A new study from the Cultural Policy Center at the University of Chicago reveals that many cultural facilities built during a major building boom in the US faced unexpected challenges. Successful projects were driven by both artistic mission and clear need, with strong leadership and financial flexibility being key factors.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics hosts a free public event to explore the mathematics underlying movie special effects. Dr. Robert Bridson will discuss the math and physics behind 3D special effects used in movies and computer animations.
University of Texas Medical Branch researchers developed a more effective Rift Valley fever vaccine by removing the NSs gene and introducing a dominant negative PKR, improving immune response in large animals and health workers. The new vaccine strain offers enhanced differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed tiny gas-filled microparticles that can be injected into the bloodstream to quickly oxygenate blood. The infusion restored blood oxygen saturation to near-normal levels within seconds, even in animals with blocked airways.
A new test, RapidChek SELECTTM Salmonella, detects Salmonella Typhi shedding in stool with a 10-fold to 1000-fold improvement over traditional methods. This technology assesses the degree and duration of shedding after immunization, ensuring vaccine efficacy and community safety.
Researchers have successfully measured the motion of exoplanet Tau Bootis b, revealing its mass to be six times that of Jupiter. The team used an innovative technique to unravel direct light from the planet itself, overcoming previous attempts to measure its atmosphere.
A new study estimates that replacing car journeys with walking for short trips could save 108 men's and 79 women's lives annually in Catalonia. This would also bring economic benefits of over €200 million, with annual savings of more than €200 million.
The University of Akron has established a Conquer Chiari Research Center to improve diagnosis and treatment of Chiari malformation, a disorder causing head, neck, and shoulder pain. Researchers will use computational fluid dynamics to simulate brain fluid flow, helping determine if surgery is warranted.
Researchers found that mesquite biomass can be a viable option for bioenergy use, with the potential to offset higher harvest and transport costs. The study estimated costs of delivered biomass at $347-561 per acre, depending on the density and harvesting scenario.
Researchers at UBC successfully reversed diabetes in mice using stem cells, restoring insulin production and reversing the disease. The study re-created the 'feedback loop' that enables insulin levels to automatically rise or fall based on blood glucose levels.
The new titanium personnel sphere has been successfully tested to withstand the extreme pressures of 6500 meters, with sufficient data collected to support certification for human-occupied operations. The upgrade project is a significant step towards resuming ocean science missions with Alvin in the near future.
Researchers at DESY and SLAC used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to capture images of single soot particles floating through a beam. The study found that the structure of soot determines how it scatters light, which is crucial for understanding climate models.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a powerful new technique for manipulating building-block molecules, enabling the creation of new drugs and organic chemicals. The method allows for controlled selectivity and reaction efficiency, overcoming technical obstacles that previously limited its use.
A diet high in vegetables may help prevent acute pancreatitis by reducing oxidative stress. The study found that individuals who consumed the most vegetables daily were 44% less likely to develop the condition than those who ate the least. This protective effect was strongest among heavy drinkers and overweight individuals.
A study by NIH-funded researchers found that people's ability to estimate quantities improves across the first 30 years of life, with a sharp decline after age 30. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as education, can shape this intuitive number sense and improve math skills.
Obese appendectomy patients who undergo minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures experience fewer complications, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of infectious complications compared to open appendectomy. This study suggests that minimally invasive operations may be less risky for obese patients, reducing morbidity by up to 57%.
Researchers found that geckos evolved sticky toepads repeatedly, with about 60% of species having adhesive pads. The study suggests that adhesive toepads arose independently 11 times and were lost nine times during gecko evolution.
Researchers use CRIRES instrument on VLT to study Tau Bootis b's atmosphere, measuring mass and carbon monoxide levels. The new technique allows for the detection of non-transiting exoplanets' atmospheres, enabling scientists to learn more about their atmospheric conditions.
A new study reveals that women in hedge funds struggle with 'adulting' due to societal expectations of maturity and work-life balance. Women face problems at every stage of adult life, from getting hired to balancing work and parenthood, whereas men are given more opportunities to settle into corporate life.
A new treatment protocol that includes accurate CT scan analysis and complex surgical technique has significantly increased long-term survival for patients with previously inoperable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. On average, patients lived about 30 months after tumor removal, nearly three times longer than those who never underwent surgery.
A study published in Nature magazine found that Australopithecus sediba had a varied diet consisting of fruits, tree bark, nuts, leaves and sedges. The team's analysis suggests they lived in a forested margin near grasslands, contrary to previous research on other hominin species.
Researchers have identified a process by which misfolded proteins, such as alpha-synuclein, travel from sick to healthy cells in the brain, leading to the progression of Parkinson's disease. The study provides new insights into the disease's pathology and offers potential targets for disease-modifying treatments.
Studies using specialized MRI scans show that the procedure can detect whether anti-cancer chemotherapy is working, buying patients many months to a year of life. The scans use software to analyze water movement in tumor cells, identifying those with high and low apparent diffusion coefficients.
A recent study found that gecko toepads evolved multiple times in response to habitat changes. The researchers constructed the most complete gecko family tree ever made and discovered that sticky pads appeared independently in over 11 different gecko groups, while also being lost in at least nine others.
A new method has been developed to measure the mass of non-transiting planets using carbon monoxide signatures in their atmospheres. This breakthrough technique allows for precise mass determination, opening a new path to study exoplanet properties and potentially detect molecules associated with life.
A new study reveals that over half of inhaled diesel soot particles remain in the body, penetrating deeper into the lungs. This finding has significant implications for public health and may lead to the establishment of guidelines for soot particle limits in outdoor air.
Research found that women who spent long periods standing during pregnancy had slower fetal growth rates, with an average head circumference reduction of 1 cm. Long working hours were not consistently associated with restrictions on fetal development or premature birth, but excessive work may impact birth weight.
A comprehensive study of tsunamis in Northwestern California has been compiled by UCSB scientists, revealing evidence of smaller strong-to-major earthquakes and larger quakes that involved the regional subduction zone. The research provides valuable insights into the region's seismic activity and potential for future tsunami events.
A study of 92 menopausal women found that regular physical activity can lead to a decrease in hot flash symptoms. The researchers used objective and subjective methods to track the frequency of hot flashes, finding that exercising actually reduced symptoms in most participants, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers track serotonin regulation at a new level of detail using tiny fluorescent beads, shedding light on the dynamics of neurotransmitter transport. The study reveals two distinct populations of serotonin transporters, controlled by different regulatory pathways.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new compound, RTC13, that effectively counteracts 'nonsense' mutations causing Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The compound was found to partially restore full-length dystrophin protein, improving muscle strength in mice.
A new study published in Vaccine indicates that the cost of producing a tetravalent dengue vaccine could be as low as $0.20 per dose with an annual production level of 60 million doses. This finding provides confidence to ministries of health to plan for the inclusion of dengue vaccine in their immunization programs.
The US government is developing medical countermeasures against nuclear threats, including acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Several companies are working on adapting existing drugs and creating new compounds to treat ARS symptoms and remove radioactive particles from the body.
Researchers capture most detailed images of airborne soot particles, revealing surprising complexity and diversity. The study paves the way for understanding atmospheric processes and designing cleaner combustion sources.
Jiri Friml received the EMBO Gold Medal for his groundbreaking research on auxin transport and gradient formation in plants, which has significant implications for plant development and agriculture. His work provides a basis for targeted engineering to develop plants that produce higher yields or are more resistant to drought.
A new cancer drug, brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris), has dramatically improved survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma patients who have failed other treatments. In a multi-center study, 65% of patients were alive at 24 months, and 25% had no progression of the disease.
A massive study of nearly 250,000 U.S. women found that live birth rates for fertility treatment can approach natural fertility rates with favorable patient and embryo characteristics. The study highlights the importance of factors such as age and embryo quality in determining success rates.
A new EU-funded project, BEAN, aims to enhance skills in anthropology, pre-history, and population genetics by analyzing DNA from hunter-gatherers and early farmers. Researchers will compile a model for the settlement of Europe using genomic data.
A massive die-off of pinyon pine and juniper trees in the Southwest threatens to unleash devastating soil erosion and exacerbate water scarcity in the Colorado River basin. The trees' loss is expected to lead to increased dust storms, melting snowpacks, and reduced river flows.
Researchers have developed a new technique to control the crystalline structure of titanium dioxide at room temperature, enabling precise control over its properties. This allows for the creation of materials with optimal structures for specific applications, such as photovoltaic cells and hydrogen production.
A systematic review published in BMC Medicine found that properly supervised residents' care is safe and of equal quality to that of fully trained doctors. Adequate supervision and evaluation are crucial for maintaining patient care, according to the study's lead author.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a novel link between Keratin K15 and FOXM1 genes, which may lead to the development of targeted anti-cancer drugs. This breakthrough could potentially prevent cancer recurrence by targeting cancer stem cells.
A Canadian Mennonite family of Dutch-German-Russian ancestry has contributed to the identification of the DNAJC13 gene associated with late-onset Lewy body Parkinson's disease, according to UBC researchers. The study provides new insights into the genetic aspects of PD and offers hope for effective treatments and a cure.
A new second-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes, linagliptin, has shown less hypoglycemia and weight gain compared to sulphonylureas. Patients treated with linagliptin experienced lower rates of cardiovascular events, but further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Researchers tracked elephant movement patterns in Kruger National Park, finding sharp changes at season thresholds. This approach offers a biologically relevant definition of seasons, distinct from arbitrary human-made boundaries.
A recent study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry suggests that exercise is more beneficial than diet control in reducing β-amyloid formation and restoring memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research found that exercise alone can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Debby has weakened due to interactions with land, losing organization and moving towards the Atlantic Ocean. The storm brought heavy rain and flooding to northern Florida, causing damage to Interstate 10.
Researchers found that inhibiting a key immune response early on can shorten TB treatment time and prevent relapse. In a study, mice treated with standard TB medication plus a TNF-alpha inhibitor had a significantly lower bacterial burden than those receiving only the standard treatment.
Researchers found that the immune response to a heart attack accelerates underlying atherosclerosis, leading to increased inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques. This study suggests a new therapeutic strategy for preventing heart attacks and strokes by targeting the immune system's role in exacerbating atherosclerosis.
Mathematicians at the University of Sheffield have discovered space tornadoes in the Sun's atmosphere, which can channel energy from below the surface to heat the magnetised solar plasma. The process has the potential to develop technology for producing free, clean, and green energy on Earth.
A University of Illinois study found that dietary fiber promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to improved gastrointestinal health. The research suggests that increasing fiber intake can have a positive impact on health, particularly in reducing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
Weill Cornell researchers develop a novel vaccine that protects mice against nicotine addiction, using the liver to continuously produce antibodies. The vaccine is designed to prevent nicotine chemicals from reaching the brain and heart, offering hope for smokers who struggle with addiction.
Researchers have created micro- and nano-sized capsules containing DNA, biological machinery, and protein synthesis equipment for making medicines. These tiny production units can be turned on with an external signal, producing active proteins on demand.
The Waldo Canyon Fire has burned over 15,517 acres near Colorado Springs, forcing evacuations of at least 32,000 people. NASA satellites continue to provide coverage of the fire, which is currently being battled by over 750 firefighters.
Research in Namibia's grasslands reveals that 'fairy circles', circular bare spots surrounded by taller grass, exhibit a life cycle with varying life spans. The study finds that smaller circles are generally shorter-lived than larger ones, with life spans ranging from 24 to 75 years.
UC Berkeley's BEACON network uses 40 sensors to provide real-time, neighborhood-by-neighborhood measurements of carbon dioxide and other air pollutants. The system aims to inspire local actions to reduce CO2 emissions and inform policy making.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to measure the rate of DNA transfer from viruses to bacteria. They found that the amount of genetic material within the bacterial cells determines how quickly the bacteriophage's DNA is transferred, not the pressure in the virus itself.
A long-term study found that problematic peer relationships in adolescence were correlated with all components of metabolic syndrome, including obesity and high blood pressure, in middle age. The study, led by Per E Gustafsson, monitored social relationships and health over 27 years.
A study published in Nature reveals that Australopithecus sediba consumed between 95 and 100 percent forest-based foods, contradicting the assumption that early hominins ate a varied diet. This finding provides insight into the dietary habits of our ancestors and sheds light on why some species thrived while others became extinct.
The Lifespan/Tufts/Brown Center for AIDS Research has received a $8.5 million, five-year renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health to support interdisciplinary collaboration and shared resources among over 60 investigators from various fields.