Scientists found an inverse relationship between gene duplication and alternative splicing in plants, with implications for diversity in animals and humans. The study reveals distinct defense strategies between fast-growing and woody perennial trees.
A University of Utah scientist argues that energy conservation doesn't save energy, but instead spurs economic growth and accelerated energy consumption. The study finds a constant link between global energy use and accumulated economic productivity, tied to a physical constant of 9.7 milliwatts per inflation-adjusted dollar.
The energy gap concept estimates the change in energy balance required to achieve and sustain reduced body weight outcomes. Researchers suggest that small changes of 100 kcal/day can prevent weight regain in most adults, but larger gaps of 200-300 kcal/day are needed for maintenance.
ASU has been awarded two grants totaling over $10 million to support high-risk, high-reward advances in alternative energy research. The projects focus on developing ultra-high-energy metal-air batteries and using photosynthetic bacteria to produce automotive fuel from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
The center has awarded its third round of competitive research grants to six projects focused on energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and behavior. The projects aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption through innovative approaches such as design optimization, policy analysis, and behavioral interventions.
A Stanford University research team has been awarded $6.27 million to develop an interactive software system that encourages people to be more energy efficient at home. The system will provide consumers with information about household energy consumption, aiming to reduce energy consumption by 10-30 percent.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $151 million in funding to 37 ambitious energy research projects. These projects aim to develop transformative innovations in energy storage, biofuels, carbon capture, renewable power, building efficiency, vehicles, and other energy technology areas.
Scott Anderson of Palm Beach, Fla., and his team won the 2009 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize with their ECO-Auger, a hydrokinetic machine harnessing tidal currents for renewable electric energy. The prize recognizes innovative ideas to create a more secure energy future.
Stanford University researchers propose that transitioning to renewable energy could reduce global power demand by 30%, making it cheaper than fossil fuels or nuclear energy. The study finds that wind, water, and solar energy can meet the world's power demands with minimal land area required.
A new study reveals that 65% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis have used alternative medicine, with women and university-educated individuals more likely to do so. However, only 43% of CAM users inform their doctor about the therapy, highlighting a need for improved communication between clinicians and patients.
Wealthier countries use less energy in buildings due to rating systems, but design challenges remain. Implementing similar programs can create 'green' jobs in the US, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
Marine renewable energy devices can boost local biodiversity and benefit marine environments by attracting marine organisms to man-made structures, creating 'artificial reefs'. However, such devices also pose negative environmental impacts from habitat loss, collision risks, noise, and electromagnetic fields.
Wind energy could account for 30% of Spain's overall energy production by 2030, according to a study. The proposal also suggests a mix of solar energy and gas turbines to achieve this goal, while reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, the sector has generated 226% more jobs in the European Union since 2003.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT angiography can identify diseases and injuries beyond the pulmonary arteries in children. Researchers evaluated 89 CTA exams with suspected pulmonary embolism and found alternative diagnoses in 59% of cases, including pneumonia and atelectasis.
A new study suggests that transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar could eliminate 130 worker deaths annually. The researchers found that these industries pose significantly less risk of workplace injury and death compared to traditional fossil fuel industries.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $377 million to fund 46 new energy frontier research centers, aiming to accelerate scientific breakthroughs in clean and renewable energy. The centers will focus on advancing solar energy, biofuels, transportation, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy.
Researchers found that active video games can burn calories comparable to moderate-intensity walking, making them a safe and valuable means of promoting energy expenditure in children. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that substituting screen time with physically active games can help reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Two Boston College physicists will lead a multi-university project to develop solid-state materials that transfer solar energy to electricity, with funding from the US Department of Energy. The project aims to reduce the cost of solar electricity generation and increase energy efficiency.
The University of Texas at Austin is receiving $30 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to develop innovative nanomaterials for solar energy and batteries, as well as study the movement of greenhouse gases in geological systems. This funding will support research into new paradigms for achieving U.S. energy security.
The Department of Energy has established a new Energy Frontier Research Center at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to study catalysis for solar energy and fuel cells. The center will be led by chemist Morris Bullock and will focus on grand challenges in converting electrical energy into chemical bonds and back again.
The Arizona State University EFRC will pursue advanced research on solar energy conversion based on photosynthesis principles. The goal is to design a synthetic system that uses sunlight to convert water into hydrogen fuel and oxygen, providing a renewable source of clean energy.
A new multi-million-dollar Energy Frontier Research Center announced by the White House will focus on understanding gas-liquid interactions at solid surfaces. This research has potential applications in developing more efficient batteries, solar and electrical energy conversion into fuel, improved fuel cells, and enhanced corrosion res...
Washington University and the Danforth Plant Science Center will be home to two new multimillion-dollar Energy Frontier Research Centers, pursuing advanced scientific research on energy. The centers aim to study forms of energy based on light harvesting and energy funneling.
Countries including US, Canada, Japan, and European Union agree on globally coordinated scientific recommendations for alternative toxicity testing methods. This will reduce the number of animals needed for product safety testing, improving animal welfare.
A new MIT study finds that modern manufacturing processes are significantly less efficient in terms of energy and materials use compared to traditional industries. The research highlights the alarming levels of energy consumption by newer processes like microchip production, which uses up orders of magnitude more energy than making man...
A study by Henry Ford Health found that energy drink consumption increased blood pressure and heart rate in healthy adults. However, the effects could be particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, highlighting the need to avoid energy drinks.
Researchers found frankincense oil to discriminate between normal and cancerous bladder cells, kill cancer cells, and suppress growth by arresting cell cycle progression. The oil may represent an inexpensive alternative therapy for patients with bladder cancer.
A national survey found primary care physicians are more likely to inquire about complementary alternative medicine (CAM) use in children with autism. The study also revealed a desire for specific CAM education tailored to this population. CAM therapies have become increasingly common among children with autism, highlighting the need f...
A new laser-based technique has unraveled some of the inner workings of photosynthesis by capturing instantaneous images of energy transport between electrons in molecules. This allows scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms involved, which is crucial for harnessing this process as an alternative energy source.
The NCAR forecast system will provide highly detailed, localized weather forecasts to enable utilities to make critical decisions about powering down traditional plants when sufficient winds are predicted. The system will help increase reliance on wind energy while meeting customer needs.
A national survey found that Americans are ready to reduce their energy use, with half having taken action and a substantial number planning to do so. The main barrier is financial cost, highlighting the need for innovative financing models.
The study reveals that small changes in nucleotide sequences near splice points can lead to significant changes in splice site choice and protein production. The discovery suggests that curing most genetic diseases will take longer than expected due to the complexity of alternative splicing mechanisms.
A new study in Journal of Consumer Research uncovers a strategy for releasing consumers from 'regret lock' after missing a sale. By offering alternative sales on similar products, retailers can increase purchase likelihood and market share.
German scientists suggest biomass as a major source of energy, meeting global demand sustainably and economically. Afforestation on degraded land can produce enough biomass to replace fossil fuels, reducing CO2 emissions.
Two proteins, CUGBP and MBNL1, play crucial roles in switching alternative splicing patterns during heart development. The study provides insights into normal heart development and has implications for understanding myotonic dystrophy.
Scientists have found that nearly all human genes, about 94 percent, generate more than one form of their protein products through alternative splicing. The phenomenon varies significantly between tissues, with mRNA expression dependent on the tissue where the gene is expressed.
David A. Gonzales II wins ConocoPhillips Energy Prize for his innovative Layered MagWheel technology, increasing energy conversion and efficiency. The prize recognizes new ideas to improve energy development and use.
A study found that households experiencing energy insecurity are more likely to face food insecurity, leading to negative health outcomes, hospitalizations, and developmental risks in infants and toddlers. Researchers also emphasized the need for healthcare providers to consider household energy security when making treatment decisions.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a process to convert plant sugars into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The new process produces identical molecular compounds to traditional petroleum-based fuels, offering a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
Federation of American Scientists honors Mark D. Levine with the 2008 Public Service Award for his contributions to energy efficiency research, particularly in China. The award recognizes his work in building a strong energy program and promoting clean technology policies.
The NC State-led FREEDM ERC will develop technology to transform the nation's power grid into a smart grid that can store and distribute energy from renewable sources. This 'Internet for energy' system will enable millions of users to generate their own energy and sell excess back to the power companies.
Montana State University will incorporate more wind-related topics into existing engineering courses, educating students about wind energy and preparing them for jobs in the industry. The university aims to support Montana's growing wind industry and provide valuable technical experience.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a fully synthetic heparin alternative that is safer and more pure than traditional heparin. The new version uses a process called chemoenzymatic synthesis to replicate the natural biosynthesis of heparin, resulting in a higher dose and lower risk of contamination.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have created a solar collector system that can harness heat from asphalt roads and parking lots to generate electricity and hot water. The technology has the potential to reduce urban 'heat island' effects and provide a cost-effective source of renewable energy.
A study found that frequent energy drink consumption is associated with increased risk of substance use, unsafe sexual activity, and other forms of risk-taking among college students. Energy drink consumption may serve as a screening indicator for identifying students at risk for problem behavior syndrome.
The study found that 34% of polyadenylated transcripts mapped to non-annotated genomic regions, indicating a large number of novel gene candidates. Additionally, the researchers identified 94,241 splice junctions, with 4,096 novel variants, highlighting exon skipping as the most prevalent form of alternative splicing.
Two alternative test methods, the bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) assay and the isolated chicken eye (ICE) assay, have been accepted for ocular safety testing. These non-animal tests can identify substances that may cause permanent or severe eye damage, reducing animal use in this area.
Biodesign's Rittmann suggests that harnessing the energy of microorganisms can meet our current and future energy needs, cutting back on fossil fuel use. This approach has the potential to provide scalable, environmentally friendly, and food-sustaining solutions.
The University of Oklahoma's K20 Scholars program receives a $135,000 contribution from BP to support high school graduates pursuing energy-related degrees. The program offers four-year scholarships, service-learning projects, and research experiences, aiming to increase the number of students in science and engineering fields.
A study by University of Leeds engineers found that roasting energy crops using the torrefaction process can increase their energy content, reducing transportation costs and emissions. Willow emerged as the most favourable crop, retaining 86% of its mass and performing best in terms of energy yield.
Researchers discovered a new technique to visualize the electronic structure of pigment-protein complexes, enabling better understanding of how plants transfer energy. This breakthrough could lead to designing future experiments to study individual energy relaxation pathways in photosynthesis.
A symposium on energy research highlighted the need for transformational breakthroughs to meet future energy demands while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists discussed various renewable energy sources, including solar, nuclear power, hydrogen economy, and catalysis for transportation fuels.
Scientists at Maastricht University have discovered that mitochondrial uncoupling occurs naturally in human skeletal muscle cells when exposed to mild cold. This process can increase energy consumption, potentially leading to new obesity treatments. Further research is needed to identify the proteins responsible for uncoupling.
Researchers at UCL and the London Centre for Nanotechnology will investigate nanostructured carbon-based materials for hydrogen storage and develop large-surface organic solar cells. The refurbished laboratory aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The new plan aims to reduce, refine and replace animal use in research and regulatory testing through partnerships with industry and stakeholders. It emphasizes the development of predictive systems using new technologies to minimize animal use.
Washington University has received nearly $3 million from the Missouri Life Sciences Research Board to support biofuels research at its International Center for Advanced Renewable Energy and Sustainability (I-CARES). Researchers will focus on developing alternative fuel sources and reducing carbon dioxide generation.
Scientists used a transgenic system to monitor developmental regulated alternative mRNA splicing in live C. elegans worms, revealing conserved molecular mechanisms across metazoan evolution. The study enables experimental analysis of regulation mechanisms underlying alternative splicing patterns.
The MIT Energy Initiative has partnered with ABB to develop green technologies and improve energy efficiency. The five-year, $5-million partnership will support research in areas like nanofluids, power electronics, and intelligent robotics.
The new journal will link all aspects of the chemical sciences by publishing research on energy conversion and storage, alternative fuel technologies, and environmental science. Free access to previous content will be available following a simple registration process.
Researchers at Penn State are investigating thermochemical hydrogen production using advanced nuclear energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy independence. The three-year, $2.4 million program aims to develop efficient technologies for hydrogen production compatible with nuclear-generated heat sources.