NGS technologies offer streamlined workflows, massive parallelism, and cost reduction through targeted sequencing of specific genes or regions. Researchers are applying NGS to various fields, including hereditary cancer research and bacterial gene expression studies.
The Geological Society of America has awarded the prestigious Penrose, Day, and Donath medals to B. Clark Burchfiel, T. Mark Harrison, and Cin-Ty A. Lee for their outstanding original work in geological sciences. The awards recognize major advances in geology and are presented at the GSA Annual Meeting.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that older children are least protected by mosquito nets, putting them at high risk of developing life-threatening malaria. The study suggests that ensuring universal coverage for this age demographic is crucial to reduce transmission and impact on the community.
A three-year, $2.4 million grant will develop a systems biology approach to combat the effects of drought on staple food crops like maize, wheat, and rice. The project aims to identify key regulatory genes and signaling pathways that can improve drought resistance.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to the H1N1 strain of influenza A during the 1918-1919 pandemic increased the chances of heart disease later in life, particularly in men. Men born during the height of the epidemic were 23.1% more likely to develop heart disease after age 60.
A recent study confirms radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking, in Spain and Romania. Radon levels were found to be a significant risk factor for lung cancer in homes, particularly in granite areas.
A study found that treating pregnant women with mild gestational diabetes can reduce common birth complications among infants, including smaller, leaner babies and fewer complications during delivery. Treated mothers were also less likely to develop high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
A new study published in Emotion journal proposes that consciousness mediates competing requests from different parts of the brain, allowing for decision-making and action. The research found that participants were more aware of conflicting urges involving skeletal muscles, such as those controlling movement or body temperature.
Researchers identified critical biochemical pathways linked to human muscle aging, revealing that old human muscle stem cells can be restored to youthful vigor with the right mix of biochemical signals. The study provides promising new targets for preventing muscle atrophy and other tissue degenerative disorders.
Researchers have discovered a group of substances that block flavodoxin, a key protein for H. pylori survival, offering promise for new specific antibiotics against the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and other diseases worldwide.
A Kansas State University physicist is awarded a National Science Foundation grant to study atomic collisions in ultracold quantum gasses, which could improve experiment design and interpretation. The research has the potential to affect phenomena like superconductivity and quantum computing.
NASA's infrared satellite images showed Typhoon Ketsana dumping heavy rains on northern Philippines and Vietnam with thunderstorm cloud tops as cold as -63F. The storm brought record rainfall, deadly flooding, and mudslides, affecting over 2 million homes.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating pregnant women with mild gestational diabetes resulted in fewer serious birthing problems. The treatment reduced the risk of large babies, shoulder damage during birth, and cesarean delivery.
Researchers found a 17.4% contamination rate of S. aureus on computer stations, with lower rates for MRSA and A. baumannii. The study suggests that routine disinfection and surveillance may not be necessary in non-outbreak settings.
The University of North Carolina has been awarded a $13-20 million Cancer Genome Atlas Grant to better understand the mechanisms responsible for uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. The project aims to develop a comprehensive catalog of genetic and genomic changes in cancers, which could fuel rapid advances in cancer research.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing next-generation radar systems that can overcome limitations in conventional radars. The new test bed will simulate systems comprised of hundreds of miniature sensors, enabling radars to be used in crowded cities and urban environments.
A decade-long debate has been resolved with the discovery that membrane-bound Fas ligand is essential for programmed cell death, protecting against cancer development and autoimmune diseases. Conversely, excessive secreted Fas ligand promotes tumour growth and autoimmunity.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high-quality hospitals have medical teams proficient at rescuing patients once complications arise. Low-mortality hospitals have lower death rates from post-surgical complications compared to high-mortality hospitals.
Scientists have developed a potential new material for diagnosing malignant melanoma with greater accuracy than current imaging agents. The substance, called fluoronicotinamides, revealed melanoma cells with high tumor-to-body contrast ratio and rapid renal clearance.
Pre- and post-menopausal women with high sexual satisfaction had higher overall psychological well-being scores and vitalty compared to dissatisfied counterparts. The study highlights the importance of addressing sexual health in women's healthcare.
Scientists at Carnegie Institution found a way to monitor fault strength deep in the Earth using highly sensitive seismometers. This method detects subtle changes in earthquake waves indicating weakening of the fault and corresponding periods of increased small earthquakes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine developed an integrated treatment program combining cognitive processing therapy for PTSD and cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain management. The pilot study found significant benefits in reducing symptoms of PTSD and chronic pain among veterans.
A 2004 Sumatran earthquake may have weakened a portion of California's San Andreas Fault, changing its fault strength and potentially triggering increased global seismic activity. The study, published in Nature, examined seismic records from Parkfield, Calif., and found repeated microearthquakes occurred near the fault
A new Industrial Research Chair in Software Engineering of Ultra Large Scale Systems has been established at Queen's, led by Professor Ahmed E. Hassan. The chair will focus on improving the reliability and quality of critical software applications, with support from RIM and NSERC.
A 12,500-person trial will assess daily low-dose aspirin on health in Australian and US seniors. The study aims to inform health guidelines for older adults, considering aspirin's potential benefits and side effects.
A recent study by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that possessing a gun during an assault increases the risk of being shot, rather than protecting against it. The study estimated that individuals with a gun were 4.5 times more likely to be shot in an assault compared to those without a gun.
Scientists in China have discovered that a natural plant hormone can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides, including chloropyrifos. The substance significantly reduces toxicity and residues in the plants, making it a promising, environmentally friendly solution.
The new center will foster NASA-related developments based on optical sciences and technology, enhancing the national aerospace science workforce. CAOSS will also develop partnerships with industry, NASA research centers, federal laboratories, and minority-serving colleges.
Tropical Depression 18W made landfall in Guam and dissipated, bringing gusty winds and heavy downpours. Tropical Storm Parma intensified into a typhoon after absorbing 18W's leftover energy, with sustained winds near 75 knots (86 mph).
The CSIRO Wellbeing Plan for Kids provides guidance on healthy habits, managing challenges, and motivating families to make changes that can last. The book offers over 100 delicious recipes and is based on extensive research.
Researchers in the UK create a surface with hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections to move plastic nanoparticles quickly and in specific directions. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in treating diseases by coaxing cells to grow and heal in desired ways.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered a new protein, Brdt, that directs tight re-packaging of sperm DNA, enabling the development of more streamlined sperm. This discovery sheds light on potential problems in sperm development and human male infertility.
A new study by Queen's University researchers found that taking an anti-seizure drug and an antidepressant together is a more effective treatment for neuropathic pain than taking either individually. Patients experienced less pain and improved sleep when given both drugs, with significant improvements also seen in sleep interference.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London finds that celebrity suicides can trigger copycat suicides due to increased media coverage. The research suggests that restricting media reports on celebrity suicides is crucial to prevent such pandemics.
A $4.5 million grant will fund whole-genome sequencing of children with autism using new technologies. Researchers aim to discover noncoding DNA regions controlling gene activity and relate clinical autism to genetic variations in DNA and gene expression.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered new evidence on how the brain reacts to fear using computational models, which can analyze neural mechanisms from a systems perspective. The study finds that fear memory is only partially erased by extinction and inhibition is necessary for complete extinction.
Researchers will explore epigenetic changes and their relationship with memory formation, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease. The studies aim to understand how life experiences contribute to the biological changes of Alzheimer's and may lead to therapeutic interventions.
A new passive protocol called IPACF blocks threats to gatekeeping computers and Authentication Servers, allowing legitimate users access private resources. The filter takes just 6 nanoseconds to reject non-legitimate information packets associated with DoS attacks.
A nationwide survey found that less than half of graduating medical students in the US feel adequately prepared for healthcare systems and economics. Medical educators argue that stronger curricula can improve this situation and lead to better patient outcomes.
The study found that teenage girls' attitudes toward smoking influenced their use of multiple substances, while boys were more likely to engage in poly-drug use if they perceived smoking as prevalent in their age group. Both boys and girls reported higher rates of poly-drug use when friends drank or smoked.
A large study of over 4,500 participants found no association between streptococcal infection and Tourette syndrome or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Researchers also ruled out exposure to strep infections as a trigger for these conditions.
Researchers have developed a technique to distinguish between farmed and wild salmon by analyzing the chemistry of their scales, which grows like tree rings and preserves a record of the water they lived in. The new method achieved 98% accuracy and has the potential to identify farms responsible for releasing wild fish into rivers.
A study found that 'stranger danger' fears in inner-city neighborhoods are deterring kids from using playgrounds and parks. The researchers identified three themes: neighborhood characteristics, family involvement, and availability of adult-supervised programs, highlighting the need for more safe spaces and supportive environments.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that family members of loved ones who received physician-assisted suicide did not experience higher levels of depression and grief compared to those whose loved ones died without it. In fact, these families reported feeling more prepared for and accepting of their loved one's death.
A fraction of potential vaccine supply will be ready for distribution by October, but generous pledges from nine countries and two manufacturers will help protect vulnerable populations. The H1N1 virus is expected to infect one-third of the world's population, highlighting the need for effective vaccination strategies.
Chwen Sheu's paper examines how manufacturing firms foster partnerships to comply with EU environmental regulations, providing guidelines for strategic development. The paper received the top best paper award at the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management.
Johri aims to advance understanding of how engineers collaborate globally and develop insights to improve engineering education. The study will increase global work perspectives for Virginia Tech students, with findings distributed to universities and engineering corporations.
The increasing use of smart drugs to boost academic performance may necessitate routine doping tests for exam students, suggests Vince Cakic. Despite the illegitimacy of chemically enhanced academic success, nootropics are near impossible to ban due to their ready availability for therapeutic use.
A joint US-Norwegian study, known as MENU, compared marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic and North Pacific to identify factors supporting fisheries production. The researchers found underlying patterns that were not apparent in single-ecosystem studies.
Researchers found that post-menopausal women who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for over 7 hours per week have a 16% lower risk of developing breast cancer. However, no link was observed between physical activity and breast cancer risk in younger women.
New research reveals that archaea, tiny microorganisms, are capable of digesting ammonia and turning it into nitrate, outcompeting phytoplankton for energy. This finding has significant implications for ocean ecosystems, soil environments, and global climate models.
A recent study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found that social shame was more effective in building latrines than financial assistance in rural India. The study, led by Subhrendu Pattanayak at Duke University, used a 'social mobilization strategy' that included village walks of shame and defecation mapping ...
Researchers at Rothamsted Research and Birkbeck University use Diamond Light Source's X-rays to unravel the mechanisms linked to pheromone detection in silkworm moths. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing new eco-friendly pest control methods, which could also benefit biosensors and detect explosives.
Ulf Leonhardt's new research paper proposes a 'fish-eye' lens that can create perfect images with unlimited resolution in principle, eliminating the need for negative refraction. This breakthrough could enable silicon chip manufacturers to produce smaller and more compact structures of billions of tiny transistors.
A multicenter clinical study found that maximizing chest compression time during CPR substantially improves survival rates. Interrupting chest compressions has a detrimental effect on patient survival, and researchers recommend relatively simple changes to CPR training and practice.
University of Michigan researchers have successfully induced embryonic stem cells to differentiate into parathyroid cells producing a hormone essential for maintaining bone density. The goal is to prevent osteomalacia, a severe form of bone loss affecting tens of thousands in the US.
Masitinib targets mast cells and shows greater activity and selectivity against KIT than benchmark TKI imatinib. The study demonstrates masitinib's potential in treating KIT and PDGFR-dependent diseases, including various cancers, inflammatory diseases, and neurological indications.
Researchers found that PCPs can effectively screen for serious diseases like vertebral fractures and cancer using red flag clinical features. The study identified a diagnostic rule containing four variables, which can increase the probability of vertebral fracture when multiple flags are present.
Researchers at Louisiana Tech University have developed innovative geopolymer concrete technology that utilizes fly ash to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%. The new material boasts higher corrosion resistance, fire resistance, and compressive strength compared to traditional Portland cement.
Researchers at NC State University aim to redesign traditional firefighter gloves for better hand dexterity and fire protection. They will test various textile materials and design prototypes using the state-of-the-art PyroHands Fire Test System.