The EnerGAware project uses a specially devised game for smartphones and tablets to encourage affordable housing residents to adopt energy-efficient practices. The three-year initiative also enhances IT literacy and promotes community engagement.
Researchers at University of British Columbia developed a new technology called Hi-Fi SELEX to accelerate and improve aptamer selection. The platform enhances diversity and enables high-fidelity amplification of therapeutically useful reagents.
Gold nanoclusters of 102 and 144 atoms show distinct behavior, with smaller clusters acting like giant molecules and larger ones exhibiting metallic properties. These findings have significant implications for developing bioimaging and sensing technologies based on metal-like clusters.
Researchers at the University of South Carolina and Clemson University have discovered a way to improve the transport of oxygen ions in batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient energy conversion devices with significantly enhanced performance, increasing energy efficiency.
Researchers found that papain breaks down skin cell connections, leading to increased skin permeability and inflammation. The enzyme can still trigger allergic reactions even when its enzymatic function is blocked.
Researchers developed a material that acts as a superhighway for ions, making batteries more powerful and changing how gaseous fuel is turned into liquid fuel. The material also helps create membrane systems that purify gas mixtures, potentially replacing steam in fuel conversion processes.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a synthetic pathway for biosynthesis of renewable propane, paving the way for its commercial production. The breakthrough uses an engineered enzyme variant to redirect microbial pathways, producing propane as a clean-burning alternative to fossil fuels.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act's dependent care provision did not close the racial gap in coverage for young adult trauma patients. Despite improved insurance rates, significant disparities persisted among African-American and Hispanic youth.
The UT Arlington team, led by Brian Dennis, Krishnan Rajeshwar, and Norma Tacconi, will design and build a microfluidic electrochemical reactor to recover oxygen from carbon dioxide. The goal is to achieve an oxygen recovery rate of 75% or more.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered that large area graphene can preserve electron spin over extended periods and communicate it over greater distances than previously known. This breakthrough has opened the door for developing faster and more energy-efficient memory and processors in computers.
A portable tool predicts avian flu outbreaks by analyzing chickens and detecting viral strains. The device uses gold nanoparticles and quantum dots for rapid detection in just two to three minutes.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new guidelines for contact precautions for hospital visitors, aiming to strike a balance between visitor and patient safety. The recommendations vary by pathogen type, with special considerations for immunocompromised visitors or those unable to practice good hand hygiene.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that BGI's NIFTY test outperformed other noninvasive prenatal screening tests. The test correctly detected 81% of cases with nonmosaic karyotypes, while incorrectly identifying 17% of trisomy 21 and XXX/XXY abnormalities as positive.
Researchers at Duke University simulate high-speed impacts in artificial soil and sand, finding that materials get stronger when struck harder. This challenges previous models and may lead to better control of earth-penetrating missiles.
Researchers analyzed ancient specimens, revealing open oceanic habitats for newborn mosasaurs. Contrary to classic suggestions, findings suggest eggs were not laid on beaches, and newborns likely did not live in sheltered nearshore nurseries.
A breakthrough in understanding plant cell walls could lead to innovative renewable materials and energy solutions. The discovery reveals a previously unknown molecular arrangement, providing new insights into the mechanical strength of plants.
Researchers have found two groups of type Ia supernovae with different properties, hinting at a reevaluation of the universe's expansion rate and dark energy. The discovery uses combined observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and Swift satellite.
A study found that kindergartners sharing iPads in class scored higher on achievement tests compared to those with individual iPads or no technology. The collaborative learning environment made a significant difference in student outcomes.
Tropical Cyclone Joalane is a tightly wound tropical cyclone with hurricane-strength winds, generating rough seas and heavy rainfall. NASA's satellite image captures the storm's eye and surrounding thunderstorms, revealing high cloud top temperatures that indicate heavy rainfall potential.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation recognizes innovators in interventional radiology with the Leaders in Innovation Award. Sharon Kwan receives the Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award for her research on sublobar resection and thermal ablation for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
Tropical Cyclone Solo, forming in the Coral Sea, is triggering watches in Solomon Islands due to its powerful thunderstorms and expected high winds. The storm's cloud top temperatures are as cold as 210 kelvin, potentially generating heavy rainfall.
Researchers found that smartphones' GPS receivers can detect permanent ground movement caused by fault motion during large earthquakes. Crowd-sourced smartphone data can be used to build earthquake warning systems, providing early warnings to people in affected areas before strong shaking begins.
A subanalysis of the MEMREHAB trial found that deficits in processing speed negatively affect the benefits of the modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) for individuals with MS. Processing speed may be an indicator of cognitive decline, which can impact the effectiveness of mSMT.
A long-lived patch of warm water off the West Coast has been wreaking havoc on US weather patterns, causing droughts, unusual fish sightings, and altering marine ecosystems. The study also explores its connection to the 'polar vortex' and finds a link between the Pacific Ocean's surface temperatures and extreme winter conditions.
Researchers found that mice lacking the estrogen-related receptor alpha gene exhibit abnormal behaviors related to eating and social interactions. The study identifies ESRRA as a key gene contributing to the risk of anorexia nervosa, with implications for treating the disorder.
Researchers have discovered that the skull of a Daspletosaurus, a large tyrannosaurine dinosaur, suffered numerous injuries during life and also after death. The injuries included bites that healed, as well as those inflicted after death by another tyrannosaur, indicating evidence of combat between two large carnivores.
Researchers at the University of York have found a potential new treatment for organ-confined prostate cancer using low-temperature plasmas. The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, suggests LTPs may be a viable alternative to current radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy treatments.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that administering selenide intravenously after cardiac arrest significantly protects heart tissue, reducing damage by 88%. The nutrient selenium is taken up by injured tissues and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.
A new study by University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that executives in strong business networks are more likely to overpay their colleagues. The researchers conducted three experiments with 520 students and found that larger networks can lead to a greater tendency for deception.
Researchers found that combining mental practice with physical therapy significantly improves sensation and motor function scores in stroke survivors. The treatment helps regain motor behaviors by recruiting new neurons and compensating for damaged brain cells.
A new clinical trial results show that ibrutinib continues to control Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia, with a median overall response rate of 91% after 19 months of treatment. The disease shows sustained benefit in patients who survived for two years.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that gratitude was associated with better mood, sleep, and reduced inflammation in patients with asymptomatic heart failure. Writing down things for which they were thankful daily also showed reductions in inflammatory biomarkers and improved heart rate variability.
Women with ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer underwent axillary lymph node evaluation at high rates, defying guidelines. The study found that 17.7% of women undergoing breast-conserving surgery and 63% of those who had mastectomy underwent axillary evaluation.
Research demonstrates dynamic nature of fecal microbiota in FMT donors and recipients, with healthy changes sustained for up to 21 weeks after transplant. The study's findings have implications for the regulation of treatment and could influence the use of fecal transplants for a range of diseases associated with microbial imbalance.
Researchers found that a gene affecting breast milk production influences gut bacteria development in infants. Breast milk sugars nourish specific bacteria, shaping the infant's gut microbiota.
Researchers created a highly efficient automated tool to deliver nanoparticles and other large cargo into mammalian cells at a rate of 100,000 cells per minute. This breakthrough enables new scientific research and potential medical applications, such as studying disease development and understanding cell responses.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that Hedione, a magnolia scent molecule, activates the human pheromone receptor VN1R1, triggering sex-specific brain activities. This effect differs from traditional olfactory perception and may be related to the release of sex hormones.
In April 2015, NASA's MODIS instrument detected areas of high temperature indicative of bushfires in Western Australia. The fires were up to 24 hours old and occurred during the region's long dry summer, highlighting the region's fire-prone landscape.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) has ended its 17-year mission, providing critical rainfall data for tropical cyclone monitoring, flood detection, drought monitoring, and disease monitoring. TRMM's legacy lives on through the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, which succeeds and improves upon the TRMM project.
A team of researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington is exploring ways to use geothermal energy to make bridges and overpasses safer during winter weather. By pumping groundwater through a circulation pipe, they can warm the bridge deck to melt ice and snow, reducing treacherous road conditions.
The Indian government's spending cuts will exacerbate inadequate health services, according to experts. The cuts will lead to delays in achieving universal access to healthcare and will persist huge shortfalls in healthcare staff and infrastructure.
A group of scientists, economists, and agriculture experts is working together to develop sustainable farming practices that minimize environmental pollution. The goal is to increase food production while ensuring farmers can make a living and the environment remains healthy.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered G proteins signaling on membranes inside cells, controlling Golgi trafficking and enzyme secretion. Inhibition of protein GIV was shown to delay enzyme secretion and inhibit key cancer-driving signals.
Researchers found a decrease in pediatric melanoma cases in the US from 2000-2010, with an overall decline of 12% per year. The number of new cases decreased in boys and adolescents, particularly those with good prognostic indicators.
A University of Illinois Chicago study found that a neighborhood's small yards have a greater impact on the variety of native birds than larger landscape features. The researchers identified bird-friendly landscaping features such as fruit-bearing trees and shrubs to increase bird diversity in backyards.
A study published in BMC Health Services Research found that early physical therapy following an initial episode of acute low back pain resulted in lower healthcare costs and reduced use of resources. Patients who received physical therapy within 14 days had significantly lower costs for advanced imaging, injections, surgery, and opioids.
A new stem cell disease model reveals how a protein known to prevent tumor growth in most cases may drive bone cancer when genetic changes cause its overproduction. The study focused on rare genetic disease Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which increases the risk of many cancers, including osteosarcoma.
Research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that being underweight in middle age is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, obese middle-aged individuals are nearly 30% less likely to develop dementia than those of a healthy weight, contradicting previous research findings.
A genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders in humans has been found to cause obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors and social impairments in mice. The study identified estrogen-related receptor alpha as a contributing gene to the risk of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
UGA researchers have identified a hormone receptor that plays a key role in regulating female mosquito reproduction, enabling them to produce eggs after consuming blood. The discovery fills a major gap in understanding how mosquitoes reproduce and could potentially lead to strategies for controlling mosquito populations.
New zircon dating evidence challenges accepted theories on the rise of the Isthmus of Panama and its impact on global climate change. The closure of the Central American Seaway is now dated to 13-15 million years ago, contradicting previous estimates.
UMass Medical School scientists are developing a novel technology using CRISPR gene editing to excise latent HIV virus from infected cells. The goal is to create a functional cure by precisely cutting the DNA of the latent virus out of an infected cell.
Researchers have created tiny gold nanoparticles that exhibit nature's most intricate patterns, marking the first time a nanoparticle of this size has been crystallized and its structure mapped out atom by atom. These patterns are responsible for the high stability of the particles.
Researchers discovered that cancerous tumor cells in soft-shell clams are contagious and can spread from one animal to another. The study found that the cancer originated from a single lineage of tumor cells and has persisted ever since.
Human beings learn from both statistical associations and communication, with communication playing a vitally important factor in the learning process. Infants as young as 18 months can learn to associate objects with actions through verbal and non-verbal cues.
Greater variability in neural activity may reflect more flexible information processing, supporting better cognitive performance in aging adults. Researchers found that greater BOLD variability was associated with improved memory and fluid intelligence tasks.
A USC research team led by Cheng-Ming Chuong has discovered that plucking hair in a specific pattern can trigger the growth of new hairs in mice. The study used quorum sensing to understand how the hair follicle system responds to injury and found that it recruits immune cells to secrete signaling molecules that promote hair growth.
Researchers have identified six chemical compounds that inhibit HuR, a protein promoting tumor growth. The findings hold promise for treating various cancers and could lead to a novel class of cancer therapies.
Researchers at NIFS and Kyushu University have discovered a new mechanism that stops plasma flow when the magnetic flux surface is disturbed. This observation is significant for nuclear fusion research and has implications for understanding plasma behavior in the universe.
A new study found that Google image search results for CEO and other professions underrepresented women, affecting perceptions of professionalism and competence. The study suggests that image search algorithms should be changed to counter occupational stereotypes and raise awareness among designers.