Unprocessed, raw cotton has been found to be an ideal, eco-friendly material for cleaning up oil spills, absorbing and holding over 30 pounds of crude oil per pound. The sustainable and biodegradable property of cotton makes it a promising alternative to synthetic sorbents.
A first prospective trial, CUSTOM, demonstrates that genetic analysis can assign cancer treatment for patients with three types of cancers. The study found that patients and doctors are interested in personalized medicine, but rare mutations remain a challenge.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a novel delivery method for the enzyme plasmin, which is more effective at dissolving blood clots than the standard treatment rt-PA. The new technique uses liposomes and ultrasound waves to target plasmin directly to the clot.
Researchers confirm Hofstadter butterfly, a rare quantum effect producing a repeating butterfly-shaped energy spectrum, in moiré-patterned graphene. This discovery provides the first direct experimental proof of this fractal pattern, which was predicted by American physicist Douglas Hofstadter in 1976.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a new type of nanoscale particle that can decontaminate tainted water and be easily recovered with a magnet. The 'synthetic antiferromagnetic cores' are ultraresponsive to magnetism, allowing for efficient collection of nearly all particles.
MIT researchers have developed a new method for manufacturing filters in frequency-hopping radios that enables 14 times more filters on a single chip. This improvement increases the performance of these devices while minimizing space constraints, making them ideal for handheld devices. The new approach uses techniques already common in...
Researchers found that extensive warming on the Antarctic Peninsula occurs during its fall months, governed by atmospheric circulation patterns originating in the tropics. The autumn warming leads to a notable reduction in sea ice cover, resulting in warmer temperatures on nearby land in winter and spring.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that scheduled imaging studies are ineffective in detecting the relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Only a handful of patients without symptoms were identified through scans, highlighting the need for individualized care approaches.
A recent study found that people with negative feelings towards climate change actively seek out more information, while those with positive emotions tend to avoid it. The researchers suggest that improving risk communication about climate change could benefit from approaches such as arousing curiosity and promoting optimism.
A recent study published in Chemical Reviews suggests that photocatalysis offers the greatest potential for removing ethylene gas, reducing spoilage and financial losses. By transforming ethylene into carbon dioxide and water, this technology has the potential to increase food quality and availability globally.
Researchers found that parts of the prefrontal cortex take over when the hippocampus, a key learning and memory center, is disabled. The breakthrough discovery could potentially help develop new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and other conditions involving brain damage.
A combination of factors is fueling a renaissance in drug development for rare diseases. Smaller pharmaceutical companies and patient advocacy groups are playing key roles in bringing new treatments to market. With over 7,000 rare conditions affecting 200,000 patients or fewer, these breakthroughs offer hope for fuller lives.
African clawed frogs in California are found to carry a deadly fungal infection that has led to the decline or extinction of some 200 amphibian species worldwide. The fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatis, is transmitted through water and can cause skin thickening, electrolyte imbalance, and brain swelling.
A new study from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that cancer patients are more than two-and-a-half times more likely to declare bankruptcy than those without cancer. Younger cancer patients faced the highest bankruptcy rates, particularly in their early 20s and 30s.
Researchers found that breathing motor vehicle emissions alters high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, making it contribute to clogged arteries. The inhalation of emissions activates components of oxidation, leading to inflammation and hardening of the arteries.
Researchers at RUB created a square lattice of magnetic islands, where the north and south poles aligned themselves in chains. Higher-order interactions determined the magnetization orientation, leading to a chain formation instead of expected zigzag pattern.
The STP-H4 payload complement includes three NRL experiments: SWATS, MARS, and GLADIS, which will investigate space weather and its impact on military and civilian systems. The experiments aim to improve forecasting capabilities and provide two-way communications for various sensor arrays.
Ekwoge Abwe, a Cameroon conservationist, has won the prestigious Whitley award for his work preserving Ebo Forest and its wildlife. The award recognizes his community-led gorilla conservation initiative, which aims to secure a safe future for endangered species.
A large-scale study found that minimally invasive MRI autopsies accurately determined the cause of death for 92% of fetuses and babies younger than one year. However, accuracy decreased for children aged 1-16 years, with only half of cases agreeing on cause of death. The study suggests that MRI may not detect infections in this age group.
Research by University of Copenhagen economists rejects the 'wealth effect' theory, suggesting homeowners do not increase consumption despite rising property values. The study analyzed data from 90,000 households and found that younger homeowners took out more consumption loans when given the chance.
A new journal supplement highlights the nutritional benefits of white vegetables, debunking the myth that they are less nutritious than their colorful counterparts. Key findings include a substantial body of evidence demonstrating how white vegetables contribute important amounts of essential shortfall nutrients to the American diet.
Research suggests that upper-body strength predicts men's political opinions on economic redistribution, indicating a possible evolutionary link. The study found that wealthy men with high strength were less likely to support redistribution, while poor men of similar strength were more likely to support it.
Obese patients who received robotic kidney transplants had significantly fewer wound complications than those receiving traditional open surgery. This minimally invasive procedure provides a better quality of life for high-risk patients often bypassed for transplantation.
A recent study by Duke University and the USGS found no evidence of groundwater contamination from shale gas production in Arkansas. The researchers sampled 127 shallow drinking water wells and analyzed the samples for major and trace elements, hydrocarbons, and isotopic tracers.
The first tropical depression of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season formed on May 15, according to NASA data. Tropical Depression One-E was detected by the Aqua satellite and showed signs of strong thunderstorms with heavy rainfall potential.
Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center performed delicate 'eye surgery' to implant the MIRI instrument, weighing 181 pounds, into the ISIM module. The precise operation requires coordination among multiple team members to avoid disturbing the critical science instruments.
A study analyzing over 4000 summaries from peer-reviewed articles finds that 97% endorse the consensus that recent global warming is human-caused. The findings starkly contrast public perceptions, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action on climate change.
A team of scientists has successfully used Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) to produce human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), opening up new possibilities for personalized therapies. The study's findings offer a promising approach for generating patient-specific stem cells to model diseases and replace damaged tissues.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have successfully developed a new type of laser that uses electricity instead of light, requiring significantly less energy to operate. The device produces a coherent beam of light and has potential applications in various fields, including optical communication and medical surgery.
A UC Santa Barbara scientist and team found significant benefits to slowing climate change from reducing industrial methane emissions. Methane levels were highest near refineries, with nighttime concentrations enhanced by calm atmospheric layers.
Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have identified four genes (TENC1, ERBB3, ACVR1B, and DGKA) that influence levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to reduce heart disease risk in humans.
A team of Stanford engineers has created a thin, flexible 'skin' that can monitor heart health, detecting stiff arteries and cardiovascular problems. The device is sensitive enough to track changes in the pulse wave, which could lead to more detailed diagnostics in the future.
A study published in Neurology found that individuals with skin cancer had a nearly 80% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest physical activity and biological factors as possible explanations for this link.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that consuming sugar-sweetened drinks increases the risk of developing kidney stones. On the other hand, beverages like coffee, tea, and orange juice are associated with a lower risk of stone formation.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that long-term outcomes in patients with advanced coronary artery disease are better than expected. The researchers analyzed data from 1,200 consecutive patients with refractory angina and found a low mortality rate of 3.9% at one year and 28.4% at nine years.
Researchers have created a comprehensive map of the tuberculosis protein, allowing scientists to pinpoint specific proteins and discover new ones. This resource may aid in the development of new therapies and early detection methods, targeting the main target for medication: pathogen proteins.
Researchers have developed maps that predict climatically suitable habitats for tree species based on climate predictions. The study found that populations of wide-ranging tree species lag behind their optimal growing environment due to changing temperature and precipitation conditions.
Two studies published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that chemokine stimulation is not required for T cell migration to transplanted organs. Instead, immune-stimulating proteins expressed by the organ direct T cells to migrate. Additionally, researchers identified a protein called TRAIL that causes cell death and can be...
A strong X1.2 class solar flare was detected on May 14, 2013, with a non-Earth-directed CME caused by the flare. The CME is traveling at speeds of up to 745 miles per second and may impact spacecraft in its path.
Drs. Yueming Li and Lennart Mucke have made significant contributions to understanding Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, identifying underlying processes that impair cognitive functions. Their work has led to promising new directions for treatment, including targeting gamma-secretase activity and modulating protein interactions.
A team of researchers is studying the protein structure and reaction dynamics of a key photosynthesis catalyst. They aim to understand the intermediate stages necessary for the oxidation of water, which could help develop sustainable solar energy solutions.
The new institute will offer sabbatical placements to top academics, advancing theoretical basic research and enhancing ETH's academic base. The fellows will work alongside experienced researchers, providing additional stimulation and enrichment.
Living cells process information via signalling molecules and use negative feedback to reduce noise, with almost half of regulatory molecules regulating their own expression through biochemical reactions.
Scientists have developed a new flame retardant coating that reduces heat release and prevents foam dripping, making it a safer alternative for upholstered furniture. The coating is made with a relatively benign polymer and creates a gas blanket, preventing oxygen from fueling fires.
A University of Missouri study found that simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, impairs the positive effects of exercise on fitness levels in obese adults. The study measured cardiorespiratory fitness and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content in participants taking statins while exercising.
Scientists have discovered ancient pockets of water that contain abundant chemicals known to support life, similar to those found on Mars. The study's findings may force us to rethink which parts of our planet are fit for life, and could reveal clues about how microbes evolve in isolation.
A Wayne State University researcher has developed a new technique called LOBOT that provides accurate, real-time positions for small ground robotic vehicles. The technique combines elements of common localization schemes and uses a hybrid approach with infrequent GPS use, a 3-D accelerometer, and motor rotation sensors.
A team of scientists discovered the ionization potential of astatine, filling a long-standing gap in its atomic structure. This finding has implications for targeted alpha therapy in cancer treatment and helps to benchmark theories on super-heavy elements.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that hysterectomy with or without ovary removal does not increase a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease compared to natural menopause. Middle-aged women who have had hysterectomy can be encouraged due to reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
Recent research at the University of Missouri discovered that listening to upbeat music can successfully try to be happier. Participants improved their moods after being instructed to attempt to do so, especially when listening to Copland's music, and reported higher levels of happiness over a two-week period.
A recent study on young adult crack users in Brazil highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to address this pressing issue. The research reveals extensive socio-economic marginalization, health problems, and involvement in crime among these individuals, emphasizing the importance of adequate services.
Miljanic aims to enhance students' educational experience through recorded lectures and 3D printed models. His research focuses on molecular self-sorting and development of new molecules for sensing, separations, and energy-relevant applications.
Researchers found that passenger car drivers are nearly 10 times more likely to die in head-on crashes with SUVs, even if the SUV has a better safety rating. The study also showed that passengers in smaller vehicles face higher death rates in frontal crashes.
A WSU study found plantings of sweet alyssum attract spiders and predatory insects that prey on woolly apple aphids, reducing their populations. The discovery is a boon for both organic and conventional tree fruit growers.
A team of scientists from the University of Houston and a filmmaker will share their discoveries about remnants of an ancient city in the Honduran rainforest, using light detection and ranging (lidar) technology. They will also showcase previously undisclosed images of apparent archeological sites.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a synthetic substance that resists the body's natural attack response to foreign objects. The polymer, known as a hydrogel, can be coated on medical devices like artificial heart valves and prostheses to prevent rejection.
A BUSM study found that low-income and minority parents are more receptive to HPV vaccination, while white, middle-class parents defer vaccination. Vaccination can reduce health disparities in cervical cancer rates if girls are vaccinated before sexual experimentation.
A UK study found that the £10 million Family Nurse Partnership program can only tackle around 10% of families involved in child maltreatment. Researchers suggest using different risk factors to identify vulnerable children could reach three times more abusive families.
New research reveals that sulfate aerosols form through an oxidation pathway involving transition metal ions, which may affect climate cooling estimates. This could lead to overestimated climate cooling effects in some regions.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are associated with a higher risk of device-related complications compared to single-chamber ICDs. The study analyzed over 32,000 patients and discovered that rates of complications were lower for single-chamber devices.