Oklahoma State University has received $1.5M in NSF grants to acquire two new instruments: a field emission environmental scanning electron microscope and an LTQ mass spectrometer. These instruments will enhance research capabilities in areas of interest to industry, government, and other universities.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a way to package radioactive particles inside DNA-sized carbon tubes to target tiny tumors. The alpha-emitting nanocapsules are designed to deliver a single, direct hit to cancer cells, making them potentially more effective than traditional beta-particle radiation.
Associate Professor Jennie Ching-I Tsao of the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program has been selected as a winner of the Mayday Pain & Society Fellowship. The program provides tools and skills to advocate for better treatment of pain, including media communication and policy engagement. Tsao's research focuses on biopsychosocial models of pain ...
Researchers have created 'pro-chelators' that can selectively bind to potentially destructive forms of iron in the brain, reducing oxidative stress and cell damage associated with these diseases. The iron-binding agents are designed to target only harmful iron species, allowing benign forms to carry out vital functions.
A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that calcium supplementation reduced fracture risk by 24% in individuals with high compliance rates. Vitamin D supplementation also showed significant benefits, with a 16% reduction in bone loss at the spine.
Researchers at Monash University uncover a molecular arms race between bacteria and the human immune system, revealing perforins as key players in defense against bacterial toxins. The discovery could lead to new ways to fight disease, including infectious diseases and transplantation rejection.
Researchers are working on a £18 million project to change the social habits of living cells, which could help fight diseases like cancer and diabetes. By adjusting cell networking, they aim to reduce disease occurrence and improve health outcomes.
PCOS is characterized by multiple health complications, including menstrual dysfunction, infertility, hirsutism, and metabolic syndrome. Research focuses on identifying the primary cause of PCOS, which may be linked to defects in the ovary, hypothalamic-pituitary axis, or abnormal insulin activity.
A long-term study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reveals that bariatric surgery reduces mortality in severely obese patients by 29%. The researchers found that the actual weight loss is less important than the surgery itself in reducing risk, opening up new possibilities for treatment development.
Researchers found that light trucks, including SUVs and minivans, produced 0.5-0.6% more toxic air pollutants than conventional cars in a downtown Baltimore parking garage. The study provides new insights into the health risks of vehicle-related air pollution in urban settings.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has been awarded a $97.7 million contract to support the development and installation of coastal and global components of the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). The partnership includes Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Oregon State University, aimin...
The quality of giant bluefin tuna caught in the Gulf of Maine has declined significantly since the early 1990s, with potential changes in food sources and reproductive patterns. Researchers found that the condition of those fish caught is of much lower quality, with reduced fat content and a leaner appearance.
For the first time since their discovery in 1977, astronomers have observed a Uranus ring crossing and detected significant changes in the rings' arrangement. The observations used advanced telescopes and revealed new details about the fine dust that permeates the rings, including a previously unseen outer ring.
A new study suggests that homosexual civil unions may have existed in France six centuries ago, challenging common assumptions about the history of same-sex relationships. The affrèrement, a medieval legal contract, provided a framework for non-nuclear households and shared characteristics with marriage contracts.
A Carnegie Mellon scientist has developed a new method to characterize large viral particles and proteins using a mass spectrometer. This breakthrough enables researchers to study intact protein complexes in seconds, paving the way for rapid disease diagnosis.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received funding for the first phase of the Alaska Region Research Vessel's construction, supporting research in high latitudes and facilitating global ocean science collaborations. The $123-million vessel will be capable of breaking ice up to 2.5 ft thick and accommodate 26 scientists and students.
Researchers found that mice lacking a critical component of the retinal clock exhibit abnormal gene activity and defective electrical responses, but their eyes appear normal. The study suggests that the retina's autonomous circadian clock plays a crucial role in visual processing.
A new study suggests that inhaling nitric oxide during liver transplantation can decrease hospital stay time and improve liver function. The authors found increased levels of nitrite in circulation, which may mediate the beneficial effects of NO inhalation.
Astronomers found a gigantic hole in the Universe, spanning nearly a billion light-years, empty of stars, galaxies, gas, and dark matter. The void's existence was confirmed by studying data from the NRAO VLA Sky Survey, which revealed a significant drop in galaxy count in a region southwest of Orion.
A study found that morbidly obese mice can gain protection against diabetes by consuming excess calories without developing insulin resistance. The key hormone adiponectin plays a crucial role in this process, and its abundance helps store excess fat in the right places.
A study by Andrea Dietrich at the American Chemical Society meeting found that cPVC has a low odor potential, while HDPE had the highest odor production. The researchers also discovered that certain types of plastic piping can leach organic compounds into drinking water.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that Viagra significantly boosts the release of key reproductive hormone, offering potential new insights into male fertility and sexual health.
Money illusion refers to the phenomenon where people base their decisions on nominal values rather than real value, leading to irrational behavior in markets. Experimental evidence shows that firms are reluctant to cut prices during deflation due to money illusion, but more willing to increase prices during inflation.
Researchers found that FTY720 prevents disease in mouse models of leukemia caused by the cancer protein BCR-ABL. Nitric oxide inhalation also accelerates restoration of liver function after transplantation, reducing hospital stay times.
Researchers at Durham University are developing light-absorbing materials for thin-layer solar photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert light energy into electricity. The goal is to make solar panels more affordable and increase the use of solar power.
The UK Human Rights Act's implementation has been criticized for providing little more than lip service to the human rights of elderly people in care. Despite acknowledging good care, a parliamentary report highlights a lack of understanding among service providers and policymakers about the act's principles.
Researchers have identified two techniques to improve people's ability to accurately evaluate their learning: rereading or summarizing text, and focusing attention on key details. These methods demonstrate promise for helping individuals learn complex materials more efficiently.
The US Department of Homeland Security's Marine Asset Tag Tracking System (MATTS) uses GPS and data logging to track large cargo ships worldwide. This system helps identify potential security risks, such as explosives or biologic threats, and provides real-time alerts to authorities.
Researchers at University College London successfully induced an out-of-body experience (OBE) in healthy participants using a novel method. The study, published in Science, reveals the neural basis of OBEs and has implications for fields like neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a way to control the dimensions of metal oxide nanotubes with sub-nanometer precision and lengths with precision of a few nanometers. The breakthrough could lead to new applications for inorganic nanotubes and other nanostructures.
Researchers at Ohio State University are developing a new technology to keep artificial liver cells alive and functioning normally. By creating different types of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, they can recreate natural oxygen gradients, allowing the liver cells to function as well as they do in the body.
Researchers used VR goggles to induce out-of-body-like experiences in healthy people, suggesting a disconnect between brain circuits that process sensory information may be responsible. The findings help solve the question of how we perceive our own bodies and may have implications for training people to perform delicate tasks remotely.
Scientists identified how brain responds to an approaching menace, shifting from strategic areas to reactive responses. The study found that the closer a threat gets, the more impulsive the response, reducing free will.
A novel 3D cell culture model has been developed to study the selective uptake of nanoparticles in brain tumors. The model uses a combination of tumor aggregates and normal brain tissue slices, allowing researchers to investigate tumor cell invasion into brain tissue.
Assistant Professor Michael Fry and student Andrew Lundberg developed a model to help fantasy football players make informed decisions during drafts. The team's approach uses a combination of player value, available players, and team need to identify the best players to select.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can sense light using a protein structure called an LOV domain, which is also present in plants. This finding suggests that light may play a crucial role in bacterial life, allowing them to regulate their virulence and potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.
Researchers found high levels of reactive compounds in soda sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, which may contribute to cell and tissue damage that could cause diabetes. Adding tea components like EGCG reduced the levels of these compounds.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center found that blocking angiogenesis signaling from inside endothelial cells can result in heart attacks, fatal strokes, and systemic vascular illness. The study suggests a more targeted approach to drug delivery may be necessary to minimize side effects.
Researchers at USC develop a miniaturized camera for implantable retinal prostheses, achieving good results with just 625 pixels. The new LIDAR system uses near-infrared light to detect atmospheric conditions, providing pilots with better visibility in foggy and hazy environments.
Researchers used virtual reality to manipulate bodily self-consciousness, demonstrating that spatial unity and bodily self-awareness depend on brain mechanisms. The study indicates that humans' sense of the embodied self relies on brain activity at the temporo-parietal junction.
A University of Florida study found that reducing calorie intake boosts cells' ability to recycle damaged parts, leading to longer lifespans in rats. The process, called autophagy, helps remove toxic materials and recycle building blocks for new cell production.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a new potential treatment for leukemia, FTY720, which prevents disease in mouse models of various leukemias. The drug activates tumor suppressor PP2A, reactivating it in cancer cells.
A recent study found that immigration can significantly lower the prices of food, clothing, furniture, and appliances. The study used data from Israel's immigrant population in the 1990s and found that an increase in immigrants led to a decrease in prices by an average of 0.5 percentage points.
The American College of Medical Genetics recommends using genetic testing to guide warfarin dosing and reduce the risk of bleeding complications. The review suggests that genetic variants in CYP2C9 or VKORC1 can be used to determine optimal dosing levels, but further research is needed to address clinical utility and balance between ha...
A recent study from Michigan Medicine researchers reveals that specific 'junk' RNA genes, known as microRNA34, work with the protective gene p53 to regulate cell growth and prevent cancer. The loss of these microRNAs is linked to common lung cancer.
A recent heart attack increases the risk of developing new-onset diabetes and pre-diabetes by up to four-and-a-half times. Lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation, weight loss, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet can substantially lower this risk.
CU-Boulder has signed a $92 million contract with NOAA and NASA to develop a satellite instrument package that will forecast solar disturbances affecting communication and navigation operations in the US. The instrument package, known as EXIS, will consist of X-ray and extreme UV sensors to monitor solar flares and sunlight variation.
A recent study discovered that certain bacteria, including Brucella species responsible for the flu-like disorder Brucellosis, require sunlight to enhance their virulence. The researchers found that disabling the light-sensing molecule in these bacteria led to a significant drop in their ability to cause disease.
Oregon State University will lead a component of the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative, located in the Pacific Northwest's coastal ocean. The $331.5 million research facility project will create a distributed, multi-tiered observatory spanning global, regional and coastal scales.
Food scientists and material scientists agree that communication is key to preserving the sensory quality of food. Researchers are working to bridge the gap between food scientists and material scientists to improve packaging materials.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found that visible wavelengths of light cause taste and odor changes in food. The team is developing new packaging materials that can protect food from UV light damage, which can degrade nutrients and alter flavor profiles.
A new analysis by Oregon State University and U.S. Geological Survey suggests that dense conifer forests may be harming dozens of animal species dependent on shrubs, herbs, and broad-leaf trees. At least 78 vertebrate species have been documented to require non-coniferous vegetation, which is often scarce in managed forests.