Cystorm is a Sun Microsystems machine with 3,200 computer processor cores, powering Iowa State University's research in materials science, power systems, and systems biology. The supercomputer achieves peak performance of 28.16 trillion calculations per second.
The grants are worth a total of $7.7 million, with 19 awards from the National Science Foundation and four from the National Institutes of Health. Researchers will use the funding to build their research programs, work with students, and advance their projects.
A recent national survey found that physicians inaccurately believed in the FDA approval status of 22 drug-indication pairs, including lorazepam for chronic anxiety and quetiapine for dementia with agitation. The study highlights the need for better methods to inform physicians about the level of evidence supporting off-label drug use.
Researchers have discovered genetic biomarkers relevant to CRC, allowing for personalized medication and improved survival rates. The integration of conventional agents with novel targeted therapies has led to median overall survival exceeding two years in metastatic CRC.
A University of Michigan study analyzed 23-year patterns in weight-related activities among 17,314 young adults, revealing consistent disparities in health behaviors by gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The study found that young women exercised less than men, while black and Hispanic women had lower fruit and vegetable consumption.
The PLOS Medicine journal has made all 1500 ghostwriting documents publicly available, revealing a coordinated campaign by Wyeth and medical writing companies to promote hormone drugs. The editors call for action to eradicate ghost-writing, including retraction of papers and investigation by academic institutions.
A new study reveals that impaired axonal transport in neurons is a key factor in the development of prion diseases. The research shows that clinical symptoms correlate with reduced axonal transport in specific brain centers, providing new insights into the disease.
Dartmouth researchers have proposed a new method to create tiny quantum-sized black holes in the laboratory, allowing for better understanding of Hawking radiation. The SQUID-based setup enables exploration of analogue quantum gravitational effects and may be more straightforward for detecting Hawking radiation.
Researchers identified two core structures, a negative feedback loop and feed-forward loop, that enable cells to adapt to changing environments. These findings have potential applications in targeted drug development for complex diseases like diabetes and cancer.
A study found that diabetics with low vitamin D levels can't process cholesterol normally, leading to increased blood vessel buildup and heart attack risk. Increasing vitamin D levels may slow or reverse atherosclerosis development, researchers suggest.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that fecal DNA methylation can detect gastric and colorectal cancers. Methylation patterns were more likely to be found in advanced tumors, with detection rates of 57% for gastric cancer patients and 75% for colorectal cancer patients.
Researchers have created a robot-controlled palpating device that detects tumors with 40% more accuracy than humans, reducing tissue damage by over 35%. The device applies consistent force in each step, producing a complete map of the tissue.
A new study has found that high serum insulin levels are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, even within the normal range. Insulin-like growth factors may play a role in prostate cancer development.
Researchers find novel cyanobacterial lineage in lichens, with implications for ecosystem research and the study of symbiotic relationships. The discovery suggests that photobionts are selected based on their compatibility with mycobionts, leading to an increase in certain strains.
A new protein has been identified as crucial for protecting sensory cells in the ear, according to a study led by University of Iowa researchers. The protein, claudin-9, helps maintain the separation of potassium ions between cells, preventing intoxication and functional defects.
A new algorithm, SERA, explores plant community dynamics and predicts changes due to environmental factors like climate change and invasive species. The model shows agreement with empirical data on trends in plant growth and development.
Researchers at NASA and AFOSR successfully launched a small rocket using an environmentally-friendly propellant called ALICE, which has the potential to replace traditional propellants. The test achieved a maximum thrust of 650 pounds and showed promise for future space missions.
Hurricane Bill brings heavy rainfall to Bermuda, with NASA satellites capturing detailed data on rainfall, clouds, and winds. The storm is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 1-3 inches over Bermuda and affect the eastern US coast.
A study published in Sociological Inquiry examines why people form false beliefs, such as the link between Saddam Hussein and 9/11, despite a lack of evidence. Researchers found that motivated reasoning, a cognitive theory, plays a significant role in shaping these beliefs.
Researchers identified a new protein that protects sensory cells in the ear, crucial for maintaining potassium balance and preventing intoxication. The study found mutations in the claudin-9 gene lead to functional defective sensory cells, highlighting the importance of this protein in hearing.