A study by University of California, Berkeley scientists found that California's coastal fog has decreased significantly over the past 100 years, from 56% to 42%, due to a decline in the coast-inland temperature gradient. This change may lead to drought-stress for redwood ecosystems and potentially impact recruitment of new trees.
Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive device to measure reaction time, which showed slower reaction times after concussions. The test was found to be effective in determining readiness to return to play for Division I college athletes.
Astronomers have found that typical galaxies still hold sufficient quantities of gas and dust for star formation, but their efficiency has slowed down over cosmic time. This means that present-day galaxies form fewer stars due to a decrease in gas and dust supplies rather than a change in their ability to make stars.
A recent study found that infants with positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) had lower scores than typical infants in observational tests of cognitive and motor development. This suggests that babies with flat head syndrome should be screened early for possible motor and cognitive delays.
Researchers at the University of Washington studied brain signals in eight patients awaiting epilepsy surgery, finding that imagined movements can strengthen brain activity. After less than 10 minutes of practice, brain signals from imagined movement became significantly stronger than when actually performing the physical motion.
Two research teams from McGill University Health Centre and McGill University will analyze the effects of brominated flame retardants and phthalates on human reproduction. The five-year study aims to understand the mechanisms underlying these substances' toxicity and their potential impact on future generations.
Scientists have visualized a donut-shaped structure of an enzyme involved in degrading proline, a key amino acid in metabolism. This discovery will aid in understanding the enzyme's function and developing drugs to inhibit its activity.
Current tobacco users with HPV-positive tumors are five times more likely to experience cancer recurrence than non-users. Researchers suggest that current or former tobacco users may need a more aggressive treatment regimen.
A third of seniors over 65 wait too long for lifesaving kidney transplants because their doctors don't list them for organs suitable for younger patients but not for themselves. Older adults have shorter life spans than younger recipients, but accepting older kidneys can increase survival rates.
The study found that more specialized hospitals had better outcomes for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery, with fewer serious complications and deaths. Hospitals that performed a higher volume of orthopedic surgeries were categorized as more specialized.
Researchers at Iowa State University have won a total of $16.38 million in federal grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. These grants support research projects focused on advanced biofuel production, public health intervention programs, and scientific research.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers concludes that free trade reforms have caused declining food production and increased poverty in African nations. The reforms, which began in the mid-1980s, eliminated critical support systems for poor farmers, leading to food riots and a hunger crisis.
Luis Colón, a University at Buffalo chemistry professor, received the 2009 AAAS Mentor Award for his efforts to recruit and mentor Hispanic-American students in chemistry. His initiatives led to an increase in Ph.D. degrees awarded to Hispanic-Americans in chemistry.
A team of researchers at Kansas State University has identified genes in mosquito blood cells whose expression changes with malaria infection. Understanding these genes could help develop new prevention strategies for the disease. The study sheds light on the mosquito's immune system and its ability to defend against parasites.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has discovered a potent inhibitor for malaria parasites and disease-causing bacteria, including tuberculosis. The compound, PPP, is 1,000 times more potent than previous inhibitors and targets an enzyme called IspH, which promotes the synthesis of essential compounds.
According to a study published in Archives of Dermatology, regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is not associated with an increased risk of squamous cell skin cancer. The study found that NSAID users were not at a higher risk for squamous cell carcinoma regardless of duration or dose.
Clive Svendsen's team develops specifically-engineered stem cells that stall nerve cell degeneration in ALS patients. The award will fund novel ex vivo gene therapy approaches to treat the disease.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a system using gold nanoparticles that can kill cancer cells by targeting their nuclei, preventing cell division and inducing apoptosis. This breakthrough offers a promising treatment for cancers in areas inaccessible to traditional laser-based therapies.
Three young scientists will receive financial support to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting to present their research on topics including a science teaching strategy, HIV medication synthesis, and DNA integrity analysis. The award aims to help them attain careers in their chosen fields.
Chemists at Max Planck Institute develop enzyme that converts diverse molecules enantioselectively, producing desired biological activity. By modifying amino acids distant from the reaction site, they create an optimized catalyst with improved efficiency and selectivity.
Gold and silver nanowires can form strong bonds without the need for heat, a breakthrough that could simplify the creation of high-density electronic devices. The discovery was made by Rice University researchers who observed the self-healing process under an electron microscope.
Using hydrogels to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) into cancer cells has been shown to effectively target and kill them. The technique inhibits EGFR growth, increasing programmed cell death and enhancing the effects of traditional chemotherapy.
Researchers investigated Norwegian Red cattle's performance and health in free-stall and tie-stall systems. Free-stall cows in small herds produced significantly less milk due to increased fighting time, while larger herds offset this loss.
A new multi-targeted treatment regimen combining chemotherapy and targeted drugs improves progression-free survival and tumour response in patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma. The study found a clinical benefit rate of over 90% with manageable side effects.
A new study reveals that chromatin proteins defective in RTT, CdLS, and ATR-X syndromes are associated with each other and regulate imprinted genes. This cooperation may explain similarities between the associated human syndromes.
A new study confirms that single-dose nevirapine can lead to HIV treatment failure in women, but only if they start full antiretroviral therapy within a year after the dose. The risk of failure decreases significantly after 12 months.
Francis S. Collins, M.D., has been selected to receive the 2009 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science. He is recognized for his exceptional skills as a scientist, communicator, and leader, as well as his pioneering work on the Human Genome Project.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a mechanism that detects and destroys faulty G-protein coupled receptors, which can cause disease. The discovery increases understanding of how these receptors work and will lead to better therapeutic development.
Bone-anchored hearing aids significantly improved scores on both hearing tests and questionnaires for children with single-sided deafness. The complication rate was 17%, but the treatment has been shown to be beneficial in counseling children and their families regarding treatment options.
Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 participants to investigate the genetic basis of tinnitus. The study found low correlations between family members and no strong evidence of inherited tinnitus.
Indiana University researchers have identified a mechanism used by the tuberculosis bacterium to evade the body's immune system and discovered a compound that can block its survival. The IU team synthesized the compound I-A09, which successfully blocked the TB bacterium's activity in laboratory tests.
Researchers found daclizumab, a monoclonal antibody, can reduce new lesion formation in relapsing multiple sclerosis compared to standard interferon beta treatment. The study suggests expanding regulatory CD56bright natural killer cells may play a key role in daclizumab's effects.
Experts say altitude affects athletes' times due to less oxygen delivery to muscles and reduced air density, impacting speed skating, ski jumping, and skiing events. Athletes need time to adjust to changes in projectile motion and breathing at high altitudes.
The 2009 AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize was awarded to Christian Marois and colleagues for their direct imaging of multiple planets orbiting HR 8799, a distant star. The discovery, made using the Keck and Gemini North telescopes, reveals a system resembling our solar system's outer portion.
Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science has joined the Open Cirrus test bed, a global open-source initiative for cloud computing research and education. The new facility will provide additional resources for researchers worldwide, enabling them to explore new applications and innovations in Internet-scale computing.
Researchers found that 18% of people with an initial stroke had a recurrent stroke within four years, and the risk of recurrence rose steadily after one year. The study highlights the need for better secondary stroke prevention strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity rates.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly decreases the frequency of nightmare recall. The study involved 393 patients with high-frequency severe OSA and reported a decline in frequent nightmare recall as sleep apnea severity increased.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have successfully stacked up to two photons on top of one another using quantum entanglement, enabling the creation of various quantum states of light. This achievement brings physicists closer to developing new capabilities in measurement instruments, computers, and secure communication systems.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a groundbreaking technology that combines high-resolution still images with very high-speed video footage. This innovation is expected to revolutionize various fields, including science, industry, and consumer sectors, by providing access to detailed imaging at an affordable price.
A new study finds that aciclovir, used to treat herpes simplex virus type 2, can reduce the risk of HIV-1 disease progression by 16% in patients co-infected with both conditions. The treatment also delays CD4 cell count decline and reduces HIV transmission.
Researchers at Caltech have recorded brain-cell activity in actively flying fruit flies, revealing that the visual system becomes more sensitive during flight. The study suggests that this increased sensitivity is linked to a neurochemical release that sets the animal's brain in a different state.
A specific protein called Dab2 has been found to trigger the process of cancer cells spreading from the original tumor and developing into new tumors. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs to delay or halt this process, which is a major step in cancer progression.
A study found that medical dramas and reality TV shows responded inappropriately to seizures nearly half the time, with improper practices occurring in 25 cases. The American Academy of Neurology urges the TV industry to adhere to seizure management guidelines.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified several FDA-approved agents that can shift cellular energy metabolism processes, including an over-the-counter anti-nausea drug, meclizine. This approach may offer new therapeutic strategies for treating heart attack and stroke.
Research suggests that adult learners can easily recognize and identify words in a second language when spoken in the accent of their native speaker, not the 'original' accent. This challenges traditional teaching methods used in many adult schools.
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified the region in vertebrates where adult blood stem cells arise during embryonic development. This discovery is a critical step towards developing safer and more effective stem cell therapies for patients with leukemia, multiple myeloma, and other diseases.
A defective signaling pathway for PPAR-γ contributes to cystic fibrosis disease severity. Correction of the pathway reduces symptoms in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine discovered a set of bacteria-killing proteins that recognize human blood type molecules on bacterial surfaces. These proteins, galectin-4 and galectin-8, can kill certain strains of E.coli within minutes.
Researchers at Harvard University have created a diamond-based nanowire device that improves the performance of single photon sources, enabling fast and secure computing with light. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in quantum cryptography, quantum computing, and magnetic field imaging.
Researchers report on effective treatments targeting racial and ethnic minorities, psychiatric disorders, and families with asthma. Cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly increased quit rates among African-American smokers, while family-focused approaches showed promising results for Latino families.
IEEE-USA presents $8,000 in scholarship awards and honoraria to recognize outstanding engineering video entries and public awareness contributions. Five undergraduate students from UNLV and LeTourneau University receive scholarships, while two journalists from Fox 5 Morning News and National Academy of Engineering are honored for their...
Research by scientists at the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry suggests that buffer strips can trap and break down veterinary antibiotics in manure fertilizers. The finding aims to mitigate concerns about the use of veterinary antibiotics in livestock farming, which may lead to drug-resistant bacteria and ecosystem harm.
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed energy-scavenging nanofibers that can harness body movements to power hand-held electronics. The fibers have piezoelectric properties and high efficiency rates, enabling the creation of wearable 'smart clothes' with no perceptible change in comfort for users.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has developed a breakthrough technology for mobile television using Long Term Evolution (LTE), which offers higher performance capacity than UMTS. This enables seamless adaptive communication without disruptions, ensuring high-quality video streaming on the go.
Epigenetic signals vary across alleles in numerous genomic regions, influencing gene expression and regulation. The study reveals over 35,000 such sites across the genome, with implications for genetic studies of complex diseases, including psychiatric conditions.
Material scientists at Penn have demonstrated a way to convert optical radiation into electrical current using a molecular circuit. The system uses gold nanoparticles to induce and project electrical current, potentially powering devices with sunlight.
Researchers at Yale University have streamlined the synthesis of a family of compounds known as kinamycins, which are naturally produced by bacteria and show potent toxicity. By reducing the number of steps required to synthesize them from 24 to 12, the team can now prepare these molecules in larger quantities for further studies.
The SRC-3 gene enhances breast cancer growth and invasion by activating cell motility, allowing cancer cells to invade surrounding tissue. Researchers found that the gene enables an alternative form of its coactivator protein to function at the cell membrane, leading to increased cancer spread.
A team of researchers has completed a new analysis of the evolutionary relationships among arthropods, providing a solid grasp of what those relationships are. The study makes a major contribution to our understanding of the nature and origins of the planet's biodiversity.
awiloc software uses received signal strength data from WLAN transmitters to calculate position without data communications. This technology is integrated into various platforms, including Windows Mobile and Android, with support for iPhone expected by summer.