The global biofuel drive poses a significant risk of eviction for African farmers as their lands are allocated for crop cultivation. Research highlights the need to consider the impact on food security, particularly in countries where food is scarce already.
A special issue of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation focuses on the potential of autistic young adults, highlighting their ability to form relationships and enjoy employment benefits. Researchers provide case studies and programs to support practitioners in working with this population.
A newly discovered strain of virulent airborne fungi has caused several deaths in Oregon and is expected to spread to California and other areas. The fungal disease, Cryptococcus gattii, typically affects transplant recipients and HIV-infected patients, but the new strain appears to be a threat to otherwise healthy individuals.
The Seismological Society of America presents on earthquake forecasting, quantifying seismic event likelihood to provide communities with information about seismic hazards. The session also explores near-surface deformation associated with active faults and debates in earthquake science.
A new antimalarial combination therapy, pyronaridine-artesunate, has been shown to be as effective as the current gold standard treatment, artemether-lumefantrine, but requires only once-daily dosing. The study found high clinical and parasitological response rates and rapid parasite clearance in patients with uncomplicated malaria.
Researchers found that antibodies from HIV-infected Africans bind to LPS, blocking protective 'killing' antibodies. Removing these antibodies allows for effective killing of Salmonella bacteria. The study identifies potential alternative vaccine targets in outer membrane proteins.
Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have developed a zebrafish model to study Parkinson's disease, which can aid in drug development and screening. The model demonstrates that zebrafish can be used to study human diseases, including PD, and has potential for large-scale drug screening.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has unveiled a new treatment program for young adults struggling with opioid addiction. The Buprenorphine Treatment for Young Adults product shows that longer-term buprenorphine treatment reduces drug use and improves treatment adherence in this age group.
A new study of tree rings provides the most detailed record yet of at least four epic droughts that have shaken Asia over the last thousand years. The research reveals the role of climate in historical events, such as the fall of China's Ming Dynasty and the collapse of kingdoms in Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Researchers uncover pathway critical for embryological development in zebra fish, revealing parallel mechanism driving vertebrate brain wiring. The fragile-X protein complex interacts with PAK1, a key player in synapse development.
A recent investigation found that 125 out of 940 completed clinical trials for acute ischemic stroke were not published in full, with some trials involving fewer than 10 patients. The study highlights the importance of publishing trial results to ensure patient safety and inform clinical practice.
The University of Oklahoma National Weather Center has opened its Experimental Green Roof to the public, featuring a 1,280 square-foot system that intercepts solar radiation and reduces stormwater runoff. The project aims to improve energy efficiency, water quality, and urban development in Oklahoma.
Researchers analyzed genetic evidence from 139 killer whales and found clear differences among species in the Antarctic and North Pacific. The study suggests that two types of killer whales are separate species, with additional analysis needed to confirm other possible species.
A new blood test has reduced the number of biopsies performed on heart transplant patients by 50% in a landmark Stanford study. The test uses genomics technology to identify patients at low risk for rejection, allowing doctors to safely reduce biopsy frequency and improve patient quality of life.
Researchers from Louisiana Tech University are presenting their work on smart nanofilms for regenerative medicine at the 2010 Experimental Biology meeting. Their presentation highlights the first known application of a smart nanofilm sprayed directly on living tissue, showing promising results in wound healing and potential application...
Obese pregnant women who gain too little or lose weight during pregnancy may be at increased risk of preterm births and restricted infant growth. The new study recommends tailored weight gain ranges based on the woman's BMI category, with more lenient limits for severely obese women.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new cancer detection and treatment method using nanoparticles that target specific receptors on tumor cells. The gold nanoparticles can be targeted to prostate, breast, or lung cancer cells, providing valuable imaging and therapeutic tools for early cancer detection and therapy.
The University of Iowa Superfund Research Program has received a five-year, $16 million grant to investigate the health impacts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water, soil, and air. The program will also explore novel clean-up methods using plants.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that heart failure patients developing kidney failure after LVAD surgery experience significantly decreased survival rates and prolonged hospitalizations. The researchers suggest improving patient selection and reducing cardio-pulmonary bypass time to mitigate the risk of kidney failure.
Researchers found little evidence for geographical separation driving hamlet color variations, instead suggesting ecological factors like competition for food and habitat may influence co-existence. The study provides insights into the evolutionary process of new species arising.
The University of Michigan researchers have developed a pressure-cooking method to create better biofuels from algae, speeding up the crude-oil-making process from millennia to minutes. This new method eliminates the need for drying and extracting oil, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) is showcasing the international scope of education research at its annual meeting, focusing on China and global collaboration. The event features a special session on educational innovation in China and the US, as well as presentations on multilingualism and intercultural communication.
Middle school students may struggle to understand science texts due to lack of academic language skills, but Word Generation program provides tools for teachers to guide them. The program teaches systematic vocabulary development and nuanced understanding of complex scientific concepts.
A team led by University of Wisconsin-Madison chemist Song Jin shows that a screw dislocation drives the growth of hollow zinc oxide nanotubes. The finding provides new insight into the processes guiding the formation of smallest manufactured structures, a significant challenge in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Researchers at University of Nottingham launch £1.2 million project to improve 'quit smoking' services for smokers with severe mental illness. The program aims to address the historical culture of tolerance of smoking in mental health settings, where tobacco use is deeply embedded and often condoned by clinicians and staff.
Dreams play a crucial role in memory consolidation by integrating recent experiences to improve short-term and long-term learning skills. The study found that subjects who dreamed about the task showed significant improvement, indicating that dreams are the brain's way of processing and understanding new information.
The Lancet Editorial calls for increased public commitment to combat malaria, citing a 20-year development timeline and £500 million investment. A broader public-private partnership is needed to support the development of an effective vaccine, with $20 billion pledged by Bill Gates.
A collaborative effort has resulted in a comprehensive Primate Life History Database containing life history data from long-term field studies of seven species of lemurs, monkeys, and apes. The database facilitates comparative analyses of primate evolution and ecology.
Researchers at University of Michigan created a microfluidic integrated circuit that regulates fluid flow without external instructions. This innovation aims to simplify lab-on-a-chip devices and enable instant home diagnostic tests for various illnesses and contaminants.
A new calculator program helps farmers estimate crop yields and irrigation needs in semi-arid regions. The MultiCalculator CD uses three simple Excel spreadsheets to predict non-irrigated crop yields and estimate irrigation water needs, considering factors such as soil type, precipitation, and crop selection.
Researchers found that rainfall affects sex ratios in African buffalo, with more males born during rainy seasons. The study suggests the presence of sex ratio genes influencing semen quality and female-biased sex ratios during dry periods.
A University of Colorado at Boulder study found a tight link between nitrogen and carbon in the environment, which may help address regional pollution issues. The research suggests that microbial communities in ecosystems regulate this relationship, with nitrates decreasing in areas with sufficient organic carbon.
Physicists at Rice University and Princeton University have found that ultracold mixes of electrons can have 'topological' properties making them immune to information degradation in quantum computers. The discovery could pave the way for the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Researchers investigate the seismic potential of the Cascadia subduction zone, exploring temporal clustering of earthquakes and the likelihood of a next event by 2060. They also examine slow slip phenomena and landslides, shedding light on precursory patterns that may save lives.
Scientists developed a urine test for detecting colon cancer by analyzing chemical differences in human urine samples. The study identified 16 substances associated with colon cancer, offering potential for an alternative screening method to colonoscopy.
Researchers at Caltech develop a nonlinear acoustic lens producing highly focused sound bullets for advanced medical imaging, nondestructive evaluation, and potentially even cancer treatment. The device exploits particle contacts to create compact acoustic pulses with high amplitude and low distortion.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed a smart charging station that enables electric vehicles to recharge during periods of low energy demand and high renewable energy production. This system aims to reduce peak loads and maximize the contribution of solar and wind power.
Researchers found conditions on primordial Earth could easily form left-handed aspartic acid crystals, leading to exclusive preference for left-handed amino acids in life forms. This discovery may help resolve the origin of life's left-handedness mystery.
By adjusting the radiation dose based on a child's weight, researchers were able to significantly lower the radiation dose associated with pediatric chest CT scans. The study found that radiation doses could be reduced by up to 73% for children weighing less than 33 pounds.
Researchers at ESRF found that a five-fold coordinated surface triggers supercooling, which is then confirmed through experiments with a gold-silicon alloy. This discovery resolves long-standing debates and has implications for hail prevention, technological processes, and semiconductor nanostructure growth.
Scientists found 7,000 times less methane and plenty of carbon monoxide on GJ 436b, challenging standard chemistry theories about planetary atmospheres. The discovery suggests that scientists should be more flexible in their theories about similar planets.
Researchers have discovered how ubiquitin activates RIG-I, triggering the body's immune response against viral infections. This finding provides one of the missing pieces in understanding how the body fights off infection and could lead to new antiviral therapies.
Researchers found that women with a breast density of 75% or higher have a four-to-five-fold increased risk of breast cancer. Decreases in breast density over time may be associated with lower breast cancer risk.
Research found a strong correlation between heavy alcohol use and shortened telomeres, increasing cancer risk. Telomere length was nearly half as long in heavy drinkers compared to non-abusers.
Telcagepant, a CGRP receptor blocker, provides similar pain relief as triptans but with fewer cardiovascular risks. Topiramate may also prevent migraine attacks in chronic sufferers.
Researchers have discovered that microRNAs can move from one cell to another, influencing the development of plant tissues. This mobility allows them to regulate gene expression and play an important role in sharpening the boundaries between different plant tissues.
A new WHI analysis found an association between breast density changes and increased breast cancer risk in women taking estrogen plus progestin therapy. Researchers used mammograms from over 150,000 women, including those with invasive breast cancer, to determine that a decline in mammographic density was linked to lower cancer risk.
Research published in Social Science Quarterly finds that young men from lower-income families and with poor grades are more likely to join the military, citing enhanced life chances. The study suggests that military service may help minimize social inequalities and provide a positive turning point for those at risk.
Researchers found that martial arts fall exercises can reduce hip impact forces, making them safe for older adults with osteoporosis if precautions are taken. The study suggests that martial arts training could be a viable option for preventing hip fractures in this population.
A study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that white students with color-blind racial attitudes were more likely not to be offended by racially themed party images, while African-Americans were more likely to be bothered. The research suggests that color-blind racial ideology is detrimental to race relations on ...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an optimal UV wavelength to keep water clean of microorganisms, preventing health threats and reducing bio-fouling. This approach could be used in water treatment plants and desalination facilities to make them more efficient and reduce costs.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that the Framingham risk assessment tool has limited sensitivity in detecting coronary artery disease. In fact, simple observation of coronary calcium presence using CT scans was more effective in identifying patients with substantial atherosclerosis.
A physics strategy called resonant activation is being tested as a solution for antibiotic resistance, targeting dormant persister cells. The approach involves repetitive antibiotic treatment to accelerate sterilization of bacterial colonies.
Researchers developed a novel hybrid of two orchid species, creating a unique scent that attracted a distinct wild bee. The offspring's floral odor was highly attractive to solitary bees unfamiliar with the parent plants' scent.
A large trial found no link between fish oil supplements and improved cognitive function in people aged 70-80 years. High intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were observed after two years, but no benefits for memory or concentration were detected.
A study of female characters in American action films reveals that over 58% are portrayed as submissive to male heroes, while 42% are romantically involved with them. Despite appearances of empowerment, these women often rely on masculine norms and re-articulate gender stereotypes
A recent NIH-led interagency group report highlights 11 key categories of diseases affected by climate change, including respiratory problems, mental health issues, and cardiovascular disease. The report provides a starting point for federal research to better understand the impact of climate change on human health.
Alfred R. Rives led the design and construction of the iconic bridge, but was denied recognition after joining the Confederacy. New research reveals his crucial role in the project's success.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have found that a new form of naproxen, called nitric oxide-donating naproxen (NO-naproxen), can block early molecular changes leading to colorectal cancer development while reducing gastrointestinal toxicity. This novel agent may be more effective than standard naproxen in inhibiting tumor growth.
Researchers found that combining telephone counseling with a daily written diet plan significantly increased fruit and vegetable intake among participants. The study suggests that personalized support can motivate individuals to make healthier food choices.