Gene duplication in our ancestral species may be responsible for uniquely human characteristics, and also contribute to diseases like autism and schizophrenia. Research estimates that these duplications slowed down after humans diverged from chimpanzees.
Researchers found that knocking out the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) gene improves cardiovascular function in genetically fat mice with diabetes. The study suggests that PTP1B contributes to insulin resistance, which can lead to impaired nitric oxide dilation and vascular remodeling. By improving fine control of blood glucos...
Recent studies suggest that humans use multiple senses for speech perception, including lip-reading, teeth movements, and facial features. The McGurk Effect demonstrates the integration of visual and auditory information, showing how our brains blend these senses together to process speech.
A UK research team discovered a new molecular cue that promotes limb regeneration in newts, which could help guide the field of regenerative medicine. The finding was recognized with the 2008 AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize.
Richard A. Meserve, Carnegie Institution president, receives the AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Award for advancing public interest and exceptional scientific contributions. The award recognizes his dedication to international science advancement.
A multi-centre study found that osteoblast cell injections accelerated fracture healing, with increased bone growth and no significant patient complications. The treatment is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional methods, allowing for faster recovery without surgery.
Researchers found that men with rare surnames share similar Y chromosomes, indicating a common ancestor within the past 700 years. This challenges the 'one in ten' figure for children born through infidelity, which may be an exaggeration.
A new article suggests that gorilla lice evolved to infest pubic hair around 3.3 million years ago, possibly due to human-gorilla contact. This divergence occurred despite humans and gorillas diverging from a common ancestor at least 7 million years ago.
A team of scientists has developed an enzyme-based process that converts cellulose from wood chips and water into high-quality hydrogen fuel. The breakthrough could enable the production of renewable hydrogen for transportation, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Fox Chase researchers have shown that manipulating the amount of Hsp70 can restore function to mutated proteins, which could potentially reduce severity or correct certain hereditary diseases. By modifying the chaperone environment, they hope to give Hsp70 better opportunities to rescue broken proteins.
Kenneth R. Miller received the 2008 AAAS Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology for his sustained efforts in communicating evolutionary science. He made an extraordinarily persuasive public case for the power of science to explain the natural world, upholding the integrity of U.S. science education.
Scientists have developed a method to produce biodegradable plastics from plants, which can be used to replace petroleum-based plastics. The new plastic, called polyhdroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyvalerate (PHBV), is flexible and moldable, and can be naturally degraded into water and carbon dioxide by bacteria in the soil.
Pragmatically licensed statements, which sound natural and informative, don't hinder the brain's understanding of negative statements. In contrast, pragmatically unlicensed statements elicit similar ERPs to true words, suggesting negation is not more challenging when useful.
Research reveals that sleep consolidates cortical plasticity through strengthening responses to non-deprived eye stimulation. Key mechanisms include NMDAR- and protein kinase A-mediated intracellular cascades, promoting synaptic strengthening and neuronal remodeling.
Researchers develop feature frequency profiles technique for organizing large sets of data, including nucleotide base sequences, books, and images. The method provides more comprehensive analysis over standard tools, correctly grouping works by category and author, and shedding new light on Shakespeare's authorship.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that students who feel connected to their peers and teachers are more likely to intervene if they hear a fellow student planning something dangerous. However, students who don't feel connected are less likely to act.
A study published in the Journal of Natural Resources & Life Sciences Education found that workshops improved Iranian pastoralists' understanding of rangeland management techniques, leading to better land utilization. The results showed a significant impact on concepts like animal-rangeland equilibrium and grazing duration.
Ambassador Thomas Pickering received the award for his efforts to extend traditional responsibilities of environment, science, and technology officers in US missions abroad. He supported bilateral science agreements to strengthen diplomatic relations and bring global attention to issues like nuclear affairs and environmental stewardship.
A recent Penn study showed that sleep strengthens neural connections in the brain, leading to improved memory formation. The research discovered that a key molecule called NMDAR plays a crucial role in this process, allowing calcium ions to flow into cells and trigger enzymes that strengthen connections during sleep.
Drummond Rennie receives AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for his efforts to promote integrity in scientific publishing and research. He is recognized for his advocacy on issues such as publication bias, conflicts of interest, and compulsory registration of clinical trials.
A randomized, double-blind study found ustekinumab to be effective in treating moderate-to-severe psoriatic arthritis, with significant improvements in pain and stiffness. The treatment showed sustained benefits up to 36 weeks after initial dosing.
Researchers found that high crop biodiversity leads to less dissolved nitrogen in surrounding watersheds, suggesting a buffer effect from grasslands and woodlands. This could indicate a reversible impact if policy changes prioritize farming practices like crop rotation, smaller fields, and native perennial grasses.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered that TH17 cells, a subset of immune cells, can cause transplant rejection. The study's findings may lead to the development of targeted therapies to prevent graft-versus-host disease, which is a major complication of transplants.
Research suggests that blocking RHAMM expression can selectively induce fat cell generation, replacing lost cells in the aging process and reducing deposits of unhealthy visceral fat. This technique could provide a non-surgical approach for wrinkle reduction and skin normalization.
A comprehensive analysis of 52 studies found that physical activity significantly lowers the risk of colon cancer. Regular exercise is associated with a 24% lower risk, regardless of intensity or duration.
Researchers found that half of men with high cotinine levels lived with a partner who smoked, increasing their risk of heart attacks. Despite declining smoking rates in the UK, living with a smoker remains a significant risk factor for non-smokers.
A study found that parents of children with genetic conditions are avoiding subsequent pregnancies instead of undergoing pre-natal testing or abortion. This 'ambivalent' response is rooted in a deep-seated concern about the limitations of new reproductive technologies and the risks involved.
Researchers found that ustekinumab significantly improves symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and diminishes skin lesions in patients. The treatment, which targets interleukins 12 and 23, showed good tolerability and a benign safety profile.
Researchers have found that tumor cells release microvesicles that stimulate the growth of blood vessels, allowing tumors to grow. A new molecule called Diannexin has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent that can block this process and starve tumors.
A new study from University College London found that internal choices can be easily overridden by external stimuli, revealing a flexible brain. The researchers discovered that changing an internal choice is easier than making one based on external instructions, highlighting the importance of adaptability in decision-making.
The 2009 AAAS/Subaru Science Books & Film competition honored 10 authors, one illustrator, and seven books that explore sibling relationships, global climate change, and neuroscience. The prizes aim to foster scientific literacy in children and young adults by recognizing good science writing and illustration.
Sylvia T. Bozeman, a professor at Spelman College, has been awarded the 2008 AAAS Mentor Award for her commitment to mentoring underrepresented students in mathematics. Since becoming chair of the mathematics department, 20 graduates have received doctoral degrees in mathematics or math education.
The March of Dimes has awarded nearly $14 million in grants since 2009 to support innovative research on preterm birth. Researchers will investigate microbes, enzymes, and genetic factors to identify risk factors for prematurity and develop strategies to prevent it.
Richard A. Meserve has been selected to receive the 2008 Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his remarkable career advancing science in the public interest. He is recognized for his contributions to institutions, scientific communities, and the general public, both domestically and internationally.
Research reveals complementary paths to successful microfinance industry expansion, embracing both nonprofit and commercial options. Commercial banks and social businesses have benefits and limitations, with average loan sizes varying significantly.
Research on seamounts reveals that many animals are not exclusive to these underwater mountains and can be found in other deep-sea areas. The study identifies distinctive groups of corals and sponges, as well as sea cucumbers, which are rare or absent on other seafloor areas.
A study published in Neuron found that near-misses in slot machines elicit brain activity linked to natural rewards and motivate players to gamble again. Brain regions involved in drug addiction showed increased activity in response to near-misses.
A new amplifier invented at UC San Diego has the potential to revolutionize high capacity wireless communications systems. The Cascaded Constructive Wave Amplifier can amplify signals at millimeter wave frequencies, enabling data transfer rates of up to 10 Gigabits per second over a kilometer.
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center have discovered a mechanism to limit graft-versus-host disease in bone marrow transplant patients while preserving their leukemia-killing effects. Targeting interleukin 23, an immune substance secreted by donor marrow cells, may be a viable way to achieve this balance.
Study finds GTF2IRD1 contributes to visual-spatial performance while GTF2I plays a role in social behavior, shedding light on complex aspects of human behavior. The research used genetic analysis to identify the genes' effects on cognitive abilities and behavior, providing new insights into Williams syndrome.
Researchers have identified a new biological marker, sarcosine, that indicates prostate cancer progression and spreading. Sarcosine levels increase in tumor cells and urine samples as the disease develops.
A study found that taking a much higher dose of candesartan cilexetil effectively lowers protein excretion in the urine of patients with kidney disease. The drug may help prevent end-stage kidney disease and save lives by reducing proteinuria.
Researchers at the Centenary Institute have discovered a mechanism controlling endothelial cell growth and function. The process of differentiation, triggered by high levels of sphingosine kinase-1, allows cells to mature into functional endothelial cells, potentially leading to new treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A groundbreaking study reveals how enzymes in the cell cooperate to make fat, providing insights into a potential target for developing new anti-obesity and anti-cancer drugs. The research used state-of-the-art electron microscopy to capture the complex movements of fatty acid synthase, a molecular structure that is extremely flexible.
Researchers discovered that nanoscale lead atoms on silicon exhibit a fluid-like motion, enabling the formation of uniform-height islands in minutes. The unique behavior suggests that quantum mechanics governs the growth process, allowing for rapid self-assembly and potentially simplifying material properties manipulation.
Researchers have developed a plasmonic switch using molecular machines, which can transmit electrons and light simultaneously. This technology has the potential to enable ultra-small computers with high storage capacity and processing speed.
A new tracking system using personal digital assistants has been developed to monitor tuberculosis patients, significantly reducing the time it takes for test results to reach doctors from 23 days to 8 days. This innovation also eliminates the risk of lost results and is more cost-effective than traditional paper-based systems.
Engineers at NIST have developed a method to slow down penetration of chloride and sulfate ions into concrete, reducing maintenance costs and catastrophic failures. The new technology could save billions of dollars and many lives by extending the service life of concrete.
Researchers found a statistically significant inverse relationship between A1C levels and cognitive test scores in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that poorer blood glucose control is strongly associated with poorer memory function.
Researchers at UC San Diego are developing new diagnostic tools to detect early-stage cancers using advanced imaging technologies. They aim to characterize tumor aggressiveness and monitor chemotherapy effectiveness, enabling more effective treatment decisions.
Researchers found that males maintain larger social networks with other males compared to women and have longer-lasting friendships with members of the same-sex. Males rated their roommates as more satisfactory and less bothersome than females did.
Fourteen colleges awarded Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program grants to support interdisciplinary biology and chemistry research. Since 1994, the program has supported over 2,000 undergraduates in more than 200 institutions.
The study reveals that humans have domesticated yeast strains at many points in history from diverse sources, challenging traditional views on the Tree of Life. The analysis also provides insights into yeast probiotics' contribution to gut health and potential applications for cancer treatment.
Percy A. Pierre, a renowned engineer and educator, has been awarded the 2008 AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement for his dedication to increasing the number of African-American and Hispanic-American Ph.D.s in engineering. He has mentored 27 doctoral graduates through the Sloan Engineering Program at Michigan State University.
A team of Danish researchers has discovered the origin of the Baikal Rift Zone, a 2000km long crack in the Earth's crust that created the world's deepest lake. The study shows that the bottom of the crust is flat across Lake Baikal, contrary to previous models, and is instead thinning due to magma intrusion.
Researchers found a surge in duplicated sequences containing rapidly evolving genes in the genomes of humans and great apes, with most differences occurring prior to the speciation of chimpanzees. The study suggests that genetic differences contribute significantly to the distinctiveness between humans and chimps, and that these region...
A panel of small molecules, including sarcosine, has been identified as potential markers for aggressive prostate cancer. Sarcosine was found in higher levels in advanced prostate cancer samples and was a better indicator than traditional PSA test.
A new study demonstrates that near-misses in gambling lead to significant brain activity and increased motivation, shedding light on the allure of gambling. The research found associations between near-miss activation and a subjective measure of gambling propensity.
Researchers create a process that can produce nano-devices with features as small as 13 nanometers, outperforming silicon and steel. The use of bulk metallic glasses allows for molding fine details without grain size limitations.
A study found that individuals with high urinary protein levels are at increased risk of developing kidney disease. Screening for albuminuria in the general population or high-risk groups could help prevent kidney function loss and related health issues.
Researchers will analyze the genome of five wheat varieties using new DNA sequencing technology to generate tools for breeders to select key agricultural traits. This project aims to speed up current breeding programs by highlighting natural genetic variation between wheat types.
The Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) program at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Eileen Fisher to promote science education among low-income girls. The program has shown remarkable success rates, with 100% of advanced students graduating and 97% continuing to college.
A novel alloy composed of manganese, iron, phosphorus and germanium has been found to exhibit exceptional magnetic cooling properties, making it a potential replacement for traditional gas-compression refrigerators.
Piracy has surged globally, attacking 125 ships and seizing 45 in the past year, with Somali pirates being a major threat. Satellites offer 3D imagery to track and evade pirate activity, helping merchant ships and military vessels stay safe.
Researchers found that high sensation seekers show increased activity in the insula, a region associated with addictive behaviors, while low sensation seekers exhibit increased activity in the frontal cortex area important for emotional regulation. This study may indicate how sensation seeking contributes to negative behaviors such as ...
A new study suggests that people with minimal manic symptoms or mixed depression presentations may be at greater risk of experiencing treatment-emergent mania when taking antidepressants. Researchers recommend exploring alternative treatments like mood stabilizers to manage depressive phases of bipolar illness.
The AAAS Science Journalism Awards have received a $2 million endowment from the Kavli Foundation to foster strong, probing science writing. The awards, established in 1945, recognize distinguished reporting on science by professional journalists.
Researchers found that diverse croplands lead to lower dissolved nitrogen levels in surrounding watersheds, reducing aquatic pollution. The study suggests that policy changes can mitigate the negative impacts of agriculture on water quality through crop rotation and buffer zone implementation.
A Georgia Tech study shows that hybrid vehicles and higher density cities could significantly reduce CO2 emissions from cars and trucks by 2050. The research found that doubling population density in large US cities would have a greater impact on CO2 reductions than full hybridization of the vehicle fleet.
A large-scale study found that computerized brain exercises can significantly improve memory and lead to faster thinking in older adults. Participants who used the Brain Fitness Program for 40 hours over eight weeks showed a 131% improvement in response time and scored as well as those ten years younger on memory and attention tests.
New research suggests that material items can provide longer-lasting happiness than negative experiences. The study found that bad experiences lead to more lasting unhappiness than bad material purchases.
Researchers used finite element analysis to determine the forces and stresses involved in chewing food, contradicting previous classical analyses. The study suggests that Australopithecus africanus may have eaten larger hard objects, such as nuts, due to their fracture properties rather than wear patterns.
Researchers at Wake Forest University have developed a new class of platinum-based anti-tumor drugs that demonstrate 10 times greater efficacy than current treatments against certain lung cancer types. The compounds work by rapidly binding with and disabling tumor cell DNA, potentially overcoming drug resistance issues.
Research suggests girls are more resilient to adverse childhood experiences due to having criminal charges on their male counterparts. Children exposed to multiple traumatic events face significant challenges transitioning to adulthood.
A new species of fruit fly emerged after changing its mating behavior, while parasitic wasps evolved to prey on the flies' larvae. This study shows biodiversity feeds on itself, opening up niches for other species.
Researchers at NIST have discovered a material that can reduce magnetic film stress by a factor of 200 and lower saturation field by a factor of 400, enhancing magnetic sensor sensitivity. This breakthrough could lead to improved applications in weapons detection, non-destructive testing, medical devices, and data storage.