found that black representatives put more time and resources into developing policies and advocating for legislation of interest to African Americans. Black legislators were also more actively involved on legislation of all types, not just bills benefiting African American constituents.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 12 out of 17 adolescents were misdiagnosed with asthma due to vocal cord dysfunction, which can cause breathing difficulties. The use of spirometry tests in emergency departments may help differentiate VCD from asthma attacks and reduce misdiagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified new sites on bacterial protein-making machinery where antibiotics can be delivered to treat infections. The study found that targeting specific regions of the ribosome, a crucial cellular component, may provide a novel approach to developing effective antibiotics.
Researchers at MIT have developed an elegant method to synthesize the lethal components of red tides, shedding light on how algae generate these toxins. The breakthrough could help scientists prevent red tide outbreaks and accelerate the development of cystic fibrosis treatments.
Researchers developed a method for culturing mammalian neurons in small chambers, extending their lifespan to up to 11 days at low density. The technique, described in the journal Lab on a Chip, uses miniaturization and perfusion methods to increase purity and analyze cellular secretions.
Researchers identified GDF15 protein as a key player in iron overload in thalassemia, leading to increased dietary iron absorption and organ damage. The study's findings have implications for therapies and treatment strategies for thalassemia patients.
Researchers explore potential for enhanced nutrient cycling through coupling of agricultural and bioenergy systems to improve sustainability of biomass production. The study reports that up to 78% of nitrogen fertilizer could be recovered from an integrated biological and thermochemical process.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that blocking two immune system proteins, IL-1 and TNF, can promote healing in damaged meniscus tissue. The study, published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, suggests a new approach to treating knee injuries and osteoarthritis.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new emergency treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound to seal punctured lungs. The technique, inspired by Star Trek technology, shows promise in replacing painful and invasive procedures for lung injuries.
A study by researchers at the Universities of Bristol, Florence, and Western Australia found that children with autism don't update their facial perceptions as readily as typically developing children do. As a result, they struggle to recognize faces belonging to different teams or individuals, which can contribute to social problems.
Researchers have compiled the world's first detailed gene expression library for Symbiodinium, a microscopic algae that feeds corals and drives the reef's fate. Understanding its biochemical relationship with corals is crucial for addressing coral bleaching and climate change.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how lipid binding domains interact with cell membranes to modulate functions. The study provides new targets for developing small molecules and drugs that specifically modulate signaling pathways.
Researchers found that infants with poor lung function at birth continued to experience reduced lung function up to age 22. The study suggests that early prenatal intervention may be necessary to prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood.
Despite being bastions of biodiversity conservation, African national parks are losing species at an alarming rate. The decline is attributed primarily to anthropogenic causes such as poaching and human encroachment, leading to the loss of large mammal populations.
Argonne has received $21.5 million in cost-shared DOE grants to develop flexible-fuel engines with ionization sensing technology, aiming for 30% higher efficiency and improved fuel economy. The lab will also explore the use of molybdenum disulfide as a lubricant additive to reduce friction and wear in industrial equipment.
Researchers have identified a protein on the surface of platelets that plays a key role in cancer-induced platelet aggregation, allowing cancer cells to evade the immune system and spread throughout the body. By blocking the interaction between podoplanin and CLEC-2, it may be possible to prevent tumor metastasis.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have identified a genetic signature associated with aggressive melanomas. The study found that certain genes are linked to an aggressive profile, which could be used to predict patient outcomes and develop tailored therapies.
Researchers mapped a specialized sensory organ that malaria mosquitoes use to locate human prey, revealing unique receptor cells for carbon dioxide and octenol detection. This discovery provides a biological context for developing chemical modifiers to disrupt mosquito behavior.
A new study from Harvard University and colleagues challenges previous knowledge about the origins of urbanization, proposing that smaller groups made decisions leading to city growth. The research analyzed artifacts at Tell Brak in Mesopotamia over an 800-year period, revealing patterns of population growth and settlement clusters.
A new NASA model simulates the strength of updrafts in severe storms, predicting more violent thunderstorms and tornadoes with a warmer climate. The study found that continents warm more than oceans, leading to stronger storms with fewer overall.
A Johns Hopkins study shows an experimental compound called cyclopamine successfully kills cancer stem cells that fuel tumor growth and help cancers evade drug and radiation therapy. The study provides evidence for a potential new therapy for glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer.
Archaeologist Julie M. Schablitsky is leading an exploratory excavation of the grounds on John Paul Jones' boyhood home in Kirkbean, Scotland. The project aims to identify possible locations of outbuildings and cisterns using remote sensing techniques.
A study of 9,425 people in 12 countries found a higher prevalence of stage II or higher COPD than previously estimated. The disease is expected to increase as the global population ages due to risk factors such as tobacco use and occupational exposures.
A pilot study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that flaxseed therapy decreased hot flashes in postmenopausal women by 50% and improved their quality of life. The study also showed improvements in mood, joint pain, and overall health.
Scientists using the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer instrument have observed fluctuations in argon composition of the Martian atmosphere. The study reveals a constant change in the ratio of argon to carbon dioxide as winter sets in at one of the poles, indicating mixing between polar air and tropics.
Astronomers have discovered five Earth-oceans' worth of water falling onto a protoplanetary disk around an extremely young star, IRAS 4B. The 'disk-accretion shock' mechanism is responsible for the formation of planetary systems, and this finding provides valuable insights into the early stages of our solar system's life.
Studies show abused children are more likely to commit delinquent crimes, with the type of abuse connected to the crime. The special issue examines moderating factors connecting child maltreatment to delinquent behavior in adolescence.
A UC-Riverside hydrologist will study the ecological impact of climate change on mountain lakes, focusing on atmospheric deposition of nutrients. The research aims to understand how nutrient enrichment affects lake productivity and ecology, with potential implications for regulatory agencies setting air quality standards.
Research suggests that removing ovaries before menopause may lead to increased risks of cognitive decline and movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Women who underwent surgery at a younger age were found to be more likely to develop dementia and Parkinsonism.
Researchers found that PAX5 stimulates the growth of cancerous tumors by spurring cell division normally observed during B cell immune response. This leads to over-expression of key molecules comprising B cell receptor, driving B cell expansion.
Researchers from Oxford University and the University of Illinois found that contemporary consumers can read abstract images as statements of product attributes. The study's findings suggest a new unifying theory for understanding consumer response to images in global branding.
Researchers discovered a link between impaired brain glucose sensing and type 2 diabetes development in mice. A high-fat diet may contribute to this impairment by disrupting ATP production, leading to reduced glucose-sensing ability.
Autophagy plays a crucial role in removing dying embryonic stem cells during normal development, preventing detrimental inflammation. The study found that mouse embryos lacking autophagy genes had impaired signals for engulfment by healthy cells, leading to abnormal development.
A study by Cristina Faria and colleagues found that transgenic Bt maize lines are more susceptible to the aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis than conventional maize. However, this increased susceptibility may be beneficial in regions where aphids are a major problem, as they can aid in controlling caterpillars.
The Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies will receive £15 million over five years to improve health status, focusing on HIV infection. Researchers will study the impact of ART programs and develop interventions to prevent transmission.
Researchers found a strong correlation between median home prices and local obesity rates, with 2% drop for every $100,000 increase. The study also revealed six-fold disparities in obesity rates across the Seattle metropolitan area, with disadvantaged areas affected the most.
A novel peer-to-peer video sharing application is being used to explore a next-generation model for safe and legal electronic commerce. The platform rewards users for uploading content, allowing them to download faster and more securely. Researchers envision a global marketplace where bandwidth is the primary currency.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that fruit flies have taste cells specific to carbonation, which encourages them to consume food with growing microorganisms. The discovery suggests that other animals may have taste receptors tuned to important chemicals in their environment.
Researchers discovered that heparan sulfate is a receptor for the malaria parasite, allowing it quick transport through the body. This finding could lead to an environmentally safe and inexpensive way to block infection in mosquitoes, preventing malaria spread without drug side effects.
Researchers identified genes that are irreversibly activated by smoking, leading to increased lung cancer risk in former smokers. The study's findings provide insight into why former smokers remain susceptible to lung cancer despite quitting.
A study of 13,001 RA patients reveals that biologic treatment increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, but not other types of cancer. The research suggests that current biologic therapy may be safe for RA patients, providing reassurance for those considering treatment.
Researchers at University of Michigan dispute the immortal strand hypothesis, which suggests adult stem cells minimize genetic mutations through a non-random DNA segregation process. They found no evidence supporting this idea in blood-forming mouse stem cells.