Researchers have identified Hsp90 as a key player in Alzheimer's disease, with a new drug candidate showing promise for reducing tau protein levels. Additionally, serine proteases may be the cause of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome, and targeting them could provide relief.
Researchers found that Antarctic temperatures did not increase as predicted by climate models, despite a global warming trend. The continent's vast size and limited data availability contribute to the discrepancy.
A University of Nottingham scientist has won a Royal Society award for his work in developing ways to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The award recognizes the potential of this technology to play a key role in reducing global climate change and reducing the need to store highly pressurized CO2 underground.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have received a $3 million grant to explore the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease. The study will investigate two primary areas: identifying genetic variants in unique populations and understanding how the amyloid protein becomes toxic, leading to neurodegeneration.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine finds that adolescents with sleep disturbances are more likely to receive bad grades, experiencing symptoms such as restless legs, difficulty concentrating, and snoring. Parents and teens can improve school performance by following recommended sleep habits.
Four authors and an illustrator of children's science books won the 2007 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, recognized for promoting scientific literacy and appreciation. The winners include Dianna Aston and Sylvia Long for Children's Science Picture Book, Catherine Thimmesh for Middle Grades Nonfiction Science Boo...
Jianguo Wu, Arizona State University landscape ecologist, received the 2006 AAAS International Scientific Cooperation Award for his outstanding contributions to sustainable science. He has made fundamental contributions to the study of grassland ecology and urban landscapes, with a focus on China's Inner Mongolia region.
A study found that Lexington's 100% smoke-free public places ordinance had no negative economic impact on the city. Employment at restaurants grew by 3% after the law was enacted, while bar employment remained stable. The findings support previous studies suggesting that smoke-free laws do not harm businesses.
Researchers have identified the liver as a promising target for cancer gene therapy using viral vectors, taking advantage of the structural disorganization in cancer cells. The study demonstrates that adenoviral vectors can selectively infect cancer cells while leaving normal liver cells unharmed.
Researchers have generated an atomic-level picture of a stable HIV surface protein component that appears vulnerable to attack from the b12 antibody. This finding could help develop an HIV vaccine capable of eliciting a robust antibody response.
Researchers created dual-modality microbeads to identify disease biomarkers, allowing for faster and more efficient detection of viruses and proteins in human blood and urine. The new technology can analyze very low concentrations of target molecules, enabling diagnosis of diseases like Alzheimer's with high sensitivity.
A new theory by FSU researchers accurately predicts the association rate for proteins, a critical factor in biological processes. The theory could lead to more effective treatments for genetic disorders and other life-threatening conditions.
Researchers found that Olig2, a transcription factor, enables tumor growth in brain cancer by repressing cell-replication brake p21. Knocking out Olig2 function nearly eliminated tumor formation in mouse models.
Raymond L. Johnson, a professor at the University of Maryland, received the prestigious AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement for mentoring 23 African American students to PhDs in mathematics. Gary S. May, head of Georgia Tech's electrical and computer engineering school, was also honored for guiding 33 African American students t...
QUT scientists have developed advanced ceramic membranes for nanofiltration that can remove viruses from water, air, and blood. The technology has the potential to filter out HIV from blood, saving millions of lives.
Physicist S. James Gates, Jr. has been recognized with the 2006 AAAS Public Understanding of Science and Technology Award for his efforts in making complex scientific concepts accessible to diverse audiences. Through various media platforms and educational initiatives, Gates has promoted STEM education, particularly among underrepresen...
A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft scientists finds that bacteria Helicobacter pylori spread with humans out of Africa, following similar migration paths. The genetic diversity of H. pylori is larger than man's, but paves the way for analyzing its data to understand human history.
Research published in Psychological Science suggests psychologists are adopting improved statistical practices, using more graphs with error bars to report their research and estimating effect sizes. The shift signals a step forward in data interpretation, leading to better conclusions.
A recent global study found that a nasal spray flu vaccine reduced the attack rate of flu in children by 55 percent compared to traditional flu shots. The vaccine was well-tolerated and induced a more complete immune response, with fewer ear infections reported.
Researchers create a super-thin membrane, 50 atoms thick, that can sort individual molecules with high efficiency. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize dialysis, fuel cells, and neuro-stem cell cultivation.
Researchers have developed a new accelerator technique that doubles the energy of electrons in just one meter, revolutionizing the field of high-energy physics. This breakthrough technology, using plasma to amplify energy, has the potential to make future accelerators more feasible and affordable.
Scientists at PNNL and UCLA developed a new proteome map, enabling comparisons of healthy brains with those affected by Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological diseases. The study uses quantitative proteomics and imaging to generate detailed information on brain proteins.
Eugenie Scott and nine science teachers who fought against the introduction of intelligent design in science classrooms are recipients of the 2006 AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility. The award recognizes their efforts to defend the integrity of science, particularly in Pennsylvania and Georgia.
Research in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa, reveals that elephants' preference for marula fruits poses a risk to female Marula trees, which are more susceptible to damage and death. The study suggests that evolution may have favored the development of trees with better resprouting abilities to counter this selective pressure.
Researchers at UCSB are developing a new approach to determine the structure and composition of the Abeta 42 peptide, which is responsible for Alzheimer's disease. They hope to find non-toxic drugs that can prevent further damage by identifying early markers of the disease.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have successfully used uniparental embryonic stem cells to replace blood stem cells in immunocompromised adult mice. The study demonstrates the potential of androgenetic as well as parthenogenetic ES cells for regenerative medicine applications.
Nathan Ball, a 23-year-old MIT graduate student, has invented a device that enables rapid vertical mobility, reducing the time to reach the top of a building from six minutes to just 30 seconds. He also developed an improvement in needle-free injection technology with potential applications in animal husbandry and mass inoculation.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a technology that improves soy processing by increasing protein yield by 46% and sugar content by 50%. This breakthrough could generate up to $230 million per year in revenue through the production of low-cost, sugar-enriched whey.
Charles M. Vest was awarded the 2006 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his exceptional service to science and society. He has made significant contributions to public policy, education, and university research during his tenure as president emeritus of MIT.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simple, disposable sensor for detecting hazardous uranium ions using DNA. The sensor provides fast, on-site testing for assessing uranium contamination and remediation strategies, with detection sensitivity rivalling sophisticated laboratory instruments.
Researchers mapped genetic makeup of type-2 diabetes in unprecedented detail, identifying four loci that correspond to a 70% genetic background risk. The study also reveals a mutation in the zinc transporter SLC30A8, potentially leading to new treatments for insulin deficiency.
Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a way to identify the biochemical profile of an inappropriate immune response to viral infection. The study uses a protein-scanning chip and computer database to examine over 1,200 protein interactions in guinea pigs infected with two different strains of Pichinde virus.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered the role of PanK2 enzyme in detecting fatty acid buildup in mitochondria, a crucial step in cellular energy production. This finding has significant implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in the PANK2 gene.
A new key review by Gotelli and McGill provides an overview of the current status of neutral models in ecology, highlighting their role relative to older ecological models. The paper demonstrates parallels in theory development between neutral models and null models, shedding light on community patterns and species interactions.
A new study reveals that biomedical researchers often use social and historical explanations to define race and ethnicity, rather than biological differences. The research highlights the imperfect science of defining ethnic groups and emphasizes the importance of considering structural inequalities in understanding health disparities.
A phase III clinical trial found that the first antisense drug, oblimersen, improved response rates in CLL patients who remained sensitive to chemotherapy drug fludarabine. The study showed a four-fold increase in 'CR/nPR' in these patients compared to those no longer responding to fludarabine.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that living in poor neighborhoods significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers analyzed data from over 1.9 million people and found that those living in high-deprivation neighborhoods were 1.9 times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke.
Researchers found that wider road shoulders, right-turn lanes, and angle intersections no sharper than 90 degrees enhance driving skills in both older and younger drivers. The study used a one-hour road course to test the Federal Highway Administration's guidelines for highway design.
Researchers propose explanation for formation of dwarf spheroidals, faint galaxies composed almost entirely of dark matter. Simulations suggest environmental effects, including ram pressure and tidal shocking, strip away luminous matter, leaving behind dark-matter shadow.
A new study found that grizzly bears in the foothills of Alberta have a varied diet, eating everything from ants to moose and berries. The research team identified 40 different food items, with moose being the most common prey, and found that the bears' activity patterns vary depending on the season and environment.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that investing in news quality directly impacts a newspaper's profitability. The study, which analyzed financial data from small- to medium-sized newspapers, revealed that spending more on news content leads to increased circulation and advertising revenues.
Researchers have identified several genes linked to nicotine dependence, including CHRNA5 and NRXN1, which play a role in regulating communication between nerve cells. These findings could lead to the development of more effective smoking cessation therapies tailored to an individual's genetic traits.
Researchers found that disrupting the brain's stress-response mechanism exacerbates behavioral withdrawal symptoms in mice. Administering corticosterone alleviates these symptoms, suggesting new approaches to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Genetic changes indicate impaired stress-response circuitry in the brain.
Researchers at UCI have identified a novel approach to treating tinnitus by applying a low-pitched sound through an MP3 player, providing temporary relief from high-pitched ringing tones. The treatment, which is only effective while applied, suggests customized stimulation and balanced stimulation as key to suppressing tinnitus.
Researchers have developed a new genomic microarray test that accurately identifies the ER and HER-2 status of breast tumors, which can inform personalized treatment planning. The test showed 90% accuracy for both receptors, comparable to existing pathology tests.
A collaboration of researchers has developed a new accelerator technique that doubles the energy of particles in just 1 meter. The breakthrough, published in Nature, uses plasma to amplify the energy of electrons, paving the way for more efficient and affordable future accelerators.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human nerve stem cells into rats' damaged spinal cords, which survived, grew, and formed connections with native cells. The breakthrough establishes a new doctrine for regenerative neuroscience, suggesting the spinal cord can support transplanted cell development.
A new research project at WPI aims to create a reconfigurable computing device that combines speed and power efficiency with low cost and flexibility. The smart cell will use parallel computing to perform hundreds of calculations simultaneously, making it up to 300 times faster than microprocessors.
Researchers have discovered a reflex mechanism in insects that allows them to maintain constant speed and altitude, even in strong headwinds. By controlling lift force using the optic flow regulator, insects can fly safely without measuring their speed or altitude.
A mathematical model created by researchers shows that South African migration played a major role in the spread of HIV, increasing high-risk sexual behavior among migrant men and their partners. Without migration, peak HIV prevalence would be less than 5 percent.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that deaf children with two cochlear implants can more accurately localize sounds over time. The study, led by Ruth Litovsky, suggests that having two implants allows children to better integrate sound information from both ears in their brain.
Researchers have found that mature trees in the Eastern Desert of Egypt are in significant decline, with over 50% disappearing between 1965 and 2003. The traditional resource management practices developed by desert people are being replaced by commercial charcoal production, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable forest management.
A new DNA sequencing approach allows researchers to analyze ancient ecosystems in just a few hours, providing more accurate and complete information. This breakthrough helps scientists better understand past climates, species decline, and potential causes of extinction.
A new study reveals that giant noctule bats feed on songbirds during nocturnal migrations, contradicting earlier suggestions that they only eat insects. The researchers used stable isotopes to track the bats' diet and found a significant presence of songbird flesh in their stomachs during autumn.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a method to precisely control the movement of water through carbon nanotube membranes. By applying low-voltage electricity, they can switch between repelling and pumping water, paving the way for technologies like instant drinking water purification and DNA separation.
A team of scientists at WashU Medicine has discovered that the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase I plays a critical role in promoting the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Without this enzyme, mice do not develop aneurysms due to reduced recruitment of inflammatory cells.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that the N1 protein in seasonal flu vaccines can trigger an antibody response to avian flu virus, offering cross-protection to some individuals. The study suggests that annual influenza vaccines may be beneficial to populations in areas where H5N1 poses a threat to humans.
A study using DNA chips has identified four genes associated with type 2 diabetes, accounting for up to 70% of the genetic risk. The genes include TCF7L2, HHEX, EXT2, and SLC30A8, which play major roles in insulin production and pancreatic function.
The International Research Network, ECSAW, aims to improve air quality and water treatment by reducing NOx emissions and developing new fuels for fuel cells. The four-year collaboration will also focus on decontaminating air and water using photocatalysis and green chemistry.
A new type of protein discovered by Queen's University researchers may be useful in developing treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The protein, called YihE or RdoA, has been shown to be a potentially good target in a wide range of bacteria that cause infectious diseases.