The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has selected 118 outstanding researchers as recipients of the prestigious Sloan Research Fellowships for 2011. These early-career scientists and scholars will receive $50,000 fellowships to support their original research in various fields.
A recent study found that American adults are scoring higher on a widely used index of civic scientific literacy, but still have significant gaps in their understanding of basic scientific concepts. The level of acceptance for biological evolution has declined over the last twenty years.
A new study in Psychological Science reports that thinking about a partner's support for goals can decrease motivation and increase procrastination. However, this phenomenon, known as self-regulatory outsourcing, can also lead to positive relationship outcomes if done consciously.
A study found that elderly Medicare black patients have higher 30-day hospital readmission rates for conditions like congestive heart failure and pneumonia compared to white patients. The disparities are related to hospitals that disproportionately care for black patients, suggesting a systemic issue with the healthcare system.
A systematic review found that biologic drugs used to treat arthritis may have rare but serious side effects, including increased risk of infections and cancer. The study analyzed data from 163 studies involving over 50,000 patients, highlighting the importance of comparative safety research.
A new study found that MRI screening in women with a history of chest irradiation can detect invasive cancers missed on mammography. The addition of MRI to the screening process resulted in a 4.4% incremental cancer detection rate.
The Fraunhofer Institute's Government Mashups research project utilizes mobile applications and GPS coordinates to facilitate the reporting of problems, such as potholes, to government departments. This allows for real-time tracking of communications and identification of duplicate reports, streamlining issue resolution.
The NYAS K-12 Science Education Initiative expands with Pathways to Science, providing curated science resources, online events, and community forums. The platform aims to improve science education in NYC by connecting teachers, students, and working scientists.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of the Blackleg fungus, revealing unique compartmentalisation and genetic diversity that enables it to cause devastating disease in canola crops. This discovery will aid in developing molecular markers to predict disease outbreaks and inform crop protection strategies.
A systematic review published in The Cochrane Library found that zinc supplements reduce the severity and duration of illness caused by the common cold. Zinc syrup, lozenges or tablets taken within a day of symptom onset reduced symptoms severity and length of illness.
Muscle cell fusion is a previously thought to be mutually consented event, but research reveals it's actually an invasive battle where one cell forces the other using finger-like projections.
A study analyzing Iraqi civilian deaths between 2003-2008 found that unknown perpetrators inflicted most of the violence, including extrajudicial executions and suicide bombs. The 'Dirty War Index' highlights the impact on vulnerable subgroups like women and children.
A new study suggests that abnormal heart rate turbulence may be a significant risk factor for heart disease death, even among those considered low-risk. Abnormal heart rate turbulence was found to be an even stronger predictor of heart disease death than elevated C-reactive protein levels in this population.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have identified a gene that governs how neurons form new connections. Without this gene, mice showed difficulty learning and didn't display typical memory ability. The study provides clues to memory and learning, potentially offering opportunities for early intervention after birth.
The study provides the first detailed atomic model of tropomyosin bound to actin, significantly advancing our understanding of this key cellular protein. The researchers found that the interaction between tropomyosin and actin is weak enough that it can be readily perturbed by regulatory proteins, acting as a molecular switch.
A new study found that calorie labeling had a minimal impact on the purchasing behavior of teenagers and their parents at fast-food restaurants. While teens noticed calorie information at the same rate as adults, they responded at a lower rate, with only 9% reporting it influenced their choices.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory developed a new alloy that converts heat into electrical energy with improved efficiency, paving the way for applications in vehicles, power generation, and recycling waste heat. The breakthrough uses rare-earth elements cerium or ytterbium to enhance thermoelectric properties.
Researchers have discovered a thick stellar disc in the Andromeda galaxy, composed of older stars with distinct chemical and orbital properties. This finding sheds light on the formation and evolution of spiral galaxies like our own Milky Way.
A new method has been developed to estimate uncertainty in particle image velocimetry, a widely used technique in fluid mechanics. The approach allows for more accurate results and increased reliability in flow measurements, with potential applications in fields such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and biomedical research.
Researchers have discovered two new plant species, Taraxacum decastroi and Taraxacum lacianense, which join over 50 other species within the Taraxacum genus on the Iberian Peninsula. The discovery confirms Spain's position as a hotbed of biodiversity.
A recent study found that nearly 20% of children's hospital admissions were attributed to patients with frequent recurrent admissions, accounting for significant inpatient expenditures. Patients with complex chronic conditions and technology assistance were among those at higher risk for repeat readmissions.
Elderly black patients are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital after a prior hospital stay for heart attack, heart failure, or pneumonia. The study found that racial disparities in health care and hospital care contribute to higher readmission rates among black patients.
Seniors with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia over time than those with normal hearing. The study found a significant link between the two conditions, with the risk of developing dementia increasing by twofold, threefold, and fivefold for individuals with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss.
A French study found that men who start losing hair at age 20 are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer compared to healthy men. The study also suggested that balding may be a potential risk factor for prostate cancer.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that overproduction of the EZH2 protein promotes growth of breast cancer stem cells. The team also identified two drugs that block the molecular events leading to breast tumor-initiating cell formation, which drives cancer progression.
The US Secret Service is now using a virtual training environment called Virtual Tiny Town to prepare agents for real-life incidents. The new platform combines gaming technology and 3D modeling to simulate site security plans, allowing students to practice responding to scenarios such as chemical releases and suicide bombers.
A meta-analysis of 13 studies found that using cloth or paper to clean the vagina and intravaginal cleaning with soap increase the risk of HIV infection. The study also linked these practices to bacterial vaginosis and disrupted vaginal flora, which can lead to increased susceptibility to HIV.
New studies reveal a low initial PSA score of 3.0 ng/ml is an appropriate minimum cut-off level for biopsy targeting those at risk, while proficiency in robotic-assisted prostate surgery requires over 1,600 surgeries to master. Dutasteride may also slow early-stage prostate cancer growth.
Research shows that even if all greenhouse gas emissions stopped now, Earth would still experience warming due to lingering emissions and aerosol particles. Temperatures could rise up to 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit higher than pre-Industrial Revolution levels.
Cyclone Bingiza brings most of its rainfall to the Mozambique Channel, with strongest thunderstorms north and west of its center. The storm is expected to re-strengthen due to warm waters and low wind shear in the channel.
Researchers have engineered plants to serve as sentinels for detecting pollutants and explosives, using a computer-designed detection trait that can be modified to function in various plant species. The system allows for fast and remote detection of threats, with visible changes appearing within days.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that Break-induced Replication (BIR) is up to 2,800 times more likely to cause genetic mutations than normal DNA synthesis. The researchers found that this method of DNA repair can lead to sudden bursts of mutagenesis, increasing the risk of cancerous cell development.
Research suggests that genetic variations in enzymes producing neuroactive steroids may be related to the risk of developing alcohol dependence. Studies have found linkages between AD and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding two key enzymes required for the generation of endogenous neuroactive steroids.
A large study found that moderate increases in bilirubin, a compound produced from hemoglobin breakdown, are associated with reduced lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease incidence. Higher bilirubin levels were also linked to lower all-cause death rates.
A large-scale study has found that ecstasy users show no signs of cognitive impairment attributable to drug use. The research, funded by $1.8 million from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, aimed to minimize methodological limitations of earlier studies and compared 52 ecstasy users with 59 non-users.
A new cell-culture-derived flu vaccine has shown to be at least as immunogenic and efficacious as traditional egg-derived vaccines. The vaccine was well-tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events, and its production allows for more reliable and flexible supply.
Two low-pressure areas, System 99S and System 97S, are developing near the Northern Territory and Western Australia, posing a threat to the region. These tropical systems have consolidated convection patterns and are expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to coastal areas.
Researchers found that an abnormal response to early heartbeats can predict cardiac death in healthy-looking individuals. Those with no conventional markers of cardiovascular disease were eight times more likely to die from cardiac causes if they had abnormal heart rate turbulence.
A study of 162 RA patients found poor sleep quality correlated with higher depressive symptoms, increased fatigue, and greater functional disability. Addressing sleep problems may have a critical impact on the health and lives of patients with RA.
CU-Boulder-built biomedical payloads will study bacterial growth in low gravity and cell cultivation in a tropical plant for biofuels. The experiments may help prevent infectious diseases and develop new renewable crops.
Acute lung injury is a significant healthcare burden with over 75,000 deaths annually. A new study led by Boston Medical Center will compare novel therapy airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) with traditional ARDSNet treatment to improve patient outcomes.
A new study confirms the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI) is predictive of later diagnoses of alcoholism in young adulthood. Adolescent RAPI scores were associated with a higher likelihood of alcohol dependence seven years later, especially in females.
Researchers found a significant link between neighborhood liquor-store density and at-risk drinking among African Americans who consume alcohol. Women who drink were disproportionately affected by higher concentrations of liquor stores, suggesting that stress may be a contributing factor to this association.
Researchers emphasize the importance of financial planning for Alzheimer's patients, noting that doctors often fail to address this critical issue. Early guidance on managing finances is essential, allowing caregivers to take over responsibilities and maintaining patient autonomy.
A study found that nearly 20% of hospital admissions were accounted for by patients who were readmitted four or more times within a year. Improved inpatient and outpatient care coordination may prevent these avoidable readmissions, particularly among children with complex chronic conditions.
A new study found that removing Western fence lizards led to a decrease in tick density and subsequently reduced Lyme disease risk. However, the impact on adult ticks is unclear and requires further research.
Researchers have found that antioxidants can help prevent and treat breast cancer by targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress. The study, published in Cancer Biology & Therapy, used a genetically tractable model to show that loss of the tumor suppressor protein Caveolin-1 leads to increased oxidative stress, which fuels cancer cell gro...
A new study found that intoxication increases feelings of sleepiness while disrupting actual sleep measures in healthy women more than in healthy men. Women objectively had fewer hours of sleep, woke more frequently, and experienced more disrupted sleep than men.
A low pressure area known as System 99S is strengthening in the Timor Sea, just 20 miles from Darwin, Australia. Forecasters predict the system will become a tropical depression or storm due to warm ocean surface temperatures.
A new study by the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and University of Michigan Health System found that peer support programs reduce symptoms of depression better than traditional care alone. These programs, which involve patients and volunteers sharing information, were also as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Research team designed synthetic molecules to study proline residue's role in cancer cell apoptosis by XIAP protein. The results suggest that these tetrapeptide analogs can be further developed into new molecular tools to analyze protein-protein interactions and signal transduction pathways of XIAP in cancer cells.
A study compared balanced propofol sedation with conventional sedation for therapeutic GI endoscopic procedures, finding higher health care provider satisfaction and better patient cooperation in the BPS group. The results show that BPS provided similar adverse event profiles to conventional sedation.
The NYU Langone Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has been selected to participate in the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR), aiming to collect key joint replacement and revision data to monitor device performance and identify best practices. The registry's participation is expected to improve long-term outcomes, cost managemen...
Daniel Lewis, a young Rensselaer professor, has received the prestigious NSF CAREER Award to study grain growth in metallic and ceramic materials. His research aims to understand how environmental factors affect material properties and behavior.
Scientists at EMBL identified a multi-tasking protein PriA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that catalyzes reactions on two different molecules. This finding presents new opportunities for developing organism-specific drugs, targeting the pathogen but leaving other beneficial microorganisms untouched.
A Concordia University study finds that wealth is not a guaranteed escape from an abusive relationship, but rather one of many factors that can help a woman resist violence. The research also highlights the importance of women's negotiation tactics and challenging societal authority to create effective resistance.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found a 64 percent decrease in the risk of acquiring an infection from MRSA or VRE when using two percent chlorhexidine gluconate cloths for daily bathing. The study suggests that CHG bathing may be a beneficial infection control intervention for patients outside of ICU settings.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that obesity and knee osteoarthritis result in the loss of approximately 86 million healthy years of life among US adults aged 50-84. This loss disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic women, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these conditions.
Researchers at Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) and VIVALIS have developed two fully human monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize several Chikungunya strains. These antibodies, generated using VIVALIS' Humalex platform, show promise as a potential treatment for the disease.
A study by Kim Thomas and colleagues found that ion-exchange water softeners do not improve eczema severity scores or symptoms, such as sleep loss and itchiness, in children with moderate to severe eczema. However, parents reported small health benefits and over 50% chose to install a water softener due to perceived improvements.
A team of scholars calls for collective action to address the negative effects of patenting and privatizing stem cell lines, data, and technologies. The experts warn that the lack of transparency and ambiguity in ownership and control can hinder progress toward breakthroughs.
Researchers directly measure proton spin contributions from different flavored quarks for the first time. The study suggests that gluons contribute less than expected, leaving the source of spin still unknown.
Scientists at TUM have developed a novel method to observe hydrogen bond formation in protein binding processes. Their model system showed that protein recognition takes place via hydrophobic interaction of the S-protein with two spatially clearly defined areas of the unstructured S-peptide.
Researchers collected ancient rock samples from underwater volcanoes, shedding light on the formation of hotspots and volcanic trails. The expedition aimed to determine if hotspots are stationary or move over time.
A new study has found that Native Hawaiians are at a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke at a younger age compared to other ethnicities. The study, which analyzed data from 573 people hospitalized for intracerebral hemorrhage, also showed that more Native Hawaiians had diabetes, with 35% vs 21% in other racial groups.
A new study by Durham University shows that patients with severe depression can be treated successfully with behavioural activation, a psychotherapy for depression, by non-specialist mental health staff. The research suggests that this approach could lead to cost-savings for the NHS and alleviate the shortage of specialist therapists.