Anna-Karina Hermkens' research on the Maisin people highlights the crucial role women play in ceremonial exchange systems, challenging traditional anthropological perspectives. The study reveals how barkcloths, made from paper mulberry trees, are intertwined with ideas about gender and sexuality.
Researchers discovered that quantum coherence in qubits spontaneously disappears, even without external influences. This process is linked to quantum mechanical spontaneous symmetry breaking, which could limit the development of quantum computers.
This study sheds new light on the ideological positioning of Catholics in relation to the constitution, education, and the Dutch nation. It reveals how attention shifted from church-state relations to faith-politics debates.
Dutch researchers have won the NWO/Spinoza prize for their groundbreaking work in cancer research, cognitive sciences, physics and mathematics. Prof R Bernards developed innovative genetic technologies to predict breast cancer metastases, while Prof P Hagoort demonstrated that damaged brains can still understand language via other routes.
Research psychologist Michel Varkevisser found that employees with chronic sleeping complaints perform less well under controlled laboratory conditions. However, when self-reliant in boring circumstances, they can maintain high performance levels but at a long-term cost to their physical well-being.
Sebastian Nijman's research reveals the molecular mechanism underlying cylindromatosis, a rare genetic condition causing skin tumors. The study also identifies a key protein in Fanconi anaemia, a form of inherited cancer, and finds potential treatment through inhibition of NF-kappa B signalling route.
Researchers found that sponges produce bioactive substances in response to competition, which is crucial for developing new drugs. However, the growth rates of cultivated species are slow and unpredictable, resulting in lower substance production compared to natural counterparts.
A Dutch anthropologist's doctoral research on female health workers in Yemen reveals the challenges they face despite their contributions to the healthcare system. The translated thesis provides insight into the backgrounds and motivations of these women, as well as the different agendas and interests at play.
Research reveals that clay layers can affect water and salt transport due to electro-osmosis, a process caused by differences in electrical potential. Katja Heister's study examined the impact of streaming and membrane potentials on water transport through dense clay layers.
A novel sensor has been developed to detect gastrointestinal problems by measuring acid levels in the stomach. The sensor, created by Sebastiaan Herber, is small enough to fit inside a catheter and can provide early diagnosis of conditions like ischemia, which can cause pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Hinke Piersma's research explores the interaction between political decision-making and public debate regarding 'the Breda three', four prisoners who became two in 1979. The discussion increasingly focused on integrity, as the Dutch population was criticized for failing to protect Jewish compatriots during WWII.
Researchers discovered that the alpha isomer of toxic flame retardant HBCD accumulates in dolphin blubber due to its inability to be metabolized by enzymes. The beta and gamma isomers are broken down by cytochrome P450, leading to their exclusion from fat-rich tissues.
Pigs can become lethargic in high temperatures, leading to poor growth rates. Providing extra cooling measures such as water baths or misting systems can help reduce heat stress and increase feed intake.
The study found that improving catalyst particle surface characteristics increases reaction rate efficiency and reduces expensive catalyst needed. Catalyst particles adhere better to gas bubbles with these modifications, resulting in increased efficiency.
Topoisomerase IB helps unwind DNA during cell division to reduce torsional forces that can delay or stop cell division. The study's findings may lead to improved cancer treatments by enhancing the enzyme's functionality.
A dynamic landscape model developed by Lieven Claessens predicts landslide-prone areas and calculates rainfall effects. The research aims to conserve kauri forests, which have prevented landslides for over 1,000 years in New Zealand's Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.
Scientists have found that Pseudomonas bacteria can switch between two phases, improving their competitive advantage. The switches are caused by spontaneous gene mutations, enabling the bacteria to respond more quickly to changes.
Linguist Valteir Martins reconstructs the sound structure and lexicon of Proto-East-Maku, an ancient language of the Brazilian Maku people. The language is genetically related to the Arawak languages, challenging earlier claims that the Maku Indians were the first inhabitants of the Amazon region.
Researchers found that Papuan women blend elements from their ancestral customs and the Catholic faith to form their own group identity. Initiation rituals are part of life experiences, embedded in social and religious context.
Researchers have discovered that the loss of sulphur atoms from hydroprocessing catalysts is a key cause of their deactivation. This process can lead to a decrease in the catalyst's ability to convert sulphur compounds into clean fuels.
In West Papua, patients often initially choose indigenous treatments for illnesses, but switch to biomedical options if they don't work. After initial failure, individuals focus on finding the cause of their illness, attributing it to factors like ancestral spirits, magic, or biological responses.
Research reveals employees with diabetes can be valuable workers in a favorable environment. The burden of fatigue is largely determined by the individual's self-management capabilities and outlook on their disease and work situation.
A recent study has shed new light on the production of green paint used in old master paintings. Researchers found that the paint was created by mixing finely-powdered verdigris with a cold oil or vanish, rather than dissolving the pigment in warm varnish to produce copper resinate.
A new image search technique developed by Mirela Tanase recognizes visual patterns and significantly increases the number of correctly identified objects in a search. The method provides a useful addition to existing methods, such as MPEG7, and can improve image recognition rates in certain cases.
A Dutch researcher has developed a computer program that can play the ancient board game of Go on a 5x5 playing board, as well as larger boards up to 6x6 rows. The program uses both search and learning techniques to analyze games and predict strong positions, life and death, and potential territory.
Researchers found a way to convert hydrogen into water using an oxygen sponge, allowing the reaction to continue until most of the starting materials are used up. This new process reduces the amount of energy needed for separation and makes the product less contaminated.
A thermodynamic approach was used to investigate biomass gasification, resulting in a more efficient process. The study found that roasted biomass is more suitable for gasification than untreated biomass, with improved properties for efficiency.
In strongly fragmented areas, Lychnis caterpillars consumed more white campion seeds due to increased egg laying. This was found by Jelmer Elzinga, contradicting the initial hypothesis that decreased ichneumon fly populations would lead to reduced consumption.
Researchers used transferrin protein to attach medicines to iron-containing proteins, allowing them to pass through the blood-brain barrier. This technique enables larger molecules to reach the brain, opening up new possibilities for treating brain diseases.
A researcher created a model to simulate the dynamics of heart rhythm disorders, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. The model revealed that only six spiral waves are present in the heart during fibrillation, contradicting previous assumptions about its chaotic nature.
Researchers have created a surface that can align liquid-crystal molecules, enabling the construction of LCDs and opening up the possibility of biosensors. The aligned liquid crystals can detect the presence of certain types of DNA without additional equipment.
Botrytis cinerea, a major problem in horticulture and viniculture, uses ABC transporters to pump toxic substances out of the fungus. The research reveals that this mechanism is comparable to multiple drug resistance in humans, with the protein BcatrB playing a key role.
A new study on the Lienzo de Quauhquechollan painting reveals that it depicts a campaign of conquest through Guatemala by Spanish conqueror Jorge Alvarado in 1527-1529. The indigenous map provides a unique perspective on the Spanish conquest, challenging the traditional European bias in historical accounts.
Evolutionary adaptation leads to permanent antibiotic resistance in fungi, making it difficult to prevent its spread. Researchers focus on reducing dependence on antibiotics to combat this growing issue.
A vaccine against cervical cancer has been developed by Dutch researcher Laura Bungener. The vaccine induces an immune response to proteins from human papillomavirus (HPV), rendering it harmless and preventing the growth of tumors. Laboratory animals with existing tumors could also be treated with this vaccination.
A statistical model was developed to automatically determine heart contours from X-ray images, reducing time and variability in observer interpretations. This technology has been incorporated into a commercial software application used by physicians and surgeons to improve diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions.
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research published five English-language books examining Dutch culture from 1650 to 2000. The books cover topics such as science, art, music, literature, education, religion, and urbanization.
A recent study found that genetic variation can predict an individual's likelihood of taking up smoking and their nicotine dependency. Chromosomes 6, 14, and 10 contain regions associated with smoking behavior. Researchers used a large twin study to investigate the role of genetics in smoking.
The study found that larger herd sizes grant better social status, land, and income, but also lead to deforestation and water scarcity. Poor families with small herds rely on charcoal sales, affecting animal health and child nutrition.
Researchers used MRI to study salt crystallisation in model systems and found that it causes damage in materials with small pores. The study provides new insights into the mechanism behind salt damage in building materials and stones.
A European network aims to enhance coordination of innovation-driven research in catalysis and sustainable chemistry. The initiative seeks to increase efficiency and strengthen the field's position on the European research agenda.
Phytoplankton distribution varies between hemispheres, with greater impact on climate in southern hemisphere due to higher DMS flux and species producing more DMS. The effect of plankton on Earth's temperature is small compared to other compounds like carbon dioxide and CFCs.
A study reveals how indigenous communities maintain their own laws, blending national and indigenous principles to survive. The hybrid form of law is found to increase the chances of indigenous customs surviving.
Researchers discovered Cf-4 and Cf-9 resistance genes in wild tomato species, likely retained against the fungus C. fulvum.
Scientists found that people with psoriasis have transit amplifying cells divide without signal, leading to rapid skin renewal and increased cell layers. This discovery may lead to new treatments for the disease, which affects 300,000 people in the Netherlands.
Research findings suggest that a balanced diet prior to pregnancy can reduce the chance of spina bifida. Myo-inositol, zinc, and vitamin B12 supplements may also be beneficial in preventing the condition, although further research is needed to confirm this.
A recent study found that dementing patients' hyperactivity is worsened when care-providing family members employ a non-adaptive strategy, which includes being impatient and irritated. Adjusting this approach can help alleviate behavioural problems and improve the quality of life for both carers and patients.
Joan Somers' research found that cows on straw yards had significantly healthier claws and better walking patterns than those on concrete floors. The study highlighted the importance of comfortable bedding spaces, dry stalls, balanced rations, and regular claw care in improving dairy cow welfare.
The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership has opened an African office in South Africa, aiming to boost the continent's medical research capacity. The partnership will fund clinical trials for new treatments and vaccines against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Prof. Ben Feringa, Prof. Rien van Ijzendoorn, Prof. Michiel van der Klis and Prof. Jaap Sinninghe Damsté were awarded the prestigious NWO Spinoza prize for their innovative research in chemistry, education and astronomy. The winners made significant contributions to their respective fields, including the discovery of an X-ray star and ...