A research team at Johns Hopkins University has identified a protein complex in the brain that causes cognitive decline and memory loss, providing a potential target for drug development. This discovery may help prevent Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of Americans.
A small team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory developed a novel radiator using MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, which can regulate the temperature of a satellite or one of its instruments. The device is designed to control emissivity and maintain constant temperatures in space.
Researchers found that Pluto's three moons have identical colors, boosting the hypothesis that they formed from a single giant collision. The team used Hubble Space Telescope observations to compare the brightness of Pluto and each moon in different filters, determining their neutral color is similar to Charon's.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Los Alamos National Laboratory found that large fluid vortices raid their smaller neighbors in an energy grab, sustaining a steady-state inverse energy cascade. This phenomenon forms a food-chain of vortices, with larger ones preying on smaller ones.
A computer model developed by Johns Hopkins researchers could help produce medications that regulate immune response levels, potentially treating septic shock, cancer, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. The study focused on how a protein molecule called tumor necrosis factor triggers an immune response.
After two months of tweaking, FUSE's control system resumed operations at an efficiency comparable to earlier in the mission. The satellite has obtained significant science data on various celestial objects, including discovering a hot gas halo around the Milky Way galaxy.
Astronomers have confirmed the presence of two new moons around Pluto, provisionally designated S/2005 P 1 and S/2005 P 2. The new discoveries were made possible by the exceptional resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope, which revealed the small moons' orbits with similarities to Charon's.
The RAVE survey has released its first dataset, containing information from 25,000 stars born when the Milky Way was in its infancy. The data will allow astronomers to test ideas of the galaxy's origins laid out by various cosmological theories.
Johns Hopkins engineers discover that metallic glass atoms form unique Kasper polyhedra, joining together in clusters and forming cavities. This breakthrough advances materials science knowledge and paves the way for intelligent design techniques to create materials with precise mechanical characteristics.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University has discovered that neurons in the brain's visual center respond to different components of a shape and fit them together like a puzzle to create an image. The brain constructs an internal representation of an object from disparate pieces, allowing for quick recognition of objects.
Astronomers have detected ionizing radiation leaking from a dwarf galaxy undergoing star formation, providing insights into the early universe's evolution. The study suggests that hot stars in Haro 11 allowed for some ionization to escape into intergalactic space.
Scientists confirm that dark matter dominates the total mass of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, through the Radial Velocity Experiment (RAVE) survey. The team aims to measure the speed, temperature, surface gravity and composition of up to a million stars passing near the sun.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new type of magnetic memory cell that can store large amounts of information in a densely packed area. The cells, made up of tiny cobalt or nickel rings, are immune to stray magnetic fields and can be controlled on-demand.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed tiny self-assembling cube-shaped containers that can deliver medications and cells. The cubes are trackable via MRI and have shown promising results in lab tests, including the release of microbeads and live cells.
Astronomers have created detailed maps of invisible dark matter in two young galaxy clusters, lending credence to the theory that galaxies form at dense regions of cosmic webs. The study used the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys to overcome atmospheric turbulence and measure subtle gravitational lensing effects.
The new technique involves an unusual blend of organic and inorganic components, using quantum dots as a DNA sensor to detect specific parts of a DNA sequence. It can identify genetic defects and mutations quickly and relatively simply.
Hospital noise levels have grown steadily over the past five decades, exceeding World Health Organization guidelines, with human speech frequency range contributing to communication difficulties. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found modest reductions by introducing hands-free personal communicators in patient areas.
The APL contributed significantly to the success of the Flight Test Mission (FTM) 04-2, a live event that verified the Aegis BMD 3.0 weapon system's performance against a more difficult threat.
A team from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) developed a multi-purpose sensor payload to collect video and infrared imagery of the target's boost, post-boost phases, reentry vehicle separation event, and SM-3 intercept. This provided scientists with the closest view of the intercept, enabling them to better und...
A Johns Hopkins team found that aged rats with preserved cognitive abilities have a different mechanism for storing memories, relying on a different neurochemical device. This discovery could lead to the development of new preventive treatments and therapies based on what healthy older brains are doing.
Two nearly identical spacecraft, STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory), were shipped to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for pre-launch tests. The twin observatories will explore coronal mass ejections and their impact on space weather, obtaining unique 3-D images of the sun.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a new mathematical formula, called the advected delta-vee equation, that can help predict turbulent flow behavior. This equation provides a shortcut to describe a complex characteristic of turbulence called intermittency, which is difficult to include in computer models.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that plant-derived compounds can block the activity of an enzyme that triggers inflammation in joints. These phytochemicals, also known as phase 2 enzyme inducers, may provide a new approach to treating arthritis and preventing joint pain.
Researchers have developed a method to modify collagen, allowing it to be used in new medical treatments such as preventing blood clots and scar tissue. The modified collagen can also be used to deliver drugs and control the shape of engineered tissue.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that germ cells use the JAK/STAT pathway to receive signals regarding sexual identity. This understanding could lead to new treatments for human infertility and cancer.
The Johns Hopkins-led ACCURATE center will investigate electronic voting technology, public policy issues, and human behavior in the context of e-voting, seeking to improve the integrity and trustworthiness of the US electoral process. The center's research aims to develop technical standards for secure and accessible e-voting systems.
CRISM will map areas on the Martian surface down to house-sized scales, detecting minerals in reflected sunlight. The instrument will identify sites most likely to have contained water, making them potential landing sites for future missions.
A Johns Hopkins University study reveals the brain's subconscious process of organizing images into a 'whole' even when focusing on only one part. The research, based on nerve cell recordings in macaque monkeys, suggests that the brain continuously organizes scenes, even when attending to small parts.
Student researcher Christopher Kovalchick used a low-cost technique to test tiny samples of four metal alloys and found that combining platinum with chromium resulted in the greatest strength. The findings are important because pure platinum is too soft for use in durable jewelry, but adding chromium improves its mechanical properties.
Three Johns Hopkins undergraduates built a model airship to test guidance, navigation and control systems for a military surveillance craft. The blimp was designed by APL engineers to conduct surveillance at the outer edge of the Earth's atmosphere, with video camera capabilities.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured dramatic images of comet 9P/Tempel 1 before and after a 820-pound projectile impact by the Deep Impact spacecraft. The collision caused a brilliant flash and increased the size of the inner cloud of dust and gas, which expanded outward in a fan shape at speeds of up to 1,200 miles per hour.
Research by Johns Hopkins physicists reveals that atomic-scale surfaces exhibit drastically different friction and adhesion forces due to their unique structures. The findings have significant implications for the development of nanotechnology, which could lead to improved device performance and functionality.
A study by Johns Hopkins University suggests that cell phones and driving don't mix because directing attention to listening effectively 'turns down the volume' on visual input. Brain activity recordings show that attention is strictly limited, affecting both auditory and visual tasks.
A team of four Johns Hopkins University students adapted a tractor for use by people with disabilities, including those who are paraplegic. The modifications included a hydraulic lift, hand-controlled throttle, and mechanical device to enable drivers without disabilities to operate the tractor.
The New Horizons spacecraft has been shipped from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for pre-launch tests. Engineers have tested the probe's structural integrity using a vibration test lab, simulating the energetic ride it would encounter during liftoff.
Researchers found that combining SGS742 with Aricept improves memory in rats by altering gene control machinery involved in long-term memory consolidation. The combination therapy protocol may provide a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease symptoms and improve patient quality of life.
MESSENGER successfully tested its main camera by snapping distant approach shots of Earth and the Moon. The images show bands of clouds between North and South America on Earth's sunlit side, providing valuable data for planetary exploration.
A team of Johns Hopkins engineering undergraduates designed a system that uses sound emitters in the ball and on the backboard to enable blind people to play basketball. The system, tested by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, allows players to locate their shooting target through low pulse tones and higher continuous tones.
A study found that damage to the orbital frontal cortex impairs an animal's ability to learn from new cues, leading to slowed neural responses. The researchers discovered a critical role of the OFC in decision-making and learning, with potential implications for treatments of brain injury and trauma.
A new study finds that verbal cues, such as labeling color and location, help children remember visual patterns more accurately and longer. Children with Williams syndrome also benefit from specific verbal cues, suggesting potential new techniques for learning.
The NCR network tested its disease surveillance system, ESSENCE, in a simulated bioterrorist attack to identify areas for improvement and enhancement. The exercise showcased the system's effectiveness in providing early warning alerts to public health officials.
A study by Matthew Powell found that brachiopods living near the equator suffered high extinction rates during the late Paleozoic ice age, while those living at higher latitudes were more resilient. The research suggests that human-induced environmental changes may be causing modern marine species to become extinct.
A three-year course in the stock market and investing resulted in improved attendance and academic performance among at-risk middle school students. The program, which allowed students to buy shares of stock by improving their grades and attendance, showed statistically significant gains in vocabulary, reading comprehension, and applie...
A new discovery may lead to more precise cancer treatment by creating damaged DNA that is deadly to cancer cells. Researchers created synthetic double-stranded DNA with specific chemical characteristics and exposed it to long wavelength light, selectively triggering the damage process.
A Johns Hopkins engineering student built an antenna inspired by a cockroach's sensory system, enabling a robot to scurry along walls and avoid obstacles. The device sends signals to the robotic brain, allowing it to maneuver in low-light environments with polished surfaces.
Researchers discovered two distinct phases of electrical disturbances in the heart before mechanical abnormalities occur. These findings could lead to new medications that halt or reverse heart failure. The study was conducted by a student researcher and his mentor, with support from the Johns Hopkins University.
Computer simulations of black holes have revealed that the process of matter accretion is more complex than previously thought. The new findings show that magnetic fields play a crucial role in creating violent disturbances in density, velocity, and magnetic field strength near the event horizon.
Research in post-tsunami Thailand reveals key findings on building materials, structures, and orientations that can help minimize damage. Elevated structures, reinforced concrete, and strong foundations are among the essential elements to consider when designing coastal constructions.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that RFID microchips in car keys and wireless payment tags may be vulnerable to encryption cracking, allowing thieves to bypass auto theft prevention systems and charge unauthorized purchases. The study recommends implementing free metallic sheaths to cover devices when not in use.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that women who have been abused are less likely to engage in stable, long-term relationships. The researchers found that those who were physically or sexually abused as adults often avoid cohabitation and marriage due to a need for recovery time from abuse.