The Empire State Stem Cell Board has awarded Albert Einstein College of Medicine $12.7 million to support promising medical advancements, including treatments for sickle cell anemia and obesity. The new grants will help create technologies for cancer, heart and liver disease, as well as age-related diseases.
The DZero collaboration has achieved the world's most precise measurement of the W boson mass, reducing its uncertainty by a factor of ten. This precision measurement will lead to stricter bounds on the mass of the elusive Higgs boson and provide insights into other not-yet-observed particles.
A Rice University study has confirmed a world-record colony of amoebae clones measuring at least 12 meters across in a Texas cattle pasture. The discovery provides insights into the evolution of cooperative behavior in microorganisms like Dictyostelium discoideum.
Research shows that higher CO2 concentrations in freshwater micro-algae lead to a reduction in their nutritional value, affecting the small animals that eat them. This can have detrimental effects on the entire underwater food chain, influencing ecosystems and potentially leading to changes in aquatic species distribution.
Dr. Rosalind Rickaby, a biogeochemist at Oxford University, has been awarded the 2009 Rosenstiel Award for her groundbreaking research on marine phytoplankton and their impact on the Earth's climate. Her innovative approaches are helping to establish a record of the influences these microorganisms have had on the planet.
A study by researchers at the University of Georgia found a direct relationship between two specific antibodies and the severity of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. The team detected higher levels of these antibodies in patients' blood samples, which could lead to an early diagnosis and potentially improve patient quality of life.
Researchers found that participants who slept less than six hours a night were 4.56 times more likely to convert from normal blood sugar levels to impaired fasting glucose compared to those getting six to eight hours of sleep. This association suggests a link between inadequate sleep and the development of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Brown University have created a novel system where robots can follow humans at a precise distance without special clothing or environments. The team used computer programs and depth-imaging cameras to recognize human gestures and respond accordingly.
Researchers found that intermittent rain in days before the tornado moistened some areas enough to create favorable conditions for severe storms. Urban landscape gave storms extra energy needed to spin up a tornado. Heat island effect amplified storm intensity.
The new map combines nearly three months of data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, offering an unparalleled look at the high-energy cosmos. The image reveals flares from supermassive black holes in distant galaxies and pulsars, as well as a globular cluster in our own Milky Way galaxy.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a method to filter out interfering signals in LIBS, allowing for more accurate analysis of suspected bombs and other hazardous materials. By using polarizing filters, they improved sensitivity while reducing costs.
Studies show that male hummingbirds with long tails experience only a minimal cost in speed or energy, with a 3.4% drop in maximum flight speed. The researchers argue that the benefits of attracting females outweigh the costs of having long tail feathers.
A study published in Psychology & Marketing found that when people have too many similar options, they are more likely to leave a store without making a choice. The researchers suggest that this phenomenon, known as the 'choice overload effect,' can affect people's ability to decide in certain situations.
A study found that almost two-thirds of extremely preterm children require additional support in school by age 11. The research also showed significant differences in reading and math scores, with boys more likely to have impairments than girls.
A new study identifies sulfuryl fluoride as a significant contributor to future greenhouse warming due to its long lifetime of 36 years. The gas is currently present in the atmosphere at very small quantities, but increasing emissions pose a risk.
A new NOAA study warns that injecting particles into the stratosphere could inadvertently decrease peak electricity generated by large solar power plants. This is due to the reduction of direct sunlight, which is crucial for these systems to function efficiently.
A study led by UCF scientist Wade Winterhalter uses cricket reproduction patterns to predict the impact of global warming on humans. The research combines global warming models with biological predictions, simulating daily and seasonal temperature changes in crickets over a six-degree Celsius increase.
A new study by the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) found that regular aspirin use reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 25% in postmenopausal women. The study also suggested a lower dose of aspirin (81mg) is as effective as a higher dose (325mg) in reducing mortality rates.
A recent study found that enterprising school management teams stimulate a development-focussed school culture, resulting in better school effectiveness. The study, conducted by Gerdy ten Bruggencate, analysed data from over 100 high schools in the Netherlands.
A team of Dutch researchers successfully reduced the fear response in human volunteers using beta-blocker propranolol. The treatment weakened fear memories, allowing them to be erased from long-term memory. This breakthrough has implications for treating anxiety disorders and offers a new approach to intervention.
Panicos Demetriades, a renowned economist, argues that the current global financial crisis presents an opportunity for governments to take a more proactive role in finance. He suggests that countries should adopt policies that prioritize the public interest over the narrow interests of financial institutions. This could involve nationa...
Research reveals that over half of children born before 26 weeks need extra help with maths and reading, struggling with simultaneous processing of complex information. These children are more likely to require special educational needs support and multiple services.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that young, healthy individuals who stereotype old people are at risk of heart disease years down the road. Researchers analyzed data from over 400 participants and found a striking link between negative age attitudes early in life and poor cardiovascular health later on.
A new NSF-funded research group will integrate technology from Southern Methodist University, two other North Texas universities, and 11 industry partners to create net-centric solutions. The consortium aims to improve research capabilities in the US by combining academic expertise with high-tech companies.
New research on the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA) finds that motivational readiness is more about individual self-reflection than avoiding negative consequences. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that motivation and readiness to change are influenced by personal ...
Researchers found that describing past actions in the imperfective aspect (e.g. I was solving word puzzles) improves memory recall and performance on similar tasks compared to the perfective aspect (e.g. I solved word puzzles). This technique may be useful in behavioral therapy for increasing healthy behaviors.
Scientists use fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect microdeletions in embryos, which can predispose children to certain cancer syndromes. The technique has the potential to test patients with other genetic conditions as well, and opens up new possibilities for families affected by these disorders.
A survey of 84 family nurse practitioners found that many are unaware of the influence of pharmaceutical marketing on their prescribing decisions. The study suggests that greater involvement in marketing may compromise critical assessment and reduce awareness of conflicts of interest.
A study by Weill Cornell Medical College finds that New York state's health IT initiatives have achieved significant success, with 100% of programs remaining active and functioning after two years. The initiative has improved quality of care, increased efficiency, and reduced medical errors.
Undergraduate nursing students can benefit from research instruction, which enhances their education and prepares them to investigate healthcare issues. Nurse researchers like Dr. Tingen build knowledge used to improve care quality and efficiency.
A recent study by Georgia State University researchers found that adolescent girls who perceive themselves as overweight are more likely to display suicidal behaviors than those who are actually overweight. The study analyzed data from 1999-2007 and estimated the potential economic costs of obesity-related suicides.
Scientists have identified platelets as a contributor to organ failure in patients with sepsis. The study found that granzyme B production in platelets can cause cell death, leading to organ failure. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to better treatments and potentially even prevention of organ failure.
Daily folic acid supplements may increase prostate cancer risk by more than twice that of placebo. Baseline dietary folate intake and plasma levels showed a trend towards reduced risk but did not reach statistical significance. Researchers suggest large epidemiological studies using improved methods to study diet and cancer prevention.
Researchers have created a nano-sized cobalt oxide photocatalyst that can effectively split water molecules, a critical step towards producing liquid fuels from carbon dioxide and water. The clusters are sufficiently efficient and fast, making them suitable for artificial photosynthesis.
A new study found direct correlations between variables and the severity of flat head syndrome in infants, identifying risk factors such as lower gestational age, male sex, and multiple-birth pregnancies. The study also questioned the effectiveness of non-helmet devices in treating or preventing the condition.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons suggests that lung transplantation can be a viable option for patients older than 60, as long as they are younger than 70. The research found that mortality rates after one year were significantly higher for patients over 70 compared to those under 70.
Researchers found that genetic variations in serotonin transporter gene and COMT enzyme affect how individuals learn and overcome fear. Participants with shorter version of serotonin transporter gene had strong physiological fear response, while those with longer version did not.
A new study found that endovascular repair is effective and durable with low re-intervention rates comparable to open surgery. The minimally invasive procedure redirects blood flow and stops pressure on the weak aortic wall, avoiding major abdominal surgery.
Researchers at Brown University have created a twin nanoparticle that specifically targets Her-2-positive breast cancer cells, releasing chemotherapy drugs into the infected cells. The system successfully killed up to 80% of cancer cells in laboratory tests.
A new solar-powered electronic slate, or I-slate, will use Rice's revolutionary low-energy computer chips to enable learning in rural Indian classrooms. The chips' 'probabilistic' technology trades off precision for significant reductions in energy use.
Researchers found that 'dialectical bootstrapping' technique can improve accuracy of estimates across various domains by averaging conflicting opinions and considering potential errors. The study suggests this method can be an effective strategy for boosting individual decision-making.
A study by UCSF researchers identifies critical barriers hindering the adoption of electronic personal health records, including cost, privacy concerns, and design shortcomings. The authors propose solutions such as improving interoperability and using mobile phones as an entry point for consumers to access their records.
A new synthetic gene circuit allows for precise dosing of gene expression in yeast cells, enabling accurate analysis of a gene's role in normal and abnormal cellular function. The circuit utilizes negative feedback loops to achieve a linear dose-response relationship.
Researchers found that nearly half of participants lost 5% or more of their body weight and kept it off for at least six months. The 12-week Fit Body and Soul program focused on behavioral changes to prevent future diabetes in high-risk church members.
Systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses support the use of risk assessment models combined with breast density information to identify high-risk postmenopausal women. Lifestyle factors such as exercise, weight reduction, and reduced alcohol intake also show promise in reducing breast cancer risk.
A new study using a seaweed-based capsule and firefly-inspired bioluminescent agents successfully delivered therapeutic stem cells to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in rabbits. The breakthrough could pave the way for targeted stem cell treatments for patients with PAD, which affects millions of Americans.
Researchers found that up to 45% of individuals without known heart disease had abnormal ankle brachial index values, indicating peripheral arterial disease. This could improve cardiovascular risk prediction and identify high-risk patients for intensive medical therapy.
A study by UCLA researchers found that teenage stress is associated with higher levels of inflammation, a potential indicator for cardiovascular disease. Daily interpersonal stress experienced during high school years was linked to elevated CRP levels even among healthy teens.
A unique exhibition showcases video clips of younger and older people reflecting on life and growing old, revealing surprising experiences and challenges to common stereotypes. The event also invites the public to record their own digital stories on ageing, exploring the potential of technology in social sciences research.
Researchers have discovered a new way the malaria parasite interacts with human red blood cells, identifying the EBL-1 molecule as the attachment site. This finding could lead to the development of a vaccine cocktail to combat malaria.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine found that individuals with lower levels of amyloid beta 42 in their cerebrospinal fluid had reduced whole brain volumes, suggesting early brain damage. The results suggest that Alzheimer's disease may harm the brain for years before symptoms appear.
Researchers are developing a sensor that analyzes breath or urine samples for volatile markers indicating disease. These markers can be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for conditions like breast cancer, lung cancer, diabetes and asthma.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a potential new biomarker, sarcosine, that can distinguish between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancers. Sarcosine levels in urine may help predict cancer aggressiveness and identify patients who need aggressive treatment.
Minimally invasive treatments using embolization effectively control life-threatening bleeding in women after C-sections, reducing the need for blood transfusions and hospital stays. Interventional radiology also helps women with invasive placenta by stopping excessive bleeding and potentially eliminating the need for a hysterectomy.
A doctoral thesis reveals that three FET genes involved in cell maturation and stress response can lead to rapid cancer development in children. The study's findings suggest that these genes' rearrangements may cause cancer cells to lose normal control mechanisms, resulting in uncontrolled growth.
A Brazilian study found that current guidelines for sexually transmitted infections are woefully inadequate, with only 32% of infected women correctly identified using the World Health Organization's risk assessment score. The researchers recommend rapid and less costly diagnostic tests to control the spread of STIs in adolescents.
Researchers found that study methods and definitions of lead time significantly impact estimates of prostate cancer screening's effectiveness. The study suggests a need for clear methodology to accurately interpret findings.
Carlos Ordonez, a UH professor, recruits up-and-coming scientists from Latin America for two-year fellowships at UH's top researchers. The program enhances scientific partnerships between the US and Latin America, empowering promising young scientists to tackle problems in their home countries.
The largest randomised trial of ovarian cancer screening has shown that both the CA125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound screening strategies are capable of detecting early stage ovarian cancers. The study detected almost half of all cancers in stage I/II, with a significant improvement in specificity for multimodal screening.
A North Carolina State University study reveals painted road markings outperform thermoplastics in reflecting headlights, helping states comply with federal safety standards and reduce painting costs. The research found that paint reflects more light when driven in the direction of application, saving states millions.