A recent study found that total knee replacement patients retain high levels of functionality 20 years after surgery, defying common concerns about long-term decline. The study revealed that 95% of patients could walk at least five blocks and nearly half had unlimited walking abilities.
Trypanosomes, a distant branch of the eukaryote tree, have been found to reproduce sexually through meiosis, a process previously thought unclear. The study uses fluorescently-tagged proteins to visualize the process inside the tsetse fly.
Research found that individuals with MS performed better on learning and memory tests during cooler days compared to warmer days. The study suggests a link between warm weather and cognitive impairment in people with MS, which could inform life decisions and clinical treatment.
Researchers found that the brain area responsible for reading is active in blind individuals who read Braille, challenging the idea of sensory specialization. The study suggests that the brain is a task-oriented system that can adapt to new tasks without prior experience.
Carol V. Robinson has pioneered the use of electrospray mass spectrometry for structural studies of large protein assemblies. Her research has opened up a new area of mass spectrometry and inspired future generations of women in science.
A collaboration between Mayo Clinic and local educators has resulted in improved science test scores and increased participation in the Minnesota science fair. The project, InSciEd Out, introduced a new curriculum that incorporates zebrafish research into the classroom, with positive outcomes for grades six to eight.
Researchers at NIST have developed compact high-temperature superconducting cables with improved strain tolerance, enabling thinner and more flexible cables for electric power grid applications. The new cables may also be used in scientific and medical equipment, as well as for military applications such as HTS power transmission.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that a three-minute diluted betadine lavage and skin painting with a 10% betadine solution nearly eliminated early deep post-operative infections in total knee and hip joint replacement surgeries. The rate of infection was reduced from 0.97% to 0.15%.
The US military faces a growing crisis of suicide among its personnel, with rates increasing sharply since 2001. To address this issue, researchers recommend improving access to quality behavioral health care and raising awareness about the importance of seeking help.
Researchers discovered that Alaskan black bears only reduce their body temperatures slightly during hibernation, yet experience a dramatic decline in metabolic activity, slowing to 25% of normal rates. The bears' metabolism remained suppressed for several weeks after emerging from hibernation.
Researchers at Northwestern University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of neuroscience, finding that axons can transmit signals to the cell body and even communicate with each other. This challenges conventional wisdom on how neurons operate, revealing a new layer of complexity in neural communication.
Swiss researchers employ virtual reality and brain imaging techniques to investigate the science behind self-consciousness. By immersing subjects in avatar environments, they explore how the brain integrates touch and vision to create a coherent perception of the body.
Researchers found that osteocalcin enhances testosterone production, leading to improved sperm count and reproductive success in male mice. The study suggests that low osteocalcin levels may contribute to male infertility in humans.
Research at Rush University Medical Center found that higher levels of social activity decrease the risk of developing disability in old age. Participants who reported a high level of social activity were twice as likely to remain free of daily living disabilities compared to those with low social activity.
Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a 'sleeping Trojan horse' delivery system that enables the efficient transport of metal ions into cells, opening up new possibilities for medical imaging. This innovative approach resolves some of the difficulties associated with traditional 'Trojan Horse' techniques.
Leading scientists advocate for a modified approach to assessing policy options on biodiversity and ecosystem services. They argue that hypothetical scenarios do not represent real-world policy options, emphasizing the need for authoritative scientific advice on actual policy choices.
A new University of Missouri study found that behavior-changing strategies like self-monitoring and goal-setting significantly increased physical activity levels among healthy adults. The research suggests focusing on practical strategies rather than trying to change attitudes or beliefs about exercise.
A new study finds that the psychological effects of the BP oil spill extend far beyond people living in directly impacted areas, with elevated anxiety and depression levels reported even in non-exposed communities. Financial loss due to the spill was a key factor in the impact on mental health.
At the AAAS annual meeting, NASA researchers presented several key findings, including a new tool to manage protected areas using remote-sensing data from satellites and aircraft. Scientists also discussed the impact of regional nuclear war on global climate and presented discoveries in zero-gravity environments. Additionally, research...
A team of scientists has made fundamental discoveries at oxide material interfaces, discovering how to manipulate electrons by inserting a single layer of atoms. The researchers found that the rare-earth element layer creates an electron gas with unique characteristics.
Experts warn that unrealistic expectations about genomic medicine have created a 'bubble' that must be deflated to ensure long-term benefits. They recommend reappraising funding priorities and promoting responsible scientific claims to avoid diversion of resources and premature implementation.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered protein markers that could predict ectopic pregnancies. A panel of biomarkers, weighing individual proteins' relative importance, may create a more sensitive and reliable test for detecting ectopic pregnancies.
Researchers at Inserm discovered that Neisseria meningitidis uses a strategy called 'scouting' to disperse from the throat into the bloodstream. This process involves the modification of pilin proteins with phosphoglycerol, which triggers dissemination and allows bacteria to colonize other areas of the throat and cross cell walls.
Lifestyle changes such as exercise and spending time in nature can be as effective as medication to treat depression and anxiety. Therapeutic lifestyle changes also promote cognitive function, overall well-being, and social skills, while reducing stress and promoting joy.
Researchers Bert Vogelstein and Jan Hoeijmakers received the Brupbacher Prize for their work on the genetic basis of tumor growth, shedding light on colorectal and skin cancers. Their findings have significant implications for understanding lifestyle-related causes of cancer and premature aging.
Research found that children with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, epilepsy, and mental illness, were more likely to experience physical abuse. The study also showed that those born outside Sweden or living in low-income families faced a higher risk of physical abuse.
Researchers at EPFL developed a brain-computer interface that learns to recognize users' mental intentions, allowing for multitasking and reducing fatigue. The system uses statistical analysis and probability theory to distinguish between commands and enable users to control devices over longer periods.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to improve microscopy by following the astronomers' guide star technique, allowing for sharper images of biological samples. This method uses adaptive optics and two-photon fluorescence microscopy to correct for light waves hitting cells in different directions.
Researchers from six UK universities are studying how daily radiation exposure damages graphite blocks in nuclear power reactors. The study aims to help nuclear utility companies plan for the future and improve manufacturing processes.
Two projects will test BCI technology in patients with spinal cord injuries, allowing them to control computer cursors and prosthetic limbs using their thoughts. The projects aim to gain a better understanding of how to train and motivate patients who will benefit from BCI technology.
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution reveals that Atlantic tomcod have developed a genetic resistance to PCBs, allowing them to thrive in the polluted Hudson River. The researchers identified a single genetic receptor responsible for this adaptation, which may also impact their ability to break down other harmful chemicals.
Researchers have successfully cloned plants as seeds, paving the way for hybrid crop plants that can breed true. The breakthrough uses a process called apomixis, where eggs and sperm are haploid, allowing diploid eggs to be produced without sexual recombination.
Three Canadian researchers present innovative findings on the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, the early stages of language acquisition, and the neurological basis of stuttering. Their work has significant implications for our understanding of human brain function and development.
Two studies investigate the role of bone marrow stem cells in diabetic therapy and islet cell regeneration, offering new therapeutic possibilities. Researchers also focus on improving pancreatic islet culture and preservation techniques to prolong the survival and functionality of islet cells in vitro.
The world's first skyscraper, discovered in ancient Jericho, was likely built as an earthly element connecting residents with the heavenly element of the setting sun. Researchers propose that its construction was related to primeval fears and cosmological beliefs.
Researchers developed a new approach to predict which flu strain will be prevalent in a given year by tracking pairs of genetic changes. This method offers insights into epistasis, where mutations interact with each other to affect the virus's fitness. By analyzing these interactions, scientists can gain early warnings of emerging muta...
Former Tropical Storm Carlos continues to dump heavy rainfall on Australia's Northern Territory after moving inland. The storm's powerful thunderstorms and cold cloud tops are causing flooding and strong winds.
A new study suggests that improved Social Security benefits lead to lower mortality rates and increased life expectancy among people over 65. The researchers found that this demographic benefited most from the changes, with a 50% increase in decline rates following the introduction of Social Security in 1940.
Scientists have made progress in understanding the role of p63 in eliminating damaged egg cells before they mature. A study found that a specific form of p63, TAp63a, is activated by DNA damage and triggers cell death.
Researchers found that functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy worked better than conventional occupational therapy alone to increase patients' ability to pick up and hold objects. FES therapy also improved daily activities such as dressing and eating, with significant implications for quality of life and independence.
The team built a functioning anti-laser called a coherent perfect absorber (CPA), which absorbs 99.4% of incoming light and could pave the way for novel technologies in optical computing and radiology.
The 2010 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge recognized winners for their visually striking and informative entries, including a video tracking trash disposal and a poster on fungi's complex uses. The challenge honors scientists who use visual media to promote understanding of scientific research.
A new study published in Bioelectromagnetics suggests that radio frequency exposure from cell phones does not increase the risk of developing brain cancers. The researchers found no statistically significant change in brain cancer incidence rates between 1998 and 2007, contradicting some previous studies.
A study found that a population of Hudson River fish evolved rapidly in response to PCB pollution, with a single gene responsible for their ability to withstand the toxic chemicals. The study's findings suggest that this genetic adaptation allowed the fish to survive lethal heart defects triggered by PCBs.
A new study at UC Davis found that eating a high-fat meal can trigger inflammation in blood vessels, particularly in individuals with waist sizes over 32 inches and high triglyceride levels. This inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people living in coastal communities with and without direct oil exposure showed clinically significant levels of depression and anxiety. Those with income loss due to the spill had higher rates of depression and were less resilient.
A new commentary by four experts cautions against inflated expectations in genomics research, highlighting the need for balance and realism. They recommend reevaluating funding priorities, fostering statistical rigor, and developing high-quality evidence before integrating genomic ideas into medical practice.
Tropical Storm Bingiza is maintaining tropical storm intensity with heavy rainfall over the Mozambique Channel, preparing for its second landfall in Madagascar. The storm has weakened from a powerful category 3 cyclone to tropical storm force winds.
Patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral knee replacement had a lower risk of major joint infection and mechanical malfunction compared to those with staged procedures. However, they also experienced higher rates of heart attacks and pulmonary embolisms.
A new international study found that classic selective sweeps may have played a smaller role in human evolution than thought. Researchers analyzed nearly 200 human genomes and found that smaller changes in multiple genes may have been the primary driver of human adaptation.
A study by researchers at the University of Granada found that preterm mothers' milk has lower coenzyme Q10 concentrations, a key antioxidant. The results suggest that breast milk from term mothers has higher levels of this essential nutrient compared to preterm mothers.
Research suggests that eyewitness identifications and expert testimony are often unreliable due to bias. Alternative methods like the PEACE model can reduce false confessions. Juries are largely effective at considering evidence, despite implicit biases.
Researchers found a richer bacterial community in asthmatic patients' airways compared to healthy individuals, with increased diversity and specific organisms correlated with sensitivity. The study suggests new treatment approaches for asthma and may shed light on the role of microbiota in other diseases.
Research at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine identifies regulatory T cells as primary source of RANKL protein, accelerating breast cancer spread. Interfering with RANKL interaction with cancer cells may block tumor progression, offering potential target for drug therapy.
Dr. Joel D. Oppenheim of New York University School of Medicine has been honored with the 2010 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for his efforts to increase diversity in the Ph.D. biomedical workforce. He has successfully recruited and supported students from underrepresented backgrounds, transforming institutional demographics.
Researchers aim to identify all possible shapes across three, four, and five dimensions, linking them like the periodic table links chemical elements. They expect to develop a better understanding of geometric properties and relationships between shapes.
Researchers found that inhaling red mud disaster dust is unlikely to cause serious health problems, but may lead to irritation and coughing. The study suggests that the large size of the particles makes them less likely to be inhaled deeply into the lungs.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that Asian Americans are perceived as less ideal leaders than Caucasian Americans, despite their higher education and competence. The study suggests that racial biases play a significant role in leadership perceptions.
The AAAS has awarded four researchers with the Joshua E. Neimark Memorial Travel Assistance Award to study stem cell transplantation, sustainable growth, women in academia, and conservation science. The winners will attend the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that one in five homeless people with tuberculosis die within a year of diagnosis, emphasizing the need for enhanced prevention and treatment strategies.