A team of Harvard students and alumni developed a microbial fuel cell-based lighting system suitable for Sub-Saharan Africa. The innovative technology harnesses energy produced by naturally occurring microbial metabolism, generating electricity from organic-rich materials like soil or food scraps.
A pilot study found that stellate-ganglion block reduced hot flushes in breast cancer survivors by up to 90% and improved sleep quality. The procedure provided long-term relief with minimal side effects, increasing overall quality of life and compliance with treatment.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have found that parent cells involved in embryonic development can generate three important types of cells with potential for cardiac repair. The study suggests that restoring the ability of adult epicardial cells to generate cardiomyocytes may enhance their future potential for c...
Common bacteria, Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, can trigger autoimmune symptoms in mice similar to Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), a rare and incurable liver disease. NKT cell activation is critical in initiating autoimmune processes leading to liver damage.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology and Fraunhofer Institute achieved an unprecedented 6% improvement in solar cell efficiency by depositing a thin layer of aluminum oxide on the front of a silicon solar cell. This breakthrough brings the industrial application of high-efficiency solar cells closer, with costs expected to...
A new study by the University of Michigan found no evidence of racial bias in the firing of NBA coaches. The research showed that African-American coaches were fired at the same rate as their white counterparts, and that technical efficiency had no difference between the two groups.
A University of Alberta study found that middle-class Canadians use marijuana for relaxation and focus, challenging criminalization. The study suggests decriminalization and legalization could reduce crime and generate revenue.
A study by researchers at the Howard Florey Institute in Melbourne found that manipulating the adenosine A2A receptor may contribute to heroin addiction. Mice without this receptor showed reduced desire for morphine and did not develop tolerance or conditioned place preference, suggesting a role in regulating opiate use and abuse.
The International Diabetes Federation is funding the STOP Diabetes project to address lifestyle-related metabolic diseases and promote healthy behaviors. The project aims to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in women by encouraging healthy behaviors.
Giuseppe Di Benedetto and Micaela Caramellino received top scores at a student poster event for their innovative methods in manufacturing small drug particles. Their research has been recognized with grants from the National Science Foundation.
Researchers find global sea level acceleration may have started in the 18th century, causing a 6 cm rise during the 19th century and 19 cm during the 20th century. The US east coast also subsided since the Eocene, with wind-launched ocean eddies triggering formation and propagation in the South China Sea.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered how tuberculosis bacteria hide and multiply in human bodies. By identifying a key protein involved in this process, they are working towards therapies that can block its activity, leading to a more effective treatment for TB.
A Swedish study found that female sex offenders are more likely to suffer from mental illness or drug abuse than male perpetrators. The research compared 93 convicted women with over 20,000 normal women and 13,000 women convicted of non-sexual crimes.
A new report by the Ecological Society of America finds that restoring fish populations in the Great Lakes leads to a shift in herring gull diet, with birds opting for terrestrial food instead. This change may have severe consequences for other species, such as terns, which are more closely tied to aquatic environments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that methylation acts as a biological clock indicating cell division history and cancer risk. Having children or approaching menopause can turn the clock back, reducing breast cancer risk.
Astronomers have tracked a recent supernova explosion in the Milky Way galaxy using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and NRAO's VLA. The discovery confirms the supernova is about 140 years old, making it the youngest recorded in the galaxy.
A recent study estimates that 3.2 million Burmese may be affected by Cyclone Nargis, with the Ayeyarwady region hardest hit, and major health threats including waterborne diseases and mosquito-borne illnesses.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma found that Fluvastatin significantly lowered viral load for up to six weeks in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The study aims to improve the cure rate by combining Fluvastatin with standard treatment.
Research at Queen Mary University of London found that HPV testing reduces cervical abnormality risk by up to 90% compared to smear testing. The study's results suggest that HPV testing may offer longer-term protection against cervical abnormalities, potentially allowing for extended screening intervals.
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine identified efavirenz with NRTI as the most effective initial therapy for HIV-1 infection, achieving high viral suppression rates. The finding offers a valuable alternative to traditional triple-drug regimens and could lead to simpler treatment regimens.
A new analysis combining decades of data from all continents shows that human-caused warming is changing life on a global scale. The study found that physical and biological systems are being affected, including changes in tree leafing, bird migrations, and ocean plankton and fish communities.
New research from the LOOKING at Language project reveals that late-talking toddlers are more likely to continue struggling with language development, but a significant proportion will catch up. By seven years old, around 80% of late talkers have made progress and there is no evidence boys are at greater risk than girls.
Researchers discover how PRDM16 regulates fat cells to favor brown adipose tissue (BAT) formation, which can help counteract obesity and diabetes. The findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms behind BAT specification and hold promise for therapeutic treatments.
Rosiglitazone, an antidiabetic drug, has been found to prevent hepatic fibrosis due to Schistosoma japonicum infection. PPARgamma ligand is thought to play a key role in this process.
Jay Steele, a Ph.D. student in computer graphics at Clemson University, has received the NVIDIA Fellowship Program award for his research on Lattice-Boltzmann computational modeling methods and GPU acceleration. The $25,000 award recognizes his work on realistic lighting and rendering of virtual scenes.
Studies with non-human primates have significantly contributed to understanding the human brain, particularly in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The unique similarities between human and monkey brains enable researchers to study complex behaviors and develop new treatments.
Four faculty research projects at Oklahoma State University have been awarded funding from the Technology Business Assessment Group, totaling over $102,000. The projects focus on developing innovative products and technologies, including a 3D human tissue model, fiber optic sensor, data protection software, and recycled rubber composites.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a mechanism that allows information to be recovered from black holes, contrary to Stephen Hawking's previous assertion. By expanding space-time beyond its assumed size, the team finds room for information to reappear in the distant future.
A mouse study has found that caloric restriction leads to beneficial hormonal changes, which play a role in extending life. The study suggests that calorie restriction is more effective than exercise in promoting longevity.
A new treatment using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has dramatically decreased death and disability in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a condition where blood clots inside the brain. The treatment, which clears trapped blood from the brain, showed an 80% survival rate for patients.
A new study shows that an anesthetic injection into nerves in the neck can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night awakenings in breast cancer survivors. The treatment, called a stellate ganglion block, was shown to provide lasting relief for most patients.
Researchers successfully isolated and sequenced the genome of syntrophic microorganisms that oxidize methane anaerobically. They discovered new bacterial partners and found genes responsible for nitrogen fixation, which may enhance their metabolic versatility. These findings provide insights into the global carbon cycle and climate.
Herbal compound 861 delays and reverses hepatic fibrosis due to HBV infection through the inactivation of LX-2 cells. The TGF beta1/ALK1/Smad1 signaling pathway is activated by TGF-beta1 and inhibited by Cpd861, making it a potential target for anti-fibrotic therapy
Recent research suggests that gastrin inhibits cell apoptosis in colorectal cancer by up-regulating FasL expression, allowing cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. Somatostatin promotes cell apoptosis in large intestine cancer by increasing caspase-3 levels and activating death receptor signaling pathways.
Researchers found a clear dissociation between OCD and Tourette's dimensions in terms of brain activity, working memory, and attention. This distinction could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment approaches for both conditions by prioritizing the identification and addressement of OCD symptoms.
Researchers have found that doxycycline, commonly used to treat acne, can prevent tissue damage caused by emphysema. The study suggests that the antibiotic boosts the body's ability to protect against lung damage by increasing VEGF levels.
Researchers at UC Davis use individual red blood cells as accurate force transducers to calibrate atomic force microscopes. This technique allows for precise measurement of forces between molecules and cells, advancing our understanding of cell biology.
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a bleeding disorder caused by platelet function defects. A rare case of HPS presents with gastroduodenal ulcers, which may be confused with bleeding due to the underlying platelet issue.
A new NASA-led study finds human-caused climate change has made significant impacts on Earth's natural systems, including permafrost thawing and plant blooming earlier across Europe. The study concludes that human-caused warming is resulting in a broad range of impacts across the globe.
A recent study by Patrick Kierkegaard suggests that there is limited scientific evidence linking video games to real-world aggression. In fact, research shows that violent video games have not led to an increase in violence but rather may have reduced it. The study's findings contradict previous work on the topic and highlight the need...
Researchers found that 22% of essential human genes are nonessential in mice, and this discrepancy affects waste management. The study's results suggest that efficient waste management became increasingly important as life span increased in humans, making certain genes more essential.
A mutated form of p53 can become stable in some cells, facilitating cancer formation and metastasis. Targeted therapies aimed at activating wild-type p53 may also stabilize mutant p53, disrupting their effectiveness.
Scientists have discovered conclusive evidence of Alzheimer's-like neurofibrillary brain tangles in an aged nonhuman primate, a breakthrough that could help understand why humans develop neurodegenerative diseases. The finding also paves the way for new treatments and therapies targeting beta-amyloid protein.
The USC Viterbi School has received a $4.3M DARPA grant to create continuously tunable optical delays for high-speed photonic data processing. This technology could enable accurate synchronization and multiplexing of photonic data streams, potentially revolutionizing data transmission and processing.
A University of Missouri researcher found that uniform and strict auditor enforcement is crucial for improving the quality of accounting, which in turn affects the global economy. The study suggests that countries with stronger investor protection and rigorous auditing have better financial reporting.
Researchers found black pigment stones significantly impair gallbladder contractility and ejection rate, leading to bile stagnation. This new understanding may shed light on the disease mechanism of gallstone diseases.
Researchers mapped large arc-shaped depressions on Jupiter's moon Europa, indicating a shift of 80° in its rotational axis. The findings suggest the presence of an internal liquid ocean, which could support life, and provide independent evidence for this possibility.
A new compound has been developed that targets the flap recognition pocket of the HIV-1 protease, inhibiting its activity. This mechanism is distinct from current protease inhibitors and holds promise for a new class of AIDS drugs with better drug-like properties.
Scientists have discovered ice core data showing low CO2 levels and methane fluctuations that match temperature curves. The findings provide insight into climate history and help develop models for future climate changes.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that Indianapolis street trees annually intercept 318.9 million gallons of rainfall, valued at $1.98 million, and reduce electricity use by over 6,447 megawatt hours, worth $432,000. The trees also improve air quality and increase property values.
A multicenter trial found that breast ultrasound combined with mammography detected more cancers than mammography alone in high-risk women. The study used over 2,800 participants, including 40 diagnosed with breast cancer, and showed that breast ultrasound is a cost-effective and non-invasive screening option.
Researchers have developed a genetic trial that can identify the sex of a fetus from the eighth week of pregnancy, surpassing previous methods which required waiting until the fourth or fifth month. The method has an effectiveness rate above 98% and is based on analyzing DNA found in a pregnant woman's plasma.
Researchers identified associations between genetic variants in genes controlling affiliative behaviors and social deficits in autistic children. The strongest findings implicate the prolactin gene, oxytocin receptor gene, and prolactin receptor gene.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created experimental solar cells with nanowires that show promise as efficient thin-film solar cells of the future. The new design increases electron transport and reduces recombination, leading to a significant boost in efficiency.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a receptor called ALK7 as crucial in regulating body fat deposition and insulin release from beta-cells. Removing the ALK7 receptor improves insulin release and decreases fat accumulation, suggesting potential new therapies for diabetes and obesity.
Queen's University Belfast has received a £900,000 grant to develop successor to the World Wide Web through Grid technology. This will provide huge processing power on tap for industry, commerce, and academic research.
Researchers are studying the effects of lunar dust on astronaut health in low-gravity environments. The study found that tiny particles can remain suspended in the airways and potentially cause lung damage for extended periods.
The report outlines the nature of Northern Ireland's productivity gap and presents potential policymaking solutions. Key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and business services are identified as areas for improvement to help halve the private sector productivity gap with the UK by 2015.
Researchers from UC Davis found that microstamping technology worked well for some guns, but poorly for others. The study tested six brands of semi-automatic handguns, two semi-automatic rifles, and a shotgun, and found varying levels of success depending on the weapon and type of code.
A study found that adding ultrasound to mammography for high-risk women increased cancer detection by 4.2 cancers per 1,000 women, while also increasing false-positive results by 10.4%. The diagnostic accuracy of combined screening was higher than mammography alone