Researchers have designed an ultracapacitor that maintains a near-constant voltage, enabling its use in low-voltage electric vehicle circuits and handheld electronics. The device achieves this through an electromechanical system that slowly lifts the core out of the electrolyte solution as charge is released.
A new Penn study of 154 participants with chronic HCV found that silymarin supplements offered no significant improvements in liver disease treatment. The trial tested higher-than-normal doses of silymarin and concluded it had no impact on ALT levels or quality-of-life measures.
A new report identifies seven key areas where funding and political will are crucial to ending the AIDS epidemic. The report outlines a comprehensive plan for achieving an AIDS-free generation, including renewed scientific research and implementation of proven treatment tools.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have developed a novel approach to count fluorescent molecules in a cluster, resolving the long-standing debate on centromere structure. By applying this method to yeast cells, they found that centromeric nucleosomes change their structure during cell division.
A joint study by University of Nottingham and Unilever found that fat in food reduces brain activity responsible for processing taste, aroma, and reward. The research provides insights into making healthier, less fatty food products with better taste and enjoyment.
Researchers found that human placenta-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are more proliferative and better at forming new blood vessels than those derived from umbilical cord blood. The study, published in Cell Medicine, suggests that the placenta could be an abundant source of ECFCs for therapeutic use.
A new study reveals that hundreds of random mutations in leukemia cells are linked to aging, not cancer. Researchers found that even healthy individuals accumulate genetic changes over time, which can increase the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Researchers at UC San Diego identified a key enzyme in malaria parasites that could lead to new anti-malarial drugs. The team discovered a selective inhibitor, ML276, which stops parasite growth even in resistant strains.
A new study reveals a higher rate of elder abuse among Latino communities, with 10.7% experiencing physical abuse and 9% experiencing sexual abuse in the last year. The study highlights the need for culturally competent programs to raise awareness and prevent elder abuse within these communities.
A team of scientists has discovered an epigenetic enzyme that doubles the output of thousands of different genes in male fruit flies to compensate for their single X chromosome. The study found twice as many DNA-transcribing proteins attached to the male X chromosome compared to females.
A new study found that menu labeling in King County, Washington, resulted in improved nutritional profiles for some chain restaurant entrées, with decreases in energy, saturated fat, and sodium content. However, the majority of entrées continued to exceed recommended guidelines, highlighting the need for more moderate options.
A team of scientists led by Robert Young is working on developing small molecule compounds and nano-medicines that stimulate bone regeneration, aiming to improve understanding of bone renewal biology and promote bone repair and regeneration. The grant is part of a $7 million funding package targeting bone health research.
An interdisciplinary research team from UMass Amherst and Harvard warns that federal regulators need to improve how they track security and privacy problems in medical devices. Despite a high prevalence of recalls related to software, the current classification methods are not well suited to emerging types of device malfunctions.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital discovered that African Americans with throat cancer who are HPV positive have significantly better overall survival rates compared to those without HPV. The study also found that African Americans with late-stage oropharyngeal cancer who are HPV negative face a higher risk of death.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that an inflammatory pathway involving Interleukin-6 drives resistance to Herceptin in HER2-positive breast cancers. Blocking this pathway with a drug improved the treatment's effectiveness, and also prevented cancer stem cells from forming.
A Kansas State University research team has developed an improved method for detecting and measuring bridge damage using a bridge health index. The index provides a more objective way to determine and compare bridge damage, allowing inspectors to input parameters and receive a numerical value indicating the bridge's health.
Researchers at KAIST used triangular shapes to guide axon growth in a dish, finding that smaller vertices were more effective in inducing growth. The study aims to develop a reproducible neural circuit model for learning and memory studies as well as drug screening applications.
A comprehensive review of biomass feedstock characterization is crucial for developing biotechnology approaches to bioenergy and bioproducts. Researchers describe formulation, pretreatment, and densification options to improve biomass specifications for co-firing high percentages with coal.
Research suggests that fragmented sleep patterns are associated with a higher risk of being placed in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Studies have also linked insufficient sleep to chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
A recent study has questioned the safety and effectiveness of commonly prescribed kidney disease drugs, which may cause unexpected harm to blood vessels. The study found that these drugs did not substantially reduce serum phosphorus levels and may be associated with cardiovascular problems in patients with chronic kidney disease.
A mid-level solar flare, classified as M7.7, was detected by NASA on July 19, 2012, causing brief radio communications blackouts at the poles. Increased numbers of flares are expected during the sun's peak activity cycle, which is approaching its maximum in 2013.
Belgian scientists have developed a simple assay to track 'superparasites', a type of Leishmania parasite that causes deadly visceral leishmaniasis. This breakthrough could help monitor the spread and emergence of these drug-resistant microbes, contributing to better control of the disease.
A Caltech-led team reports on the first high-resolution observations of the 2012 Sumatra earthquake, which ruptured along multiple faults at nearly right angles. The study provides fresh insights into the possibility of complex earthquakes occurring elsewhere, including California's San Andreas fault.
Researchers discovered that RfaH protein can unfold and reform into a completely new structure, granting it an additional function. This remarkable ability has significant implications for gene expression control and protein structure studies.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis decoded the brain activity of two monkeys performing a reaching task, revealing distinct planning strategies and cognitive styles. The study found that one monkey, hyperactive, jumped the gun while the other, smooth operator, waited for the target to appear.
Researchers create SSDAlloc, allowing companies to substitute solid state memory for RAM, reducing energy consumption by up to 90% and costs. The new technology enables faster retrieval speeds of flash memory, bypassing traditional storage system bottlenecks.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute mapped two essential cellular processes, revealing their cooperation during apoptosis. The study provides insights into programmed cell death and opens a new approach to cancer treatment.
A preclinical study published in Cancer Discovery reports genetic validation for ongoing clinical trials testing IDO inhibitors in cancer patients. The findings suggest that IDO promotes tumorigenesis by enhancing vascularization and modifying the inflammatory environment, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma and metastatic disease.
Research found that wild boars with more reddish hair have higher levels of oxidative stress due to the consumption of glutathione by pheomelanin production. However, surprisingly, gray-haired boars showed signs of good condition and lower oxidative damage. This study suggests that different levels of melanin may have physiological con...
A meta-analysis of 10 studies found that cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacologic interventions decrease depressive symptoms in cancer patients. The study also identified effective interventions for different stages of cancer and cultural subpopulations.
Researchers will develop nanocomposites for medical implants that break down safely, replacing metal implants in bone surgery. The project tackles challenges in nanoparticle production, dispersion, degradation, and scaling up manufacture.
The slowest-growing metro areas in the US had lower unemployment rates and higher income levels compared to the fastest-growing areas. They averaged $8,455 more per capita in personal income in 2009.
A large national sample of women diagnosed with cervical cancer between 2000 and 2007 found that lack of insurance was the second strongest predictor of late-stage diagnosis, after age. The study suggests that screening should be made accessible and affordable for all women at higher risk of advanced-stage disease.
Tropical Depression Khanun made landfall in South Korea on July 19, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that caused widespread flooding and power outages. The storm's remnants moved over the Sea of Japan by 11 a.m. EDT, leaving behind significant damage and one reported fatality.
Researchers identified six genes with driving mutations in melanoma, three of which have recurrent 'hotspot' mutations caused by UV light exposure. The study provides potential targets for new treatments and offers insights into the frequency and characteristics of driver mutations.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital are conducting a new study, REVEAL, which will provide genetic testing and Alzheimer's risk estimates for individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The goal is to evaluate how well participants understand the risk information and adjust their behavior in response.
Researchers examine relationship between disorder and quantum coherence in materials, finding that a pinch of disorder is good but too much can destroy coherence. The Joint Quantum Institute experiment uses laser beams to introduce slight disorder into rubidium atoms, revealing how it affects their behavior.
Researchers at RIT are working with Washington State University and Georgia Tech to develop a new infrastructure that could increase computing speed and reduce power usage in chip processors. The goal is to integrate wireless technology with copper wiring, allowing multiple processing engines to communicate simultaneously.
Max Planck scientists have successfully imaged the actin-myosin-tropomyosin complex with a resolution of less than one-millionth of a millimeter. This breakthrough allows researchers to accurately identify protein locations and analyze muscle contraction processes.
Experts from NYU Langone Medical Center will present research on non-invasive evaluation of tau targeted immunotherapy, physician intention to screen for dementia, and remission of pre-mild cognitive impairment. These studies aim to improve diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
IRVE-3 is the third in a series of suborbital flight tests for an innovative heat shield technology. The experiment aims to create an aeroshell using high-tech inner tubes and a thermal blanket, protecting a payload with camera gear, telemetry equipment, and steering mechanisms.
A new study reveals that the western corn rootworm's resistance to crop rotation is linked to increased levels of protein-degrading enzymes in its gut. The insects can survive longer on soybeans and cause more damage than their non-resistant counterparts, allowing them to lay eggs in bean fields.
A Northwestern University study reveals that farmers and ranchers with major limb amputations struggle with durable, affordable, and adaptable prosthetics. These limitations hinder their ability to perform farm tasks, making traditional prosthetic solutions unsuitable for their unique needs.
Researchers suggest using multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) models to improve cancer drug discovery, as they more accurately mimic human tumors. MCTS models can help identify specific genetic mutations targeted by drugs and interact with the surrounding environment.
Scientists measured reactive oxygen species in worms and found high levels during early development, which may determine lifespan. Mutant worm variants lived longer due to better oxidative stress coping mechanisms.
Intermediate-mass black holes can grow in galaxy gas disks through a mechanism similar to giant planet formation. The 'runaway growth' phenomenon allows stellar black holes to swallow stars and increase their mass, potentially creating an intermediate-mass black hole.
A new study published in the journal Stem Cell reveals an antibody developed by researchers can detect stem cells in organs like the liver and pancreas. This breakthrough helps understand tissue regeneration and cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a natural compound, Cortistatin A, that effectively reduces HIV replication by 99.7 percent in infected cells. The compound works by inhibiting the viral protein Tat, making it a promising potential treatment for the ongoing pandemic.
Researchers from the University of Toronto and University of California Santa Cruz discovered a link between massive gypsurn deposits and changes in seawater chemistry. This connection may have led to global cooling periods, such as during the Eocene epoch, and is supported by data from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program.
Researchers explore the role of Lactobacillus reuteri in protecting against foodborne infection, finding that its antimicrobial substance reuterin can protect intestinal epithelial cells from Salmonella infection. The study's results suggest the efficacy of using probiotic bacteria or their derivatives in future therapies.
Researchers at Leibniz-Institute DSMZ discovered that Roseobacter clade bacteria can exchange genetic characteristics through plasmids, allowing them to conquer new ecological niches. This horizontal gene transfer enables photosynthesis and enhances survival in diverse ocean habitats.
Researchers sequenced 91 human sperm from one man, revealing the whole-genome sequence and degree of genetic mixing, with implications for studying cancer, infertility, and other disorders. The study provides a detailed view of recombination in individual sperm, allowing for diagnosis and detection of potential problems.
Children with low serum albumin levels are at a moderately increased risk of graft failure after kidney transplant, according to new research from UC Davis. The study found that even a single low serum albumin measurement can be a clear risk factor for future graft failure.
Physicists Andrea Pocar and Krishna Kumar's team successfully set a new lower limit for the half-life of neutrino-less double-beta decay, nearly excluding a 10-year-old claim. The discovery could provide insight into matter and anti-matter asymmetry in the universe.
Research finds that experiencing awe can alter an individual's subjective experience of time by slowing it down. Awe also influences decisions, makes life feel more satisfying, and increases willingness to volunteer time to help others.
A new technique developed by NASA scientist Nicholeen Viall uses color-coded images to track the 12-hour history of cooling and heating on the sun. The technique reveals that coronal heating is likely caused by numerous nanobursts of energy, lending credence to those theories.
Researchers study Bolivian and Paraguayan families' medical travel experiences seeking pediatric oncology care in Argentina. Medical travel can be a strategy for economically challenged patients to save their lives, but it also carries challenges like relocation uncertainty.
Researchers have identified a molecular cue that maintains a quiescent pool of blood-forming stem cells in mouse bone marrow by regulating non-canonical Wnt-signaling. The study found that Flamingo and Frizzled 8 play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between long-term maintenance and ongoing tissue maintenance and regeneration.
The workshop focuses on increasing mathematical modeling across undergraduate curricula, developing STEM courses based on modeling and computation, and assessing college STEM readiness. It also proposes ideas for multidisciplinary STEM education and introduces a high school applied mathematics program to integrate STEM subjects.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch will study hospital readmissions for high-volume, high-cost patients receiving post-acute inpatient rehabilitation services. The goal is to identify factors associated with readmissions and improve discharge planning.