Wildfires in western Alaska produce massive smoke clouds, with MODIS detecting unusually warm surface temperatures. The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center reports record-setting fire potential across boreal spruce forests and tundra landscapes.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the recipients of its travel awards for the June 2013 FASEB Science Research Conferences. This year, five awards totaling $8,000 were conferred to promote the entry of underrepresented minority students, postdoctorates, and scientists into the basic science community.
Researchers developed a control concept that reduces travel time by about a minute and waiting time by up to seven seconds, increasing intersections that can be passed without stops from 60% to almost 100%. A driver information system was also created to provide speed recommendations to vehicles, resulting in improved traffic flow.
A new algorithm developed by Aránzazu Jurío-Munárriz can magnify digital images 700 times faster than existing methods while maintaining quality. This innovation has potential applications in fields such as remote sensing, medical imaging, and pattern recognition.
The predictive Hypoglycemia-Hyperglycemia Minimizer (HHM) System demonstrated that it can maintain safe glucose levels overnight, with participants spending over 90% of the time within a target range. The system showed encouraging performance in controlling blood glucose values during the critical nighttime period.
Biologists discovered that green algae require haemoglobin and nitric oxide to signal the absence of oxygen, allowing them to activate genes and produce hydrogen. In an oxygen-rich environment, this gene is idle, and its inactivation has fatal consequences for the algae.
Dogs demonstrate a 'secure base effect' when interacting with their owners, showing increased motivation for rewards when owner is present. This study reveals the importance of ownership for dog behavior and confidence.
A systematic review of studies on long-term-stay patients' care found that interdisciplinary teams involving the patient's own physician and a pharmacist had better odds of improving nursing home care quality. The review, published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, highlights the importance of team-based car...
Physicists at the University of Texas at Austin have built a tabletop particle accelerator capable of generating energies previously reached only by major facilities. The device accelerates electrons to 2 GeV over a distance of just 1 inch, marking a significant milestone in the development of X-ray laser technology.
Two Wayne State research grants totaling $1.8 million focus on addressing obesity-related diseases and developing environmental health leadership, aiming to improve community health and economic vitality in Detroit.
African birds use protected areas as stepping stones to survive amidst climate and environmental changes, according to a new study. The research found that protected areas are becoming increasingly valuable as land degradation exerts pressures elsewhere.
NASA successfully launched a Terrier-Improved Orion sounding rocket on June 20, carrying experiments built by university students and instructors. The next launch on June 24 will feature two rockets supporting the Daytime Dynamo experiment, which studies global electrical currents in the ionosphere.
A Brown University research team has discovered the genetically prescribed dance steps of the pollen tube, which leads to its self-sacrifice and allows flowering plants to reproduce. The study highlights the complex intercellular communications involved in pollination.
A Weill Cornell study found that over 1 million Americans who had quit smoking took up the habit again after 9/11, resulting in a 2.3% increase in adult smokers nationwide. The study estimates the cost to government at $530-830 million due to increased Medicare and Medicaid use, productivity losses, and decreased tax revenue.
The BigBrain atlas provides nearly cellular resolution, allowing researchers to see details close to the level of individual cells. This high-resolution model can be used for various applications such as computational modeling, simulating brain functions and analyzing data from MRIs and PET scans.
Researchers have discovered a promising approach to prevent the development of temporal lobe epilepsy in mice with just two weeks of treatment. Inhibiting the BDNF receptor TrkB after an initial seizure can exert long-term protective effects, preventing epilepsy and associated anxiety behaviors.
A study found high rates of burnout and depression among US anesthesiology residents, with nearly half considered at risk of burnout. The researchers also discovered that these conditions can affect the quality of patient care and increase medical errors.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have created a human-cell model of early-disease progression in pancreatic cancer using induced pluripotent stem cells. The study identified biomarkers that could be used for early detection, treatment, and prognosis.
A Baylor University study finds that state policymakers are less responsive to addressing the black-white education gap, particularly for African-American students. Despite efforts from federal-level initiatives like No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top, the research suggests a persisting achievement gap due to political foundations.
Researchers demonstrate highest reported drive current on a transistor made of a monolayer of tungsten diselenide, achieving ON currents as high as 210 uA/um and mobility of 142 cm2/V.s. The discovery is significant for future low-power and high-performance integrated circuits.
The latest IST-3 results show that alteplase treatment significantly improves mobility, self-care, and overall quality of life in stroke survivors. At 18 months, patients treated with alteplase had a 28% greater odds of being alive and independent compared to those not receiving the drug.
A study of over 3000 patients found that those who received rt-PA within six hours of a stroke had fewer problems with self-care and mobility, experienced less pain, and needed less help from others 18 months later. The drug significantly improved life after stroke in the long-term for elderly patients as well.
A Danish team of chemists has successfully created the world's smallest transistor using a single layer of graphene, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient electronic devices. The breakthrough uses precise placement of molecules to test their functionality, significantly improving testing efficiency.
Landsat 5, operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, set the record for the longest-operating Earth observation satellite with 28 years of service. The center also hosted the largest astronomy lesson event, breaking a Guinness World Record with over 500 participants in Austin, Texas.
Researchers discovered that grocery store produce continues to perceive light and alter its biology in response to circadian rhythms. This affects nutrient levels and phytochemicals, which have anti-cancer properties.
A Stanford-led study found that men diagnosed with azoospermia have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer than the general population. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,200 infertile men, found that azoospermic men were nearly three times more likely to receive a cancer diagnosis than non-azoospermic men.
The study examined how Lumosity's dataset can provide insights into the lifestyle correlates of cognitive performance. The second study found that performance on tasks that rely on fluid intelligence decreases with age at a faster rate than those that rely on crystallized intelligence.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine identified cryptopatches as the foundation for human GALT development, a critical component of intestinal immune function. The study suggests that repairing damaged GALT could lead to therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Cities are likened to social reactors and networks, attracting people and accelerating social interaction. The new framework predicts statistical relationships observed in thousands of real cities worldwide, providing insights into urban growth and development.
A team of researchers found that E. coli contamination on spinach farms is strongly influenced by factors such as time since last irrigation, workers' personal hygiene, and field use prior to planting produce. The study also identified the role of weather in producing contamination as a critical factor.
A study by University of California, San Diego researchers found that almost half of mobile apps on iOS devices access the unique identifier, location, and address book. A new app called ProtectMyPrivacy detects and controls what data other apps can access, giving users control over their privacy.
Researchers from NYU-Poly and NYU have received a grant to study histone modification, a key process in gene regulation. The study aims to understand the precise mechanisms of histone acetyltransferases (HATs), which are associated with diseases like cancer and diabetes.
A report in Anesthesia & Analgesia highlights retained guidewires as a complication that is always preventable yet still occurs. The article analyzes risk factors and contributing factors, including distraction of clinicians and task interruptions, to introduce preventive measures such as mandatory training programs and checklists.
Researchers have directly observed quantum effects on energy transfer in photosynthesis, discovering coherence is responsible for maintaining transport efficiency and adaptability. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of quantum effects and potential applications in developing more efficient solar cells.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute design a dual inhibitor attacking leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) enzymes, two proteins closely linked to Parkinson's disease development. The compound may offer a more effective treatment by eliminating complications of individual inhibitors.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that administering large doses of intravenous iron over a short period increases dialysis patients' risk of developing serious infections. In contrast, smaller doses given less frequently do not increase infection risk.
The UCSB National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) is expanding its reach with a new $2.4 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The center will engage non-academic stakeholders in ecology research, tackling environmental challenges such as conservation of freshwater fisheries and resilient agricu...
Research by Dr. Robert Wyatt and his team provides insights into the molecular mechanism of IgA nephropathy, a common kidney disease in North America. The study's findings suggest noninvasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes for patients.
Frank Leo van de Veerdonk has received a 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on fungal immunology. He discovered that mutations in STAT1 are responsible for autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a major breakthrough in diagnosing immunodeficiencies with fungal infections.
At least half of birth-related deafness and many progressive hearing losses have a genetic basis. New sequencing technologies identify 1,000 mutations linked to hearing loss in 64 human genes. This knowledge will lead to practical treatments and effective genetic counseling.
Scientists are launching a sounding rocket to study the dynamo, a global electrical current sweeping through the ionosphere. The mission will provide insights into the movement of charged particles and neutral winds, crucial for understanding the dynamo's impact on radio signals and potential presence on other planets.
The SILCS Diaphragm has been granted regulatory approval and will be launched in six European countries. It is a single-size device that fits most women and does not require a pelvic exam to determine size, making it easier to access and use.
In June 2013, NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites captured images of smoke billowing from Sumatran wildfires. The resulting haze descended on Singapore, pushing air quality indices to hazardous levels. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that the haze could last for several weeks.
Researchers investigate strain localization, atmospheric CO2, and ultra-high pressure metamorphism, shedding light on geological phenomena. Intensified Southern Hemisphere Westerlies are found to regulate atmospheric CO2 during the last deglaciation, highlighting critical parameters for the global carbon cycle.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured spectacular images of June 7, 2011 solar eruption and splashdown. The event provided an 'up close' view of what happens on distant stars during accretion. Astronomers can now learn about young star growth by analyzing ultraviolet light emission.
Researchers found that bacterial DNA is more likely to integrate into the human genome in tumor samples than in normal healthy somatic cells. The study suggests that lateral gene transfer may play a role in cancer and other diseases associated with DNA damage.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that children with autism have higher levels of gluten antibodies than those without autism. The researchers also discovered an association between the elevated antibodies and gastrointestinal symptoms in affected children. However, no connection was found to celiac disease.
Researchers found that zooplankton species critical for Atlantic cod larvae have declined in abundance, affecting their survival and recovery after overfishing. The study highlights the impact of changing ocean temperatures on the food chain, with significant biological consequences.
A large clinical trial shows that clopidogrel does not effectively reduce shunt-related blood flow issues in infants with congenital heart diseases. Aspirin alone may be effective in reducing the risk of clot formation, while switching to Plavix is not recommended.
A recent study has revealed a distinct evolutionary path for bacteria living in animals, including the mealybug's complex relationship with bacteria. The findings suggest that gene transfer from one bacterium to another plays a crucial role in maintaining this relationship.
Researchers use silver-based nanoprobes that reflect distinct optical fingerprints when light is shined on infected samples, detecting specific genetic materials taken from human samples. This technique has the potential to provide fast and reliable information about patients at the point of care.
Drusano's work in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling has been instrumental in simulating and validating dosing regimens to maximize the safety and efficacy of antibiotics. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on anti-infective pharmacology and antimicrobial resistance.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that climate change is likely to reduce the nutritional quality of grasses, causing bison to grow more slowly and weigh less. This could have significant economic implications for cattle producers, with a potential loss of $1 billion in income due to reduced weight gains.
A recent study by researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that thirdhand smoke causes significant genetic damage in human cells. Chronic exposure is worse than acute exposure, with higher concentrations of chemical compounds causing more DNA damage over time.
A new method for achieving nonlinear optical effects has been proposed, enabling 'quantum gates' on demand for large-scale quantum circuits. The approach uses a sub-millimeter-diameter resonator to manipulate single photons and overcome the challenges of existing methods.
Rhode Island Hospital implemented a five-step plan to reduce hospital-associated C. difficile infections, resulting in a 70% decrease and a 64% reduction in associated mortality. The study's success highlights the importance of a collaborative effort between hospital departments to improve patient safety.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have successfully synthesized a marine compound, baringolin, which shows promising antibiotic activity at low concentrations. The team aims to improve its solubility and design more active analogues to develop a viable drug in the next 10 years.
A combination of myxoma virus and rapamycin has been shown to infect and kill both brain cancer stem cells and differentiated compartments of glioblastoma multiforme, overcoming drug resistance. This study offers promising possibilities for overcoming barriers to treating the deadliest malignant brain tumor.
Tropical Storm Barry was captured by NASA's Aqua spacecraft on June 20, 2013, revealing maximum sustained winds of 40 knots and gusts up to 50 knots. Rainfall totals of 3-5 inches are expected in southern Mexico, posing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
A new method for converting CO2 into methanol has been developed by Université Laval researchers. The catalyst is made of two chemical groups and produces little waste, making it more effective than previous methods.