Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed smartphone-based systems to track military targets and locate remote objects through sound or sight. The technology utilizes smartphone sensors and wireless networks to provide precise locations, holding promise for both military and civilian uses.
A 14mm ridged lesion in the Maba cranium, a 126,000-year-old East Asian human fossil from China, suggests evidence of interhuman aggression and human-induced trauma. The wound's remodelled and healed condition indicates survival of a serious brain injury.
The new guidelines recommend no routine mammography screening for women aged 40-49, and extend the screening interval to every 2-3 years for women aged 50-74. The task force also advises against routine clinical breast exams and breast self-exams in asymptomatic women.
The Kilobots are a collective of quarter-sized robots that can be programmed and operated by a single user, making it easy to test collective algorithms on hundreds or thousands of robots. Researchers aim to advance the understanding of collective behavior and its potential to deliver solutions for various challenges.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that individuals with acne treated with oral antibiotics are more likely to report symptoms of pharyngitis, or sore throat. The researchers also discovered a lower association between topical antibiotic use and pharyngitis, as well as no link to group A streptococcus colonization rates.
TDRS-K is scheduled to launch in fall 2012 and will undergo environmental testing before being shipped to the launch site. The satellite's successful completion of this phase will ensure it meets its functional and performance requirements, providing reliable services to NASA's Space Network.
A U-M study reveals Hemoglobin A1c test fails to identify children with diabetes, highlighting the need for improved nonfasting testing strategies. Researchers recommend using a nonfasting one-hour glucose challenge test or random glucose to identify children at risk of developing diabetes.
A retrospective case series review found that carbon dioxide laser ablation had lower recurrence rates compared to radiation therapy, with minimal morbidity. The treatment option is particularly advantageous for large lesions in cosmetically sensitive regions of the head and neck.
A recent study found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment and no memory problems who had the Alzheimer's biomarkers were more likely to have a lower BMI than those without the biomarkers. This association suggests a systemic metabolic response to the disease, possibly related to damage in the hypothalamus.
A team of scientists created a genetically modified zebrafish model that can visualize early events in human atherosclerosis. The model, which is efficient and cost-effective, allows researchers to test the potential effectiveness of new antioxidant and dietary therapies.
Researchers found that technology-rich environments, including tablet PCs and collaborative software, improved retention rates and reduced student withdrawals. Students preferred the interactive approach over traditional lectures, leading to better understanding and retention of technical information.
A health supplement commonly used by bodybuilders, L-tyrosine, has shown rapid and dramatic improvement in muscle wasting disease Nemaline Myopathy (NM) in laboratory tests on mice. Trials suggest it could also be effective for a range of other muscle-wasting diseases, offering new hope for treating children affected by the condition.
A study published in Human Brain Mapping found that damaged corpus callosum and impaired interhemispheric communication hinder motor skill recovery in stroke patients. The researchers used imaging methods to show increased activity on both sides of the brain and lower tapping speed in stroke patients compared to healthy controls.
A study by Christopher Golden found that lost access to bushmeat led to a 30% relative increase in malnutrition among children under 12, with iron deficiency anemia being the most prevalent form of malnutrition globally. The research suggests a balance between conservation and human health is needed.
A study found that post-mortem imaging can identify cause of death in two-thirds of cases, with CT being more accurate than MRI. However, common causes of sudden death are frequently missed, and further development is needed to address these weaknesses.
Researchers at University of Missouri have found that targeting synthetic RNA to a specific gene can significantly lower the severity of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in mice. The study shows promising results with improved motor skills and increased weight in affected animals.
A novel antibacterial protein, Avidocin, demonstrates potential for preventing and treating E. coli O157:H7-induced diarrhea and intestinal inflammation in an animal study. The protein also carries fewer bacteria in the feces of infected animals, making it a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a highly efficient method for producing transparent electrodes using silver nanowires in combination with other nanomaterials. The new electrodes are flexible and highly conductive, overcoming the limitations of indium tin oxide (ITO) materials.
CNR Rao's research on metal oxides, nanomaterials and graphene has enabled him to become one of the world's most respected scientists. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2011 Ernesto Illy Trieste Science Prize.
Researchers developed a machine learning-based system to automatically recognize users' emotional states and adapt dialogues accordingly. The system can detect negative emotions like anger, boredom, and doubt using acoustic parameters, and predict user intentions to improve dialogue flow.
Monica Perales' book 'Smeltertown' is an extraordinary study of industrial might, labor exploitation, and human resilience on the US-Mexico border. The award recognizes her gift for oral history and its exploration of the intersection of work, city, and community building.
Researchers have developed a promising replacement for plastics using amorphous bulk metallic glass (ABM) alloys. These alloys offer excellent electron emission properties and robust thermal stability, making them suitable for various applications such as field emission devices, electron microscopes, and modern display devices.
A new study by Yale researchers found that meditation decreases activity in the default mode network, a region linked to daydreaming and psychiatric disorders. Experienced meditators also show increased present-centered awareness, indicating improved mental control over 'self'-centered thoughts.
Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a genetic method to boost algae biomass by 50-80 percent, enabling the production of more efficient biofuels. The breakthrough involves expressing two genes that increase photosynthesis in the plant, leading to increased organic matter production.
Physicists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf develop new theoretical model for predicting hot electron density and temperature after laser interaction. This allows precise calculation of hot electron energy, enabling optimization of future experiments and medical applications.
Preemies with AB blood type are nearly three times as likely to die from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) as those with other blood types. Changing blood transfusion practices could significantly reduce NEC incidence by providing specific blood types.
A new model developed by European Commission scientists allows for the first time an overall view of bluefin tuna habitats in the Mediterranean Sea. The model uses satellite remote sensing data to identify preferred habitats and track changes over time, providing valuable insights for sustainable fisheries management.
Researchers at University of Georgia discovered that GAUT1 and GAUT7 proteins form a critical part of pectin-synthesizing protein complexes in plant cells. This fundamental discovery opens a new door to converting plants to biofuels and other carbon-based products.
A new therapeutic target, EGFR, has been identified for treating Cushing disease. Clinical trials are necessary to investigate the effects of gefitinib in patients with this condition.
A UCI-led team has identified a new means of enhancing anandamide's effects, which could lead to the development of safe painkillers. Blocking FLAT protein increases anandamide's potency and may offer a promising alternative to existing pain medications.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that female students who were more optimistic achieved significantly higher grades than their less optimistic peers. In contrast, male students who were too optimistic struggled with overconfidence and lower grades due to a lack of conscientiousness.
Researchers used state-of-the-art instrumentation to track wave motion and measure liquid velocity, discovering that orbital shaking enhances mixing near the glass wall. The study suggests optimal shaking diameter and rotation speed for improved mixing and oxygenation in bioreactors.
A team of researchers has created a computerized contact lens that can stream real-time information across the wearer's field of vision. The device, currently with a single pixel, could display short emails and text messages in the future.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to grow sweet potatoes in space that requires minimal growing space. The new technique involves training the plant's main vine to wrap around a cone or cylinder cage, allowing for vertical growth and increased crop yield.
Researchers have discovered the molecular sensor that detects wound-induced hydrogen peroxide, orchestrating the marshaling of immune cells. This finding has broad implications for cancer biology, wound healing and infection fighting.
A 70-million-year-old nest containing 15 juvenile Protoceratops dinosaurs has been discovered in Mongolia, revealing new insights into postnatal development and parental care. The analysis suggests that the young dinosaurs remained in the nest for an extended period and were cared for by their parents.
A new study from the University of Hawaii Cancer Center found that PEA-15 protein enhances tumor formation in kidney cells carrying a mutation in the cancer-promoting gene H-Ras. The discovery suggests caution in pursuing PEA-15 as an anti-cancer therapeutic, highlighting its dual role in cancer growth and suppression.
Researchers developed a new technique to improve X-ray crystallography, allowing for three to five times better signal levels than standard methods. This enables the study of large molecules with greater depth and understanding while minimizing radiation damage.
Researchers identified a new immune system defect in aged mice that makes them more susceptible to severe respiratory viral infections. Inhibiting the immune molecule PGD2 can reverse this defect, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for older patients with severe respiratory viral infections.
A team of Wisconsin scientists reports that lab-grown neurons can successfully fuse with the brain's wiring and send/receive signals. The study uses optogenetics to modulate transplanted cells, opening doors for light-based stimulation technology in treating neurodegenerative disorders.
A Wayne State University research team is working on a roadmap for identifying novel therapeutic targets to restore function to the mutated CFTR protein in cystic fibrosis patients. The goal is to alleviate severe lung and bowel problems associated with the disease.
A commentary by Michael Stefanek advocates for cancer screening reform to educate the public about potential harms and benefits. Conflicting guidelines and new technologies may lead to overtreatment or under-treatment, and false positives and negatives are a concern.
A new system for classifying exoplanets could catalogue newly discovered worlds with potential for life. The methodology uses two indices to describe a planet's Earth-like features and chemical/physical parameters conducive to life.
A new study finds that government scoring systems for nursing homes do not accurately evaluate the quality of care for residents with behavioral and psychological symptoms related to dementia. The study suggests that facilities with high numbers of cognitively impaired residents receive lower scores despite providing better care.
In the first three quarters of 2011, west coast log and lumber exports exceeded 2010 levels, primarily due to increased demand from China. The total log shipment value reached $1,036 million, while lumber export value surpassed $528 million, both surpassing previous years.
Financial incentives are effective for altering simple behaviors like immunization take-up and attendance at health services, but less effective for complex behaviors such as smoking. Regular reinforcement with social support and skill training significantly increases success rates.
A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology found that poor recycling of the BACE1 enzyme could promote Alzheimer's disease. Reduced levels of the retromer component VPS35 led to enhanced BACE1 activity and increased Abeta protein formation, contributing to disease progression.
Matthew Ritsko, a Financial Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, won the 2011 Presidential Securing Americans' Value and Efficiency (SAVE) award for his proposal to create a 'lending library' of space tools and hardware. The idea garnered over 19,000 votes from more than 48,000 Americans.
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis prioritize treatment location, probability of benefit, and method of delivery over treatment outcome attributes. The study highlights the significance of incorporating patient preferences in shared decision-making to optimize treatment adherence and outcomes.
A team of researchers has discovered that a thin layer of air trapped between the drop and the surface plays a crucial role in splashing. The study reveals a transition regime between spreading and splashing, observed by changing impact velocity or ambient pressure.
A recent Van Andel Research Institute study found that decanoic acid acts as a modulator of PPAR receptors, which play a key role in glucose and lipid metabolism. The findings suggest that decanoic acid could be used to design better and safer PPARγ-based drugs for diabetes treatment.
A team of scientists, led by Syracuse University chemist Robert Doyle, has successfully delivered the appetite-suppressing hormone PYY into the bloodstream orally using a vitamin B12 vehicle. The study demonstrates the potential for a natural weight loss supplement in the form of chewing gum.
A new projection suggests global food demand could double by 2050, putting a significant strain on the environment. If poor nations adopt high-yielding technologies and efficient nitrogen fertilizers, however, this burden can be reduced to half a billion acres.
Researchers have identified long-sought genes in sensory hair cells of the inner ear that are essential for converting sound waves into electrical signals. By introducing these genes into deaf mice, scientists were able to restore electrical signals and potentially reverse a type of deafness, paving the way for a gene therapy trial.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a method to make 3D objects invisible using carbon nanotube forests. By growing a forest of low-density aligned carbon nanotubes on top of an object, it can absorb light and scatter reflections, effectively camouflaging its structure.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of seniors receiving home health care are taking potentially inappropriate medications, often due to inadequate communication between physicians. The study highlights the need for improved medication coordination and enhanced physician communication in home health care settings.
McGill researchers have created a unified theory of ecosystem change that considers complex interactions between predators and prey in space and time. Generalist species like foxes play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by connecting different food webs.
A toxicologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is urging governments and industries to adopt more evidence-based risk assessments for nuclear radiation and chemical exposure. He argues that the current linear no-threshold model has questionable scientific foundations and should be objectively assessed.
Researchers at UT Dallas are studying the brain's response to noise-induced tinnitus, discovering that plasticity in the hippocampus can lead to long-term effects. Exposure to loud noises induces changes in brain function, which could lead to new medical interventions.
A team of scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute has developed a new method for delivering cancer drugs directly to tumors, reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness. The technique uses a tumor-homing peptide that targets blood vessels feeding tumors, allowing the drug to be administered with minimal impact o...