A new software package called CLASlite is revolutionizing forest monitoring by automatically identifying deforestation and forest degradation from satellite imagery. The technology has been adopted by 70 organizations in five countries and is being rapidly disseminated to support international policy discussions.
A new pan-tropical forest mapping initiative, launched at COP15, aims to provide accurate data on forest cover and carbon stocks. The project combines satellite and lidar data from NASA and JAXA, enabling countries to build robust national carbon accounting systems.
A new study by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 30% increased risk of breast cancer recurrence. Post-menopausal and overweight women may be most susceptible, regardless of type of alcohol consumed.
Researchers aim to develop a database of nanoparticle behavior, enabling the prediction of particle fate and design of targeted treatments. Eight classes of nanoparticles will be studied in a two-year project.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have identified a new genetic mutation in the H1N1 flu virus that enables it to replicate in humans. The SR polymorphism mutation enhances polymerase activity and potentially pathogenesis of the virus in humans.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center program will train Ph.D. students in translational medicine through a yearlong curriculum and clinical research opportunities.
A new mechanical string blossom thinner prototype significantly increased fruit size and reduced labor costs in peach production. The study found that the horizontal string trimmer resulted in improved fruit quality and reduced hand-thinning time, leading to cost savings for growers.
A new system, MultiLearn, allows up to four students to share a single computer for interactive math problems, effectively quadrupling the number of computers available. Early tests show that elementary school students are able to work independently on their own pace without distraction.
High-resolution computer simulations reveal that North Atlantic water enters the Arctic Ocean through three main routes: Fram Strait, Barents Sea northern branch, and southern branch. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of ocean climate change mechanisms.
The facility will contain testbeds for building systems integration, allowing researchers to develop and validate technologies for N-ZEB. Berkeley Lab will work with industry partners to address key technical challenges and achieve aggressive energy savings.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a naturally occurring molecule in muscle tissue can slow the progression of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) in mice. The study suggests that the molecule, microRNA-206, may be used to develop potential therapies for ALS by promoting nerve regeneration and delaying symptoms.
Researchers created algorithm to systematically analyze cancer cell pathways and reveal regulatory code in DNA. This breakthrough could lead to more precise treatments and improve patient outcomes.
The discovery of Tawa hallae, a 213-million-year-old carnivorous dinosaur from New Mexico, reveals that early dinosaurs originated in South America and dispersed across Pangea before splitting into separate continents. Fossil analysis suggests that climate, possibly related to latitude, controlled the distribution of some reptile species.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine found a previously unrealized role of receptor-binding residues in host evasion, which could be a bottleneck for the virus. This discovery may lead to more efficient vaccine design not only for H1N1 but also for other strains of the flu.
David W. Russell has received the 2010 Avanti Award in Lipids for his groundbreaking work on cholesterol metabolism and oxysterol function. His laboratory has elucidated the enzymatic pathways responsible for cholesterol breakdown and identified genes involved in related diseases.
A study of 73 Southeast Asian and East Asian populations reveals a high correlation between genetic ancestry and ethnic groups, contradicting previous theories. Genetic diversity increases from northern to southern latitudes, suggesting a single major migration route from Southeast Asia.
Researchers computationally and experimentally discovered molecular pathways for proteins to change shape without unfolding. They found that proteins follow transient, bridging states lasting less than a nanosecond, enabling function while avoiding unfolding.
A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that hourly wage-earners experience stronger relationships between income and happiness. The researchers theorize that the focus on concrete paychecks influences the level of happiness felt by hourly workers.
The NIH is launching a $37 million program to develop more effective interventions to reduce obesity by applying findings from basic behavioral and social sciences. The program will fund interdisciplinary teams conducting experimental research, formative studies, and pilot trials to identify promising new approaches.
Scientists at EMBL identify Notch signalling pathway as critical component of heart muscle cell communication, leading to heart defects and cardiac malformations in Alagille syndrome. Re-activating Notch improves adult mouse heart function after heart attack, offering new therapeutic potential.
David Bocian, a professor of biophysical and materials chemistry at UCR, is leading a research project to develop more efficient solar cells using natural photosynthetic systems. The goal is to create flexible, cost-effective solar cells that can be integrated with textiles.
A new review emphasizes the need for cardio-oncology to address cardiovascular side effects of cancer treatments. The authors suggest identifying high-risk patients with biomarkers and imaging techniques to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Research found moderate to heavy alcohol consumption increased breast cancer recurrence risk by 1.3-fold, with wine being the most popular choice among drinkers. Postmenopausal and overweight participants were more susceptible to the effects of alcohol on recurrence.
Researchers found that medications used to treat substance addictions can also help suppress the urge to gamble, particularly for those driven by urge. Medications targeting the brain opioid system or catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) enzyme showed positive outcomes in treating pathological gambling disorder.
A study of 124,260 prescriptions in 19 UK hospitals found an error rate of 8.9% with potentially lethal mistakes in 1.7% of cases. Improving clinical working environments, undergraduate education, and introducing standard drug charts are recommended to reduce errors.
A rare primitive theropod, Tawa hallae, has been discovered in New Mexican sediments from the Upper Triassic period, forcing a redefinition of early dinosaur evolution. The fossil finds evidence of air sacks and pneumatization in birds, showing that these traits are more primitive than previously thought.
Researchers found that MRI coupled with mammography detected almost all cancers at an early stage in high-risk women, resulting in smaller cancer sizes and fewer advanced cases. This alternative screening method may convince healthcare providers to recommend yearly MRI and mammography over surgical removal of the breast.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that slowing aging in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms prevented brain damage and impaired cognitive function. The study suggests that modulating the IGF-1 signaling pathway can have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identify polyphosphate as a key player in the formation of blood clots and inflammation. The study suggests that phosphatases can break down polyphosphate, preventing both conditions.
A new analysis by the ASB Partnership reveals that a porous definition of forest in the REDD plan could lead to large areas of deforested landscapes being overlooked. The researchers propose broadening the plan to include all alterations to land cover that release or retain greenhouse gases.
The Cassini spacecraft confirmed that reddish dust infalling on Saturn's moon Iapetus is responsible for its 'yin-yang' appearance. Water ice migration and evaporation also contribute to the extreme brightness differences between the two hemispheres.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the ACS NSQIP is a powerful tool for assessing outcomes of uncommon, high-risk surgical procedures like pancreatic necrosectomy. Patients undergoing this procedure had better outcomes than predicted, with lower mortality rates and less postoperative morbidity.
Researchers have discovered a blood clotting agent that can be targeted without affecting normal wound healing, offering potential improvements over existing anticoagulant drugs. The findings suggest polyphosphate or factor XII could be new targets for drug development to reduce thrombosis risk.
Research suggests that integrating horticulture lessons into the classroom can significantly boost student test scores in science and environmental awareness. In a study, middle school students who received hands-on horticulture lessons showed substantial improvements in post-test scores, with increases of up to 25 points in some cases.
A phase 3 trial found that adding chemotherapy to tamoxifen treatment significantly improves disease-free survival in postmenopausal women with node-positive breast cancer. The benefit is maximized when tamoxifen follows chemotherapy.
Researchers from Berkeley Lab are measuring gas dispersion in Boston's subway system as part of a DHS study. The data will help develop next-generation biological and chemical agent detector systems, as well as inform planning for fires and other emergencies.
Researchers have discovered techniques to increase yield and extend the fruiting season of blackberries, providing economic bonuses for growers and consumers. The newly developed 'primocane-fruiting' variety allows for harvests in the fall and winter months, offering improved production efforts.
Researchers at MIT and Boston University have identified a novel mechanism by which the drug hydroxyurea kills bacteria, inducing the production of toxic molecules that ultimately lead to cell death. This discovery raises the possibility of developing new antibiotics that target similar mechanisms.
The discovery of Tawa, a new meat-eating dinosaur, has resolved a long-standing debate about the evolutionary relationships between dinosaurs. The fossil remains reveal that Tawa shares characteristics with both theropod and non-theropod dinosaurs, confirming Herrerasaurus as a member of the theropod lineage.
Researchers found that tubercle formation is a critical step in TB infection, and that epithelial cells produce MMP9 enzyme to recruit macrophages. Blocking this pathway may lead to new therapies for TB and other inflammatory conditions.
Researchers at UCLA have genetically modified a cyanobacterium to consume carbon dioxide and produce isobutanol, a potential gasoline alternative. This method recycles carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and uses solar energy, making it an efficient and less expensive approach than current biofuel production methods.
A recent study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that vermicompost derived from pig manure can produce healthy hibiscus plants. The treatment resulted in improved plant growth and flower production, with an average increase of 58% in plant dry weight and 93% more flowers compared to conventional nursery crop inputs.
Researchers at the North East England Stem Cell Institute have developed a successful stem cell therapy to treat Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), a painful and blinding disease. The treatment, which uses patients' own stem cells without immunosuppression, shows promise for restoring sight in hundreds of people.
Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism that can be arrested in human cancer cells, causing them to die without affecting normal body cells. The compound, initially developed for stroke prevention, was found to be effective against breast cancer cells with no toxicity to normal cells.
Keller's groundbreaking studies on membrane lipids have revealed how lipid composition affects cell membrane physical parameters and protein activity. Her work has opened a new area of study, with colleagues praising her thorough analyses and phase diagrams as the gold standard in membrane research.
A team of researchers has identified the Chd1 gene as a crucial regulator of open chromatin in embryonic stem cells, enabling their ability to differentiate into any cell type. The study provides important insights into the mechanisms of stem cell pluripotency and opens up new avenues for the development of stem cell therapies.
The USGS estimates that the nation's forests and soils could store an additional 3-7 billion metric tons of carbon, equivalent to 2-4 years of US CO2 emissions. This potential is achieved by using agricultural lands for planting forests.
The Eukaryotic Pathogen Genome Database Resource has been expanded with a new contract to support worldwide research into human pathogens. The database provides tools for identifying vaccine antigens and drug targets, facilitating the search for effective diagnostics.
A landmark study confirms that chemotherapy with tamoxifen improves survival rates for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. A second study identifies a subset of patients who may not benefit from chemotherapy despite being at higher risk, suggesting a potential need to reassess treatment guidelines.
Ancient DNA analysis reveals new horse species in Eurasia and South America, with the Cape zebra found to be a large variant of the modern Plains zebra, while a small hippidion horse was discovered in South America. A new ass species also appears related to European fossils dating back 1.5 million years.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that carotid endarterectomy surgery significantly reduces the risk of future strokes in patients with chronic kidney disease. The procedure was shown to be safe and effective, without increasing the risk of death from surgical complications.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are developing a way to control the Casimir force, which attracts objects at the nanoscale. The goal is to limit its attractive properties and make it repulsive, enabling frictionless motion through nanolevitation for novel NEMS devices.
A major study led by Jose-Luis Jimenez from the University of Colorado at Boulder has discovered a common ground in organic material floating through the skies, leading to more accurate predictions of air quality and climate. The finding presents a workable solution that will improve the speed and accuracy of prediction models.
Experts surveyed lawn care and landscape professionals about disease- and insect-resistant plants, finding that respondents believe these plants will increase business benefits and client satisfaction. The survey results show that fewer than 4% of respondents are concerned about the impact on their businesses.
Researchers found significant spatial variations in land movement along the US Atlantic coast, with mid-Atlantic regions subsiding twice as much as northern and southern areas. Coastal subsidence enhances sea-level rise, leading to shoreline erosion and loss of wetlands.
Scientists have developed a method to control the buildup of hydrogen fluoride gas during crystal growth, leading to improved production and performance of materials. The new approach uses an HF absorber material to selectively remove hydrogen fluoride, preserving the uniformity of the crystal growth environment.
Research by Stylianos Kavadias and Svenja C. Sommer suggests that brainstorming techniques are more effective when participants from different specialties collaborate to develop simpler products. The study found that in highly technical products, specialists work individually before collaborating through 'nominal' groups.
A new study found that the abundance of roundscale spearfish, a look-alike species of white marlin, clouds the accuracy of past population size assessments. This misidentification might have impacted management efforts and highlights the need for updated biological knowledge on white marlin.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new model of skin cancer that sheds light on the role of Src kinase and its anti-oncogene counterpart, Srcasm. The study found that Fyn, a member of the Src family of proteins, is a potent oncogene in skin cancer, while Srcasm levels are decreased and acti...
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a way to stabilize proteins by linking their stability to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This method enables easy selection for stabilizing mutations, rendering proteins more resistant to unfolding and increasing their practical utility.