Researchers develop mathematical model to predict ethnic conflict based on global pattern formation, finding poorly defined boundaries and heterogeneous areas prone to violence. The study suggests that clear borders can prevent ethnic tension, echoing Robert Frost's poem 'good fences make good neighbors',
The discovery of geologic time revolutionized our understanding of the world, allowing scientists to date rocks and calculate the age of the Earth. This breakthrough, achieved by Arthur Holmes in the early 20th century, had a profound impact on fields like plate tectonics and evolution.
The Montreal Protocol has been a resounding success, with chlorine compound levels leveling off and beginning to decline. Researchers study climate change and the timing of ozone recovery through space-based instruments and computer models, aiming to ensure CFC emissions fall below levels that produce an ozone hole.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and Mass Spec Analytical Ltd found that geographical location has no influence on the distribution of drug contamination on bank notes. The study analyzed £10 and £20 notes from areas across the UK, including urban and rural regions, and found that contamination levels were unrelated to location.
A fossilized whale skeleton found on California's Año Nuevo Island is the youngest and most complete known example of a whale fall in North America. The 11- to 15-million-year-old skeleton was home to multiple mollusks, challenging previous theories that large whales were necessary for these deep-sea communities to thrive.
A new study by an international team of researchers provides a breakthrough approach to understanding the role of climate in the Neanderthal extinction. The findings suggest that there was no single climatic event that caused the extinction, but rather indirect effects on competition with other human groups.
A meta-analysis of 38 trials and data from 18023 patients found that siromilus-eluting stents have a reduced risk of heart attack, with a 19% lower risk compared to bare-metal stents and a 17% lower risk compared to paclitaxel-eluting stents.
A leading group of scientists recommends encouraging genetic research in sports for its potential benefits in public health, but warns of ethical concerns, including perceived racism and genetic doping. The report calls for more research and debate about the implications of genetic testing on athletes.
The universe's earliest stars, formed in warm dark matter strings, could help clarify whether the universe is made of warm or cold dark matter. These ancient stars would have formed in long filaments and could provide new insights into dark matter's energy and its impact on galaxy formation.
A new study from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center found that breast reductions of less than 500 grams per breast greatly eased women's back, neck, and shoulder pain. The procedures also improved their quality of life by allowing them to exercise more and engage in a wider variety of activities.
Children who had acquired high percentage body fat by age 3–1/2 were more likely to be obese at age 7. Rapid growth spurts, TV viewing time, and physical inactivity also contributed to obesity risk.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in writing and storing information on electronic devices by eliminating false writes, which can affect the accuracy of computer memory. The new method uses high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopes to resolve structures at an atomic level.
Professor Andrew Steckl's innovative approach incorporates DNA from salmon sperm into light-emitting diodes, enhancing performance while reducing environmental impact. The technique involves trapping electrons longer, resulting in brighter colors and improved light efficiency.
A new review of medical literature reveals that breastfeeding provides numerous benefits, including lower risk of diabetes, lymphoma, and leukemia. However, the authors note that risks associated with formula feeding include growth failure and vitamin deficiencies, but these can be prevented or minimized with preventive measures.
The UK Space Exploration Working Group recommends involvement in both human and robotic elements of space exploration to play a full role in the century's unique opportunities. The report stresses the need for a new vision, suggesting preparatory human space flight activities and maintaining UK's significant role in planetary science.
Research by McMaster University suggests peat and vegetation can slow permafrost melting, preserving northern regions. However, local disturbances like fires can accelerate thaw.
Researchers constructed a chaperone interaction network for the malarial parasite, highlighting new proteins that can potentially be used in the fight against malaria. The study provides insights into the functions of molecular chaperones and their role in chromatin remodeling, protein trafficking, and cytoadherence.
A U. Iowa team discovered two cell-signaling proteins, Nox1 and Nox2, play a significant role in disease progression of inherited ALS, significantly increasing lifespan when deleted from mice. Nox2 deletion nearly doubles lifespan and survival index, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for ALS treatment.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that many brain tumors and solid tumors require simultaneous inhibition of multiple cell-growth switches to be effective. Combining three or more targeted drugs may provide a cure for these cancers, as individual drugs often yield disappointing results.
Dr. Hung Ton-That has been recognized for his research excellence in microbiology and infectious disease, with a focus on cell wall sorting structure and gram-positive bacteria surface structures. He is being honored for his contributions to the study of bacterial pathogenesis.
Revolymer's Clean Gum boasts great taste, easy removal, and potential for environmental degradation. The technology uses an amphiphilic polymer to alter interfacial properties, making it less adhesive to common surfaces.
American Society for Microbiology honors Jason T. Blackard for his groundbreaking research on HIV and hepatitis C co-infections, including extrahepatic replication of HCV in HIV-infected women.
Research reveals that UK 11-year-olds are not physically active enough, with less than 3% meeting recommended daily exercise levels. The study, which monitored over 5,500 children in the South West of England, found that boys were more active than girls and that sustained activity was crucial for promoting cardiorespiratory fitness.
Researchers at Michigan State University have made a unique measurement of an exotic oxygen nucleus, confirming a theoretical model predicting dramatic changes in structure as oxygen nuclei approach their limits. The experiment used new detection tools, making it possible to explore isotopes near the extreme edges of existence.
The SESAME project is developing a unique, integrated computer system that substantially increases data available to coaches during training sessions. This will enable coaches to provide near-instantaneous feedback on athlete technique, improving performance and reducing injury risk.
Astronomers found a low-mass companion to a rapidly spinning pulsar, which orbits the neutron star every 54.7 minutes at an average distance of 230,000 miles. The system is thought to have formed billions of years ago and is now accreting mass from the companion, causing an outburst.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered a crucial mechanism driving the growth of light-sensing discs in rod cells, shedding new light on retinal health and disease. The study's findings could lead to significant advances in understanding and treating eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.
The Lancet Series on Energy and Health emphasizes the need for policies promoting clean energy access to improve public health and mitigate climate disruption. Key targets include universal access to modern fuels, electricity supply, and improved cooking stoves by 2015.
Physicists at UCR have created molecular positronium, which could help develop gamma-ray lasers and explain the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance. The research uses silica to trap positronium atoms, allowing them to form molecules that can interact with each other.
A new study reveals that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract, lowers ADHD symptoms in children by reducing stress hormones. The findings suggest a significant stress hormone-lowering effect for a nutritional supplement, providing hope for parents seeking alternative treatments.
A study published in Neurology found that people with multiple sclerosis who stop taking natalizumab may develop more brain lesions, indicating increased disease activity. The results suggest that discontinuing the drug can lead to a rebound increase in disease activity, particularly for those who take it for a short time.
Researchers identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adducin 2 gene that influence blood pressure regulation among people with hypertension. The study found associations between SNPs and differential responses to different antihypertensive drugs, highlighting potential for tailored treatment regimens.
Researchers at Tufts University developed mathematical models to accurately assess seasonality in six diseases, enabling more precise forecasting of outbreaks. The study found that certain diseases peak one month after the temperature peak, likely due to close person-to-person contact and different routes of transmission.
The Lancet study highlights the potential of energy efficiency and technology to reduce temperature-related death and illness, as well as alleviate fuel poverty. Implementing renewable energy production and restructuring plans for built environments could lead to significant benefits for urban air quality and health.
The University of California, Irvine, has received a $5 million gift from Edwards Lifesciences to establish a center focused on researching and developing the next generation of cardiovascular devices. The center will promote collaboration among students, faculty members, and experts in various disciplines.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new technique to detect protein communication in cells, which has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnostics. The refined method is more sensitive and reliable than existing techniques, making it a breakthrough for early cancer detection.
Researchers at UCLA identified a distinct pattern of gene expression in immune cells from chronically lonely individuals. This finding suggests that social isolation affects the activity of genes driving inflammation and may provide a molecular framework for understanding its link to heart disease, viral infections, and cancer.
A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that some protozoa are globally dispersed, while others are geographically restricted, suggesting a moderate degree of endemicity. The analysis used a new fast-evolving DNA marker to reveal higher biodiversity than previously thought.
A new multilingual search tool developed at the University of Washington's Turing Center allows people to search for images on the Web using hundreds of languages. The tool, named PanImages, automatically translates the search term into about 300 other languages and displays images from Google and Flickr.
The Lancet Series on Energy and Health highlights the critical link between energy and health, calling for global control of greenhouse gases and affordable technologies to reduce indoor air pollution. The series advocates for a low-carbon, low-energy transportation system and economic policies that mitigate harmful energy practices.
Researchers identified a distinct subpopulation of cancer stem cells responsible for metastasis in human pancreatic cancer. The study found that CSCs expressing CD133 and CXCR4 play a critical role in tumor metastasis, and inhibiting these cells or transplanting non-metastatic cells can abolish metastatic tumor development.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to load dozens of molecules of the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel onto tiny gold spheres, creating a uniform delivery system that targets cancer cells more effectively. The new approach aims to reduce side effects and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Scientists have developed a technique to generate light and reduce damage in extreme ultraviolet lithography by adding a lighter gas to the plasma. This reduces the number and energy of xenon ions reaching the collector surface, extending its lifetime while maintaining minimal impact on light production.
UC Berkeley physicists have successfully measured the spin of an individual atom on a surface, a key achievement for both quantum computing and spintronics. By employing low-temperature spin-polarized scanning tunneling spectroscopy, researchers were able to determine the spin of isolated adatoms atop cobalt nanoislands.
The CREATE program aims to build a group of leaders with expertise in plant sciences, biotechnology and engineering, focusing on biofuels, pharmaceuticals and industrial products. Graduate students will receive cross-disciplinary training through internships and a Master's to Ph.D. bridge.
Researchers in Molecular & Cellular Proteomics have identified key proteins involved in schistosomiasis, a tropical disease affecting up to 200 million people. The study also reveals the structural proteome of a lethal shrimp viral disease and unique proteins allowing algae to thrive in salty environments.
Reducing global average meat consumption by 10% could significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions and associated health risks. The proposed target of 90g per day, with no more than 50g coming from red meat, aims to achieve a balance between food security and environmental sustainability.
A radical vision suggests London could reduce emissions by 72% if all cars are banned and active transport like walking and cycling is prioritized. The proposal offers a solution to achieve the UK's 2030 carbon reduction goal, with benefits for public health and safety.
A new study led by the University of Leeds suggests that extreme climate events did not coincide with Neanderthal extinction, contrary to previous theories. The research provides a more detailed picture of the climate at the time of the Neanderthals' disappearance, suggesting indirect competition with other human groups.
Researchers have identified radial spoke protein 44 (RSP44) as a key molecule in immune infertility, a condition causing the immune system to attack sperm. The discovery may lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for this condition, which affects up to 12% of unexplained infertility cases in women.
Research from the University of Chicago Press Journals reveals that intense desires, like hunger, lead to a desire for more variety in choices. When hungry, participants preferred fewer familiar snacks over multiple new options.
A new study found that chronically lonely individuals have altered gene-expression patterns, including increased inflammatory signalling. This molecular signature may provide a framework for understanding the link between social isolation and diseases like heart disease, infection, and cancer.
Scientists have discovered that sweet sorghum reuses stored sugar more efficiently than sugarcane to support plant growth. This understanding is crucial for developing new varieties specifically for the biofuel industry.
A study found that inhaling diesel exhaust causes changes in the heart's electrical activity, reducing oxygen availability during exercise. Exposure to diesel exhaust also reduced the body's ability to release a 'guardian' protein, increasing the risk of blood clots.
Researchers found that vowel sounds associated with positive attributes make brand names more favorable among consumers. Front vowel sounds were preferred for fast or sharp objects, while back vowel sounds were preferred for large or dull objects.
The University of South Florida's global health initiative will expand its research training partnerships in India to fight AIDS among adolescents. The program, valued at $1.36 million, will partner with Vadodara Medical College to train Indian physicians and healthcare professionals.
A research team led by UNH will use satellite imagery and data from tick surveillance programs to identify 'hot spots' of Lyme disease transmission. The project aims to build capacity for early warning systems and predict the spread of other vector-borne diseases.
Floods of '93 and '95 devastated 70% of snake populations, with larger snakes and arboreal species faring better. Ecologist Owen Sexton proposes 'islands in the stream' to provide sanctuaries for displaced species during future floods.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Rutgers University $3 million to support bioinformatics and genome sequencing programs for regional high schools. The programs will develop online tools and resources for students to conduct genuine bioinformatics research, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
The study concludes that improved access to electricity and a shift towards renewable energy will substantially benefit population health. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and wave power appear to create the smallest health burden, while nuclear power remains controversial due to waste storage concerns.