A new instrument, MTDEM, uses induction to generate electrical currents in the ground, detecting subsurface water on Mars. The system has potential to find habitable zones for microbes and unlock secrets of Mars' ancient surface.
A new study by University of Arizona professor Alexandra Kalev shows that employee involvement programs can increase both quality and diversity at the same time. Self-directed work teams and cross-training programs are found to give women and minorities more opportunities for career advancement.
Researchers discovered that variation in the same gene affects disease resistance in both humans and baboons, with 60% of Amboseli baboons infected with a malaria-like parasite. The findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of differences in vulnerability to infection.
New Cornell University research links 1908 Tunguska explosion to comet entry, supported by NASA space shuttle exhaust plume. The study reveals a possible connection between the two events through noctilucent clouds, which are the Earth's highest clouds forming at high altitudes and in extremely cold temperatures.
Agriculture is expected to see an increase in supply and demand, leading to higher real prices for grain and oilseeds. The rising trend of corn and soybean yields in major production areas, combined with new technologies and genetic improvements, will contribute to this growth.
B cells in every cell carry genes necessary to function, but only a small proportion matures into immune-system cells. Two chromatin remodeling complexes work in opposing directions to control epigenetic changes allowing for B-cell development.
A genetic glitch called copy number variation in a single chromosome is associated with neuroblastoma. Researchers have identified this link, which could lead to the development of targeted therapies for the disease.
A recent study found that American over-65s scored significantly better than their English counterparts in a memory and awareness test. Higher levels of education and lower levels of depressive symptoms in the US may have contributed to this difference, while aggressive cardiovascular disease treatment in England could be a factor.
A UCLA study found that miniscule levels of carbon monoxide during pregnancy cause permanent brain damage in fetuses. The exposure level was established as safe by Cal/OSHA but still led to oxidative stress and protein loss.
Researchers have developed a specific and quantitative method to measure FMRP protein levels, which is mutated in fragile X syndrome. This test will help correlate protein levels with clinical severity of the disease.
Researchers have identified a crucial role of the Foxp2 gene in human language development using a mouse model. The study found that alterations in this gene are closely linked to speech and language ability, and that it plays a significant role in various organ systems.
Almost half of older kidney transplant candidates (over 60) will die before receiving a transplant due to increased wait times. Researchers urge these patients to consider live-donor options to improve survival chances.
The study found that US seniors performed significantly better than their English counterparts in cognitive function, with a decade of ageing equivalent between the two groups. Lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher prevalence of hypertension among US adults may have contributed to this advantage.
A new study by researchers at the University of Georgia suggests that drought conditions in an area's fall and winter may lead to a statistically significant reduction in tornado activity during the following spring. In contrast, wet autumns and winters were found to have nearly twice as many spring tornado days as drought years did.
Researchers found a coffee extract can prevent malodorous bacteria from causing bad breath, contradicting the common assumption that coffee leads to bad breath. The team tested different brands of coffee and found some components that inhibit bacterial odor production.
Researchers at Duke University have found that variation in a single gene influences baboons' susceptibility to a closely related parasite, similar to its impact on humans. The study's findings provide a unique example of how the same genetic mechanism can confer resistance to different parasites.
Research reveals hypnosis induces disconnection of motor commands from normal voluntary processes through executive control and self-image circuits. The study used fMRI to test neural effects of hypnotic paralysis on brain activity, finding enhanced activation of the precuneus region involved in memory and self-imaging.
A new study suggests that transferring heart attack patients to specialized hospitals for angioplasty within six hours after clot-busting drugs significantly improves outcomes, reducing repeat heart attacks and serious cardiac complications by 36%. Patients who received earlier angioplasty also had lower rates of chest pain and second ...
A new drug combination, nifurtimox-eflornithine therapy (NECT), has shown to be non-inferior to the best current treatment in curing sleeping sickness and is better tolerated, with fewer major adverse events. NECT's safety advantages and ease of administration make it a suitable option for resource-poor settings.
A recent study finds that nicotine dependence has remained steady among adults in the US, while the proportion of addicted smokers has increased across generations. Younger women living in poverty are disproportionately affected, highlighting socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use.
University of Chicago researchers have discovered that dry granular materials can form water-like droplets when poured, revolutionizing the way we understand particle transport and manipulation. The study's findings could lead to more efficient oil refining, plastics manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production processes.
The AUA Foundation has awarded the 2009 Astellas Rising Stars in Urology to William Roberts, MD and Edward Schaeffer, MD for their groundbreaking research projects on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Phospholipase A2 signaling in prostate development. The award aims to support young urologists in pursuing careers in urologic research.
A new study found that US seniors performed significantly better than their English counterparts on standard tests of memory and cognitive function. The advantage was greatest among the oldest old, with 75-year-olds in the US exhibiting cognitive abilities comparable to those of 65-year-olds in England.
Researchers have discovered that anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat arthritis can shrink lymphoma tumors in mice. The study strengthens evidence for a link between inflammation and cancer, suggesting a new way to curb the malignancy of this type of lymphoma.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully focused ultrasound waves through a flat metamaterial lens to create an acoustic 'superlens'. This innovation could improve high-resolution ultrasound imaging, non-destructive structural testing of buildings and bridges, and novel underwater stealth technology.
A team of experts, led by The University of Nottingham, has unveiled a new set of high-resolution images revealing the plan of the Roman town of Venta Icenorum at Caistor St Edmund in Norfolk. The survey confirms street plan, water supply system, and public buildings like baths and temples.
Researchers developed a mini projector that can be integrated into a cellphone or PDA, producing monochrome images with high brightness, and projecting them onto flat surfaces using plastic lenses made of embossed material
Researchers will explore dark matter particles and neutrinos at the SNOLAB facility, seeking answers about the universe's building blocks and evolution. The studies aim to make new discoveries, including a rare nuclear decay related to unique neutrino properties.
Queen's University researchers will develop a unique capability to test nuclear materials in simulated reactor conditions using accelerator technology. The Nuclear Materials Testing Facility aims to improve understanding of materials degradation and development of materials for advanced reactors.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are creating programming tools to enable defense engineers to leverage the processing power of GPUs without requiring specialized knowledge. This development aims to address computational bottlenecks in complex radar and sensor systems.
A new study found that approximately 10% of children with bipolar disorder experience irritable-only mania, and these participants are significantly younger than those with elation-only or both symptoms. The study suggests that irritability should be included in the diagnosis of pediatric bipolar disorder.
A groundbreaking study reveals a new avenue for harvesting stem cells from healthy newborn placentas, which contain more stem cells than umbilical cord blood and can be safely extracted for transplantation. The discovery holds promise for curing chronic blood-related disorders such as sickle cell disease and leukemia.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a breakthrough in understanding how the commonly prescribed drug praziquantel works to treat Schistosomiasis. Praziquantel causes two-headed organisms by subverting normal regeneration, leading to the identification of key molecules that control its effects.
A prolonged PR interval on an electrocardiogram may indicate a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and the need for a pacemaker. Studies suggest that middle-aged to older adults with this finding are more likely to experience serious heart rhythm disturbances and premature death.
A Canada-wide technology platform will map the human interactome, providing Canadian researchers with state-of-the-art equipment and integrated infrastructure. The project, led by Dr. Benoit Coulombe, aims to elucidate dynamic organization of proteins and molecules, potentially leading to better disease treatments.
A team of researchers at the University of Leeds has developed a model that explains how errors are corrected during protein synthesis. The study suggests that a molecular machine called RNA polymerase uses a unique mechanism to remove incorrect letters from the growing RNA chain, allowing copying to resume.
Researchers from Rovira i Virgili University find that using mud from waste water treatment plants as an alternative fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 140,000 tonnes between 2003 and 2006. This sustainable solution enables cement factories to power their operations without harming human health.
Pediatric researchers found hundreds of gene variations associated with ADHD, many linked to learning, behavior, and brain function. The study suggests future drug targets and personalized treatments may be possible.
A study found that MDCT with prospective ECG triggering reduces chest radiation dose by 71% compared to retrospective gating, delivering a lower dose of 9mSv. Image quality was also slightly better with prospective triggering.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Washington University School of Medicine four grants totaling $19 million to explore the human microbiome. The researchers aim to catalog microbes found in various body sites and determine their links to good health and disease.
Medical students practice breast exams on a mixed reality human, improving their technical abilities and empathy towards patients. The system allows for unscripted interactions, teaching students to build their database of experience and respond to patient concerns.
A landmark study demonstrates a significant reduction in heart failure or death in patients with heart disease who received CRT-D versus ICD-only. The MADIT-CRT trial showed a 29% decrease in mortality and heart failure symptoms, improving survival and outcome for patients with severe heart disease.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing biological joints using living tissue that can mimic normal cartilage in a healthy joint. These new joints have shown promising results in dogs and aim to be used for human patients with similar physical characteristics, potentially reducing complications from repeat surgeries.
A new form of unregulated whaling is emerging along Japan and South Korea's coastlines, threatening minke whale stocks. DNA analysis reveals that up to 300 whales may be killed annually through bycatch whaling, equivalent to Japan's scientific whaling program.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that uses sensors to monitor refrigerant temperature and estimate the amount of refrigerant in an air conditioning system, saving energy and reducing maintenance costs. The new method could be easily integrated into automotive and household air conditioners.
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that at least half of Afghan school children have developed PTSD due to traumatic experiences. The research highlights the need for interventions addressing not only war experiences but also family disturbances and community factors.
A study from Vanderbilt University found that individuals with higher empathy levels were better at mentally transforming their body position to simulate another person's perspective. This suggests a link between spatial abilities and empathy, with implications for understanding the neural basis of emotional intelligence.
A study published in JAMA found that young adults who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Being overweight at an older age is also associated with a lower overall survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer.
A recent study published by Faculty of 1000 Medicine discovered that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are higher in women who have recovered from anorexia. This suggests that low BDNF levels may be reversible and could potentially serve as a biomarker for recovery from eating disorders.
A new study identified adding a trained depression care manager to primary care practices increases treatment, remission rates of depression, and reduces suicidal thoughts. Nearly 90% of patients in the PROSPECT care management group received treatment after two years.
Teenage girls experience increased stress levels, with seven out of ten suffering from stress. To withstand this, girls rely on various sources of strength including emotional support, controlling their daily lives, and engaging in recreational activities.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) presents eight research awards and two grants to support young researchers, clinicians, and scientists in orthopaedic sports medicine. The awards recognize outstanding research papers in various categories, including basic science, clinical science, and excellence in research.
Scientists have developed a new hydrogen storage method using carbonized chicken feather fibers, which can hold vast amounts of hydrogen at a lower cost. The method has the potential to improve upon existing methods and pave the way for a truly hydrogen-based energy economy.
Researchers found that prairie dogs prefer plants with low levels of selenium, suggesting that high levels act as a deterrent. This suggests that plants may use metal hyperaccumulation to defend against herbivores, including prairie dogs.
Researchers at UT School of Public Health developed +CLICK, a game designed to educate HIV-positive youth on safe behaviors and reduce secondary transmission. The game received high credibiilty ratings from participants and showed promise in reducing risky sexual behaviors.
The Southwest Nano Consortium brings together six states and northern Mexico to pool resources, encourage collaboration, and host internationally recognized events. The consortium aims to expedite the commercialization of nanotechnology technologies with significant impact on renewable energy, biotech, IT, and other sectors.
Researchers found a direct link between smoking and brain damage due to NNK, a tobacco compound that provokes white blood cells to attack healthy brain cells. This can lead to neuroinflammation, conditions like Multiple Sclerosis. NNK is present in all forms of tobacco, also affecting second-hand smokers.
Researchers found distinct brain structure differences between queens and workers of eight New World social wasp species, linked to their respective social roles. Brain regions responded to specific challenges, such as vision and chemical communication, revealing the importance of environment in shaping brain architecture.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories discovered that a block of salt can stretch rather than shatter, defying its brittle nature. This finding has potential implications for desalination efforts and understanding sea salt aerosols, which affect cloud nucleation, smog formation, and asthma triggers.
A University of Alberta study found that morning people's brains are most excitable at 9am, while evening people's brains are most active at 9pm. This suggests different nervous-system functions and implications for human performance.