Research by Christophe Boone and Walter Hendriks found that IT firms with diverse expertise and work experience tend to be more effective in managing organizations. In contrast, personality diversity hinders firm performance. The study suggests using carefully designed personnel selection techniques to screen for knowledge and experience.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has awarded £16.5m in funding to three new Centres of Excellence, with a focus on the economic wellbeing of the UK. The centres will conduct research on globalisation, macro-economic growth, and the impact of immigration on growth and wellbeing.
Researchers at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and the Wisconsin School of Business found that people are consistently overly optimistic when predicting future behavior. By asking individuals to make two sets of predictions - one ideal and one realistic - participants reported more accurate estimates and improved decision-ma...
Researchers identified a novel gene, FUS/TLS, associated with inherited amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the fourth gene implicated in familial forms of the disease. Mutations in this gene lead to abnormal protein deposits in motor neurons and are linked to varying inheritance patterns and severity.
Patients who undergo liver transplantation for hepatitis B-related liver damage are at risk of disease recurrence if antiviral treatment is withdrawn, according to a new study. Researchers found that these patients lack cellular immunity against the disease, making lifelong antiviral therapy necessary.
Researchers have successfully used stem cells to grow on a scaffold made from tissue extract, overcoming two key challenges for organ transplantation. This breakthrough enables the creation of bioengineered organs that can be transplanted without rejection.
New research from Vanderbilt University provides effective writing strategies for teachers to improve student writers, focusing on planning, revising, and setting clear goals. The studies identify recommendations to boost motivation, incorporate computers into the curriculum, and enhance teacher preparation.
The discovery of the CR6261 antibody is good news for researchers aiming to design a universal flu vaccine. The antibody has the potential to treat unvaccinated individuals infected with the flu and provides broad protection against various influenza viruses, including pandemic strains.
Soybean oil has been found to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 20% in methane emissions and 19% in carbon dioxide emissions when sprayed inside swine finishing barns. The study, conducted at a northern Missouri farm, also showed a significant reduction in particulate matter.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel technique using spun-sugar filaments to create synthetic tubes that mimic natural nerves. The scaffolds can promote nerve regeneration by acting as bridges between severed nerves, and may also be used to repair blood vessels damaged by disease.
A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that interferon can improve the effectiveness of the current tuberculosis vaccine by enhancing dendritic cell function. The research found that type I interferon stimulated dendritic cells to produce a stronger immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
A global survey of salivary microbes found that the oral microbiome diversity among individuals is similar to that among people from different parts of the world. The study, led by Dr. Mark Stoneking, analyzed bacterial gene sequences from saliva samples from 120 healthy subjects across six geographic areas and compared them with a dat...
Research reviews scientific evidence on tooth decay, concluding that good oral hygiene and fluoride toothpaste practices override the effects of food alone. Lifestyle factors such as regular brushing and dental health education are essential in preventing tooth decay.
The project will investigate the genetic and environmental risk factors that contribute to autism, with a focus on prenatal development and early childhood. By analyzing brain development and behavior in infants at high genetic risk, researchers aim to identify potential indicators of autism and improve early diagnosis.
Research by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals that desert ants, like Cataglyphis fortis, utilize a combination of visual landmarks and unique scent signatures to guide them back to their nests. This groundbreaking study challenges the long-held notion that these ants rely solely on self-generated pheromone trails.
A recent study reveals that consumer preferences for fresh strawberries are linked to a complex balance of sweetness, aroma, texture, and appearance. The research found that certain strawberry cultivars, such as 'Rubygem' and 'Sugarbaby', were favored by panelists due to their high flavor and sweetness ratings.
Scientists have created unique microenvironment microarrays that reveal how adult stem and progenitor cells develop in a woman's breast. They found that the ultimate fate of these cells depends on signals from multiple microenvironments, suggesting a promising pathway for beneficial therapies.
A Phase 3 clinical trial found that fampridine improves walking ability in some individuals with multiple sclerosis, with 34.8% of participants experiencing a significant increase in walking speed. The study suggests that fampridine could represent an important new treatment for MS-related mobility issues.
A Phase III study found that fampridine improved walking speed and leg strength in patients with multiple sclerosis. The drug also showed promise in reducing fatigue and improving endurance. However, adverse events were reported in some patients, highlighting the need for further research on its treatment profile.
The Sibbett Group's interconnected garden design won the international bee-friendly garden competition from Häagen-Dazs and UC Davis. The garden will provide a year-round food source for honey bees and raise public awareness about their plight, aiming to inspire visitors to plant bee-friendly gardens.
Researchers uncover how opposing genetic forces determine the correct pattern of tooth formation in mammals, revealing a potential pathway for tooth regeneration and combating birth defects. The study's findings suggest that careful regulation of competing pro- and anti-tooth initiation signals controls the sequence of tooth development.
Research shows B cells produce critical regulatory chemicals called cytokines and amplify T cell dependent immune responses to protect against intestinal parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus. B cells also promote the production and long-term maintenance of essential T helper 2 cells, which are crucial for protection from this pathogen.
Scientists have found a two-drug combination that inhibits the growth of susceptible laboratory strains and 13 XDR-TB strains, offering a new hope for treating this deadly form of tuberculosis. The drugs work together to target a bacterial enzyme, β-lactamase, which shields TB bacteria from antibiotics.
The UCSF-GIVI CFAR's mentoring program uses innovative strategies like 'trans' mentoring to support early-career investigators. The program aims to retain and optimize productivity of these researchers, addressing concerns about lack of access to funding and support for clinician scientists.
A team of researchers found evidence of widespread cooling in Antarctica around 35 million years ago, which was caused by a significant drop in greenhouse gases, particularly CO2. The study used computer modeling and temperature proxies to determine the cause of the cooling.
The University of California, Berkeley researchers argue that California can learn from Australia's 'Prepare, stay and defend' strategy, which trains residents to actively defend their homes against wildfires. The policy has been shown to reduce risk and increase survival rates in Australia.
A new risk score has been developed to identify people at risk of atrial fibrillation in primary care, using clinical characteristics and echocardiographic measures. The tool was tested on 4,764 participants and showed good predictive value, with age being the strongest risk factor associated with atrial fibrillation.
Researchers have identified a second MND-causing gene, FUS, which links to TDP-43 and sheds light on disease mechanisms. This breakthrough has major implications for diagnosis and treatment, offering new avenues of scientific investigation.
A University of Illinois study has found that a hormone present in fat tissue plays a key role in regulating the immune system and aiding recovery from hypoxia. Leptin triggers an increase in anti-inflammatory molecules, leading to faster recovery times in obese mice.
A study by Claudia C. Collins and Angela M. O'Callaghan found that caring for houseplants can have positive effects on residents' happiness and overall sense of well-being. The 4-week study involved interactive horticulture classes, resulting in improved mastery, self-rated health and a general feeling of success.
The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study is expanding to enroll 200 newborns from Georgia and Florida with high-risk genes for type 1 diabetes. Researchers will monitor participants for 15 years, collecting data on genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the disease.
A new study published in Hepatology found that African-Americans are more resistant to fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, particularly when it comes to triglyceride levels. The research suggests an 'insulin resistance paradox' where African-Americans exhibit lower insulin sensitivity despite similar body fat distributions.
The American Physiological Society has awarded $68,000 in travel fellowships to 40 underrepresented minority students and scientists to attend the Experimental Biology conference. The program aims to encourage more students from minority groups to become scientists.
Scientists at NIST's JQI have successfully created ultracold rubidium atoms that exhibit cyclotron motions identical to charged particles in a magnetic field. This breakthrough has the potential to reveal clues for exotic computing and understanding of the fractional quantum Hall effect.
Researchers at Cardiff University found evidence of a global ocean circulation 'seesaw' that linked abrupt temperature changes in the North Atlantic to rapid cooling in the Southern Ocean, with implications for our understanding of climate change's effects on a global scale.
The first issue of Lithosphere features studies on Holocene surface ruptures in New Zealand, a fluid factory in solid Earth, and the erosion of the Wasatch Mountains. Researchers found evidence of five surface-rupturing earthquakes in New Zealand and proposed a new model for fluids in Earth's interior.
Research papers highlight the impact of melting glaciers and ice caps on sea levels, with a minimum of 180mm of rise expected in the next 100 years. Additionally, studies show the widening of the tropical belt due to human environmental effects and an underestimation of ozone abundance in the troposphere.
A new study found that women with a longer fertile lifespan and more years of exposure to their own sex hormones may be protected from Parkinson's disease. Women with four or more pregnancies were at greater risk of developing the disease compared to those with fewer pregnancies.
The CANTAM network, the first EDCTP-funded regional Network of Excellence, aims to build research capacity in Central Africa. Partner institutions from Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Tanzania, and Germany will collaborate to conduct clinical trials under best practices.
A team of researchers, led by Mark Kahn, has discovered that CCM is caused by leaky junctions between cells in the lining of blood vessels, linked to mutated or missing proteins in a novel biochemical process called Heart-of-glass (HEG)-CCM pathway.
Researchers identified IFRD1 as a gene that modifies cystic fibrosis lung disease severity by regulating neutrophil function. Deleting IFRD1 in mice reduced inflammation and disease, suggesting potential new targets for treatment.
Researchers developed a statistical model using genetic information from 569 patients, predicting an individual's lifetime risk of cardioembolic stroke with 86% accuracy. The model identifies interactions between multiple genetic factors and provides a network of predictive factors contributing to stroke.
JDRF-funded researchers have identified compounds that can stimulate insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, paving the way for potential regenerative medicines for type 1 diabetes. The study found two compounds that promote beta cell replication via different biological pathways.
SourceJDRF·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2009
Researchers found synchronous neuron pairs firing in harmony during slow-wave sleep, but not during REM sleep, which may explain why dreams are difficult to remember. This discovery provides a framework for further research into the relationship between memory and sleep.
The new guideline encourages healthy men to talk to their doctors about using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) to prevent prostate cancer, with a 25% relative risk reduction in most men. ASCO developed a Decision Aid Tool to help patients and families understand the risks and benefits of 5-ARIs.
The journal Molecular Oncology has been accepted by Thomson Reuters for inclusion in the Science Citation Index Expanded and other prominent databases. It highlights new discoveries and approaches in basic, clinical, and translational research related to cancer.
Boston University School of Medicine has received a grant to develop a framework for medical education in Armenia, making it comparable to US and Western Europe standards. The project will support the development of a dynamic learning environment for Armenian medical students.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed the world's smallest periscope, allowing for multi-vantage-point imaging of cells and micro-organisms. This technology enables scientists to study dynamic processes within cells in three dimensions, providing a high resolution form of microscopy.
Researchers at the University of Alberta and NINT have made a breakthrough in plastic solar cell technology, achieving a 30% increase in efficiency through a novel approach. The development of inexpensive, mass-produced plastic solar panels could make solar energy accessible to everyone in the near future.
The new technology uses self-replicating RNA molecules to detect specific chemicals, allowing for precise measurements of drugs, toxins, and other substances. This method has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine, environmental monitoring, and molecular computing.
A new study forecasts when climate factors will match at geographically distant airline departure and destination points, helping to detect and intercept invasive species. The findings provide a framework for monitoring airline flights and planning more efficiently.
Studies found that low-income neighborhoods had a low availability of healthy foods, leading to poorer diet quality. Researchers suggest that place of residence plays a significant role in dietary health, with certain communities facing limited access to nutritious food options.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool found that limited media coverage of climate change results in mixed messages about its severity. The study suggests that serious media attention is crucial to instill public concern and prompt concerted political action on the issue.
A team of engineers from University of Wisconsin-Madison has created a new view of nanoscale friction by demonstrating that friction at the atomic level behaves similarly to friction generated between large objects. The researchers found that friction is proportional to the number of atoms that interact between two nanoscale surfaces.
Research finds that whites react more negatively to strongly identified minority individuals than weakly identified ones. This study provides an alternative explanation for why some minorities report experiencing more prejudice.
The City College of New York and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center will receive funding to develop a unique partnership in cancer research, training, and community outreach. The grant aims to address cancer disparities in underserved minority communities through translational research, education, and outreach programs.
A University of Illinois study finds that public schools with certified teachers and a modern math curriculum outscore private schools. The researchers discovered that smaller class sizes, teacher certification, and instructional practices were key factors in achieving better math test scores for public school students.
Researchers discovered that the locust brain encodes turbulent plumes of odor molecules using surprisingly little neural machinery. The findings suggest a new theory on how animals smell, proposing that individual neurons preserve almost full information about precise temporal dynamics of odors.
Researchers at NIST developed a practical solution to enhance radio signal power at disaster sites using randomly placed antennas. The study found a significant increase in median received power, with a five-fold gain and a two-and-a-half to four-fold increase when using multiple transmitters.
University of Delaware researchers have won the American Physical Therapy Association's award for the best clinical paper in orthopedics published in 2008. Their study focuses on the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, a common issue affecting nearly 250,000 Americans each year.