The US Department of Energy has awarded 1.6 billion supercomputing hours to 69 cutting-edge research projects through the INCITE program. These projects focus on accelerating discoveries in areas like climate change, alternative energy, life sciences, and materials science.
A new wound treatment has received $529,450 in funding to speed up healing of chronic wounds like burns and ulcers. The treatment uses antibodies to suppress a protein that restricts wound healing, promising benefits for the aged, obese and diabetics.
A recent study discovered that blood flow force triggers a chain reaction protecting arteries from dangerous clogs. The reaction involves the structural change of an enzyme, histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), influencing key genes involved in reversing atherosclerosis.
Researchers have developed an all-solid-state cryocooler that can reach temperatures as low as 155K, potentially enabling miniaturization of superconducting electronics. The technology uses optical refrigeration to cool gases and has the potential to advance spaceborne and airborne sensors.
The production Heuschrecken by Rimini Protokoll explores the marriage of theatre and science, challenging traditional skepticism. By embedding artists in a science department, new approaches to storytelling emerge.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that the type of food eaten after exercise can significantly impact metabolic health. Eating low-carbohydrate meals after exercise enhanced insulin sensitivity more than eating balanced or low-calorie meals. The study suggests that people can still reap important health benef...
A GW research team has discovered a new species of dinosaur, Haplocheirus sollers, that links to bird evolution. The Late Jurassic fossil, found in China, shows early evolutionary stages in bird-like dinosaurs.
A QUT team is studying how iron from soil reaches water to potentially cause algal blooms. Researchers are investigating the role of bacteria and chemical reactions in making iron soluble.
Researchers found that ovarian cancer symptoms are not reliable for detecting the disease at an early stage. In fact, only 1 out of 100 women with symptoms will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This study highlights the need for better molecular markers and imaging modalities to improve screening for ovarian cancer.
A recent study found that introducing new genes from distant populations to damaged ecosystems can have negative consequences on native populations. However, the introduction of genes from nearby, contrasting environments can lead to poorer seedling performance and reduced fitness over time.
Scientists have determined how a normal protein can be converted into a prion, an infectious agent causing fatal brain diseases in humans and mammals. The study provides the strongest evidence yet to prove the prion hypothesis and offers insights into molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.
A study found that not sedating critically ill patients in intensive care significantly reduced the number of days on mechanical ventilation (55 days vs 9.6 days) and length of stay in the ICU (13.1 days vs 22.8 days). However, no sedation was also associated with increased risk of delirium.
Researchers developed SCGPSim, a simulation infrastructure that uses parallel processing and CUDA programming model to speed up SystemC-based hardware models. This could significantly reduce the time it takes to bring products to market, improving the efficiency of semiconductor electronics industry.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia identified neogenin as a key player in regulating iron levels, providing a new target for drugs to treat iron deficiency and overload. Studies showed that neogenin inhibits the secretion of an RGM gene called hemojuvelin, which controls circulating iron levels.
NASA and JAXA satellite data combined with ground weather station information aid in forecasting tropical cyclone tracks. Olga's center is expected to remain over land, but Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecasts its reemergence into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory's Magnetic Vision Innovative Prototype (MagViz) uses ultralow magnetic fields to detect liquid bombs and other hazardous materials. With an accuracy rate of over 99%, MagViz could significantly enhance airport security, allowing passengers to pass through with ease while keeping liquids at bay.
A team from Harvard University led by Vinothan Manoharan and Michael Brenner presents clues to how groups of atoms and molecules favor less symmetrical geometric patterns. Entropy plays a key role in the formation of these complex structures, which are more likely to occur due to their flexibility.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict cervical cancer treatment outcomes, allowing for quicker identification of non-responding tumors. The model uses MRI scans and can provide a prediction accuracy of 90 percent for local tumor control and recurrence.
Researchers developed two step-by-step training programmes to help dementia patients regain eating skills. The study showed that both methods reduced feeding difficulty and improved nutritional assessment compared to no intervention, offering a promising approach to addressing nutritional problems in older adults with dementia.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that adjacent neurons in the brain do not synchronize their action potentials, contrary to previous beliefs. This finding provides insight into how the brain processes information efficiently by introducing a 'decorrelated state' that allows for uncorrelated activity.
A Spanish study found that mental illnesses are the second leading cause of temporary and permanent sick leave in Spain. The research estimated a total social cost of at least €7.019 billion, with direct non-medical costs accounting for nearly half of this amount.
Patients with type 2 diabetes who experience subtle brain damage may be at risk of progressive kidney disease and kidney failure, according to a new study. Diabetic patients with silent cerebral infarction were nearly five times more likely to develop serious kidney disease than those without.
Researchers found that Herceptin significantly improved event-free survival in patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancer, with a 3-year event-free survival rate of 71% compared to 56%. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only two patients experiencing symptomatic cardiac failure.
A new paper by MSU psychologist Brooke Ingersoll suggests that a combined approach to treating autism could be more effective than traditional behavioral or developmental methods. By combining the strengths of both approaches, supporters can create individualized interventions that meet the unique needs of each child.
Bdelloid rotifers have evolved to avoid parasites and pathogens by desiccating and drifting away on the wind. This mechanism allows them to establish new, uninfected populations and evade biotic enemies without sex.
A multinational team of researchers has identified a plan to develop new treatments for malaria by targeting the parasites' digestive enzymes. By blocking these enzymes, the parasites can no longer survive within human red blood cells, offering new hope for millions affected by global spread of drug-resistant parasites.
John Kitchin, an assistant professor in Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon, has been awarded funding to research new materials for efficient hydrogen production from water. His work tackles a primary hurdle in energy efficiency and may play a crucial role in managing CO2 emissions through advanced fossil energy power systems.
Tropical Depression 11S forms near La Reunion Island with sustained winds of 39mph, moving southward at 6mph. The storm is expected to strengthen over warm sea surface temperatures before becoming extra-tropical.
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that spouses who use 'we-ness' language are better able to resolve conflicts than those who don't. The study found that older couples identified more as 'we' than middle-aged counterparts, suggesting a greater sense of shared identity and teamwork.
The 2010 Lemelson-MIT Invention Index survey found that hands-on learning approaches are effective in engaging youth ages 12-17 in STEM subjects. Teens prefer activities such as field trips and access to experimental spaces over traditional classroom methods.
Researchers at UCLA's Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program have found that a non-invasive approach to pre-surgical testing, combined with earlier consideration for surgery, is associated with the best seizure-free surgical outcome in patients with TSC. Approximately two-thirds of TSC patients became seizure-free after surgery.
Recent studies found a link between low-level lead exposure and ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity and impulsivity. Lead is thought to disrupt brain activity, causing altered psychological processes supported by these neurons.
Developed at the University of Utah's Genetic Science Learning Center, the websites are providing an excellent source of new material while educating a hugely diverse audience. They have been honored with the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education, recognizing their value as educational tools.
NASA's TRMM satellite observed Tropical Storm Nisha strengthening rapidly, with rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour and cloud heights reaching 6 miles.
A mandatory influenza vaccination policy improved the vaccination rate among 26,000 employees at a large health care system from 54% to 98%. The study found that medical and religious exemptions were granted to 411 employees, with eight terminated for non-compliance.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that early intervention may be able to prevent schizophrenia in those at high risk. The researchers found that administering drugs to rats during adolescence prevented the development of schizophrenia-like symptoms and brain deterioration.
Researchers at UCLA have made a breakthrough in identifying the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease using brain imaging techniques. By tracking subtle changes in brain structure over time, they were able to predict a brain's progression to Alzheimer's disease, allowing for potential early interventions.
Scientists have discovered a molecule that determines which T cells become memory cells just days after a viral infection starts. This finding could lead to more effective vaccines for diseases like HIV/AIDS and cancer.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery used a novel technique involving transplanted bone and cartilage to treat an 18-year-old man's severe femoral head fracture. The patient successfully recovered from the surgery and delayed his need for a total hip replacement, avoiding multiple revision surgeries.
Research from Psychological Science found that attachment styles can affect how individuals remember relationship events, with anxious and avoidant individuals recalling experiences based on their needs and goals. The study's results suggest that attachment styles influence how we interpret memories of interactions with our partners.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of crime and have poorer mental health. The study also estimated a significant economic impact of legal involvement on patients, with direct costs ranging from $1429 per patient per year.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully converted mouse skin cells directly into functional nerve cells using just three genes. This breakthrough finding could revolutionize human stem cell therapy and change our understanding of cellular specialization.
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University's Language Technologies Institute have released spoken and textual data on Haitian Creole to support the development of translation tools. The data will aid relief workers, doctors, and nurses on the earthquake-ravaged island.
Romesh C. Batra, a Virginia Tech professor of engineering science and mechanics, has been awarded the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award for his exceptional teaching and research efforts. He is renowned for his work on material failure and has received numerous awards, including the Alexander von Humboldt Award.
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher overall mortality rate compared to the general population. The study found that cardiovascular disease and extra-hepatic malignancies were the primary causes of death among NAFLD patients.
Researchers found that inhibiting sestrin protein improves lung elasticity and gas exchange in mice with emphysema. This suggests a new therapeutic approach to alleviate critical symptoms associated with COPD.
The US liquid detergent market reached $3.1 billion in sales in 2009, driven by innovative eco-friendly products containing natural ingredients. Manufacturers are now offering specialty cleaners that reduce energy or water consumption, combining detergents with fabric softener and static reducers into single sheet-like products.
The rotavirus vaccine has been shown to prevent severe diarrhoea in African children, with a 61.2% reduction in incidence. The vaccine's efficacy was lower in Malawi compared to South Africa, but it still demonstrated significant impact in reducing mortality rates.
Researchers at JBEI developed an Escherichia coli bacteria strain to produce biodiesel fuel and other chemicals directly from plant biomass, overcoming the limitations of traditional biofuel production. The microbes can efficiently convert biomass into fuels with minimal chemical modifications.
A University of Colorado at Boulder undergraduate-designed communications satellite, Hermes, has been chosen to launch into orbit in November as part of NASA's Educational Launch of Nanosatellite initiative. The satellite will test a high data-rate communication system, improving capabilities for tiny satellites.
Researchers found evidence that fat tissue contains functional hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which can regenerate and develop into various cell types. The study suggests that adipose tissue may be a valuable alternative source of these cells, potentially replacing bone marrow transplantation in the future.
A study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that how a woman negotiates condom use influences her perception by others. Women who highlight their sexuality through condom use are judged more harshly than those who simply refuse or discuss concerns about sexually transmitted infections.
A recent special edition of Ocean Engineering analyzes Hurricane Katrina's impact and provides lessons learned from an IPET study conducted between 2005-2006. The study assessed the performance of flood protection systems in affected coastal areas.
Research found that social factors contribute to vulnerability to alcohol use and abuse in older adults. Higher income, social activity level, and friend approval are linked to excessive drinking, while older men may be more susceptible to social influences on drinking.
A team of scientists has discovered a general trend in the behavior of metal hydrides ScH3, YH3, and LaH3, finding that superconducting states are strongest when materials are weakest. The researchers also found differences between the three metal hydrides, with a secondary superconducting phase present in YH3 but absent in ScH3 and LaH3.
Researchers identify color patterns in dinosaur feathers, revealing that they originated for display purposes before becoming useful for flight and insulation.
Scientists found that barefoot runners avoid heel-striking by landing on the middle or front of their foot, reducing impact collisions. This approach requires different muscle engagement, which must be transitioned to for those accustomed to wearing shoes.
Researchers confirm accuracy of transient elastography for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and excluding advanced fibrosis. The study found TE to be superior to other non-invasive tests in detecting advanced fibrosis, with the potential to spare two-thirds of NAFLD patients from liver biopsies.
A study published in Psychological Science found that directed prayer can spark forgiveness in both the person praying and their wronged partner. Praying for a close friend also increased selfless concern, which boosted forgiveness. The researchers believe prayer shifts attention from the self back to others, allowing resentments to fade.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure can alter the brain's developing pain regulatory system, causing a blunted response to painful events in newborns. Infants exposed to heavy prenatal alcohol had decreased physiological responses and lower stress hormone cortisol levels compared to those with little or no exposure.