A team of researchers led by Dr. Bhavani Thuraisingham has developed a framework and incentives to enhance assured information sharing in cloud computing. The initiative, funded by AFOSR's Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative, aims to provide a secure environment for processing large amounts of data.
Scientists have developed a method to distinguish between primary and secondary organic carbon in ancient sediments, providing insights into the earliest life forms on Earth. By analyzing chemical fossils from Neoproterozoic glacial sediments, researchers have revealed new information about the environment and ecosystems of this period.
NIST researchers use a chemical trick to change the acidity of a solution instantly, allowing them to study how nanoparticles behave when exposed to sudden changes in pH. This technique has implications for designing nanoparticles for medical applications, where pH can vary significantly within cells.
A University of Alberta researcher examines three social narratives that prevent people from acting on the effects of oil on the environment. These narratives, including strategic realism, eco-apocalypse, and technological utopianism, hinder effective action despite knowledge of the issue's impact.
A team of researchers, led by Naomi Levin of Johns Hopkins University, reexamined data from a 2009 study on the early human ancestor Ardi and found that its environment was likely a savanna, not a forest. This conclusion contradicts the 'savanna hypothesis', which proposes that the expansion of grasslands prompted humans to walk upright.
Researchers at Stanford University present an environment-wide association study (EWAS) to examine the contributions of hundreds of environmental factors in Type 2 diabetes. They found strong associations with pesticide derivatives and certain nutrients, suggesting a potential protective role.
Research at University of California, Riverside found that juvenile male crickets exposed to loud songs from adult males grow larger and invest more in testes. Meanwhile, those without exposure are more likely to act as 'satellites' hanging around singing males to intercept females.
A Stanford University study found that public opinion experts' 'most important problem' question systematically underestimates Americans' priority on global warming and the environment. When reframed, however, this question reveals a significant increase in environmental concerns.
The University of Adelaide's Environment Institute has ranked countries based on their environmental impact using seven indicators. The study found that total wealth is the most important driver of environmental impact, contradicting the Kuznets curve hypothesis.
A new center will use a community-based approach to reduce cardiovascular disease risk among Latinos in East Los Angeles, where obesity-related chronic diseases are prevalent. The study will examine the role of acculturation and food environment on cardiovascular disease, with interventions targeting family and neighborhood environments.
A study published in Scandinavian Journal of Public Health found that better labour management practices lead to improved psychosocial environments and reduced health-related problems. The research identified control, social support, and compensations as key factors in creating an ideal working atmosphere.
Researchers have developed a microbial fuel cell that can generate electricity from mud and wastewater using the tiny Geobacter microbe, which uses its hair-like extensions to produce power. The technology has potential applications in powering autonomous underwater vehicles and tracking ocean life.
Researchers found that solar wind flowing over lunar polar craters creates a complex electrical environment, affecting surface chemistry and dust cling. The team's calculations reveal that the inside walls and floor acquire a negative electric charge due to electron-ion separation, posing challenges for future exploration.
A recent study has discovered that certain marine bacteria can form biofilms on plastic fragments, potentially breaking them down. This research could lead to new methods for cleaning up microplastics and reducing their impact on marine life.
Researchers found that environmental chemicals form a complex cocktail, leading to greater toxicity than individual chemicals. The EU recommends implementing guidelines for managing the chemical cocktail effect to assess risks to humans and the environment.
Scientists identified alternative routes for pharmaceuticals to enter the environment through bathing, showering, and laundering. These routes may lead to higher environmental impact for certain medications applied topically. Reducing consumption and developing better drug delivery systems can minimize environmental harm.
A University of Minnesota expert warns that the Earth's environment is approaching a critical threshold due to climate change, species loss, and nitrogen pollution. The expert calls for immediate action to transition to low-carbon energy sources and revolutionize agricultural practices.
A Michigan State University scientist warns that China and India's growing economies and populations will significantly impact the global environment unless they work together. The two countries are urged to exercise environmental stewardship to ensure future economic growth.
Researchers are analyzing sediment and water samples from four distinct environments, including cold-dry Antarctica, to test a hypothesis about the planet's past climate. The team hopes to find 'markers' or indicators unique to erosion in this type of climate.
Arizona State University professor Brad Allenby argues that geoengineering solutions to environmental problems need to account for their social and cultural implications. He contends that the planet no longer has purely natural systems but an integrated natural-human environment shaped by centuries of technological evolution.
The Transport and Environment – Science Technology (TEST) Network aims to strengthen scientific and technological support for sustainable transport policies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The three-year project will enhance research capacity, share knowledge, and improve road safety, air pollution, and traffic congestion.
Researchers found that mice create 'knots' – preferred places with high path tortuosity – during exploration, which enhance their visual scene interpretation, memory of the place, and provide multiple views. This study contributes to understanding how animals map environments and accomplish goals.
A study published in PLoS ONE found a correlation between DNA methylation and heart failure, suggesting that environmental factors may play a key role in the development of the disease. The researchers compared DNA from diseased hearts with healthy hearts and found distinct 'marks' on the genome
A new study by Ohio State University shows that the environment plays a significant role in the development of reading skills in children. The study found that while genetics influence initial reading skills, environmental factors such as instruction and parental care have a more pronounced impact on growth over time.
The publication of the Tehran Declaration on Human Rights and the Environment 2009 has brought attention to the human rights and environmental nexus during COP-15 negotiations. The declaration aims to encourage representatives to give significant emphasis to the environment and human rights nexus.
Research suggests that environment plays a significant role in women's interest in computer science, with stereotypical settings evoking a masculine image. Women tend to prefer non-stereotypical environments, such as those without Star Trek posters or junk food, and feel less of a sense of belonging in stereotypical settings.
Kent State University has been awarded a $2.7 million NSF grant to train doctoral students in environment sensing technology for freshwater resources protection. The program, EARS, aims to prepare students for careers relevant to freshwater resources.
Scientists have observed the emergence of a new adaptation strategy in bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens, where variable offspring can survive in different environments. This bet-hedging strategy allows for species survival under rapidly changing environmental conditions.
Researchers found that trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) can survive in female mice livers without ovarian hormones, but not in male liver's even after castration. This study suggests a new approach for therapeutic cell transplantation using TSCs.
A study published in CyberPsychology and Behavior found that smokers who crushed virtual cigarettes in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence compared to those who grasped virtual balls. The treatment group stayed in the program longer, with higher rates of smo...
A new study published in Nature reveals that the loss of a gene called PTEN from surrounding cells can dramatically alter the tumor environment, fostering tumor growth. The findings suggest a new role for PTEN in suppressing cancer development and could lead to entirely new treatments targeting both cancer cells and their surroundings.
African biosafety regulators will receive science-based information on biotechnology, protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment. The initiative aims to reduce poverty through improved agricultural practices.
A Swedish thesis reveals that intensive care units are often ill-equipped to provide good end-of-life care, with patients dying in public areas or without relatives present. Despite this, most relatives report a positive experience, highlighting the need for improved environment and support.
Scientists have created a new approach to studying bacterial swimming, using optical traps, microfluidic chambers and fluorescence to track Escherichia coli movement. The method allows researchers to trap bacteria and modify their environment without hindering movement, providing insights into the mechanics of bacterial swimming.
Researchers found that social isolation caused increased tumor growth and altered gene expression in mouse mammary glands, suggesting potential molecular biomarkers and targets for preventive intervention in human breast cancer. The study also supports previous epidemiologic studies linking social isolation to chronic disease mortality.
Interaction between education and a polymorphism of the reward gene contribute to severe alcoholism among Mexican Americans. Researchers found that individuals with less than or up to 12 years of education are at high risk for severe alcoholism when combined with the OPRM1 A/A genotype.
A team of researchers from UC San Diego, MIT, and UC Berkeley are working on fundamental multiscale studies of plasma-material interactions to improve the scientific understanding of magnetic confinement fusion. Their goal is to engineer plasma walls that can survive in the environment necessary for fusion power generation.
A new study by an international team of researchers argues that the current definition of nanoparticles is not specific enough to determine their potential impact on human health and the environment. The study suggests that only particles smaller than 30 nanometers should be scrutinized for their unique properties.
The 2009 BERA/SAGE Practitioner Research Awards honored Lindsey Thomas and teams for innovative projects, including a virtual learning environment for poetry and academic induction guidelines. Winners receive £500 prize money and SAGE books, promoting high-quality research in education.
A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a new way to culture liver cells for drug toxicity screening, using a high-oxygen environment and serum-free medium. This method significantly improves the function of cultured liver cells, enabling them to predict the clearance rates of drugs with high accuracy.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that adolescent and young children of obese mothers who underwent weight-loss surgery prior to pregnancy have a lower prevalence of obesity and improved cardio-metabolic markers. The research suggests that the intrauterine environment ...
A UC Riverside-led study found that ancient lake deposits in South China harbor the first animal fossils, dating back 600 million years. The discovery raises questions about where early animals lived and how they adapted to their environment.
PNNL has won two R&D 100 Awards for its PowerPuck technology, which harnesses environmental heat to create sustainable electrical power. The laboratory also developed an ultrasensitive ESI-MS Source & Interface, increasing sensitivity in human health studies and enabling precise measurements of chemical compounds.
Research suggests that breaking down lung mucus with cystic fibrosis medicines can reduce the severity of bacterial infections. The study's findings have important implications for managing long-term infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers found that a key factor in quorum sensing is the ratio of bacteria to environment volume, regulating biological functions like bioluminescence and nutrient foraging. This discovery provides insights into fundamental design of quorum sensing systems and enables engineering of synthetic gene circuits.
A Canadian study found that living in areas with more fast-food outlets and convenience stores than supermarkets has been associated with obesity. The proximity of these unhealthy environments is a significant risk factor for weight gain.
A study on guppies led by UC Riverside's Swanne Gordon found that the fish adapted to a new environment in less than 30 generations, or eight years. The guppies developed larger and fewer offspring with each reproductive cycle in the low-predation environment, but not in the high-predation environment.
The centre will analyse environmental factors affecting the UK population, focusing on vulnerable groups and potential health risks such as respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Researchers aim to measure the effects of pollutants on human health using new tools and methods.
A novel approach estimates that titanium dioxide nanoparticles are produced in increasing amounts, posing potential environmental and health risks. The study's findings suggest that up to 2.5 million metric tons of nanomaterial could be released into the environment by 2025.
Scientists create microfluidic system using laser tweezers to test individual cell responses to stress, providing insights into cellular behavior and survival strategies.
A new study found that a novel compound decreases rats' preference for cocaine-associated environments during subsequent tests. This process is called extinction learning, where the brain creates new associations instead of retrieving old ones.
Beijing Institute of Technology researchers developed a unique multi-living agent concept to analyze complex information systems under SRSC environment. They found that analyzing agents' livelihood can determine system behavior well or not.
Scientists have discovered that Salmonella uses a secretion system to protect itself inside amoeba, allowing it to survive and multiply. This finding has significant implications for controlling the spread of Salmonella in water supplied to animals.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that obese women have detrimental changes in their ovaries, leading to poorer reproductive outcomes. Alterations in egg development and increased inflammation may contribute to infertility, the researchers suggest.
A high-density of fast food outlets was associated with a 3-pound weight increase and 0.8-inch waist circumference rise among frequent eaters. In contrast, high-walkability neighborhoods were linked to a 2.7-pound weight loss and 0.6-inch waist size decrease.
A new study found that a specially designed sensory environment can reduce anxiety levels in children during dental visits, even for those with developmental disabilities. The adapted setting reduced anxious behavior by an average of 55% compared to traditional dental offices.
A recent study in Crop Science proposes data-driven methods to group breeding programs compatible for germplasm exchange. The researchers identified three mega-targets of selection among barley breeding programs, which could produce adapted genotypes with high yields.
Case Western Reserve researchers are investigating the physical and chemical consequences of sunlight absorption by toxic nitro-aromatic pollutants in the environment. The goal is to understand how these compounds transform into more harmful products and predict their environmental fate.
A survey in a Yorkshire village found that people are less aware of past changes in local bird populations, indicating 'generational amnesia.' The study's results suggest that wildlife knowledge is not being passed on from older to younger people.
The Office of Naval Research has delivered the Gruntworks Research for Infantry Integration Testing (GRIIT), a virtual reality environment that improves the integration of infantry combat equipment. GRIIT employs 21 cameras using ONR-developed Video Flashlight technology to create an extremely realistic evaluation environment.