The Biophysical Society has recognized ten new fellows for their exceptional contributions to the field of biophysics. These researchers have made significant advances in understanding the structure and function of biological macromolecules, membrane proteins, and biomembranes through innovative approaches and pioneering techniques.
The NSF grant supports a collaborative project involving 15 school districts to enhance math and science teaching and learning. The institute offers a specialized Master of Natural Sciences degree specifically designed for teachers, aiming to improve the quality of instruction and increase student access to advanced courses.
A study found average PM2.5 micro particle levels in European hospitals to be 3.0μg/m3, with half being between 2.0 and 7.0μg/m3. This suggests exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is 'low' across the continent.
Researchers analyzed three methods of organic apple orchard floor maintenance: alfalfa hay mulch treatment, flame burning technique, and Swiss sandwich system. The Swiss sandwich system emerged as the most suitable combination, particularly with the M.9 RN 29 rootstock, for increasing production under organic protocols.
Researchers evaluated three growing methods, finding that advanced matted-row system and cold-climate plasticulture systems have less negative effects on natural resources than conventional matted row system. The AMR and CCP systems also showed lower pesticide levels and nutrient runoff compared to CMR.
Researchers have developed a tool to estimate the harmful effect of pesticides on rivers and water quality, using biomonitoring data. The SPEAR calculator uses species- and family-level information to provide immediate assessments of pollution levels.
Einstein scientists have identified two small protein fragments that could be developed into an anthrax vaccine, potentially causing fewer side effects than the current vaccine. The research focuses on the protein toxin used in the current vaccine, looking for peptides that can trigger protective antibodies when injected into animals.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have made a breakthrough in understanding how monkeys weigh costs and benefits when deciding whether to explore new options or stick with what they know. By analyzing neural signals in the posterior cingulate cortex, the team was able to predict which strategy the monkey would employ.
A new and emerging disease, Watermelon Vine Decline (WVD), has caused devastating economic losses for watermelon producers in Florida. The disease, caused by the whitefly-transmitted squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), can lead to rapid vine collapse and marketable fruit loss.
Researchers have evaluated five materials as partial peat substitutes, finding that coconut fibers and pine bark are the most suitable options. These alternatives performed as well or better than standard Sphagnum peat in terms of plant growth and ornamental quality.
The Fox Chase-Penn Ovarian SPORE program will focus on three central concepts in ovarian cancer: epigenetics, predictive biomarkers, and targeted therapeutics. The grant will fund five main research projects and three core facilities to support multidisciplinary research efforts.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that giving insecticide-treated bed nets to nearly 18,000 mothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo prevented an estimated 414 infant deaths from malaria. The intervention also reduced long-term disability and was more cost-effective than prevention measures in the US.
A new University of Georgia study tested the antioxidant quercetin in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing various measures of athletic performance. The researchers found that quercetin did not improve any of the measures examined, including muscle energy synthesis and cycling performance.
Researchers found a duplicate copy of a gene involved in embryonic development has taken on a new role in the formation of fish scales. This discovery supports the idea that gene duplication can provide raw materials for evolutionary change, as seen in domesticated carp with reduced scales.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a gene called IKKE that acts as a master switch to control obesity in mice. Deleting this gene also appears to protect mice against conditions associated with Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A novel gene called Flower was discovered to play a crucial role in vesicle uptake in neurons, allowing for rapid neurotransmission. The gene's corresponding protein is present in synaptic vesicles and enables calcium influx, initiating exocytosis.
A new study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers shows striking similarities between the evolution of brains and cities. The study found that both require advanced infrastructure to maintain sufficient interconnectedness, with scaling laws governing the growth of connectors, highways, and synapses.
Researchers studied golf course putting greens to understand nutrient and chemical changes that occur over time. The study found that organic matter accumulation in the root zone contributes to increased retention of nutrients, while replacing peat with soil in the root zone can reduce construction costs and aid in nutrient retention.
A nonagenarian researcher, Fred Kummerow, has filed a petition with the FDA to ban trans fats from the American diet. His research suggests that trans fats contribute to the two main causes of heart disease: blood clots and atherosclerosis. The FDA has 180 days to respond to his petition.
Dr. Paul Flecknell, a renowned expert in laboratory animal pain management, has been recognized with the 2009 Charles River Laboratories' Excellence in Refinement Award. His work focuses on developing methods of pain assessment and alleviation for various species.
Researchers found molecular decay of the enamelin gene in toothless mammals, correlating with enamel loss in the fossil record and supporting evolutionary change. The study provides fresh evidence for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, linking morphological degeneration to molecular decay.
UQ researchers developed a rapid molecular assay to detect swine flu in under two weeks, diagnosing the first Australian case. The tests have been implemented at several hospitals and used to detect cases in the Northern Territory.
NYU is part of a $10 million NSF grant to study the Antarctic Ice Sheet's response to global warming. The project aims to develop a numerical model that describes ocean and ice interactions.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a previously unknown leptin-serotonin pathway in the brain that simultaneously promotes appetite and bone mass accrual. The discovery reveals that leptin acts on serotonin in the brain stem, increasing appetite and bone mass.
Flowering plants adapted anatomically to succeed, perfecting conducting systems with design flexibility and rapid adaptation capabilities. They retained juvenile tendencies, inventing new forms and wood patterns, giving them a competitive advantage over conifers.
New research suggests that Europe's first farmers migrated into central and Eastern Europe around 7,500 years ago, bringing domesticated plants and animals with them. The study analyzed DNA from hunter-gatherer and early farmer burials, finding little evidence of a direct genetic link between the two groups.
The Stanford camera, also known as Frankencamera, is an open-source digital camera that will give programmers the chance to create software that teaches cameras new tricks. With the camera's operating software made available publicly, users can continuously improve it, adding their own algorithms to process raw images in innovative ways.
A study by Michigan State University found that a growing medium depth of 4-7 cm is optimal for green roof success. The top-performing Sedum species were able to thrive in shallower depths, while deeper depths proved less desirable due to increased erosion risk.
A new study reveals that Arctic temperatures have been warming at an unprecedented rate, surpassing the natural cooling trend over the past 2,000 years. The research suggests that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are overpowering natural climate patterns, leading to dramatic impacts on the region.
Astronomers have discovered the first close-up of a white dwarf star orbiting a companion star, set to explode into a supernova in a few million years. The white dwarf is unusual, with twice its expected mass and a diameter half that of Earth.
The periurethral suspension technique results in significantly greater continence rates at 3 months after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). The median/mean interval to recovery of continence was also statistically significantly shorter in the suspension group.
A study of over 40,000 participants found that those who prefer immediate gratification are more likely to show other impulsive behaviors such as smoking and infidelity. The research suggests that individuals with an impulsive money-today attitude may ignore long-term consequences, leading to financial imprudence.
Researchers found that plants in university classrooms improved students' course and instructor evaluation scores, particularly for those in windowless rooms. The study also showed increased motivation and reduced stress among students, suggesting a positive impact on academic performance.
The Harvard School of Public Health will establish a center to focus on mathematical modeling of drug resistance, seasonal infectious diseases, and intervention allocation. The center aims to increase capacity to model disease spread, evaluate different intervention strategies, and inform public health officials and policymakers.
Researchers discovered that the N60 section of the RanBP9 protein increases amyloid beta production in Alzheimer's disease brains. Targeting this fragment may lead to novel strategies to combat Alzheimer's disease.
A team of researchers from Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School found that the protein FOXO3a, previously believed to prevent cancer development, can actually fuel tumor growth in certain situations. This discovery sheds light on the complex roles proteins play in cancer progression.
The University of Miami has been awarded $1.7 million by the Department of Energy to research carbon sequestration, a method that stores CO2 in geological reservoirs to combat global warming. The team will use state-of-the-art geophysical and geochemical techniques to monitor the reservoirs and ensure safe storage.
A 22-year-old woman, recently undergoing chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease, survives severe swine-flu infection after receiving unlicensed intravenous Relenza treatment in combination with corticosteroids. Her condition improved significantly within 48 hours, and she was discharged after 24 days in ICU.
A new bioinformatics study evaluates the reliability of computer models predicting DNA mutation effects on human health. The research team identified regions of the genome where benign mutations tend to occur, allowing for more accurate predictions.
Researchers at PTB have demonstrated a more compact and portable optical atomic clock, which uses strontium-88 instead of strontium-87. The new design minimizes collisions between atoms, resulting in increased accuracy and stability. Potential applications include precise height determination and improved gravitation maps.
A study finds substantial improvement in a mouse model of a rare neurodegenerative disease after transplantation of normal human neural stem cells. The transplanted cells provided a critical enzyme missing in the brains of experimental mice, showing promise for a potential therapeutic approach.
A large-scale study has reconstructed a key molecular circuit in mammalian immune cells, identifying over 100 regulators that work together to distinguish viruses from bacteria. The research provides a deeper understanding of immune biology and could inspire novel ways to treat disease and design better vaccines.
Researchers at NC State will analyze the role of 33 lignin-producing genes in black cottonwood trees to determine how they impact lignin content. The study aims to develop a mathematical model to create specific types and levels of lignin suited for various applications.
UCSF researchers have identified specific genes influencing how cancer cells respond to drugs and become resistant. The new strategy, using genetic mutations in mouse models, may lead to more effective treatments for leukemia and other cancers.
A new study has found that nearly three percent of healthy people have an abnormality on a brain MRI scan, raising concerns about the benefits of commercial brain screening. The researchers argue that there is limited medical evidence to support treatment for incidental abnormalities, potentially creating anxiety among patients.
A team of researchers uses PageRank, a web ranking algorithm, to identify critical species in food webs and predict ecosystem collapse. By applying the algorithm to ecological networks, they find that certain species play a disproportionate role in maintaining ecosystem function.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a next-generation nano-CT imaging system to visualize fine features within larger objects and reduce radiation dose. The project aims to provide a versatile nano-imaging tool for various applications, including medical and industrial uses.
A new study reveals Arctic temperatures have reversed from a long-term cooling trend, becoming the warmest they've been in at least 2,000 years. The reversal is attributed to human-generated greenhouse gases overwhelming the natural climate system.
A study found that daily chlorhexidine bathing can dramatically reduce the risk of deadly bloodstream infections in ICU patients. Chlorhexidine glutonate is a cheap and effective antibacterial agent available for just $6 per bottle or $0.33 per packet.
The Saola's population has declined sharply since its discovery in 1992, with only a few dozen individuals remaining. The primary threats to the species are hunting and snaring, which can be devastatingly effective due to the Saola's vulnerability to dogs.
Scientists have reconstructed Arctic summer temperature over 2,000 years using lake sediments, tree rings, and glacier ice. The study shows the last half-century was the warmest of the past 2,000 years, reversing long-term cooling trends.
Developed at the Technical University of Munich, Metaklett is a steel-based hook and loop fastener resistant to temperatures up to 800°C and aggressive chemicals. It has a tensile load of up to 35 tonnes per square meter and can be easily opened and closed.
A new study found that species living in restricted environments, like the tropics, lack genetic variation and can't adapt to climate change. This limitation affects many species, including insects, mammals, and fish, making conservation efforts more challenging.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are analyzing insects to develop better artificial tissues and organs. They're studying the internal fluid flows of beetles, grasshoppers, and silk moths to gain insights into efficient respiratory and circulatory systems.
Researchers at Penn State are investigating the effects of interactivity in digital media on user engagement. They will experimentally examine three types of interactivity, including source, medium, and message-based interactions, to determine their individual and combined effects.
A recent study found that an abnormal Y chromosome structure called an isodicentric Y (idicY) can lead to spermatogenic failure in males. The researchers also discovered a correlation between the size of the idicY chromosome and the likelihood of sex reversal, potentially linking it to Turner syndrome.
The National Institutes of Health's Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) has received new research expertise to simulate disease spread, evaluate intervention strategies and inform public health officials. New grants will support computational models of infectious diseases, including MRSA, flu, and seasonal illnesses.
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck successfully realized an excited, strongly correlated many-body phase using ultracold cesium atoms. By tuning the interaction between atoms, they created a stable, one-dimensional structure that defies traditional Bose-Einstein condensate behavior.
Plant biologists are key players in advancing scientific literacy, and recent research highlights the importance of teaching inquiry methods, raising public awareness of science, and creating an accessible reference for teachers. By working together, scientists can build a more receptive audience and enhance capacity to change the future.
The US National Academy of Sciences received the 2009 CAAT Recognition Award for its visionary publication on toxicology testing. The report advocates a new approach that relies less on animal studies and focuses on in vitro methods to evaluate chemicals' effects.