Researchers have developed a small robot named ROCR that can climb walls efficiently, achieving 20% efficiency in climbing tests. The robot uses a swinging motion inspired by human climbers and animals to minimize energy consumption.
A genome scan has identified a gene, Sort1, that regulates LDL-C levels and is associated with heart disease. The study found that increasing liver sortilin protein reduced plasma cholesterol and may provide a new target for treating cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have identified a gene, CACGN2, associated with chronic pain susceptibility in humans. The study suggests that genetic variants in this gene may contribute to individual differences in chronic pain experience.
The Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania has awarded $2.9 million to 15 researchers exploring the intersection of neuroscience and positive psychology. The grants focus on topics such as neural mechanisms of human flourishing, altruism, and the effects of positive interventions on the brain.
A team of scientists from 14 countries has successfully drilled through a mile and half of the Greenland ice sheet in search of climate change insights. The ice core samples may offer valuable information about how the world can change during periods of abrupt warming.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital identified a microRNA molecule that increases the number of hematopoietic stem cells, which can give rise to all blood and immune system cells. This discovery may lead to improved cancer treatment by expanding stem cell populations.
A global team of researchers has identified 95 regions of the human genome where genetic variants are associated with blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a major indicator of heart disease risk. The study found that many common variants discovered by the team also influence lipid traits across different racial and ethnic groups.
Scientists used a unique frequency comb system to detect minute traces of contaminant molecules in arsine gas, which can cause semiconductor defects. The technique offers a combination of speed, sensitivity, specificity, and broad frequency coverage.
A study published in Clinical Neurophysiology found that an electroencephalography (EEG) test can predict how patients with schizophrenia will respond to clozapine therapy. The test achieved an accuracy of 89%, showing promise for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of serious side effects.
A newly developed DNA test can quickly analyze crime scene DNA and compare it to suspects' DNA, potentially keeping high-risk individuals incarcerated longer. The test, which takes four hours to produce results, is an improvement over current methods that take 24-72 hours.
A University of Rochester scientist has discovered a new approach to boosting the body's response to vaccinations using insulin-sensitizing drugs. This breakthrough could lead to improved vaccine efficacy for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as infants and elderly people.
Researchers discovered 95 gene loci associated with lipid metabolism, including factors like cholesterol and triglycerides. The findings may lead to new treatments for coronary artery disease, as genetic variants offer molecular targets for cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Researchers have made significant progress in plasmonics, a field that overcomes diffraction limitations to fabricate nano-scale optical components. These advancements enable the development of integrated nanophotonic circuits with substantial improvements in bandwidth and speed for next-generation information technologies.
Research by University of Illinois sports economist Scott Tainsky reveals that winning teams, long-standing market presence, and prime-time games positively impact NFL TV ratings. TV ratings serve as a proxy for consumer demand in both home and road markets.
Scientists report the discovery of a unique Cretaceous creature with mammal-like teeth, challenging traditional views of ancient animal life. The new species, Pakasuchus, was found in Tanzania and is believed to have been a land-dwelling, insect-eating creature that thrived during the middle Cretaceous period.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a novel biomimetic approach using nanofibers to reconstruct intricate bone tissue, focusing on engineering cortical bone. The team aims to create robust platforms for complex tissue structures, with potential applications in reconstructive and transplant surgery.
The new book 'Urban Ecosystem Ecology' aims to understand the complexities of urban ecosystems and provide solutions for managing their environmental impacts. The book covers topics such as wildlife, water quality, air quality, and climate change, and offers practical guidance on green infrastructure planning and urban forestry.
A Harvard University study found that foreclosure reduces the sale price of a home by an average of 27%, while nearby homes within 250 feet see a 1% decrease in value. Other types of forced sales, such as death-related or bankruptcy-related discounts, result in smaller price drops.
A study from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management found that ovulating women prefer sexier fashion products when thinking about local, attractive women, to entice a desirable mate. This behavior is not conscious and applies only during the ovulation phase, with no effect on non-ovulating women.
The USDA research found that bee pastures can support the growth of healthy young bees by up to fivefold a year. The pastures feature native California plants such as Chinese houses and lacy phacelia, providing a practical and environmentally friendly way to promote pollinator populations.
Researchers at Caltech have identified a novel group of microRNAs that regulate the production of hematopoietic stem cells, which produce blood cells. The study found that one particular miRNA enhances the production of mature blood cells but can also induce aggressive leukemia when overexpressed.
The Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center has attained NCI designation, recognizing its innovative research and excellent patient care. The center will receive a $7.5 million support grant over five years to advance cancer research and provide patients access to promising new treatments.
Researchers observe valence electrons' motion for the first time, revealing coherent superposition that controls properties. The discovery uses attosecond absorption spectroscopy to explore electron dynamics in atoms and molecules.
The American Political Science Association (APSA) recognizes outstanding scholars with various awards for their research, teaching, and contributions to the field of politics. This year's award recipients include notable figures such as General David Petraeus and Kristen Renwick Monroe.
Research by University of Guelph professor Rob McLaughlin reveals a correlation between brain structure and foraging behavior in brook trout. Larger telencephalon region found in fish that hunt actively, suggesting a link between brain morphology and behavioral traits.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that low ferroportin levels are associated with aggressive and recurring breast cancers. Testing ferroportin levels may help predict cancer return and guide therapy for patients.
A new brain-imaging study by Caltech researchers found that the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is linked to how well subjects believe they performed on tasks, regardless of actual performance. This suggests that optimistic and pessimistic brains show different patterns of neural activity when planning movements.
A team of astronomers from the University of Arizona developed a technique called laser adaptive optics, allowing for sharper images and faster data collection. This technology will enable scientists to study ancient galaxies and star clusters more efficiently.
A recent study found that long-term dietary consumption of capsaicin in chili peppers can reduce blood pressure in genetically hypertensive rats by activating the TRPV1 channel and increasing nitric oxide production. This could lead to potential benefits for humans with high blood pressure.
The Association of Specialty Professors has announced the ninth class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, supporting research on pulmonary fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, and palliative care for older adults. Seven new investigators will join 75 previous scholars in advancing knowledge on these topics.
A team of Syracuse University physicists developed a theoretical model that explains how the Pauli exclusion principle can be violated, allowing for multiple electrons to occupy the same quantum state. The model may help explain matter behavior at black hole edges and contribute to a unified theory of quantum gravity.
A University of Louisville Public Health doctoral student is developing a model to simulate the travel of mercury from an emission source to humans, aiming to inform environmental policy decisions. The research will focus on Kentucky waterways, with the goal of reducing risk to subsistence fishers, anglers, and women of child-bearing age.
Researchers found that brief interventions delivered by therapists or computers in emergency departments can lead to significant reductions in peer violence and alcohol misuse among adolescents. The studies show that these interventions are clinically meaningful and could be translated into routine clinical practice.
A study in mice with disrupted circadian rhythms found that triglyceride levels remain high throughout the day, unlike normal mice whose levels peak at night. The researchers suggest that activities disrupting the circadian rhythm may have real consequences for lipid metabolism.
Researchers found mortality rates 3-5 times higher than sub-Saharan Africa average, with 81% forced to flee homes since 2002. High percentages reported traumatic events and symptoms consistent with depression and anxiety. The study informs aid programs, security sector reforms and accountability processes.
A University of Michigan study found that brief motivational talks in the emergency room reduced peer violence and alcohol misuse among teens by 34% and 32% respectively. The talks helped adolescents weigh the pros and cons of their choices, using role-play exercises to cope with risky situations.
Mountaintop removal and valley fill mining are causing permanent alterations to Appalachian forests and streams, with devastating effects on diverse habitats and freshwater resources. Current mitigation efforts do not compensate for the losses, and scientists urge a shift towards renewable energy sources to protect the environment.
Female budgerigars are attracted to males that produce calls similar to their own, increasing in similarity during courtship. The study challenges traditional understandings of the difference between birds' songs and calls.
A study by LMU researchers found that neutrophils play a crucial role in blood coagulation and antimicrobial defense, trapping pathogens in small blood vessels. Excessive clotting, however, can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attack and stroke.
Leading respiratory specialists call for a new approach to TB screening for newly arrived immigrants from high-risk countries. They argue that the current system is fundamentally flawed and fails to address the growing number of TB cases in the UK. The authors propose screening new arrivals in community services, rather than relying on...
A study published in CMAJ found that revascularization procedures in elderly patients after a heart attack decreased one-year mortality rates from 48.4% to 30%. The use of invasive cardiac procedures and recommended medications increased, contributing to improved survival rates.
A new study by University of Alberta researchers found that wealthier families in Canada get the biggest bang for their buck from the Children's Fitness Tax Credit. Lower-income families can't afford registration fees and therefore qualify less often.
A team of UC Riverside researchers is working with the California Air Resources Board to improve a method for measuring diesel particulate emissions. The research could provide the groundwork for strengthening standards for diesel particulates, and has already led to the collection of over 24,000 analytical samples.
Researchers are investigating how different forms of phosphorus trigger toxic algal blooms in the Great Lakes, with a focus on the blue-green algae species Microcystis. Understanding which types of phosphorus are most instrumental in stimulating bloom formation is crucial for protecting public health and the coastal ecosystem.
Scientists studied the impact of a prolonged Sun cycle on Earth's conveyor belt and found that it may have led to a longer cycle. Additionally, researchers examined how global water supply sharing affects drought vulnerability, finding that sharing water globally during times of drought can increase societal resilience.
A study published in JAMA found that an advocacy intervention did not improve depressive symptoms in Chinese women who experienced intimate partner violence. The intervention, which included empowerment sessions and telephone support, showed no clinically meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms despite being aimed at enhancing se...
The US Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works convened a special hearing on potential environmental health factors associated with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Speaks emphasizes the importance of research on environmental risk factors, noting a dramatic increase in autism prevalence over the last decade.
A team of researchers led by Pitt's Jeremy Levy will combine semiconductor and superconducting materials to create a single material for quantum computers, tackling challenges like information loss and quantum simulation. The $7.5 million MURI award aims to accelerate research and application development.
Researchers will develop a forecasting ability to predict toxic dinoflagellate blooms and build a mobile lab to investigate the key driver behind fish-killing algae. The goal is to provide seasonal predictions and minimize public health risks.
Paul Li's new technique combines DNA microarrays with microfluidic devices, allowing for faster and more efficient DNA analysis at room temperature. The method uses gold nanoparticles to separate single strands of DNA, enabling quicker detection and identification of specific genetic sequences.
Novo Nordisk's decision to withdraw Mixtard 30 insulin could add £9 million to the NHS drugs bill in England, affecting 90,000 patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Alternative biphasic insulins are more expensive and may cause disruption to patient care.
A survey in the Central African Republic found that over three-quarters of adults experienced traumatic events, leading to high rates of depression and anxiety. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for aid programs and security sector reforms to protect civilians.
To eradicate malaria, it is essential to comprehend the private lives of mosquitoes beyond their usual habitats. The authors emphasize that current vector control measures are insufficient to break the Plasmodium falciparum transmission cycle in highly endemic areas.
A theoretical model compares the transport characteristics of straight- and branched-chain polymers in channels, shedding light on how deformability affects their movement. The findings could aid in developing carrier molecules for targeted drug delivery.
A team at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that adding just 9% selenium to zinc oxide boosts the material's efficiency in absorbing light. This breakthrough potentially addresses both cost and efficiency needs for sustainable solar power conversion.
A community-based maternal health delivery strategy known as the MOM Project increased access to maternal health care services for internally displaced women in eastern Burma. The study found a ten-fold increase in women assisted at delivery by emergency obstetric care workers, resulting in improved antenatal and postnatal care outcomes.
A recent study found that East Asian cultures process information differently than Western cultures, with differences in attention, categorization, and reasoning. Aging has a greater impact on cognitive processes than culture.
A new tagging technique developed by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago provides a clearer and more dynamic view of protein-protein interactions in living mammalian cells. The technique uses luminescence resonance energy transfer to label proteins with differently colored, luminescent molecules, allowing for faster data ...
Researchers examine how humans impact ecosystems through nanomaterials, green roofs, and airborne microbes in hospital settings. Findings reveal altered plant growth, changed microbial communities, and diverse insect species on green roofs.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Rui Yao reveals that urban Chinese households maintain high saving rates and are unwilling to utilize credit. The survey shows that only 11% of Chinese households hold debt, compared to nearly 80% in the US.