A new method developed at Purdue University has shown that 70 of the rearranged distillation sequences can improve energy efficiency by 6-48 percent. This could save millions of dollars in energy costs annually for oil refineries, with potential savings reaching $12 million per year.
A 25 million-year-old fossil from Australia has provided new insights into the evolution of baleen whales. The discovery confirms Charles Darwin's hypothesis that early whales may have been suction feeders, with a possible precursor to filter-feeding in modern blue whales.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries who attended more cardiac rehabilitation sessions had better outcomes, including a reduced risk of heart attack and death. Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 patients age 65 and older, finding that those who attended all 36 sessions had the lowest mortality rates.
Researchers identified associations between genetic variations and brain surface area, suggesting a key role for microcephaly genes in human brain evolution. The study found significant links with regulatory regions of the CDK5RAP2 gene, indicating a need to focus on these processes for future research.
Developed by Arizona State University researchers, SPARKy is a smart, active, and energy-storing below-the-knee prosthetic that enables users to walk on various surfaces and navigate stairs. The device uses regenerative kinetics to store energy as the wearer walks, allowing for enhanced ankle motion and reduced fatigue.
The kinase IKK phosphorylates mutated Huntingtin protein to promote its removal, but also increases neurotoxicity in later stages of the disease. This dual role highlights the complexity of IKK's function in Huntington's disease.
Researchers found that restricting glucose intake extends normal human cell lifespan and impairs precancerous cell growth through epigenetic control. The study, published in the FASEB Journal, could lead to novel approaches to extend human lifespan and prevent cancer.
Researchers used high-resolution seismic data to analyze fault evolution across the Gulf of Corinth rift, revealing patterns of basin subsidence and fault activity. The study provides new insights into early rift history and the development of faults associated with the rift, shedding light on seafloor spreading mechanisms.
The MARES project aims to develop comprehensive ecosystem models and reach consensus on feasible management goals for the South Florida coastal ecosystem. Human dimensions science will be incorporated to study societal processes and their impact on ecosystem sustainability.
A study led by researchers at the University of Toronto and UC Berkeley found a 9% increase in disability rates among non-institutionalized adults 65 and over between 2000 and 2005. The trend is attributed to increasing obesity rates and lack of preventive services, which could lead to rising costs for Medicare and Medicaid.
A new UC Davis study found that ski slope grading is more damaging to ecosystems than clearing, affecting plant abundance and diversity. Graded runs require less snow to open but result in higher summer maintenance costs.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a gene therapy that can prevent the progression of emphysema by delivering therapeutic genes to lung tissue. The treatment achieved sustained expression of human alpha-1 antitrypsin protein, improving lung compliance and alveolar size in mice with emphysema.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered evidence of sophisticated human behavior dating back 750,000 years. The findings indicate a formalized conceptualization of living space, suggesting advanced social organization and communication skills.
Researchers found that endocannabinoids selectively enhance sweet taste by acting on tongue taste cells, which may help regulate feeding behavior. The study's findings also suggest potential therapeutic applications for metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have found a protein, TRPC6, that could hold the key to treating GBM, a type of malignant brain tumor. Knocking down this protein's expression can stop tumor growth and spread.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that urinary tract cancer is associated with the use of Chinese herbal products containing aristolochic acid. The risk increased with higher doses and was independent of arsenic exposure. The authors recommend continued surveillance and monitoring of patients who h...
Researchers identified a genetic cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a devastating kidney disease that forces children and young adults onto dialysis. The INF2 gene, which regulates actin in podocytes, may hold clues to developing treatments for the disease.
Researchers discover CD20's nonredundant role in generating optimal B cell immune responses. Gene therapy approach targets alpha-1 antitrypsin to alleviate emphysema symptoms. Inhibiting fatty acid oxidation sensitizes leukemic cells to death-inducing compounds.
The Rand Corporation study recommends that Israel prioritize conservation measures and diversify its fuel mix to reduce security risks. The nation should invest in combined-cycle natural-gas power plants, maintain a wide range of fuels, and regulate wholesale and retail prices to defray supply and cost risks.
Researchers have identified a protein mechanism that senses bicarbonate fluctuations and adjusts blood pH levels. The breakthrough discovery, led by the University of Alberta team, opens new avenues for regulating blood pH in the human body.
Researchers discovered that longer proline repeats contract protein bubbles, helping to form longer enamel crystals. This finding could lead to new ways to engineer tooth enamel.
A study found that dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR improves survival rates and poses only a minimal risk of injury. The research suggests that assertive dispatch programs can increase the proportion of victims receiving early CPR, but future studies should aim to improve individual community's dispatcher-assisted CPR programs.
Adrian Bejan's research reveals that the golden ratio is a fundamental principle in nature's design, guiding the flow of information from vision to cognition and locomotion. This concept, known as the constructal law, explains why the golden ratio appears in various natural systems, from animal vision to river deltas.
A research program developed by ASU aims to create a system that can rapidly measure an individual's level of radiation exposure. The system will enable faster medical triage and analysis of 2,000 blood samples per day. It is designed for field deployment and collaboration with government entities.
Researchers have found that CD20 protein is essential for generating optimal B cell immune responses, particularly to T-independent antigens. The discovery was made by analyzing a patient with a mutation in the CD20 gene, who had impaired B cell responses and recurrent infections.
A European research team has created a method for locating plastic anti-personnel mines by analyzing temperature variations in the ground. The new system generates 3D thermal maps, reducing calculations by 34 times compared to other systems.
A newly examined fossil of Miacis uintensis reveals that some early carnivores were built to walk on the ground at least part of the time. The analysis suggests that adaptations for terrestrial or semi-terrestrial locomotion were more common than previously suspected in early fossil carnivores.
The police service is grappling with a range of challenges in the face of a global recession, including the risk of over-centralisation and politicization. Experts argue that policing must adapt to new priorities and acknowledge the limitations of its powers.
A Canadian study found that mortality rates among lower-income individuals with diabetes have increased, even as overall mortality rates from the disease have decreased. The study highlights the need to address barriers to adequate diabetes care in low-income populations.
A new study by the Pew Charitable Trusts finds that catch share programs increase predictability in fisheries but do not necessarily lead to better ecological conditions. The research analyzed 15 catch share programs in the US and Canada, concluding they work well to avoid erratic swings, but may not result in larger fish populations.
A new study has found that housing development near national parks and protected areas can reduce their conservation value by interrupting travel corridors for animals and altering habitats. As a result, researchers project an additional 17 million housing units will be built within 50 kilometers of protected areas by 2030.
Researchers at Caltech propose a new approach to observe quantum behavior in small mechanical systems by levitating the object with intense laser beams. This allows for dramatic reduction of environmental noise, enabling observation of diverse manifestations of quantum behavior even at room temperature.
Researchers at Loyola University Health System failed to find evidence of TB bacteria forming spores, contradicting a provocative theory. The new findings could help ensure that efforts to improve treatments for tuberculosis are focused on productive directions.
Two studies find that routine self-monitoring of blood glucose levels by people with type 2 diabetes who are not taking insulin is an ineffective use of health-care resources due to significant cost of test strips. Expenditures associated with blood glucose self-monitoring in Canada are projected to exceed $1 billion.
Researchers analyzed DNA methylation in identical twins discordant for autoimmune disease lupus, finding widespread epigenetic changes that may play a role in the disease. The study suggests environmental factors and lifestyle differences may contribute to differential disease onset.
The Goudge Inquiry's analysis of pediatric forensic pathology highlights the importance of carefully controlling the use of expert witnesses. The report emphasizes the need for medical experts to provide fair, objective, and impartial testimony, regardless of their relationship with the court or party involved.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that implanting fibrin sealant combined with ropivacaine in the gallbladder bed effectively controls both visceral and shoulder pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This method provides long-lasting pain relief for patients undergoing this type of surgery.
A new study in Journal of the American Chemical Society explains how sea urchins form hard, complex structures from calcium carbonate. The resulting calcite crystal is tough enough to grind away limestone or sandstone.
Researchers discovered that a naturally occurring lung lipid, POPG, can prevent RSV infection and inhibit its spread. In cell-culture studies, POPG was shown to block RSV infection, while in mice, it reduced the infection rate by 1700 times.
Savanna chimpanzees in Senegal exhibit predictive behavior towards seasonal fires, avoiding the fire as it approaches. Researchers interpret this behavior as a cognitive stage similar to human understanding of fire control. The study provides insight into how early human ancestors may have developed fire control abilities.
A digital checklist system can reduce fatigue in emergency drug administration during pandemics, according to a study. The use of personal digital assistants also shows promise in improving efficiency and accuracy in medication distribution.
A team of researchers from Kansas and China have discovered a venomous, birdlike raptor that lived 128 million years ago in China. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of modern birds and the tactics used by their ancient ancestors.
Investigators at Burnham Institute for Medical Research identified 295 human cell factors that influenza A strains must harness to infect a cell. The team also found small molecule compounds that act on several of these factors and inhibit viral replication, pointing to new ways to treat flu.
A new study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that depressed patients struggle to sustain activity in brain areas related to positive emotion and reward. Researchers found that despite normal initial levels of activity, depression impairs ability to maintain them over time.
A study found that melanoma incidence rates increased 2.4 percent per year among white non-Hispanic individuals, while Hispanic and black patients had more advanced melanoma at diagnosis, suggesting the need for targeted education and screening campaigns to address disparities in melanoma outcomes
Scientists have discovered a potential new way to combat malaria by disrupting the reproductive process of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Removing or interfering with the 'mating plug' prevents successful reproduction and fertilization.
Researchers found that CRP concentration is associated with future risk of a wide range of common diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and various cancers. Most of these associations were explained by known risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, and obesity.
Researchers found that nasal allergies may be involved in some cases of chronic sinus disease, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The study suggests using imaging tests to diagnose and treat patients with nasal allergies who also have chronic sinus disease.
Researchers suggest that compulsive eating may be a legitimate addiction, sparking a new perspective on weight management. The concept of food addiction shares similarities with other addictive behaviors, including tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered that deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) enzyme plays a crucial role in the development of healthy immune systems. Mice without this enzyme have defects in their adaptive immune system, producing very low levels of T and B lymphocytes.
A new method using 3D imaging improves preoperative assessment of pancreatic carcinoma resection. The study found that 3D images were better for operation planning and consistently described as useful by surgeons.
A study by Brigham Young University professor Renea Beckstrand and graduate student Nicole Rawle identified the three biggest obstacles to supporting families of dying children: language barriers, parental reluctance to withdraw life-support technologies, and mixed signals from different specialties on the medical team. The researchers...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have developed an approach to sustainably express normal human alpha-1 antitrypsin in the mouse lung, reducing emphysema symptoms. This breakthrough could provide a therapeutic approach for overcoming lung diseases caused by single-gene defects.
Recent advances in Earth observation satellite technologies enable monitoring of the global water cycle. The European Space Agency's EO for Water Cycle Science Conference assessed current research capabilities and identified key gaps. Novel missions, precipitation, and soil moisture will improve our understanding of the water cycle.
A new warbler species, the 'limestone leaf warbler', has been discovered in Laos and Vietnam. The bird is characterized by its distinct vocalizations and morphological differences from other warblers in the area.
A recent study published in Archives of Surgery found that older adults are at a higher risk of complications and early death after commonly performed abdominal surgical procedures. The study analyzed data from over 101,000 adults aged 65 or older who underwent common abdominal operations between 1987 and 2004.
A new compound, T-705, has been found to be effective and safe against H5N1 virus, a highly pathogenic bird flu virus, even three days after infection. The compound works by targeting the viral polymerase enzyme, making it a promising front-line drug for treating influenza.
A new miscanthus rhizome root harvester and planter will be unveiled at the Bioenergy Feedstocks Symposium, reducing harvesting and planting costs by 50%. The Rizomgen Harvester/Planter package has shown a 200% increase in rhizome collection over manual systems.
A study of 312 heart transplant patients found that nearly half developed skin cancer during a 19-year follow-up period. The majority of these cancers were squamous cell carcinomas, with risk factors including age, other types of cancer, and immunosuppressive medication use.
Australian scientists have discovered that the brain plays a crucial role in regulating bone formation, fine-tuning the process based on energy availability. The neural network controlling appetite and energy also influences bone density, with starvation reducing bone creation and overeating increasing it.
Researchers identified a family of proteins called Mrgprs that functions as itch receptors in a rare subset of nerve cells. The study found that MrgprA3 is the primary itch receptor for chloroquine, leading to potential new treatments for nonallergic itch.
The project aims to develop interactive computer programs to visualize and analyze strain in rocks, improving undergraduate courses in structural geology. Students will gain hands-on experience in gathering and analyzing data, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject.
The project aims to manufacture a transformer boosting power grid reliability, reducing energy losses by one-third and eliminating CO2 emissions. The superconducting wire will have a unique property allowing electricity to flow without resistance while limiting current flow in sudden spikes.
Researchers discovered how smallpox kills by targeting molecules that block viral replication, paving the way for new therapeutics. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms causing disease in other viral infections, offering hope for prevention and treatment of pox viruses.
A recent genetic study of African and African-American populations reveals a rich mosaic of ancestry, with individuals having as little as 1 percent West African or as much as 99 percent. The study found significant implications for pharmacogenomic studies, personalized medicine, and disease risk assessment.
A new strain of antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis has been identified as thriving in the presence of rifampin, a front-line drug. The bacteria grew poorly without rifampin and worsened with treatment regimens containing the drug, but recovered once rifampin was removed from the regimen.
A twin study has identified factors associated with sun damage and skin aging, including smoking and being heavier. The study found that a history of skin cancer and photodamage were highly associated in twin pairs, while sunscreen use was not.
Research suggests that high nicotinamide intake can lead to reactive oxygen species production, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. Sweating is identified as an effective way to expel excess nicotinamide from the body, offering a potential preventive and therapeutic intervention for type 2 diabetes.
A study on aviation-based team training found that it can increase the use of checklists, self-reporting of patient safety incidents, and perceptions of empowerment among medical staff. The training also appears to change safety-related behaviors, particularly in high-risk areas like surgery.
Researchers discovered a crucial role of protein BAR in membrane vesicle binding, providing insights into nerve cell communication failures that lead to nerve pain. The findings have the potential to develop new treatments for nerve disorders.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $247,553 grant to Enrique Peacock-Lopez, supporting his project on chemical self-replication and regulatory mechanisms. The research will involve undergraduate students and upgrade local high school chemistry teaching to Advanced Placement Chemistry.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed bioengineered hydrogels that induce significant vasculature growth in damaged tissue. The hydrogels release VEGF, stimulating blood vessel formation, and degrade in a controlled fashion, allowing for functional vascularization and integration with host circulatory system.
Researchers at MIT have found that chemical energy from ATP controls the shape of red blood cell membranes and determines their membrane vibrations. The study, published in PNAS, provides conclusive evidence that these vibrations require ATP input to occur.
A study published in JAMA found that a single dose of the H1N1 vaccine may provide sufficient protection for infants and children, reducing transmission of the virus. The researchers assessed the effectiveness and safety of two doses of the vaccine in healthy infants and children, aged six-months to less than 9 years, living in Australia.
A recent study has found that embryo biopsy does not increase the risk of major malformations or health problems in babies born from singleton pregnancies after preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening. However, multiple pregnancies associated with PGD/PGS showed higher perinatal death rates compared to ICSI children.
A new study found that relatives of boys with hypospadias and cryptorchidism do not have an increased risk of developing testicular germ cell cancer. Researchers followed over 2 million men born since 1953, identifying a total of 5,441 patients with the condition.
Attila Technologies has collaborated with InterDigital to develop bandwidth aggregation technologies, aiming to meet the growing demand for wireless data usage. The companies will jointly demonstrate their capabilities on live networks at the 2010 Mobile World Congress.