Researchers have found that the protein responsible for producing geosmin, a soil-scented compound, has two distinct halves that work together to create the organic compound. This discovery could help microbiologists develop strategies to block geosmin in drinking water, which can cause an unpleasant taste.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created a new form of computer memory using nanowires that can store data for 100,000 years and retrieve it up to 1,000 times faster than current technology. The device uses less power and space than existing memory technologies.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that a byproduct of cholesterol metabolism, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), interferes with the protective effects of estrogen on the cardiovascular system. When 27HC levels are high relative to estrogen, it blocks estrogen's function and leads to a loss of protection against heart disease.
The Smithsonian is a key player in the Barcode of Life Initiative, which aims to revolutionize species identification using DNA barcoding. With over 280,000 records, this technique has practical applications for food safety, disease prevention, and environmental monitoring.
A study of 2,087 parents aged 50+ found that divorce can predict an adult child will provide less involved care in the future. Geographical separation and remarriage after a divorce can disrupt the parent-child relationship.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a gene called AP2C that plays a linchpin role in estrogen signaling pathways. Silencing this gene significantly decreased tumor growth and delayed establishment of tumors in mice.
JILA scientists discovered a flaw in the most common DNA elasticity model, leading to errors in measuring short DNA molecules. The finite worm-like chain (FWLC) model improves accuracy by incorporating length effects.
Researchers report that Tregs respond stronger to foreign substances than their own body proteins, contrary to the long-held scientific belief. This finding has implications for emerging therapies targeting autoimmune diseases.
The updated GOLD report provides new standards for diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and assessment. The report also highlights the need to understand co-morbidities and implement effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and management.
The Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at Penn School of Medicine will study biological indicators of exposure to cigarette smoke using a panel of biochemical markers. The goal is to identify people most at risk of tobacco-related disease and potentially inspire them to quit smoking.
Researchers at EMBL have identified a molecule called n-cofilin crucial for preventing neuronal disorders. The protein helps organise cell skeleton, essential for brain development and function.
Researchers at NIST developed a novel annealing process that creates highly ordered nanostructured polymer thin films with controlled patterns. The 'cold zone' annealing system produces defect-free films with sub-30nm features, opening up new possibilities for microelectronics and data storage applications.
The USGS Coalition will host a congressional reception to highlight the importance of increased funding for the USGS in the FY 2008 budget. The event aims to promote responsible natural resource stewardship and improve resilience to natural hazards.
Experts will assess progress and global priorities in DNA barcoding, a field with potential applications in disease prevention, environmental monitoring, and consumer protection. The conference aims to share latest insights and techniques among scientists and officials.
A large international study of children found that those with allergic sensitizations in economically developed countries are four times more likely to have asthma than their non-sensitized counterparts. The association was weaker in less affluent settings, suggesting local environmental factors may play a role.
The Hercules Dwarf Galaxy, a tiny companion to the Milky Way, has been found to have an exceptional flat shape, unlike any other known galaxy. The galaxy's shape is likely due to its close proximity to the Milky Way and the gravitational forces that disrupt it.
Researchers used solid-state NMR spectroscopy to create high-resolution images of cytochrome b5 in its membrane environment, revealing its helical shape and interaction with cytochrome P450. This breakthrough sheds light on the complex dynamics between these two proteins.
Researchers have successfully synthesized a DNA-based memory loop in yeast cells, demonstrating the ability to create a mathematical model that predicts how such a device might work. The memory loop continued throughout many cell divisions, showcasing the potential for biological black boxes with specific functions.
The study reveals the importance of targeting specific cell regions to combat oxidative stress. By using novel synthetic molecules, researchers can now understand how cells respond to oxidative stress and identify weaker parts that need protection.
Physicists at NIST have demonstrated radio-frequency cooling of a large object by reducing its thermal motion with radio waves. They cooled a silicon cantilever to -228 C (-379 F) using an RF circuit, which may be more practical than optical techniques in some cases.
A new study reveals that a voltage-sensitive phosphatase, Ci-VSP, converts electrical signals to chemical ones and is activated by depolarization, regulating phosphoinositide levels. This discovery sheds light on common principles of voltage sensing between ion channels and VSP.
Researchers found that electrons in graphene behave like quantum billiard balls, with wave-like properties and interference patterns. The discovery could lead to new applications such as ballistic transistors and resonant cavities for electrons.
A recent study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found a significant association between GERD and obesity in women, but not men. The researchers suggest that estrogen may play a role in this correlation.
A set of practical ethical guidelines for biobank research has been put forward by Swedish ethics researchers, providing a comprehensive solution to the complex regulations surrounding tissue samples. The framework balances conflicting interests and offers a peer-review process to ensure scrutiny.
The US Department of Homeland Security is testing current bridge designs and investigating advances in steel and reinforced concrete to explore shielding cables and connections with protective sleeves or covers. The goal is to fortify bridges like Superman's blue suit, making them resistant to terrorist sabotage.
The study combines field studies and remote-sensing data to assess the ecological functioning of wetlands in a landscape. The researchers developed statistical models that can predict denitrification potential from easily measurable properties of the soil, helping guide management priorities in a watershed.
Researchers found that oil spill clean-up workers were more likely to experience lower and upper respiratory tract symptoms, including chronic cough and phlegm. The effects persisted for over a year after the last clean-up activity but eventually declined, suggesting partial reversibility.
Researchers at NIST have discovered a highly sought-after type of atomic magnetic moment arrangement in antiferromagnets. The findings, published in Nature Materials, reveal evidence of a rare quantum paramagnetic spin state that weakly responds to external magnetic fields.
A new study by University of Alberta researcher Paul Joosse cautions against the ideological motivations behind 'ecoterrorism' in North America. The study suggests that individuals committing arson attacks may be acting for personal reasons, rather than environmental concerns, due to the lack of leaders in the Earth Liberation Front.
Dr. Michael Bruce Zwick is honored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for his groundbreaking work in developing an HIV vaccine. He has published numerous papers and received several prestigious awards, including the ICAAC Young Investigator Awards.
Indigenous Australians face a greater burden of ill health, lower access to health services, more disability, and lower life expectancy. The Howard Government's pledge to improve indigenous health remains unmet, and the Editorial argues that the latest approach will not fulfil its promise.
The New York Academy of Medicine has released a report and tools to help households, workplaces, schools, and governments anticipate and address problems in emergencies. The report identifies critical gaps in current plans, including unaddressed sheltering-in-place issues and inadequate safety measures.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered zebrafish as an ideal model for studying COX deficiencies, which can lead to fatal metabolic disorders. The use of zebrafish allows scientists to visualize early stages of mitochondrial impairments and identify specific targets for potential drug therapies.
Researchers from the Picower Institute at MIT have identified the gene Ten_m3 as crucial for creating matched projections from both eyes in the brain. In mice with this gene knocked out, visual deficits persisted even when one eye was covered, but blocking the output of one eye restored vision.
A recent study published in The Lancet has found that oral dabigatran etexilate is as effective as enoxaparin in reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total hip replacement surgery. The study involved 3494 patients and found no significant difference in major bleeding rates between the two treatments.
Researchers found that preschoolers can perform impressive perspective-taking feats by tracking a character's mental perspective in narrative. Five-year-olds successfully pointed to the cow in the thought-about location, while three-year-olds only looked at the physical location.
A groundbreaking study reveals that the first stars formed at the start of the Universe depend on dark matter's nature. The research suggests that some of these primordial stars can still be found in the Milky Way galaxy today.
The federal government's new report on prioritizing environmental, health, and safety (EHS) research needs for engineered nanoscale materials lacks important details like budget allocations and implementation timelines. The lack of a coordinated risk research strategy threatens the safe development and use of nanotechnology products.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is linked to a stomach virus, with over 80% of infected patients testing positive for enteroviral particles. Research suggests that initial infections can occur years earlier, highlighting the long-term impact of viral infections on the condition.
Lucas R. Hoffman receives the ICAAC Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Microbiology for his groundbreaking research on biofilm formation and antibiotic interactions. His work has led to significant advancements in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers synthesized natural and social sciences to understand coupled human and natural systems, revealing complexities in environmental and socioeconomic patterns. The study emphasizes the need for specialization easing up to develop feasible policies for effective solutions to complex problems.
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has chosen Elsevier as its publishing partner, starting in January 2008. The partnership will enable early publication of articles in press and improve accessibility for authors, editors, and the academic community.
Researchers at Loughborough University are developing advanced computer models to simulate sports equipment behavior, enabling more accurate designs and better performance. The models will aid in reducing prototype manufacturing costs and increasing participation in sports, leading to improved health benefits.
Researchers found that platelets' GPIIb/IIIa receptors stimulate neutrophils to produce TNF, a key inflammatory compound. This discovery may lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs targeting these receptors.
Gene deletion study shows Candida parapsilosis growth and virulence reduced without lipase activity, suggesting enzyme's key role in pathogenicity for immunocompromised individuals and premature infants
Dr. Thomas E. Wellems is being honored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for his groundbreaking research on malaria treatment and resistance to chloroquine. His work has significantly impacted malaria treatment, leading to a decrease in death rates in Africa and Asia.
Researchers have identified potential targets for ALS treatment by studying SOD1 gene mutations. Additionally, a new study on Candida parapsilosis has revealed that lipase is an essential virulence factor. Further research suggests that the timing of treatment with immune-modifying drugs can significantly impact viral infection outcomes.
Research finds that biological and demographic causes, such as anal sex and role versatility, contribute significantly to high HIV prevalence in gay men. Gay men need to reduce unprotected sex rates by several times that of straight men to end the epidemic
Researchers at UWM are collaborating with PhysioGenix Inc. to investigate a novel animal model for diseases like depression and ADHD. The consomic rats, developed by MCW, have already shown promise in studying cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
A recent study has found that our brains respond more rapidly when visualizing two objects that may collide. This challenge traditional understanding of visual perception, which suggests a delay between the moment events occur and when they are perceived.
A revolutionary unobtrusive sensor is being developed to collect wide-ranging data on human posture, stride length, acceleration, and response to shock waves. The sensor can transmit this data in real-time for instant coaching advice, potentially delivering better sporting performance.
A new self-waxing device has been developed to improve ski performance, allowing skiers to travel 1-2% quicker than conventional skis. The system, which includes a biodegradable lubricant, is being tested with major manufacturers and could play a key role in deciding World Cup outcomes.
Joanna Kubler-Kielb is honored with the American Society for Microbiology ICAAC Young Investigator Award for her research excellence in microbiology and infectious diseases, including work on anthrax and Lyme disease. Her research has led to significant contributions toward developing new vaccines against these diseases.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that urbanization significantly increases the risk of major depressive disorder among elderly Nigerians. The study also highlights a significant gap in treatment for this condition, with only 37% of lifetime cases receiving any form of treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with metabolic syndrome have highly acidic urine, which increases the risk of developing uric-acid kidney stones. This association was independent of age and renal function, suggesting a link between metabolic syndrome components and increased acidity in urine.
Scientists found that inhibiting Nox1 and Nox2 genes can slow down ALS progression in mice, leading to improved survival rates. The study suggests developing drugs targeting the Nox pathway could be beneficial for individuals with ALS.
A comprehensive study is underway to examine the impact of prenatal exposure to mercury from dental fillings on neurological development. The researchers will collect hair samples from children in the Seychelles who were exposed to methyl mercury through their mothers' seafood consumption and dental work.
A $460,000 grant will be used to research the impact of the Dawson College shooting on mental health services and school safety. The study aims to identify effective treatment gaps and develop a standard response protocol for similar situations.
A Princeton professor is advancing the development of practical, innovative energy sources for jet fuel. His research efforts focus on creating computational and kinetic models that accurately simulate jet fuel combustion and developing fuels with near-zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that cervical tumors with high glucose uptake (SUV) on PET scans had higher recurrence rates, persistent disease, and lower survival rates. The study suggests that SUV is a more sensitive indicator of tumor aggressiveness than standard staging protocols.