A new study finds that replacing coal-fired power plants with wind turbines is the most cost-effective way to cut carbon pollution and reduce health impacts. The switch can also lead to lower electricity generation costs, making clean energy a more economically viable option for powering America's electricity needs.
A recent study by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and six other institutions found that human activity has a discernible impact on the thermal structure of the atmosphere. The research compared satellite records with simulations and revealed a unique pattern of global-scale tropospheric warming and stratospheric cooling.
A study found that shy male birds are more likely to join flocks of birds with similar personalities than bold males. Shy birds also have fewer social partners and tend to form more stable relationships.
A new auto steering device, proposed by Rene Guerster, aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by sudden turns. The device, which uses computer-mediated steering, would enable drivers to steer around obstacles without releasing the wheel.
New UNH research suggests that employees with a sense of unjustified entitlement are more likely to report abusive supervision and mistreatment by their bosses. This perception can lead to negative psychological and behavioral reactions, impacting the careers and livelihoods of managers.
A study published in Radiology found that patients referred by physicians with financial interest in imaging equipment were more likely to receive negative findings on knee MRI exams. This suggests that financial incentives may drive overuse of high-tech imaging, contributing to escalating medical costs.
A new technology developed by Brown University researchers simplifies biomolecule separation using microfluidics and magnets, increasing accuracy and sensitivity in disease detection. The technique has great applicability for point-of-care platforms and specific applications include testing for HIV and influenza.
Researchers have developed a high-yield method for isolating viable hepatocytes from cryopreserved neonatal livers, showing better thawing recovery than those from adult livers. This breakthrough may provide an alternative source for liver cell transplantation, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Researchers used a simple questionnaire and existing hospital staff to gather data on diarrheal disease outbreaks in the Chobe District of Botswana. The study found that environmental factors, such as water shortages and dirty water, are important drivers of outbreaks, and can inform immediate action.
A new mouse model suggests that overexpressing the Isl1 gene can protect hair cells from degeneration and promote survival after loud noise exposure. This finding has implications for treating age-related and noise-induced hearing loss in humans.
Researchers used brain scans to find an anatomical marker for chronic pain in the brain, which may lead to changes in treatment. The study found a consistent difference in white matter between subjects who recovered and those with persistent pain.
Researchers are studying the effects of urban climates on crop yields to develop new crops adapted to urban gardens and provide recommendations for urban farmers. The benefits of urban agriculture include increased food production, community engagement, and access to healthy fresh produce.
Researchers launched an online platform called Plankton Portal, allowing citizens to classify millions of underwater images to study plankton diversity. The project uses high-resolution digital sensors from the In Situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS) to detect plankton and other organisms in the open ocean.
Scientists at NIST have developed novel odor-releasing materials to train bomb-sniffing dogs, reducing the need for hazardous samples and ensuring uniformity in training. The system can precisely control the release rate of scents over extended periods, making it ideal for large-scale training.
Researchers at NHCS successfully reversed effects of hERG mutation in patient-specific heart cells, scoring a world's first. The discovery could revolutionize drug development and lead to a potential cure for the life-threatening condition within 5-8 years.
A wide band of strong thunderstorms was detected south of Tropical Storm Usagi's center using infrared data from NASA's Aqua satellite. The cloud top temperatures exceeded -63F/-52C, indicating high thunderstorms with potential for heavy rainfall.
New research from Northwestern University predicts chronic back pain after lower back injuries based on abnormalities in brain structure connections. The study found that specific irregularities in the axons of the brain's white matter can trigger chronic pain with high accuracy, offering new hope for early treatment and prevention.
Researchers developed a high-throughput assay to track cell growth at low nutrient concentrations, revealing metabolic differences among cells of the same strain in the same environment. The study also found significant genetic variation in Sherpa populations' mitochondrial genomes, suggesting an adaptation for low oxygen environments.
A collaboration between NIST and 5 technical journals found that one-third of papers contained erroneous or incomplete chemical property data. A new online tool was developed to identify and eliminate errors in experimental data, using expert software system for data evaluation.
The new MOOCs Forum publication delves into the credibility, standards, and value of Massive Open Online Courses. Key findings include discussions on student identification and security, institutional benefits and liabilities, and platform advancements. The publication provides a voice for key stakeholders to shape the future of MOOCs.
A study published in Gastroenterology found that carbonation can trick the brain into perceiving artificially sweetened drinks as just as sweet as regular ones. This effect may facilitate weight loss by making low-calorie drinks more palatable, but it also increases sugar and food consumption.
A federal study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has shifted daytime delivery truck traffic to off-hours, reducing congestion and improving supply chain management. The program benefits businesses, delivery companies, and the environment, with estimated annual emissions reductions of over 100 tons.
Researchers at Children's National Medical Center have found that the new oral drug VBP15 decreases inflammation and protects muscles, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of symptoms in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. Initial clinical trials are planned pending FDA review and approval.
A team from IRB Barcelona discovered Mitofusin 2 plays a crucial role in measuring cellular stress levels. Removing Mfn2 leads to disrupted stress response pathways, reducing the capacity of cells to overcome stress.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that chronic care management did not result in increased abstinence from alcohol among individuals with alcohol and other drug dependence. The study compared participants receiving chronic care management with those receiving usual primary care, but no significant difference was found.
Researchers have discovered that heavily logged forests in Borneo still support a significant number of species, challenging the notion that logging depletes ecosystems. The study suggests that some species can thrive even in highly degraded environments.
Nanodiamonds have been found to promote bone growth and deliver proteins to treat osteonecrosis, a debilitating disease that causes bones to break down. The tiny diamonds can be administered non-invasively, potentially revolutionizing dental implant procedures.
Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can promote recovery from simulated childbirth injury and reduce symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. The treatment uses multipotent cells found in connective tissues, which home to damaged pelvic organs and release trophic factors to stimulate repair.
A Johns Hopkins analysis found that epidural steroid injections are only twice as effective as injections of any fluid, including anesthetics and saline, for treating lower back pain. The study suggests that smaller doses of steroids may be just as beneficial, and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The NJIT Flood Mitigation Engineering Resource Center will investigate alternative measures for flood mitigation in the Hackensack/Moonachie/Little Ferry area. The project aims to enhance existing efforts and provide a comprehensive strategy for protecting citizens from future floods through innovative engineering measures.
Professor Alexander Balandin receives MRS Medal for his groundbreaking work on graphene's thermal properties and development of a new materials characterization technique. His discoveries have led to major advances in understanding phonon transport and the application of graphene in heat removal and thermal management.
Researchers have developed a new optical imaging technique to track molecular movement, cell abnormalities, and fluid dynamics within tumors. This approach combines two high-tech methods to provide unprecedented insights into human cancer biology and aid in drug discovery.
A novel vaccine approach against human cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been shown to be safe and more effective than previous vaccines in an animal model. The vaccine targets CMV's ability to hijack the immune system, inducing broader immunological protection.
Researchers found strong selection for MC1R gene variants in South Europeans, associated with fair skin and increased melanoma risk. The V60L allele variant has been linked to both benefits and drawbacks, highlighting evolutionary trade-offs.
A recent study has revealed a significant increase in coeliac disease cases among Scottish children under the age of 16. The rate of new diagnoses rose from 1.7 per 100,000 to 11.8 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2009.
The OptSwap method enables scientists to predict and optimize microbial strain designs for increased yield of valuable biobased chemicals. Researchers identified optimal strain designs for L-alanine, succinate, acetate, and D-lactate production under modeled conditions.
A study published in Annals of Surgery found that immediate surgery reduces complications and shortens hospital stays by up to 50% compared to delaying surgery. Patients who underwent early surgery had fewer complaints and were discharged earlier, resulting in lower hospitalization costs.
Researchers found that blades with equal chord length, angled at 79 degrees and moving at 1.5 times the current speed can extract maximum energy from tidal currents. A Norwegian company's pilot project is already generating 28 kilowatts of power.
A recent study found that California adults with Medicaid coverage had the largest increase in emergency department visits from 2005 to 2010. This rise may be attributed to decreased access to primary care, which was reflected in higher rates of ambulatory care sensitive conditions among Medicaid patients.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that mental state and thinking abilities can predict early hospital readmissions in heart patients. Depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments are related to increased risk of hospital admissions and readmissions.
TRMM satellite data revealed heaviest rainfall in the Gulf of Mexico, with rates reaching 2 inches per hour, and moderate rainfall stretching inland over eastern Mexico. The remnants of Ingrid are expected to produce significant flooding and mudslides in eastern Mexico, with totals ranging from 10-15 inches.
A literature review found that one in four people develop hip arthritis before age 85, contributing to groin pain. Contributing factors include sports-related injuries, prior surgery, and traumatic occupational history. A detailed medical history and examination are crucial for diagnosing the source of groin pain.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that viral respiratory infections may be behind the seasonal spike in sleep-disordered breathing among children. The study, published in Sleep Medicine, suggests that winter months are when pediatric sleep-disordered breathing worsens, contrary to previous assumptions about asthma and allergies.
A new UMass Medical School study reveals that all postmenopausal women with diabetes, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background, are at a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The research underscores the importance of prevention strategies to reduce disparities in diabetes-related mortality...
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a highly accurate prototype technique to detect cancerous tissue during surgery. This technique can produce detailed maps of tissue rich in information at the molecular level, enabling fast and objective diagnosis of cancer cells.
Researchers will develop a prognostic tool to identify risk perceptions and predict susceptibility to flavored little cigars among young adult cigarette smokers. The study aims to inform regulatory policy and prevention methods for this growing threat in the tobacco control battle.
A review of 461 cases found strong associations between racism and detrimental health outcomes such as low self-esteem, reduced resilience, and behaviour problems in children and youth. The study identified an important issue that needs to be addressed in society, schools, and communities to improve child and youth health.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience suggests that people who can move to a beat show more consistent brain responses to speech than those with less rhythm. The findings imply that musical training could improve the brain's response to language.
Aging adults' loss of driving independence negatively impacts their ability to work and engage in formal volunteering. However, social connections within immediate environments are not immediately compromised. Planning for driving cessation can help seniors maintain activity and community engagement.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that resveratrol in red grapes and pterostilbene in blueberries can boost the innate immune system by increasing CAMP gene expression. This synergy is significant and has been shown to increase CAMP expression by several times.
The study found a marked rise in male suicide following the 2008 global economic crisis, with an estimated 5000 excess suicides in 2009. The impact varied by age, country, and employment change, with rises seen in males aged 15-24 and 45-64 in Europe and America.
The NC State program aims to develop teaching tools for global use, recruiting 10,000 teachers from around the world to participate. Initial projects include urban wildlife, soil microbial life, and paleontology, with modules incorporated into middle school science classes in North Carolina schools.
A Northwestern University study of over 100 high school students found a significant link between music, beat-keeping and language skills. Accurate beat-keeping involves synchronization between the parts of the brain responsible for hearing and movement.
A novel technique using ultrasound waves could reveal how abnormal forces lead to osteoarthritis development, enabling targeted intervention programs.
Researchers found that installing a few wetlands was more cost-effective than upgrading wastewater treatment plants to remove nitrogen pollution. However, the benefits of offering multiple payments for environmental services from wetlands are unclear, and their impact on market outcomes is still debated. The study's findings suggest th...
Tropical Storm Manuel dropped heavy rains causing widespread flooding and landslides that claimed the lives of 21 people. The TRMM satellite's data showed rain totals exceeding 350mm along Mexico's Pacific coast, with some areas experiencing extreme rainfall that forced the closure of Acapulco airport.
A recent study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that atmospheric carbon monoxide levels have been declining in Greenland since the 1970s, despite a global increase in vehicle emissions. The research suggests improvements in combustion technology, such as catalytic converters, may have driven this decline.
Researchers at UCSB created an Eventual Threat Index (ETI) that quantifies biological and socioeconomic conditions leading to unsustainable harvest rates. The study predicts overfishing threats for eight Pacific tuna species, including yellowfin tuna, using data from the 1990s to present.
A new meta-analysis of 29 randomized studies involving over 4,500 patients with knee osteoarthritis found significant improvement in pain and function with intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injections compared to saline injections. The study confirmed the safety profile of FDA-approved HA products.
Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center identified a compound, AZD6244, that counteracts tamoxifen's toxic effects on brain cells. The finding offers hope for preventing 'chemo brain' and its debilitating symptoms.