A new NIST assay using a 'glow or no glow' technique can detect ricin, a lethal toxin, at low doses and measure its potency with high precision. This standardized sample will aid in the accuracy of detection equipment and decontamination procedures.
Researchers have discovered that female fans of Japanese animation are remaking male-centric anime videos into romantic versions, developing skills in storytelling and feminist critique.
A California Department of Education-funded project found that student achievement increased 27.5% with the use of technology to increase academic achievement in fourth-grade classrooms. Traditional print-based literacy is still important, but new technologies are also essential for students in the 21st century.
Researchers at NIST have discovered that reducing mechanical strain at grain boundaries significantly improves high-temperature superconductor performance. By mitigating the effect of granularity, they could enable more efficient electrical transmission lines, increased power grid reliability, and advanced cancer treatment facilities.
Two new studies have identified genetic events that increase a child's susceptibility to high-risk neuroblastoma. Common variants in the BARD1 gene and a specific copy number variation at chromosome 1q21.1 are found to be associated with the development of this childhood cancer.
Biophysicists at JILA have created nonstick gold surfaces and laser-safe gold nanoposts, enabling the precise trapping of biomolecules. This breakthrough could lead to a 10-fold increase in single molecules studied in certain assays, resulting in new insights into molecular diversity.
Researchers at UC Davis have visualized the formation of a new synapse using neuroligin, a protein linked to autism. The study reveals the dynamic process of molecule recruitment, showing how neuroligin stabilizes adhesion between neurons and recruits other proteins important for synapse function.
A telemedicine project at the University of Rochester Medical Center has improved quality of life and motor function for Parkinson's patients in nursing homes. The system, utilizing a laptop, software, and web camera, enables specialists to conduct virtual visits with trained nurses, reducing travel burden and costs.
Researchers suggest vaccinating children could be an effective way to support pandemic control measures. Vaccination programs for children would offer protection not only to those at greatest risk but also to unvaccinated adults, reducing the need for vaccines in the general population.
A team of researchers used mice as model animals to study the key proteins involved in two types of muscular dystrophy. They found disrupted stem cell function and delays of skeletal muscle formation in embryos of MD-like mice, suggesting that both types of MD might be detected in utero or shortly after birth.
Researchers from Boston University compared three measures of treatment intensity in hypertension care and found that the standard-based method predicts blood pressure control most effectively. The norm-based method was not a valid predictor of blood pressure control due to its non-linear relationship with systolic blood pressure.
New studies by NIST scientists show that changing the shape of cobalt nanoparticles from spherical to cubic fundamentally changes their behavior. The research reveals distinct differences in how these particles interact under external magnetic fields and when exposed to heat.
The University of Leeds team is developing a digital model to predict the timing of plant flowering, which could help farmers improve crop yields. The model uses computer simulations to account for changes in genetic structure and environmental factors like climate.
Researchers found that certain microorganisms like E. coli and wine yeast have genetic networks that allow them to 'foresee' upcoming events and respond accordingly. This adaptation increases their chances of survival, similar to how Ivan Pavlov's dogs learned to salivate in response to a stimulus.
Researchers have discovered evidence of woolly mammoth survival in Britain until around 14,000 years ago, challenging conventional beliefs about their extinction. The findings, published in the Geological Journal, suggest that climate change may be a likely explanation for their disappearance.
A recent neuroimaging study reveals that distinguishing true from false involves two distinct processes: memory and reasoning. The study found that true statements are processed in the left inferior parietal cortex, while false statements activate the right fronto-polar cortex.
Parents' attempts to soothe anxiety and assist with OCD behaviors can exacerbate the condition in children, according to a new study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Researchers found that accommodations like excessive bathing or checking rituals worsen symptoms, while therapy helps improve outcomes.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a framework for studying the arrangement of tissue networks created by cell division across various organisms. The model reveals that regular features in tissues can indicate properties about the cell division mechanism itself.
Researchers found subtle seizures may prolong recovery and worsen outcome among ICU patients, emphasizing the importance of continuous EEG monitoring. The studies suggest treating clinically silent seizures with anti-seizure medications may help prevent neuronal damage and improve patient outcomes.
University of Oregon physicists have developed a technique to slow down mechanical fluctuations in optomechanical oscillators, reducing phonon excitations to near 40 quanta. The goal is to reach the quantum mechanical ground state with minimal excitation, enabling precise nanotechnology measurements.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens has uncovered clues to the development of cancers in AIDS patients, revealing specific miRNA biomarkers that accurately identify stages of tumor progression. The research team also found that certain miRNAs were lost as tumors progressed, accelerating cancer growth.
Researchers have discovered two new structures involving the central component of an enzyme important to the complement system of the immune response. These findings may pave the way for more efficient therapeutics for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
The completed genome sequence of Azotobacter vinelandii reveals unique features that enable the bacteria to fix nitrogen in the presence of oxygen. The research provides new prospects for the production and characterization of oxygen-sensitive proteins through genetic approaches.
Researchers suggest targeting children for flu vaccination to support control measures and reduce pandemic spread. Vaccinating key individuals in households provides sufficient protection to others, potentially reducing the need for widespread vaccination.
Researchers warn that African farmers lack access to climatically suitable crop varieties due to neglect of genebanks, threatening food security. Six countries face unique challenges as temperatures rise beyond historical experience, highlighting the need for immediate action to develop new crop varieties.
The National Resource for Aplysia, a world-leading facility for sea slug research, has secured a $2.7 million NIH grant renewal for five years. The facility will provide scientists with abundant Aplysia californica animals to study basic mechanisms of memory and learning.
The report emphasizes the importance of identifying specific types of breast cancer and tailoring treatment to individual patients. It recommends adjuvant endocrine therapy for most patients with oestrogen receptor-positive tumours, anti-HER2 therapy for HER2-positive disease, and chemotherapy for triple-negative disease.
Researchers found that an overactive enzyme plays a role in atrial fibrillation, but does not act alone. The study revealed a synergy between the enzyme and a specific calcium channel mutation, which is necessary for arrhythmia development.
A recent study published in the Journal of Religion examines medical studies on intercessory prayer, finding that scientists' personal beliefs influenced the outcomes. The research highlights the evolution of American religious demographics and the development of clinical trials.
A new study reveals that our brains detect expressions of happiness and surprise faster than those of sadness or fear. The right hemisphere performs better in processing emotions, particularly happy and surprised faces.
Fossils of land plants provide key insights into past climates, revealing that summer temperatures on land remained relatively warm during the Eocene/Oligocene transition, but with increasing seasonality. The researchers found that temperate climate trees such as spruces and hemlock replaced subtropical trees like palms and swamp cypress
Researchers create Saser, a sonic equivalent to lasers producing ultra-high frequency sound waves on a nano scale. The new device has potential applications in computing, imaging, and anti-terrorist security screening.
Researchers are redefining what constitutes literature with the rise of Japanese cell-phone novels, which demonstrate similar linguistic sophistication to traditional print novels. A study found that cell-phone novels are written at a lower reading level, sparking debate about their literary merit.
Patients treated for Hodgkin lymphoma with radiation therapy have a substantially higher risk of stroke. After a median follow-up of almost 18 years, 96 patients developed cerebrovascular disease, with the incidence rate for stroke being 2.2 times that in the general population. Risk factors include radiation to the neck and mediastinum.
A new study proposes banning or restricting fishing gear to aid in the recovery of coral reefs and fish populations. The research found that spear guns, fish traps, beach seine nets, and gill nets can be particularly damaging to corals and fish species, leading to accelerated decline and loss of reef resilience.
A new species of parrot-beaked dinosaur, Psittacosaurus gobiensis, has been discovered in the Gobi Desert with characteristic skull traits and associated gizzard stones suggesting a diet rich in nuts and seeds. The unique chewing style of the dinosaur provides insight into its feeding habits.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers predicts a 10-25% decline in US mollusk sales, worth $75-$187 million annually, and $1.4 billion by 2060. This decline could lead to economic hardships for fishing communities.
The UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved the use of lenalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma who have received two or more previous therapies. The approval is based on robust data showing that lenalidomide can increase survival by over three months compared to dexamethasone.
Researchers conducted three studies across different countries, age groups, and approaches, finding a strong correlation between playing prosocial games and increased helpful behavior. The studies suggest an upward spiral of prosocial gaming leading to improved prosocial behavior.
Four University of Miami Marine Biology and Fisheries students have received recognition from the National Science Foundation for their research on coral reefs. Ross Cunning and John Parkinson were awarded fellowships, while Sean Bignami and Kevin V. Brix received Honorable Mentions.
A study published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity found a strong association between extraversion and lower levels of inflammatory chemical interleukin 6 (IL-6), which can signal increased risk of death. The research suggests that dispositional activity may confer a survival advantage.
Researchers have identified N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 4 (NDRG4) as a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer and a candidate tumor suppressor gene. The study found that NDRG4 promoter methylation was more prevalent in colorectal cancers than in noncancerous colon mucosa.
Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a 'water gate' in yeast cells that regulates water flow, which may lead to new cancer drugs. The discovery has potential applications in human cancer research and could result in inhibitors for human aquaporins.
The SSPEED Center will compile lessons learned from Hurricane Ike and provide recommendations on preparing for future storms. The project aims to improve methods for predicting storm impacts, evacuation planning, and land use development in vulnerable areas.
The trend of open-source academic publishing is changing the way textbooks are created and distributed. As more authors self-publish their work, it raises essential questions about how to fairly compensate them for their time and effort.
Researchers have discovered that human fallopian tube mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into muscle, fat, cartilage, and bone cell lines, offering a new source for regenerative medicine. The study found that these cells are abundant in fertile women's reproductive years and can be easily isolated and expanded in vitro.
Researchers at NIST have discovered a striking similarity between the behavior of polycrystalline materials like metals and glasses. The findings could lead to better predictions of material failure and improve understanding of crystal formation.
Group Health Cooperative's Patient-Centered Medical Home pilot showed significant success, reducing emergency room visits by 29% and inpatient hospital stays for patients with chronic conditions. The model also improved care team satisfaction and patient experience, leading to long-term cost savings.
A University of Colorado at Boulder research team has discovered the first definitive evidence of shorelines on Mars, indicating an ancient lake that was up to 1,500 feet deep. The lake appears to have formed around 3.4 billion years ago and provides a prime target for future landing missions searching for signs of past life.
A Canadian study found that living in areas with more fast-food outlets and convenience stores than supermarkets has been associated with obesity. The proximity of these unhealthy environments is a significant risk factor for weight gain.
Researchers at the University of Houston's Texas Diesel Testing and Research Center will test a system designed to reduce emissions produced by construction vehicles, including Nett Technologies' BlueMAX selective catalytic reduction system. The team aims to provide real-world performance data for the EPA.
A four-year NIH grant enables researchers to track health behaviors and microorganism changes in 72 adolescent males, ages 14-17. The study aims to identify normal variations and how they influence susceptibility to infections.
Researchers discovered that a small portion of an enzyme plays a key role in fighting bacterial infections in the lungs. The team found that mice without this gene were more likely to die from infection, highlighting a potential new target for antibiotics.
A new study has identified a key protein receptor responsible for tumor cells invading the brain and spinal cord in childhood leukemia. The finding may lead to new drugs that block this receptor and reduce the risk of relapse in some leukemia patients.
Exposure to low doses of BPA during development can affect female reproductive health in rats, with early onset of puberty and ovarian malformations observed. The study suggests a link between low-dose BPA exposure and fertility issues in females.
Researchers at UBC developed a new method to study gambling addictions by creating an animal laboratory experiment. The study found that rodents' ability to play the odds was impaired with drugs that reduce serotonin levels and improved with those that reduce dopamine levels, providing insights into human gambling behaviors.
A polyomavirus known as MCPyV is associated with fewer metastases and better survival in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. Long-term survivors of childhood central nervous system malignancies remain at risk for death and are at increasing risk for developing subsequent cancers and chronic medical conditions over time.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that combining HPV testing with routine liquid-based cytology (LBC) screening in the UK did not increase the detection of cervical cancer. However, HPV testing detected cases of precancerous cervical cells in the first round of screening, but this effect was not sustained over two rounds.
A study suggests that banning certain types of fishing gear, such as spear guns and fish traps, could aid in the recovery of reefs and fish populations affected by coral bleaching events. The research proposes that temporary bans or selective gear restrictions offer a middle ground for reef managers and fishers, reducing pressure on th...
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed two new tools, Jadeite and Apatite, to help programmers select APIs in Java. These tools employ human-centered design techniques to significantly reduce the time and guesswork associated with finding the right classes and methods of APIs.