Researchers have built a proto-prototype nano assembler, a microscopic device capable of constructing nano machines. The NIST system uses micro-scale nanomanipulators to assemble complex structures on a small scale, with the potential for real-time imaging and low-cost production.
Researchers analyzed genomic data to reveal the evolution of rickettsial genomes and their diversity. The study provides an ideal resource for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for Rickettsia diseases.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected ten faculty members to join the Hartford Faculty Scholars Program, which aims to improve health and care for older adults. The researchers will focus on topics such as caregiving, mental health, and aging in different cultures.
Research suggests that diabetes medications thiazolidinediones may increase the risk of fractures, particularly hip and wrist fractures. The study found a double or tripled risk for patients taking these drugs for 12-18 months, highlighting the need for further confirmation through additional studies and clinical trials.
Dr. Krishna P.C. Madhavan has received a $511,824 NSF CAREER Award to investigate how virtual environments can enhance learning outcomes for engineering students. His research aims to bridge the gap between advanced engineering research and curricula, creating highly adaptive learning experiences.
A new analysis found that children who attend daycare have a 30% lower risk of developing childhood leukemia. The study, which combined results from multiple studies, suggests that early exposure to infections may provide protection against the disease.
Researchers at CSIRO have identified a new class of alpha-hydroxy polyacetylenic fatty acids with self-assembling and anti-microbial properties. These discoveries could lead to innovative applications in industries such as agriculture, chemistry, and biotechnology.
A study in the Ivory Coast found that involving male partners in prenatal screening and HIV prevention increased acceptance of testing among women. Psychosocial support during key moments improved handling of the infection, while male partner involvement led to a significant increase in women agreeing to testing.
A study comparing English-speaking and Indonesian-speaking children found that polysemous words like 'animal' in English hindered their precision in identifying the scope of biological concepts. In contrast, Indonesian-speaking children exhibited little trouble distinguishing between plants and animals.
A novel cell therapy using retinal pigment epithelial cells attached to gelatin bead microcarriers has shown promising results in patients with moderate to advanced Parkinson's disease. The therapy, Spheramine, has been well-tolerated and has improved symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and balance issues for several years.
A study explores the causes of diagnostic errors in medicine, revealing that overconfidence and complacency are major contributing factors. The research suggests developing systems to provide physicians with better feedback on their own errors can help reduce misdiagnoses.
Researchers identified adult stem cells in the pituitary gland of mice that can adapt to traumatic stress or normal life changes. These cells are distinct from embryonic stem cells and have a more limited repertoire, but still play a crucial role in maintaining the organ's function.
A new system of smart buoys installed along Massachusetts Bay's busy shipping lanes is helping to reduce collisions between right whales and ships. The buoys recognize the whales' distinctive calls and provide real-time warnings to ships, allowing them to avoid deadly encounters.
Psychologists at the University of Leicester and Exeter discovered that most individuals act in their team's best interest, often sacrificing personal benefits. The study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, tested two theories on human behavior: classical game theory and team reasoning theories.
A systematic review published in PLoS Medicine identified a need for standardized measurements in pediatric clinical trials due to the lack of parent and child involvement in selecting outcomes. The study found that only three groups asked parents about the outcomes, while none involved children directly.
A JAMA study found that hemoglobin-based blood substitutes are associated with a 30% increased risk of death and a 2.7 times increased risk of heart attack in patients. The researchers argue for stricter regulations on the development of these products to prevent future safety concerns.
A new study finds that relying on animal experiments to develop treatments for spinal cord injuries is hindered by significant extrapolation challenges, with only a small percentage of promising agents translating to humans. The review calls for the development of new research techniques to address this issue.
A new Northwestern University study found people in African American communities on Chicago's South and West Side have a five times higher rate of lower limb amputations than predominantly white suburbs. The high rate is linked to lack of access to primary care, diabetes management programs, and specialty care.
Dr. Milan Fiala has received the 2008 Alzheimer Award for his work on phagocytosis of amyloid-beta and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. His research suggests that the immune system's failure to clear waste products from the brain is a key contributor to the disease.
Researchers found that those with secure high self-esteem are less verbally defensive than those with fragile high self-esteem. Those with fragile high self-esteem compensate for their self-doubts by defending themselves, which is linked to lower psychological well-being and life satisfaction.
The discovery of the precise peeling force of nanotubes could lead to the creation of new composite materials, medical devices and industrial applications. Researchers used atomic force microscopy to measure the forces and found that the nanotubes lift off unevenly due to van der Waals forces.
A study of 121,700 women found that postmenopausal hormone therapy is associated with a higher risk of stroke, even in younger women taking hormones near menopause. The risk was strongest for those taking larger doses and longer durations of hormone therapy.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a novel technology that illuminates the lungs, enabling clinicians to identify functional damage and diseases. The technique uses hyperpolarised noble gases to produce high-resolution images, shedding new light on lung conditions such as emphysema and cystic fibrosis.
A recent MIT study estimated that Americans contribute more than twice as much greenhouse gas to the atmosphere as those living in other countries, regardless of income level. The study found that a homeless person and a Buddhist monk had the lowest carbon footprints at around 8.5 tons and 10.5 tons per year, respectively
Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger have won the 2008 Green Book Award from Stevens Institute of Technology’s Center for Science Writings for their book Break Through, which critiques environmentalism. The authors argue that green activists should recognize the potential of economic development and technological innovation to help o...
A NASA satellite mission led by MIT Professor Dara Entekhabi will provide global soil moisture data, essential for accurate weather forecasts and understanding the global carbon cycle. The Soil Moisture Active-Passive mission (SMAP) aims to create a new perspective on how water, energy, and carbon cycles work together.
The UM Rosenstiel School students' innovative sustainable aquaculture concept, focusing on producing and selling valuable bait fish, has been recognized as a top prize winner. The students took home $8,000 for their project, which aims to promote environmentally friendly fishing practices.
Researchers have identified genes that can cause enlarged hearts and kidney inflammation, leading to heart attacks and kidney failure. Understanding these genetic links may lead to new treatments for common heart diseases.
Researchers at the University of Granada have developed new techniques combining technologies from different scientific fields to immediately classify Iberian pig meat. The methods use morphometry and spectral reflectance to accurately quantify intramuscular connective tissue and muscle fibers, with a success rate over 97%.
Researchers at MUHC identified 163 genes correlated with patient outcome, including a panel of 26 specific genes that can accurately predict clinical outcome. The study provides a promising diagnostic tool for breast cancer patients.
Researchers found that people can develop a general negative mood followed by a specific emotion after quick exposure to emotional stimuli. The study's results support the theory that humans should be able to detect specific emotion-evoking information automatically.
Scientists have discovered a natural feedback system that kept carbon dioxide levels in check before fossil fuels. The system, linked to mineral breakdowns, regulates the carbon cycle and prevents runaway greenhouse conditions. Human emissions have recently overwhelmed this delicate balance.
Researchers found that wanting what you have contributes to happiness, but only up to a point. Having what you want also brings happiness, but in moderation. The key to true happiness lies in appreciating the possessions you already own and managing desires for more.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that young women taking phenytoin for one year experienced significant bone loss compared to those on other epilepsy medications. Women taking phenytoin lost an average of 2.6% bone density in the femoral neck, a risk factor for fractures after menopause.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered aggregates of red and white blood cells in patients with sickle cell disease. These clumps may play a role in blocking small blood vessels, causing sudden painful episodes.
Australian researchers have achieved a major advance by accumulating 30% of an unusual fatty acid (UFA) in the model plant Arabidopsis. This breakthrough could lead to the production of biofactories capable of producing oils for replacing petrochemicals used in plastics, paints, and cosmetics.
Researchers reconstructed ancient Cambrian and recent food webs, showing strong similarities in feeding relationships among marine species. These findings suggest that network structure of food webs may have become established during the initial explosion of animal life, providing insights into modern ecology.
A new study at Cornell University has created the first nanoscale image of soil, revealing an incredible variety of known compounds. The research sheds light on the chemical processes that cycle organic matter in soil, which is crucial for understanding climate change.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a low-temperature, catalyst-free method for growing copper nanowires, suitable for integration into electronic devices. The copper nanowires can serve as interconnects and electron emitters in field-emission displays, which could lead to longer-lasting displays.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded Hartford Doctoral Fellowships to four PhD students researching aging and social work topics, including cognitive function, diabetes health disparities, late life depressed mood, and stress-coping models. The fellowships support dissertation research over two years with $50,000 grants pl...
Christopher Hoffman has been awarded a prestigious $70,000 AMS Centennial Fellowship to continue his research on probabilistic models from statistical physics. He will focus on stochastic growth processes at the Institut Mittag-Leffler and Centre de Recherches Mathematiques.
A new study has identified a human protein that can be targeted to block HIV infection, offering a potential breakthrough in the fight against AIDS. By inactivating this protein, called interleukin-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK), researchers have found that HIV's ability to infect and replicate within immune cells is slowed or blocked.
Researchers used PET scanning to track salvinorin A distribution in primates' brains, finding a peak concentration within 40 seconds. The drug's effects were localized to the cerebellum and visual cortex, causing psychoactive effects with just 10 micrograms.
A recent discovery of the greater white-toothed shrew in Ireland raises concerns about ecological impact and control. The introduction is believed to have occurred recently, with seven individuals trapped in four locations in Tipperary, marking a rare event for the country.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that African-American patients with chronic kidney disease continue to lose kidney function despite strict blood pressure control. The study suggests that treating CKD in this population may require a more comprehensive approach, considering other factors beyond just blood pressure.
Researchers have gained insight into the way Cyanothece, a cyanobacterium, regulates its physiological processes through its circadian rhythm. The study found that genes governing vital processes like energy metabolism and nitrogen fixation cycle on and off with changing light and dark periods.
Researchers from NC State University have made significant advancements in understanding how light interacts with matter at the atomic scale. Their work could lead to faster and more energy-efficient computers by improving the analysis of materials' bonding properties.
A new study found that women taking osteoporosis medication alendronate are at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The researchers estimated that approximately 3% of new atrial fibrillation cases may be attributed to alendronate use.
Researchers have identified 19 proteins and enzymes targeted by nitric oxide in Kalanchoe pinnata, affecting seed germination, photosynthesis, sugar metabolism and disease resistance.
Indigenous Polynesian populations face higher cancer mortality rates due to factors like smoking, obesity, and limited access to screenings. Screening programs for breast cancer cover less than half of Pacific women compared to European New Zealanders.
A new study published in Carbon Balance and Management found that the link between carbon cycle and human-induced emissions may only be relevant for several centuries. The research suggests that even weak but continuing emissions can lead to eventual saturation of climate-carbon cycle feedback, regardless of when emissions peak.
A team of scientists has identified new non-histone targets for a protein methyltransferase enzyme, expanding our understanding of epigenetic regulation in cells. The discovery broadens the view on methyltransferases and indicates that epigenetic gene regulation is more complex than previously thought.
A recent Australian study found that part-time and casual work among new mothers has a significantly negative impact on breastfeeding rates, almost as big as returning to full-time work. The lack of paid maternity leave and workplace support for breastfeeding are cited as major factors contributing to this finding.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to restore vision in three young adults with a rare form of congenital blindness. The study showed significant improvements in visual acuity and sensitivity to light, setting the stage for further studies.
Researchers have created a new technique for diagnosing malaria that could be as effective as current rapid diagnostic tests but far faster and cheaper. The method uses magneto-optic technology to detect haemozoin, a waste product of the malarial parasite, in blood samples.
Scientists have developed a new technique to study neurons in three dimensions, allowing for faster analysis of neuronal activity and interactions. This breakthrough uses a fast-moving laser beam and multi-photon microscopy to provide a more detailed understanding of neuron function.
A study found that minimally invasive robotic bypass surgery reduces hospital stays, complications, and costs for patients, particularly those at high risk. The procedure also shows better long-term results in bypass graft patency, providing quality of life benefits.
The United States Distance Learning Association honored WebCampus with the prestigious award for its exceptional online distance learning practices. With over 14,000 students from 44 states and 42 countries, WebCampus has established itself as a leader in the industry.
Scientists have detected polarized glow in Northern Lights, revealing clues to the composition of Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetic field configuration. The phenomenon also offers a way to determine magnetic field configurations on other planets.
Scientists have identified a region on human chromosome 1 that contributes to elevated blood triglyceride levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Three genes, angiopoietin-like 3, leptin receptor, and sterol carrier protein 2, are promising candidates for further study.