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.
Researchers created OCD-like behaviors in mice using genetic engineering and reversed them with antidepressants and targeted a key brain circuit. The study suggests new strategies for treating the disorder by understanding the role of the SAPAP3 gene in glutamate-mediated communications.
Researchers have developed a new test that can diagnose common brain diseases like Alzheimer's and schizophrenia with high accuracy. By analyzing tiny magnetic fields produced by neuron activity, the test can identify patterns associated with these debilitating diseases.
Dr. Susana Martinez-Conde and her team will record neural activity in the brain's visual areas to understand why images appear stable during fixation. They aim to determine at what level of the brain visual perception becomes stable, shedding light on this critical aspect of our visual experience.
A team of researchers at the University of Cambridge has finally succeeded in synthesizing azadirachtin, a natural compound that stops predatory insects from feeding. The breakthrough uses a novel Claisen rearrangement and radical cyclization reaction to produce the complex molecule.
Researchers using pinhead-sized fossils from sediments deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean found that large continental ice sheets did not exist in both hemispheres around 41 million years ago. The findings resolve a long-standing problem and provide renewed confidence in our understanding of geological events and ice sheet existence.
Simulated climate change scenarios show varying effects on groundwater recharge, with some areas experiencing dramatic increases and others minor changes. The study highlights the importance of considering both surface and underground climate impacts in resource management and government policies.
Researchers found that keratinocytes can control melanocyte pigmentation by producing chemical signals, leading to new possibilities for bioengineered skin grafts and cosmetics. This discovery has significant implications for individuals with medical conditions requiring skin transplants or pigment diseases.
A comprehensive survey found that most older adults (57-85) are sexually active and view intimacy as crucial to life, but face high rates of 'bothersome' sexual problems. Healthier individuals report more frequent sex, with physical health playing a stronger role than age.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a naturally occurring protein preventing 57 genes from operating normally in Huntington's sufferers' brains. Cancer drugs targeting this protein could halt its destructive nature.
Carnegie Mellon researchers find that liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports could have 35% higher lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than coal. The study urges caution against investing in LNG infrastructure, highlighting the need for analysis of indirect implications and conservation measures.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon have modeled the molecular changes that occur when glutamate docks with a receptor on a neuron, enabling computer simulation of binding-site closure and opening. This breakthrough could lead to the development of drug therapies for disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers have identified new proteins in amniotic fluid that could improve pregnancy marker development. Additionally, a study on the Wlds gene has provided insights into preventing neuronal communication deterioration in Alzheimer's disease. A comprehensive analysis of proteins in human Jurkat T cells has also been conducted.
Scientists are studying Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria grown in space to understand how it adapts and potentially poses a threat to long-duration space travelers. The bacteria were brought back from orbit frozen in 'zero-g mode' for analysis, providing valuable insights into its behavior in microgravity.
A study published in The FASEB Journal has identified specific physiological properties that regulate melanocyte function, offering hope for new treatments of pigmentation disorders. Keratinocytes are found to influence pigment production and help regulate skin coloration.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is presenting several groundbreaking research developments related to nanotechnology and biotechnology. Researchers from Harvard University, the California Institute of Technology, and Northwestern University will discuss new technologies that aim to improve human health and productivity in the futur...
The first comprehensive national survey of older adults' sexual attitudes and behaviors found that most people ages 57-85 consider sex an important part of life. However, nearly half reported at least one sexual problem, including lack of desire, vaginal dryness, or erectile dysfunction.
A two-year study will assess optimal methods for reducing heat stress in firefighters, evaluating the efficacy of different rehabilitation methods. The study aims to improve firefighter health and safety by understanding the mechanisms of heat stress and its effects on the heart.
A new study found that environmental monitoring of institutional water systems can predict the risk of hospital-acquired Legionnaires' disease. Routine testing of hospital water systems for Legionella bacteria is recommended to prevent hospital-acquired cases, which are estimated to be responsible for up to 20,000 cases a year in the US.
Johns Hopkins researchers have solved the long-standing puzzle of how bacteria produce the B vitamin folate, uncovering an unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process. The discovery sheds light on potential antibacterial drug targets and could lead to new therapeutic options.
Researchers found a repeating pattern of 8 to 10 base pairs between CG dinucleotides that may signal differential methylation and imprinting. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of gene regulation and has implications for understanding disease development, particularly in cancer genes.
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine has found that autistic individuals have deficient connections within single brain regions, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery was made using magnetoencephalography brain imaging technology and may lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted medications for autism.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have developed a noninvasive diagnostic tool for complex brain diseases by recording tiny magnetic fields in the brain. The technique, which uses magnetoencephalography (MEG), can predict Alzheimer's and other brain diseases with high accuracy.
A new £1m study aims to recruit 300 families of Indian and Pakistani origin to adopt a healthy lifestyle, with the goal of reducing type 2 diabetes by 50%. Researchers will provide culturally-specific advice on nutrition and exercise to family members at risk.
Researchers have discovered that 'good' cholesterol can undergo detrimental changes in protein composition, making it 'bad' for the heart. The study identifies previously unrecognized proteins that play an important role in maintaining heart health.
A study published in Critical Care suggests that large burns can lead to cardiac problems, inflammatory responses, and hypermetabolic states. Effective treatments may focus on addressing these multiple aspects, including inflammation and organ function.
Scientists develop purification process to recover recombinant gelatin from transgenic corn, addressing concerns over infectious agents and traceability. The method uses chromatographic and filtration techniques to achieve high purity, opening up new possibilities for plant-based protein production.
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has launched a new lab to study the effects of climate change on corals, using controlled temperature and carbon dioxide conditions. The lab aims to understand how corals will respond to increased ocean acidity and warming in the next 50-100 years.
By using synthetic DNA to recognize and bind to complementary DNA on nanoparticles, researchers can control the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles into clusters. This technique provides precise control over nanoparticle assembly, enabling the creation of well-organized nanoclusters.
A new study reveals that restless legs syndrome is common and troublesome in children and adolescents, occurring more frequently than diabetes and epilepsy. The condition, characterized by sensations in the legs, affects nearly 2% of US/UK children aged 8 to 17, with a significant proportion experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Georgia are working on a new approach to detect pancreatic cancer using subtle changes in proteins and sugars. They believe that these biomarkers can be found in pancreatic fluid and blood, which could lead to earlier detection and improved treatment outcomes.
A study by the University of Copenhagen found that soccer players experienced greater improvements in fitness ratings and muscle mass compared to joggers. The researchers attribute this to the shifts between walking, running, and sprinting in soccer, which engages multiple muscle fibers.
Researchers discovered that mice without a key brain protein exhibited OCD-like behavior, including compulsive grooming and anxiety. Restoring the protein improved behaviors, suggesting a possible synaptic defect as the cause of OCD-like symptoms.