The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Minority Travel Awards for 2010, recognizing minority students who will attend the society's Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Over 6,000 biophysicists are expected to attend the event, where more than 4,000 scientific abstracts have been submitted.
A new method to identify priority areas for whale conservation has been proposed, suggesting that even small protected areas can benefit highly mobile marine predators like killer whales. The research highlights the importance of feeding behavior in conserving endangered southern resident killer whale populations.
NSAID misuse can lead to severe risks such as stomach ulcers and cardiovascular problems. Experts recommend taking these drugs only after injury and in recommended dosages to avoid potential harm.
Research teams analyzed cancer genomes, uncovering over 30,000 mutations in lung cancer and 33,000 in melanoma, which carried records of when and how they occurred. The studies revealed the impact of environmental mutagens, such as cigarette smoke and sunlight, on DNA.
Scientists have discovered that certain food aromas can contribute to feelings of fullness, potentially helping to combat obesity. By analyzing the effects of aroma release during chewing, researchers found that these scents can signal areas of the brain responsible for satiety, leading to reduced food intake.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a technique to image photons of nanoscale structures and visualize their architecture using 4D electron microscopy. The method allows for the observation of fleeting changes in the structure of nanoscale matter, enabling new insights into fields such as plasmonics and photonics.
A new law in Israel prioritizes organ donation for those who have signed donor cards, with increased priority given to first-degree relatives and live donors. The policy aims to increase organ availability despite a low consent rate for donation.
Exposure to common pesticides limits wild salmon growth and size; improving water quality conditions could potentially increase the rate of recovery
A new web-based tool calculates a person's risk of having another stroke within three months by analyzing medical history, brain scans, and other risk factors. The study found that over 96% of patients who developed a second stroke showed signs of one or more risk factor.
A recent study by Brandeis and Rice University sociologists found that families frequently raise the topic of prayer when a child is seriously ill or dying. Pediatricians respond to these requests in different ways, including participating in prayers, accommodating them, reframing prayers for realism, or referring patients to religious...
Researchers identify ineffective communication strategies that can worsen problem behaviors in family members with dementia. Effective communication, on the other hand, can resolve misunderstandings and reduce distress. The study aims to develop empirically derived communication interventions for caregivers targeting both problems.
A large-scale genetic study has identified seven genes that increase an individual's susceptibility to leprosy, a chronic infectious disease affecting skin and peripheral nerves. The discovery highlights the role of innate immune response in leprosy development and may lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
Austrian researchers have developed a new electrophoretic method, SARCOSYL-PAGE, to detect MIRCERA and other erythropoietins (EPO) in the blood. The technique enhances sensitivity for MIRCERA while maintaining performance for detecting other EPOs.
A team of researchers found low-angle normal faults, thought to be stable, can actually slip due to the presence of talc and clays allowing for easy sliding. This challenges previous laboratory experiments that indicated these faults should not move.
A group of heart drugs, cardiac glycosides, have been found to be effective against human colon cancer cells, with varying degrees of sensitivity. The findings suggest that these heart drugs could potentially improve colon cancer outcomes when used alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy.
Sandia National Laboratories will use the funding to enhance its existing Battery Abuse Testing Laboratory, increasing test throughput and developing low-cost batteries for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Researchers have identified a critical imbalance of regulatory cells and increased 'attack' cells in people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This imbalance can be addressed through diet and lifestyle changes, reducing the need for colonoscopies.
Stanford researchers found that about 10% of irrigation water is lost below the vine rooting zone due to deep cracks in clay-rich soils. Lowering or burying drip lines, slowing irrigation rates, and eliminating animal burrows can help reduce water loss.
Scientists have developed a way to modify nanoparticles in sewage treatment plants, potentially closing off the gateway for environmental spread. Uncoated nanoparticles remain in effluent streams, while coated ones aggregate into solid residue.
A University of Michigan research team analyzed 47 embryonic stem cell lines and found they lacked genetic diversity, with most derived from northern and western European ancestry. The lack of diversity raises concerns about unequal access to therapies for certain groups.
Tropical Cyclone Laurence made landfall in northern West Australia as a Category 2 hurricane, but its winds are waning, and it is expected to weaken further. The storm's maximum sustained winds near 103 mph (90 knots) were revealed by TRMM's Precipitation Radar instrument.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its student travel award, recognizing outstanding students who presented research in membrane biology and related areas. The recipients will receive a travel grant and be recognized at a reception.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association finds that deficiencies in DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, may contribute to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and ADHD. The research suggests that increasing DHA in the diet may help improve nervous-system function.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its 2010 International Travel Awards, fostering interaction between American biophysicists and scientists in financially difficult countries. The recipients, chosen based on scientific merit, will present their work at the society's Annual Meeting in San Francisco.
Researchers found that adults with less than 12 years of formal schooling experienced worse asthma symptoms and lower asthma self-efficacy. Higher education was associated with better asthma control and reduced emergency health service visits.
A team of researchers led by Erin Lavik developed synthetic platelets that show promise in halting internal and external bleeding. The synthetic platelets are designed to home in and link up with natural platelets at the site of an injury, resulting in clotting times about 25% faster than current treatments.
Research reveals global warming favors the growth of cold-hardy winter annuals in the Sonoran Desert, shifting climate change's impact on plant species. Cold-adapted species, such as popcorn flower and red filaree, are becoming more common due to the delayed onset of winter rains.
A comprehensive infection control program at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance successfully suppressed H1N1 cases among immunocompromised cancer patients, despite a high-risk environment. The program's rigorous screening measures, isolation protocols, and staff vaccination policies significantly minimized transmission and acquisition.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will coordinate a consortium of national experts in stem cell research, with a focus on regenerative therapy and new clinical therapies. The seven-year grant aims to advance the field at a faster pace and realize potential for new treatments sooner.
A large-scale case-control study found no association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes and increased risk of gastric and colorectal cancer in Koreans. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and age did not modify this association.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its first annual CPOW travel award to increase women's participation in biophysics. The recipients will receive a travel grant and be recognized at the meeting.
Researchers found that coots can recognize their own chicks and reject impostor chicks, a remarkable cognitive ability that helps them defend against parasitic chicks. This skill is essential for the survival of coot offspring, as parents learn to identify their own chicks through the first-hatched chicks.
Researchers use novel optical approach to study hybridization kinetics in living cells, finding that DNA-strands with 16 units react seven times faster than those outside, while 12-unit strands react five times slower. This discovery provides valuable insight into the complexity of biological cells.
A new international review of seven papers on the Michelangelo phenomenon reveals that partners who affirm and support each other's ideal selves experience better relationships and increased happiness. The study shows that close partners sculpt one another's traits and skills, promoting goal achievement and personal growth.
A new, inexpensive method for solar energy storage has been developed, enabling personalized solar energy at the individual or home level. This innovation uses a practical catalyst to split water molecules into hydrogen, producing clean electricity in a fuel cell.
Advances in DNA sequencing technology make it possible for consumers to access their 'personal genome' for disease prevention and treatment strategies. The cost of sequencing is expected to drop sharply, raising ethical and legal concerns about genetic information use.
Tom Bowman has developed a series of graphics that translate key figures from the IPCC report for public audiences, making scientific information accessible. The new format aims to help institutions, corporations, educators, and consumers understand climate change risks and opportunities.
Common bacteria can turn microgears by swimming in a suspended solution, providing insights into design of hybrid biomechanical systems driven by microorganisms. The speed and direction of gear rotation can be controlled by manipulating oxygen levels.
A new therapeutic approach to treating hypertension may be possible using an enzyme called ACE2, which breaks down angiotensin II in the system. This approach could provide a more complete and effective suppression of the renin-angiotensin system, treating not just hypertension but also other medical conditions.
A DNA study has identified the earliest known case of leprosy in a 1st-century shrouded man found in a Jerusalem tomb. The analysis reveals that this individual likely died from tuberculosis, challenging the historical association between leprosy and social exclusion.
Researchers used DNA sequencing technology to analyze genetic mutations in small-cell lung cancer cells and compared them to normal DNA. They found over 23,000 mutations and identified a new gene, CHD7, involved in lung cancer.
A recent report by a team of researchers finds that numerous studies on learning styles fail to satisfy key criteria for scientific validity. As a result, the widespread use of learning-style tests and teaching tools is considered a wasteful use of limited educational resources.
Key advances in DNA sequencing technology and gene mutations have identified candidate cancer genes that contribute to colorectal cancer. The study also highlights the importance of understanding biological pathways deregulated in colon cancer, which can form the basis of new therapeutic agents.
Scientists at Georgia Tech have developed Thermochemical Nanolithography, enabling the creation of high-resolution patterns of multiple chemicals on a single chip. The technique uses heated AFM probe tips to induce local chemical reactions, allowing for stable and non-reactive patterns that can be stored for weeks.
Wim Leemans, a physicist at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, has won the 2009 E.O. Lawrence Award for his pioneering work in developing laser plasma wakefield accelerator technology. The award recognizes his scientific leadership and innovative contributions to advancing accelerator development.
A diet rich in methionine, found in red meats and fish, may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by accelerating amyloid plaque formation. Research suggests that high levels of homocysteine, a byproduct of methionine breakdown, can lead to increased dementia risk.
The Joint Center for Translational Medicine aims to transform science into new therapies for debilitating diseases. Researchers from Caltech and UCLA will collaborate on projects like a potentially revolutionary treatment for late-stage melanoma.
Researchers at TGen identified genetic markers associated with end-stage renal disease in diabetics, providing hope for early diagnosis and prevention. The study found eight locations along the human genome tied to ESRD, including six potential markers for Type 1 diabetes.
A new study finds that Earth's polar ice sheets are susceptible to significant melting under moderate global warming scenarios, potentially leading to a 6-9 meter sea level rise. This could result in permanent submersion of low-lying coastal areas and hundreds of millions of people being displaced.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University used bacterial decision-making to advise against automatic swine flu shot uptake. Bacteria communicate through chemical signals and consider risks before making decisions, suggesting a cautious approach for humans. They propose that only individuals with widespread contact should receive the vaccine.
A new study reveals that three proteins, E2f1, E2f2 and E2f3, play a key role in the transition of stem cells to their final differentiated state. These proteins act as activators in stem cells but switch to repressors when cells begin to differentiate, and can even revert back to activators in cancer cells, promoting tumor growth.
A recent study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that shift work significantly increases the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among early-middle-aged males with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The researchers observed that workers with both baseline e-ALT and long-term rotating shift work exposures h...
New psychology research finds two optimal ratios for female facial beauty: one for length and width. The study reveals that faces judged more attractive have a vertical eye-mouth distance of approximately 36% of their face's length and horizontal eye-distance of approximately 46% of their face's width.
The Department of Energy's 2009 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award winners were announced by Secretary Chu. The award recognizes groundbreaking research in nonlinear Raman microscopy, environmentally-benign chemistries, and high-energy physics.
Astronomers have discovered a 'super-Earth' orbiting a red dwarf star 40 light-years from Earth. The planet, GJ1214b, is about 6.5 times as massive as the Earth and orbits its star once every 38 hours.
A study published in Cortex identifies the left fusiform gyrus as necessary for normal understanding of written text and correct word spelling. The findings suggest that this brain area is specialized and required for orthographic processing.
Meteorology Professor Evgeni Fedorovich has been recognized with the Humboldt Research Award for his contributions to fundamental discoveries in atmospheric flow dynamics. He will conduct research on numerical algorithms for simulating turbulent flows in Germany.
A new study by Brown University and Caltech scientists reveals how cells interact with their environment, including the force exerted on tissues as they move. The research provides the most complete assessment to date of cell movement in three dimensions.
Scientists analyzed early Pliocene algae records to find evidence of sustained coastal upwelling off California's coast, even in a warmer climate. This insight provides valuable information on how ocean currents drive regional and global climate patterns.
Ape teeth are shaped to handle scarce food resources during stressful times. The study found that gorillas have broader back teeth for chewing leaves and orangutans have thicker enamel for cracking seeds. Conservation efforts must also protect fallback foods sources, such as forest areas where fruits grow.
Researchers used pláticas to encourage participants to stockpile water and food, resulting in a 93.3% increase in having water compared to 66.7% with mailers. A family communication plan was also more effective with pláticas, at 70.4%, compared to 42.3%.
Researchers found that longer dormant periods and thicker magma increase the length of a volcano's 'run-up' before an eruption. This can help scientists estimate when a rumbling volcano might erupt and how long to stay on alert after an eruption starts.