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.
A new generation of implanted heart-assisting pump has shown excellent survival rates and significant improvements in patient quality of life. The device, called the HeartMate II, helped 75% of patients stay alive for at least six months or until a donor heart became available.
A new study found that inhaling nitric oxide during liver transplantation reduces hospital stays and improves blood-clotting and liver-enzyme activity. The treatment also protects transplanted livers from cell death, promising relief for donor-organ shortages.
A study by Oregon State University researchers identified a soldier beetle preserved in amber, showcasing an ancient chemical defense response. The discovery indicates that this type of protective mechanism has been around for over 100 million years.
SciVees is a collaboration between the National Science Foundation and the San Diego Supercomputer Center, aiming to disseminate science to the widest possible audience. The platform will offer multimedia content synchronized with published papers, creating online communities for discussion and commenting.
The emergence of oxygen-producing cyanobacteria released oxygen at levels similar to today, but it had nowhere to go. Terrestrial volcanoes later arose and dominated, increasing oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
Researchers at Stanford University measure secondhand smoke concentrations in automobiles and find that passengers are exposed to unhealthy levels of particulates. The study's findings suggest that banning smoking in cars with children present could help reduce the risk of health problems.
A recent NASA study used gene sequencing to detect a vast array of bacteria in clean rooms, including newly discovered species. The findings will aid in improving cleaning and sterilization methods to prevent false-positive results in detecting extraterrestrial life.
New findings from the WTC health registry show that post-traumatic stress disorder affected 12.4% of rescue and recovery workers, with volunteer workers having the highest rate. The prevalence of PTSD varied significantly by occupation, with workers from non-emergency occupations such as construction suffering particularly high rates.
New study reveals that overlearning vocabulary through repeated drilling results in no long-term retention, while massing all study on a single topic into a single session reduces long-term retention. Breaks of at least a month between study sessions also improve learning outcomes.
Researchers analyzed movie reviews by non-professionals and found a close association between expert opinion and consumer opinions. Ordinary consumers show 'good taste' in films considered excellent by experts.
Fruit flies have been found to detect and be attracted to the taste of carbon dioxide dissolved in water, which may aid in scouting for nutritious food. This discovery suggests that humans may also be able to taste carbon dioxide, making their sense of taste more complex.
Researchers identified a large fraction of functional transcription factor binding sites near human gene transcriptions, challenging traditional views of complex organism regulation. This discovery could aid in identifying transcriptional networks underlying cellular processes and diseases.
Research in capuchin monkeys reveals a connection between sex, handedness, and brain structure. The study found that male monkeys have a smaller corpus callosum than females, while right-handed individuals have a smaller relative size of the corpus callosum than left-handed individuals. This pattern mirrors findings in humans.
University of Houston professor Dmitri Litvinov develops nanomagnetic computing systems that combine logic, memory, and data storage in a single system. This technology has the potential to revolutionize information processing with ultra-high density computing power.
A leading epidemiologist attacks a Swedish research report on cancer drug access, citing flawed methods, incorrect conclusions, and potential industry influence. The Karolinska report aimed to link national cancer survival rates with access to cancer drugs, but its methodology has been disputed.
A multidisciplinary team led by UCSD researchers has determined the structure of MitoNEET, a protein that shows promise as a target for developing innovative diabetes drugs. The discovery provides insights into how these drugs may protect cells from oxidative stress and potentially offer greater specificity and fewer side effects.
Researchers at UBC find that priming people with 'god concepts' promotes altruism, regardless of whether participants identify as believers or not. The study also reveals that secular notions of civic responsibility promote cooperation and generosity.
A new study found that repeated ivermectin treatment selects for genetic changes in the parasite that cause river blindness, potentially leading to drug resistance. The research has implications for ongoing onchocerciasis control programs.
A national study of newly-licensed RNs (NLRNs) in their first 18 months of employment found that poor management, stressful work conditions, and wanting to gain experience in a different clinical area were common reasons for leaving. The study aimed to understand factors promoting retention and turnover among NLRNs.
Scientists have discovered that glucose-sensing neurons play an important role in regulating blood glucose levels in mice with obesity-induced Type 2 diabetes. The study found that defects in these neurons contribute to the disease's progression and may be targeted by novel therapies.
Researchers used NASA satellites to monitor water quality in Tampa Bay, finding accurate measurements of turbidity and clarity. The method can resolve questions about events leading to decreased water quality and inform resource management decisions.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reveals the loss of Arf gene and BCR-ABL mutation leaves cells vulnerable to growth-enhancing environment of bone marrow, promoting immunity to anti-leukemia drug imatinib.
A 2004 outbreak of Norwalk virus at The Johns Hopkins Hospital resulted in estimated $650,000 in total hospital costs. Strict precautions taken to control the outbreak included isolating infected units, implementing strict hand hygiene and thorough cleaning protocols.
Biologists have identified the first orchid fossil, dating back 76-84 million years, which suggests that showy blooms may have existed alongside dinosaurs. The discovery resolves a longstanding debate over orchid origins and provides direct evidence of pollination in the fossil record.
Researchers tested 19-month and 22-month-old infants on a wet toy to see if they could identify it based on verbal description. The study suggests that before age 2, infants can update their knowledge through verbal interaction, expanding their understanding of the world.
A recent study found that cocaine use in the US has decreased primarily among those with higher education levels, while non-high school graduates have shown little change. This disparity is attributed to better access to health information and resources among more educated individuals.
New clues from immune system molecules hold hope for overcoming antibiotic resistance, with shared structural and functional characteristics enabling these molecules to inhibit or kill microbial pathogens.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) experience poor response to imatinib due to emerging drug-resistant clones. Research reveals signals from the bone marrow microenvironment can sustain viability of Ph+ ALL cells, enabling rapid resistance development.
Researchers at Cornell University found that ion channels in membrane-bound vesicles do not carry charged neurotransmitters out of the cell. Instead, positive sodium ions from the outside compensate for the charge, a process known as electrodiffusion.
The partnership aims to widen the journal's audience, reducing reviewing time and increasing access to online features, including a comprehensive search engine and e-mail alerts. The Tissue Viability Society will continue to receive print copies as a benefit of membership.
A Brown University study has found a significant link between living in damp, moldy homes and depression. The research team analyzed data from nearly 6,000 European adults and found that perceptions of control over the housing environment, combined with mold-related health problems, contribute to an elevated risk for depression.
The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center will feature advanced medical technology, including wireless access to reports and lab results, diagnostics, and robotics. The new center is designed to create a healing environment with thousands of new, state-of-the-art technologies.