Researchers at Caltech have created a new laser that can carry vast amounts of information, increasing data transmission rates in optical-fiber networks. The high-coherence laser has a 20 times narrower range of frequencies than previous lasers, enabling faster and more efficient communication.
Researchers found that content creators believe legal ambiguity is a higher barrier to creating media online than technical limitations. The study also highlights patterns of ethical judgments related to fair use, including distinctions between 'profiting' and commerciality.
Researchers identified SNX27's precise role in the pathway leading to memory and learning impairment, particularly in Down's syndrome. The study could lead to strategies to improve memory and learning abilities in those with the condition.
The recent Ohio River flood of 2011 caused significant agricultural land damage, with approximately 1,000 acres flooded. However, due to the timing of the flood, cultivated soils were not severely impacted, resulting in minimal loss of soil productivity and yield reduction. The study highlights the need for reevaluation and implementat...
A study found that 65% of Americans are aware of online physician ratings, but only 21% use them to choose a doctor. The findings suggest that online ratings can be an important factor in selecting a physician, despite lower awareness compared to other products and services.
A new system called Valid@doc speeds up bureaucratic procedures by automatically verifying and validating printed electronic documents. It uses a universal CSV code to unify generation, presentation, and automated reading processes, increasing security and accessibility for both administration and citizens.
Researchers used computer simulations to explore the destruction of a star by a black hole, finding that hydrogen lines are highly ionized and don't appear in spectra. The study provides new insights into the origin of emission lines in tidal disruption events and sheds light on the role of accretion disks.
David S. Ginley, a materials scientist at NREL, has been recognized for his distinguished contributions to renewable energy and sustainability. He is honored for his work on photovoltaics, batteries, and fuel cells, as well as his efforts in developing materials and forums for student interactions.
Researchers find new type of P. acnes bacterium adapting to grapevines, with evidence suggesting human origin and loss of DNA repair function. The emergence of P. Zappae around 7,000 years ago is linked to human intensive practices in grape domestication.
Despite recent advances, reliable information about exoplanet atmospheres is scarce due to flawed methods like photometric interpretations. New techniques like spectrometry hold promise for a more comprehensive understanding of exoplanets.
Research on Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease reveals that human selection can accelerate the evolution of cancerous cells. The study found that tumours from devils subjected to disease suppression trials showed accelerated temporal evolution of tetraploidy, allowing them to adapt to changing environments.
A recent study published in Science reveals that methane emissions from natural gas systems can have a significant impact on the climate benefits of switching to natural gas. The research suggests that more efforts should be made to reduce methane leaks and improve measurement tools for policy-making. Additionally, the study identifies...
Researchers studying zebrafish neurons aim to understand how individual neurons develop and mature, which could shed light on birth defects such as spina bifida. The study focused on neuronal migration and its relation to human neural tube closure, with potential insights into the mechanisms behind this process.
Scientists create a cost-efficient way to set up thousands of experiments simultaneously using tiny droplets. Their experiment shows that oscillations in the individual droplets differ strongly, with small drops displaying stronger variations than large ones.
Researchers found a specific genetic flaw in the KCNE2 gene that is connected to sudden cardiac death due to heart arrhythmia. This discovery could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for people at higher risk, such as those with diabetes.
A team of Bay Area researchers explores factors that differentiate fertile sperm from infertile sperm, identifying crucial proteins known as ion channels critical for sperm fertility. The discovery may lead to the development of new diagnostic testing and treatments for male infertility.
Researchers develop a method to predict future clinical events using genomic testing over multiple patient visits. The AlloMap test can assess the risk of dysfunction or rejection of a transplanted heart months before such an event may occur.
Researchers found that patients with high tumor cell density in sentinel lymph nodes are more likely to die from melanoma within 5 years. A new model predicts patient survival more accurately, identifying those at high risk for progression and those with excellent long-term outcomes.
A small pilot study of 22 mothers found that an 'Resourcefulness' intervention, teaching coping skills, bolsters moms' mental health and improves family dynamics. The intervention reduced negative emotions and depressive cognitions in mothers caring for children on life-sustaining devices.
Research shows that frequent school moves during childhood can increase the risk of psychotic-like symptoms in early adolescence by up to 60%. School mobility is strongly associated with mental health problems, including psychotic disorders and suicide. Schools should develop strategies to help students adapt to new environments.
Researchers mapped landscape vulnerabilities ahead of time to help communities prepare for extreme flooding. The study used high-resolution data and computer modeling to analyze erosion, deposition, and soil characteristics, finding that areas with certain vegetation patterns were more vulnerable to flooding.
A team of researchers used a multidisciplinary approach to study the effects of heart failure on electrical activity and calcium release in heart cells. They found increased variability in Ca2+ transient kinetics, indicating an uncoupling between membrane depolarization and Ca2+-release.
A new Indiana University study found stark differences in brain network activation among alcohol-dependent women, suggesting the anterior insular region may be a key target for treatment. The research indicates that these women have trouble switching between brain networks, affecting their decision-making about drinking.
A new study finds a statistically significant, minor increase in extreme Arctic cyclone frequency since the middle 19th century, with strongest increases near Iceland and the Aleutian Islands. Climate change may drive stronger shifts in polar climate, leading to more storminess and erosion of Arctic coastlines.
A University of Iowa study reveals police work is primarily sedentary, with officers expending energy comparable to washing dishes or ironing. The findings highlight the need for workplaces to encourage movement and introduce low-cost aids like standing computer workstations.
A new study by University of Miami biologist Floria Mora-Kepfer Uy explores the acceptance of non-related individuals in highly organized and adaptable societies. Young, unfamiliar individuals were accepted more frequently than old ones and those in late-stage colonies, suggesting that social context and immediate needs mediate accepta...
A recent study by Daphna Stroumsa calls for policy change and equal access to quality health care for transgender patients. The medical establishment should provide coverage of care, including sex reassignment surgery, while patients make the physical transition to their gender identity.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new drug candidate, VLX600, that selectively kills dormant cancer cells in solid tumors by starving them. The drug works by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration, causing the cells to die from starvation. A clinical study is planned to take place this year.
Choosing Wisely Canada aims to reduce harm by promoting evidence-based medical practices, encouraging patients and doctors to 'think twice' before ordering unnecessary tests and treatments. Eight Canadian societies will release their lists in April 2014, featuring evidence-based recommendations for common procedures.
Researchers aim to develop nanoparticles that target prostate cancer cells with a genotoxin drug. The nanoparticles will also promote healing in damaged blood vessels by mimicking platelets and catching circulating endothelial progenitor cells.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a unique mechanism of drug resistance in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The discovery provides new insights into how therapy-induced point mutations confer drug resistance and may lead to the design of new NNRTI drugs.
A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers suggests that implementing comprehensive tobacco control recommendations could reduce smoking rates by about 40% and prevent 50 million deaths. The study estimates that raising taxes on tobacco products would have the greatest impact in reducing smoking rates.
A study by Oxford University researchers found assisted suicide is more common among women, the divorced, and those with higher education levels from wealthier areas. The rate was also higher in urban compared to rural areas, and in neighborhoods of French-speaking regions.
Researchers observed captive Asian elephants showing signs of consolation towards distressed peers through physical contact and vocalizations. These behaviors resemble empathy and emotional contagion, suggesting a complex cognitive ability in elephants.
A Dartmouth-University of Connecticut study reveals that methylmercury concentrations in estuary waters, not sediment, accurately predict mercury contamination in the marine food chain. The findings suggest a shift in mercury cleanup practices to focus on measuring methylmercury in water column particles.
A clinical trial found that antidepressant citalopram significantly relieved agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease, with 40% of patients experiencing considerable relief. However, the drug also had decreased cognitive function and longer QTc intervals, a measure of abnormal heart function.
A home-based exercise program improved functional mobility and balance in patients who completed standard rehabilitation after a hip fracture. The study suggests that such programs could be an effective way to continue exercising at home after traditional physical therapy.
Researchers developed a catheter-based device with volumetric imaging, enabling better guidance for surgeons in the heart. The device, integrating ultrasound transducers with processing electronics on a single chip, allows for real-time 3-D images and significantly improves patient outcomes.
Scientists studying jellyfish robots found common bending rules for wings, fins, and other propulsors across various animal species. These rules improve propulsion efficiency by increasing thrust.
A new study of 11,000 teenagers found that combining school-based Life Skills Training with home-based Strengthening Families program significantly reduced prescription drug abuse rates by 10%. The six-year study also identified the most cost-effective programs, with Life Skills Training costing just $15 per child.
Researchers at CWRU develop technology to connect patient records, enabling tracking of patterns in patient outcomes and improved transfer decisions. The system integrates data from 42 areas, streamlining the process and allowing for faster analysis.
Researchers analyzed nearly 300,000 patients and found that surgical site infections are relatively rare after ambulatory surgery but the absolute number is substantial. Early access to a clinician can help identify and treat these infections early and reduce overall morbidity.
Tropical Cyclone 15S has formed in the Mozambique Channel, with cloud top temperatures indicating powerful thunderstorms and potential for heavy rainfall. The cyclone is expected to strengthen into a hurricane-force storm over the next few days, generating 10-foot high waves.
A new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management found that companies with investment banking directors are more likely to make better acquisitions, resulting in increased shareholder value. These directors help firms select better targets, accurately determine their value, and negotiate lower advisory fees.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that primary care doctors' negative attitudes towards their obese patients can hinder weight loss success. Only 14% of those who felt judged and discussed weight loss with their doctor lost 10% or more of their body weight.
Two NYU faculty members, Roozbeh Kiani and Nicholas Stavropoulos, have been awarded Sloan Foundation fellowships for their innovative research in neuroscience and sleep. Their work has the potential to lead to new medical interventions for mental and cognitive disorders and improve understanding of human sleep and its regulation.
A new treatment approach has been proposed to prevent intestinal inflammation in cancer patients. Researchers suggest using IL-1b beta blocking reagents, such as Anakinra, to alleviate mucositis, a common side effect of chemotherapy and irradiation.
A QUT study found that variations in temperatures coupled with spikes in unemployment are significant risk factors for suicide. The research identified two major clusters of high suicide rates in Mornington Shire and the Bathurst-Melville area, particularly after the mid-1990s.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital found that players on the web-based commercial weight loss program DietBet lost an average of 4.9% of their initial body weight over seven months. Social interactions and financial incentives played a significant role in player success.
A new MRI-based method detects tumors in young cancer patients without exposing them to radiation, reducing the risk of secondary cancers. The technique uses a novel contrast agent and is as effective as PET-CT scans in detecting tumors.
Scientists have developed a new method to control magnetism using an electric field, reducing heat generation and increasing memory density. This innovation has significant implications for the development of more efficient electronic devices, such as MRAM and logic chips.
A study found that magnesium protects against hip fractures for both men and women, but calcium has no independent protective effect. Enriching drinking water with dolomite may also be beneficial, according to the researchers.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a method to arrange numerous pictures fast based on visual characteristics like size and intensity. Users can interactively click and drag images to create an order that creates a harmonious overall picture.
Research using nearly 200,000 patient records found that regional anesthesia types do not make patients more prone to falls after knee replacement surgery. Spinal or epidural anesthesia may even decrease the risk of falls compared to general anesthesia, according to a study published in Anesthesiology.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that mechanical forces generated by the rhythmic expansion and contraction of cardiac muscle cells play an active role in the initial stage of heart valve formation. This study provides a new perspective on the process, shedding light on how to create artificial heart valves.
Political scientists Norman Ornstein and Jared Diamond explore the root causes of American democracy's crisis, blaming tribalism and political extremism. They argue that these factors have led to gridlock, legislative failures, and erosion of democratic processes.
Regular walking can significantly reduce the risk of severe COPD attacks and hospitalization. Patients who maintain moderate exercise levels, such as walking at least 3-6 km per day, are less likely to experience severe symptoms.
A novel wireless sensor network is being developed to detect the onset of structural damage on bridges, stadiums, and other large public infrastructure. The system will monitor vibrations, sagging, and stresses to assess a structure's ability to carry its load.
A long-term study by University of Jena scientists found that nickel-titanium alloy implants release low levels of nickel over time, posing minimal health risk. The research used a longer testing period than usual to examine the metal's behavior and concluded that it is safe for patients with no adverse effects.
Researchers developed the Healthy Lunchbox Challenge, a low-cost program that encourages parents and staff to bring healthier foods to summer day camps. The program resulted in significant increases in fresh fruit, vegetables, and water consumption among children, while decreasing sugary snack intake.