A new computer program, WaterSim, simulates the effects of environmental and policy factors on future water availability in central Arizona. The program allows users to adjust various factors and see how they impact water supply, helping bridge the gap between scientists and policymakers.
A new report by the University of California, Santa Cruz, highlights environmental disparity in the Bay Area, with poor and minority residents facing higher exposure to air pollution and toxins. The study documents disproportionate burden on communities of color, immigrants, and low-income neighborhoods.
A mathematical model of disease cycles developed at the University of Michigan shows promise for predicting cholera outbreaks. The model used El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate variability data to improve prediction accuracy, particularly in recent decades.
Researchers at Harvard University have created a novel spraying method for delivering the most common tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, offering needle-free delivery and greater stability. This breakthrough could improve TB care and slow the spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries.
Researchers from UC Berkeley and Texas A&M University deploy high-resolution intelligent robotic video system to locate the ivory-billed woodpecker, a species considered extinct for decades. The system provides detailed video sequences of other birds, suggesting a new approach to field biology work.
Researchers have successfully replicated high-quality helium crystals exhibiting supersolid behavior, a phenomenon initially thought to be exclusive to poor-quality solid helium. The new findings suggest that supersolidity can occur in ultra-cold solid helium with crystallinity above 1%, contrary to previous theories.
Research by Sian Beilock found that highly accomplished individuals with larger working memories are disadvantaged when under pressure, switching to less accurate problem-solving strategies. Those with limited working memory adapt better to stress, performing similarly under pressure as they do without it.
A new plan aims to consolidate Arctic research into a global observation network to better understand its changing climate and environment. The network would link together land, ocean, atmosphere, and human dimensions, providing a comprehensive view of the Arctic system.
Scientists at NSCL and other labs will describe potential effects in astrophysics, medicine, and national security. New isotope creation technology may have far-reaching impact on various fields.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that aerosols in clouds significantly impact climate models' ability to predict future temperature changes. The study compared two climate models with varying levels of aerosols and found divergent results, highlighting the need for more research to improve predictive capabilities.
The Planet campaign has had an enormous breakthrough in Swedish media, enhancing public awareness of the planet Earth's limits, treats, and possibilities. The unique collaboration between film-production companies, science portals, and public TV has made it one of the most successful Swedish campaigns ever.
Deep-sea fishing has been linked to habitat destruction and population declines of long-lived fish species. Eliminating government fuel subsidies could render fleets economically unviable and relieve pressure on vulnerable ecosystems.
Junior, Stanford University's new autonomous robot, joins the DARPA Urban Challenge with enhanced sensors and sophisticated AI software. Its brain is four times more powerful than its predecessor Stanley, collecting and processing vast amounts of data from sensors such as lasers, radar, and video cameras.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine are exploring stem cell transplants as a potential treatment for hearing loss. The goal is to develop a cure for deafness, with a focus on drug therapy and stem cell transplantation into the inner ear.
A delayed arrival of cold, nutrient-rich water due to altered ocean currents led to reduced barnacle and mussel larvae settlement on rocky shores. The change resulted in lower phytoplankton abundance and a recovery of mussel recruitment when stronger nutrient-rich currents arrived later.
A new care management program, AIM, has been shown to be significantly more effective than standard treatment in improving depression in stroke survivors. The study found that 39% of patients who received AIM had complete remission from depression after 12 weeks of treatment.
Peter Shizgal's team investigated the role of leptin in food reward, finding that restricting diet to one meal per day strengthened reward sensations. The study's findings have implications for understanding human motivation and behavior, with potential applications in computer programming and robot development.
A national survey found that most Americans acknowledge global warming's reality but rank it as a moderate risk. They generally support climate change policies, yet resist carbon taxes on energy sources. The study also identified distinct groups of 'alarmists' and 'naysayers' with differing views on the issue.
Producing ethanol from corn grain can release large amounts of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. However, careful management can minimize these emissions and improve the overall greenhouse gas profile of ethanol.
Six UCI scientists received CIRM SEED grants to study human embryonic stem cells in various diseases, including muscular dystrophy and mitochondrial dysfunction. The research aims to develop therapies for patients suffering from these conditions and improve the therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cells.
A 'smart bladder pacemaker' developed by Duke University researchers selectively coordinates the contraction and release of muscles required for maintaining continence. The device taps into the urinary circuit in the spinal cord, effectively emptying the bladder and increasing bladder capacity.
Physicist Burton Richter says new experiments will answer some questions but raise others about the universe's composition and expansion. He emphasizes the need for prioritizing crucial research to advance our understanding of dark matter, dark energy, and the Standard Model.
New research reveals that the US crime rate declined dramatically in the 1990s, falling 40% across cities and states. Policing improvements, including increased workforce and aggressive tactics, are credited as key factors in this unexpected drop.
The California Current system has undergone dramatic variations in phytoplankton production, expanding hypoxic zones, and collapsing marine food webs off the western US coast. Climate change is consistent with predictive models of global climate change, but its definitive cause remains uncertain.
Researchers analyze gene for bitter-taste receptor, finding evidence of balancing natural selection that keeps two forms active. The study suggests PTC nontasters can perceive a different compound than tasters, potentially conferring protection from a toxic compound.
Researchers at TRIUMF are developing custom radioisotopes to target cancer cells more efficiently. They aim to create tailor-made treatment programs for each patient, reducing radiation doses and treatment sessions.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully used uniparental embryonic stem cells to repopulate a damaged organ with healthy cells in adult mice. This breakthrough could provide a less controversial alternative to traditional embryonic stem cell therapy, and may offer therapeutic benefits for both males and females.
A Cornell graduate student has created a graphene resonator, a single sheet of carbon atoms just one atom thick that can be used to weigh tiny masses or measure pressure. The material is also stiff and ultrathin, making it suitable for other experiments that require a thin and light membrane.
A new class of targeted cancer drugs, pertuzumab, shows promise in slowing the progression of recurrent prostate cancer. The study found that prolonged median survival time was achieved by 16.4 months with the drug compared to 10.7 months in a historical control group.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles will explore the therapeutic potential of stem cells in retinal degeneration and Ewing's sarcoma. The $3.4 million grant aims to accelerate discoveries in stem cell research.
Despite a recent increase in US murders and robberies, Carnegie Mellon University Professor Alfred Blumstein suggests that it may not be part of a widespread national trend. The number of crimes dropped by over 40% between 1993 and 2000, with the rate remaining flat since then.
A perennial grass called Miscanthus is being promoted as a promising alternative to corn for producing cellulosic ethanol. Using the entire plant body as a starting raw material could result in a higher yield of fermentable sugar per unit of land, according to Chris Somerville.
Engineers trained to solve problems objectively need to consider sustainability's ideological and normative aspects. The concept of sustainability is difficult to define, requiring a unique approach that acknowledges egalitarianism and the redistribution of wealth.
According to a University of Missouri-Columbia scientist, environmental chemicals can alter fetal gene function, predisposing babies to obesity and disease. This 'thrifty phenotype' is programmed for starvation but becomes detrimental in modern environments with plenty of food.
Low birth numbers in early hominids combined with intense competition led to their extinction. Dr. Nina G. Jablonski reveals that environmental changes, such as shifting climate patterns, played a significant role in the demise of these ancient human ancestors.
Developing an H5 vaccine faces hurdles in current egg production methods and the molecule's ability to stimulate an immune reaction, requiring two shots for full immunization. The ideal adjuvant must still be found to boost vaccine effectiveness.
James Kronstad's research focuses on smut fungi, a group of pathogens that infect crop plants. He discovered the method used by these fungi to invade plants and shut down seed production, paving the way for the development of targeted fungicides.
Robert Reisz's lifelong passion for fossils led to groundbreaking discoveries, including the oldest known dinosaur embryos and two-legged reptile. He is being recognized by AAAS for his significant contributions to the field.
The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research honors scientists whose work has the potential to transform human health. This year's award includes a $100,000 cash prize and will be selected by an independent committee chaired by Dr. Solomon Snyder.
Astronomers have identified an X-ray-emitting binary star system in the Small Magellanic Cloud, 170,000 light-years from Earth. The system, HD 5980, features two stars with intense winds that collide and produce multimillion-degree gas radiating brilliantly in X-rays.
Janet Werker's groundbreaking research on infant language development has earned her a fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her work demonstrates that infants can distinguish between sounds not present in their native language, suggesting they learn by recognizing patterns in speech.
Cornell researchers are developing a new genetic-based test to detect the deadly viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) in fish. The new technique, which can identify the virus in 24 hours, is set to be validated by the end of 2007 and could become the standard test for detecting this disease.
According to Dweck, people's self-theories about intelligence have a profound influence on their motivation to learn. Students with a growth mindset want to challenge themselves to increase their abilities, even if they fail at first.
The US should implement a national drought policy to ensure sustainable water supplies for drinking, agriculture, and fisheries. Climate change models predict warmer and wetter weather, but regions like the southwestern US may experience increased drought risk.
A new synthesis of decades of atmospheric and oceanographic data reveals that wild fluctuations in winds and currents are changing the way scientists think about the future of ocean resources off the US West Coast. Key findings include repeated low oxygen zones larger than Rhode Island and massive die-offs of seabirds.
Research reveals that sustainable aquaculture is essential to meet growing demand for healthy seafood, with advancements in feed efficiency and marine environments crucial to its growth. The industry has enormous potential to increase production and provide affordable and healthy seafood options.
A study by Peter Austin found that people born under specific astrological signs are at increased risk for certain medical disorders. Virgos were found to be at a higher risk of vomiting during pregnancy, while Pisces had an increased risk of heart failure and Libras were more likely to fracture their pelvises.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded $5.9 million to the Burnham Institute for Medical Research to launch innovative stem cell research projects. The funding will support studies in heart disease, Parkinson's, cancer, and neural development, among other areas.
Nanotechnology is revolutionizing agriculture by controlling unique properties of matter, affecting everything from food-processing equipment to packaging. The technology has various applications in the supply chain, including detecting ripeness and freshness in produce, improving safety, and enhancing environmental monitoring.
Investigators at LA BioMed found evidence linking insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) to the development of Graves' disease, a common cause of hyperthyroidism. The discovery suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases.
A University of Georgia professor has received a $650,000 grant to develop a mathematical model assessing harmful chemicals in the body from jet fuel exposure. The research aims to minimize health risks for military personnel and civilians working with jet fuel, where recent studies have linked vapors to immune system effects.
Researchers at MIT have developed new analog circuits that eliminate operational amplifiers while maintaining benefits, leading to greater power efficiency. The new comparator-based switched capacitor (CBSC) circuits offer a promising solution for high-performance analog circuits in emerging technologies.
The MOSAR project aims to control and study antimicrobial resistance in hospitals, with a focus on four types of microorganisms. IDIBAPS-Hospital Clínic participates in the network, led by INSERM, and has expertise in bacteriology and public health.
The article discusses the limitations of industrial agriculture and the potential benefits of biodiversity in farming. Studies have shown that diverse, synergistic farms can increase net farm income by up to 108% while generating environmental and social benefits.
A University of Colorado climate policy analyst argues that more information about human-caused climate change will not lead to meaningful mitigation or adaptation. Instead, strategies integrating climate issues with immediate concerns are more effective.
Researchers are developing new hydrologic forecasting models that use satellite data and atmospheric climate forecasts to predict stream flows. These models aim to provide computerized water forecasts equivalent to modern weather-prediction models, allowing for more accurate and timely decisions on water resource management.
The Altran Innovation Conference focused on technology challenges, with industry experts discussing the need for improved researcher incentives and increased investment in R&D. Innovations showcased included solar-powered technologies, drone capabilities, and sustainable energy solutions.
A recent study has found that male and female rates of robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault have closed significantly over the past few decades. The research suggests a decline in violence against men and women, with notable differences in intimate partner violence and non-lethal victimization.
Health Canada has approved COLD-fX as a preventative measure to boost the immune system, reducing frequency and severity of cold and flu symptoms. The product's safety profile is confirmed, with no known side effects or drug interactions for healthy individuals.
Floods and aging infrastructure threaten the nation's drinking water safety, with inadequate monitoring and poor watershed protection being major concerns. According to MSU expert Joan Rose, combining sewer systems and climate change increase the risk of waterborne illnesses, especially in vulnerable communities.