The University of Delaware has received a $3.3 million NSF grant to develop a program that aims to increase the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women faculty, particularly in STEM fields. The five-year program will provide research support and mentoring opportunities for faculty.
Cytokinins, produced in legume leaves, play a crucial role in regulating root nodule numbers by signaling from the roots to the leaves. This discovery sheds new light on the symbiotic balance between rhizobia and legumes.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found that nonylphenol inhibits earthworms' ability to protect cells from cold damage, making them more vulnerable. The study also revealed that phenanthrene has an opposite effect, increasing cell membrane fluidity and resistance to cold in both earthworms and springtails.
Advances in X-ray technology enabled refinement of previously intractable proteins like the ribosome and viruses. The Deformable Elastic Network (DEN) approach optimizes protein structure prediction by adjusting features to fit diffraction data, reducing ambiguities.
Tropical Storm Edouard is weakening, with maximum sustained winds at near 60 mph, and expected to become post-tropical later on Sept. 19. It will then head east and impact the western Azores Islands over the weekend of Sept. 20-21 before turning south.
A review of literature suggests that same-sex couples are more likely to experience domestic violence, affecting 25-75% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. The additional stress of being a sexual minority exacerbates the issue, leading to reluctance in addressing domestic violence.
Researchers have discovered a new cancer drug target, TIPE3, which promotes tumor growth by hijacking lipid signaling pathways. Abnormal expression of TIPE3 has been linked to various types of cancer, including lung, colon, and ovarian cancers, making it a potential therapeutic target for treating malignant diseases.
Researchers discovered that a single dose of antidepressant can dramatically change the human brain's functional architecture within three hours. The study found increased connectivity in two specific brain regions, while reducing intrinsic connectivity elsewhere.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz found that both sperm and eggs transmit a memory of gene repression to embryos, which is then transmitted through multiple cell divisions. This epigenetic memory plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and development.
Researchers have discovered a deformation of the Fermi surface in ultracold quantum gases due to anisotropic particle interactions. This deformation leads to an ellipsoidal shape, which is not spherical as predicted for isotropic interactions.
Scientists have identified a control mechanism for the brain's processing of disappointment, which may be a key to treating depression. In experiments with rodents, researchers found that a small region above the thalamus secretes both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, allowing for a more subtle control of signaling.
Researchers found that certain individuals with HIV are more tolerant of the virus than others, with factors including age and HLA-B gene variants playing a role. The study suggests that tolerance-based treatments could be an alternative to traditional resistance-based strategies.
Researchers discovered microplastic particles in the form of polyethylene microbeads in St. Lawrence River sediments, with concentrations exceeding 1000 per liter. The findings raise concerns about fish and other animals consuming these particles, potentially transferring chemicals to the ecosystem.
A novel robotic system is being tested to determine if it can make prostate cancer biopsies faster, more accurate, less costly, and less discomforting for patients. The robot uses real-time MRI images to guide the insertion of needles, potentially delivering therapies with greater precision.
Researchers at Duke Medicine and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore detail how Yersinia pestis bacteria hitchhike on immune cells in lymph nodes to spread the bubonic plague. New therapies that block host immune function show promise in preventing infection and improving survival.
Eight researchers will be celebrated at the third annual Golden Goose Award ceremony for their work in improving the health of premature infants. Their research, including touch therapy, led to groundbreaking discoveries with significant impacts on society.
A survey of Fortune 500 chief human resource officers found that nearly 80% of companies have raised or plan to raise employee contributions to health insurance. The Affordable Care Act has led to a significant increase in healthcare costs, with 38% of respondents reporting a rise in health insurance costs.
A study led by Queen's University professor Robert Campbell revealed that using anti-inflammatory medicines after common eye surgery isn't helpful or necessary. The research found that steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not affect the ability of laser treatment to lower eye pressure.
Hurricane Polo is expected to strengthen before weakening due to northeasterly wind shear on Sept 19. The storm is currently located about 150 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
A new study by University of Illinois professor Ravi S. Gajendran found that telecommuting yields positive effects on task- and context-based performance for employees with good relationships with their bosses. However, for workers without a strong employer relationship, telecommuting actually improves performance.
Numerous agricultural fires are burning in Eastern Europe, primarily in Ukraine. These fires were likely intentionally set to manage land and return nutrients to the soil, but also produce smoke that degrades air quality.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to build MoS2 light emitters that can be tuned to different frequencies, essential for optoelectronic chips. This breakthrough could lead to more energy-efficient and flexible displays.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that combining exercise with chemotherapy shrunk tumors more than chemotherapy alone in a mouse model of melanoma. Exercise increased blood flow to the tumor, bringing more of the drug into the bloodstream, and may help reduce side effects.
A new molecule, UM171, has been discovered that can multiply stem cells in a unit of cord blood, increasing the number of units available for transplant. This breakthrough could revolutionize the treatment of leukemia and other blood-related diseases, particularly for non-Caucasian patients who often have limited access to transplants.
A new video game called MindLight is being tested to see if it can help youth cope with and conquer their anxiety. The game, designed for children aged 8-16, uses neurofeedback technology to measure the player's level of relaxation or anxiety, providing a safe space for kids to practice regulating their emotions.
Numerical models suggest that Miranda's corona formation was driven by tidal heating and convection in the ice mantle. This process is similar to plate tectonics on Earth, resulting in extensional tectonic faults and surface deformation.
The European Society for Medical Oncology calls for high-quality research and clinical trials for advanced breast cancer. Key areas of focus include treatment strategies for patients with liver or lung metastases, HER2-positive disease, and men receiving aromatase inhibitors.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new type of organic solar cell that can use virtually any metal for the electrode, effectively breaking the 'electrode barrier'. The new design allows for improved electron transport efficiency and reduced work function, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
Research reveals a two-and-a-half-fold increase in referrals by GPs for June and July 2013 after Angelina Jolie's announcement, with continued rise through October. The study found that many women with family history of breast cancer were referred for testing, contradicting concerns about 'worried well' individuals.
Washington State University researchers have developed a unique method to use microbes in pond sediment to power waste cleanup in rural areas. The microbe-powered system reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing biological reactions from microbes to generate electricity.
Children of college-educated parents are more likely to eat vegetables and drink less sugary drinks, but all kids fall short when it comes to healthy eating at school. The study also found that low-income families face tough choices about packing lunches due to higher-priced healthier options.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method for educational research using computational modeling with video games. This approach allows computers to learn student behavior and think like students, making it possible to test multiple interventions before classroom implementation.
A study published in PNAS found that the Foxp2 gene enhances learning ability, allowing humans to acquire and creatively manipulate spoken language more quickly than other animals. The gene modulates the balance between conscious and unconscious learning processes, enabling faster language acquisition.
A UT Dallas study found that high academic achievement and school attachment increase willingness to report knowledge about guns and knives, while prior knowledge of school security is associated with increased intent to report. Most students would report a gun or knife to parents, family members, or authority figures.
A multi-site research study found that individuals living in disadvantaged neighborhoods experience worse musculoskeletal pain outcomes over time after stressful events like car accidents. The study suggests that the environment plays a significant role in chronic pain development, with stress systems involved in pain worsening outcomes.
Two researchers from the Technical University of Munich have won an International Space Station Research Competition to study the structure of Hepatitis C virus proteins in microgravity. The project aims to identify new targets for medications and could lead to breakthroughs in treating the disease, which is prevalent in Egypt.
Scientists at USC have developed CALM technology, allowing for high-resolution imaging of single molecules in living animals. The technique revealed that dystrophin regulates calcium channel fluctuations in muscle cells, leading to impaired muscle activity in muscular dystrophy patients.
A review article examines how humans and non-human species respond to unfairness, revealing that reactions are driven by cooperation and social reciprocity. The study suggests that fairness is not the primary motivator, but rather maintaining good relations through reward division.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered that the protein Chop regulates the activity and accumulation of cells that suppress the immune response against tumors. The study found that removing Chop boosts the effectiveness of treatment, revealing it as a target for developing new immunotherapies to treat cancer.
Researchers studied adults with Down syndrome to understand the role of amyloid-β protein in memory and cognitive function. Contrary to expectations, many individuals with elevated amyloid-β levels did not exhibit negative consequences, highlighting the complexity of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered how circular RNAs are produced, finding they compete with normal RNAs for expression. The study suggests a link between circRNAs and degenerative diseases like muscular dystrophy and potentially brain disorders.
Researchers found a specific type of neuron in the parafacial zone responsible for deep sleep, allowing unprecedented control over brain function. The discovery may lead to new medications for treating sleep disorders and developing safer anesthetics.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge used a new technique to study the immune response to live Salmonella vaccines, finding they enhance the ability to prevent bacterial replication and spread. This is crucial for preventing conditions like bacteraemia, a major killer in Africa.
A study found that female early adolescents who attend schools with older girls report a greater desire to be thin and less satisfaction with their bodies. This suggests that school grade groupings may influence the pace and timing of body image changes during adolescence.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have discovered a highly efficient method for generating pluripotent stem cells, increasing yields by over 20-fold compared to standard protocols. The new technique uses vitamin C and two other compounds to modulate enzymes involved in cell reprogramming.
Hurricane Edouard's minimum central pressure was nearly as low as when it was a category 3 hurricane. The storm is expected to weaken and become post-tropical before winding up west of the Azores in a few days.
Researchers discovered early observations of a 19th-century volcanic eruption, dated to within a fortnight of December 4, 1808. The 'Unknown' eruption occurred before the famous 1815 Tambora volcano, which had significant global impacts on climate and inspired literary works like 'Darkness.'
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a brain region in rats responsible for their confidence in decisions. The study used rats to test decision-making and found that a specific region of the orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in measuring confidence.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) will host CHEST World Congress 2016 in China, offering hands-on simulation training, keynote addresses, and presentations by leading health-care experts. The event aims to improve patient care through global collaboration and sharing of clinical knowledge.
Physicists at the University of Utah have developed a method to control electrical current in a cheap, plastic LED using nuclear spins. They achieved this at room temperature without strong magnetic fields, bringing the study closer to practical machines that work spintronically.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new tool that uses genetic engineering and light to visualize and map neural networks in living organisms. The tool, which detects changes in membrane voltage, allows for real-time observation of neuronal activity and its effects on behavior.
Researchers developed two mouse models with mitochondrial distribution defects that mimic neurological problems similar to ALS. The study found that impaired movement and muscle clasp were symptoms of the disease, suggesting a link between mitochondria distribution and motor neuron disease progression.
Researchers discovered that Streptococcus pneumoniae, the cause of most cases of bacterial pneumonia, can invade the heart and cause death of heart muscle cells. The study found that the pneumolysin toxin is responsible for this damage, and that an experimental vaccine formulation protected mice against cardiac invasion and heart damage.
Research suggests that fall foliage seasons in the US could be delayed by one to three weeks by the end of the century, affecting agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems. Daily temperatures and daylight hours can predict leaf coloration, with regional differences playing a significant role.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new technique called vectored immunoprophylaxis (VIP) to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV, malaria, and influenza. This method provides specific antibodies that can neutralize pathogens, offering a potential solution for widespread use in the less developed world.
Researchers discovered that the STXBP5 gene influences blood clotting by regulating VWF, a key contributor to normal clot formation. However, they found that mice lacking this gene experienced increased bleeding instead of clotting, highlighting distinct roles for STXBP5 in endothelial cells and platelets.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that stem cells 'communicate' with damaged cells by transferring molecules via fluid-filled bags called vesicles, helping other cells modify the damaging immune response. This novel mechanism enables stem-cell-based therapies to work more efficiently.
A team from EPFL Brain Mind Institute finds that chronic stress activates an enzyme that reduces nectin-3 cell adhesion proteins, leading to social skills loss and impaired memory. External treatments can restore sociability and normal cognitive skills.
A RAND Corporation report examines a unique partnership providing private mental health services to veterans and their families, highlighting key findings on outreach and engagement strategies. The study's insights could inform VA reform efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health needs in returning service members.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that pupil size can predict the reliability of decisions. Researchers measured pupil size before participants made decisions and found that larger pupils were associated with poorer performance.