University of California, Irvine researchers will evaluate alternative materials and recycling programs to reduce the environmental impact of e-waste, including cell phones. The interdisciplinary team aims to create a comprehensive model to protect public health and the environment from hazardous chemicals in electronic waste.
A new artificial intelligence-based drying process for wood products could significantly reduce energy costs and improve product quality. The proposed method analyzes the kiln environment to predict optimal conditions and minimize deviations, potentially saving the $250 billion US wood industry millions of dollars.
A Carnegie Mellon psychologist will investigate how a person's social environment influences their health and well-being. The study aims to determine which biological factors are impacted by social well-being to affect health.
Two scientists outline China's environmental impact on the world, including pollution, resource consumption, and human health dangers. They recommend education, environmental law enforcement, market tools, and lifestyle changes to address these issues.
A well-designed NICU can conserve energy, improve environment management, and reduce respiratory support, lung disease, and length of stay. Modified environments can also reduce staff stress and improve patient and family experience.
A study published in Home Healthcare Nurse found that home care nurses value professional autonomy, collaborative relationships with physicians, and access to resources to provide quality care. Implementing these traits can help reduce nurse turnover and improve patient outcomes in home health care agencies.
NASA's Goddard technologist Vladimir Lumelsky proposes developing a 'High-Tech Skin' with over 1,000 infrared sensors to enable robots to sense their environment and react like humans. This technology is crucial for carrying out NASA's Vision for Space Exploration, where humans and robots work together in unstructured environments.
Researchers developed a vaccine targeting the local tumor environment to improve systemic anti-tumor immunity in melanoma patients. The study showed that the vaccine was safe and feasible, with partial responses and stable lesions observed in some patients.
Researchers at Georgia State University are exploring virtual reality (VRE) therapy as a potential solution to treat fear of public speaking. By immersing individuals in a controlled virtual environment, Anderson's study aims to reduce anxiety and improve confidence in real-world public speaking situations.
A group of researchers argue that industrial chemicals in the environment pose significant health risks to children due to their exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and placental transfer. The lack of developmental neurotoxicity testing for 75% of high-production volume chemicals is a major concern.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute substantially to the development of AMD, accounting for 46-71% of disease severity variation. Environmental factors also play a role, with unique environment contributing 19-37% and shared environment 28-64% to AMD grade and specific macular measures.
Mice raised in an enriched environment with running wheels and toys showed reduced beta-amyloid deposits and increased enzyme activity. They also exhibited improved genes involved in learning, memory, brain cell survival, and blood vessel growth.
Researchers find that adult stem cells are maintained by local environment signals that block gene expression, preventing differentiation. The microenvironment captures cells and prevents them from becoming other types of cells.
A UCI professor has developed a method to measure the relationship between environment and mental well-being, finding that natural features like water and flowers are most beneficial for mental health. The study suggests that designing landscapes with these elements can enhance overall quality of life.
Researchers discover how genetic and environmental factors influence racial health disparities, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Studies show that genetic contributions play a larger role in blood pressure differences among African Americans than previously thought.
Enterococcus faecalis uses a Sonar-like system to detect human blood cells and produce a toxin in response, providing a potential mechanism for developing new antibiotic treatments. This discovery could also be adapted to help the aging population cope with vision loss.
A $2 million NSF grant enables researchers to develop real-time soil monitoring technologies, reducing the impact of fertilizers and greenhouse gases on the environment. The project aims to determine best management practices for California agriculture while minimizing harm to the environment.
A study by Dr. Richard Palmer challenges the classical Darwinian theory, suggesting that environment plays a crucial role in creating differences and variations in species. The research found that variations without genetic basis are common and important for evolution, especially in asymmetric forms.
The book provides detailed explanations of procedures used to manage and minimize environmental impacts of aggregate mining, processing, and transportation. It also highlights successful reclamation projects that convert mined areas into beneficial uses such as recreation areas and natural habitats.
Scientists found evidence of jarosite and gypsum on Mars' surface, indicating that liquid water likely existed in the past. The discovery suggests a brief geological window where conditions may have been hospitable for life.
Researchers led by Graham Bell discovered that increased carbon dioxide concentrations negatively impact algae growth, disproving the notion that plants absorb extra CO2. The study's findings have implications for all plant species, including agricultural ones, as fossil fuel emissions continue to rise.
Researchers at U of T found that animals absorb environmental information to modulate behavior, associating smells with starvation cues. A mutation affecting environmental role in memory recall was identified, highlighting the importance of environment in learning.
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research has purchased a large-scale Linux-based computing system, adding significant computing capacity to NCAR's arsenal. The system will enable the evaluation of major community climate and weather codes in a full-scale Linux environment.
A new theory suggests that the Sun and Solar System formed in a turbulent environment, with massive stars influencing the development of planets. This vision could have profound implications for understanding planetary formation and life's origins.
Researchers found that early exposure to environmental toxins reprograms the uterus to promote tumor growth in genetically susceptible rats. This new model of gene-environment interaction may explain why some people develop cancer while others don't, especially considering inherited BRCA1 mutations.
Research at UC Davis explores the effects of ocean nanoparticles and vehicle emissions on atmospheric conditions. The study aims to develop models for measuring and predicting nanoparticle transients in the atmosphere.
Michigan State University ecologist Jianguo 'Jack' Liu says embracing ambiguity is key to environmental policy, focusing on interactions of different policies rather than isolated fixes. Liu's work at China's Wolong Nature Reserve shows unexpected effects from policies due to human nature and complexity.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that virtual reality interventions significantly reduced symptom distress and fatigue in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Participants reported a decrease in nausea and vomiting, as well as improved mental state, after using the technology.
The lab recognized for FRAMES, a software system for understanding industrial impact on people and environment; a testing chamber that identifies hard-to-measure chemical emissions; and a test bed for developing fish-friendly designs for roadway culverts.
A joint research effort discovered Mars-like soils in Chile's Atacama Desert, which are depleted in organic materials and would have been missed by NASA's Viking missions. The team found that the conditions in this environment represent a limit for microbial life on Earth.
A new DNA registry at UNC will study the interaction between genes, environment, and disease. The registry aims to identify groups of individuals with genetic polymorphisms that may be linked to environmental risk factors.
A study found that NS temperament in adulthood was predicted by an interaction between the DRD4 gene polymorphism and a hostile childhood rearing environment. Participants with certain genetic variants and adverse childhood experiences had a higher risk of exhibiting high novelty seeking scores.
Researchers found that genes influence offspring growth, while quality of care from mothers is the primary factor. The study suggests that there are both "super moms" and "dud moms", with success determined by environmental conditions like food supply.
In an effort to improve regeneration, Emory scientists treated severed nerves with enzymes that degrade proteoglycans. Axons regenerated through enzyme-treated tissues more effectively, extending over twice as far as untreated tissues.
A team of researchers used a computer game to study human navigation, identifying distinct brain cells responsible for spatial mapping (place cells) and goal-directed behavior (goal cells). The study demonstrates that humans use both visual and cognitive processes to navigate their environment.
Researchers found that amphetamine and cocaine exposure blocked environmental-induced structural changes in the nucleus accumbens and parietal cortex. Exposure to complex environments increased dendritic branching and spine density in these areas, but was hindered by prior drug exposure.
The MagiC VLIW processor is a revolutionary component that enables environment intelligence, allowing for flexible systems to interact with the surrounding environment. It has been successfully integrated into various applications, including audio conferencing and ecographic ultrasound scanners.
A three-year study of 193 healthy older adults found that social environment, including home and family, was the most important factor in determining quality of life. Good mental faculties and personal optimism also played a significant role.
A new instrument, Decisional Involvement Scale (DIS), assesses the level of involvement registered nurses have in decisions affecting their work environment and patient care. The DIS can help hospitals identify areas for improvement and implement changes to reduce staff turnover and enhance quality of care.
The Georgia Tech research aims to develop advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques to study blood flow turbulence in heart valves. The team will create a virtual environment that accurately models the turbulent flow environment, which could lead to better design and reduced thromboembolic complications.
A study found that prenatal exposure to a diabetic environment from mothers with type 1 diabetes is associated with increased occurrence of impaired glucose tolerance and a defective insulin secretory response in adult offspring. This effect was observed independently of genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes.
The study reveals African Americans are more likely to make environmentally-friendly lifestyle choices and prioritize environmental issues. Despite this, they face poorer environmental conditions in their neighborhoods, sparking greater concern than their white counterparts.
Researchers are developing faster methods to detect pathogens in the environment, such as DNA-based field assays and real-time PCR systems. However, challenges persist, including identifying the viability of pathogens and distinguishing between natural and genetically modified organisms.
A study found that economic growth often takes precedence over environmental concerns in local policy-making. However, there are examples of cities like Manchester where sustainability has become an integral part of urban development. Local authorities still play a crucial role in driving environmental and economic policies.
The System Assessment Capability (SAC) is an integrated system of computer models and databases that predicts the movement and fate of contaminants through the vadose zone, groundwater, and Columbia River. SAC assesses the impact of contaminants on human health, animals, and the environment, providing a comprehensive understanding of c...
A study published in Environment and Behavior found that rural children living in homes with more nature exhibits lower levels of psychological distress. The researchers also discovered that the benefits of exposure to natural environments are not limited, even in rural settings with abundant green landscapes.
Researchers found that exposure to environmental cues linked to heroin administration reduced the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein in rat spleen, lung, and liver tissues. This suggests that environmental cues associated with drug use may contribute to altered susceptibility to infection.
Scientists have found that bacterial endospores can survive in a simulated Martian environment, raising concerns about future space missions. The discovery highlights the potential for Earth-borne endospores to hitch a ride to Mars and compromise efforts to detect life on the planet.
Gretchen Daily has been selected as a Nature Conservancy senior scholar, working with researchers from Stanford and the Nature Conservancy to develop market-based approaches to conservation. The project aims to make conservation more profitable and central to human activities.
A broad-based research program is needed to understand obesity, which cannot be easily explained by personal failing. Genes and environment interact to determine body weight, with genetic factors accounting for individual differences in weight among present time.
A study by Ohio State University found that children living in owned homes outperform those in rental units, with higher math and reading achievement scores. The researchers attribute this difference to the better home environment, including safety, maintenance, and educational materials.
Researchers at Purdue University found that ozone can effectively kill insects in grain storage facilities without damaging food quality or the environment. The gas has a short half-life and low dosage is used to eliminate bugs, reducing the risk of mycotoxins and potential food-borne diseases.
Researchers found that childhood exposure to nature leads to a greater appreciation of the outdoors and interest in environmental careers. This has implications for educators and policymakers, as it can increase support for land preservation and environmental conservation.
The HEED program aims to bridge disciplinary interests in global health, economics, and environment. It will support research on the complex linkages between these factors and inform healthcare strategies in low- and middle-income countries.
A $3.3 million NIH-funded grant will test whether changing the afternoon environment can increase physical activity, improve diets, and reduce body fat in third-graders.
Virginia Tech and ICSRC used Internet2 technology to create a live virtual classroom environment where students from Seattle interacted with teachers on the east and west coast. The ThinkQuest conference explored emerging technologies and educational ideas, with participants debating future possibilities for K-12 audiences.
A new model predicts that an animal's body size determines how often it encounters food in its environment. The researchers found that larger animals have bigger home ranges due to their ability to perceive and average over different scales of resource availability.
A study of 169 children found that girls who had a view of nature from their apartment window performed better in concentration, impulse inhibition, and delayed gratification. This suggests that incorporating nature into urban living spaces can enhance self-discipline and academic achievement.
Researchers have discovered a genetic environment behind nerve-tissue tumors that lead to cancer, specifically NF-1. The study found that tumors grow in a permissive environment but are nonexistent when the environment is restrictive, offering new hope for treatment approaches.
Pre-term infants who received cycled light from birth and at 32 weeks postconceptual age grew more rapidly than those who received it later. The study suggests that a circadian environment is important for pre-term infants, and light can promote growth and healthy sleep patterns.