A team of researchers from the University of Exeter has conducted a six-week archaeological expedition to rural Andhra Pradesh in India to study the origins of high carbon steel-making. They recorded over 120 sites where iron and steel were produced, including those associated with the production of wootz steel.
Research reveals that consumers' judgments of products are influenced by contextual factors, such as surrounding stores or ads. Marketers must carefully consider context to achieve desired results.
A new model, MORVEL, offers a marked improvement on previous work by estimating the relative movements of interlocking tectonic plates. The study provides precise rates of plate spreading along mid-ocean ridges and helps researchers understand surface processes like mountain-building and subsurface processes like mantle convection.
Researchers found that moderate levels of UV radiation reduced MS symptoms in mice, suggesting a potential link between sunlight and the disease. The study suggests that compounds produced in the skin may play a role in blocking autoimmune damage, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Researchers discovered a layer where helium condenses into droplets, allowing neon to dissolve and fall towards the planet's interior. This phenomenon explains the observed lack of neon in Jupiter's upper atmosphere.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly reduces the risk of coronary heart disease events. The researchers reviewed 8 trials involving over 13,000 participants and found a 19% reduced risk of CHD risk compared to control groups.
A large-scale study of 10,000 adults found that virtual colonoscopy identifies more unsuspected cancers outside the colon than within it. The majority of these cancers were detected at an early stage and have positively affected survival.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and Infectious Diseases Society of America have released new clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection in adults. The guidelines update recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, and infection control measures to address changes in epidemiology and disease severity.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found significant geographic variation in noninvasive diagnostic imaging utilization rates among Medicare beneficiaries. The study revealed that Atlanta had the highest utilization rate, while Seattle had the lowest, with a difference of over 50% between the two regions.
The 239th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society features a comprehensive series of scientific reports on advances in sustainable development, including the application of green chemistry to reduce hazardous substances. The event aims to shepherd scientists' collective knowledge to address the world's sustainability challenges.
Researchers demonstrate targeted nanoparticle delivery of siRNA to cancer cells, turning off an important gene using RNA interference. The study opens the door for future genetic therapies that can attack cancer and other diseases at a molecular level.
The spliceosome, a giant complex of RNA and protein subunits, assembles and operates to remove unwanted genetic material and join the remaining pieces. Researchers spied on the process using FRET and observed reversible contortions in the presence of energy.
University of Rhode Island researcher Navindra Seeram has discovered over 20 compounds in pure maple syrup with potential health benefits, including anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties. The research found that these compounds are also present in the Acer family for the first time.
A recent study found that genetic variations in the GPC5 gene are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in never-smokers. The research, published in The Lancet Oncology, suggests that GPC5 could be a new target for drug development and could help identify high-risk individuals.
A new three-in-one test can detect Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis, and sleeping sickness in under an hour. The low-cost test uses special dyes that reveal the presence of parasite markers.
Newcastle University researchers found that dietary fibre in seaweed reduces fat absorption by 75%. Adding this fibre to foods like bread may help people lose weight while eating normally. The study's next step is to test the effects on volunteers and determine if such foods are acceptable in a normal diet.
Astronomers have observed a galaxy 10 billion light-years away, finding four discrete star-forming regions making new stars 250 times faster than the Milky Way. The study reveals exquisite detail of these regions, which are 100 times brighter than nearby galaxies.
A study by University of Warwick and Cardiff University found that money's impact on happiness is linked to social rank, not income level. Being richer than others is key to life satisfaction.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new growth factor that stimulates the expansion and regeneration of hematopoietic stem cells. The growth factor, pleiotrophin, has been shown to increase the numbers of human cord blood stem cells in culture capable of engraftment in immune-deficient mice.
The University of Copenhagen is set to establish a leading international research center for basic metabolic research, thanks to a historic $160 million donation from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The Center will conduct research into Type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle diseases, aiming to make a significant impact on global health trends.
The American Chemical Society symposium on cold fusion has brought together nearly 50 presentations on the topic, indicating that it may be a reality. Researchers are making progress toward battery-based energy and discovering natural occurrences of cold fusion in certain bacteria.
Red and pink coral are in steep decline due to overharvesting; governments failed to grant trade protection despite scientific evidence. Conservationists urge the jewelry and design industries to act where governments have failed.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have found two novel ways to kill TB bacteria, using an enzyme called GlgE and a second pathway that also synthesizes alpha glucans. This combination could lead to a potent therapy that prevents resistant TB strains from developing.
Research found that dark-roasted coffee, including espresso and French roast, may be less irritating to the stomach due to its high content of N-methylpyridium (NMP), a substance that reduces acid production. This discovery could lead to new, stomach-friendly brews with the rich taste and aroma of regular coffee.
Researchers develop a method to determine wine vintages using radioactive carbon dioxide produced by atomic bomb tests. The technique uses accelerator mass spectrometry to analyze the carbon-14 levels in wine alcohol, allowing for reliable detection of vintage authenticity.
A massive galaxy in the early Universe created stars like our sun at a rate equivalent to 250 suns per year, researchers say. The team observed four star-forming regions within the galaxy, each over 100 times brighter than similar regions in the Milky Way.
Researchers have made direct measurements of the size and brightness of regions of star-birth in a very distant galaxy using the APEX telescope. The galaxy is so bright due to massive dust grains heated by starlight, revealing star formation at a rate equivalent to about 250 Suns per year.
Researchers discover the 'doublesex' gene plays a crucial role in shaping fruit fly brain architecture and behavior, leading to distinct male and female neural circuits. The study sheds light on sex determination and coordination of sex-specific physiology in fruit flies.
A recent study found that approximately 30% of never-smoking lung cancer patients carry a rare variant of the GPC5 gene, leading to reduced expression levels and increased risk of cancer. The research suggests that GPC5 may be a critical tumor suppressor gene in lung cancer development.
A new bio-based intelligent roof coating, developed from waste cooking oil, can automatically switch between reflecting and transmitting solar heat to reduce energy costs. The coating, tested on asphalt shingles, showed significant reductions in roof temperatures and potential savings in energy bills.
Infrared Thermal Detection Systems detected fever in patients with high accuracy, identifying patients with temperature above 100.0°F across all age ranges and genders.
Smadar Cohen's groundbreaking research led to the development of an innovative cardiac scaffold that enhances mechanical strength and prevents enlargement of the left ventricle. The award recognizes her pioneering work in creating a resorbable liquid polymer, BL-1040, that promotes heart muscle recovery and repair.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that a rare inherited disorder called stiff skin syndrome shares genetic similarities with the debilitating condition scleroderma, affecting about one in 5,000 people. The findings suggest a potential treatment strategy involving the protein fibrillin-1 and its role in regulating TGFbeta activity.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to design nanocomposites with desired properties, using a mix-and-match approach to combine materials on the nanoscale. This process enables new possibilities for electronic and energy technologies, including improved battery electrodes, photovoltaics, and electronic data storage.
Researchers found that fossil footprints made 3.6 million years ago show a human-like striding gait, indicating bipedalism among early hominins. The study suggests that humans' ancestors were more energetically efficient with their walking posture than previously thought.
The National Guard Health Affairs in Saudi Arabia has been recognized for its efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections, including an 82% reduction in central line associated BSI rates and an 80% reduction in surgical site infection rates. The organization's multidisciplinary team approach has been key to its success.
A new species of raptor dinosaur, Linheraptor exquisitus, has been discovered by a GW Ph.D. candidate and UCL grad student. The exceptionally well-preserved fossil provides valuable insights into the evolution of related dinosaurs.
A new therapy reduces mortality and heart failure risk in patients with mild cardiac disease, showing a 34% reduction in death or heart failure risk compared to those receiving only an ICD. The treatment has been approved for use in the US, benefiting nearly 4 million Americans with milder forms of heart failure.
Researchers found that minocycline effectively targets and reduces HIV replication in immune cells, providing an additional layer of defense against the virus. The antibiotic may improve current treatment regimens for HIV-infected patients when used in combination with HAART.
Scientists are conducting an expedition to study the rupture site of the 8.8-magnitude Chilean earthquake, mapping changes in the seafloor and searching for evidence of tsunami formation. The research will provide valuable insights into similar earthquake regions worldwide and inform tsunami warning systems.
Scientists found that emphasizing non-pathogen specific infection control practices, such as hand hygiene and chlorhexidine bathing, significantly reduced MRSA rates. The study observed a 91% reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections, a 62% reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and a 92% reduction...
A new species of dromaeosaurid, Linheraptor exquisitus, has been discovered in Inner Mongolia with a near complete skeleton found since 1972. The fossil reveals unique features, including an antorbital fenestra, and is closely related to Velociraptor.
Researchers have developed a method to deterministically position silver nanoparticles onto self-assembling DNA scaffolds, paving the way for new biomedical applications and precise sensing operations. The study demonstrates the viability of using silver instead of gold nanoparticles in DNA-based architectures.
Women with rare ATM gene mutations and radiation exposure may be at higher risk for a second breast cancer in the opposite breast. Researchers found a statistically significant increase in contralateral breast cancer among women with deleterious missense variants and radiation exposure.
Agricultural Research Service scientists found that plant species diversity and composition are crucial for potential energy yield per acre from biomass harvested from CRP land. The study suggests that CRP lands in the northeastern US with a high proportion of tall native prairie grasses have the potential to produce over 600 gallons o...
Scientists are studying microRNAs as potential therapeutics for a range of applications due to their role in various cellular processes. Investigations have shed light on the role of miRNAs in cancer, particularly in controlling developmental events and cell growth.
The study reveals that plastics accumulate in garbage dumps and oceans, harming aquatic life and contaminating the food chain. Human exposure to plastic additives like BPA and phthalates is also a concern, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised health.
The latest weather satellite, GOES-15, reached its proper orbit after a flawless launch and will undergo checkout in mid-August 2010. The satellite is expected to capture the first visible image on April 5 and provide weather observations covering over 50% of the Earth's surface.
Researchers have discovered that pre-treating mice with noscapine before injecting them with prostate cancer cells resulted in tumor growth rates being two-thirds smaller and lung metastasis rates being 80% less. The study suggests that noscapine may offer significant benefits in the management of prostate cancer as a preventive measure.
The Clay Mathematics Institute awards Dr. Perelman the Millennium Prize for resolving the Poincaré conjecture, a century-long quest in mathematics. Perelman's breakthrough proof uses the Ricci flow method and introduces new ideas and techniques.
The study found that daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces with a spore-killing bleach disinfectant wipe significantly reduced C. difficile infections in two high-incidence units. The team aimed to reduce hospital-acquired cases to over 20 days between infections but achieved an impressive 137-day streak without a single infection.
Researchers found that poor sleep patterns influence the spread of adolescent drug use in social networks, with teens at the center of the network being more vulnerable. Healthy sleep habits can have a positive impact on reducing drug use and other behaviors.
The WPI Center for Wireless Information Network Studies is conducting a groundbreaking study to develop standards for body area networks, which support various medical applications and can be used in health care, athletics, and other fields. The research aims to spur the growth of this technology and improve healthcare.
Exposure to chlorpyrifos is associated with early childhood developmental delays, including mental and physical impairments. High levels of chlorpyrifos exposure were linked to decreased Psychomotor Development Index scores and Mental Development Index scores in 3-year-olds.
A study by US Department of Agriculture researchers found that a tryptophan-enriched diet reduces aggression in young female pigs, making them calmer and easier to manage. The supplement raised blood concentrations of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter, leading to reduced behavioral activity and aggression.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that 7.3% of boys and 5.5% of girls were extremely obese, with the heaviest children being black teenage girls and Hispanic boys. The percentage of extreme obesity peaked at 10 years in boys and 12 years in girls.
Studies reveal significant health disparities among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, with culturally appropriate care shown to reduce cancer rates and heart disease. Immigrant women face high risk of death from breast cancer, while obesity and high blood pressure are major concerns for Native Hawaiians.
Researchers discovered that leafcutter ant queens can neutralize male-male sperm competition through glandular secretions. This allows them to preserve their own sperm for millions of eggs fertilized over a single day's sexual activity.
The IUCN has reclassified beluga sturgeon as 'critically endangered', with the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science applauding the move. This classification underscores the need for swift, international protection to help conserve this species from extinction.
A recent study found that deep brain stimulation significantly reduced seizure frequency in patients with refractory partial and secondarily generalized seizures, with a 56% reduction in seizure frequency by 2 years. The benefits of stimulation persisted long-term, with improved responder rates.