A lack of proof-of-concept funding and inadequate market intelligence hinder the development of game-changing food innovations. Researchers at the University of Guelph highlight regulatory environments that can stall potentially life-saving discoveries like enriched milk with DHA and blood-pressure-lowering pea fragments.
Researchers at Iowa State University are organizing a symposium to explore the idea of using instant communications technology to distribute information about crops and climate change to farmers. The symposium aims to develop global systems that facilitate quick communication between farmers, researchers, and policymakers.
A new study by Indiana University researchers reveals large excellence gaps in the US, with minority students making up a small share of top scorers. Internationally, girls are catching up with boys in math and science, while differences remain small between native-born and immigrant students.
Forest fire smoke exposure poses significant respiratory health risks, particularly for those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. Effective strategies to mitigate these impacts include establishing clean air shelters and using HEPA-filter air cleaners or air conditioners in homes.
Researchers from UVic will discuss climate change impacts on Canada's water supply, explore the intersection of neuroscience and pop culture, and address energy efficiency solutions. Climate modeling indicates rapid permafrost melting could lead to significant loss of high-latitude wetlands.
A new study estimates that landscape fire smoke contributed to an average of 339,000 deaths per year between 1997 and 2006. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia were disproportionately affected, with estimated annual averages of 157,000 and 110,000 deaths, respectively.
Research by Judith Myers introduces a beetle to North America to feast on invasive knapweed, causing a significant decline in the plant's presence. The program shows $17 in economic benefit for every dollar spent, making it a win for the economy and ecology.
McMaster University's Christine Wilson presents findings on galaxy Arp 220's dazzling rate of star formation, which is 200 times faster than our own Milky Way. The star forming core of Arp 220 is only about 3,000 light years across.
Astrophysicists have uncovered new questions and clarified previous theories about gamma-ray bursts using the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. The telescope's unique view allows it to capture the highest energy portion of these bursts, which are difficult to detect due to their brief duration and narrow radiation patterns.
A study with mice suggests Alzheimer's drugs could miswire neurons, interfering with brain communication. The findings imply that these drugs might impair memory, even at doses intended to reduce amyloid plaques.
Research by UBC scientists finds that adding ocean acidification and deoxygenation to climate change projections can significantly reduce fish catch potential in certain regions. For example, the Norwegian Sea may see a 15% decrease in fisheries catch potential due to combined effects of warming and acidification.
Researchers discover several new phases of atomtronic matter, including a 'bond-order solid' with strong long-range dipole interactions. These phases are associated with the controlled movement of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice and have potential applications for data encoding and quantum computing.
To increase yields by 2020, scientists are developing new durably disease-resistant varieties of wheat through shuttle breeding. These advanced breeding techniques have resulted in over 20 Ug99-resistant varieties released or in trials in eight countries.
A UBC researcher has created a hand-controlled voice synthesizer that uses gestures to produce sounds, mirroring human vocal control. The technology has potential applications in music and assistive communication, allowing users to express themselves in new ways.
Researchers have discovered that adding hydroxychloroquine to various cancer therapies can enhance their effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant cancers. By blocking autophagy, a process by which cells recycle damaged proteins, the combination of chemotherapy and HCQ can lead to improved outcomes for patients.
According to UofL research, substituting smokeless tobacco can save lives by reducing the risk of disease and death among smokers. Decades of epidemiologic research support this finding, with smokeless products being 98% safer than cigarettes.
Scientists emphasize the importance of evidence-based policies and challenge 'policy-biased evidence' to ensure impartial decision-making. They also urge the scientific community to think globally and act with greater public engagement to guard against science misuse in policy-making.
Researchers from the UC Davis MIND Institute will present on the relationships between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on autism development. Their research highlights the impact of flame retardant chemicals on autism risk, particularly in female offspring.
The International Polar Year created a new model for northern research, where communities define research questions and use traditional knowledge. Community members, including elders and youth, are now taking up the mantle to sustain research efforts.
A recent study by UBC researchers has identified the increasing presence of terrestrial pathogens in marine mammals along the Pacific coast. The team calls for improved surveillance and collaboration to monitor public health implications and reduce land-sea transfer of pollutants.
Kenneth Miller, a biologist and practicing Catholic, teaches evolution by tracing its development rather than presenting it as doctrine. He aims to help students understand the evidence and logic behind scientific theories. By taking a pragmatic approach, Miller has found that religious students can accept science more effectively.
Research by Douglas Woolford and Mike Flannigan suggests that peat fires in Canada are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change. The study finds that the forest fire season is lengthening, and the risk of peat fires is increasing, with potentially devastating consequences for the environment.
Using Star Trek's advanced technologies as a gateway to explore fundamental physics concepts, ASU Professor Lawrence Krauss engages lay audiences and sparks their interest in science. He examines the feasibility of phenomena like wormholes, warp drives, and time travel within our current understanding of physics.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a new EEG method to monitor brain development in premature infants. The technology has provided valuable insights into how brain tracts are formed and has enabled the detection of previously unexplained brain events, leading to improved treatments and care.
The Nereus model provides a global view of life in the world's oceans, predicting a decline in large fish biomass and an increase in small fish populations. The model also shows the impact of human activities, climate change, and fisheries management on ocean life.
Computer scientist Peter Stone is developing a system that enables autonomous cars to coordinate their movements at intersections, reducing stopped traffic. The virtual intersection manager uses AI driver agents to 'call ahead' and reserve space and time, improving safety and efficiency.
Indiana University's Filippo Menczer has developed new tools to analyze political social media and track the diffusion of memes. The research team found that Twitter mentions create a communication bridge between left- and right-leaning groups, and can be used to identify partisan asymmetries.
Researchers have developed quantum cryptography protocols that can counter even a malicious manipulator controlling the setup, offering a measure of genuine randomness in keys. The breakthrough builds on recent twists that give quantum cryptography powerful boost against eavesdroppers.