Researchers have developed a shirt that harnesses energy from the wearer's motion to power portable devices, generating up to 80 milliwatts of power per square meter of fabric. The technology, called the piezoelectric effect, converts mechanical stress into electrical energy.
Scientists from University of Chicago Medical Center report that moving active genes to nucleus periphery can silence them, preventing transcription. This novel form of gene regulation involves attachment to inner nuclear membrane, blocking transcription through proteins residing on the membrane.
Researchers develop fiber-based nanogenerators that harness energy from physical movement, generating up to 80 milliwatts of power per square meter of fabric. The devices use piezoelectric and semiconducting properties of zinc oxide nanostructures to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy.
Researchers at UNC School of Public Health found that noroviruses mutate genetically, similar to the flu virus. This discovery suggests a vaccine may be possible to prevent norovirus infections.
The Elsevier Foundation has awarded grants to thirteen institutions worldwide to promote innovation in developing countries and the academic workplace. The awards support initiatives that improve access to scientific information, develop information resources, and balance childcare responsibilities for early-career scholars.
Researchers found that Group Health patients who regularly used their SilverSneakers benefit experienced significantly fewer inpatient admissions and lower total health care costs. Regular physical activity can help prevent falls, heart attacks, and diabetes complications.
The GLAST observatory will explore extreme environments and search for new laws of physics, with a scheduled May 16 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket's first stage has arrived at the space station, joining the second stage and solid rocket motors.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have solved the structure of p300/CBP, a gene regulator implicated in deadliest cancers. The breakthrough reveals how p300/CBP regulates a wide variety of genes and enables the development of targeted cancer therapies.
India is experiencing a devastating tobacco-related disease crisis, with approximately 1 million deaths expected each year from 2010 to 2019. The study reveals that smoking causes nearly one in five male deaths and one in twenty female deaths at ages 30-69.
Two new dinosaurs, Kryptops and Eocarcharia, provide insight into an earlier stage in the evolution of Cretaceous Period's bizarre meat-eaters. They had distinctive adaptations for eating fresh meat, including short snouts and jaws designed for gnawing on carcasses.
The Great Ape Trust of Iowa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Universitas Nasional in Jakarta, Indonesia, to enhance academic cooperation and conserve Sumatran orangutans. The partnership will provide opportunities for students from around the world to study rapidly disappearing orangutans in the wild.
The winners of the 2008 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books include four children’s science picture book authors and illustrator, and three young adult science book authors. The prize promotes science literacy by recognizing authors who convey the excitement of science in ways that engage young minds.
Researchers found that smokers with a CETP gene defect are at higher risk of an early onset of heart disease due to decreased HDL levels. Smokers who carry this variant experience a heart attack around age 52, while those without it have similar risks as non-smokers.
Researchers at Penn discovered that a bacterial toxin from Staphylococcus aureus can shut down the control mechanism of an ion channel in immune cell membranes, suppressing the immune response. This finding suggests that identifying inhibitors of the toxin may lead to new therapies for treating MRSA and other resistant infections.
Researchers at the University of Granada have found that maslinic acid, a compound present in olive skin wax, has anti-cancer properties. The compound regulates cell growth and is selective in its action on carcinogenic cells.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Nursing found that giving birth to a boy can lead to higher levels of severe post-natal depression (PND) and reduced quality of life than having a girl. Women who gave birth to boys reported lower quality of life scores, even without PND.
Researchers found that HIV persists in the gut despite long-term antiretroviral therapy, which failed to eradicate the virus from gut-associated lymphoid tissue. B-cell abnormalities also persisted, with memory B cells failing to recover after treatment.
The debut issue of Foot & Ankle Specialist features a 3-step treatment plan for patients with diabetic foot infections, recommending tissue removal followed by comprehensive assessment and restructuring. This approach can help prevent limb loss, enabling practitioners to provide the best current diagnosis and therapy.
Research found that DDT's main metabolite, p,p'-DDE, disrupts hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells by opposing the androgen signalling pathway. This suggests a new mechanism for breast cancer progression, potentially favouring tumour growth in women.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that UK medical graduates from different schools perform significantly differently on national exams. The researchers argue that a national licensing exam is needed to standardize the training of doctors. The results showed that some medical schools teach skills not assessed by current exams.
Climate scientist James Hansen receives AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility for his outspoken advocacy on human influence on global climate. The award recognizes his efforts to protect the public's health and safety by communicating openly with the public about critical research findings.
A new study by the National Institutes of Health found that a stent designed to open clogged brain arteries was successfully deployed in nearly all cases and reduced arterial blockage, but long-term benefits compared to medical treatment alone were inconclusive. A large-scale randomized trial is expected to provide definitive results.
A University of Alberta study analyzing over 275,000 individuals found that different factors influence participation in physical activity. Walking was the most common form of exercise, with older adults more likely to participate.
Burton Richter, a Nobel laureate in physics, has been awarded the 2007 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his outstanding contributions to research and public policy. The prize recognizes his work on energy and sustainable development, as well as his tireless advocacy for sound science in American government.
Researchers have identified a remarkably well-preserved fossil of the most primitive bat species known to date, Onychonycteris finneyi. The discovery reveals that bats evolved the ability to fly before developing echolocation, providing conclusive evidence for this evolutionary order.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a genetic process that boosts an organism's natural anti-virus defences by knocking out genes repressing interferon production in mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-viral therapies in humans, providing a potential solution to combat viral pandemics.
Carlos Castillo Chavez has been honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his efforts to help underrepresented students earn doctoral degrees in the sciences. Through his summer research program, he has mentored numerous Hispanic Americans and Native Americans to graduate programs.
A new computer model, developed by University of Illinois ecologist Adam Davis, aims to predict the most effective biological control agent for reducing garlic mustard populations in temperate forests. The model uses simulation dynamics and testing protocols to identify a tiny weevil as a promising candidate.
A recent study reveals that dissolved organic carbon in Alaskan arctic rivers is remarkably labile during the spring flood period, challenging the prevailing paradigm. This finding suggests that riverine inputs of DOC may have a larger influence on coastal ocean biogeochemistry than previously realized.
A new study by Markus Giesler explores the seven-year conflict between music downloaders and corporate executives, revealing a four-act drama of market evolution. The research identifies a fundamental cultural tension between utilitarian and possessive ideals, influencing consumer behavior and producer statements.
Researchers found that when new products are released, consumers focus on the company's brand and perceptions. In contrast, when products have already been launched, evaluations are based solely on the brand's strength. This study reveals the importance of considering temporal frames in consumer research.
Scientists unveil Velafrons coahuilensis, a massive duck-billed dinosaur from Mexico's Cerro del Pueblo Formation. The discovery provides valuable insights into the region's ecosystem and mass death events, challenging previous understanding of West America's Late Cretaceous history.
A study found that prior knowledge can make it difficult for consumers to learn and recognize other positive qualities indicated by the same cues. The researchers used cheese tasting to explore this phenomenon, known as 'protection of prior learning.' The findings have important implications for marketers, policy makers, and consumers.
A new portable detection system developed by PNNL can accurately detect toxic lead and other heavy metals in blood, urine, and saliva samples. The device is field-deployable, battery-operated, and provides quicker results than current state-of-the-art mass spectrometry systems.
New research suggests the Americas were colonized by approximately 1,000-5,000 people, with a 20,000-year layover in Beringia, where population size remained relatively stable. This three-stage colonization model provides a more complex scenario than previous theories, shedding light on the timing and scale of the initial migration.
A study found that only 38% of US medical schools have adopted conflicts of interest policies covering financial interests held by the institution, while most have policies in place for individual officials. The gaps in coverage highlight the need for continued attention to address these challenges.
Scientists develop micro-scale tool to study how nerve cells in the brain work together, providing insights into growth and signaling molecules. The 'lab on a chip' system helps researchers understand complex interactions between neurons and their environment.
Researchers find that watching someone eat a snack will cause you to also eat more of it, while mimicked posture and speech lead to higher ratings and increased consumption. The study suggests that mimicry has the potential to be a valuable tool in interpersonal persuasion.
Researchers found that a tropical rainforest bird uses different song features to signal species identity and individual information, tailored to the environment's acoustic properties. The study suggests efficient local communication networks are established in the habitat.
Researchers at UW are testing a pilot project involving dozens of volunteers wearing electronic tags to track their location and belongings in the six-story building. The study aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of RFID technology, including data privacy and personal space concerns.
Researchers at Schepens Eye Research Institute found that blocking VEGF can damage the cell lining preventing fluid from leaking into the brain. This may contribute to Avastin's neurological side effects in humans.
A 20-year review of studies found that active fathers reduce behavior problems in boys and psychological issues in young women. Regular positive contact also enhances cognitive skills like intelligence and language development.
Researchers identify the first protein to activate G-protein signaling from within a cell, opening up new pathways for drug development. The discovery of Arr4 could lead to more selective and effective medications with fewer side effects.
Patients with larger social networks report less pain and anxiety before surgery, which can positively impact their recovery. Clinicians should be aware of the link between social networks and patient recovery after major operations.
A team of psychologists found that people's emotional desire for a mate leads them to believe there are fewer desirable partners available, even when the numbers are equal. This 'value heuristic' affects judgmental decisions in everyday life and can sometimes lead to unrealistic assumptions about reality
A study found that breast cancer survivors, especially older women, are at a greater risk of dying from non-cancer causes than from breast cancer. Factors such as pre-existing diseases like heart disease and osteoporosis are associated with this increased risk. The researchers also found that women with cancer cells in the lymph nodes ...
A new study finds that eating a diet low in fat and red meat, but high in vegetables and lean protein, may significantly decrease the risk of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This association is likely due to reduced inflammation and changes in steroid hormones.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HPV-positive head and neck cancer patients have higher response rates to chemoradiation therapy and better two-year overall survival rates compared to HPV-negative patients.
A new clinical trial at Thomas Jefferson University aims to test the effectiveness of radioembolization using radiation-emitting beads in treating advanced liver cancer. The treatment, which blocks blood supply and emits targeted radiation, has shown promise in shrinking tumors and improving patient survival.
A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy has been shown to provide dramatic relief from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children, with 80-90 percent experiencing significant improvement. The surgery can lead to a profound positive effect on children's quality of life.
A study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) often misperceive their risk of recurrence or dying from breast cancer, due to elevated anxiety. This can lead to poor treatment choices and negatively impact emotional well-being and health behaviors.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a treatment for prostate cancer using the Newcastle Disease virus. The virus targets specific proteases secreted by cancer cells, generating apoptosis and killing diseased cells. This is a promising new approach to fighting cancer.
A recent study reveals that many US medical schools lack comprehensive policies addressing conflicts of interest related to financial interests of the institution itself or major officials. The study suggests that institutions may need additional support in addressing this issue, and raises questions about the effectiveness of existing...
Recent decades have seen a significant shift in oil palm research, with an increasing focus on the environment and biofuel production. However, biodiversity assessments remain scarce, particularly for insect species that carry out key ecosystem functions.
A team of scientists has successfully derived functional immune system blood cells from embryonic stem cells using HOXB4 protein. The study showed that the transplanted cells were able to respond effectively to viruses and vaccines, demonstrating a promising new approach for patients with severe blood and immune disorders.
A new study contradicts a prevailing belief about otoacoustic emissions, revealing they travel through fluid in the inner ear rather than rippling along the basilar membrane. The findings offer insight into hearing loss and could lead to the development of tools to detect damage.
A study found that women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) have overly optimistic views of their risk of recurrence and invasive breast cancer. Anxiety levels decreased over time, but depression remained low. Clinicians should be aware of these inaccurate perceptions to minimize distress.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that desire to weigh less was more predictive of unhealthy days than BMI, particularly among Whites and women. The study suggests social constructs surrounding ideal body types contribute to the obesity epidemic.
Using breast shields during pediatric chest MDCT reduces radiation dose and minimally increases image noise. The study found that shielding alone reduced the dose by 26%, while combining shielding with automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) reduced it by 52%.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that Sept. 11 terrorism-related thoughts and fears are associated with increased psychological distress and alcohol abuse in Americans. The study measured the effect of macro-level sociological stressors on mental health, four years after the attacks.