NCAR has added a powerful BlueGene/L system to the TeraGrid, providing up to 4.5 million processor-hours of computing power annually. This enhances the nation's comprehensive infrastructure for open scientific research, increasing the TeraGrid's total computing capability and data storage.
Researchers used X-ray images to study tracheal systems in four beetle species, finding that larger beetles devote more space to tracheal tubes. This discovery suggests that leg size is a key limiting factor for insect body size, explaining the extinction of giant insects.
VictorTango, a Virginia Tech engineering and geography student team, is among semi-finalists competing in DARPA's Urban Challenge for $2 million. Their custom-designed drive-by-wire control system and navigation software enable the vehicle to make driving decisions almost human-like.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that recombinant human thrombin reduces surgical complications and stops bleeding in 95 percent of patients within 10 minutes. The treatment also has a lower risk of antibody development compared to current standard blood-clotting treatments.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a new gene, XBP1, that contributes to Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells. This finding may enable oncologists to screen women for responsiveness to these treatments and provide a clue for reversing resistance.
Researchers found genomic determinants underlying alcohol and tobacco use on chromosomes 1, 3, and 4. A common locus for both was discovered on chromosome 1, with a linked area for smoking also present. The study suggests sex-specific genetic factors may contribute to the observed sex differences in alcohol and tobacco use rates.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a technique called optical 3D far-field microscopy using photoswitchable rhodamine amides, allowing for highly resolved 3D images of transparent fluorescence-marked samples. The method can capture nanoscale resolution with good signal-to-noise ratio and relatively short exposure times.
Research reveals abnormal fat metabolism as a key factor in the development of heart disease among diabetics. Brief caloric restriction can lead to dramatic accumulation of triglycerides and cardiac hemodynamic dysfunction in transgenic myocardium expressing human calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that overweight children are at a greater risk of school absenteeism compared to their normal-weight peers. The study, which analyzed over 1,000 students in grades 4-6, found that overweight children were absent on average 20% more often than their peers.
Researchers found that impaired energy production in heart muscle may underlie heart failure in some hypertensive patients. A protein called estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERR alpha) helps the heart keep up with energy-draining conditions like high blood pressure.
Researchers developed a self-test tool using data from an undersea mission to assess stress, fatigue and cognitive fitness in astronauts. The test involves a vigilance task and cortisol measurements to evaluate the effects of prolonged space missions on mental performance.
Researchers found that green tea concentrate increased GST enzyme activity by up to 80% in people with low levels, suggesting a potential mechanism for its anti-cancer properties. The study suggests that green tea may help strengthen metabolic defense against toxins capable of causing cancer.
Researchers at the University of Bonn found that MRI is substantially more accurate than mammography in detecting very early stages of breast cancer, including preinvasive DCIS. The study detected 167 cases of early breast cancer, with MRI identifying 152 cases and mammography detecting only 93 cases.
Researchers found that acid reflux disease can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition where normal skin-like cells turn into tougher, more acid-resistant cells. This transformation may increase the risk of cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that the presence of pro-death proteins Bax and Bak is necessary for healthy immune function, specifically in T-cell cells. The absence of these proteins disrupts calcium signaling pathways, leading to reduced energy production and impaired cell division.
The discovery explains how plants time their growth to take advantage of resources such as light and water. The researchers found that the circadian clock regulates nearly every step in the auxin signaling pathway, with activity peaking late at night when water is most available.
Scientists have found a direct link between mitochondrial DNA variants and metabolic markers for type 2 diabetes in rats. The study, published in Genome Research, highlights the role of mitochondrial genome variation in common diseases.