A Rice University study found that federal efforts were most effective at reducing pollutants, while state implementation plans played a smaller role. The study's findings suggest that nationally, ozone levels have improved substantially due to federal and EPA efforts.
Research at Georgetown University Medical Center found that adults learning a foreign language can come to use the same brain mechanisms as native speakers, particularly with immersion training. The brain consolidates knowledge of the foreign language over time, similar to other skills like riding a bike or playing a musical instrument.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize how protein machines bind to DNA strands, setting up for duplication. This study may lead to new ways to attack cancers by targeting the basic process of cell division.
Astronomers captured a unique image of over 10,000 stars in the Milky Way's centre, revealing large structures like gas and dust clouds. The image, created by combining infra-red light data from two telescopes, offers new insights into the galaxy's structure.
A large-scale study has identified hundreds of associations between mutations in cancer genes and sensitivity to anticancer drugs. The research may lead to more effective treatments for childhood bone cancer, such as Ewing's sarcoma, by targeting specific genetic markers.
Researchers found that human presence causes a substantial increase in airborne bacterial and fungal particles, with sizes affecting filtration and recirculation. The study, led by Yale University engineers, aims to improve air quality by understanding the dynamics of indoor biological aerosols.
Scientists developed a fast, simple, accurate way to detect nitroaromatic compounds like TNT in saltwater, freshwater, and other liquids. The device can detect concentrations as low as 33 parts per trillion and has potential uses in detecting water pollution.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that approximately six percent of Chicago-area ambulance sites sampled positive for Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium causing serious infections. The research also revealed that 77% of isolates detected showed resistance to at least one commonly used antibiotic
A genome study has identified three genetic variants associated with an increased risk of podoconiosis, a disabling leg swelling caused by an abnormal reaction to soil minerals. The discovery confirms the immune system link to the disease and suggests that drugs targeting immune responses may be useful in treating it.
The Missouri Botanical Garden has received a $260,000 NEH grant to enhance its Biodiversity Heritage Library. The library's digitized texts now include software tools for automated image identification and description. This will allow users to search and filter images by type, color content, subject matter, or organism names.
The Phase I trial of Neuralstem's spinal cord stem cells found one patient showed improvement in clinical status, while the treatment was safe and tolerable for all 12 patients. The trial has been approved to proceed with cervical transplantations targeting motor neurons that control respiratory function.
A study led by experts at the University of Nottingham has discovered a link between chromosomal abnormalities and survival rates in children with brain cancer. The research identified increased copies of chromosome 1q25 as associated with poorer outcomes, paving the way for a new diagnostic test.
The Inclusive Wealth Indicator combines natural, human, and manufactured capital to assess a country's economic and environmental progress. The first report will feature 20 nations and aims to provide a bi-annual assessment of transition to the green economy.
According to Washington University public health researchers, more than half of all cancer is preventable through lifestyle choices and societal changes. The main obstacles to implementing these strategies include skepticism, short-term focus, intervening too late in life, research focusing on treatment rather than prevention, debate a...
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found no link between body mass index (BMI) and post-surgical complications or survival rates among esophageal cancer patients. The study, published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, included 303 patients treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
A class of compounds found in hops has been shown to reduce weight gain and improve gut permeability in obese and diabetic mice. The treatment also normalized insulin sensitivity markers, suggesting a novel mechanism for improving metabolic health.
A Rhode Island Hospital study highlights the dangers of accidental ingestion of wire grill brush bristles, which can lead to surgery and severe complications. The study identified six cases within an 18-month period, emphasizing the need for public awareness and physicians' attention to this potential danger.
Researchers at UCSF find hidden genetic code layer influencing protein synthesis rates, even in 'silent' mutations. The discovery challenges long-held assumptions and may accelerate industrial protein production for biofuels and medicines.
The Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change proposes seven policy responses to address the global challenge of feeding a world confronted by climate change. The report highlights opportunities under the Rio+20 Earth Summit, UNFCCC, and G20 mandates, and calls for changes in policy, finance, agriculture, development aid...
A new study found that people who consumed diet beverages tended to be less healthy than those who didn't, but had lower risks when paired with a prudent diet. Those who ate a western diet had increased risk of heart disease regardless of diet drink consumption.
Researchers created light at multiple frequencies by mixing high- and low-frequency lasers, producing new colors. The phenomenon has potential applications in increasing data transfer speed and communication.
Breast cancer patients treated with IMRT had lower incidence of acute and chronic toxicities compared to standard WBI. Larger breasted women also benefited from reduced toxicities with IMRT.
A UCSF-led study finds that meditation significantly reduces destructive emotions and improves social and emotional behavior in female schoolteachers. The study's findings suggest increased awareness of mental processes can influence emotional behavior, leading to better relationships and overall well-being.
Researchers developed a novel compound that stops cancer cells from invading healthy brain tissue, improving treatment outcomes in animal models. The compound, imipramine blue, is combined with chemotherapy to enhance its effectiveness.
Researchers have successfully decoded the atomic structure of the TM287/288 ABC transporter, a heterodimeric protein involved in antibiotic resistance and metabolic disorders. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments against multi-resistant bacteria and tumors.
The study found that weight loss and improved fitness nearly halved the risk of losing mobility in overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes. Weight loss was a stronger predictor of better mobility than improved fitness, contributing significantly to the observed reduction in risk.
Researchers at University of Missouri and Oregon found that consumers often unintentionally buy products with animal testing due to lack of clear definitions. This ambiguity leads to deceptive advertising, making it difficult for consumers to make informed moral decisions.
New cell printing technology enables precise pattern formation of human cells, paving the way for advancement in tissue engineering and regeneration. Researchers demonstrated the use of acoustic droplet ejection followed by aqueous two-phase exclusion patterning to control cell placement.
A new study found that encouraging patients to monitor their daily alcohol intake, typically through keeping a record, is the most effective piece of advice in reducing drinking. This simple task raises awareness of behavior and helps individuals stay within set limits, leading to significant reductions in consumption.
Researchers used fossilized raindrop impressions to deduce atmospheric pressure at 2.7 billion years ago. The results suggest that abundant greenhouse gases likely caused the warm temperatures, contradicting previous theories about pressure broadening.
A Purdue University biochemist is creating maps of all the potential routes for cancer cell formation, which could lead to more effective cancer drugs. By identifying kinases and their direct protein targets, researchers can tailor kinase-inhibiting drugs to block multiple pathways and make them more effective.
The Rio+20 conference needs to rethink innovation to ensure a sustainable development goals achieve poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. Leading scientists propose radical changes, including recognizing grassroots initiatives and promoting transparent corporate reporting.
A large-scale study analyzing 190,000 patients found that bypass surgery resulted in a lower death rate compared to coronary angioplasty. The study's lead investigator notes that while bypass surgery is not the best option for every patient, it can now be recommended with more confidence.
Researchers at Rice University created starfruit-shaped gold nanorods that can enhance surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, allowing for more sensitive detection of organic molecules. The particles return signals 25 times stronger than similar nanorods with smooth surfaces.
The partnership aims to help students master mathematics through real-world applications and connections between math and science. The SpaceMath@NASA program uses NASA's latest discoveries to develop grade-appropriate math problems for grades 3-12.
Research shows that Tsimane men have lower baseline testosterone levels compared to US men, but exhibit similar short-term spikes in response to competition. This finding suggests a unique adaptation to their environment, where parasites and pathogens are more prevalent.
Researchers argue that incentives can encourage participants to engage in healthy behaviors when properly designed and evidence-based. The authors propose that Research Ethics Committees require an evidence-based rationale for predicting incentive effectiveness.
A new study published in JoVE demonstrates a method for using eye-tracking technology to study young children with autism. The research aims to answer questions about how children with developmental abnormalities view the world, including their perception of faces.
A study by neuroscientists at the University at Buffalo proposes that ingesting placenta components may provide benefits to human mothers and potentially to non-human mammals. The research highlights the importance of further studying placentophagia, a practice observed in many non-human mammalian species.
Researchers found that humans can only monitor up to three strategies while making decisions, and creativity is favored over reliable options. The frontal lobe plays a crucial role in this process, with individual differences in performance linked to variations in creative ability.
Lake Christina's transformation from clear waters to murky state has impacted migrating ducks and fish. Extensive modern records and sediment analysis reveal a 200-year history of management, leading scientists to propose bottom-up landscape management to restore the lake's ecosystem.
The TWINS and IBEX spacecraft observed a powerful solar storm impacting the Earth's magnetosphere, causing an important communications satellite to founder. The ENA cameras enabled global imaging of the magnetosphere, revealing precise timing of the compression and propagation of charged particles into the atmosphere.
A statewide survey of Missouri nursing homes found nearly 90% of residents and family members satisfied with care facilities. The survey highlighted improvements made by administrators to deliver homelike care, leading to excellent ratings for quality of life, care, and service.
Scientists discovered that bacteria engage in quorum sensing to discuss options for life-or-death situations, deciding between sporing or competency. This communication process has implications for understanding human cell behavior and developing new treatments for diseases.
New studies reveal lower fetal/infant death risks among planned repeat caesarean sections, while higher uterine rupture risk found in women with multiple previous caesarean sections. Research emphasizes pragmatic studies to improve maternal and infant care.
Researchers found genetic mutations associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in nearly 17.4% of patients, with children more likely to have these mutations than older adults. This study's findings will help develop new treatments and identify potential genetic tests for inherited forms of the disease.
A new mathematical model predicts optimal treatment length for prostate cancer patients to delay resistance, allowing clinicians to tailor therapy effectively. Intermittent androgen suppression therapy reduces side effects and improves patient outcomes.
A study at Duke University Medical Center confirms an association between sleep apnea and post-surgical delirium, a condition with serious health consequences. Researchers found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea were more likely to develop delirium after surgery.
A study found that invasive treatment strategies, including heart testing and pacemaker implantation, can increase survival rates for patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1. The treatment approach resulted in a lower incidence of sudden death and improved overall survival.
The Hadal Ecosystem Studies program will conduct detailed studies of life in major deep ocean trenches, comparing findings between trenches around the world. Researchers aim to unravel how organisms have evolved to survive in extreme environments.
A Wayne State University researcher is part of a nationwide effort to monitor antibiotic resistance while optimizing drug use. The project aims to improve antimicrobial stewardship and reduce the development of resistance.
A study found that intravenous glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solution did not reduce the rate of progression to heart attack or improve 30-day survival in patients with chest pain. The treatment was associated with a lower risk of cardiac arrest or in-hospital death.
Researchers found that lower doses of clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) effectively dissolve clots in patients with moderate pulmonary embolism, leading to earlier hospital discharge and reduced complications. Eighty percent of pulmonary embolism patients could benefit from this treatment.
Paramedics can administer a mixture of glucose, insulin and potassium (GIK) to patients having a heart attack, reducing the rate of cardiac arrest and death by 50 percent. The treatment also reduces the severity of heart tissue damage from the heart attack.
A study published in the American Chemical Society found that capsaicinoids, a compound in chili peppers, can lower cholesterol levels and increase blood flow to the heart. The compounds may also reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that DNA methylation levels in white blood cells are lower in patients with schizophrenia and related to age of disease onset and treatment response. The discovery may lead to the development of a simple test to diagnose schizophrenia.
Researchers found that many dementia patients' delusions have logical explanations and can be treated through behavioral therapy. The study suggests a better understanding of delusions can lead to more humane and compassionate treatment, considering the patient's context and circumstances.
Researchers developed a biologically inspired control system that uses memory of past control experiences and outcomes to generate new actions. This approach shows promise for enhancing wind power conversion efficiency, outperforming traditional methods in simulations.
The Resilient Tunnel Project developed an inflatable cylinder capable of containing 35,000 gallons of water or air to seal off a section of tunnel in emergency situations. The plug's design overcame challenges related to its size, strength, and pliability, with the help of advanced materials like Vectran and polyurethane.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to produce customized carbon fibers from polyethylene, with potential applications in filtration, catalysis, and energy harvesting. The process allows for tailoring of surface contour and filament diameter, enabling the creation of fibers with unique properties.