Worms under stress
Researchers found nematodes' life cycle affects pollution sensitivity, with sexually-reproducing strains more vulnerable. Temperature changes trigger genome shifts and alter gene regulation, impacting population growth.
Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research
DNA highly promising predictor for successful treatment of alcoholics
A Dutch researcher found that genetic characteristics, such as sweat production and brain receptor genes, can predict which drug works best for each patient. This information may lead to more effective treatment allocation for alcoholics.
NWO/Spinoza Prize for psychologist, immunologist, biologist and physicist
The 2006 winners of the NWO/Spinoza Prize are Prof. J.M. Bensing for her work on doctor-patient communication, Prof. C.G. Figdor for his pioneering dendritic cell therapy, Prof. B.J.G. Scheres for discovering stem cell role in plant roots, and Prof. J.J. Zaanen for high-temperature superconductivity research.
Poverty in Africa: Migration can help
A study found that intercontinental migration from Africa can improve the welfare position of households with migrants by increasing their capital and allowing them to invest in productive activities. This not only benefits the migrant-sending countries but also provides a source of cheap labor for European countries, helping to allevi...
11 million euros for chemistry research
The ECHO project grant funds innovative chemical research, including new synthetic methodologies and single metal nanoparticles in catalytic action. Researchers investigate ultrasmall magnets' behavior to understand fluid formation, and study peroxisomal enzymes' functionality and uptake.
Third Franciscan order should be taken seriously
A new study reveals that the Third Franciscan Order had a favourable attitude towards its members' lifestyle and was driven by voluntary participation. The order's development into a more ordered way of life was not solely due to Church pressure, but also an early expression of desire for monastic reform.
Land use mapped
Changes in land use have significant effects on the global environment, such as climate and ecosystem functions. In San Mariano, a 48,000-hectare area underwent transformation from forested to intensive rice and maize cultivation.
Witchcraft can make you rich in Cameroon
Young Bamileke immigrants from Cameroon are using unorthodox methods to become rich, going against the general ethics of their community. The government's reluctance to address 'feymania' is undermining efforts to control corruption and criminality, strengthening the country's negative image abroad.
Kalashnikovs and marginalised youth in Sierra Leone
Research found lack of training and employment led to violent uprising, while reintegration projects struggled to find work for newly-trained ex-soldiers. Millions spent on vocational training, but many ended up working for subsistence wages in mines.
West-African car dealers bet on a business jackpot
Researchers found that West African car traders invested heavily in the market despite falling profits and increasing bankruptcies. They formed a culture of gambling-like decisions due to unreliable market information and brief social relationships.
Choosy females make colourful males
In Lake Victoria cichlid fish, females choose brightly coloured males for good reasons: fewer parasites and better health. The colour preference leads to speciation as only the brightest red and blue fish survive, eventually forming two separate species.
Functionalised membranes for sustainable processes
Researchers developed functionalised membranes that can separate gases with higher selectivity and capacity. These membranes are energy-saving and environmentally friendly, making them a promising solution for sustainable processes.
Chances for better care for addicts
The studies reveal that integrated treatments benefit patients with multiple psychological problems and that cooperation between judiciary and addiction care provides added benefits. Effective prevention programs are also available for young people, while animal experimental research offers perspectives on human addiction research.
One million for state-of-the-art chemical research facilities
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research has awarded €1 million to support state-of-the-art chemical research facilities. The funding will be used to acquire new equipment and improve existing facilities for researchers at the Universiteit van Amsterdam, Radboud University Nijmegen, and Eindhoven University of Technology.
Well-informed citizens consider CO2 storage to be acceptable
Dutch citizens rated various energy technologies with CO2 storage as having consequences between 6.0 and 6.5, indicating acceptance. Informed opinions were more stable than uninformed ones, which were deemed 'pseudo opinions' that don't reflect public acceptance.
Medical jargon is not unequivocal
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research has developed medical jargon reduction methods, enabling hospital departments to evaluate the quality of terminology systems. By using standardized terms, data can be more easily accessed and used for improving patient care and epidemiological research.
From urban mist to social body
Researchers investigated the growth of urban communities in northern Netherlands between 1350 and 1650, analyzing factors driving urban 'mists' and cultural industry development. The studies also explored the emergence of new towns as instruments for politics, economics, and culture in late Middle Ages.
The mood of the Internet
MoodViews uses language technology to predict global mood, analyzing millions of blogger messages daily, with potential applications in marketing, psychology, and journalism.
Carbon cycle was already disrupted millions of years ago
Researchers have discovered evidence of massive carbon dioxide releases into the atmosphere over a short geological timescale. Fossil records show significant changes in carbon isotope ratios, indicating sudden releases of light carbon isotopes.
Polluted ground water poured into a model
A new mathematical model, devised by Phil Ham, calculates the size of a polluted groundwater plume and assesses natural degradation capacity. This scientifically-supported method enables predictions about the effectiveness of natural degradation as an alternative to aquifer remediation.
Energy prices, uncertainty and energy saving by companies
A recent meta-analysis by Mark Koetse investigated the effects of energy price uncertainty on company investments. The study found that persistent high energy prices stimulate the adoption of energy-saving technologies and lead to a shift towards more energy-extensive production processes.
From integration to virtual environment
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research has awarded projects to investigate integration of immigrants into their new home country. Researchers are also exploring the brain's processing with magnetic stimulation and creating virtual environments for socio-psychological research.
Eindhoven reactor expert appointed as Simon Stevin Meester
Prof. Jaap Schouten has been recognized for his innovative approach to chemical reactor engineering, collaborating with leading companies like Shell and Toyota to develop more efficient diesel engines. His extensive research record, including over 200 publications and 30 Ph.D. students supervised, solidifies his position as a prominent...
School-aged pupils without school
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research found that long-term truancy is highest among adolescents due to frustration with school and existing educational gaps. Special projects aimed at motivating these young people often fail to address the underlying issues, perpetuating a negative spiral of dropout.
History of Berlin: Three versions of the past
Historian Krijn Thijs investigates how dictatorship and democracy influenced Berlin's interpretation of its past. The research reveals that different versions of the city's history were constructed to legitimize power and define identity.
Antarctic snow inaccurate temperature archive
Researchers used recent meteorological data to simulate condensation cycles, finding that temperature differences across Antarctica explain isotope value variations but with strong spatial correlations. Climate signals stored in Antarctic snow are not representative of annual weather conditions.
First Dutch success in European chemistry network
Two Dutch researchers, Gerard Roelfes and Jan van Esch, receive funding from ERA-Chemistry for their projects on DNA polymer-based nanostructures and self-organizing nanopatterns. These innovative materials have potential applications in asymmetric catalysis, programmable reactions, and biosensors.
Clay for cleaner production of solvent
A new type of catalyst made from activated hydrotalcite has been developed, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional homogeneous catalysts. This innovative material can be used in various applications, including the production of methyl isobutyl ketone and other organic reactions.
More market less poverty, but also more sustainable land use?
A recent study by Esaïe Gandonou found that reducing distance to the market has slight positive effects on grain yields and soil conservation. This is largely due to the increased use of artificial fertilizers, which require soil conservation measures.
Settlement wars in Turkish Kurdistan
A significant majority of displaced rural populations want to return to their villages, but few have actually done so due to conflicting ideas about 'returning'. The Turkish army and government agencies are hesitant to allow the return of rural populations, fearing they may support the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK).
Euclid returns to maths lessons
Research by Iris Van Gulik found that pupils who learned proofs in plane geometry through the history of non-Euclidean geometry gained a deeper understanding. The method also led to higher motivation among pupils. In contrast, teaching methods focused on historical development were less successful.
Improved speech without vocal cords
Scientists at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam developed a new type of valve producing its own vocal sound by a small silicone rubber flap acting as an artificial vocal chord. Female patients with weak voices benefit from this prosthesis, regaining a natural female pitch.
Dynamic bed causes irregular course of river
A study by Saskia van Vuren reveals that changes in the riverbed elevation can cause high-water problems, flooding, droughts, erosion, and affect discharge distribution. The researcher argues that future high-water level predictions must consider morphological dynamics.
Book about Papuans' right to self-determination
The book examines how the New Guinea conflict arose, developed, and was resolved. Historian Pieter Drooglever presents information from interviews and archival research, shedding light on the 'Act of Free Choice' referendum in 1969.
DNA technique measures suitability of soil for onion crops
A new DNA-based technique measures soil suitability for onion crops by detecting nematodes and fungus at the molecular level. This method surpasses traditional microscopic methods in accuracy and speed, enabling growers to make informed decisions about crop cultivation.
Natural chemistry finds its way to market
Researchers at Universiteit van Amsterdam and Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen developed a one-pot synthesis of complex molecules, resulting in faster reaction rates and higher yields. This innovation has the potential to reduce waste substances and energy needed in pharmaceutical production.
Increased dampness causes vegetation change
Increased dampness in Dutch dune valleys creates favourable conditions for certain plant species. Research reveals that restoration projects can be effective when specific characteristics are met.
Indian eddies supply Atlantic Ocean with warm water
Researchers found that Agulhas eddies, which transport seawater from the Indian Ocean to the South Atlantic Ocean, are large warm rings of water with a diameter of about 300 kilometres. These eddies import considerable quantities of heat into the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to climate change and global warming.
Dreams prepare your emotions
This study explores the function of dreams during significant life changes, as reported by indigenous Surinamese and Australian tribes. The research findings suggest that dreams can provide comfort and guidance during difficult decisions and transitions, such as coming to terms with death or spiritual initiation.
North Sea efficient sink for carbon dioxide
The North Sea efficiently absorbs 8.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually through both physical and photosynthetic processes. This represents 20% of the world's total CO2 uptake, highlighting coastal seas as more efficient absorbers than open oceans.
Russia as a bride
Research by Ellen Rutten explores how Russia has been portrayed as a young woman of flesh and blood, with a focus on the role of the state and intellectual elite. The study reveals that modern writers have increasingly emphasized the sexual dimension of this metaphor, assigning it to Russian rulers from Lenin to Putin.
Chilean success defies Bush doctrine
Research by Lucian Peppelenbos reveals that Chile's free market economy is built on centuries-old patriarchal structures, providing opportunities for small businesses and unskilled laborers. Despite inefficiencies, this system ensures access to the world market for small farmers.
Marine researcher wins prestigious chemistry prize
Jaap Sinninghe Damsté is awarded the Treibs medal for his research into marine sediments and the discovery of anammox bacteria, which has major consequences for the nitrogen cycle. He uses organic molecules to reconstruct life and climate in previous epochs.
How the Internet influenced Indonesian politics
Merlyna Lim's research explores how the Internet facilitated creative interaction during Indonesia's 'reformasi' movement and Moluccan conflict, highlighting its potential for collective protest but also limitations. The study suggests the importance of cultural and interpersonal contacts in collective actions.
Water management in cells
Researchers have identified key mechanisms for cell volume regulation, including water channels and organic particle efflux. Cells use these processes to manage salt concentrations and prevent osmotic disruption.
Food devours energy
The European food sector is facing increasing energy requirements due to growth in feed production, consumption per capita, and transport distances. Despite some sectors like the dairy industry showing improvements in energy efficiency, the net balance remains negative.
Hidden sponges determine coral reef's nutrient cycle
Researchers discovered that sponges are the most important inhabitants of underwater caves on coral reefs, filling over 60% of cavities. They filter massive quantities of planktonic particles, facilitating growth and conversion of organic to inorganic nutrients.
Acid water in East Java threatens biodiversity and local welfare
Acidic water from the Ijen Crater Lake in East Java poses a significant threat to both human health and local ecosystems, with high levels of aluminum and fluoride found in river water and groundwater. Researchers suggest channelling acidic water into the sea as a possible solution to mitigate this issue.
Bottom quarks reveal something of their identity
Researchers investigated bottom quark creation in high-energy collisions using D zero experiment data. Wijngaarden's measurements showed the angle between two bottom quarks can be smaller than predicted, indicating a more complex description of the strong nuclear force is needed.
How a red lady becomes black and white
Researchers found that vermilion particles first turn black, then white through a two-step degradation process, challenging the prevailing view of simultaneous color development.