The Deepwater Horizon oil spill provided valuable lessons for future response efforts, emphasizing the importance of preparation and knowledge. Papers present a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive scientific and engineering effort assembled to respond to the disaster, evaluating the accuracy of information used in real-time.
Scientists from VIB and KU Leuven discovered a new target molecule to develop a treatment against Alzheimer's disease. β-arrestin 2 plays a role in regulating the γ-secretase complex function and development of the disease. This research opens a new avenue for treating the disease at an early stage.
Researchers at UMass Amherst use a custom microscope to study cellular active transport, discovering that high traffic slows cargo movement but doesn't hinder the process. By using quantum dots as biological probes, they found that multiple motors attached to a single cargo can overcome stalled motors and maintain efficient transport.
Scientists discovered a reaction site on the perimeter of gold-titanium complex that enables catalysis. The oxide surface plays an important role in modifying the metals above it, leading to the creation of valuable hydrocarbon fuels.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found that a ketogenic diet significantly enhances the anti-tumor effect of radiation, leading to improved survival rates for mice with malignant gliomas. The study suggests that the diet could be used as an adjuvant therapy without FDA approval.
A survey of US hospices found that restrictive policies limit access to hospice care for patients requiring costly treatments. Reforming Medicare reimbursement rates and eligibility requirements is necessary to support patients and their providers.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that integrated care provided by managed care plans reduces resource use, potentially leading to overall savings. Risk-adjustment reforms have mitigated favorable selection, reducing the tendency of health plans to attract healthier patients.
Researchers discovered pygmy mole crickets use oar-like paddles to jump from water, exploiting water's stickiness to their advantage. The crickets' resilient protein-filled paddles fan out as they penetrate the water, allowing them to 'grab' a ball of water and propel themselves to safety.
Routine use of upper endoscopy for most GERD patients does not improve patient health and may lead to unnecessary interventions. Computer alerts in HIV care improve patient outcomes by notifying providers of adverse events or missed appointments, leading to better follow-up practices.
A study found that parents with children living in urban areas are less likely to experience depression than those with children nearby. The key protective factor was the financial support sent by children, which mitigated the empty-nest syndrome.
The National Science Foundation grant will support the teachHOUSTON program, which recruits and prepares physics and chemistry teachers for urban schools. The five-year grant aims to increase the number of qualified STEM teachers in Houston's school districts.
Researchers identified four new genetic regions associated with birth weight, which also link to adult metabolism and disease. The study found that these genetic regions influence blood pressure, height, and type 2 diabetes risk in adulthood.
Scientists at Wake Forest University have developed a flicker-free and shatterproof lighting solution using field-induced polymer electroluminescent (FIPEL) technology. The new lights produce soft white light without the yellowish tint of fluorescents or bluish tinge of LEDs.
Researchers analyzed data on individuals with depression across four developmental periods, finding that early episodes last longer and increase risk of future episodes. Female participants were more likely to experience first incidence but not recurrence.
A new study suggests that US health security research is not adequately addressing the needs of a diverse range of threats, including natural disasters. The study found that only 10% of funded projects addressed non-biological threats, while most focused on bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases.
Researchers at U-M found BPA in fetal liver tissue, with varying levels of exposure detected. The study suggests that fetuses may not be able to metabolize BPA as effectively as adults, highlighting the importance of understanding internal doses for health effects.
A Marshall University professor has secured a three-year, $65,000 grant to conduct petroleum research with the assistance of seven undergraduate students. The project aims to study the decomposition of specific molecules when heated in an oxygen-free environment, shedding light on biofuels and combustion mechanisms.
Scientists from Case Western Reserve University discovered unique spin and valley properties in a 2-dimensional crystal, leading to potential applications in optoelectronics and solar cells. The research found that charged quasi-particles called negative trions can be manipulated to change light absorption and emission.
A new study published in CMAJ found that rules limiting aggression in ice hockey, such as bodychecking, can significantly reduce injuries among young players, including serious brain and spine injuries. The study suggests that interventions based on rule changes showed the greatest likelihood of making ice hockey safer for youth.
A recent study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests that pesticides used for water purification can lead to food allergies. The research found a correlation between high levels of dichlorophenol-containing pesticides and weakened food tolerance in individuals.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have decoded a possible mechanism for hybrid corn's high yield, finding that more genes are active in hybrid plants than in their homozygous parental lines. This increase in gene activity could lead to increased growth and vigor in hybrids.
Researchers found that iron-deficient diets impaired piglets' ability to learn and remember in spatial navigation tasks. The study used a T-maze test, which showed that pigs with severely deficient iron levels struggled to adapt to changing rules.
A new study found that feeding probiotics to baby zebrafish accelerated their development and increased their chances of survival into adulthood. The researchers discovered that the probiotics helped promote growth, including bone and vertebrae development, by reducing stress on the fish's gastrointestinal tract.
A team led by Prof. Gabby Sarusi has received a $6.5 million grant to develop thin film nano coating for night vision glasses, aiming to improve existing systems' bulkiness, weight, and expense. The project involves creating nano-colloid materials that convert infrared light to visible light using OLEDs.
Scientists at Ames Laboratory have discovered new ways to use a well-known polymer in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), eliminating the need for an increasingly problematic metal-oxide. The researchers' findings show that PEDOT:PSS OLEDs are at least 44% more efficient and flexible than traditional ITO-based devices.
Research in the Russian Far East has revealed a seismic and volcanic hotbed, with potential to trigger tsunamis that affect the entire Pacific Basin. Thousands of people were killed in tsunamis due to earthquakes in the region, highlighting the importance of studying these hazards.
Athletes are vulnerable to extreme heat or cold, which can cause hypothermia, frostbite, heat edema, heat syncope, and even life-threatening conditions. Team physicians play a crucial role in educating coaches and athletes on the risks of exposure and how to prevent these injuries.
A recent study predicts a sharp spike in computer-related injuries among medical workers due to poor office layouts and improper use of computer devices. The most commonly reported repetitive strain injuries were neck, shoulder, and upper and lower back pain, affecting nearly half of the female doctors and over 40% of male doctors.
Scientists developed robots that mimic squirrels' cache-hiding behavior to delay discovery. Deceptive robot lured 'predator' robots to false locations. Researchers also explored bird-inspired deception strategies to evade predators.
A recent study found that 14.2% of adolescents ages 13 to 18 years with any mental disorder reported being treated with a psychotropic medication in the last 12 months. The study also revealed that antidepressants were most frequently used among those with primary mood disorders, while stimulant use was most common among those with ADHD.
A new study found an association between reduced fine particulate matter and increased life expectancy in US counties from 2000 to 2007. Reducing air pollution levels may be more beneficial for women, with a stronger link in urban areas.
DELSIA and Seaside Therapeutics aim to discover genetic and protein biomarkers to identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment with arbaclofen, a potential treatment for core social impairment in autism. The partnership will help generate critical information to develop targeted treatments.
Researchers used PET imaging to evaluate tumor grade and cellular proliferation in patients with gliomas. The study found that F-18-FLT PET provided a more comprehensive view of tumor grade and correlated with overall survival, making it a valuable tool for guiding treatment.
Researchers have created a fiber-optic equivalent of the world's smallest wrench, enabling precise control over microscopic particles like living cells and DNA. This new technique uses flexible optical fibers to twist and turn particles in any direction, promising advancements in biological research, healthcare, and more.
A five-year study of almost 32,000 patients found that a heart-healthy diet significantly reduces the chance of a second heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease. The study showed that dietary modification offers consistent benefits beyond drug therapy alone, saving lives globally.
A new UCLA study suggests that older adults' brains are less active in the anterior insula region, which is linked to disgust and detecting dishonest faces. This reduced activity makes it harder for older adults to recognize untrustworthy faces, leading to increased vulnerability to financial exploitation.
A new study reveals that male chimpanzees who form coalitions with males who don't form coalitions themselves are more likely to sire offspring and increase their dominance rank. This suggests that the chimps recognize the value of making strategic social connections.
A new study found that mandatory rules, such as restrictions on body checking, can decrease penalties and injuries in ice hockey, particularly among young players. Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital recommend combining rule changes with educational strategies to promote sportsmanship and reduce brain injuries.
Researchers used a super-resolution microscope to study protein distribution in human T-cells, revealing the dynamic opening and closing process of kinase molecules. This discovery could provide insights into immune disorders and cancer by understanding how signaling processes are controlled.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is funding 16 top scientists for pioneering research in marine microbial ecology, exploring interactions between trillions of microscopic organisms and their environment. This funding aims to make new discoveries and advance our understanding of ocean ecosystems and climate change.
A recent study at Boston University School of Medicine describes 68 cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) among deceased athletes and military veterans. The research, the largest case series to date, found that CTE can only be diagnosed postmortem but may not progress in all individuals.
Researchers found that externalizing symptoms like aggression drove ED visits among children with ASD. Private insurance coverage was linked to a higher likelihood of psychiatric ED visits due to excluded autism coverage and restrictive reimbursement limits.
A new study by RAND Corporation reveals that recent Mexican immigrants to the US have a significant amount of undiagnosed disease, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Despite this, they are still generally healthier than native-born residents after accounting for undiagnosed disease.
A study from the University of Southampton found that feeling nostalgic can increase perceptions of warmth and tolerance for cold. Volunteers who recalled nostalgic events perceived a warmer room temperature and could withstand colder water.
A Dartmouth-led effort publishes major findings on how mercury released into the air contaminates ocean fish and seafood. The research provides a synthesis of science on mercury sources, fate, and human exposure in marine systems, tracing pathways from sources to seafood to consumers.
A six-year observation by ESA's Venus Express reveals significant changes in the planet's atmosphere, suggesting recent volcanic eruptions. The thick atmosphere contains over a million times more sulphur dioxide than Earth's, which is mostly generated by volcanic activity.
According to a study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, only one in five college students received the flu vaccine during the 2009-2010 season. The researchers suggest that colleges implement new or improved influenza vaccine strategies, such as giving flu shots at sporting events, to increase vaccination rates.
NASA's Terra and TRMM satellites gathered data as Super Typhoon Bopha approached the Philippines, revealing its maximum sustained winds of 161 mph. The storm intensified into a Category 5 typhoon on December 3, prompting warnings for the region.
Researchers found that lithium boosts neurogenesis in the hippocampus of Down syndrome mice, leading to improved cognitive function. The results suggest that lithium-based therapies may be effective in treating Down syndrome patients.
Four Kansas State University researchers, John Blair, Ruth Welti, Kun Yan Zhu and Ron Trewyn, have been named fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for their distinguished contributions to science. The university celebrates this prestigious recognition as a testament to its commitment to scientific excellence.
A Mayo Clinic-led study found that patients with ovarian cancer who took metformin for their diabetes had a better survival rate than those who did not take the medication. After five years, 67% of metformin-takers were still alive compared to 47% of non-takers.
Researchers create technique to measure temporal profile and arrival time of individual FEL pulses with femtosecond precision, allowing for precise study of atomic, molecular, and solid-state systems. The method enables filming of atoms in motion and exploration of processes that evolve within X-ray exposure.
Researchers found that as oil chains lengthened, the transformation occurred at lower temperatures. The team used Raman scattering and multivariate curve resolution to analyze water's subtle changes, finding a new structure when interacting with long-chain oils.
Researchers found that E. coli must acquire iron from the host to establish a foothold and colonize the gut, resolving a long-standing debate about the importance of iron in bacterial infection. By understanding how bacteria obtain iron, scientists can develop new strategies to block microbial diseases and create new antibiotics.
Researchers developed a way to derive dopaminergic neurons from adult bone marrow stem cells in monkeys. The new neurons were then transplanted into the same monkeys with induced Parkinson's disease, showing significant improvement in motor function.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that glucagon stimulates its own synthesis, activating a self-reinforcing cycle of hormone production. This finding has significant implications for understanding the regulation of hormone secretion and may hold the key to studying defects in diabetes.
A study suggests that linagliptin, a commercialized diabetes drug, can stimulate neuroprotection and largely reduce brain damage following stroke. This could lead to better prognosis for type 2 diabetic patients after a stroke.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that increases in personal income are crucial for happiness worldwide. Rising incomes that coincide with higher optimism are key to well-being, and material possessions play a significant role in this relationship.
Researchers found that planets in solar systems with similar stars may be warmer and more dynamic, potentially hosting microbial life. This could expand the habitable zone around those stars, making them more suitable for life.
INRS Professor Federico Rosei has been elected as an AAAS Fellow, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the understanding of surface and interface properties. He is the only Canadian honoured in the physics section, reflecting his international stature as a researcher.