A new seismic model reveals that earthquakes at Mount St. Helens are caused by a resonating fluid-filled crack filled with steam, driving a small explosive eruption if the pattern is disturbed. This finding challenges the previous stick-slip model and provides a more detailed understanding of the volcano's behavior.
Researchers developed an optical technique using 'frequency combs' to detect biomarkers for diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The method simultaneously identifies tiny amounts of molecules in the breath with high precision.
A study found that 9.6% of US military personnel deployed to Afghanistan had contraindications to mefloquine use, highlighting the need for proper medical screening before prescribing. The research also noted a significant gender disparity, with females being twice as likely to have contraindications.
Researchers at Purdue University have determined how airborne contaminants are created when chlorine reacts with sweat and urine in indoor swimming pools. By analyzing swimming pool water, they identified the presence of organic volatile disinfection byproducts, which pose health concerns.
A study in Ethiopia found that biannual mass azithromycin treatment significantly reduced eye infections caused by chlamydia in preschool children, from 42.6% to 0.9%, compared to annual treatment, which reduced infections by 6-fold.
A new study by Buck Institute researchers finds that high levels of MAO-B enzyme in mice lead to Parkinson-like symptoms. The findings suggest that humans with high MAO-B levels may be at risk for the disease and could benefit from preventive treatment.
Researchers found that axonal CREB plays a key role in transmitting signals from the growth cone to the nucleus, ensuring neuron survival. This discovery sheds new light on neural development and may have implications for treating neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers argue that autistic savants' exceptional skills come at a cost in other aspects of processing, while animals process sensory inputs according to rules. This shared processing method is thought to be a specialized feature of the left hemisphere, common to both humans and nonhuman animals.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used human embryonic stem cells to generate neural cells that helped repair damage in the brains of rats and improved their physical abilities. The study showed promising results, with the transplanted cells forming only three families of neural cells and not forming tumors.
A recent survey of 202 neonatologists and pediatricians found that the US healthcare system does not place enough emphasis on or dedicate sufficient resources to preventive healthcare for preterm infants. The survey also revealed key differences in care practices among doctors with varying levels of experience.
Nanoparticles have been shown to enhance the performance and stability of liquids when exposed to electric fields, leading to potential applications in miniature camera lenses, cell phone displays, and other microscale fluidic devices. The findings could enable new types of heat transfer systems that don't require a pump.
Scientists at the University of Leicester have developed new Doppler ultrasound techniques to detect emboli, reducing intra-operative and post-operative stroke rates by 96% and 99.3%, respectively. The 30-day death/stroke rate has also fallen from 6% to 2.6%.
The University of Illinois has developed a free online collections management program called Archon, which provides easy-to-use tools for archivists. The program makes archival holdings more accessible to users, automatically creating searchable websites and allowing for efficient work processes.
A new technique developed by a University of Central Florida chemist will help physicians more quickly identify the bacterial infections patients have so they can be treated in hours instead of days. The method uses gold nanoparticles coated with a sugar and a protein that binds to sugars, allowing for rapid testing of antibiotics.
PCMOS chips compute differently by assigning voltage on a sliding scale, prioritizing values of user-defined importance, and reducing power consumption. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries and fields of research.
Researchers have detected significant amounts of copper in zinc oxide nanowires, a discovery that could help understand and manipulate the nanowires' optical and electrical properties. The study found that the copper increases visible light output but decreases ultraviolet emission.
The USDA is partnering with companies to promote healthier eating through MyPyramid, providing science-based nutrition plans. Companies can support families by distributing nutrition information or developing new products that encourage physical activity.
Researchers found that listening to music improved verbal memory and focused attention in stroke patients, with a 60% improvement in verbal memory three months after the stroke. Music also reduced depression and confusion in patients, suggesting its potential as an addition to clinical practice.
Researchers used fMRI scans to analyze how subjects' brains responded to TV ads, while also collecting their reported impressions. They found specific locations in the brain associated with familiar emotions like pleasure and excitement. The study aims to gauge human emotions directly through brain-scanning technology.
A new British hospital reduced its infection rate from 1% to 0.16% and length of stay by an average of five days, thanks to collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory developed a lensless X-ray technique that can image ultra-small structures buried in nanoparticles and biocells. The method uses high-intensity X-ray beams to create images with resolution of up to 20 nanometers, enabling research on material properties and biological processes.
Researchers developed gene therapy approach that attracts and 'trains' immune system cells to destroy deadly brain cancer cells, promoting long-term immunity and restoring normal brain function. The therapy shows promise as a potential treatment for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and deadly type of brain cancer.
The P2P-Next project aims to create a Europe-wide 'next-generation' internet television distribution system based on P2P technology, allowing audiences to stream and interact with live content. The research project will also explore community building around favorite content via a personalized system.
A long-term study found that middle-aged women who suffered physical or sexual abuse as children spent significantly more on healthcare costs. Women with an average age in their late 40s still suffer consequences from abuse that occurred decades ago.
Two groundbreaking technologies, a nano chemsensor unit (NCSU) and a variable emissivity film, have proven successful on NASA's MidSTAR-1 satellite. The NCSU can detect harmful chemicals and contaminants in space, while the film controls heat on spacecraft, reducing weight and power consumption.
Researchers found a significant increase in follicular adenoma risk among persons exposed to radioactive fallout from Chernobyl as children and adolescents. The study suggests exposure to radiation at young ages increases the risk, with women having a notably higher risk compared to men.
Patients experiencing in-hospital cardiac arrests at night or on weekends have a significantly lower chance of survival than those who arrest during weekday evenings. This is due to decreased detection and treatment effectiveness, potentially resulting from patient, staff, and hospital factors.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center found that hormone refractory prostate cancers are more invasive and likely to spread to other organs than androgen-dependent cancers. The study suggests that blocking overexpression of the androgen receptor could prevent cancer spread.
Geologists at the University of Leicester solved a 100-year-old mystery by analyzing the Burgess Shales rocks. They found that the rocks were instantly buried, preserving soft tissue in exquisite detail.
Scientists discovered microRNA-223, which controls the production and activation of granulocytes in the innate immune response. Absence of microRNA-223 increased tissue inflammation and damage.
A recent study documents various stigmatizing behaviors by health-care personnel towards HIV-positive patients, including lack of eye contact, disdainful voice tone, and providing substandard care. The study highlights the need for all health-care personnel to be mindful of their actions to prevent misunderstandings and hard feelings.
A new study shows that tumor blood vessels develop from precancerous stem cells, a type of cell that can become malignant. The findings suggest that screening anti-angiogenic drugs should include these cells to improve their effectiveness in blocking tumor growth.
Researchers developed a technology to spot insider threats using data mining techniques on email interactions. Individuals with latent interests in sensitive topics or those feeling alienated within the organization are potential threats.
A recent study published in Review of Accounting and Finance suggests that disaggregated bank earnings are more useful for investment decisions than aggregated earnings. Disaggregated earnings better predict next period earnings and stock prices, revealing their potential to improve credit and financing decisions.
The researchers have developed the first animal model of the chikungunya virus infection, which allows them to study the pathophysiology of the disease. The mouse model reveals that young age and inefficient type-I interferon signaling are risk factors for severe disease.
A University of Iowa study shows that poor women in Iowa are more likely to experience clinically significant postpartum depression than their wealthier counterparts. 40% of Iowa mothers with a household income less than $20,000 suffered from depression, compared to 13% of those with higher incomes.
Researchers at University of York characterize mechanism used by bacteria to evade the human immune system, using an 'invisibility cloak' to move about the body without risk of attack. The discovery of a novel enzyme and its role in capturing sialic acid offers hope for developing novel antimicrobials against these bacteria.
A simple surface treatment technique induces self-assembly of molecular crystals, improving performance and providing electrical isolation. This method enables the mass production of large arrays of organic electronic transistors on polymer sheets, opening up possibilities for flexible displays, intelligent paper, and biosensor arrays.
The Lunar Array for Radio Cosmology (LARC) project aims to explore the 'Dark Ages' of the universe when stars and galaxies first formed. The new telescopes will study cosmic background radiation and test current theories about the universe's formation.
Researchers used astronomy technology to develop a system that provides more precise images of single molecules tagged with nanoprobes, allowing for detailed information about molecular binding and gene sequences. The technology enables high-speed detection and identification of individual molecules at nanometer resolution.
Researchers found that mildly obese men's PSA scores were fourteen percent lower than normal-weight men, while moderately and severely obese men had 29 percent lower PSA values. The study highlights the need to reconsider PSA threshold values for heavier patients to ensure timely diagnosis.
A new aluminum-rich alloy developed by Purdue University engineers can produce hydrogen on-demand for vehicles, power generation, and other applications, reducing costs and environmental impact. The technology is made possible by the controlled microscopic structure of the solid aluminum and gallium-indium-tin alloy mixture.
A new study found that young children in impoverished regions are disproportionately affected by cholera. The study, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, reveals the African site had the highest incidence of cholera, with vaccination and improved water supply considered immediate strategies.
Researchers at the MUHC have identified HSP90 as a promising therapeutic target for ocular melanoma. By targeting this protein, it is possible to disrupt multiple cellular functions and block cancer cell reproduction, leading to tumour regression.
Researchers suggest that minocycline can limit Japanese Encephalitis (JE) death by reducing neuronal death, microgliosis, and viral titre. The study found that treatment with minocycline provides complete protection against experimental JE, improving behavioral outcome as well.
Research highlights the importance of social support and accurate information for menopausal women in rural areas, who often struggle to access reliable healthcare. Trained nurses and female community leaders can play a key role in building local support networks and providing comprehensive care.
A study of acute kidney failure treatments found that intermittent hemodialysis and continuous kidney replacement therapy have similar clinical outcomes. No significant difference was seen in the risk of death or chronic dialysis treatment between the two therapies.
Research on loggerhead turtles reveals significant levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) causing liver damage and immune system suppression. Exposure to PFCs may pose a similar risk to humans, with potential for immunocompromise.
Researchers at NIST, NCI, and SAIC developed a new method for detecting HER2 breast cancer using chicken immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibody tagged with quantum dot. This approach improves the detection of HER2 biomarker by 40-50% compared to existing tests.
New analysis suggests SARS originated in bats, not palm civet cats as previously thought. The study reveals humans were the source of the virus found in those animals, contrary to earlier findings.
A super-sensitive mini-sensor developed at NIST can detect nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in tiny samples of fluids flowing through a novel microchip. This technology has wide application as a sensitive chemical analyzer for rapid screening to find new drugs.
A study at NYU and Weizmann Institute of Science identified brain activation patterns linked to long-term memories by simulating everyday experiences. The researchers found activity in new areas, including the temporal pole, STG, mPFC, and TPJ, which have been implicated in social cognition.