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Mountain-building process much faster – and cooler – than previously thought, say Queen's geologists

Researchers at Queen's University have discovered a 13-million-year cycle in the mountain-building process, which is significantly shorter than previously believed. This finding has implications for our understanding of geological processes that shape the Earth, including the formation of volcanoes and deep-seated continental earthquakes.

SourceQueen's University·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2005

Study finds markers for premature birth risk at the molecular level

A study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reveals that metabolic profiling can accurately identify patients at risk for preterm delivery. The method has shown a high degree of accuracy in identifying patients across different clinical groups, offering new hope for predicting the course of preterm labor.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 10, 2005

Premature births from inflammation and infection rapidly detected by proteomics technology

Researchers have developed a novel method called MR scoring to rapidly detect preterm birth from inflammation and infection in women. The test uses biomarkers Human neutrophil defensin 1, Human neutrophil defensin 2, Calgranulin C and Calgranulin A to identify women at risk of premature delivery with high sensitivity and specificity.

SourceYale University·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateFeb 4, 2005

Yet another benefit of green tea

A new, biodegradable machining compound developed by Ventana Research Corporation uses green tea extracts to improve the efficiency of computer hard drive manufacturing. The compound has shown a three- to four-fold increase in efficiency, leading to potential cost savings and environmental benefits.

Bizarre attractive force found in mayonnaise

Scientists at Rice University have discovered an attractive force in mayonnaise using the phenomenon of negative normal stress. This finding has significant implications for the development of new emulsions and dispersions with practical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 29, 2004

It's a stirring tale of bacteria

Researchers observed Bacillus subtilis bacteria moving through fluid in a coordinated pattern, creating swirls and jets that stir the fluid and may aid bacterial detection. The 'self-concentration' phenomenon has potential applications in biotechnology, particularly in mixing minute quantities of solutions.

Optical control technique could enable microfluidic devices powered by surface tension

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed an optical control technique that can enable the production of new types of microfluidic devices without etching channels. By using lasers to create complex patterns of varying-intensity light on a substrate material, differential heating can be achieved, resulting in thermocapillary action an...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 5, 2003

Spanish fertility experts bring hope of avoiding serious complication of assisted reproduction

Spanish fertility experts have found a protein called Vascular Endothelial cadherin linked to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The study suggests that modulating the way ovaries are stimulated can reduce the risk of severe OHSS. Researchers propose a novel approach, 'coasting', which enables treatment cycles to continue with less risk.

Brain imaging study sheds light on inner workings of human intelligence

A new brain imaging study from Washington University in St. Louis has shed light on the inner workings of human intelligence, revealing that individuals with higher fluid intelligence use specific brain regions to resist distraction and maintain focus. The study found that participants with higher fluid intelligence engaged several key...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 16, 2003

Low amniotic fluid no risk to normal birth

A recent study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that babies born with low amniotic fluid at 37 weeks' gestation have normal birth weights and health, challenging conventional wisdom. The study of 262 women showed no significant differences in birth outcomes between those with low and normal amounts of amniotic fluid.

Patients' lives at risk from needless lung scans

A recent study found that injecting contrast material before a CT scan can increase lung tissue volume in critically ill patients with ALI. This increase is attributed to fluid accumulation in the lungs, making breathing harder for these patients. The authors recommend avoiding this procedure in critically ill patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateDec 16, 2002

NYU scientists show the benefits of being flexible

Researchers at NYU's Courant Institute found that flexible structures exhibit a unique drag reduction phenomenon, where the drag force decreases with the velocity of the flow. The team discovered that this occurs due to the shape of the fiber's 'nose' and its self-similarity under different velocities.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2002