Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new touch-based directional device that can provide safe navigation cues to drivers, even when they're distracted by cell phones or visually impaired. The system uses gentle skin stimulation on the fingertips to convey directions, potentially reducing accidents and improving safety...
A team from UNSW has created a single electron reader, a crucial component needed to build a quantum computer using silicon. This breakthrough opens the path to constructing simpler and more scalable quantum computers.
Scientists have developed a new method to predict where volcanic eruptions will strike, using data from a rare sequence of 13 magmatic events in the Afar desert. By analyzing changes in the earth's crust tension, researchers can identify areas at risk and estimate likelihood of future eruptions.
A new study found that genetic ancestry has no correlation with head and neck cancer stage or survival for African Americans. Researchers used genetic markers to estimate West African ancestry and discovered only 5% of self-reported African Americans had more than 95% West African ancestry, similar to Caucasians.
Researchers presented findings on massive facial trauma from IED blasts, racial differences in head and neck cancer outcomes, patient compliance with voice rest, and advancements in cochlear implant technology. Optical coherence tomography was also used for intraoperative imaging in endocrine surgery.
The 2010 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation features over 305 scientific research sessions and 594 posters. Researchers discuss challenges in caring for the aging voice and effective advocacy in healthcare reform.
Scientists at Georgia Tech have developed a technique to convert photons carrying quantum data to telecom wavelengths suitable for long-distance transmission on optical fiber. This innovation boosts quantum memory times, enabling the creation of a possible prototype system for secure information distribution over long distances.
Researchers at Stanford University successfully induced normal patterns of muscle contraction using light, reproducing the natural firing order of motor-nerve fibers. This technique could lead to practical applications for restoring movement in people with physical disabilities, such as stroke or spinal-cord injuries.
Researchers at UCSC and Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd demonstrate fine control of DNA translocation through a protein nanopore using electronic feedback. This breakthrough advances towards direct, electrical detection and analysis of single molecules for various applications, including DNA sequencing.
A recent study by Université de Montréal researchers has identified the KCNK18 gene as a key player in common migraines. The mutation disrupts TRESK protein function, altering electrical activity in nerve cells and increasing migraine risk. This finding may lead to new treatment options for people suffering from recurrent headaches.
NASA's Aqua and TRMM satellites detected increasing cloud top temperatures and heavy rainfall around Tropical Storm Matthew. The storm is expected to strengthen further, bringing hurricane conditions and potential flooding to the region.
Researchers argue that economic analysis can inform more effective criminal justice policies by reducing incarceration rates and focusing on prevention. They suggest devolving budgets for custodial sentences to local authorities, with financial incentives to drive cost-saving measures.
Tropical Storm Lisa is currently a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph, forecast to weaken due to colder waters and strong wind shear, then become a remnant low pressure system in the eastern Atlantic by early next week.
Researchers found persistent racial, gender, and insurance-coverage based differences in triage categorization and cardiac testing among emergency room patients. African American and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive immediate care or basic cardiac testing procedures, such as ECGs.
Scientists have successfully cultivated 'ōhelo berries in Hawaii, reducing environmental damage and increasing the fruit's availability for small farms and ornamental purposes. The new cultivar, Kilauea, exhibits improved plant hardiness and vigor, allowing for faster germination and flowering.
Astronomers have discovered a new phenomenon called coreshine, which scatters mid-infrared light by large dust grains in cosmic clouds. This discovery promises to reveal crucial information about the earliest phase of star formation.
Researchers at NC State aim to create a portable device using sound waves to identify landmines, roadside bombs, and suicide bombers. The project seeks to advance understanding of how sound interacts with the environment, which could have significant humanitarian applications.
The NIH awarded a $2.4 million grant to increase diversity in the neuroscience field by preparing minority students and those with disabilities for careers in neuroscience. The grant will support undergraduates from two universities and provide seminars, mentoring, enhanced curricula, and hands-on research experience.
Lillian Feldshuh, an early transcatheter aortic valve recipient, received the Courageous Patient Award at TCT 2010. She was successfully treated for life-threatening aortic stenosis and remains in good health.
The $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation aims to encourage more students to pursue STEM careers and provide support for their success. The program seeks to increase STEM degrees by 782 undergraduates by 2015, targeting retention and persistence to graduation among diverse student groups.
A new national study published in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health found no link between abortion and depression or low self-esteem in adolescents. The study used a nationally representative sample of 289 respondents and followed them for five years.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that breast cancer survivors with physical limitations are more likely to die from other diseases due to poorer health. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and improve survival rates.
A study by Dr. Klaus Hansen's group at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, reveals that external stressors can activate genes responsible for cellular development and function.
A new study published in Cortex reports that over half of patients recovering from stroke experience phantom limb sensations. Researchers found 27 patients with daily phantom limb experiences, some even able to control their phantom limb. The phenomenon may be underreported due to fear of being labeled 'crazy'.
Research by Dr. Carlos Herrera found that withered petals form a protective barrier around seeds, preventing insect damage and increasing seed ripening rates in lavender. However, the role of petals in plant fertility is complex and requires further study.
A joint MSU-UMich initiative will use the grant to help communities understand and adapt to climate changes in the Great Lakes region. Climate change is projected to impact lake levels, precipitation patterns, and average seasonal temperatures.
Researchers found that experienced gamers showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in complex tasks. The study suggests that video games can reorganize brain networks, offering hope for future research into Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders.
A new study by University of Alberta researchers found that those who moved to live closer to outdoor recreation facilities had a higher body mass index (BMI) over six years. In contrast, individuals who prioritized walkability and ease of walking in their neighborhoods maintained stable BMIs.
Scientists at the University of Manchester suggest using building district heating schemes with sustainable fuels could drastically reduce greenhouse gases while being cost-effective. The plans have been met with majority support from focus groups in the UK public.
A team at North Carolina State University has created water-gel-based solar devices that produce electricity, mimicking nature's solar cells. The devices use light-sensitive molecules and electrodes to generate power, potentially replacing silicon-based solar cells with a more environmentally friendly option.
NASA's CloudSat satellite observed a powerful heat engine in Typhoon Malakas, with strong convection and heavy rainfall reported. The storm had maximum winds of around 115 mph and a minimum central pressure of 965 millibars.
African-American women with type-2 diabetes will receive health education through either face-to-face or virtual Second Life methods, with the goal of overcoming barriers to healthier lifestyles. The study aims to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual health education for this population.
A team led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists created a molecule that prevents cancer genes from 'hearing' instructions, stifling the cancer process at its root. The research targets proteins issuing stop and start commands to a cancer gene, known as epigenetic reader proteins, for future cancer therapies.
A new type of matting developed by ECOPROMAT project uses natural materials to create an environmentally-friendly solution for protecting against contagious animal diseases. The matting is highly absorbent, biodegradable, and affordable, making it a significant cost-saving alternative to synthetic mats.
A study by Concordia University researchers found that high estrogen levels are associated with an inability to pay attention and learn in female rodents. Human females experience similar difficulties during ovulation, suggesting a direct link between estrogen and cognitive function.
Physicists at NIST have measured time dilation effects on two aluminum atomic clocks, demonstrating that time passes faster at higher elevations and slower when moving faster. The clocks' extreme precision reveals subtle differences in timekeeping, potentially leading to practical applications in geophysics.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a potential molecular mechanism to prevent cardiac hypertrophy, the precursor to heart failure. The study reveals that inhibiting histone deacetylase 5 and activating the PKA enzyme can stop unwanted enlargement of the heart.
A new study on decomposing permafrost in arctic Sweden will investigate the impact of warming temperatures on greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers hope to understand the feedback loop between thawing permafrost and accelerating global warming.
The USDA has signed a partnership with TechComm to facilitate agricultural research collaborations between businesses and universities in the Southwestern US. The agreement aims to commercialize USDA-developed technologies, creating new business ventures and job opportunities.
A Kansas State University researcher's work shows the key role of brand reputation in governing decisions in a store-within-a-store agreement. The research, published next year in the Journal of Marketing Research, highlights how cooperation between manufacturers and retailers is crucial for success.
The ICIAM Collatz Prize recognizes individual scientists under 42 worldwide for outstanding research in industrial and applied mathematics, while the Lagrange Prize honors career-long contributions. Other notable prizes include the Maxwell, Pioneer, and Su Buchin Prizes.
Tropical Storm Malakas is expected to strengthen as it approaches Iwo To due to cold cloud top temperatures. The storm's high sea levels and northward movement pose a threat to the island.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has secured funding to test and evaluate payloads on small unmanned aircraft. The program will also expand its fleet of Insitu ScanEagles to include new models that can fly in remote and extreme conditions.
A new study by Queen's University reveals that soil bacteria in Arctic regions exhibit no similarity pattern based on distance, contradicting expectations. The research found thousands of unique bacterial types in each sample, regardless of location.
A new multistate study aims to develop and test technologies for site-specific detection and control of nematodes, reducing nematicide usage by over 75% compared to uniform-rate applications. The project will enhance crop yield while saving farmers thousands of dollars annually in reduced pesticide costs.
Boston University School of Medicine researchers are developing a portable fluorescent lamp to produce vitamin D in patients with fat malabsorption syndromes. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of this device in increasing blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, with initial results expected in the spring of 2011.
African-American victims of motorcycle crashes are 1.5 times more likely to die from their injuries than similarly injured whites, despite wearing helmets. Injury-prevention programs may not be sufficient to protect all riders equally.
A new study found substantial inconsistencies in how hospitals report catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). The analysis revealed that more aggressive surveillance efforts can actually lead to higher CA-BSI rates, complicating comparison of infection rates between hospitals.
Tropical Depression Lisa is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm due to increased convection, but faces challenges from dry air and wind shear. The National Hurricane Center forecasts a 'triple header' threat for Lisa after Friday.
Researchers have identified three proteins that rise in the blood during acute rejection, enabling doctors to halt organ rejection before it impairs transplanted hearts and kidneys. The new blood test will let doctors skip directly to drug dosing before a transplant is damaged.
The University of Washington, Oregon State University, and the University of Idaho will receive nearly $3.6 million in federal funding to develop new climate change planning tools. The Northwest Climate Science Center will provide science, maps, and assistance to resource managers to apply climate change findings.
A landmark study reports that many US states have inadequate policies and practices governing psychotropic medication use for foster care youth, with estimated rates of 13-52% compared to 4% in the general population. The report calls for a national approach and resources for medication oversight.
A new study by Saint Louis University researcher Lisa Cannada found that women who give birth after suffering pelvic fractures receive C-sections at more than double normal rates. Women also experience lingering symptoms such as urinary complications and post-traumatic stress disorder after a pelvic fracture injury.
Researchers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine develop a new technique to detect and monitor insecticide resistance in Anopheles funestus mosquitoes. The technique involves forcing female mosquitoes to lay eggs, which are then reared into adult mosquitoes to study levels of resistance to pyrethroid/DDT insecticides.
Tropical Depression 15 forms in the south-central Caribbean Sea with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph, prompting watches and warnings for Central America. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm possibly within the next day due to warm waters.
A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 70% of women are facing sexual function problems approximately two years post-diagnosis. The study suggests that specific treatments for breast cancer, such as aromatase inhibitors, can exacerbate menopausal symptoms leading to sexual problems.
New supercomputer simulations show what the solar system might look like to alien astronomers searching for planets. The models also provide a glimpse of how this view might have changed as our planetary system matured.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $36 million in grants to support worker safety training programs. These programs aim to reduce exposure to hazards during disaster response, cleanup, and chemical emergency responses.
Researchers discovered that trampling animals can push artifacts up to 21 centimeters into the ground, potentially altering a site's interpretation. This finding suggests that archaeologists should reanalyze some previous discoveries due to the significant impact of animal trampling on artifact context.
Researchers created a long-term global map of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) using satellite data, providing a comprehensive view of health-sapping air pollution worldwide. The map shows high levels of PM2.5 in Africa and Asia, with over 80% of the world's population breathing polluted air.