Researchers at NIST discovered gold nanostars exhibit superior optical qualities for SERS, outperforming nanorods and nanospheres for enhanced signal detection. The team created gold nanostars using surface alterations and demonstrated their ability to amplify molecular signatures.
Astronomers have found that magnetic fields are essential for black holes to swallow matter. The variations in visible light and X-rays were found to follow a repeated pattern, indicating that strong magnetic fields store energy near the black hole.
A recently introduced polio vaccine is four times more effective at protecting children than previous vaccines, offering a potential path to eliminating type 1 polio in Nigeria. However, many more children need to be immunised against polio if the virus is to be eliminated.
Research conducted at the University of Illinois shows that children with ADHD demonstrate greater attention after a 20-minute walk in a park compared to similar walks in downtown or residential areas. The study found that even small doses of nature exposure can improve symptoms, suggesting a potential long-term benefit.
The diatom genome provides insights into its ability to trap excess carbon in oceans, potentially reversing climate damage. The study suggests that diatoms can convert fat into sugar and store nitrogen, making them a key player in the ocean's carbon cycle.
The Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL) has secured a three-year collaboration with Pfizer Australia, valued at over $1.1 million. The partnership aims to identify blood-based biomarkers for early diagnosis and test new disease-modifying therapies.
A new study found that providing in-state tuition subsidies increased the college enrollment and educational attainment of non-citizen Mexican young adults by 31% and 33%, respectively. This policy change can potentially improve future economic prospects, productivity, and contributions to the U.S. economy for undocumented youth.
A new MIT study suggests that young, hot planets like Earth could stay hotter for millions of years, making them detectable by current telescopes. This extended molten surface would increase the brightness of the planet in infrared light, reducing the contrast with its star and allowing for easier detection.
A new NYU study reveals that specific types of bacteria in the intestine trigger the generation of pro-inflammatory immune cells, which could lead to novel treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and other diseases. The finding adds to research showing that gut flora have a significant impact on human health.
A new study shows that a sensitive laser instrument developed at the Idaho National Laboratory can detect minuscule traces of cells in Martian minerals. The technique uses a 'point-and-shoot' laser method to preserve more of the rock and reduce contamination risk, with high sensitivity crucial for NASA's search for life on Mars.
A study published in Toxicological Sciences reveals a possible link between pet food contamination and baby formula contamination, with melamine and cyanuric acid identified as key contaminants. The research suggests that acidification of the urine may be a reasonable treatment option for victims.
EMBO has honored 59 leading life scientists from Europe and around the world with membership, including eight Associate Members. This recognition highlights the significant contributions of these researchers to the field of molecular life sciences.
The HORIZONS AMI trial found that bivalirudin significantly reduces all-cause death, cardiac death, and major bleeding in heart attack patients. The use of bivalirudin also resulted in a 31% reduction in 1-year all cause mortality.
BioTiger has shown a 50% improvement in separation of oil from sand particles within 4 hours and a five-fold increase at 25 hours. It also reduces energy costs and environmental impact by producing chemicals for industrial uses.
Researchers found that entrepreneurial outcomes and employment growth in US service industries respond differently to changes in state economic freedom. Some industries exhibit firm and employment growth as economic freedom rises, while others grow as it declines.
A study published in Cancer Research found that nicotine can promote breast tumor growth and metastasis by binding to nicotinic receptors on mammary cells. The researchers also discovered that nicotine potentiates tumorigenesis when combined with other factors.
Researchers discovered a hybrid dove species in Uganda with genes from both parental species, showing functional reproduction. The hybrids' coos are effective in attracting females and defending territories, suggesting they may continue to survive and multiply.
The IBEX spacecraft will conduct high-altitude orbits to investigate and capture images of the interstellar boundary, a region where the solar system meets interstellar space. The two-year mission will provide insights into the dynamic interactions between the hot solar wind and cold expanse of space.
A new study published in Neurology reveals that men with idiopathic intracranial hypertension are two times more likely to experience severe vision problems than women. The research suggests that men with this condition should have closer monitoring of their eyesight and potentially more aggressive treatment when vision loss is detected.
Researchers reveal Tiktaalik roseae's internal head skeleton, showing key intermediate steps in the transformation of the skull that accompanied the shift to life on land. The study demonstrates that the gradual transition from aquatic to terrestrial lifestyles required significant changes in the head and neck structures.
Researchers have created a new therapy for preventing heart failure by developing a highly selective drug that blocks the production of aldosterone. The compounds were synthesized and tested in cell cultures and rat models, showing promising results.
A comparative study reveals that school vouchers were more easily adopted in Sweden due to its efficient parliamentary coalition system, whereas the US federal government's divided power hindered adoption. The study shows how political institutions impact policy-making in education reform.
Researchers have identified a genetic signature in normal tissue surrounding liver tumors that can help predict patient recurrence. This finding has the potential to unlock biological information in millions of clinical samples previously inaccessible to genomic study.
A low-cost egg-beater-based centrifuge can separate plasma from blood in minutes, used to detect deadly infectious diseases common in developing countries. The device requires no training or electricity and can be sterilized with boiling water.
Research shows that recognizing local rights and tenure systems is cost-effective and can secure carbon credits, while indigenous communities prove to be good forest stewards. Poorly designed initiatives could fuel corruption and conflict.
A recent study by American Museum of Natural History scientists clarifies the evolutionary relationships among seven sea turtle species. The researchers found that specialized diets arose independently in three distinct groups of sea turtles, with flatback and green turtles being closely related despite their differing diets.
Researchers at NIST and JILA have created a tunable 'noiseless' amplifier that can significantly reduce uncertainty in delicate measurements of microwave signals. This amplifier could enable faster, more precise measurements in quantum computers and communications systems.
The SINAPSE project brings together six Scottish universities to advance research into conditions like strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. The collaboration will enable the sharing of state-of-the-art technology to film brain workings, leading to new discoveries for treating brain conditions.
A new report highlights the urgent need to tackle pneumococcal disease, a leading cause of death among children under five. The UK All-Party Parliamentary Group recommends increasing vaccine availability and healthcare system strengthening in developing countries to reduce child mortality rates.
CSIRO research scientist Dr John Bunton is to receive a NASA Space Act Board Award for his work on a novel 'beamformer' capable of providing a live video link from Mars. His design involves dividing video signal data into narrow channels and summing the data from all 400 antennas to reconstruct a broadband signal.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people who rely on their emotions during negotiations tend to make simpler and cleaner offers, but still achieve good outcomes. This suggests that emotional decision making may be both simpler and more lucrative than traditional calculation-based approaches.
A U.S.-led team of scientists will use advanced radar and seismic tools to explore the Gamburtsev Mountain range in Antarctica. They hope to determine how this massive mountain range formed, defying geological understanding, and whether it played a role in shaping the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
The minimally invasive endograft procedure enables doctors to fix the artery without making an incision, reducing blood loss and recovery time. This innovative approach has evolved treatment options for blunt aortic injury, stabilizing the injured artery and offering a life-saving option for patients with multiple traumatic injuries.
A study of 320 participants with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) found that they consumed a diet higher in unhealthy fats, protein, and cholesterol compared to those with less severe OSA. Women were more affected by these dietary habits, which may contribute to greater cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Physicists tested Einstein's prediction that matter and massless particles would behave the same under different conditions. The experiment, led by Indiana University astrophysicist Stuart Mufson, found no evidence of a violation of Lorentz invariance, confirming relativity's validity.
The University of Warwick is acquiring over 200 plastinated body parts from Germany for its medical school, a £400,000 investment in anatomy education. These specimens will be used by students to understand human anatomy and develop surgical skills.
A new computer program, developed by Krisztian Balog, uses digital trails to quickly and accurately identify missing persons within companies and organizations. The program combines generative language models with learning algorithms to recognize people and organizations in texts.
Scientists have solved the debate about the origin of a 3 billion-year-old rock fragment using a new X-ray technique, revealing it formed in the Earth's mantle at high temperatures. This discovery provides clues about the Earth's early history and internal processes, opening up new avenues for research on the planet's evolution.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a molecular checkpoint system in adult stem cells that prevents abnormal cell division, which can lead to cancer. The system detects misaligned centrosomes and stops cell division, preventing over-proliferation and tumor formation.
A Bayesian network model developed by Stefan Visscher distinguishes between patients with and without ventilator-associated pneumonia, predicting the probability of pneumonia, causative bacteria, and optimal antibiotics. The model uses electronic patient file data to enhance reliability and supports ICU physicians in making decisions.
Researchers found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels can indicate impending relapse in schizophrenia patients. BDNF levels may drop even before symptoms worsen, suggesting a potential biomarker for early intervention and treatment adjustment.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a novel self-healing system using a non-toxic food additive to restore damaged polymers. The new repair process, which mimics human wound healing, has achieved 100% healing efficiency in tests.
Estimating soil texture-by-feel is an important skill that impacts land-use decisions and various soil properties. The technique allows researchers to provide quick, reliable estimates of soil texture in the field.
Researchers found that consumers' self-view and the display surface a product rests on interact to affect perception. Display surfaces or merchandising can bolster or damage product perceptions, offering brands opportunities to shape shoppers' mindsets.
A study by Barkhuysen found that auditory and visual cues together are more effective than separate messages in conveying meaning. Facial expressions also play a crucial role in communication, as seen in the case of Margaret Thatcher who gave subtle signals when finishing speaking to avoid interruptions.
A new study published in Nature sheds light on the complex changes that occurred during the transition from aquatic to terrestrial lifestyles, including the evolution of limbs and internal head skeleton. The research reveals that Tiktaalik roseae, a transitional fossil, exhibits features of both fish-like and tetrapod characteristics.
The study delves into the Old Frisian compensation tariffs, which linked financial compensation to injuries and insults, preventing blood feuds. Nijdam's research reveals a unique body-centred model of honor that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the human body and surroundings.
Researchers used a new technique to study gene expression in stored liver tissue samples, identifying a tell-tale genetic profile that indicates likelihood of recurrence. The analysis revealed a characteristic gene expression signature in 186 genes that reliably correlated with high tumor recurrence rates.
Researchers used a new genetic screening method, MLPA, on children with autism spectrum disorders to identify known genetic causes of cognitive impairment. The study found efficient identification of well-known genetic disorders and novel genetic changes contributing to ASDs, such as microduplications in chromosomes 15 and 22.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified five new mutations in the ALK gene responsible for growth and survival signals in neuroblastoma cells. A small molecule inhibitor, TAE684, halted proliferation and brought on cell death in test cells with these mutations.
Scientists at NIST made precise measurements of nanotube concentrations for transparent conducting sheets, revealing the importance of uniform length for high-performance films. The study validated one theory, showing that longer nanotubes become electrically conducting at lower concentrations.
A new study predicts that a two-degree temperature increase could shrink kangaroo populations by 48% and lead to their possible extinction in northern Australia. Climate change is likely to affect habitats, particularly water availability, making it harder for kangaroos to adapt.
A new study found that office-based vision therapy by a trained therapist, along with at-home reinforcement, is more effective in treating convergence insufficiency (CI) in children than traditional home-based therapy. The treatment resulted in reduced symptoms and improved vision in nearly 75% of participants.
A new type of seed bank is proposed to gather wild species, capturing evolutionary responses to future changes in climate. This approach will allow detection of the results of calamitous changes and testing of evolutionary predictions.
The NIH is funding two new Biomedical Technology Research Centers to develop innovative imaging techniques for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. The centers will also create cutting-edge software for identifying and analyzing sets of interacting proteins that are important in various diseases, including cancer.
A clinical trial showed that drug-eluting stents are more effective than bare metal stents in reducing target lesion revascularization rates by 41% and binary restenosis by 56%. The use of drug-eluting stents also demonstrated comparable safety, with a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.
LMU Munich has awarded two Alexander von Humboldt professorships to international scientists Ulrike Gaul and Georgi Dvali, both experts in systems biology and cosmological particle research. The awards bring significant funding and attract top talent to the institution.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., which insures pensions of 44 million American workers and retirees, is facing a $14 billion shortfall that could soar as the economy shutters more businesses. Expert Jeffrey R. Brown predicts a government fix similar to the recent Wall Street bailout as the likely solution.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected five exceptional PhD students for the prestigious Hartford Doctoral Fellowship in geriatric social work. The program provides $50,000 dissertation grants and matching support to focus on dissertation research projects over two years.
Researchers at the University of Arizona and University of Queensland create a new form of matter called a Bose-Einstein condensate, which can spontaneously spin up into rotating vortices resembling microscopic quantum mechanical hurricanes. This phenomenon occurs when atoms in the gas cool to near absolute zero.