The SRNL filter design uses a patented rotary microfilter to separate solid material from radioactive liquid waste, reducing costs and infrastructure for high-level waste disposal. The adapted system is now being tested at the Hanford Site and made available for other potential users.
Researchers have created a new method for rapidly producing protein-polymers using overlap-extension rolling circle amplification. This technique allows for the synthesis of large libraries of proteins with subtle differences, which can be used to rapidly screen new combinations and develop new classes of protein-based polymers.
A workplace's key employees may be at greatest risk of experiencing high levels of work stress. Workers who feel responsible for poor job performance or think it could negatively affect others are twice as likely to report high stress.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found that piezoelectricity in GaN and ZnO nanowires increases by two orders of magnitude as the diameter decreases. This could lead to more efficient energy harvesting devices.
The Electronic Mass Casualty Assessment and Planning Scenarios (EMCAPS) software provides first responders with realistic casualty figures for catastrophic events. The program allows users to customize scenarios and estimate the number of likely casualties based on variables such as population density.
A study found that patients with ischemic stroke admitted to designated stroke centers had a lower risk of death at 30 days compared to those admitted to non-designated hospitals. The mortality rate was reduced by 2.5% in patients treated at stroke centers.
Research published in BMC Microbiology suggests that insects on pig farms can carry and transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans. The study found high prevalence of resistant Enterococcus faecalis and faecium in insect intestines, mirroring those found in pigs' feces.
A culture of safety is crucial for reducing the chances of medical errors in radiation therapy, according to an article in Practical Radiation Oncology. By implementing principles such as automation, standardization, and checklists, teams can minimize risks and improve patient safety.
A $3.25 million federal grant will enhance services for over 1,200 children and families in Missouri, focusing on physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and behavioral development. The LAUNCH project aims to create a coordinated support system to help children thrive in safe environments.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine raised safety concerns about targeting the Notch1 signaling pathway in cancer treatment. The research found that mice developed vascular tumors, massive hemorrhages, and died after chronic disruption of the Notch1 signal, highlighting the potential risks of anti-Notch therapies.
The MSD Wellcome Trust Hilleman Laboratories is conducting a feasibility study to develop a rotavirus vaccine designed specifically for developing country needs. The project aims to improve product stability, ease of use, transportation, and affordability.
Researchers are developing a new method to identify cell abnormalities, including cancer, by analyzing the shape and behavior of individual cells. They have created mathematical equations that describe cell appearance and motion, which could be used to gauge future stages of a disease.
Researchers found that weaver bird chicks change the length and pitch of their begging calls as they get hungrier, making it harder for parents to distinguish them from others. This unique call pattern enables parents to accurately gauge their chick's hunger levels.
Researchers found that vaccination can provide approximately 76% protective efficacy against cholera, and modeling suggests delayed responses can still have a benefit. The use of oral cholera vaccines during outbreaks is being reevaluated due to the changing nature of Vibrio cholerae.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of Tropical Storm 10S, showing very cold clouds and powerful thunderstorms over the Southern Indian Ocean. The storm quickly strengthened into a tropical storm and affects Western Australia's northern coast.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique to create microfluidic devices on paper strips, enabling more complex chemical assays and applications in medicine and research. The approach uses a laser to modify paper with patterns, allowing for the detection of specific chemicals and biological molecules.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a porous framework that can capture common air pollutants and emit glowing colors when exposed to ultraviolet light. This breakthrough enables the creation of portable, solid-state pollution detectors with potential applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and industry.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that malaria protection methods for pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa are underutilized. Despite WHO policy, estimated coverage of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) is only 25% and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are used by just 17% of pregnant women at risk.
A sub-population of Listeria monocytogenes displays enhanced cardiac tissue infectability, increasing the risk of serious cardiac disease. Diagnostic tests based on bacterial genetic markers could protect vulnerable groups.
The February issue of Geology explores Patagonian glaciations, the Younger Dryas cold period, and ancient megalakes in Australia. The study provides new insights into the Rio Grande Rift's seismic activity to gain insights into past climate changes.
Researchers developed a method to generate spin current in graphene using ferromagnetic proximity effect and adiabatic quantum pumping. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more versatile electronics, replacing traditional devices one day.
Researchers discover naturally occurring viral infections in C. elegans, a millimeter-long worm used extensively for decades to study many aspects of biology. The findings provide insights into the way viruses and their hosts interact, shedding light on fundamental phenomena such as RNA interference and cell self-destruction.
Caterpillars that use defence mechanisms to repel predators produce significantly fewer eggs than their non-defensive counterparts. Research found that these insects grow slower and are smaller when defending themselves.
In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 32 million pregnant women are at risk of malaria every year. Despite national policies to reduce and control malaria during pregnancy, coverage rates of two key interventions, insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive treatment, remain inadequate.
Researchers found that adding caffeine to lentiviral production protocols increases virus production by 3-8 times. This simple and inexpensive strategy may significantly decrease the cost of lentiviral production for research and clinical uses.
A climate tax on meat and milk consumption could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from European agriculture by up to seven percent. Land made available for bioenergy production offers a six-time greater decrease in emissions.
A new study published in BMJ found that Pay-for-Performance does not offer benefits to patients with hypertension, despite significant administrative costs. The research analyzed data from over 500,000 patients and found no impact on stroke, heart attacks, or mortality rates.
A rogue weather system triggered flooding in Pakistan by pouring heavy rain on the barren mountainsides, which then ran into the Indus River. The World Health Organization estimated that as many as 10 million people had to drink unsafe water, causing structural damage of over $4 billion.
Women experiencing hot flushes and menopausal symptoms may have a 50 percent lower risk of developing invasive ductal and invasive lobular carcinoma. The protective effect increases with the number and severity of symptoms.
Researchers found that coral larvae with redder fluorescence are less likely to settle into polyps, while greener larvae tend to disperse. This discovery could help monitor corals' adaptation to global warming.
Researchers found two new sanitizers to be more effective at removing bacteria from restaurant dishes than traditional methods, containing fewer toxic chemicals. The sanitizers, PROSAN and neutral electrolyzed oxidizing water, were tested on various types of dishware and showed a significant reduction in bacterial load.
Researchers have demonstrated a solar cell that responds to virtually the entire solar spectrum and can be manufactured using one of the semiconductor industry's most common methods. The new design promises highly efficient solar cells with practical production costs.
A retrospective study found that acute diverticulitis in younger patients (less severe disease, but higher recurrence rate) suggests that same guidelines for treatment should be applied to both age groups. The clinical course of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis is similar between older and younger patients.
A study published in JAMA reveals that chromosome changes disrupt a molecular network influencing CLL outcome, providing new targets for treatment. Patients with 13q deletion generally have better prognosis than those with 11q or 17p deletions.
A new study suggests that Asian tiger reserves can support over 10,000 wild tigers if managed as large-scale landscapes with connected core breeding sites. This strategy is crucial to doubling the tiger population by 2022, but it requires a global effort and proper design of infrastructure projects.
Two studies found that ITPA variants protect against treatment-related anemia in HCV patients, enabling safer use of antiviral therapy and reducing the need for erythropoietin treatment. The variants also help select patients who may tolerate higher doses of ribavirin, increasing the likelihood of viral clearance.
Research found that low-dose aspirin decreases small bowel blood flow, correlating with mucosal injury. Rebamipide does not decrease small bowel blood flow, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for aspirin-induced damage.
A study published in Hepatology found that HIV-infected patients with liver cancer have a higher risk of dropping off the transplantation wait list compared to HIV-negative patients. Despite this, overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates are not significantly affected following liver transplantation.
Research on foregut duplication cysts of the stomach reveals two cases with a pseudostratified respiratory epithelium, suggesting an origin from the respiratory diverticulum. This study's findings could lead to early diagnosis or prevention by better understanding the embryogenesis of these lesions.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the seroprevalence of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies among patients with chronic viral liver disease in South Korea. The study found that most patients above 40 years old have already been exposed to HAV, highlighting the need for vaccination against HAV.
The study highlights the risk of dosing errors in pediatric medication, particularly with potent narcotics and sedatives. Researchers found that over a quarter of children studied experienced errors resulting from small volume stock solutions.
A study published in CMAJ found that showing clinical empathy to patients can improve their satisfaction of care and motivate them to stick to their treatment plans. Empathy is a distinct ability to understand another's experience and act in a helpful manner, which can be acquired and taught in medical school.
A new company, Fixed Phage Limited, has been launched to commercialize technology developed at the University of Strathclyde to tackle bacterial infections and contamination. The technology uses bacteriophages, naturally occurring viruses that are non-toxic but effective against bacteria.
A study of preschoolers found that they prefer foods high in salt, sugar, and fat, even from specific brands. Children as young as 3-5 years old can equate their taste preferences to brand-name fast-food and soda products.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has announced the 2011 fellowship recipients for international science journalists. The fellowships aim to promote international scientific dialogue and advance science news globally. This year's winners are from Chile, Egypt, Argentina, and China.
Researchers discovered that deep brain stimulation can lower blood pressure in people with difficult-to-control high blood pressure. The treatment used electrical pulses to send signals to the brain, resulting in a significant decrease in blood pressure and allowing some patients to stop taking all their blood pressure medications.
A brief behavioral treatment involving individualized instruction delivered by a nurse clinician improved sleep outcomes in older adults with insomnia. The treatment reduced symptoms and improved quality of life, even after six months.
Researchers used accelerated evolution to engineer enzymes that can efficiently break down nerve agents, providing protection against nerve gas attacks. The developed enzymes show near-complete protection against certain types of nerve agents.
Infants as young as 7 months old show a preference for frightening stimuli when exposed to fearful voices. Three-year-olds rapidly identify snakes in photographs, indicating an early bias towards detecting threats. These findings suggest that fear of spiders and snakes is quickly learned during infancy.
The Lancet series on health in Southeast Asia examines the region's diverse health systems, shifting disease burdens, and emerging infectious diseases. The series proposes increased regional cooperation for better maternal and child health outcomes.
A study by Christine Aurich's group found that altrenogest treatment reduces the risk of miscarriage in older, pregnant mares. The treatment has no effect on hormone levels but enables foetuses to recover and grow at a normal rate during critical periods of development.
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have received prestigious ERC Grants to develop new therapies against multi-resistant germs, study interactions between cellular components, and improve algorithms for image processing. The grants total €9.8 million.
Male Schizococa ocreata wolf spiders adjust their signaling modes based on environment to increase mating chances. In natural habitats, vibrations on leaf litter were found to be significantly more effective than other substrates, leading to successful mating over 85% of the time.
A study published in CMAJ found that restricting angiotensin-receptor blockers could save Canada $77.1 million without negative effects on health. The policy would benefit from the cheaper and effective alternative, ACE inhibitors.
A University at Buffalo researcher's study suggests that teen drivers with ADHD are significantly more at risk for accidents when texting while driving. The study found that texting impairs driving abilities to the point of losing control, and teens often don't realize their behavior has severe consequences.
Research suggests that Frédéric Chopin's hallucinations were probably caused by temporal lobe epilepsy, a condition that can produce brief, fragmentary, and stereotyped visual hallucinations. The authors draw on the composer's own descriptions of his experiences and accounts from friends and pupils to support their claim.
Researchers at University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging are developing a treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting the protein kinase p38alphaMAPK. Their goal is to suppress overactive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which disrupt brain function in people with Alzheimer's.
A new study from Purdue University reveals that practicing retrieval, such as self-testing, is a more effective strategy than elaborate studying for improving long-term retention. The research found a 50% improvement in long-term retention scores for students who practiced retrieval compared to those who used elaborative studying.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed an IQ test to evaluate bacteria's 'social intelligence,' revealing high scores for certain strains. This breakthrough could lead to new antibiotics, powerful pesticides for agriculture, and better understanding of bacterial behavior.
Scientists at Purdue University found that many wheat lines carrying resistance genes are ineffective against Hessian flies in the southeastern US. The study suggests that combining two unreleased genes may be the best option to create more effective resistance.