The winners of the 2012 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards have been announced for their groundbreaking work in developing environmentally benign organic catalysts, producing high-performance green chemicals, and improving synthetic pathways. The awards recognize innovation in reducing waste and pollution.
Thomas Lovejoy, a renowned George Mason University professor, received the prestigious Blue Planet Prize for his pioneering work in biodiversity science and conservation. He was recognized for his groundbreaking research on habitat fragmentation and its impact on global environmental problems.
The study reveals STING protein's double wing-like crystal structure that captures secreted molecules from invading pathogens, activating the body's powerful immune response. This discovery provides insights into how STING activates an immune response by engaging with specific molecular patterns linked to microbial pathogens.
Landsat satellites offer high-resolution data for tracking forest change and storing carbon, supporting REDD+ efforts. The program's long-term continuity and free access to data have contributed to a decrease in deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Typhoon Guchol's high winds and storm surges pose a significant threat to Kadena Air Base, with sustained winds of up to 120.8 mph and 52-foot-high seas. The storm is expected to track near Kyoto as it continues to weaken.
A new study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies suggests that consumers who buy life experiences to impress others experience a decrease in happiness. In contrast, individuals who purchase experiences for personal reasons report greater fulfillment and well-being.
A study found that patients with chronic rhinosinusitis have a depleted nasal microbiome and an overgrowth of Corynebacterium spp., which can induce pathophysiology consistent with sinusitis. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus sakei, may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and prevent infection.
Studies found that DNA damage activates NF-κB, a transcription factor driving cellular aging. Inflammation was also linked to oxidative stress, senescence, and degenerative changes caused by aging. Meanwhile, social isolation disrupted neurotransmission in young rodents, affecting AMPA receptor delivery and synaptic function.
A new study confirms that hospitalization and delirium in Alzheimer's patients lead to hastened cognitive decline, institutionalization, and death. Effective prevention strategies such as the Hospital Elder Life Program can mitigate this risk.
The GTRI's automated pavement crack detection and sealing system can detect cracks as small as one-eighth-inch wide and efficiently fill them, increasing road structural integrity and extending repaving project time. The system requires fewer personnel and increases roadway coverage per day, saving transportation departments money.
A recent poll by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll found that childhood obesity was ranked highest, followed by bullying, drug abuse, and child abuse and neglect. These four priorities were chosen by over half of US adults, regardless of political party affiliation or race/ethnicity.
Biochemists at UC Riverside discovered that increasing vitamin C levels can produce twins and triplets in plant seeds. This finding has the potential to increase fertility in low-fertility crops and boost their value. The researchers' study results were published online in PLoS ONE.
Researchers found that patients with psoriasis are at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, even without common risk factors like obesity. The study estimated an additional 115,500 people will develop diabetes each year due to the risk posed by psoriasis.
Researchers have identified commensal bacteria that produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. The discovery suggests that certain intestinal bacteria may play a role in preventing or treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease.
Researchers found high levels of bacterial contamination on hotel room surfaces, including TV remotes and bedside lamp switches, posing a risk to guest health, especially for immunocompromised individuals. Housekeeping carts were also found to be contaminated, highlighting the need for standardization in hotel cleaning practices.
Researchers argue that traditional return-to-country models for refugees are flawed, citing instances where up to 20% of returned Afghan refugees have become displaced again. New flexible approaches focusing on cross-border links and migration can help support refugee families and communities.
The Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI) assesses a country's wealth by including manufactured, human and natural capital, providing a more comprehensive picture of sustainability. The report reveals significant natural resource depletion in key economies, highlighting the need for a revised definition of wealth to secure future generations.
Scientists discovered that summer temperatures along the Antarctic coast were 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer during the middle Miocene epoch, supporting substantial vegetation including stunted trees. This warming coincided with increased carbon dioxide levels and associated climate change.
The Inclusive Wealth Report 2012 proposes a new approach to sustainability by measuring natural, manufactured, human, and social forms of capital. This comprehensive index provides a more accurate picture of a country's development and well-being than traditional indicators like GDP.
A new trial shows that a short-term antiarrhythmic drug treatment can prevent recurrences of atrial fibrillation as effectively as long-term treatment. The Flec-SL trial found that patients treated with flecainide for four weeks had fewer AF relapses than those receiving long-term treatment.
Researchers have identified a master regulator gene, Spi-B, essential for the development of M cells, which play a crucial role in initiating immune responses. This discovery could aid research on oral vaccines and inflammatory bowel diseases by providing valuable insights into M cell differentiation and function.
Researchers at Brown University discovered over 800 tiny genetic loops, called lariats, in human tissues, providing new insights into RNA splicing decisions. The location of branchpoints on these lariats reliably predicts where splicing will occur, enabling the creation of an algorithmic model with 95.6% accuracy.
New research suggests that Arctic forest growth could lead to increased carbon dioxide emissions, contrary to previous predictions. This is due to the stimulation of soil decomposition by trees, releasing previously stored carbon into the atmosphere.
A study estimated the total mass of the human population, defining its distribution by region and proportion due to overweight and obesity. The world's biomass would increase by 58 million tonnes if all countries had the same average BMI as the USA, equivalent to an additional 935 million people.
Researchers develop new technique to target specific neural circuits and find that indirect pathways play key role in skilled hand movements. The study uses a double viral vector transfection method to selectively suppress propriospinal neurons, revealing the function of this 'phylogenetically old circuit'.
Researchers studied the water boatman's hind wings, which exhibit superhydrophobicity, playing a crucial role in its swimming, breathing, and balance. The study reveals that the insect's wing surface contains low surface energy materials, creating a hierarchical structure that enables it to swim freely and escape easily from water.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found a causal link between unconscious conflicts and conscious anxiety disorder symptoms. The study used subliminal and supraliminal presentations of words related to unconscious conflicts and conscious symptom-related stimuli, revealing an inhibitory effect on brain activity.
A new approach to drug design, called the magic shotgun method, promises to help identify future cancer drugs that are more effective and have fewer side effects. This approach sifting through the known universe of chemicals to find special molecules that broadly disrupt the whole disease process.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in measuring ocean currents between North Atlantic and Nordic Seas, providing new insights into global ocean circulation. Additionally, a team has successfully observed the entire thermal infrared spectrum of atmospheric gases for the first time, shedding light on greenhouse gas absorption.
Researchers have found a condition that creates hydrogen faster without losing efficiency. The results provide insights into making better materials for energy production. The team discovered that an acidic ionic liquid can improve the catalyst's performance by uncoupling speed and efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered three sets of genetic markers that could improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for children with a rare type of brain tumor. The study found distinct genetic signatures for each sub-type of tumor, which may lead to more effective tools for predicting patient outcomes.
Bielefeld University has secured further five-year funding for its Cluster of Excellence on Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC) and Graduate School in History and Sociology. The grants total $40.3 million, supporting research on intelligent systems and social sciences.
Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch discover new connection between DNA-repair process and cellular signaling network linked to chronic conditions. The study found that a byproduct of DNA repair activates Ras pathways, potentially opening up new avenues for treatments.
The Rutgers Center for State Health Policy will lead a project to replicate innovative care management programs in four US cities, including Camden, NJ, and other safety-net health provider organizations. The project aims to deliver better care at lower cost to high-need patients from low-income communities.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that vitamin D and calcium supplements reduce mortality in seniors, but not when taken alone. Elderly patients showed a 9% reduced death rate during the three-year study.
Researchers at Syracuse University have developed a system that harnesses the natural light produced by fireflies using nanoscience, producing a system 20-30 times more efficient than previous experiments. The breakthrough uses custom quantum nanorods to transfer energy from a chemical reaction between luciferin and luciferase enzymes.
A Michigan State University study found that only 50% of patients looked directly at the warning labels, highlighting the need for redesign. Researchers suggest moving warnings to the main label or repositioning them for better visibility, especially for older patients who take multiple medications daily.
The Kiel Cluster of Excellence 'The Future Ocean' has secured funding for its second phase, focusing on natural resources, biological diversity, and gas exchange. This will enable the team to provide a scientific basis for sustainable ocean management and engage in dialogue with decision makers.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism that promotes lung cancer growth and survival by regulating autophagy, a complex process initiated under stressful conditions. The protein BI-1 was found to protect lung cancer cells and suppress tumor growth by modulating intracellular signals.
Scientists create a surface that can display information using water, exploiting the unique behavior of trapped air layers on a lotus-inspired dual-structured surface. The surface is bistable and exhibits striking optical contrast between its two states.
A significant association has been found between alcohol dependence and genetic variations on chromosome 5q13.2, a region containing genes implicated in rare neurological disorders. The study, using genotyping arrays, identified two copy number variations (CNVs) that were associated with AD.
Researchers suggest mirror particles could be responsible for the missing mass of the universe due to an anomaly in neutron behavior. The loss rate of slow neutrons appears to depend on magnetic field strength, which could indicate a parallel world with invisible mirror twins.
Researchers found that graphic warning labels improved smokers' recall of the warning, with a 50% vs. 83% difference in percentage correct recall. The study suggests that drawing attention to the warning label can improve recall of health relevant information and may extend to improving risk perception of smoking.
Hurricane Carlotta has intensified, with powerful high thunderstorms almost 10 miles high, and is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding to Mexico. The storm is forecast to make landfall in the Mexican states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
Researchers have found that when the Iroko tree is grown in dry, acidic soil and treated with natural fungus and bacteria, it produces mineral limestone that stores carbon. This technique has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in tropical countries and improve farming conditions.
A study found that when grasshoppers change their diet to high-energy carbohydrates under stress from spiders, it affects the decomposition of organic matter in soil. This leads to a slower breakdown of uneaten plants, resulting in lower quality fertilizer and reduced microbial activity.
Mercyhurst research delivers near real-time water quality results, reducing exposure to potentially hazardous bacteria. The new system uses computer predictions and qPCR technology to detect E. coli contamination in two hours.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is an effective treatment option for elderly patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment did not negatively impact health-related quality of life, and functional and symptom outcomes remained stable after two years.
Research indicates that older adults ages 65-92 struggle with 'tip-of-the-tongue' errors and other memory mishaps. In a study of 105 healthy, highly-educated participants, 61 percent reported these memory failures.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that state laws limiting teen driving privileges and imposing penalties for driving under the influence reduce risky drinking and driving behaviors. Teens living in states with strictest laws were least likely to drink and drive or ride with a driver who had been drinking.
A new study has identified a genetic factor associated with lean type 2 diabetes patients, indicating that genetic predisposition may vary depending on body type. The 'Jack Spratt' gene is linked to an increased risk of the disease in lean individuals, contrasting with obese patients where other factors are more influential.
A study published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer found that high-volume hospitals and thoracic surgeons have lower mortality rates compared to general surgeons. The researchers recommend a national audit program to evaluate institutions based on quality parameters, including hospital volume.
Researchers have discovered JAK3 gene mutations in NK/T-cell lymphoma cells from 23 patients, suggesting the enzyme as a potential drug target. A Janus Kinase inhibitor already in phase III clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis may also be effective against this cancer
Typhoon Guchol is intensifying and expected to bring rough surf, heavy rainfall, and typhoon conditions to Okinawa and western Japan over the weekend. The storm has spawned alerts in the Philippines and has a compact diameter of approximately 110 nautical miles.
Researchers found that rhSOD reduces ROP incidence and severity in newborns born earlier than 26 weeks, with a 22% reduction for those born earlier than 25 weeks. The study suggests that rhSOD could provide a preventive approach to ROP prevention, but further studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers found that perioperative chemotherapy improved overall survival in patients with limited large cell neuroendocrine tumors or small-cell lung cancer after surgery. The study of 74 patients showed a significant difference in overall survival between those who received chemotherapy and those who did not.
Researchers from UCL and EPFL have successfully created a material that mimics the behavior of traditional bar magnets, but at the quantum level. By manipulating the spins of tiny atoms in a transparent salt, they achieved an antiferromagnetic configuration, similar to large bar magnets, without the usual complications.
A research team led by Carnegie Mellon University has identified a major source of the US math achievement gap: inadequate knowledge of fractions and division. Fifth graders' understanding of these concepts predicted high school students' algebra knowledge and overall math achievement after controlling for other factors.
People's facial perception judgments go beyond simple racial or gender categorization, according to new research. The study found that people reject stereotypes when presented with contradictory information, highlighting the complexity of face perception.
Researchers identified significant variation in microRNA expression within single tumors, highlighting the importance of sampling multiple tumor zones. This finding may explain conflicting previous results and emphasizes the need for personalized medicine approaches.