Researchers studied how Christianity brought written material from Mediterranean to NW Europe, including Biblical weights, measures, and glossaries. They aimed to understand various forms of transferring Greek and Roman knowledge about the natural world.
Research by Marina de Regt reveals that migrant women from the Horn of Africa are driven to improve their families' lives, but often endure low status, long hours, and abuse in Yemen. The documentary sheds light on the resilience of these women and promotes awareness about their living and working conditions.
Researchers used Laser Induced Incandescence to investigate optimal engine conditions that reduce soot emission. Measurements revealed that neither engine load nor fuel injection system affected primary particle size, but other settings can improve combustion.
Using adult human stem cells, researchers found that the treated hearts contained more blood vessels and exhibited increased DNA repair activity. The study suggests that these stem cells have an instant stimulating effect on surrounding heart tissue following transplantation.
In the Wadden Sea, shore crabs use a takeaway meal strategy to avoid competition for food. They first attempt to catch prey at the richest food spot but then move it to a nearby poor spot with fewer competitors.
Dutch researcher Micha Leeflang studied 107 of Joos van Cleve's paintings using infrared reflectography and dendrochronology to analyze his painting techniques, marketing strategies, and artistic success. The study found that Van Cleve employed a permanent group of assistants to maintain high-quality paintings.
Researchers found a strong correlation between black hole presence and reduced star formation in heavy galaxies. The energy generated by massive black holes may heat up gas, preventing new stars from forming.
Plants form networks to warn each other of enemies and threats, allowing them to strengthen their defenses. However, these same networks can be used by plant viruses to rapidly spread and infect other plants.
Physicists investigate the spin of protons using a novel method that separates quark and gluon contributions to the total spin. This discovery has implications for understanding spin's role in various applications, including medical imaging.
A simulation model predicts optimal toll charges to minimize travel time and maximize revenues while reducing traffic jams. The model considers factors such as traveler flexibility and preferences, providing policy makers with a quicker insight into the outcomes of policy measures.
Research suggests that previous divorce experiences significantly impact a person's chances of entering into a new, successful relationship. Divorced individuals often prefer less committed types of relationships and have different partner preferences than those without a divorce experience.
Dutch researcher Joris van den Berg developed a mathematical model to predict sand wave movement, improving safety for shipping and offshore infrastructure. The model simplified equations, enabling quick predictions of interventions like dredging and potentially unlocking studies on sand waves and banks.
Researchers found that opinions about new technologies are related to each other and can be influenced by the context. Promoting one energy source can affect others.
Researchers have developed a new type of NOx Storage Reduction (NSR) catalytic converter that alternates between lean-burn conditions to reduce emissions and fuel-rich periods for regeneration. This technology has yielded important insights into the function of various components in the catalytic converter.
Research by Aldret Albert Musisi shows that Uganda's physical infrastructure investment will pay itself back with substantial returns, stimulating sectoral growth and alleviating poverty. Investments in electricity and services sectors yield the greatest returns, while infrastructure upgrades benefit agriculture and industry.
Friendly young people are sensitive to the influence of others on their alcohol use, with men and extroverts drinking more than others. Upbringing, culture, and social environment also play a role in determining drinking behavior.
The NWO Spinoza prize is awarded to Dutch researchers who make groundbreaking contributions to their field. This year's winners are Prof. Deirdre Curtin (law), Prof. Marcel Dicke (ecological entomology), Prof. Leo Kouwenhoven (physics), and Prof. Wil Roebroeks (archaeology), each receiving €1.5 million.
Researchers found that an asexual nematode adapted rapidly to soil contamination, living longer and laying more eggs in polluted conditions. The study highlights the importance of considering various research disciplines for understanding stress responses and developing protection strategies.
Researchers found that coordination of prices, clearer codes of conduct, and better understanding of markets can improve quality and competition. National institutes for quality control can also hinder improvement.
A recent Dutch study found that drug users are becoming more cautious when using needles, mainly due to the effective HAART therapy introduced in 1996. This increased caution has led to a significant decrease in HIV and hepatitis C infections among drug users.
Researchers found that polyphenols increase fatty acid breakdown and alter glucose usage in fat cells. Quercetin metabolites primarily accumulate in rat lungs, leading to increased fatty acid catabolism.
Researchers found that while both treatments showed promise, treatment 2 was associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence and shingles. The study suggests that patients should be thoroughly informed about the pros and cons of each treatment to make an informed decision.
Researchers found that thale cress responds differently to various plant pests and microorganisms, with specific hormone compositions leading to unique gene expressions.
Researchers have identified ten areas of the wild tomato genome associated with resistance to grey mould. The discovery could lead to the development of new, pesticide-free tomato varieties.
Researchers created ultra-small microreactor chips that increase chemical reaction rates by up to 1.7 times, reducing safety risks and increasing efficiency. The miniaturized Total Analysis System (µTAS) is now a feasible future technology.
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research found that CO2 capture and storage can avoid up to 80-110 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The technology has significant potential in various sectors, including energy, industry, and transport.
Dutch researcher Saikat Mazumder developed a method to estimate CO2 storage in coal using CT scans, improving understanding of crack patterns and gas absorption. Coal was found suitable for filtering out carbon dioxide from waste gases and storing it.
Zimbabwean smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions face food shortages due to limited fertilizer use. Research by Bongani Ncube found that nitrogen availability is the key factor improving cereal yields. Crop rotation also showed promise, with leguminous crops doubling sorghum yields.
Researchers have developed a new method for testing the reliability of tests, improving the accuracy of risk estimates and enabling better product quality control. The new approach takes into account the severity of errors, providing a more realistic measure of reliability.
Researchers have discovered a new type of plastic that can conduct electricity as well as current semiconductors, enabling mobile phones and other devices to withstand accidental drops. This material has the potential to revolutionize consumer electronics, making products cheaper and more durable.
Researchers Twan Gielen designed a simulation programme to study the interactions between oil and water in a controlled environment. The model shows how capillary pressure affects oil and water movement, providing insights into contaminated groundwater behaviour.
The Digital Locke Project has made John Locke's first texts available online, with a digital critical edition and search functionality. The project aims to produce a definitive text of Locke's work, building on previously rediscovered manuscripts.
Research by Dutch social-psychologist Harm Veling demonstrates that our brains selectively remember useful information while suppressing distracting influences. However, this process requires mental energy and breaks down when individuals are fatigued.
Dutch researchers have developed a DNA layer that improves attachment, recovery, and immune response to body implants. The coating, patented by Jeroen van den Beucken, approximates the body's natural material, reducing inflammation and immune responses.
Dutch researcher Mike van der Kolk discovered that people who are frequently infected with malaria parasites can develop immunity against the gametocyte, inhibiting the spread of the parasite. This natural immunity prevents the parasite from reproducing in mosquitoes, ultimately stopping its transmission.
Scientists reconstructed land temperatures in tropical Africa over the past 25,000 years using a new method based on soil bacteria molecular fossils. The results show that tropical Africa was cooled more than the Atlantic Ocean during the last ice age, leading to drier conditions and a lush rainforest.
Researchers have developed a new screening method to detect MCAD deficiency in newborns, reducing the number of undiagnosed cases. Early detection improves treatment options and reduces mortality rates, with one-quarter of patients dying before diagnosis is known.
The European Union's changed policy will negatively affect dairy farmers' income, especially small farms, leading to a decrease in the number of farms. This will result in the disappearance of many small farms, allowing remaining farms to expand and increase production.
Dutch researcher Rajesh S. Pillai developed a new method to visualize the microstructure of food and lipid droplets in cells using short infrared laser pulses. This technique has high promise for research into fat storage and diseases related to disrupted lipid metabolism.
A study by Netherlands researcher Taede Tillema found that households and companies adjust car journeys to avoid pay-as-you-drive tolls, reducing non-daily shopping trips by 19% and work journeys during rush hour by 15%. The most effective measure is a kilometres-driven toll during rush hour or tolls on specific sections of road.
The Dutch government excels in knowledge development and diffusion, but struggles to create a reliable market for sustainable energy. This leads to high-risk entrepreneurship and fewer technological successes.
Research in Uganda found that microfinancing improved women's positions within families and communities, but not their independence. The benefit of microfinancing lies in strengthening self-esteem and enabling women to take more responsibility and have a higher status within marriages and the community.
Researchers found new genetic information in Salmonella serovar Typhimurium DT104 that enables its survival and infection mechanism. The extra genetic characteristics make the pathogen stronger and more infectious.
New columnar discotic liquid crystals stabilized by hydrogen bonds exhibit highly stable mesophases and ease of processing, making them suitable for applications such as solar cells. The research demonstrates a synergy between bonding interactions to achieve well-ordered aggregates.
West-Siberian peatlands have counteracted the greenhouse effect by storing more CO2 than releasing methane over the past 10,000 years. A new calculation method reveals non-drained peatlands will become crucial net storage areas for atmospheric greenhouse gases even under global warming.
Researchers found that listeners more quickly recognize verbs as genuine when they have a meaning related to the verb in the sentence. The activation of verbs follows the end of the main clause, whereas nouns remain active throughout the sentence.
Researchers have made new discoveries about cerebellar functioning in rats, shedding light on how the brain controls movements. The study found that specific modules of the cerebellum regulate reflex functions during walking and adapt to situations.
Dutch researcher Rachel van Ooteghem's innovative control system optimizes climate conditions in a solar greenhouse, leading to a 39% increase in crop yield and a 52% reduction in gas usage. The system uses sustainable energy and minimizes waste heat, resulting in lower costs for growers.
Researchers have studied the Biak language, revealing its complex grammar and structure. The study found that context plays a significant role in shaping the language, influencing word types, sentence structure, and even direction terminology.
This study examines the feminist perspective on the body, using Merleau-Ponty's theory as a framework. The researchers explore gender differences and propose that language consists of imposed rules and standards.