Haibo Ge, a chemist at IUPUI, has received a $600,000 NSF award to support his research on efficient methods for preparing organic molecules with potential impact on medicinal and agricultural chemistries. The grant also supports the development of an interdisciplinary course linking organic and medicinal chemistry.
The University of Tennessee Professor Barry Bruce has received funding to harness the power of photosynthesis for cheap and efficient energy. The new photobioreactors will increase algae yields 50-fold, allowing for scalable testing and characterization.
A study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics found a combination of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification and real-time quantitative PCR detects aspergillosis with 100% accuracy. This diagnostic test has the potential to improve patient outcomes by providing early detection of this potentially deadly fungus.
Rice University theorists show that energy landscapes dominate both evolution and folding of proteins. The team used computer models to compare the folding of natural proteins from eons to seconds, revealing a common connection between evolution and physics.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich successfully assembled chains of up to 90 porphine units using a silver surface, opening doors for the development of ordered long molecular structures. These 'tapes' have potential applications in electronic devices and data storage.
A study found that the EU's policy on tobacco control shifted in favor of the industry following massive lobbying. The research used automated content analysis to track changes in language used by health groups and industry stakeholders, revealing a significant shift towards industry interests.
Researchers examine limitations in manufacturing, engineering, power, time, and computational complexity to determine achievable advancements. Emerging technologies like carbon nanotubes may overcome traditional limits, but fundamental constraints still pose significant obstacles.
Numerous wildfires have impacted Russia's landscape this summer, producing smoke that has drifted to the Arctic Sea. The smoke contains a mixture of particles and chemicals produced by incomplete burning of carbon-containing materials.
Researchers are studying the effects of projected climate changes on native plant species in the Pacific Northwest. By growing 12 species of range-limited native grasses and forbs in simulated future climate conditions, scientists aim to understand how plants will adapt and potentially disappear as temperatures rise.
A long-lasting foreshock series in northern Chile controlled the rupture process of a magnitude 8.1 earthquake, which occurred in a region where the two colliding tectonic plates were partly locked. The study suggests that the unbroken regions north and south may break in separate smaller earthquakes.
Researchers found that dolphins and beluga whales exhibit a delay between reward anticipation and squealing, suggesting they experience pleasure. This behavior is comparable to the timing of dopamine release in humans.
Scientists have discovered novel properties of special HIV antibodies that can neutralize multiple strains of HIV. The study found that these 'broadly neutralizing antibodies' are more prevalent in HIV-infected individuals than previously thought, suggesting a possible vaccine strategy to elicit them.
Research suggests that high levels of inflammatory markers in childhood may increase the risk of developing depression and psychosis in adulthood. The study found that individuals with elevated IL-6 levels were nearly two times more likely to experience depression or psychosis than those with low levels.
A new study suggests Antarctica's ice sheet could become the largest contributor to global sea level rise earlier than thought. The analysis indicates a range of potential increases of 1-37 centimeters in this century, significantly higher than previous IPCC projections. This could have devastating impacts on coastal cities and communi...
A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that community-associated MRSA can colonize the groin and rectal areas, with men being more frequently colonized than women. This discovery has important implications for MRSA surveillance programs nationwide.
Researchers have developed a simple method to detect contaminants on atom-thin graphene using terahertz spectroscopy. The technique involves placing the graphene on a layer of indium phosphide, which emits terahertz waves when excited by a laser pulse, allowing for non-contact detection and mapping of changes in electrical conductivity.
A new study identifies a novel gene, Inpp4b, that controls nerve conduction velocity and is linked to multiple sclerosis. The researchers found that polymorphisms in this gene affect nerve conduction speed in both mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and humans with MS.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a new clue to understanding how the most important medication for tuberculosis works. The antibiotic Pyrazinamide cuts off the energy production of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, killing the bacteria by disrupting PanD, an enzyme crucial to synthesis of co-enzym...
A new technique can quickly screen products for mercury content, helping to identify those at risk of serious health problems. The method uses total reflection x-ray fluorescence and has been shown to be just as accurate as existing techniques.
A Vanderbilt-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the high-dose flu vaccine is 24% more effective than the standard-dose vaccine in protecting persons ages 65 and over against influenza illness. The study, which enrolled 31,989 participants, showed that the high-dose trivalent vaccine induces significan...
The iTAKL study aims to increase understanding of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury by employing imaging, cognitive testing and biomechanical data. The research team hopes to provide objective data that will help prevent, mitigate, identify and treat head injuries.
New research examines how users perceive campus emergency alerts, finding that personality traits such as neuroticism and agreeableness affect attitudes towards the system. The study suggests differentiating between serious and nonserious threats to maintain public trust and safety.
A survey of scientists from 94 countries reveals the top research priorities for sustaining ocean health, including climate change's impact on plankton growth and ocean biodiversity. Social scientists highlight the need to better communicate science to policy-makers and the public as a key priority.
A study examining Medicare hospice discharges found that nearly 1 in 5 patients were discharged alive, sparking concerns about cost-saving measures. The researchers also discovered significant variation in live discharge rates across states and individual hospices.
Researchers have developed a method to isolate stem cells from skeletal muscle that can regenerate nerves after severe damage. These cells, called Sk-MSCs, have been shown to facilitate the growth of responsible nerve and vascular cells, making them a potential tool for treating large resection surgery.
Scientists create a temporary tattoo sensor that detects and responds to lactate in sweat, producing an electrical current. The device continuously monitors sweat lactate levels over time and with changes in exercise intensity, enabling the creation of sweat-powered biobatteries.
A new portable device using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry can detect the specific vapors emitted by US currency, potentially helping border guards identify and seize billions of dollars in smuggled cash. The system, called BCDS, is being developed to improve detection and has been shown to work effectively within seconds.
Tropical Storm Iselle weakened significantly before striking the southeast coast of Hawaii's Big Island, causing widespread damage and power outages. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the island, with sustained winds of 60 mph at landfall.
Scientists have created a new technique to transform methane-emitting landfill gas into hydrogen, which can be used in fuel cells to generate clean electricity. The breakthrough involves using a highly stable catalyst material that prevents carbon deposition, allowing for more efficient production of hydrogen.
A recent study found that flexible sigmoidoscopy screening significantly reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer by 20% and mortality rate by 27%, compared to no screening. The screening method was effective in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, regardless of age group.
A Michigan State University study suggests that adolescents who are more fearful of crime are less likely to become victims and offenders of violent acts. The research found that fearful youth tend to avoid potentially dangerous situations, leading to safer outcomes.
Researchers using supercomputers at TACC analyzed bacterial communities for gum disease, diabetes, and Crohn's disease. They found that these microbes adjust their metabolism in response to disease, suggesting new ways to prevent or reverse the conditions.
A Quebec study found that 77% of children placed in out-of-home care eventually reunify with their families, with the majority reuniting within 6 months. Younger children and those from low-socioeconomic backgrounds face a lower likelihood of family reunification.
Research highlights the importance of glial cells in CNS regeneration. Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons, but also influence the survival and fates of transplanted neural stem cells. Regulating their behavior can create a permissive microenvironment for neuronal regeneration.
Geckos can run up walls, cling to ceilings, and defy gravity due to their unique toe hairs called seta that turn sticky and non-sticky instantly. This 'smart' adhesion system allows geckos to achieve remarkable speeds and support massive weights.
Researchers discovered that geckos can turn their toe hairs' stickiness on and off, allowing for speed and energy-efficient climbing. This mechanism is crucial for geckos' survival and enables potential applications in synthetic dry-adhesives for extreme environments.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a new class of hybrid perovskites with exceptional performance in solid-state thin film solar cells. The materials demonstrate high light-to-electricity conversion efficiencies approaching 20% and are easy to process using coating and printing techniques.
Tropical Depression Genevieve dissipated in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean after a two-week journey through three Pacific regions. Maximum sustained winds dropped to 25 knots as the storm moved northwest at 8 knots.
The Antarctic midge's genome is the smallest sequenced so far, with only 99 million base pairs. This compact genome may hold clues to the insect's incredible ability to survive in extreme conditions. Researchers are now eager to explore whether other sub-Antarctic organisms have similar genomes.
The Antarctic midge's small genome lacks many DNA segments and repeat elements found in most animal genomes. This 'bare-bones' genome may be an evolutionary answer to surviving the cold conditions of Antarctica.
Researchers found that mowing and prescribed burns increased plant density and flowering percentage of gentian species, a rare find due to human suppression of wildfires. Northern pine snakes struggle to cross roads, with only small patches of habitat left to support populations.
Researchers investigate supperrotation on Venus and Titan using global atmospheric simulations. They find a global instability coupling equatorial waves, which could predict superrotation occurrence. This discovery helps scientists design spacecraft and landing missions for specific targets.
A Phase II trial is being conducted to test fexinidazole, a 'rediscovered' drug, for its safety and efficacy in treating Chagas disease. The study aims to determine if the drug is safer and more effective than placebo in clearing the parasite that causes the disease.
Graphene-based planar micro-supercapacitors provide a promising solution for on-chip energy storage with high power density and fast charging capabilities. The devices can deliver a superior cycling lifetime of millions of cycles, making them suitable for applications that require high power over a short timeframe.
University of Oklahoma professor Chris Weaver is developing innovative visualization tools to interact with data in the digital humanities. The project aims to provide a general way to create, edit, search and query data inside visualizations, enabling users to express their observations directly.
A new study by US Forest Service scientists found that eastern hemlock loss due to the hemlock woolly adelgid insect has no significant effect on short-term stream flow, but increases peak flows after extreme storm events. The loss of foundation species in forested riparian zones could amplify climate change impacts.
A cluster randomized trial found that installing alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers in classrooms did not reduce the rate of school absences in children. The provision of hand sanitizers also did not affect the number of absences due to specific illnesses or the length of illness and absence from school.
Four major wildfires are burning in northern Washington, including Upper Falls, Little Bridge Creek, Lone Mountain, and Duncan fires, all started by lightning strikes, with dry conditions and red flag warnings in place.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that heart attack survivors who exercise excessively are at a higher risk of cardiovascular deaths. Researchers recommend exercising within a moderate range to reap long-term health benefits, with daily doses not exceeding 60 minutes and 5 hours of vigorous exercise per week.
GnRH neurons in rat preoptic area undergo morphological changes during puberty, including inverted Y distribution pattern and increased spine-like processes. These findings provide insight into reproductive maturation and GnRH regulation.
A major study estimates that nearly half of the US adult population will develop type 2 diabetes by age 20, with Hispanic men and non-Hispanic black women facing the highest risk. The study found a significant increase in lifetime risk of diabetes over 26 years, driven by rising rates and longer life expectancy.
Scientists have successfully tested a new treatment for aggressive brain cancer, using tiny gold nanoparticles to kill tumour cells. The treatment combines chemotherapy with radiotherapy, targeting cancer cells directly and enhancing the impact of conventional treatments.
Researchers have identified a key gene linked to Huntington's disease as also playing a crucial role in normal long-term memory formation. The study used the marine snail Aplysia to explore this connection and found that eliminating the protein disrupted memory formation.
The ALS Association granted Lauren Sciences LLC a grant to develop a V-Smart therapeutic for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The project aims to deliver neurotrophic factors across the blood brain barrier using the company's novel V-Smart nanovesicle platform technology.
Researchers developed a new model explaining how autism occurs, with genetically-controlled brain plasticity mechanisms potentially determining autistic capabilities and subtypes. The 'Trigger-Threshold-Target' model suggests focusing on developing children's unique strengths rather than solely correcting behaviors.
A study of 1.7 million hospital patients found that experiencing atrial fibrillation while hospitalized for surgery was associated with an increased long-term risk of ischemic stroke, particularly following noncardiac surgery. The risk was also higher after cardiac surgery.
A study found that altered brain activity, measured by PET scans, is associated with impaired daily living activities in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The researchers identified changes in frontal and temporal areas of the brain linked to memory and decision-making.
Tropical Storm Julio is weakening as it moves through cooler Central Pacific Ocean waters, with most clouds and precipitation pushed north of the center. The storm is expected to gradually turn north before turning into a depression by August 14, according to NOAA's CPHC.
A study found that different meta-analysis approaches can yield varying treatment outcome estimates, with some methods producing larger results. The researchers recommend assessing the robustness of their results through sensitivity analyses and comparing to other strategies.
Researchers directly compared human and bonobo yawn contagion, finding that strong relationships matter more than species for empathic responses. Humans respond more frequently to friends and kin, while bonobos do so equally, challenging the assumption that humans are more empathetic.