Dr. Joseph M. DeSimone has mentored at least nine African American students, one Hispanic American student, and 24 women through the completion of their Ph.D. degrees in chemistry. He is being honored with the AAAS Mentor Award for his efforts to advance diversity in doctoral-level chemists entering the workforce.
Dr. Loftus's research has had a profound impact on the administration of justice in the US and abroad, highlighting the fragility and malleability of human memories. Her work has led to the dismissal of murder charges based on repressed memories, contributing to her being recognized as a pioneer in the field.
Dr. Glenn E. Schweitzer is honored for his efforts in engaging Russia and Iran in science diplomacy, dating back to the Cold War era. He has maintained relationships with scientists from these countries despite challenges and improvements in US-Iran relations.
Dr. J. John Cohen is recognized for his work in demystifying science for non-scientists through public programs like Mini Med School, which has inspired similar programs globally. His research on apoptosis and teaching awards have further solidified his commitment to making science accessible.
Dr. Lynford L. Goddard has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his outstanding contributions to public engagement in science and technology. He designed the Girls Learning Electrical Engineering (GLEE) summer camp, which aims to make electrical engineering more accessible to high-school...
The Neandertal genome draft sequence reveals significant genetic variants shared with present-day humans from Eurasia, indicating gene flow before population divergence. This finding supports the theory of interbreeding between Neandertals and early modern humans in Eurasia.
This year's AAAS/Subaru Science Books & Film competition recognizes four authors, an illustrator, and a photographer for their scientifically sound works promoting science literacy. Winners explore topics like climate change, honey bee colonies, and biomedicine.
Rep. Rush Holt is recognized for his strong support of investments in research and development, education, and expanding America's scientific workforce. He has advocated for scientists, students of STEM fields, and promoted economic growth through initiatives like Einstein's Alley.
A new foot bone from Hadar, Ethiopia, reveals Australopithecus afarensis had stiff, arched feet similar to modern humans. This finding supports the hypothesis that A. afarensis was primarily an upright walker, with its well-formed arch allowing for efficient walking and running on two feet.
A new study has found that modern humans may have reached the Arabian Peninsula as far back as 125,000 years ago. This discovery challenges current estimates of human migration out of Africa and sheds light on the technological innovations that allowed early humans to thrive in the region.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has announced the 2011 fellowship recipients for international science journalists. The fellowships aim to promote international scientific dialogue and advance science news globally. This year's winners are from Chile, Egypt, Argentina, and China.
A mechanical device that operates in the quantum realm has been developed by researchers from the University of California at Santa Barbara. This innovation extends quantum mechanics into a whole new realm and opens up possibilities for controlling light, electrical currents, and motion.
Mark Bates has been awarded the GE & Science Prize for Young Life Scientists for his novel research on high-resolution imaging of biological cells and tissues. His technique, known as stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, enables researchers to see previously hidden aspects of life with unprecedented detail.
A new study finds that a brief writing exercise can improve female students' academic performance and reduce the gender gap in college science. The exercise appears to narrow the gap by alleviating anxiety related to negative stereotypes about women in science.
The 2010 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards recognized journalists who reported on environmental issues, memory, and science. Charles Duhigg won the large-newspaper award for his toxic waters series, while Hillary Rosner took home the small-newspaper award for her piece on the endangered razorback sucker.
Christopher Gregg's groundbreaking research reveals how parental genetic cues influence brain development and disease, providing a roadmap for future research. His findings have major relevance for understanding brain evolution, function, and disease.
A study published in Science reports that one-fifth of vertebrate species are threatened, with declines accelerating over the past few decades. Conservation measures have mitigated this trend, with certain approaches proving more effective than others, such as controlling invasive species.
Researchers found that brain cells in Parkinson's patients abandon their energy-producing machinery, the mitochondria. Boosting the mitochondria with FDA-approved drugs may prevent or delay the onset of Parkinson's disease.
The new book discusses research on the impact of alcohol on the growing body and offers practical tips for parents to talk to their children about drinking. Studies show that delaying the first drink can make a big difference in reducing later-life problems.
A study published in Science has found that the anterior prefrontal cortex and white matter structure are associated with introspective ability. Researchers used MRI scans to analyze participants' brains and identified a correlation between gray matter volume and self-awareness, which could lead to better treatments for mental illness.
A centuries-old traditional Chinese medicine, PHY906, may reduce intestinal side effects of chemotherapy by stimulating gut cell division and reducing inflammation in cancer patients. Researchers found that PHY906 triggers Wnt signaling, which drives the replacement of damaged intestinal stem cells with healthy ones.
Two international studies reveal the world's plant life inhales an estimated 123 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, with tropical forests accounting for 34% of this uptake. The research also shows that factors like water availability and soil transformations play crucial roles in long-term ecosystem carbon balances.
Researchers have developed a long and accurate chronology of ancient Egyptian dynasties using radiocarbon analysis, narrowing down historical scenarios and imposing some revisions. The study constrains previous predictions, especially for the Old Kingdom, with more accurate comparisons to surrounding areas.
Researchers successfully created a bacterial cell with a synthetic genome, paving the way for designing bacteria for biofuel production and environmental cleanup. The new method uses a combination of chemical synthesis and genetic engineering to create a 'synthetic cell' that can be controlled by a human-made genome.
A study predicts that rising global temperatures could lead to the extinction of 20% of all lizard species by 2080, with many species already living at thermal limits. The research, led by Barry Sinervo, used field data and modeling to forecast extinction risks for various lizard species worldwide.
The published Neandertal genome sequence shows significant genetic differences between Neandertals and modern humans, suggesting some interbreeding in the Middle East. Approximately 1-4% of the modern human genome is estimated to be from Neandertals, potentially limiting the extent of interbreeding.
A newly discovered hominid species, Australopithecus sediba, has revealed a bone structure similar to the earliest Homo species but employed it more like Australopithecus. The fossils, dated between 1.95 and 1.78 million years old, provide a wealth of information about human origins.
Researchers developed a new approach to track cancer by identifying personalized biomarkers from tumor DNA, using next-generation sequencing technology. The findings show that this method can provide accurate and specific monitoring of tumors, allowing for better assessment of treatment effectiveness.
The 2009 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge honored artists who use visual media to promote scientific research, highlighting complex concepts like sustainability, branching morphogenesis, and human mobility. The challenge encouraged effective communication and creativity in presenting scientific findings.
May R. Berenbaum, a renowned entomologist, has been awarded the AAAS Public Understanding of Science and Technology Award for her extraordinary ability to integrate scientific discovery with public outreach. Her work has had a significant impact on fields such as chemical ecology, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
Diola Bagayoko, a Southern University professor, received the 2009 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for increasing African-American Ph.D. degrees in physics and chemistry. He has mentored 21 undergraduate students to receive Ph.D.s in these fields through his Timbuktu Academy.
Dr. Nancy Olivieri, a professor at the University of Toronto, was honored with the 2009 AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for her courage in defending patient safety and research integrity. She faced severe consequences after reporting potential life-threatening side effects of a medication during a clinical trial.
The AAAS/Subaru Science Books & Film (SB&F) competition recognizes authors who convey the excitement of science, fostering scientific literacy in readers of all ages. The 2009 winners included books on photosynthesis, microbes, and a real-life amphibian scientist.
Katepalli R. Sreenivasan, immediate past director of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, has been recognized by AAAS for his role in promoting cutting-edge science globally. He was awarded the 2009 AAAS International Scientific Cooperation Award for mentoring students and young scholars from developing countries.
Luis Colón, a University at Buffalo chemistry professor, received the 2009 AAAS Mentor Award for his efforts to recruit and mentor Hispanic-American students in chemistry. His initiatives led to an increase in Ph.D. degrees awarded to Hispanic-Americans in chemistry.
Three young scientists will receive financial support to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting to present their research on topics including a science teaching strategy, HIV medication synthesis, and DNA integrity analysis. The award aims to help them attain careers in their chosen fields.
Francis S. Collins, M.D., has been selected to receive the 2009 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science. He is recognized for his exceptional skills as a scientist, communicator, and leader, as well as his pioneering work on the Human Genome Project.
The 2009 AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize was awarded to Christian Marois and colleagues for their direct imaging of multiple planets orbiting HR 8799, a distant star. The discovery, made using the Keck and Gemini North telescopes, reveals a system resembling our solar system's outer portion.
The AAAS Fellowships for Science Reporters from North Africa provide recipients with a front-row seat at the unveiling of new research and opportunities to mingle with fellow science writers. The fellowship program supports excellence in communicating science worldwide, fulfilling AAAS and EurekAlert! mission goals.
Developed at the University of Utah's Genetic Science Learning Center, the websites are providing an excellent source of new material while educating a hugely diverse audience. They have been honored with the Science Prize for Online Resources in Education, recognizing their value as educational tools.
Researchers found that slime mold can self-organize into a nearly identical network to Tokyo's rail system, suggesting improved technological systems. The model captures the basic dynamics of network adaptability through interaction of local rules.
The discovery of Ardipithecus ramidus, a 4.4 million-year-old hominid species from Ethiopia, revolutionizes our understanding of early human evolution. The fossils, including the partial skeleton named 'Ardi', show a mix of primitive and derived traits, challenging current models of human-chimpanzee evolution.
A six-person US-led delegation, including AAAS president Peter C. Agre, aims to discuss and identify future opportunities for collaborative research activities in fields of mutual interest with the DPRK. The delegation seeks to leverage diverse resources and capabilities to support future collaborations.
Michael Crickmore's prize-winning essay describes his research on the molecular basis of size differences in animals. He found that a delicate balance of size-regulating genes and signaling pathways control tissue development and shape specialized cells.
Social media pioneer Anil Dash is leading Expert Labs, an independent effort to enhance policy-making by tapping into the wisdom of crowds. The initiative will leverage social networking platforms and technology startups to provide innovative solutions for sharing expertise.
The 2009 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored excellence in science reporting, including a story about probability told through a drifting balloon and a series on a rare genetic disorder affecting a family in rural Montana. The winners will receive $3000 and a plaque at the 2010 AAAS Annual Meeting.
Researchers have successfully used a gene therapy technique to slow the onset of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, a severe brain disease, in two patients. The treatment involved introducing a therapeutic gene into blood cells using a lentiviral vector, which showed promise in slowing disease progression and improving neurological function.
Young neurobiologist Richard Benton's research on insect odor detection has uncovered unanticipated evolutionary parallels between chemosensation, immune recognition, and synaptic transmission. His findings have significant implications for controlling disease-transmitting insects and understanding the evolution of nervous systems.
The debut edition of Science Translational Medicine describes a microfluidics device for detecting tiny amounts of estrogen, which could improve breast cancer screening. Researchers have also identified a novel mechanism to protect patients from graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplants.
The study provides the first comprehensive description of Ardipithecus ramidus, revealing a mix of primitive and derived traits. The findings suggest that early hominids lived in woodland environments, climbed on all fours along tree branches, and walked upright on two legs.