Using metamaterials, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a theory for creating materials where electrons have nearly zero effective mass. This concept could lead to faster circuits with unique properties. The team's idea was inspired by the similarities between electromagnetic waves and quantum mechanics, and t...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein crucial for neuron organization in the developing retina, shedding light on how the eye detects light. Additionally, scientists found that a genetic defect can cause a 'traffic jam' in cellular materials within motor neurons, leading to progressive paralysis and death.
North Carolina State University researchers developed conductive wires with a liquid metal alloy core, increasing stretchability by orders of magnitude. The new wires have potential applications in electronic textiles, headphones, and phone chargers.
A large European trial confirms that commonly prescribed antibiotics are ineffective for treating acute uncomplicated respiratory infections. Patients given amoxicillin did not recover much quicker or have significantly fewer symptoms, and the treatment appeared to have a limited effect even in older patients.
Research finds that ozone pollution, even at low levels, significantly reduces agricultural worker productivity by 5.5%. The study's results challenge the common perception of environmental protection as a tax on producers.
A Stanford study identifies proteins in the blood that can accurately detect lymphedema, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment. The biomarker panel shows high accuracy in distinguishing patients with lymphedema from healthy individuals.
Research published in BMC Pediatrics found that repeated infections early in life increases the risk of developing celiac disease. The study revealed a significant association between early-life infections and celiac disease, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding in reducing this risk.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a new process for creating a one-time, universal influenza vaccine using recombinant genetic engineering technology. This breakthrough aims to prevent the need for annual updates and shortages of flu vaccines.
A recent study published in Food & Function journal found that consuming fresh Hass avocado with a burger meal can neutralize inflammation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study, conducted by researchers at UCLA, also suggests that avocados may help mitigate negative effects on blood flow after eating a burger.
A systematic review of TB interventions in low-and-middle income countries found limited real-world evidence to support their effectiveness and financial value. The authors identified substantial gaps in published evidence for scale-up of these interventions, which may prevent program-wide implementation.
During Hurricane Sandy, internet outages in the US nearly doubled to 0.43%, affecting New Jersey and New York most significantly. The USC study provides valuable insights into disaster preparedness, informing how ISPs allocate resources to restore access after a disaster.
Recent review reveals palm trees have living cells sustained throughout their lifetime, potentially holding the key to longevity and understanding cellular structure in plants. Palm trunks consist of individual cells living for centuries, unlike most long-lived trees with dead woody tissues.
A study by neurologists at Henry Ford Hospital found that brain surgery for refractory localization-related epilepsy can lead to significant long-term benefits, with 73% achieving favorable seizure outcomes and 28% experiencing seizure freedom. The researchers tracked 470 patients over 15 years after surgery.
A new study highlights the importance of considering immediate health risks when weighing benefits and potential future radiation-induced cancer risks. The researchers found that for patients with testicular cancer undergoing CT surveillance, the near-term risk of death from the condition was more significant than lifetime cancer risk.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that global infertility rates have remained steady since 1990, with 1.9% of women aged 20 unable to conceive and 10.5% of those who previously gave birth unable to have another child. The levels of infertility varied by region, with higher rates in North Africa and the Middle East.
A small stroke, known as a silent stroke, can cause Parkinson's disease by killing dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The study found inflammation and brain damage following the stroke, leading to neurodegeneration and potential onset of Parkinson's disease.
The collaboration aims to improve vapor phase upgrading during the biomass pyrolysis process, enabling the production of lignocellulose-based fuels at a competitive cost. The partnership seeks to develop catalytic materials that can convert biomass vapors into liquid fuels suitable for transportation.
Scientists tracked the origins of HIV and discovered potential genetic resistance in West African human populations. The study found overlaps between selection signatures and protective genes against HIV-1, which may have evolved to counteract the virus.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that targeting km23-1, a motor protein involved in cell migration, can slow the spread of cancer cells. By inhibiting km23-1, cancer therapies may be developed to prevent tumor cells from migrating to other parts of the body.
A study of 20 industrialized countries found that women tend to earn less when sharing the same occupation as men. However, the researchers discovered that when women work in different trades and professions, they receive higher pay on average. Countries with more women in diverse occupations showed a significant reduction in pay gap.
Victor Gibeault, a cooperative extension specialist at UC Riverside, has received the 2013 USGA Green Section Award for his dedicated work on turfgrass research and education. He holds U.S. patents for zoysiagrass and buffalograss cultivars.
Researchers have identified previously unseen anatomy preserved in fossils using synchrotron-based imaging techniques. The study reveals that a 50 million-year-old lizard skin contains teeth, changing the understanding of this fossil animal.
A new study found that cognitive reappraisal can decrease negative intergroup emotions and increase support for conciliatory policies in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Reappraisal training reduced anger towards Palestinians, increased support for peaceful solutions, and decreased support for aggressive policies.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have found intriguing parallels between modern-day Syria and Bronze-Age Syria, where urban decline, government collapse, and drought led to a regional government's downfall. The study, which used obsidian tools from the ancient city of Urkesh, suggests that climate change, militarism, and unsu...
A study on life-changing experiences found that 14 participants underwent profound, sudden, and lasting change, mirroring Scrooge's transformation. The researchers suggest that the presence of a trusted other person can facilitate faith in what's possible.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin synthesize stable anti-aromatic compound and intermediate state, enabling comparison between aromatic and anti-aromatic properties. The discovery has potential implications for industry, medicine, and information storage.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that changes in dietary cholesterol can alter the gut flora, leading to a shift in bacterial populations. The researchers discovered that this change triggered an increase in cholesterol excretion into the gut, which in turn affected the abundance of certain bacterial taxa.
Researchers have developed small, portable sensors that can track ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide levels in the air. These sensors, part of the CitiSense system, allow users to monitor their local air quality on their smartphones, providing valuable insights into pollution patterns.
A study by Penn State researchers has found high levels of ancient brines in Marcellus flowback water, which are consistent with brines formed during the Paleozoic era. The study highlights the importance of proper disposal and re-use of fracking fluids to prevent environmental contamination.
Scientists have discovered a new antibiotic principle that selectively blocks the thioredoxin system in bacterial cells, making certain bacteria vulnerable to inhibition. This mechanism could potentially treat conditions like stomach ulcers, TB, and MRSA, providing a new solution for combating antibiotic-resistant infections.
A study published in Nature Communications found that 24-39% of harvested areas experienced stagnation or decline in maize, rice, wheat, and soybean yields between 1961 and 2008. The findings highlight the need to shift focus from meat and biofuel production to food security, particularly for staple crops like wheat and rice.
A new study finds that most of the pipestone used to create ancient artifacts in Ohio came from quarries in Illinois, contradicting a long-held assumption. Researchers analyzed mineralogical signatures and found that over 65% of the pipes were carved from flint clay in northern Illinois.
A lack of consideration for older people's needs in emergency situations is hindering their response, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) and HelpAge International. This group faces unique challenges such as difficulty traveling and accessing relief supplies, leading to increased mortality and morbidity rates.
A clinical trial by UCSF researchers found that hospital MRIs are better at predicting long-term outcomes for people with mild traumatic brain injuries than CT scans. The study revealed detectable spots on MRI scans called focal lesions, which helped doctors predict persistent neurological problems in patients with 'normal' CT scans.
A new study found that budding yeast can be a good model system to study KP1019, an anti-cancer drug. KP1019 was shown to cause cell death and delay proliferation in yeast cells, likely due to DNA damage.
Researchers from IrsiCaixa have identified a molecule on the surface of dendritic cells that recognizes and binds HIV gangliosides, allowing the virus to be taken up by these cells and transmitted to CD4 T lymphocytes. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments against AIDS.
Researchers at UNC discovered that the hepatitis C virus binds with microRNA miR-122 to protect itself, promoting viral replication. This interaction presents a promising target for new drugs to treat the infection.
The UK government has awarded £6 million to the XMaS facility at the European Synchrotron Radiation in Grenoble, allowing it to continue delivering world-class science. This funding will enable researchers to study the atomic and magnetic structures of materials and their properties under different conditions.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that reducing daily automobile travel and caloric intake both correlate with body weight reduction. The study predicts a 0.21 kg/m2 decrease in national average BMI after six years if all adults drove 1 mile less per day.
A study by Jana Beckelmann found that female horse embryos produce more insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) than male embryos, which may help explain the uneven sex ratio of equine births. This discovery sheds light on a previously unknown mechanism driving sexual dimorphism in horses.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified an enzyme specifically linked to aggressive prostate cancer, which promotes the metastatic spread of the disease. A compound that inhibits this enzyme's ability has been developed and shows promise for future clinical applications.
Patients with diabetes may receive high-dose cholesterol-lowering medications unnecessarily, increasing the risk of adverse side effects. The new study suggests adopting a more personalized treatment approach based on each patient's risk profile, combining blood pressure and prescription data in electronic records.
Researchers found that people with ADHD are impulsive risk-takers, while those with OCD are anxious about consequences, causing hesitancy in decision-making. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and well-being, as mistaking the two disorders can lead to wrong medication prescriptions.
Researchers found that cancer cells use unfolded protein response (UPR) to manipulate immune cells, making them ineffective against tumors. Tumor cells exploit UPR to promote their survival and growth, and this mechanism is being targeted for potential therapy and improved cancer vaccines.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that long-term survival rates for patients undergoing abdominal aneurysm repair with either open or less-invasive endovascular procedures are comparable. However, the research suggests that elderly patients may not benefit from the minimally invasive operation.
Pulsars suddenly increase speed in brief events called 'glitches,' but researchers question this phenomenon's explanation. A mathematical model shows that the available superfluid in a pulsar's crust is too small to cause such friction, contradicting current thinking.
The latest issue of Reproductive Health Matters exposes the significant impact of neglected sexual and reproductive morbidities on women, men, and families globally. It addresses various health issues, including fistula complications, maternal health, and cervical cancer, while also highlighting prevailing myths and misconceptions.
The five recipients of the 2013 AAAS-EurekAlert Fellowships are Sofia Moutinho, Victoria Renata Sanchez Hernandez, Marcos Chumpitaz Sanchez, Lucas Viano, and Alejandra Vargas Morera. They will attend the AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston to cover the latest research and network with peers from around the world.
Researchers developed a DESICCANT-ENHANCED EVAPORATIVE (DEVAP) system that works in any climate and achieves comfortable cooling while saving 40% to 80% of the energy use of conventional air conditioning systems. The system uses micro-porous membranes to separate desiccant from air, enabling efficient dehydration and cooling.
Scientists at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute receive $16 million in funding to develop new methods for analyzing complex data sets and understand the adaptive immune response. The funding will support researchers in developing treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, malaria, and cancer.