The star's mass is estimated at between 100 and 200 times that of the sun, making it one of the rarest types of massive stars. The supernova's brightness and longevity are attributed to its potential as a pair-instability supernova, which would produce a significant amount of heavy elements.
Andrzej Joachimiak and Gerold Rosenbaum receive the award for their key contributions to protein crystallography research at Argonne National Laboratory. The recognition highlights the quality of their work in structural genomics and biophysics.
Phillip A Sharp will receive the 2007 Winthrop-Sears Award for his groundbreaking work on RNA splicing, a discovery that has led to significant advances in understanding cancer and other diseases. The award recognizes Sharp's entrepreneurial spirit as well, including his role as cofounder of Biogen.
A new study finds that high ocean temperatures and low coral cover increase the risk of white syndrome, a deadly disease threatening the world's richest ecosystems. The research suggests that corals in high-density areas will be increasingly vulnerable to disease if global warming continues.
Studies by University of Missouri-Columbia professors Lilliard Richardson and David J. Houston found that upgrading to primary seatbelt enforcement laws increases belt use and improves public safety considerably. States with primary laws consistently had the highest seatbelt usage rates, while those with secondary laws had the lowest.
Researchers found that tropical plants in Hawaii can acclimate to varying rainfall by switching between different forms of nitrogen. This adaptation may help plants survive in a warming climate with altered precipitation patterns. However, other factors like pollinator distribution and invasive species could still impact plant growth.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new technique to map fruit fly chromosomes, allowing for more accurate study of their structure. This approach uses mechanical devices and computer-based image processing to analyze hundreds of images, providing an impartial estimate of chromosome band locations.
Researchers have developed plastic railway sleepers made from waste polystyrene and polyethylene, which can last for centuries compared to wood or concrete sleepers. These biodegradable sleepers also provide a cost-effective solution for Network Rail's goal of using 23% recycled material by 2012.
The AlloMap test has been shown to correlate with oxygen saturation levels, cardiac filling pressures, and the electrical properties of the transplanted heart. Non-invasive blood tests can also detect cytomegalovirus-induced immune responses in lung transplant patients.
A recent survey of over 250,000 people from around the world has shed light on sex differences in brain function and behavior. The study found that men and women exhibit distinct patterns in mental abilities, with men scoring higher in visual-spatial tasks but women excelling in object location memory.
Deepak Srivastava, GICD Director, received the prestigious E. Mead Johnson Award for his work in understanding normal and abnormal cardiogenesis. His research focuses on using knowledge of cardiac developmental pathways to devise novel therapeutics for human cardiac disorders.
Increasing SUMO levels could help treat diseases like epilepsy by reducing over-excitation in brain cells. The discovery provides new insights into the causes of brain disorders and potential targets for drug development.
A new study by UCLA and Rand Corp. reveals that more than half of children with an HIV-infected parent are not consistently in that parent's custody. This finding can help physicians better address the needs of families affected by HIV.
A recent study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that many smokers are receptive to using their own spiritual resources when attempting to quit. The research, conducted by Oregon Health & Science University, discovered that women were more likely to report a spiritual practice or belief compared to men, and smokers who smo...
A recent study found that obesity is a significant barrier to living kidney donation among African Americans, with over 30% of black donors excluded due to obesity. Social reasons, including failure to complete the donor evaluation process, also contribute to the low rates of donation.
Researchers have found a way to induce autophagy, a process where cells recycle waste material, including misfolded proteins. By administering small molecules that enhance this process, they aim to stall the onset of Huntington's-like symptoms in humans.
Implanted pumps improved heart function in many patients awaiting a heart transplant, allowing them to leave the hospital without a pump and without a new heart. The devices also showed progressive improvement in exercise capacity and reduced signs of heart damage.
A study published in Neurology found that brain scans of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show increased uptake of PIB, a biomarker for abnormal protein aggregation growth, similar to what is seen in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may be possible through imaging tests.
The New Orleans Metropolitan Area Family Resiliency Project aims to enhance mental health services for children and first responders, reduce individual and family symptoms, and improve school performance. The program will also develop prevention and intervention strategies for future disasters.
Research links tobacco display advertising in retail stores with teens experimenting with cigarette smoking. Promotional giveaways and price breaks may be associated with the transition to regular smoking among youth.
A study found that new immigrant women had lower risks of maternal placental syndrome and related complications during pregnancy compared to those who had lived in the country for longer. The risk increased with length of residence in Ontario.
Researchers found that tropical plants can switch between different nitrogen sources in response to climate change, providing a glimmer of hope for their ability to withstand environmental shifts. The study's results were based on measurements and models of variations in nitrogen compounds across different rainfall climates.
Research by Dr. Paul Winchester found that children conceived in June-August had lower math and language ISTEP scores, potentially linked to prenatal exposure to pesticides and nitrates. The study suggests that environmental factors during pregnancy may have long-term effects on cognitive development.
A study in mice deleted an enzyme that alters cholesterol structure, allowing them to consume saturated and trans fats without developing atherosclerosis. The findings suggest ACAT2 as a potential treatment target for protecting against heart disease.
A large multiyear database analysis shows that Curosurf (poractant alfa) Intratracheal Suspension significantly improves neonatal survival in preterm infants with RDS. The study found nearly 20% lower death rates for babies treated with poractant alfa compared to beractant or calfactant.
Researchers found that immune cells in most people with melanoma fail to respond properly to interferon, leading to impaired immune function. This discovery could pave the way for more effective treatment options, including vaccine therapies.
Two studies by Dartmouth Medical School researchers reveal that US movies deliver billions of smoking impressions to American teens, with youth-rated movies delivering 61% of the total images. The studies also found that high-impact movies, mostly rated PG-13, deliver over 100 million smoking impressions each.
A cooperative research program between fishermen, scientists, and industry has successfully reduced halibut bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska trawl fishery by 52%. The modified excluder device, designed to slow water flow through the net, shows promise in reducing losses of larger cod.
The AERA report helps researchers understand causal estimation methods and their applications in large-scale databases. It addresses key issues in selecting research designs for drawing valid causal inferences about treatment effects.
Two studies suggest that the melting of the Greenland ice cap could significantly affect ocean circulation, leading to substantial changes in global climate. The authors analyze sediment records from past glacial periods, finding that sudden episodes of ice sheet melting may cause abrupt climate instability.
A study by pediatrician Robert Schwartz found that 94% of parents who received motivational interviewing said it helped them change their family's eating habits. The average body mass index (BMI) of participants who received motivational interviewing decreased by 2.6 points, compared to a decrease of 0.6 points in the control group.
A simple blood test taken at hospital admission can predict in-hospital mortality risk for heart failure patients, says UCLA researcher. Higher BNP levels are associated with higher mortality rates and other clinical outcomes such as mechanical ventilation and longer hospital stays.
A retrospective study of 24,883 premature babies found that poractant alfa significantly reduced mortality rates, with no differences in outcomes between rural and teaching hospitals. The treatment was approved by the FDA in 1999 and is now being compared to other natural surfactants used in treating respiratory distress syndrome.
A team of students has invented a protective pouch that could improve cell therapy for diabetes patients. The pouch, made from nylon mesh and metal stents, holds microcapsules containing therapeutic cells, allowing them to thrive and produce insulin in the body.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that cancer cells can reprogram themselves to use less oxygen and more glucose, allowing them to survive and spread. The loss of a single gene causes cancer cells to stop making mitochondria, leading to the use of fermentation for energy production.
Luis von Ahn, a Carnegie Mellon computer science assistant professor, has been awarded the $200,000 Microsoft New Faculty Fellowship. He will use the resources to develop new software and engage with Microsoft Research employees to further his research in human computation.
A recent ARVO study found that nearly one-third of older Americans diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma are not treated medically or surgically for the condition. The study revealed that despite increasingly effective therapies, many patients are not benefiting from consistent glaucoma treatment.
Researchers found that combining a diabetes drug with platinum-based chemotherapy boosted its potency in various cancer cell lines and mouse tumors. The combination halted or shrunk tumors up to three times more effectively than either drug alone.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) regulates $3 billion stem cell research with 'high ethical standards' and five objectives. CIRM-developed regulations include informed consent processes for human embryonic stem cell research, protecting oocyte donors' rights.
Adult stem cells are not responsible for producing insulin, contrary to previous research. Instead, beta cells slowly divide to replenish their own population. This discovery advances basic knowledge of insulin biology and could lead to eventual therapies.
A new study by the University of Washington found that 40% of 3-month-old infants and 90% of 2-year-olds regularly watch TV, DVDs, or videos. The researchers discovered that parents cite educational value and enjoyment as reasons for allowing media exposure, but only half of this time is in children's educational categories.
The American Academy of Dermatology surveyed 32 US metropolitan regions to identify the most and least sun-smart cities. Washington, D.C. and New York City topped the list, while Chicago was ranked as the least sun-smart city due to low knowledge and attitudes towards tanning and sun protection.
A survey estimated that approximately 4.4% of U.S. adults may have some form of bipolar disorder during their lifetime, with 2.4% having a sub-threshold condition. The study found that many individuals with bipolar symptoms receive treatment for depression rather than manic symptoms.
Researchers have developed a method to analyze the entire network of signaling proteins controlling cell movement. The study provides the first comprehensive profile of these proteins, shedding light on the inner workings of the 'steering wheel' that drives cells forward.
Research suggests a seasonal correlation between pesticides, nitrates, and premature births, with highest rates in May-June and lowest in August-September. The study analyzed over 27 million US live births and found a significant link between environmental contaminants and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A systematic review found that screening all women with newly diagnosed breast cancer using immunohistochemistry and confirming ambiguous results with fluorescence in situ hybridization is the most cost-effective strategy. Gene patenting can lead to restricted access to genetic testing and treatments, increasing healthcare costs.
Research suggests that teenagers who watch television for three or more hours per day are at a higher risk of developing attention and learning difficulties. This is because excessive TV viewing can take up time that could be spent on reading, homework, and other intellectually stimulating activities.
A recent study found that bipolar spectrum disorder affects about 1% of the population, with individuals receiving inadequate treatment. The research highlights the importance of identifying subtypes of bipolar disorder and using appropriate medication to effectively manage symptoms.
A study published in Neurology found that daily steroid treatments increased the walking time of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by 3.3 years and reduced the incidence of scoliosis. However, treatment was associated with a higher risk of vertebral and leg fractures.
A new study by the Mailman School of PH found that marital sex is a single greatest risk for HIV infection among women worldwide. The study highlights the need for prevention programs that make extramarital sex safer rather than trying to eradicate it.
According to the study, approximately 10.3% of U.S. adults have problems with drug use or abuse, with 2.6% becoming drug-dependent at some point. The results highlight the need for education and prevention efforts to address these widespread issues.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found an absolute biochemical distinction between sporadic and hereditary forms of Lou Gehrig's disease, suggesting that current approaches to drug discovery should be re-examined. This distinction may impact therapeutic strategies for ALS patients.
Researchers found that close living quarters among coral in healthy sections of the Great Barrier Reef facilitate easy infection spread, despite warmer ocean temperatures. Higher temperatures drive disease outbreaks, with a strong connection between white syndrome and coral cover.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that newborn neurons tend to form connections with mature brain cells, rather than randomly connecting throughout the network. This allows them to compete out older neurons and ensure proper integration into the existing circuitry.
Researchers will investigate the immune response to TB, developing new vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. The study aims to understand how the infection is transmitted and why some people develop active disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) relies too heavily on expert opinion when developing policies, instead of systematic reviews and stakeholder input. WHO's guidelines recommend using systematic reviews, but in practice, expert committees dominate the process.
Children experience traumatic events, such as parent imprisonment or sudden separation, without developing PTSD. More than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by age 16.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine targeted heparan sulfate in tumor blood vessels to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth. Modifying the action of this sugar uniquely impacted the tumor vasculature, altering its growth rate in lung carcinoma cells in mice.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have created new materials with high charge-storage capacities, exceeding twice that of conventional lithium batteries. The materials also offer enhanced stability and reduced costs, paving the way for diverse applications in consumer electronics, medical devices, and hybrid electric vehicles.
Researchers found that three months of Vipassana meditation improved ability to detect a second target within the typical attentional blink window. Meditation reduced brain activity associated with seeing the first target, allowing more resources for the second target.
Researchers analyzed TV, DVD, and video viewing habits in children under 2 years old, finding that they watch an average of 40.2 minutes per day. The study also showed that parents' perceptions of TV's educational value and their role in processing content may affect its impact on development.