Deaf-blind woman deafer than deaf-blind man
Researchers found female patients with Wolfram syndrome have significantly worse hearing than male patients. The study also discovered that USH2a patients' hearing loss gradually deteriorates over time.
Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research
Tobacco plant refuses cowpea mosaic virus
Researchers discovered that certain tobacco plant species are resistant to the cowpea mosaic virus. The virus spreads through a plant's vascular system, causing damage and death, but the specific channels it uses to transmit the virus were identified. This knowledge could lead to strategies for creating virus-resistant crops.
American genetic abnormality also discovered in the Netherlands
A researcher has identified a genetic abnormality affecting American DFNA9 syndrome patients also present in Dutch families, including BOR syndrome, leading to valuable insights into the progression of diseases. The discovery highlights the importance of gene matching research for identifying new candidate genes.
Old Indian spells unmask centuries-old rituals
Researchers have translated 43 hymns from the Atharvaveda into English, providing insight into centuries-old rituals. The hymns, written in Vedic Sanskrit, were used by priests to venerate gods, heal diseases, and exorcise evil spirits.
Record: Fastest flashing star
Astronomer Steve van Straaten discovered a binary star with a vibrational frequency of 1330 Hz, the highest ever recorded. This finding allows researchers to develop new models for movement in the vicinity of a neutron star.
Batch control makes chemical reactions easier to manage
Researchers Eric van Sprang and Henk-Jan Ramaker developed a new control method for managing chemical reactions. The method takes into account the relationships between various process parameters, reducing the need for multiple univariate control charts and improving early detection of process disruptions.
Gene plays major role in formation of stem cells and cancer
Researchers discovered that gene BMI1 is essential for the multiplication of stem cells in the cerebellum, leading to an enormous growth of these cells. Overexpression of BMI1 was found in 8 of 12 medulloblastomas investigated, suggesting its contribution to brain tumour development.
Transformation of heated meat substitutes is unpredictable
Researchers Francesca O'Kane used pea proteins to study the behavior of plant proteins when heated, forming a gel that can be repeatedly heated without losing strength or flexibility. This unique structure provides insight into protein aggregation and will help predict texture changes in meat substitutes.
Concrete floor cracks after 15 minutes of exposure to a fire
Research reveals that concrete floor slabs can develop vertical cracks within 14-16 minutes of fire exposure, leading to rapid weight loss. The new temperature-dependent model also finds that thick floors are more sensitive to thermal expansion than thin ones.
Damage to brain vessels increases the chance of dementia and depression
Elderly individuals with white matter abnormalities and infarcts exhibited accelerated cognitive decline compared to those with fewer abnormalities. A serious increase in white matter lesions was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia and depression over a period of five years.
Salt-tolerant rice requires careful selection
Researchers found that salt-tolerant rice varieties can be accurately predicted using DNA markers and a crop growth model, allowing breeders to select the best varieties for specific conditions. This is crucial for increasing yields in areas with sub-optimal conditions, such as those affected by salinity.
Warm water vibrates for longer
Researchers found that the lifetime of water's OH-stretch vibration increases with temperature, weakening hydrogen bonds and allowing molecules to vibrate longer. The study used ultrafast infrared lasers to measure the number of vibrating molecules, revealing a unique property of water.
Two centres for infectious diseases established
The Netherlands has established two new research centers, NIVAREC and PRIOR, to develop and produce flu vaccines and tackle poverty-related infectious diseases. The centers aim to strengthen cooperation between researchers from different institutes and foster knowledge infrastructure in developing countries.
Etching of deep trenches in silicon explained
A new method for improving trench profiles in the Bosch process has been developed, allowing for maximum depth-width ratios of over 30. This is achieved through two techniques: adding a third plasma pulse to remove polymer layer and optimizing passivation pulses to prevent polymer deposition.
Patients are less satisfied with better company doctor
A study of nearly 200 patients found that company doctor adherence to guideline standards reduced absenteeism but decreased patient satisfaction. Factors such as employee pessimism and anxiety disorders also predicted unfavourable outcomes.
Lots of low-fat food is better than small portions of high-fat food
Research by Martin Muurling found that mice on low-fat diets were more sensitive to insulin, suggesting a low-fat diet may be a more effective remedy for diabetes. The study also showed that consuming fish oil had no positive effects on reduced insulin sensitivity.
European chemists unite
The European organization aims to create a virtual office to facilitate international collaboration and development of new research programs. Researchers will be able to work from various locations throughout Europe.
Wind energy not limited by technical barriers
Research shows that wind turbines can be integrated into electricity grids without major issues, but the type of turbine affects measures needed. Simulation models helped investigate how wind turbines impact grid stability, revealing two fundamental differences from conventional power stations.
Estimating the risk of cancer
A new tumour growth model views the tumour as an integral part of the body, dependent on host metabolic rate and food intake. The model predicts that tumours develop faster in younger hosts and have higher life expectancy with low-calorie diets.
Tropical oceans were overheated during prehistoric greenhouse effect
Researchers used a new method to determine seawater temperatures in the distant past and found that tropical oceans were 5-8 degrees higher than today. The findings concurs with climate models indicating warmer oceans due to high carbon dioxide concentrations.
Ten percent of employees experience work-family conflict
A study found that 10% of employees experience work-family conflict, leading to increased risk of prolonged fatigue and absenteeism. The study revealed that characteristics from both work and home situations contribute to this conflict, with flexible work arrangements reducing the risk.
Shooting a painting reveals its pigments
A new technique using laser desorption mass spectrometry can analyze paint samples as thin as 10 micrometres, determining pigment composition and origin. The study improves upon existing techniques for studying pigments in paintings.
Sugar coupled to protein causes kidneys to save water
Scientists discover that linking sugars to aquaporin-2 is essential for water channel transport in the kidneys. This process enables the body to conserve water and prevent dehydration. The study also identifies a new protein, AQP2-BP, that plays a crucial role in aquaporin-2 production.
Aging brain reduces ovulation
Research found that aging brains reduce ovulation in women, leading to decreased fertility. The study suggests that high oestrogen levels and decreased LH release contribute to this effect.
Cow's resistance to worms is genetically determined
A study found that cows can be genetically classified into three groups based on their resistance to intestinal worms. The research suggests that understanding the genetic factors behind this resistance could lead to the development of a vaccine to prevent gastrointestinal worm infections.
Bone cement only controls bacteria for a few days after the operation
Research reveals that bone cement containing antibiotics can effectively control bacterial growth in the immediate vicinity of the implant, but this effectiveness is short-lived. After just a few weeks, the concentration of antibiotics decreases, making it less effective against bacteria.
Rabbit and cow graze together
A study found that rabbits and cows grazing together lead to a diverse range of plants, with prostrate herbs thriving in short vegetation. The presence of rabbits also determines the extent of shrub cover and oak seedling growth.
VIDI awards: Seventy-nine young scientists start their own line of research
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded VIDI grants to 79 talented young researchers who have developed innovative scientific research ideas. The successful candidates will receive funding to develop their own research lines, with NWO covering almost 70% of the budget.
Dutch diet contains too little folic acid
Researchers found that a significant portion of folic acid is poorly absorbed by the body due to its conversion into the monoglutamate form, affecting overall absorption rates. The study suggests increasing dietary advice or product formulations with more easily absorbable forms of folic acid could help address this issue.
Sand-mud model could predict effects of opening sluices
Researchers developed a model to calculate movements of both sand and mud in tidal areas, revealing locations with little sedimentation due to quick water flow. The model can predict the effect of human intervention in tidal waters, addressing questions about released polluted mud layers and ecosystem changes.
NWO/Spinoza prize for economist, historian and two physicists
The NWO/Spinoza prize is awarded to Dutch researchers who rank among the world's top scientists. Four winners were recognized for their outstanding contributions in economics, history, and physics.
Standard operation procedure exacerbates liver cancer
A study by Te Velde found that the Pringle manoeuvre increases tumour growth and recurrence after liver surgery, reducing patient survival chances. Medicines preventing blood vessel regeneration can be combined with chemotherapy to control tumours.
Use of anti-malaria mosquito net depends on good health promotion
Kenyans rely on mosquito nets to keep mosquitoes at bay, but don't view them as a means of preventing malaria. Insecticide-treated bednets can reduce fatal cases by 20%, but effectiveness depends on consistent use and re-impregnation with insecticide.
Protrusions in oil paintings are a worldwide problem
Researchers discovered protrusions in oil paintings, composed of metal soaps, which form when paint layers contain lead and zinc. The phenomenon affects both panels and canvases, causing a bumpy surface texture, and can still be active in some cases.
Rapid movements of living biomolecules visualised
Researcher Chris Molenaar developed a method to follow biomolecule movements in living cells, revealing interactions between proteins and RNA. The technique uses fluorescent probes and microscopy to visualize molecular mobility and interactions, providing insights into cell functioning.
Ultrafast laser reveals details about slow electrons
Researchers used ultrafast light pulses to visualize the speed distribution of electrons in Rydberg atoms, revealing their wave-like behavior. This study provides new insights into the interaction between light and slow-moving electrons.
Computer recognises differences in pronunciation of vowels
Researchers used acoustic measurements to recognize differences in vowel pronunciation among 160 Dutch and Flemish teachers. The study found that acoustic methods can map sociological differences in pronunciation with high accuracy, outperforming phonetic transcription methods which require manual expert analysis.
Small protein helps special RNA make repairs
Researchers have discovered that a small protein, SmpB, helps modify the structure of tmRNA to facilitate its role in repairing damaged mRNA. This process prevents the production of toxic proteins and ensures cellular survival. The study also reveals how a plant virus exploits this mechanism for its own replication.
Combined effect of proteins saves lives in cases of pneumonia
Research found that two proteins, IL-1 and TNF-alpha, work together to overcome pneumonia. Inhibiting one protein can lead to death in mice with bacterial pneumonia. Cytokines play a crucial role in the immune response by recruiting white blood cells to fight invading bacteria.
Diamond layer makes steel rock hard
Researchers created diamond layers on steel by using a chromium nitride intermediate layer to prevent carbon penetration and graphite formation. The technique resulted in good-quality diamond layers on certain types of tool steel.
Legislation for the anonymous use of the Internet
A new book by Corien Prins examines the tension between anonymous online activities and tracing technologies, with implications for consumer protection, liability, and privacy. The Dutch National Programme for Information Technology and Law (ITER) funded the research.
Abstract dance moves young children
A study found that young children interpret both abstract and narrative dance performances to a similar degree, challenging the assumption that they need to be narrative or 'comprehensible'. The research also showed that children have the ability to give meaning to what they see and hear in abstract dance.
Bucket with two ears catches DNA
Researchers discovered the YB-1 protein's Cold Shock domain, resembling a bucket with handle and two ears, attaches DNA to its binding site. The domain alone forms weak bonds to DNA, contradicting previous measurements of complete protein strength.
High-producing dairy cows are not more susceptible to illness
A Dutch study found that high-producing dairy cows were not more prone to mastitis than lower-producing counterparts, challenging a common assumption. Researchers infected cows with E. coli and monitored disease progression over three weeks, revealing no significant difference between the two groups.
New model predicts damage to cheese
A new model simulates the influence of shearing and tensional forces on the structure of cheese, improving accuracy over previous models. The research builds upon a particulate gel system, where long strands of casein and whey proteins form a strong network in a liquid environment.
Threading instruction improves weak children's arithmetic
Research by Bauke Milo found that threading strategy helps children with learning difficulties master basic arithmetic operations up to 100. Children who adapted their strategies or used the threading method made fewer mistakes than those using the splitting strategy.
Smart mathematical model prevents the spread of swine fever
A mathematical model developed by Don Klinkenberg suggests that partial vaccinations can effectively control the spread of swine fever. The model indicates that vaccination reduces the spread of the virus but does not completely prevent it, allowing for epidemic persistence for several months.
Potato-related plant species exhaust potato cyst nematode
Researchers have discovered that Solanum sisymbriifolium can eliminate potato cyst nematodes from the soil, which are difficult to control. By cultivating this plant between potato harvests, farmers may be able to reduce the need for pesticides and improve crop yields.
Superlubricant effect explained using new friction force sensor
Graphite exhibits superlubrication when layers rotate relative to each other, reducing resistance and enabling smooth sliding. A new friction force sensor allows researchers to study this phenomenon, which could improve the lubricating qualities of graphite.
Scan visualises poor memory in the elderly
A brain scan technique called functional MRI reveals differences between healthy elderly persons and those with poor memory, indicating less effective data storage. This finding has implications for diagnosing normal memory problems versus the early stages of dementia.