Brown University has joined the Advancing Robotics Technology for Societal Impact (ARTSI) Alliance to develop outreach programs and provide mentoring opportunities for African-American students in computer science and robotics. The program aims to create pathways for minority students to pursue graduate degrees in computer science.
A UA-led team has received a $50 million grant to create a global center and computer cyberinfrastructure to address plant biology's grand challenge questions. The project will unite researchers from around the world to advance all fields of plant science.
A team at the University of Copenhagen discovered that people with blue eyes have a single common ancestor due to a genetic mutation in the OCA2 gene. This mutation resulted in reduced melanin production in the iris, effectively 'diluting' brown eyes to blue. Brown-eyed individuals exhibit more individual variation in their DNA.
A new strategy for designing drugs that target resistant viral strains has been discovered by Penn researchers. The M2 protein, located in the viral envelope, forms a long, narrow channel allowing protons to flow into the viral interior, an essential step for infection.
Researchers design a mathematical model to describe circumstances where generalists can endure and even thrive in what is typically expected to be a specialist-only society. The study's findings suggest that having individuals with diverse skills can safeguard against the possibility that specialists don't complement each other.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine developed an AMD animal model using oxidative chemicals, which closely represents the disease in people. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments and potentially a cure for age-related macular degeneration, affecting millions of Americans.
Global positioning systems technology can be used to study how children develop spatial awareness and orient themselves in the real world. The study found that children aged three years old could use environmental landmarks to guide their search, improving performance with larger test areas and different colored buckets.
A study found that eating apples, bananas, and oranges can protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The fruits' phenolic phytochemicals prevented neurotoxicity in neuron cells.
A new model predicts prostate cancer progression based on Gleason score and biomarker assessments, providing valuable information for patient management and treatment planning. The research has potential benefits for patients diagnosed with early prostate cancer.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new process to create freestanding nanofibers in complex shapes and unlimited lengths. The process uses rapid evaporation of solvent from simple
Researchers developed a new synthetic adhesive that mimics gecko toe hairs, allowing for directional adhesion on smooth surfaces. The adhesive is made from hard plastic microfibers that become stronger with use and can detach without residue.
David Mumford is recognized for his contributions to algebraic surfaces, geometric invariant theory, and the modern algebraic theory of moduli of curves and theta functions. His work has fundamentally changed algebraic geometry, laying the foundations for string theory in physics.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that newborn brain cells play a crucial role in spatial memory and learning. Genetically engineered mice with shut-down neurogenesis showed learning and memory deficits, but not complete loss of function.
A recent study published in The Prostate found that men with low zinc levels and high cadmium exposure had a 22% higher PSA level, indicating a higher risk of prostate cancer. Conversely, those with high zinc intake showed little evidence of an association between cadmium and PSA levels.
Researchers propose steps toward a solution, including technology assessments by independent organizations, to identify beneficial and safe devices. This would increase awareness among health professionals of new technologies' potential promise and pitfalls.
Researchers found that boiling water increases BPA release from polycarbonate bottles, with rates increasing 15-55 times faster than at lower temperatures. The study's findings suggest that cumulative environmental exposures may harm human health.
The iPlant Collaborative, a $50 million NSF grant, unites researchers from various plant biology fields to address 'grand challenge questions' with an all-encompassing computer- and internet-based infrastructure. The initiative also includes outreach materials for students and public education.
A recent UMass Medical School study found that over 80% of patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease do not improve their diet one year after diagnosis. The study used the Alternative Health Eating Index to assess dietary quality and found that only a small percentage of patients met recommended daily intake levels for fruits, veg...
Researchers identified duplicated genes HSD17B10 and HUWE1 as the trigger for intellectual disability. The study found that these genes produce excess protein, leading to mental retardation in individuals with X chromosome-linked mutations.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technique using DNA to assemble crystalline structures out of gold nanoparticles, resulting in materials with unique properties. The method allows for the creation of 'designer' materials with specific applications in fields like therapeutics and electronics.
A 0.5°C increase in sea surface temperature is associated with a 40% increase in hurricane activity and frequency in the tropical North Atlantic region. The research, conducted by University College London scientists, quantifies the link between sea surface warming and hurricane activity for the first time.
A study at Rush University Medical Center suggests that bubbles may regulate ion channel opening and closing, providing a vital piece of the molecular puzzle. This discovery has significant implications for treating diseases linked to malfunctioning ion channels, such as heart disease and cystic fibrosis.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory successfully created 3D crystalline structures of nanoparticles using DNA, opening doors for new applications. The method relies on the attractive forces between complementary DNA strands to guide nanoparticle interactions and produce ordered crystals.
Researchers discovered a rare doublet earthquake event near Japan, with two large quakes occurring over 60 days apart. The second quake was triggered by bending of the Pacific plate, shedding light on seismic dynamics and potential hazards in regions far from tectonic plate boundaries.
A hospital outbreak in Barcelona found that contaminated body moisturizer caused life-threatening infections in five critically ill patients. The bacteria Burkholderia cepacia was found to be present in the product, which had not been invaded after opening.
Researchers studied a diverted Death Valley stream to understand the effects of climate change on river flooding and erosion. The unique opportunity provided by the 1941 diversion allowed scientists to observe changes in the creek's behavior over time, revealing the impact of altered water flow on geological processes.
A mouse study reveals that erythropoietin keeps blood vessels alive and growing in the eye, but administering it at the wrong time may worsen diseases. The hormone's effects depend on timing, with early administration potentially slowing disease progression and late administration accelerating it.
Researchers used laboratory experiments and calculations to understand how thin tendrils of magma can persist in roiling fluids, forming hotspot volcanism. The study applies to both small-scale and large-scale geological features, providing insights into Earth's interior dynamics.
Researchers analyzed data from over 45,000 Medicare beneficiaries treated for AAA and found that EVAR has a lower mortality rate than open repair, with a significant benefit for elderly patients. While EVAR may require more reinterventions, the risks are balanced by late complications of open repair.
A new mechanism of HTLV-1-induced leukemia involves the reduction of histone protein levels, promoting genomic instability and cell division. This discovery suggests that Tax, a key viral protein, uncouples histone gene expression from cell cycle progression.
Children with autism typically have normal-sized heads at birth but experience accelerated head growth between six and nine months of age, according to a new study. This aberrant growth is present in both early onset and regression types of the disorder, making it a potential biological marker for autism.
Researchers are cataloging genes essential to parasitism in three types of parasitic plants, including broomrape, witchweed, and owl's clovers. The study aims to increase knowledge on the genomics of parasitism in plants and develop strategies to control devastating weeds.
A new study published in Social Science Quarterly reveals that religious women are less likely to obtain abortions compared to secular women. This is because religious women tend to lead more sexually conservative lifestyles, which reduces their likelihood of becoming pregnant before marriage and seeking an abortion.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that patients with poor disease-free survival had lower levels of specific microRNAs compared to those with better survival rates. The researchers hope that restoring these microRNAs could lead to improved treatment options for liver cancer patients.
A new study by American Society of Nephrology confirms that intensive insulin therapy (IIT) protects kidneys in critically ill patients, reducing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and death. IIT was found to be more effective in preventing AKI after surgery compared to medical ICU patients.
The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has received a $200,000 Rockefeller Foundation grant to assess veterinary health services in Indonesia and enhance the country's capacity to prevent and control infectious diseases shared by animals and people. The grant will support the expansion of a nationwide community-...
Men with prostate cancer who undergo radical prostatectomy experience significant urinary and sexual dysfunction, including incontinence and depression. Health-care practitioners must educate patients about these side effects to improve quality of life.
Researchers discovered that astatine-211 can kill residual cancer cells without harming sensitive brain tissue, leading to longer survival rates among patients. The isotope's potency and short lifespan make it a promising treatment option for brain tumors.
Researchers are studying how enzymes break down cellulose, a tough plant-based material. This study aims to develop a basic understanding of the mechanism and activity of these enzymes, which could lead to more efficient and economical production of cellulosic ethanol.
A study suggests government dietary guidelines, introduced in the late 1970s, may have had a negative impact on health due to limited scientific data. The researchers argue that without proper studies, such guidelines may be harmful and recommend more cautious direction.
Researchers discovered a genetic variant in the BCL11A gene associated with higher levels of fetal hemoglobin and milder beta-thalassemia symptoms. This finding has implications for developing targeted therapies to alleviate hemoglobin deficiencies in people with beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
Dr. Vivian Cheung, a pediatric neurologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, has been selected as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. Her research focuses on translating genetic discoveries into improved medical treatments by analyzing gene expression and its association with disease susceptibility.
A protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been found to activate AMPK, a key regulator of cellular energy balance, protecting the heart from injury during a heart attack. MIF may help identify individuals at higher risk for cardiac damage during a heart attack based on their genetic characteristics.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a novel porous structure that facilitates the delivery of bioactive cues, accelerating host tissue integration and new bone growth. This controlled-release approach reduces the need for high drug doses, offering a promising solution for orthopedic and dental implants.
Infants' bodies expel thimerosal mercury much faster than originally believed, suggesting no toxic build-up occurs. Researchers found nearly undetectable levels in urine samples, with most elimination via stools.
Researchers found that farming practices, such as liming and changes in tile drainage, are responsible for the majority of increased water and carbon dioxide in the Mississippi River. The study's findings highlight the significant impact of agricultural activities on the river's chemistry and ecosystem.
Researchers have developed a shoebox-sized device with the same capability as a full lab, offering huge savings to healthcare systems and improving patient care. The device can perform various genetic tests, including cancer diagnosis and virus detection, at an affordable cost of $100 Cdn.
A recent Smithsonian study reveals that widely used sediment prediction tools are failing to accurately forecast sediment delivery to the Chesapeake Bay. The researchers suggest a shift in focus towards understanding what happens near streams and during high-level stream events.
The January issues of Biophysical Journal feature studies on the ultra-fast biological motion of Vorticella, which contracts like a spring, and sequence-dependent variations in nucleosome stability. Researchers also explore the biomechanical perspective of vesicle transport regulation in cells.
Researchers suggest that unusual supernovae could confirm the existence of intermediate-mass black holes in globular clusters. The proposed mechanism involves tidal disruption of a white dwarf star by a black hole, causing explosive burning and a unique signature.
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Neil Bander will develop a novel nanomedicine for prostate cancer, targeting specific sites with high PSMA presence. The collaboration aims to create synergies in research and development, potentially reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness.
Researchers at CSHL used a new technique to measure neural responses in awake rats, finding that only 5% of neurons react strongly to specific sounds. This discovery may help explain how we focus on one sound amidst noise and could inform ways to improve sound learning.
A powerful new gene-networking model has been developed to identify disease-causing genes, allowing for faster and more efficient discovery. The technique was tested in nematode worms, where it identified new genes involved in tumor development and extended life span by 55 percent.
Researchers have developed a rapid and non-disruptive decontamination system that can kill anthrax spores in two to three hours without lingering effects. The system uses X-rays and ultraviolet-C light simultaneously to attack and destroy the bacteria, making it an improvement over existing methods.
A study comparing sirolimus-eluting and paclitaxel-eluting stents found no significant differences in heart attack or cardiac death rates among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. The use of drug-eluting stents may be safe for the general population, with low rates of serious adverse events at 18 months of follow-up.
A study found that severe asthma is characterized by air trapping and incomplete reversibility with bronchodilator treatment. This suggests a distinct physiological difference between severe and non-severe asthma, potentially leading to new treatment approaches.
A genetic study of 14,000 people found two genes, alpha 3 and alpha 5 nicotinic receptor subunits, to be associated with an increased risk of heavy smoking. The implicated DNA variants can be used to predict ability to quit using existing medications, potentially leading to more efficient treatment.
Researchers found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB play a crucial role in age-specific responses to stimulants. The study suggests that BDNF/TrkB might be used as a target for new treatments for childhood neuropsychiatric disorders or addiction.
Researchers at McMaster University found that exposure to nicotine in the womb impairs a baby's ability to respond to oxygen deprivation after birth. This impairment can lead to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Researchers used fMRI to show that cocaine-related images stimulate activity in the limbic system, a brain network involved in emotion and reward, even when subjects are unaware they've seen anything. The study suggests new drug treatment strategies by targeting the brain's sensitivity to conditioned drug cues.