Researchers have published a step-by-step plan to replace environmentally harmful nitrogen fertilizers with genetically altered crops that can naturally process atmospheric nitrogen. This switch could reduce agricultural costs and environmental damage, saving the world $150 billion annually.
A bacterial outbreak of Burholderia cepacia complex was linked to contaminated nasal spray products, leading to a national recall. The investigation highlighted the need for improved testing protocols in the production and distribution of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
A new study finds that subsidizing caregivers' wages can reduce worker turnover rates by one-third, improving the quality of experience for clients. The research uses data from group homes for persons with developmental disabilities to perform a cost-benefit analysis of wage subsidy policies.
A large-scale study found metabolic syndrome significantly increases risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, two major types of primary liver cancer. Metabolic syndrome was present in 37% of persons who developed HCC and 30% of those who developed ICC, compared to 17% of those without cancer.
A study by Iowa State University found that grazing management practices can greatly reduce the amount of sediment, phosphorus, and pathogens deposited into pasture streams. Simple and practical techniques can be implemented to minimize pollution while allowing cattle to graze on pasture stream banks.
A*STAR and Agilent launch an integrated drug screening platform, enabling high-throughput screening and automation of compound management and assay plate preparation. The partnership accelerates medical solution development and strengthens biomedical research capabilities.
Researchers at New York University's Department of Chemistry have created a molecular polyhedron, a 13 Archimedean solid that can serve as a cage-like framework to trap other molecular species. The structure was formed by designing the assembly of two kinds of hexagonal molecular tiles using 72 hydrogen bonds.
The University of Leicester has developed a test to measure the force used during a stabbing using a broken bottle. The study provides a basic classification for the presenting end of a glass bottle and illustrates how much force is required to create injuries.
A team of international researchers led by UC Irvine's Robert Reed has identified a single gene called optix responsible for red wing color patterns in various passion vine butterfly species. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on how mimicry and convergent evolution occur at a genetic level.
A University of Vermont scientist has developed a bio-pesticide using an insect-killing fungus and sweet whey to reduce the growth rate of hemlock woolly adelgid. The treatment showed promising results in trials, with a 50% reduction in pest population in infested trees.
A new University of Washington study reveals that parental military deployment is associated with impaired well-being among adolescents, especially adolescent boys. The research highlights the need for targeted support programs to mitigate the negative effects of parental deployments on children.
Researchers have identified key mRNA molecules that the Fragile-X mental retardation protein binds to in brains of mice, suggesting new avenues for treating intellectual disability and autism. The study also proposes two possible treatment strategies: lowering specific protein activity or replacing FMRP's ability to regulate translation.
Researchers analyzed data from over 4,000 mineral inclusions in diamonds to determine that the Wilson cycle of plate tectonics began around 3 billion years ago. This marks the start of the process that shaped the Earth's continental crust and led to mountain building and ocean basin closures.
A study on Southern Resident killer whales found that they mate within their own pods, leading to a reduction in genetic diversity. This behavior may be unique to the population's small size and could put them at risk of genetically deteriorating further.
Researchers at MIT have developed tiny robots to inspect underground pipes in nuclear reactors, detecting corrosion and radioactive leaks. The robots can withstand extreme environments and transmit images in real-time, enabling safer operation of aged reactors.
A University of Minnesota study found that chance consistently pushes wealth into the hands of a few individuals, leading to dramatic concentration of wealth over time. The researchers' model, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that high variation among individual return rates accelerates wealth concentration.
Bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs a unique secretion system to break down its opponents' cell walls, causing their breakdown. The bacteria protects itself from this attack by using immunity proteins that counteract the effects of toxic proteins it secretes.
Researchers explore dolphins' remarkable ability to heal from shark bites with minimal pain or infection, proposing that blubber contains antimicrobial compounds. The dolphin's healing process is similar to regeneration, where tissues are knitted together with existing fabric, offering new perspectives for human injury care.
A new software program, called a DNA compiler, designs synthetic DNA sequences to control protein production in simple organisms. The technology allows biotechnology companies to quickly identify the best DNA sequence for a particular application, increasing efficiency and productivity.
A study by UPV/EHU shows that people prioritize emotional reasons over usefulness when buying cosmetics. Women's negative emotions about their appearance drive their purchasing decisions. The study highlights the importance of addressing these negative feelings through persuasive marketing strategies focused on emotional aspects.
Hurricane Dora's eye was visible on multiple NASA satellites, including Aqua and GOES-11, providing forecasters with clear views of the storm's intensification. The National Hurricane Center expects some weakening by tonight and rapid weakening on Friday as Dora battles wind shear and cooler waters.
The Gerontological Society of America recommends including ethnically diverse populations in aging research. Minority participants are key to developing recruitment and retention methods that address unique cultural and sociopolitical challenges.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have discovered two general rules for ecosystem abundance: one based on body size and food chain position, and another that biomass production is independent of animal size or type.
A new study suggests that people with higher levels of optimism may be less likely to have a stroke. The research found that each point increase in optimism corresponded to a 9 percent decrease in acute stroke risk over a two-year follow-up period.
A study found that only 59.8% of health care students had documentation of complete hepatitis B vaccination, while 83.8% were protected against infection when tested for antibodies. The rates are lower than the US government's Healthy People 2010 goal of 90% hepatitis B vaccination coverage among health care workers.
Researchers used computer simulations to study bacterial resistance against aminoglycoside antibiotics, revealing the physical basis of one mechanism - mutations of the antibiotic target site. The findings suggest possible drug modifications to combat resistant bacteria.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that nearly half of homeless people with chronic pain use street drugs to treat their condition, highlighting the need for improved approaches to managing chronic pain in this population. The study also highlights the importance of community outreach programs and education for healthcare provider...
Scientists have discovered a link between two competing states of a cuprate superconductor and developed a mathematical theory to describe their relationship. The new theory should help predict the behavior of the material under varying conditions, shedding light on its potential for improving energy efficiency and storage.
Researchers at UCLA have created the first genome-wide mapping of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in human embryonic stem cells, discovering its role in activating genes. The study's findings may lead to better understanding of gene regulation and potential cancer control.
Research by Craig Gundersen, a University of Illinois economist, finds that strengthening the social safety net can lead to a decrease in childhood obesity. The study suggests that programs like SNAP play a vital role in reducing psychosocial stressors for low-income families.
Researchers found that yeast chromosome complement has decreased in all except one event, a whole genome duplication, where chromosomes fused or broke and recombined. This study sheds light on the evolution of chromosome complements in yeast and other organisms.
A Rice University study reveals that European house mice have developed resistance to warfarin through two distinct processes: point mutation and horizontal gene transfer. Algerian mice, a desert-dwelling species, are believed to have passed the resistant genome into house mice in Spain or North Africa.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified a family of proteins that close a critical gap in RNA polymerase, enabling it to maintain its grip on DNA and activate genes. This discovery has implications for antibiotic development and could contribute to understanding gene expression in all living organisms.
A new study published in the Journal of Vision found that viewers experience more comfort when stereo 3D content is placed behind a screen, rather than in front of it. The researchers observed increased discomfort and fatigue among participants who viewed content in front of the screen.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months had a reduced risk of developing asthma-related symptoms. The study also showed that the longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with fewer wheezing episodes.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered the seventh and eighth bases of DNA, called 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine. These modified bases are thought to play a role in DNA demethylation and stem cell reprogramming.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a potential therapy to boost resistance against prenatal infections by manipulating an immune suppressive cell type. This approach allows pregnant women to more efficiently fight off infections without compromising pregnancy outcome.
A new study by Dr Anne McMunn and researchers from the International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health found that working mothers have no significant negative impact on their children's social and emotional development. In fact, children with both parents in paid employment showed better socio-emotional outcomes than ...
A new study reveals that subsets of dendritic cells in the skin can promote unique and opposite immune responses against the same type of infection. The research highlights the critical role of dendritic cells in initiating an effective immune response.
Research reveals microglia cells prune connections between neurons, shaping brain wiring. The discovery could help understand autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers discover house mice acquired warfarin resistance from Algerian mice through interbreeding, highlighting multiple pathways to trait evolution. This unusual process helps explain rodents' ability to resist poison and informs strategies for controlling evolved resistances.
Researchers discovered that many proteins are required for maximum toxicity of ricin and PE, with differing requirements at multiple levels. Understanding toxin trafficking may lead to designing treatments targeting these toxins and potential synergistic therapies.
A recent study found that increased body mass index (BMI) is an independent predictor of clinical decompensation in patients with compensated cirrhosis. The researchers suggest that weight reduction may improve patient outcomes and that measures to reduce BMI could improve the prognosis for patients with advanced liver disease.
The OPTIMAL trial found erlotinib significantly prolonged median progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy (13.1 months vs 4.6 months). Serious treatment-related side effects were also more common in patients receiving chemotherapy.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital found that 1 in 4 lesbian or gay teens and 15 percent of bisexual teens are homeless. Among homeless teens, those who were gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) were consistently more likely to be unaccompanied than heterosexuals.
Researchers discovered that trees in Chilean forests relying on hoverflies for pollination fare better when separated by resource-poor pine plantations than by agricultural lands. The 'Circe Principle' explains how abundant resources can slow or prevent pollinator movement, challenging existing conservation models.
Chemists have created molecular flasks that can house other molecules, allowing for the isolation of certain chemical reactions and potential control over chemical reactivity. The flasks are self-assembling and take the shape of a truncated octahedron, with the potential to create new materials with unique properties.
A team of researchers has identified a common mechanism between humans and zebrafish that regulates the circadian system. The discovery, published in PLoS Biology, could lead to new treatments for mental illness, metabolic diseases, and sleep disorders.
Researchers have discovered modified rhodium that changes color in response to different gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon monoxide. This finding could lead to the development of more sensitive air quality sensors.
The Buckeye Bullet team, with the Ohio Supercomputer Center, is developing a new electric land speed vehicle to surpass 400 mph. They're using computational fluid dynamics and large-scale simulations to optimize the aerodynamic design and minimize shock waves.
Researchers at USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have created a unique fingerprinting method to identify the source of soil, distinguishing between soils from rural roads and agricultural fields. This innovation has significant implications for managing wind erosion and promoting sustainable agriculture.
A team at Georgia Tech developed an operations research model that helped CARE International pick three locations worldwide to supply relief quickly to victims of earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. The model considered capacity constraints and recommended a gradual roll-out plan, enabling CARE to reduce response time, pr...
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that blue collar workers are more likely to suffer from arthritis and reduce their quality of life due to health conditions. The research highlights the need for enhanced federal programs, including disability and health insurance, to support these workers.
A Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientist has discovered that the DNA of viruses and their algal hosts can be preserved in sediments for thousands of years. This finding provides unprecedented insights into long-term viral/host population dynamics, which may have shaped past algal community structures.
Researchers found that a single gene, optix, underlies the diverse red wing patterns of Heliconius butterflies across the Americas. The gene's regulation leads to subtle differences in wing patterns between species.
Researchers from BUSM and BMC will implement a clinical model to coordinate narcology and HIV systems of care in Russia, aiming to increase engagement in medical care among HIV-infected IDUs. The LINC project aims to address the missed opportunity of delayed or non-receipt of HIV medical care in Russia.
The elimination of the national kidney allocation policy has improved minority access to transplants, with minorities now transplanted in proportion to their representation on the waiting list. The overall number of deceased donor transplants rose 23%, with a larger increase for minorities.
The INFORMS journal has announced a special issue on using logistics and analytics to improve responses to disasters and health crises. The studies featured include pre-positioning of emergency items, optimizing schedules for maritime humanitian cooperative engagements.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers highlights the challenges facing the commercialization of emerging liquid biofuels, which could enhance energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biobutanol, an emerging biofuel with a higher energy content than ethanol, is seen as a promising alternative to petroleum-based f...
Researchers at the University of Vienna have developed a method called "passive sampling" to measure the affinity of contaminants to carbon nanotubes. This method provides reliable results for realistic applications and can remove pollutants from contaminated water, making it a promising technology for water filtration.
Researchers found that conservative candidates used Twitter to convey a coherent message on economic issues and were more cohesive in their messaging. The study also showed that analyzing Twitter activity can predict election winners with high accuracy.
Tropical Storms Bret and Cindy are currently in the open waters of the North Atlantic, hundreds of miles east-northeast of Bermuda. Both storms show strong convection with cloud top temperatures as cold as -70 Celsius, indicating high thunderstorms.
A Harvard study reveals that access to outpatient psychiatric care in Massachusetts is severely limited, even for those with private insurance. The researchers found that only a small percentage of facilities listed by the largest insurer offered appointments within two weeks of a simulated patient's call.
Cell biologists from the University of Zurich have identified the infection mechanism for type-5 adenoviruses, revealing that viruses use scavenger cells to trigger an immune response and expose shielded receptors on lung epithelial cells. This discovery has implications for both gene therapy and cancer treatment.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that patients with new statin prescriptions obtained through mail-order pharmacies showed improved cholesterol control in the first 3-15 months. This is compared to those who only used their local pharmacy, where 74.2% achieved target cholesterol levels.
Scientists have determined the 3D structure of a key cellular component using a heat-loving fungus. By analyzing the genome and proteome of Chaetomium thermophilum, researchers were able to identify the proteins that make up the innermost ring of the nuclear pore, a channel that controls what enters and exits a cell's nucleus.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a cell-culture system that mimics the coating of nerve cells with protective myelin, opening up new possibilities for studying multiple sclerosis. The study found that myelin regulates key protein placement and activity in sending electrical signals along hippocampal axons.