Columbia University is expanding its immersion lithography research program with $700,000 in funding from International SEMATECH North. The project aims to develop novel chemistries for double-exposure materials, a critical step towards advancing nanoelectronics manufacturing.
Rice University scientists have developed a breakthrough method for producing molecular specks of semiconductors called quantum dots, which could lead to better and cheaper solar energy panels. The new chemical method produces four-legged cadmium selenide quantum dots with over 90% tetrapod structure.
Science centers provide valuable experiences for older adults, fostering intergenerational learning and collaboration between aging agencies. The report highlights innovative programs and resources to benefit both seniors and the broader aging population.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover critical gene PHA-4 that specifically links calorie restriction to increased longevity in mice and other species. This breakthrough opens the door to developing drugs that mimic calorie restriction's effects, potentially allowing people to reap health benefits without adhering to an austere regimen.
New observations by the Hubble Space Telescope reveal that a massive globular cluster can go through several periods of intense stellar formation, contradicting the previous accepted single burst theory. The analysis shows three distinct populations of stars, each with a slightly different mix of chemical elements.
Researchers have demonstrated that malfunctioning of the DISC1 gene causes symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia and depression in mice. Antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs alleviated these symptoms, supporting the theory that the two disorders share common genetic mechanisms.
A study of HCV patients post-liver transplantation reveals stagnant survival rates, contrasting with improving outcomes for non-HCV recipients. Researchers analyzed a large sample of US liver transplant data between 1991 and 2001, finding HCV patients had lower 3-year survival rates and no improvement in survival over time.
The special issue explores human migration, production systems, invasive species, and their effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation policy. Scientists propose an ecological knowledge system to facilitate access to new and existing sources of ecological information.
A new literature review shows that patients with chronic neck pain who undergo chiropractic spinal manipulation experience significant improvements in pain levels, with no serious adverse effects reported. Mobilization therapy also proves effective in achieving full recovery after six to seven weeks of treatment.
A new drug under investigation for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) shows promising results in reducing new brain lesions and frequency of relapses. Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute found that rituximab significantly improved treatment outcomes, providing a clearer picture of the role of B-cells in MS.
Research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's meeting found that women using estrogen hormone therapy before age 65 had a nearly 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The study followed over 7,000 healthy women aged 65-79 for an average of five years.
Two Rutgers professors, Hugo Dooner and Paul Falkowski, have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for their pioneering work in plant genetics and biological oceanography. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of genome adaptability and the evolution of biogeochemical cycles.
Researchers at J&JPRD have discovered the biological basis of cold temperature sensation in mice, suggesting TRPM8 modulation could play an important role in certain types of cold-induced pain. This finding may lead to innovative treatments for patients with chronic sensitivity and pain caused by cold.
Researchers found evidence of three distinct star populations born within 200 million years in the massive globular cluster NGC 2808. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that all stars originated at the same time and place, shedding new light on stellar formation in distant galaxies.
Research reveals children from low-income families experience 25% more sleeping problems than middle-class peers, impacting their health and academic success. The study, led by Anuj Chawla, highlights the need for further investigation into this issue.
Research suggests that heavy drinkers have smaller brains than non-drinkers, with moderate to high drinkers showing significant reductions in brain volume. The study found a 1.6% decrease in brain volume for those who consumed over 14 drinks per week.
Research finds that siblings of people who have had a stroke are at increased risk of also having a stroke, with some groups facing even higher risks. The study suggests a possible genetic link to ischemic strokes in certain ethnic groups.
A new lab-on-a-chip device developed by Berkeley Lab enables fast and accurate protein analysis through integration with mass spectrometry. This innovation accelerates proteomics research in fields like diagnostics, therapeutics, and bioenergy.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have identified an 'insulator' - a stretch of DNA about 800 base pairs long - that serves as a physical barrier between active and inactive regions of the HSV-1 genome. This discovery may lead to strategies to manipulate the virus, and could provide targets for designing drugs to disrupt its mechanisms.
Researchers explore how religious leaders and congregations respond to HIV/AIDS, with a focus on the impact on black church communities. The study aims to identify existing support groups and reveal how social networks can increase self-worth and prolong lives.
Researchers discover that infants who died of mysterious illnesses had unique LMNA gene mutations, leading to increased production of the bad protein lamin A. Treating these cells with a drug meant for progeria patients showed promising signs of improvement.
Research shows that diabetic men's sperm have greater levels of DNA damage, which may affect fertility. Sperm from diabetic men had higher fragmentation rates and more deletions of DNA in mitochondria compared to non-diabetic men.
AIDS researcher Dr. Edward Johnson has received a $1.8M NIH grant to study the molecular mechanics of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a brain disease that kills four percent of AIDS patients worldwide. The research aims to understand how the JC virus causes PML, which can occur even in patients with well-managed AIDS.
Research found that prenatal toxicity is associated with immunological damage leading to chronic diseases such as asthma, cancer, and autoimmunity. The study identified several substances, including herbal and fungal chemicals, that may help restore inflammatory cell regulation.
A Phase III clinical study involving over 7,700 women found that Reclast reduced the frequency of all types of osteoporotic bone fractures by 70%, including a significant reduction in spine fractures. Bone mineral density also increased significantly in women on Reclast compared to placebo.
Researchers found that water ice exists in variable depths and is patchy across the Martian surface. The discovery was made using data from NASA's THEMIS camera on the Mars Odyssey orbiter, which showed that areas with rocky surfaces have deeper ice deposits, while dusty areas allow ice to survive closer to the surface.
A comprehensive review suggests that wearing protective clothing is a more effective way to prevent skin cancer and sun damage than relying on sunscreen. The review highlights the characteristics of clothing that can provide optimal protection, including tightly woven fabrics like denim and wool.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as atorvastatin, reduced the risk of stroke by 4% for every 10% decrease in LDL 'bad' cholesterol. The study also showed a 7% reduction in heart attack risk. Participants with higher HDL 'good' cholesterol levels had an added protection against str...
Researchers successfully filmed pairs of molecules during recognition process, revealing that only molecules with same chirality readily aggregate. The study demonstrates how molecules adapt to fit each other's shapes, similar to human handshakes.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that women from all ethnic backgrounds outperform men in passing UK medical exams. Non-white candidates also performed better than their white counterparts, with non-white females excelling in clinical skills and communications assessments.
A national Joslin-led study found that maintaining tight blood glucose control in people with type 1 diabetes does not lead to long-term loss of cognitive ability. The study, part of the EDIC study, followed participants for 12 years and showed no adverse effects on cognition.
New research suggests that breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments can protect maternal mental health from depression. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower stress levels, thereby reducing the risk of depression in new mothers.
Researchers found that being near an outdoor smoker exposes individuals to substantial levels of contaminated air, comparable to indoor levels. The study reveals that even brief exposures can have adverse effects on the heart and respiratory systems, increasing the severity of asthma attacks.
A new integrated theory of kimberlite formation invokes a leading wedge of fluid carbon dioxide to explain the survival of diamonds during ascent. The theory suggests that the rapid expansion and cooling of magma near the surface creates an equilibrium pressure, driving the rock upward at speeds of up to 5000 km/h.
A study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to cat allergens at home increases the frequency of allergic sensitization in young children. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 children born between 1997 and 1999 and found that even brief contact with cat hair can lead to sensitization.
Researchers found that one spouse's excess drinking can help protect the other from developing alcohol dependence. The study analyzed twins and their spouses to determine if non-random mating (choosing a mate similar in personality and behaviors) contributes to higher rates of alcoholism among partners.
A recent breakthrough in solar cell technology has shown a 16-fold enhancement in light absorption, boosting efficiency from 8-10% to 13-15%. This improvement could make solar energy more affordable for homeowners, with the price of an installed system potentially falling by up to AUD$5,000.
A multi-center study shows that repeated Botox treatments over a year significantly decrease spasticity and pain in upper limbs following a stroke. The treatment improves quality of life for post-stroke patients with significant and lasting relief from debilitating symptoms.
A new study has found that a once-a-year treatment for osteoporosis can be as effective as monthly or weekly regimens at reducing bone fractures. The treatment, zoledronic acid, was shown to reduce the risk of spinal fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 40% over three years.
Researchers have developed a method to achieve pressures up to a billion atmospheres, recreating conditions expected in the cores of supergiant planets. This breakthrough allows for the study of extreme chemistry and material properties, shedding light on the composition of Earth's mantle and rocky core.
A study found that giving healthcare workers gel-based handrubs improved hand hygiene and skin condition. Compliance increased significantly when the handrub was made immediately available, jumping from 32% to 41%.
Researchers found that drought tolerance predicts plant distributions at local and regional scales in tropical forests. Drought-tolerant plants are more common in dry sites than in wet sites, even in humid forests.
Researchers have pinpointed how different types of damage to the DISC1 gene can cause schizophrenia and major depression. The study, published in Neuron, provides further evidence that these illnesses are inherited and may help doctors tailor treatments.
Researchers are developing a new type of particle accelerator that could lead to more effective cancer treatment, greener electricity, and reduced nuclear waste. The CONFORM* project aims to build a non-scaling fixed field alternating gradient (NS-FFAG) accelerator, which has the potential to be used in medical applications, renewable ...
Research reveals that blows to the head in amateur boxing lead to elevated levels of biochemical markers for brain injury. A particular marker for neuronal damage, neurofilament light, was found to be four times higher in boxers after a fight compared to healthy non-athletes.
Researchers have successfully imaged the internal workings of antiferromagnets using x-ray holography, revealing their unique 'secret' magnetism and potential applications in quantum computing. The breakthrough sheds light on the stability of domain walls in antiferromagnets.
Using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to treat non-chemotherapy-related anemia in cancer patients may increase the risk of death, thromboembolic events, and potentially even cancer growth. Researchers recommend a cautious approach until further scientific data is available.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds a strong association between domestic violence and asthma, with women who experienced domestic violence having a 37% increased risk of asthma. Household exposure to domestic violence also raises the risk of reported asthma in children and adult men.
Regenerative agriculture involves reduced inorganic fertilizer use, increased on-farm energy generation, and more human labor. This approach may also reduce overcropping and groundwater contamination.
A study published in JAMA Network found that levosimendan did not improve survival rates for patients with decompensated heart failure compared to dobutamine. The researchers analyzed data from 1,327 patients who received either intravenous levosimendan or dobutamine and found no significant difference in long-term survival outcomes.
A study by Mayo Clinic found that adalimumab is an effective treatment for adults with Crohn’s disease who do not respond to infliximab therapy. The therapy was shown to achieve remission in 21% of patients and improve symptoms in 52%.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded new Hartford Doctoral Fellowships to eight outstanding doctoral students to support their research in geriatric social work. The fellowships include a $50,000 dissertation grant and matching support from home institutions.
Two studies suggest that rituximab, a therapeutic antibody targeting B-cells, reduces brain lesions and relapses in multiple sclerosis patients. The treatment was generally safe and well-tolerated.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that intramuscular injections of peramivir for 8 days protected mice from lethal H5N1 influenza virus infection and inhibited virus replication. This study supports the use of peramivir to control influenza during a pandemic.
A lab study found that prenatal nicotine exposure can lead to cardiac vascular dysfunction beyond the formative years, and into adulthood. Female offspring are more likely to be impacted than males, with decreased coronary flow and increased heart susceptibility to ischemia and reperfusion injury.
A study of 232 older adults found a positive association between high calcium and vitamin D intake and increased brain lesion volume, which can lead to cognitive decline, depression, and stroke. The researchers controlled for age, hypertension, and other factors but found no influence on the relationship.
A vaccine introduced in 2000 has significantly reduced the rate of a serious bacterial illness among young children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the US. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has dropped the rate by over 90% among children under 5 years old.
Researchers at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a lung cancer risk assessment tool using standard clinical and epidemiological data. The model assigns a score assessing a person's risk for the disease, with a prediction level of about 60 percent.
Eight South African plant extracts have been found to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, a potential treatment for high blood pressure. The study identified Tulbaghia violacea, commonly known as wild garlic, as the most promising plant with over 50% ACE inhibition in both extract forms.
A web-based asthma program for low-income black high school students significantly improved symptoms, missed school days, and hospitalizations. The 'Puff City' program focused on controller medication adherence, rescue inhaler availability, and smoking cessation.