A team of Duke University engineers has developed a new type of cloaking device using complex mathematical algorithms to guide the design and fabrication of exotic composite materials. The device successfully cloaks electromagnetic waves, bending them around an object to create an 'engineered mirage'.
A new family of antibacterial agents has been identified in the freshwater animal Hydra, which shows promise in combating drug-resistant bacteria. The protein hydramacin-1, found in Hydra, exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have found a novel use for the old compound α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) in treating high-risk neuroblastoma. The study showed that even low doses of the drug could prevent cancer in animal models.
A Cornell-led team has observed dust forming around a dying star in a nearby galaxy, providing insights into the early universe and the evolution of galaxies. The discovery sheds new light on how cosmic dust was created in the universe's early stages.
Research published in International Journal of Health Geographics links outbreaks of nephropathia epidemica, a rodent-borne disease, to global warming. Warmer weather and increased food sources for voles lead to population growth and disease transmission.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have found a way for massive stars to grow despite radiation pressure that should prevent it. Gravitational instabilities cause companion stars to form around massive stars, allowing them to feed on gas and dust.
The new bill (H.R. 554) aims to improve federal risk research and oversight of engineered nanomaterials to protect the public and encourage safe commercial development. A National Research Council report highlighted serious shortfalls in the Bush administration's strategy, prompting Congress to take action.
A study published in Science estimates the total biomass of fish in the world's oceans at 2 billion tonnes. Fish play a significant role in mitigating climate change by maintaining the ocean's pH balance, with their calcium excretion process affecting ocean acidification.
Researchers discovered a gene, EC-SOD, that reduces mortality risk for patients with acute lung injury. The study identified specific SNPs in the gene that decrease inflammation and severity of lung injury.
Research suggests that genetic variations in DNA repair patterns can predict a threefold increased risk of pancreatic cancer, while others may decrease it by up to 77 percent. The study analyzed nine single nucleotide polymorphisms among patients with and without pancreatic cancer.
Scientists have proposed a novel explanation for a long-standing floral genetic mystery in plants, revealing a complex mechanism that provides a clear selective advantage. The study used computational modeling to investigate potential explanations for the existence of interdependent genes that regulate flower development.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a potential biomarker for predicting colon cancer risk and progression. They found genetic hotspots that regulate gene expression, which could be used to identify individuals at higher risk of developing aggressive colon cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute identified saglin and TRAP as essential proteins for Plasmodium's invasion of the Anopheles mosquito salivary gland, a critical step in transmitting malaria to humans. This discovery could lead to novel approaches for disrupting the parasite's lifecycle and preventing malaria spread.
Kansas State University is receiving a $1 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture to study the wheat blast fungus, a pathogen that has become a serious threat in Brazil. The researchers will sequence the fungus's genome and screen Kansas wheat varieties for resistance to the disease.
A new study from Indiana University suggests that meager levels of physical activity can significantly improve the mood of individuals with serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia. The study found a positive association between physical activity level and positive mood, particularly among ...
Researchers found that patients who received telephone support had 35% fewer complaints of pain and discomfort compared to those in the control group. They also reported fewer anxiety, depression, and mobility problems.
A new study led by Michigan Medicine suggests that older Americans are supportive of family surrogate-based research, which can aid in the development of treatments for dementia. The survey found that most respondents believed society should allow family surrogate consent and would participate in such research if needed.
The Lancet reports that Israeli attacks on Gaza are causing irreparable harm to civilian populations, with at least six medical personnel killed and numerous mobile clinics and ambulances damaged. The situation is further exacerbated by the blockade of health services, which contravenes international law.
A team of scientists discovered that blue stragglers, massive rogue stars found in globular clusters, are formed through a process known as stellar cannibalism. This theory is supported by observations of over 50 globular clusters and suggests that binary star systems play a key role in the formation of these stars.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that odors boost synthesis of a protein by acting on RNA in sensory neurons, altering gene expression. This finding has implications for understanding memory formation and higher-order learning in humans.
Researchers found that free-range chickens are more susceptible to disease, particularly bacterial and parasitic infections. The study, published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, suggests that this is due to the challenges of managing these systems, leading to higher mortality rates.
Two independent groups successfully detected the thermal emissions of exoplanets OGLE-TR-56b and TrES-3b using ground-based telescopes. The detections are significant because they will continue to study hot Jupiters beyond the capabilities of the soon-to-be-retired Spitzer telescope.
A new study reveals that economic status in childhood affects the likelihood of obesity in later life for Mexican-American and white women. However, this relationship does not hold true for African-American women. The study found that higher education and income levels are associated with lower obesity rates among Mexican-American women.
Canadian researchers have identified a new protein, ARF1, that plays a critical role in breast cancer cell growth and tumour spread. Targeting this protein with drug therapy may provide hope to women with invasive breast cancers.
Researchers found that blue stragglers are the result of 'stellar cannibalism' where plasma is gradually pulled from one star to another to form a massive, unusually hot star. This process takes place in binary stars and helps resolve a long-standing mystery in stellar evolution.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that laparoscopic removal of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is safe and effective. The disease-free survival rate for patients who underwent laparoscopic treatment was nearly 80% after an average follow-up time of three and a half years.
A recent study investigates the influence of website design on children's information processing and finds that age significantly affects this relationship. Younger children (ages 7-9) prefer a map to promote search accuracy, while older children (ages 10-13) use a content list more effectively.
A pediatric vaccine has been found to be highly effective in preventing pneumococcal meningitis, a deadly disease that affects young children. The vaccine, PCV7, protects against seven common pneumococcal types, accounting for over 80% of cases in young children, and has been shown to decrease rates by 30-64% in both children and adults.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that morbidly obese patients are at higher risk for complications after colectomy. These complications include surgical site infections, wound openings, pulmonary embolisms and kidney failures.
Researchers followed over 6,000 IVF patients through six cycles, finding live birth rates range from 65-86% for younger women and 23-42% for those aged 40+, with most births being singletons.
A new study suggests that adult bone marrow stem cells can be used to construct artificial skin, advancing wound healing and potentially pioneering organ reconstruction. The engineered skin containing stem cells showed better healing, less wound contraction, and improved blood vessel development.
A study published in Neuron found that conflict with the majority opinion triggers a neural response in the brain's error-monitoring system, leading to long-term conforming adjustments. This mechanism is based on reinforcement learning and reinforces social conformity by signaling the most fundamental social mistake.
A team of Wisconsin researchers has discovered that birnessite, a common soil mineral, can penetrate and degrade the prion's armor. This finding may provide new methods for decontaminating soil and other environments where prions reside.
A new mathematical model of physiological regulation of body weight suggests several steady states to which an animal's weight tends to gravitate, rather than a single set point. The model combines aspects of two competing theories and accounts for leptin resistance, suggesting new strategies for weight loss.
A study of eight cities globally demonstrates that using a simple surgical checklist during major operations can significantly lower the incidence of deaths and complications. The rate of major complications fell from 11% to 7%, while inpatient deaths following major operations decreased by over 40%.
Researchers at McGill University and the MUHC have identified a gene crucial for vitamin B12 metabolism, shedding light on a rare genetic disorder. The discovery may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment options for patients with cblF combined homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria.
Researchers found that rats exposed to alcohol during pregnancy are more attracted to the smell of liquor during puberty, and this effect persists into adolescence. Fetal ethanol exposure also changes how the odor and flavor of ethanol are perceived, making it more attractive to others.
Research reveals that a competition between the two sides of the brain causes it to become asymmetrical. A protein known as Fgf8 acts as a magnet to attract nerve cells to one side, while another protein Nodal teams up with it to trigger asymmetric development.
Researchers explore genetic mechanisms of skin color in zebrafish, a model organism for understanding human skin color and race. The studies shed light on the evolution of skin pigmentation and its relationship to environmental factors.
The G8's commitment to strengthening health systems and delivering on existing global health commitments is crucial during the current financial crisis. Experts argue that a balance should be struck between fighting specific diseases and strengthening health systems to support each other effectively.
A study of the MSX gene family over 600 million years reveals duplication and diversification of protein regions as key to understanding certain birth disorders. The research provides a molecular explanation for disease patterns associated with cleft lip and palate.
A new study published in the Journal of Physiology found that an early childhood diet may have a profound influence on adult obesity and diabetes. The research, led by Dr. Raylene Reimer, suggests that the composition of an infant's diet can alter the expression of genes involved in metabolism and weight regulation.
James E. Hansen, NASA's longtime director of the Goddard Institute of Space Studies, has been awarded the Carl-Gustaf Rossby Research Medal for his groundbreaking work on climate change and clear communication of scientific findings to policymakers. This prestigious honor recognizes his tireless efforts to raise awareness about global ...
A pilot study involving 11 operating rooms found that using a Surgical Patient Safety Checklist significantly reduced major complications and inpatient deaths. The checklist improved communication among team members during surgery and increased the consistency of proven standards of surgical care.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that cattle and sheep grazing on natural grasslands produce tastier, healthier meat with a richer diet. The research concluded that pasture-based farming is good for the environment and consumers, but needs stronger policy support.
A study analyzing death rates among men of working age in post-communist countries found that mass privatization was associated with a 12.8% increase in deaths. However, countries that implemented slower reforms experienced lower mortality rates and fewer social costs. The authors conclude that caution is needed when macroeconomic poli...
The USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion has reported a significant increase in calories in home-cooked recipes over time, with the iconic cookbook 'The Joy of Cooking' experiencing a 63% rise from its first publication to 2006. Small changes in recipe ingredients can have a substantial impact on nutritional content.
A six-year study found that administering high doses of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to pre-term infants through breast milk or formula reduces significantly delayed mental development. Premature girls showed better mental development than boys, but the exact reason for this difference remains unclear.
A repressive protein can promote plasticity in sensory neurons by activating translation in response to environmental stimuli. This process allows animals to adapt to persistent odors and reset their sensitivity.
A clinical trial from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that supervised exercise can improve walking endurance for people with peripheral arterial disease. Participants were able to walk an average of 69 feet further after six months of supervised treadmill walking, and reported a better quality of life.
Researchers discovered how defective DNA repair in ATLD and NBS causes distinct pathologies, including neurodegeneration and microcephaly. The study provides insights into the links between brain disease and cancer vulnerability in people carrying these diseases.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine identified a small intracellular protein, p115, that helps cells commit suicide and is required for the pro-apoptotic function of the Golgi protein. This discovery could lead to drugs for combating cancer and other diseases characterized by overproduction of cells.
A study led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found global yields of biofuels crops to be overestimated by 100-150%, highlighting the need for more realistic expectations. This information can empower countries to make informed decisions about agricultural biofuels.
Physicists Jeff Lundeen and Aephraim Steinberg have resolved Hardy's paradox, a long-standing challenge in quantum mechanics. They used weak measurement to discuss past events without disturbing reality, resolving the apparent contradiction.
A new study has found that build-up of infected blood cells in brain's narrow vessels leads to lack of oxygen, causing lethal damage. The research provides strong evidence for understanding why cerebral malaria is so deadly and may lead to new therapeutic measures.
A national survey found that Americans are ready to reduce their energy use, with half having taken action and a substantial number planning to do so. The main barrier is financial cost, highlighting the need for innovative financing models.
Researchers found evidence of ancient chemical warfare in a Roman siege, with the Persians using bitumen and sulphur crystals to create choking gases. The discovery sheds new light on the tactics used by the Sasanian Persians during the 256 AD siege.
A new diagnostic tool can help doctors determine whether stenting is necessary for patients with coronary artery disease. The study found that using this tool resulted in a significant reduction in cardiac events, including death, heart attack, and repeat stenting or bypass surgery.
Yale researchers create systems that harness the power of osmosis to harvest freshwater from non-potable sources and generate electricity from low-temperature heat. This innovative approach requires significantly less energy than traditional desalination methods, offering a sustainable solution for increasing global water supply.
A new pharmaceutical developed by McGill University researchers may allow PKU sufferers to eat a normal, protein-rich diet, avoiding the need for severe protein restrictions. The treatment, which involves enzyme therapy, aims to reduce phenylalanine levels in the blood and alleviate symptoms such as agoraphobia.