Research reveals complementary paths to successful microfinance industry expansion, embracing both nonprofit and commercial options. Commercial banks and social businesses have benefits and limitations, with average loan sizes varying significantly.
Research on seamounts reveals that many animals are not exclusive to these underwater mountains and can be found in other deep-sea areas. The study identifies distinctive groups of corals and sponges, as well as sea cucumbers, which are rare or absent on other seafloor areas.
A study published in Neuron found that near-misses in slot machines elicit brain activity linked to natural rewards and motivate players to gamble again. Brain regions involved in drug addiction showed increased activity in response to near-misses.
A new amplifier invented at UC San Diego has the potential to revolutionize high capacity wireless communications systems. The Cascaded Constructive Wave Amplifier can amplify signals at millimeter wave frequencies, enabling data transfer rates of up to 10 Gigabits per second over a kilometer.
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center have discovered a mechanism to limit graft-versus-host disease in bone marrow transplant patients while preserving their leukemia-killing effects. Targeting interleukin 23, an immune substance secreted by donor marrow cells, may be a viable way to achieve this balance.
Study finds GTF2IRD1 contributes to visual-spatial performance while GTF2I plays a role in social behavior, shedding light on complex aspects of human behavior. The research used genetic analysis to identify the genes' effects on cognitive abilities and behavior, providing new insights into Williams syndrome.
Researchers have identified a new biological marker, sarcosine, that indicates prostate cancer progression and spreading. Sarcosine levels increase in tumor cells and urine samples as the disease develops.
A study found that taking a much higher dose of candesartan cilexetil effectively lowers protein excretion in the urine of patients with kidney disease. The drug may help prevent end-stage kidney disease and save lives by reducing proteinuria.
Researchers at the Centenary Institute have discovered a mechanism controlling endothelial cell growth and function. The process of differentiation, triggered by high levels of sphingosine kinase-1, allows cells to mature into functional endothelial cells, potentially leading to new treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A groundbreaking study reveals how enzymes in the cell cooperate to make fat, providing insights into a potential target for developing new anti-obesity and anti-cancer drugs. The research used state-of-the-art electron microscopy to capture the complex movements of fatty acid synthase, a molecular structure that is extremely flexible.
Researchers discovered that nanoscale lead atoms on silicon exhibit a fluid-like motion, enabling the formation of uniform-height islands in minutes. The unique behavior suggests that quantum mechanics governs the growth process, allowing for rapid self-assembly and potentially simplifying material properties manipulation.
Researchers have developed a plasmonic switch using molecular machines, which can transmit electrons and light simultaneously. This technology has the potential to enable ultra-small computers with high storage capacity and processing speed.
A new tracking system using personal digital assistants has been developed to monitor tuberculosis patients, significantly reducing the time it takes for test results to reach doctors from 23 days to 8 days. This innovation also eliminates the risk of lost results and is more cost-effective than traditional paper-based systems.
Engineers at NIST have developed a method to slow down penetration of chloride and sulfate ions into concrete, reducing maintenance costs and catastrophic failures. The new technology could save billions of dollars and many lives by extending the service life of concrete.
Researchers found a statistically significant inverse relationship between A1C levels and cognitive test scores in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that poorer blood glucose control is strongly associated with poorer memory function.
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing new diagnostic tools to detect early-stage cancers using advanced imaging technologies. They aim to characterize tumor aggressiveness and monitor chemotherapy effectiveness, enabling more effective treatment decisions.
Researchers found that males maintain larger social networks with other males compared to women and have longer-lasting friendships with members of the same-sex. Males rated their roommates as more satisfactory and less bothersome than females did.
Fourteen colleges awarded Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program grants to support interdisciplinary biology and chemistry research. Since 1994, the program has supported over 2,000 undergraduates in more than 200 institutions.
The study reveals that humans have domesticated yeast strains at many points in history from diverse sources, challenging traditional views on the Tree of Life. The analysis also provides insights into yeast probiotics' contribution to gut health and potential applications for cancer treatment.
Percy A. Pierre, a renowned engineer and educator, has been awarded the 2008 AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement for his dedication to increasing the number of African-American and Hispanic-American Ph.D.s in engineering. He has mentored 27 doctoral graduates through the Sloan Engineering Program at Michigan State University.
A team of Danish researchers has discovered the origin of the Baikal Rift Zone, a 2000km long crack in the Earth's crust that created the world's deepest lake. The study shows that the bottom of the crust is flat across Lake Baikal, contrary to previous models, and is instead thinning due to magma intrusion.
Researchers found a surge in duplicated sequences containing rapidly evolving genes in the genomes of humans and great apes, with most differences occurring prior to the speciation of chimpanzees. The study suggests that genetic differences contribute significantly to the distinctiveness between humans and chimps, and that these region...
A panel of small molecules, including sarcosine, has been identified as potential markers for aggressive prostate cancer. Sarcosine was found in higher levels in advanced prostate cancer samples and was a better indicator than traditional PSA test.
A new study demonstrates that near-misses in gambling lead to significant brain activity and increased motivation, shedding light on the allure of gambling. The research found associations between near-miss activation and a subjective measure of gambling propensity.
Researchers create a process that can produce nano-devices with features as small as 13 nanometers, outperforming silicon and steel. The use of bulk metallic glasses allows for molding fine details without grain size limitations.
A study found that individuals with high urinary protein levels are at increased risk of developing kidney disease. Screening for albuminuria in the general population or high-risk groups could help prevent kidney function loss and related health issues.
Researchers will analyze the genome of five wheat varieties using new DNA sequencing technology to generate tools for breeders to select key agricultural traits. This project aims to speed up current breeding programs by highlighting natural genetic variation between wheat types.
The Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) program at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Eileen Fisher to promote science education among low-income girls. The program has shown remarkable success rates, with 100% of advanced students graduating and 97% continuing to college.
A novel alloy composed of manganese, iron, phosphorus and germanium has been found to exhibit exceptional magnetic cooling properties, making it a potential replacement for traditional gas-compression refrigerators.
Piracy has surged globally, attacking 125 ships and seizing 45 in the past year, with Somali pirates being a major threat. Satellites offer 3D imagery to track and evade pirate activity, helping merchant ships and military vessels stay safe.
Researchers found that high sensation seekers show increased activity in the insula, a region associated with addictive behaviors, while low sensation seekers exhibit increased activity in the frontal cortex area important for emotional regulation. This study may indicate how sensation seeking contributes to negative behaviors such as ...
A new study suggests that people with minimal manic symptoms or mixed depression presentations may be at greater risk of experiencing treatment-emergent mania when taking antidepressants. Researchers recommend exploring alternative treatments like mood stabilizers to manage depressive phases of bipolar illness.
The AAAS Science Journalism Awards have received a $2 million endowment from the Kavli Foundation to foster strong, probing science writing. The awards, established in 1945, recognize distinguished reporting on science by professional journalists.
Researchers found that diverse croplands lead to lower dissolved nitrogen levels in surrounding watersheds, reducing aquatic pollution. The study suggests that policy changes can mitigate the negative impacts of agriculture on water quality through crop rotation and buffer zone implementation.
A Georgia Tech study shows that hybrid vehicles and higher density cities could significantly reduce CO2 emissions from cars and trucks by 2050. The research found that doubling population density in large US cities would have a greater impact on CO2 reductions than full hybridization of the vehicle fleet.
A large-scale study found that computerized brain exercises can significantly improve memory and lead to faster thinking in older adults. Participants who used the Brain Fitness Program for 40 hours over eight weeks showed a 131% improvement in response time and scored as well as those ten years younger on memory and attention tests.
New research suggests that material items can provide longer-lasting happiness than negative experiences. The study found that bad experiences lead to more lasting unhappiness than bad material purchases.
Researchers used finite element analysis to determine the forces and stresses involved in chewing food, contradicting previous classical analyses. The study suggests that Australopithecus africanus may have eaten larger hard objects, such as nuts, due to their fracture properties rather than wear patterns.
Researchers at Wake Forest University have developed a new class of platinum-based anti-tumor drugs that demonstrate 10 times greater efficacy than current treatments against certain lung cancer types. The compounds work by rapidly binding with and disabling tumor cell DNA, potentially overcoming drug resistance issues.
Research suggests girls are more resilient to adverse childhood experiences due to having criminal charges on their male counterparts. Children exposed to multiple traumatic events face significant challenges transitioning to adulthood.
A new species of fruit fly emerged after changing its mating behavior, while parasitic wasps evolved to prey on the flies' larvae. This study shows biodiversity feeds on itself, opening up niches for other species.
Researchers at NIST have discovered a material that can reduce magnetic film stress by a factor of 200 and lower saturation field by a factor of 400, enhancing magnetic sensor sensitivity. This breakthrough could lead to improved applications in weapons detection, non-destructive testing, medical devices, and data storage.
A study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that the influenza virus can lead to excessive fluid buildup in the lungs, impairing oxygen supply. The research aims to develop a new therapy to address this issue, potentially reducing the need for ventilation.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that a nightly dose of vitamin B12 significantly reduces Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) symptoms, including pain, ulcers, and outbreaks. The treatment resulted in a 74% remission rate among patients taking vitamin B12 compared to 32% for those receiving a placebo.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool found that 15% of hospital patients experience adverse drug reactions, increasing hospital stay length. The study suggests that elderly patients on multiple medications are most susceptible to ADRs.
The study found that plant and forestry waste, dedicated energy crops, and cellulosic ethanol could sustainably produce 90 billion gallons of ethanol by 2030. Cellulosic biofuels could compete with oil without incentives at $90 per barrel, assuming reduced costs.
Researchers find 93 plant species are moving their flowering ranges to higher elevations due to rising summer temperatures. The study, which spanned 20 years, reveals some plants flowered farther uphill while others stopped at lower elevations.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that black and Asian patients with terminal cancer use hospice care services less frequently than white and Hispanic patients, despite comparable levels of physical health and income.
A large-scale genome-wide association scan found sequence variants associated with asthma, shedding light on disease mechanisms and potential biochemical pathways. The study also confirms previous findings linking the interleukin-1 gene cluster to asthma.
Studies present promising findings on preventing age-related hearing loss using antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, research sheds light on the role of brain function in understanding speech and language disorders.
A new classification system aims to provide a more accurate picture of a patient's health issues, complementing body measurements. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System has five stages, from stage 0 to stage 4, and offers specific treatment approaches for each stage.
A study found that lack of general treatment failure and distant metastases 3 years after treatment initiation may be surrogate endpoints for long-term survival in early prostate cancer patients. Another study identified netrin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer.
The 2009 Franz Edelman finalists demonstrate that analytics and operations research can contain spending and increase profits even in lean economic times. The six finalists from the U.S. and Europe used advanced analytical methods to help companies reduce costs, increase earnings, and achieve significant results.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have demonstrated that certain nanocrystals can generate more than one electron after absorbing a photon, increasing the potential for efficient solar cells. The study finds that these crystals can produce up to half as much energy per electron as bulk solids, offering promising results for...
Researchers at Durham University's Institute for Computational Cosmology created simulations to predict galaxy formation and dark matter effects. The work aims to improve understanding of dark matter, a mysterious substance making up 80% of the Universe's mass.
Complementary schools enhance minority ethnic children's development by learning their community language outside the home. Bilingualism is associated with contemporary, cosmopolitan identities and social networks.
A Brown University researcher has developed a user-friendly guide for doctors and patients on choosing high-quality hospice care. The guide emphasizes the importance of
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters proposes that reducing global fossil fuel use by 20% in 2020 and 60% in 2050 could postpone the onset of the next ice age by up to 170,000 years. By building up ice sheets, scientists can regulate climate and extend current interglacial periods.
A new report by the NIH finds that digestive diseases result in over 100 million outpatient visits and 13 million hospitalizations annually, with a total cost of $141.8 billion. The top 10 most costly digestive diseases include digestive cancers, liver disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Patients with end-stage renal disease who participated in an education program to limit their intake of phosphorus-containing food additives showed a significant decline in serum phosphorus levels. After 3 months, intervention participants had a 0.6-mg/dL larger decline in average phosphorus level compared to control participants.