The WPI Metal Processing Institute will contribute its expertise in lightweight metal casting and heat treatment to a new $148 million national manufacturing initiative. The initiative aims to create over 10,000 new metals manufacturing jobs and spur innovative research and development in lightweight metals processing.
New research from Washington University School of Medicine finds that increased brain cell activity boosts brain fluid levels of tau protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that brain cells may be secreting tau when they send signals, potentially leading to the spread of disease.
Leto Solutions, a UTSA medical device startup, was recognized for its promising business opportunity and high-value commercialization. The company's Aquilonix Prosthesis Cooling System resolves heat-related issues common to lower limb amputees., Developed by UTSA engineering and business seniors who won a technology venture competition.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have created a WiFi virus called 'Chameleon' that can spread rapidly between homes and businesses, evading detection by encryption and passwords. The virus exploits weaknesses in WiFi networks to propagate quickly across densely populated areas.
Researchers created XML3DRepo, a service that enables the standardization of complex 3D data through a web browser. This technology makes it possible to visualize and administer 3D models in an easy-to-understand format for project partners, investors, and the public.
A large-scale trial found that a patient-centered medical home program had limited impact on quality of care, but did not reduce hospital or emergency department use. The study measured outcomes in 32 participating primary care practices and compared them to 29 control practices.
Physicists used accelerator mass spectrometry to analyze the canvas, revealing a level of radioactive carbon found in 1959, years after Léger's death. This study provides conclusive evidence that the painting is a forgery.
The study used atomic force microscopy and surface forces apparatus to measure the strength of adhesion between healthy and diseased myelin bilayers. Researchers found that healthy myelin adsorbs proteins better, maintaining optimal insulation and nerve function.
The US FDA has approved metreleptin as a treatment for generalized lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by near-complete absence of fat tissue. Leptin replacement therapy has been shown to control severe insulin resistance and lower triglyceride levels in patients with severe generalized lipodystrophy.
An animal study suggests that activating acid-sensing ion channels called ASIC1a in the brain's emotional control center can reduce anxiety-like behavior. The findings highlight a potential new mechanism for controlling fear and anxiety, paving the way for novel therapies.
Researchers at MIT developed a new method to create controlled-size holes in graphene sheets, enabling the production of highly selective filters for improved desalination. The graphene filters can sustain higher water flow rates than conventional membranes, making them suitable for efficient desalination and nanofiltration applications.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a 3D elastic membrane that can precisely measure temperature, mechanical strain, and pH, and deliver treatment for arrhythmia and heart attack prediction. The device has the potential to revolutionize heart treatment by providing high-definition diagnostics and therapy.
This article covers various geology topics including Mars exploration, environmental lead poisoning, earthquake hazards, the Indus Civilization collapse due to aridification event, end-Cretaceous mass extinction analysis using clumped isotope paleothermometry, and geological events such as the Tibetan Plateau's reorganization.
Researchers evaluated three biodegradable plastic mulch products and found two to be suitable alternatives to traditional polyethylene mulches. BioAgri¹ and Crown 1 mulches performed well in terms of crop yield, weed suppression, and overall function, making them viable options for organic production in the Pacific Northwest.
Researchers identify two independent regulatory mechanisms controlling the human immune response, involving protein interactions between cGAS and Beclin-1 autophagy proteins. These findings have significant implications for understanding immune regulation and potentially harnessing its power to cure disease.
Researchers have developed novel devices that can be turned on and off using light, enabling a new wave of highly efficient electronics. The breakthrough is crucial for performing computations, which rely on a series of on-off switches.
A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that nearly one-third of adults with mental illness are at risk of being victims of violence, while those who commit violence tend to do so in residential settings. The study also highlights the need for stronger public health interventions to protect individuals at risk
The UK's mother to child HIV transmission rate has dropped to an all-time low of 0.46%, according to a study published in the journal AIDS. The decline is attributed to earlier initiation of antenatal combination antiretroviral therapy and increased uptake of antenatal HIV screening.
New research shows ordinary hair conditioner outperforms special nit-removal products in removing head lice eggs. The study found that ordinary conditioners were equally effective in loosening the glue-like substance holding the eggs in place, making them easier to remove.
Researchers found that birds' choice of group size may be influenced by experimental design, rather than genetics. The study's conclusions are challenged due to errors such as regression to the mean and spatial fallacy.
Commercial horticulture operations are adopting wireless sensor networks to monitor and control irrigation events, leading to improved soil moisture management and enhanced crop yields. The technology has been successfully implemented at three nurseries in Georgia, showcasing its potential for widespread adoption in the industry.
Researchers at Penn State used a real-time convection-permitting hurricane analysis and forecasting system to accurately predict Hurricane Sandy's path, intensity, and rainfall. The system compared favorably to operational global models, showcasing its potential for improving storm prediction.
Overweight children exposed to higher levels of perfluorinated chemicals show early signs of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The study highlights the potential public health hazard of these industrial chemicals.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that eliminating maternal mortality worldwide would result in a gain of over 0.6 years in life expectancy. This improvement is significant, as it would take place during the most productive ages of human life, carrying non-trivial socio-economic implications.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that vitamin A and a specific gene assist the immune system by reducing cholesterol levels in TB-infected cells, allowing lysosomes to kill bacteria effectively. This finding may lead to new treatment approaches for tuberculosis.
Researchers at IRCM identified a critical receptor in muscle cell fusion, which could lead to new therapies for muscular diseases like myopathies and muscular dystrophies. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of muscle development and regeneration.
Researchers found that flurprimidol preplant bulb soaks effectively controlled stem elongation of 'Orange Tiger' tiger lily, making it suitable for retail sales. The study also showed that residual carryover effects of flurprimidol were not significant a year after application.
Researchers have created an acoustic field rotator, a device that manipulates sound waves, using metamaterials. The device can rotate sound waves in a manner similar to electromagnetic or liquid wave counterparts, which could improve the operation of medical ultrasound machines and enhance image quality.
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that retired professional football players who suffered repeated concussions had reduced levels of growth hormone, gonadotropin, and testosterone, leading to disorders such as metabolic syndrome and impaired quality of life. The study suggests that repeat concussion may elicit pitui...
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that African-American youth who gambled before age 18 were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, leading to unintended consequences. The research suggests a potential link between gambling and sex behaviors in this demographic.
Penn researchers found that nuclear stiffness, controlled by lamin-A, affects cell migration and survival. Softer nuclei are more susceptible to DNA damage, leading to cell death, while stiffer nuclei allow for easier migration but compromise DNA protection.
Researchers found a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and biomarkers for inflammation in older Irish adults. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining immune function, and low levels may compromise the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases.
A study by New York University finds that high school seniors, normally at low risk for marijuana use, reported intention to try marijuana if legal. The researchers anticipate a 5.6% absolute increase in lifetime prevalence among this age group.
A new study from King's College London reveals that mental health stigma is a major deterrent for people seeking help, with up to 75% of those with disorders not receiving treatment. The study found that fear of disclosing a mental health condition and concerns about confidentiality were common barriers.
According to a national survey study, the US obesity prevalence has remained high, affecting approximately one-third of adults and 17% of children. The prevalence of obesity among youth and adults showed no significant change from 2003-2004 through 2011-2012.
Researchers at LA BioMed are developing novel anti-infectives designed to disarm methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), reducing its resistance to antibiotics and promoting effective treatment outcomes.
A nationwide survey in Saudi Arabia found that three-quarters of camels tested had evidence of MERS-CoV infection. The study established direct camel-to-human transmission is possible and likely, highlighting the need for control measures to contain the spread of the disease.
The study found that Glycerol phenylbutyrate significantly reduced hepatic encephalopathy events, hospitalizations, and ammonia levels compared to placebo. GPB's direct ammonia-lowering agent properties suggest its therapeutic potential for patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
A new study suggests that breast-feeding may have overstated benefits for children's long-term health and well-being. The research analyzed data from over 8,000 siblings and found no significant differences in most health outcomes between those who were breast-fed and bottle-fed.
A study of over 500,000 surgical patients across 300 European hospitals found that hospitals with better-educated nurses had significantly lower mortality rates. The findings suggest that investing in nurse education and avoiding cuts to staffing can improve patient outcomes and reduce deaths.
A recent study published in Psychiatry Research found that nearly half of people taking anti-depressants reported experiencing psychological problems, such as suicidal feelings, sexual difficulties, and emotional numbness. The research highlights the need for better awareness and disclosure about these side-effects.
A new treatment approach in radioimmunotherapy has shown a high overall response rate of 94.4% and complete response in 69.4% of patients with follicular lymphoma. Researchers have found the treatment to be feasible and safe with minimal side effects.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is leading a national research effort focused on developing new lightweight materials for fuel-efficient cars and aircraft. The initiative aims to improve vehicle performance, safety, and energy efficiency by reducing material weight while maintaining strength.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a prototype software called Gyrus, which takes extra steps to prevent malware from sending spam emails and instant messages. The software captures user intent and interactions with an application, verifying that the resulting output can be mapped back to the user's intention.
A new study found that gamblers' brains exhibit similar increases in theta activity to wins and near-misses, particularly in the insula and orbitofrontal cortex. This response is associated with gambling severity and susceptibility to problem gambling. The research suggests that brain responses to near-misses resemble those to actual w...
The trial found that men treated with the more intensive radiotherapy regime had a 55% survival rate without disease progression, compared to 43%. The study also showed that dose-escalated radiotherapy reduces the need for follow-up hormone treatment and is safe in the long term.
A powerful solar flare peaked at X4.9-class on Feb. 24, 2014, as observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The flare emitted giant flashes of light and caused disturbing effects in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
A Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology study found that consuming strawberries reduced total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides in healthy volunteers. The antioxidant properties of strawberries were also linked to improved cardiovascular health parameters.
Researchers at IBM have achieved a record-breaking data transfer speed of 64 gigabits per second (Gb/s) using standard non-return-to-zero modulation on a multimode optical fiber. The technology has the potential to meet growing needs of servers, data centers and supercomputers through the end of this decade.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii are studying copepods to understand their response to global climate change. They have published a transcriptome for the key North Atlantic copepod Calanus finmarchicus, which provides insights into population changes and may help predict future declines.
A team of researchers at the University of California - San Diego examined over 2,000 pieces of malware used by Bitcoin mining operations and found that they made at least 4,500 Bitcoins over two years. The study highlights how malware operators use low-cost and no-investment infrastructure to mine Bitcoin.
A Michigan State University study refutes critics' claims that solitary confinement leads to increased recidivism rates. In reality, young drug offenders with prior convictions and disciplinary charges are more likely to re-offend.
A new portable hydrogen fuel cell unit will provide electricity to the Port of Honolulu, reducing emissions and energy consumption. The unit, built by Sandia National Laboratories, is self-contained and can be deployed at various locations.
Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have developed novel optical fibers that can transmit high-quality images, rivaling those of current commercial endoscopy imaging fibers. The fibers utilize a unique architecture that traps multiple beams of light, resulting in improved resolution and contrast.
Women living in world regions with high HIV rates are at high risk of acquiring HIV during pregnancy and postpartum. The combined HIV incidence rate among pregnant/postpartum women was 3.8/100 person-years, significantly higher in African countries than non-African countries.
Research from the University of Kent found that stronger belief in anti-vaccine conspiracy theories is associated with lower intention to vaccinate. This study suggests that anti-vaccine conspiracy theories may present a barrier to vaccine uptake, posing significant consequences for children's health.
Researchers have developed a new version of Sketch that can handle complex synthesis tasks more efficiently, enabling it to produce working code in milliseconds. The system treats program synthesis as a search problem and finds a way to shrink the search space, making it more suitable for real-world applications.
A Dartmouth-led study finds that temperature, not snowfall, is driving the fluctuating size of Peru's Quelccaya Ice Cap, a symbol for global climate change. The research uses field mapping and ice core analysis to determine that temperature was the primary driver of glacial expansion and retreat.
A study published in HortTechnology found that controlling irrigation using moisture sensors can reduce production time and crop losses, increasing profitability substantially. The wireless sensor system also saves water, labor, energy, and fertilizer.
Acetic acid in vinegar effectively kills drug-resistant tuberculosis bacteria and other stubborn mycobacteria. A 6% solution of acetic acid for 30 minutes reduces TB mycobacteria to undetectable levels, posing a low-risk alternative to toxic disinfectants.