The rat vector hypothesis suggests that rats may have spread SARS in the Amoy Gardens apartment block. Epidemiological case-control studies could be undertaken to identify behavioural risk factors and possible mechanisms for rat-to-man infections. This hypothesis is a strong possibility that needs to be further explored.
The McGill University MNI de Grandpré Communications Centre has won the top prize in the International Room Competition, recognized for its innovative design and cutting-edge technology. The Centre's advanced features include multimedia presentations, videoconferencing, and state-of-the-art presentation equipment.
The Cornell laboratory will be a national center for calculating earthquake effects on structures, including soil deformation and seismic damage. The facility will use customized testing structures and actuators to apply displacements and loads, enabling researchers to study the behavior of structures during earthquakes.
The quality of care in nursing homes remains a significant challenge, with many experts arguing that public reporting may hasten the demise of low-performing facilities and create a void without clear solutions. A balanced long-term care system is needed to address issues such as staffing, financing, and care delivery.
The Chemical Heritage Foundation has received a grant from the William Penn Foundation to support strategic planning. This funding aims to increase operating revenue and visitor numbers at the foundation's facility, as well as enhance online and on-site access to its library and archives.
A new study links overweight individuals to poor community environments with crime and safety concerns. Missouri residents who perceived their neighborhoods as unsafe were more likely to be overweight.
Researchers at Purdue University found that ozone can effectively kill insects in grain storage facilities without damaging food quality or the environment. The gas has a short half-life and low dosage is used to eliminate bugs, reducing the risk of mycotoxins and potential food-borne diseases.
A recent study found that gyms in western Oregon fail to meet ADA guidelines for accessibility, with pathways and customer service areas being the most non-compliant. The researchers offer specific recommendations for improvement, available online.
A recent study by Northwestern University found that nearly two thirds of boys and three fourths of girls in juvenile detention have one or more psychiatric disorders. Detained teens are also at high risk for substance abuse, with about half exhibiting dependence.
The new Geocentrifuge Research Laboratory enables researchers to study complex processes at high speeds, accelerating environmental cleanup and geotechnical engineering advancements. Researchers will explore topics such as contaminant transport mechanisms and fluid flow in soil and rock.
The US Department of Energy approved funding for the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, which will serve as a gateway to Los Alamos and Sandia national labs. The CINT collaboration aims to integrate nanotechnology into the macroscopic world, with potential applications in sensor development, security measures, and nuclear deterrence.
A study of 12,804 SAH cases found that mortality rates decreased with increasing hospital volume, with highest-volume hospitals having 32% lower mortality. Longer stays and higher costs were also associated with higher-volume hospitals.
The Materials Processing and Characterization (MPC) program at Ames Laboratory is offering research proposals for scientists in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, and Physical Chemistry. Proposed projects can focus on developing fundamental materials processing knowledge, materials process models, or synthesizing novel materi...
A study found that comprehensive care and access to staff members are key factors in successful patient-physician relationships for lower-income women. These features can lead to higher trust, compassion, and communication ratings among patients.
The StarLight network provides high-speed connectivity for researchers worldwide, enabling real-time collaboration on complex projects. With speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, StarLight supports cutting-edge applications such as virtual reality presentations and data mining.
A UCSF/Harvard study analyzed 13,693 government inspections of nursing homes and found that for-profit facilities were cited for deficient care 46.5% more frequently than non-profits. For-profit homes had significantly lower staff-to-patient ratios, leading to concerns about the impact on patient care.
Professor Terrill Cool's research uses flame-sampling photoionization mass spectrometry to detect key-reaction intermediates in laboratory flames. The new facility will produce average photon fluxes 100 times larger than current sources, enabling more accurate predictive models of combustion kinetics.
The lab is developing new catalysts to optimize chemical reactivity and selectivity, while exploring electric charge transfer at the nanoscale to create more efficient energy-conversion devices. These studies could lead to advances in solar-to-electricity conversion and molecular electronics for faster computer circuits.
A study found that 28% of fitness clubs in Ohio failed to conduct pre-entry screenings for cardiovascular problems, while 17% reported heart attacks or sudden deaths. Gyms must implement recommended screening practices and emergency response plans to ensure member safety.
The National Computing Facility for Lattice Gauge Theory (NCFLGT) will equip the University with a system capable of 144 billion calculations per second, advancing understanding of the fundamental forces of nature. This facility aims to make internationally significant advances in the understanding of the fundamental forces of nature.
A University of Iowa biologist is studying the application of new acoustic technologies to manage gas production and potentially eliminate odors in large-scale pork production facilities. The goal is to reduce environmental impact and improve nutrient value of hog manure used in fertilizer.
A Purdue University engineer is working on software tools that can prevent design conflicts and improve the efficiency of e-workers. The tools use 'neuro-fuzzy' programs to identify conflicts and provide fine details about their nature, enabling a resolution.
The North Carolina Statewide Infection Control Program has prepared guidelines to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically MRSA and VRE. The guidelines offer practices designed to reduce transmission between patients in various healthcare settings.
A National Research Council panel recommends hiring criteria, training programs, and better displays for air traffic controllers to maintain situation awareness and improve system reliability. The FAA is expected to assess different types of automation and make recommendations on implementation.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory will study nuclei in stellar explosions and exotic nuclear structures, answering questions about nuclear physics and astrophysics. The facility provides a resource for scientists from around the world, offering insights into the main constituent of the visible universe.