The team's proof-of-concept motor utilizes carbon-based switches to activate artificial muscles, which then rotate a shaft without external electronics or hard metal parts. The device has the potential to open doors for softer, lighter electrostatic motors with applications in prosthetics and soft robots.
Researchers report growing success in combining therapeutic cancer vaccines with conventional chemotherapy, stimulating the immune system to destroy cancer cells. The first FDA-approved cancer vaccine is for metastatic prostate cancer, and several other strategies are being tested for various types of cancer.
A new UCLA study found that a widely used assessment tool for community health centers may not accurately measure the quality of diabetes care. The study examined 30 Los Angeles County health centers and found no correlation between the tool's scores and the actual quality of care.
Salk researchers have identified a new potential drug target for treating certain types of lung cancer. By blocking the activity of the enzyme IKK2, which regulates inflammation, the study found that tumors grew more slowly and animals lived longer.
A new computational method has been developed to analyze RNA motifs, revealing new structural patterns that can help understand the role of RNA in cellular function. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for certain diseases, according to researchers at the University of Central Florida.
Cyclone Giovanna has caused flooding and damage in Madagascar before entering the Mozambique Channel. The storm is expected to move westward towards Mozambique's southeastern coast, with wind shear preventing further strengthening.
A new species of tiny, black and orange grasshopper-like insect has been found in the Toledo District of southern Belize. The insect, Ripipteryx mopana, is only 5mm long and uses its large jumping hind legs to escape predators.
A national trial has shown that autoinjectors are quicker and more effective in stopping seizures than traditional IV line treatment. The study found that patients who received midazolam via an autoinjector were 73% seizure-free upon arrival at the hospital, compared to 63% of those receiving IV lorazepam.
A recent study found that female cancer survivors have poorer health behaviors than women without a cancer history, including higher rates of smoking and weight gain. Researchers hope to capitalize on these 'teachable moments' to encourage healthier lifestyles among cancer survivors.
A symposium on disaster recovery will focus on the importance of community preparation and collaboration in overcoming emergency hardships. The event aims to provide insights into strategies for resilience and faster recovery times.
Lung cancer patients face geographic challenges to access clinical trials due to molecular preselection. Researchers propose using online patient communities and innovative trial approaches to inform patients about trials, accelerate research, and address practical challenges in conducting personalized medicine trials.
A recent study of 56 children with autism spectrum disorders found no statistically significant correlation between urinary mercury levels and autism. The researchers suggest that mercury excretion rates are unlikely to have a clear causal link to autism spectrum disorders.
A nationwide study has shown that injecting anticonvulsant medication into the thigh muscle using an autoinjector is as safe and more effective than traditional intravenous administration. The method resulted in 73% of patients being seizure-free upon arrival at the hospital, compared to 63% for those receiving IV treatment.
Research found that middle-aged individuals with slower walking speed are one-and-a-half times more likely to develop dementia, while those with weaker hand grip strength are at a higher risk of stroke. Conversely, faster walkers and stronger grippers have lower risks, according to the study.
Hospitalizations for US underage drinkers are common, with an estimated 700,000 young people hospitalized in 2008. The majority were drunk upon arrival, and the average age of those with alcohol-related discharges was 18 years old.
The US Energy Department has granted over $1.8 million to a researcher studying terpenoids in plants as a potential fuel source. The goal is to create a sustainable fuel production method that can be easily extracted from plants, reducing dependence on oil fields.
A study of young, non-dependent social drinkers found that the caudate nucleus and frontal cortex regions of the brain show less activation in people who drink more heavily. This association was stronger in women than in men and correlated with their frequency of drinking.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers highlights Vancouver's distinct advantages in knowledge-based high-tech industries. The city's globalized innovation landscape, driven by factors like intellectual property and a stable talented labour force, sets it apart from other regions.
The collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and patients is leading to a closer relationship, gleaning more information about medication effects. Experts predict this could usher in an era of personalized medicine.
Researchers have created a computer simulation to identify bottlenecks in the emergency stroke care process, allowing for earlier clot-busting treatment. The analysis of over 1400 episodes has led to a doubling of patients receiving treatment within three hours.
Malnourished cancer patients who received oral nutritional support showed improvements in aspects of quality of life, including emotional functioning and loss of appetite. However, the interventions had no impact on mortality rates or consistent effects on weight gain.
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have identified a new molecule DC-SIGN that plays a role in damping down the body's allergic response to house dust mites. This discovery could pave the way for developing new therapies or treatments for preventing allergies.
A new parent-training program has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of low-income, preschool-age Latino children being overweight. The study found a 9% reduction in overweight and obese children after one year, compared to a 16% increase in the control group.
Researchers found a powerful cause-and-effect relationship between elevated platelets and ovarian cancer progression. Tumors stimulate platelet production, which strengthens the disease, reducing survival rates in patients with thrombocytosis.
A UCSF stem cell study conducted in mice suggests a novel strategy for treating damaged cardiac tissue after a heart attack. The approach potentially improves cardiac function, minimizes scar size, and avoids tissue rejection.
Researchers found prions in one-third of wild yeast strains, creating diverse new traits, nearly half of which are beneficial. This discovery suggests that prions may be an inherent survival mechanism, helping yeasts adapt to changing environments and evolve in response to stress.
Scientists discovered that problems controlling blood sugar in the intestines can lead to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Researchers found a link between fatty acid synthase enzyme defects and diabetes, suggesting potential new targets for therapy.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel way to culture tuberculosis bacteria, which could lead to new treatments and insights into its extraordinary resilience against environmental stresses. The bacteria's ability to form biofilms is thought to be a key factor in its resistance to treatment.
A $232,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety will allow UCI to expand a DUI awareness program to four more campuses. The program encourages students to assign designated drivers through incentives and partnerships.
Researchers aim to make climate research more accessible by relating global data to local needs. Cesar Izaurralde discusses the implications of increasing CO2 concentrations and how to mitigate them. The symposium explores innovative approaches to climate change communication.
Researchers Auna Moser and Paul Bellan observed a surprising phenomenon in lab experiments that provides clues to the origin of solar flares. The discovery reveals a connection between kink instability and Rayleigh-Taylor instability, which are two distinct phenomena occurring at different scales.
Research at Newcastle University found that new TV food regulations did not reduce exposure to unhealthy foods for children and adults alike. The study showed that even after the restrictions were implemented, 14.6% of adverts seen were for food and half of those were for less healthy items.
A new study links higher neighborhood bar density to increased intimate partner violence-related emergency department visits. Researchers found that bars are positively associated with IPV-related ED visits, while restaurants have no relationship.
A recent review of 200 scientific studies warns that climate change and habitat loss will drive tropical bird extinctions, with 87% of bird species spending time in the tropics. The study predicts 600-900 land bird species may go extinct by 2100, highlighting birds as 'canaries in the coal mine' for ecosystem changes.
A study sponsored by NIH found that intramuscular injection of anticonvulsant drugs, like midazolam, is as safe and effective as giving medicine directly into a vein. This method may be faster and more reliable, especially for patients having convulsions, reducing the risk of severe consequences if seizures are not stopped quickly.
A study shows that unemployment stress is more closely tied to local green space than age, income, or deprivation. The presence of parks and woodland in economically deprived areas can help people cope with job losses and reduce cortisol levels.
Pablo Sobrado's research focuses on developing enzyme inhibitors to combat tropical diseases. He aims to identify specific inhibitors against enzymes crucial for pathogenesis in several human diseases.
A University of Illinois study found that a simplified equation to calculate income loss fails to recognize household substitution effects, leading to overestimation of poverty rates. By accounting for these effects, the study provides a more accurate measure of income loss and its implications for policy responses.
A five-year MURI project will investigate three physical platforms for designing matter-light interaction used to generate entangled photons. The team aims to create large-scale systems that use entanglement for quantum communication and computing.
Georgios Vatistas's Swirl Flow-Type Heat Exchanger reduces energy demands and environmental resource usage by 40 times, offering broad industrial applications.
New research published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that low-carbon technologies will initially increase emissions due to their high energy requirements. The study indicates that substantial reductions in greenhouse gases won't be achieved until the latter part of this century.
Quantum computing is transforming computing, communications and other technologies with its groundbreaking capabilities. Researchers at the Institute for Quantum Computing are harnessing the forces of quantum mechanics to build incredible new technologies that will revolutionize information processing, storage, sharing and understanding.
Researchers found that replacing coal-fired electricity plants with lower-emitting technologies like solar, wind, or nuclear power requires a rapid transition and conservation efforts to achieve substantial benefits by the end of the century. However, it takes much longer for the climate system to respond to emissions reductions.
Scientists propose mass melting as new force behind volcanic activity in eastern Oregon, suggesting a dynamic rupture lasting two million years across the Farallon slab. The study aims to explain the origins of sudden, massive eruptions of lava at the planet's surface.
Researchers found nanomaterial dust ignites with less than 1/30th the energy needed for sugar or wheat flour dust, posing significant industrial accident threat.
A study highlights the urgent need to increase organ donations from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups due to disparities in access and waiting times. BME patients face longer waits for transplants due to differences in tissue types and blood groups.
Researchers at EMBL Hamburg used advanced techniques to study myomesin's three-dimensional structure and its role in maintaining muscle fibers. The discovery sheds light on the protein's function in living organisms, particularly in animal models.
Researchers identified 72 mutations in the TTN gene that cause structural deformations in heart muscle fibers, leading to heart muscle disease. The study found that TTN gene mutation causes DCM, but rarely causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and that outcomes for patients with DCM are similar regardless of gender.
Physicists from Harvard University and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität used the Quantum Gas Microscope to observe individual rubidium atoms transitioning between quantum states. They found that this transition occurs surprisingly fast, providing a new understanding of solid-state systems.
Researchers are exploring X-ray imaging as a next-generation tool for gathering detailed structural and functional information on biomolecules. The technology has the potential to surpass traditional X-ray crystallography, enabling the study of complex biological systems in unprecedented detail.
Harvard researchers develop a new technique inspired by pop-up books and origami to mass-produce microrobots and electromechanical devices. The method uses layered and folding processes to create complex structures with flexible hinges.
Researchers analyze light echoes from the 1837-1858 Great Eruption of Eta Carinae, revealing unexpected results and forcing them to modify physical models. The study provides a unique look at the outburst, shedding light on the behavior of massive stars near detonation.
A study published in Autism found that 83% of children with autism spectrum disorder were below average in motor skills, while their siblings scored in the normal range. The researchers suggest that genes play a role in these impairments, potentially explaining the association between motor coordination and social responsiveness.
A two-part special issue of the Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making is available online, highlighting recent CEDM-related research and practice in various application domains. The issue features articles on psychological principles, human-technology interactions, and cognitive engineering methodological enhancements.
According to a new study, over 1/3 US counties face 'high' or 'extreme' risk of water shortages due to climate change. The American Chemical Society reports that 412 counties in southern and southwestern states may experience extreme water shortages by 2050.
A genetic mutation in the TTN gene has been found to cause 18% of sporadic and 25% of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. This discovery can help diagnose and treat the condition, reducing the risk of heart failure and sudden death.
Researchers found that traumatic brain injuries increased susceptibility to PTSD and anxiety disorders in rats, highlighting the need for precautions against stressful situations. The study suggests a mechanistic link between TBI and PTSD, with the amygdala playing a critical role.
Four Boston College faculty members, Michelle Meyer, Ying Ran, Dunwei Wang, and Liane Young, have received the 2012 Sloan Research Fellowships for their groundbreaking research in various fields. The award recognizes their exceptional contributions to science and their potential to make significant impacts in the future.
A study from North Carolina State University found that Toyota's safety-related recalls in 2009 made no significant dent in consumer perceptions of the brand. The average price of affected vehicles declined by approximately 2% relative to comparable models, a finding within the statistical margin-of-error.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center develop an oncolytic measles virus to treat disseminated human medulloblastoma. The treatment extended survival by 122% in a model of disseminated brain cancer, with treated animals surviving up to 82 days on average.
Research reveals that drinking alcohol induces significant brain atrophy and specific shrinkage in cerebral cortex and thalamus in genetically vulnerable mice. The findings support the protective role of dopamine D2 receptors against alcohol-induced brain damage.
Researchers will map genes responsible for resistance to Campylobacter in chicken guts to develop breeding programs. The goal is to prevent the bacteria from entering the food chain, reducing the risk of infection and associated costs.
A recent study published in PNAS found that droughts and heat waves affect grass growth differently across the months. Researchers analyzed over 25 years of data from Kansas prairie long-term ecological research site to identify variation in timing and magnitude of droughts and heat waves. The results highlight the importance of consid...
Linguist Michael Cysouw disputes Quentin Atkinson's claim that the cradle of language is in southwest Africa, citing inconsistent results from comparative linguistics analysis. The study's findings suggest the site of language origin may be located in eastern Africa or the Caucasus, rather than supporting an 'Out-of-Africa' model.
A new nano-coating developed by Georgia Tech researchers doubles the rate of heat transfer in pool boiling, increasing efficiency and potential applications for electronics and energy systems. The coating enhances rewetting of the solid surface, allowing bubbles to carry away more heat.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has selected 126 outstanding researchers to receive fellowships for their work in the ocean sciences, expanding the award's reach to this field. The fellowships support early-career scientists and scholars with $50,000 grants.
A novel gene-therapy approach to restore vision in people with blindness caused by age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa has attracted additional funding. The technology, developed at Wayne State University, uses a virus to deliver a photoreceptor gene from green algae, restoring light sensitivity to retinas.
Researchers developed new drugs targeting calcium channel in neurons to completely suppress absence seizures in rats and test them in humans. The results show a significant reduction in seizure duration as well.
A University of Alberta researcher has developed a vaccine that shows signs of prevention against all strains of hepatitis C. The vaccine was tested on humans and elicited broad cross-neutralizing antibodies against major strains, offering hope for those with the disease.
Researchers found that goat kids modify their calls according to social surroundings, developing similar 'accents' as they grow older. The study reveals a possible early pathway in the evolution of vocal communication and highlights cognitive abilities in domestic animals.
A study led by Phil Duffy of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory found that previously rare high summertime temperatures are already occurring more frequently in some US regions. By mid-century, these extreme summer temperatures will occur in well over 50% of summers throughout the lower 48 states.
A new study reveals that palliative care is more nuanced than expected, incorporating aspects like bodily care, contact, environment, and rituals. Researchers found three key areas often overlooked in palliative care: bodily care and contact, secure and aesthetic environments, and death-related rituals.
A new study finds that varenicline increases the negative effects of alcohol and decreases drug liking in heavy-to-moderate social drinkers. This effect could reduce bingeing and other forms of abuse. Varenicline may be an effective treatment for individuals with both nicotine and alcohol dependence.
The International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials will be published as a fully sponsored open access journal by Springer, providing state-of-the-art information on concrete-related subjects. The journal will cover various aspects of concrete research, including material science, construction, and analysis.
A new study found that smoking disrupts a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, making smokers more susceptible to gum disease and other oral health issues. The researchers suggest that dentists should offer more aggressive treatment for smokers and encourage them to quit.
A study found that varenicline increases the unpleasant effects of alcohol and decreases drug liking, reducing drinking. This may be due to varenicline counteracting the positive effects of alcohol, such as feeling 'buzzed' and talkative.
A study of over 11,000 pregnant women found that dog ownership was associated with regular brisk walking and improved physical activity levels. While dog walking alone cannot reduce obesity rates, it may be part of a broader strategy to encourage exercise and healthy eating during pregnancy.
Researchers Jan E. Stets and Michael J. Carter propose a theory of the moral self that may help explain the ethical lapses in the banking, investment and mortgage-lending industries. Individuals with high moral identity scores are more likely to behave morally, while those with low scores are less likely.
Researchers found a cluster of young, blue stars encircling the first intermediate-mass black hole ever discovered in a dwarf galaxy. The presence of this star cluster suggests that the black hole was once at the core of the now-disintegrated dwarf galaxy.
A new technique, virtual ghost imaging (VGI), enables imaging even under adverse conditions by harnessing the properties of entangled photons. Researchers used a Bessel beam to create VGI images despite obstacles such as clouds, heat distortion, and offsets.
A new study by Oregon State University found that half of young adult Latino men and women acknowledge not using regular effective contraception despite expressing a desire to avoid pregnancy. Involvement in sexual decision-making is crucial for contraception use, with those who are more active tend to use male condoms.
Susan M. Gasser has been recognized for her outstanding scientific research on genome stability and epigenetics, as well as her commitment to mentoring women in science. She has made significant contributions to our understanding of chromatin biology and epigenetics, with implications for human disease, including cancer.
A study found organic farming increases strawberry pollination success, possibly due to increased insect abundance and diversity. Benefits were observed within two to four years after adopting organic practices.
Researchers say anti-clotting effect of heparin is well established but its impact on cancer patients remains unclear. The SAVE-ONCO study found semuloparin reduced thromboembolism incidence but had no significant effect on major bleeding and death.
Four new species of miniaturized lizards have been identified in Madagascar, with some species as small as match heads. The discovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts for microendemic species threatened by deforestation.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that college students and guppies exhibit similar behaviors when evaluating numerical ratios, suggesting an ancient evolutionary origin for human mathematical abilities. The results showed that the ability to distinguish between large numbers depends on the ratio between them.
Researchers have used a 'light echo' technique to demonstrate that Eta Carinae's Great Eruption was significantly cooler than expected, differing from previously thought supernova impostors. The team's findings suggest the eruption may have been triggered by alternative models, warranting further investigation.