Oren Etzioni proposes a future where computers can find answers by analyzing data on the internet, going beyond keyword searches. The University of Washington's Turing Center has developed an open-source tool called ReVerb to achieve this goal.
Researchers at the University of Miami have developed a technique to track urban atmospheric plumes using ethanol's isotopic signature, which can indicate the presence of manmade biofuels. The discovery has significant implications for understanding air pollution in urban areas and mitigating its effects on human health.
The Braunwald's Heart Disease Practice Guidelines App offers clinically actionable information on cardiovascular medicine, featuring the latest ACC/AHA guidelines. The app is available for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, providing anytime access to essential cardiology knowledge.
A recent study published in Nutrition and Cancer found that high consumption of these foods was associated with a reduced risk of colon polyps by 33-40%, confirming the results of past studies. The protective effects may be due to their cancer-fighting agents, including fiber and detoxifying compounds.
Researchers found that prolonged estrogen deprivation in aging rats reduces brain receptors for the hormone and its ability to prevent strokes. Early estrogen replacement therapy can forestall this damage. The study's results suggest a critical window for estrogen therapy, either right before or right after menopause.
Bass, American University provost, receives the award for his professional leadership and contributions to advancing aging research and practice. The honor recognizes his translation of research findings into practical use.
Dr. Shapira's research shows that eggs laid by hens with healthier feed can lessen oxidation of LDL cholesterol, potentially reducing heart disease risk. However, these 'healthier' eggs are not widely produced and may be more expensive due to specialized chicken feed.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have identified the orexin system as responsible for inducing lethargy during illness. The study suggests that targeting this system with existing narcolepsy drugs could be an effective way to treat sickness-induced lethargy and improve quality of life for chronically ill patients.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is an effective tool for screening for bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The test was specific for almost 90% of colorectal cancers and adenomas, highlighting its value as a diagnostic tool.
Researchers have developed a mouse model for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and discovered a potential therapy using HDAC6 inhibitors, which halted damage to nerves and reversed symptoms. This treatment could offer new hope for an incurable disease affecting approximately one in 2,500 individuals.
Vishwa Deep Dixit, a researcher at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, has been awarded the 2011 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award by the Gerontological Society of America. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to new knowledge about aging through basic biological research.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a tool that can take hundreds of digital portraits and create an animation of a person's face in seconds. The software aligns faces and chooses photos with similar expressions to produce smooth transitions, allowing users to see how a person's expression changes over time.
Charles Darkoh, a UTHealth graduate student, has been awarded a prestigious UNCF/Merck fellowship to conduct research on multidrug-resistant Clostridium difficile bacterial infection. His work aims to develop a cost-efficient diagnostic test and novel therapeutic strategies for C. difficile infection.
A study by LSUHSC researchers sheds light on how humans process sounds, revealing a flexible strategy for source assignment similar to that of tungara frogs. The findings have implications for understanding communication disorders associated with hearing loss and attention deficits.
Researchers at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center develop approach to accelerate reduction of cyanogen, increase root protein levels, and enhance nutritional value. The results could prove beneficial to millions suffering from malnutrition worldwide.
A new study found that myocardial infarction survivors living in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods had lower levels of leisure-time physical activity compared to those from wealthier areas. The association was strongest in the first 5 years after MI and remained significant after adjusting for individual factors.
Law experts Simon Stern and Trudo Lemmens argue that ghostwriting in medical journal articles undermines scientific integrity and patient care. The authors call for stronger sanctions and legal liability on guest authors who lend their names to ghostwritten articles.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology's impact factor increased by nearly 15% in 2010, reflecting its commitment to quality and tradition of excellence. The journal has expanded its reach through new media channels, including a podcast channel and redesigned website.
A study published in Mammal Review found that fishing is the largest known human factor contributing to the decline of New Zealand's endangered native sea lion population. The team identified resource competition and by-catch incidents as the primary causes, leading to a 40% breeding decline on Auckland Islands.
The study assesses the impact of ocean acidification on mollusk harvests worldwide, particularly in poor and developing nations. Nations with high dependence on shellfish and lack of aquaculture are most vulnerable, with Senegal, Madagascar, Gambia, Mozambique, and Haiti expected to be heavily impacted.
Scientists at the University of Southampton and collaborators are developing new materials like amorphous chalcogenides, bridging glass and semiconductor technology. The project aims to improve device energy efficiencies and support UK's communication and healthcare sectors.
A recent study found significant improvements in reading and math scores for Spanish-speaking students who received a specialized bilingual/bicultural school counselor-led program, closing the traditional achievement gap. The evidence-based program positions school counselors to show their direct impact on student achievement.
Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center discover a protein called Serca3 that terminates bitter taste signals by removing calcium from taste cells. This finding may help explain why some people are supersensitive to certain tastes and could lead to the development of medicines to minimize unpleasant side effects.
Dr. Luigi Ferrucci is recognized for his work developing ways to reduce disease and disability in older adults through the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. He has also made significant contributions to gerontology education and research.
Researchers have created a novel technique to probe the fundamental workings of photosynthesis, revealing how energy is transferred through antenna proteins. The study uses laser-light pulses to test whether overlapping excitation states occur in Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) protein.
In a new study, researchers found that when brain cells are starved, they turn to self-cannibalism through autophagy, which increases hunger signals and makes diets ineffective. Blocking this process may lead to weight loss and improved energy balance.
Robert Binstock, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, has made a significant impact on policies regarding aging. His research has improved the targeting of services to economically and socially disadvantaged older persons.
A study found that there is limited guidance and no consensus on optimal survey research reporting, leading to under-reported key criteria. The authors advocate for a well-developed guideline to ensure complete reporting and clearer review of results.
Researchers found a small but significant association between early life family psychosocial environment and later coronary heart disease. For every extra point on the risky family score, CHD risk rose by 1 percent.
A multidisciplinary team at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev developed a new training method using desktop webcams to improve ergonomic posture among office workers. The photo-training method provided effective short-term and long-term posture improvement, particularly for older workers and those with musculoskeletal pain.
Kahana recognized for her novel conceptualizations that consider the adaptation of individuals in a sociological and environmental context. Her research highlights the positive aspects of later life, focusing on social achievements and strengths among older adults.
Most victims of stray bullets are women and individuals outside the typical high-risk age range, highlighting the need for preventive measures. The study found that most victims were unaware of the events leading to the gunfire and often died immediately or shortly after being shot.
Research ties aging muscle weakness to leaky calcium channels in muscle cells. A drug already in Phase II clinical trials for heart failure may help repair these channels, restoring muscle function. The study's findings suggest a new approach to addressing age-related muscle wasting by focusing on muscle function rather than mass.
University of New Hampshire researchers, led by Bradley Moore, found genetic structures in Frankia that resemble valuable natural product categories. The study reveals the potential for Frankia to produce antibiotics, herbicides, and other useful compounds, offering a new area of exploration for natural product drug discovery.
A study from Georgia Tech recommends an 'Internet nutrition label' to provide consumers with a complete picture of their service performance. The label would include metrics like throughput, latency, and packet loss, helping users make informed decisions about their internet plans.
A groundbreaking study compiled 1528 calculations of surface erosion rates from 80 study areas worldwide. The analysis found that bare rock outcrops had significantly lower erosion rates than surfaces covered with thin layers of soil, highlighting the global importance of soil formation as a geomorphic process.
A new study by Baylor University researcher found that older men and women have different opinions on body satisfaction, with physical activity improving satisfaction in both sexes. The study also revealed a shift in body satisfaction away from appearance towards functionality as people age.
Jazwinski's research focuses on genetics of aging, molecular genetics, and population genetics, and has expanded to human aging with key findings on gene-gene interactions in longevity and healthy aging.
A University of Cincinnati research project created comic books with healthy messages to curb childhood obesity in third, fourth, and fifth-grade students. The project showed significant increases in healthy behaviors like fruit consumption and physical activity, as well as increased confidence in selecting health-related behaviors.
A new, cost-effective method for detecting ALK rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer patients has been developed. This approach is comparable to the established gold standard, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and could enable more patients to access potentially life-saving crizotinib therapy.
A randomized controlled trial found that narrative exposure therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in former child soldiers in Uganda compared to other therapies. The treatment was conducted by community-based lay therapists without a mental health background, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness.
A new biodegradable antibiotic pellet can be implanted in the middle ear to target glue ear infections, potentially reducing the need for repeated grommet operations. The pellet slowly releases antibiotics over three weeks, addressing biofilms that cause up to 20% of cases.
Stephanie Lewis, a graduate student at Virginia Tech, is using computational modeling and experimental methods to identify molecules that can activate PPAR\u00b71, a therapeutic target for suppressing inflammation in chronic diseases. Her research aims to find novel compounds with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory actions.
A new study reveals that hydrogen sulfide helps protect blood vessels from the complications of diabetes by controlling an early checkpoint in related processes. The researchers found that diabetic rats have lower levels of 'swamp gas' and improved blood vessel function after treatment.
A new study identified a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella with high resistance to ciprofloxacin, infecting 489 patients in France, England and Wales, and Denmark between 2000 and 2008. Poultry is believed to be a major vehicle for spreading these infections.
At the University of Houston, 54 undergraduates are devoting their summers to serious research under faculty mentorship. They aim to find solutions for maladies including Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, alcoholism and anxiety. Through projects like studying oxidative stress and its relation to disorders, as wel...
A new study found that multivitamin users smoke more than non-users due to the licensing effect. Smokers who believe vitamins protect against cancer are more likely to experience a 'boost in perceived invulnerability'. This can lead to an increased health risk and decreased motivation to quit smoking.
Researchers aim to enhance knowledge of barriers and opportunities for improving food security and economic viability through local and regional food system development. A thriving local food system provides ample opportunity to improve human health, reconnect people with the land, and attract new farmers.
Researchers can now search for models that best explain complex data using an evolutionary computation approach, allowing for flexibility and insights. This method enables the simultaneous evaluation of many candidate solutions, speeding up the work and providing additional insights.
A study published in JAMA Network found that women who experience gender-based violence have a higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders, including anxiety, mood disorder, and substance use disorder. The researchers also found that the association is particularly strong for exposure to multiple forms of GBV.
Denis Gerstorf, PhD, receives the award for his research on heterogeneity and differential development in old and advanced old age. His studies show that major life events affect well-being and aging outcomes.
Alan Jette, a renowned expert in rehabilitation and aging, has been awarded the 2011 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award by The Gerontological Society of America. His work focuses on measuring function and disability, with a particular emphasis on developing innovative outcome measurement instruments.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified the role of a gene called grassy tillers1 (gt1) in enabling maize plants to grow taller when shaded. This discovery sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind plant architecture modifications that occurred during domestication.
A Kansas State University physicist led a team gathering precise measurements of the Earth's radioactivity, revealing that radioactive decay is responsible for about half of the planet's heat. The study provides insight into the Earth's interior and helps geologists understand models for plate movement, magnetic fields, and volcanoes.
Research by Brown University's US2010 Project reveals that even high-earning black and Hispanic households live in poorer neighborhoods than their white counterparts. The study found significant neighborhood gaps in median income, education, home ownership, and housing vacancy rates among these groups.
Patients with chronic lung illness exhibit improved emotional functioning and quality of life when they have a sense of humor, but laughing can temporarily reduce lung function. Researchers found that appreciating humor may be more beneficial than actually laughing out loud for patients with moderate to severe COPD.
XinQi Dong, MD, MPH, receives the award for translating research into practical application and policy, focusing on elder abuse and neglect issues. The award recognizes his work in bridging research and practice, particularly in promoting understanding and civic engagement among Chinese communities.
Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, has received the 2011 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her sustained contributions to geriatric nursing research. Her program of research focuses on acute care of the elderly and elder abuse and neglect.
Researchers have discovered that Candida albicans produces two distinct types of biofilms: a traditional pathogenic one and a second sexual type. The majority of cells forming these biofilms are sexually incompetent, but a minority are sexually competent and form highly permeable biofilms.
The FRAX tool has been validated in 11 independent cohorts covering over 1 million patient years, providing empirical evidence to guide intervention. However, clinicians should be aware of the tool's limitations, including exclusion of certain risk factors and failure to account for variations in fracture rates within countries.