News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
NCAR has surpassed the one-petabyte mark in its data archives, storing over 1 trillion gigabytes of climate research data. This achievement is made possible by StorageTek's automated tape systems and high-performance computing infrastructure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins' Center for Cardiovascular Bioinformatics and Modeling are using IBM technology to simulate complex heart cell models and analyze thousands of genes. This knowledge could lead to new drug targets and better predictions about the effects of drugs on animals and humans.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein that couples vacuoles to the organelle transportation system, regulating its movement and delivery. This discovery may improve understanding of embryonic development and have implications for various diseases.
A model suggests that only coarse-textured soils can form fingers capable of moving deep into the soil, leading to inefficient water use and potential groundwater contamination. Laboratory experiments show that even small amounts of water can create persistent pathways in sandy soils.
The NIH is set to advance science and improve public health through a new initiative that focuses on multidisciplinary teams and cross-cutting initiatives. The plan aims to tackle pressing biomedical challenges by integrating multiple disciplines and addressing public concerns.
Scientists are exploring the potential of infrasound pulses to detect natural disasters such as tornadoes and volcanic eruptions. Infrasound pulses can also be used to monitor and forecast volcanic eruptions, potentially providing valuable warnings for communities at risk.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have successfully grown cells known as Tr1 cells in the laboratory, which can suppress immune responses. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as provide insights into infectious diseases like measles and meningitis.
Scientists have identified a third light detection system in the eye, which is linked to the melanopsin gene. This discovery could explain why we stay awake during the day and may lead to new therapies for disorders such as jet-lag and Seasonally Affective Disorder (SAD)
Professor William Johnson seeks to understand ancient reading habits, focusing on the social context rather than individual acts of reading. His research aims to shed light on why the ancients preferred reading aloud and its cultural significance.
Hopkins researchers identify connexin 43 gene as the cause of oculodentodigital dysplasia, a disorder affecting multiple body systems. The study reveals changes in the gene's sequence are responsible for the condition.
The study analyzed 1997 patient discharge data from over 1,000 hospitals across 22 states and found that gunshots wounded more than 35,000 individuals, mostly males, resulting in $802 million in treatment costs and nearly 30% of the wounded being uninsured.
Researchers found that scientists tend to accept research from reputable organizations without requiring supporting data. The 'Exxon factor' phenomenon shows how company reputation and large-scale facilities can carry weight over empirical evidence.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that voter registration rolls are grossly inaccurate in many US states, with 32 states having counties with more registered voters than eligible voters. The problem is caused by a dysfunctionally decentralized election system and can lead to voting fraud.
Nancy Bowers, a Scripps Institution of Oceanography doctoral student, has been awarded the 2002 Chrysalis Scholarship from the Association for Women Geoscientists. Her research focuses on analyzing high-frequency fluctuations in Earth's magnetic field as observed in oceanic crust data.
Researchers found that nornicotine permanently modifies proteins, affecting their function, and reacting with steroids to form advanced glycation endproducts, linked to diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's. The study highlights the need for more research into nicotine metabolites' consequences.
A new undersea data network, MARS, will be deployed in Monterey Bay to provide real-time monitoring of ocean conditions. The network will support a variety of research devices and supply power to instruments, enabling continuous and long-term data collection.
Kelley, a Cornell professor, has been capturing images of the Earth's upper atmosphere over Greece as part of a Fulbright program research project. He aims to find clear evidence for waves traveling through atmospheric layers and their effect on radar.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a process to produce metal nanocrystals in large quantities at low cost, containing valuable nanocrystals in common machining processes. The discovery could lead to widespread uses of nanocrystals in various industries, including automotive and electronics.
Researchers at URI Graduate School of Oceanography have been awarded a $35,000 grant from the Vetlesen Foundation to investigate pathways for transport of copepod Calanus finmarchicus and its relation to climatic variations.
Scientists have successfully transformed sedentary mouse muscles into fatigue-resistant type I muscle fibers by introducing the PGC-1Q protein, which activates energy production and oxidative metabolism. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for treating muscle fatigue in patients and individuals confined to bed rest.
Researchers at UCSD identified a gene called Six6 and its co-factor Dach2, which enable normal eye size by controlling cell growth. The study provides insights into the developmental role of these proteins in other organ systems.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered the protein White Collar –1, or WC-1, as the photoreceptor for light responses in fungi. This breakthrough finding sheds light on how life adjusts to the environment and has implications for understanding various physiological processes in fungi.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new method for printing ultrasmall patterns in silicon wafers, which could increase transistor density on chips by 100-fold. This breakthrough, called Laser-Assisted Direct Imprint, eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming etching processes.
Researchers found that learning new motor skills does not occur in the cerebellum, but rather in other parts of the brain. The cerebellum does influence changes in performance, however.
Dr. McConnell's groundbreaking work on cellular behavior at the molecular level has shed light on interactions between cholesterol and phospholipids, as well as protein-peptide reactions. His research aims to improve understanding of immune surveillance and cholesterol function in cells.
Scientists have identified a new amino acid, pyrrolysine, in a particular strain of microbe, Methanosarcina barkeri. The discovery suggests that even more genetically encoded amino acids may be found using modern genome sequencing techniques.
Researchers have identified a human gene that appears to be the counterpart to the mouse Mater gene, essential for fertilized egg development. The discovery may lead to new approaches in studying and treating female infertility, as well as understanding the role of the immune system in premature ovarian failure.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCN) emit a loud pop and then ignite when exposed to a conventional photographic flash. This phenomenon, known as the photo-acoustic effect, has been observed for decades but not previously associated with carbon nanotubes.
Researchers identified four patients with involuntary movement disorders (IMDs) after being struck by lightning, sparking further study to elucidate the role of lightning strikes in IMDs and identify potential treatment options. The American Academy of Neurology is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital's Ontario Cancer Institute have identified the IRAK-4 gene as a key regulator of the immune response. Deleting this gene from test mice effectively tamed their inflammatory response and prevented septic shock, highlighting its potential as a target for future treatment.
Scientists have identified the PKHD1 gene as the cause of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a life-threatening genetic disorder. The discovery provides a genetic roadmap for understanding how the disease progresses, paving the way for more accurate diagnoses and treatments.
Researchers at the CNRS and INRA Centre de Versailles in France have discovered a gene, SPIK, that increases pollen competitive ability by facilitating rapid pollen tube elongation. This discovery sheds light on how plants can improve their reproductive success.
A study published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that e-customer loyalty is driven by ease of return, timeliness of delivery, web site navigation, product availability, price, and product information. These factors have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
A genetic mechanism involved in pain modulation has been discovered, which could lead to an entirely new approach to pain control. Genetically engineered mice lacking the DREAM gene showed dramatic loss of pain sensitivity compared to those with the gene.
Harvard Medical School researchers have identified a key pathway controlling circadian rhythms in hamsters, revealing the signals sent by the body's internal clock and its connection to light exposure. The discovery opens new avenues for research into sleep disorders and could lead to improved treatments.
A study published in Neuroscience found that the primary role of the startle reflex is to defend the body against strong impact stimuli, such as head blows. The research suggests that humans have the same timing as rats and that the startle response protects against these types of impacts.
Researchers at University of Toronto have discovered a photon switch that can manipulate photons to transmit data in computers. The discovery has the potential to solve problems that traditional computers cannot, including database searches and cracking codes on the Internet.
Professor Julian Peto warns that current data protection legislation is hindering cancer research by withholding medical records and tissue samples. Researchers face obstacles in tracking disease development and identifying genetic factors due to lack of access to historical data.
A second gene mutation for the inherited form of ALS has been discovered by Northwestern University researcher Teepu Siddique. The newly identified gene, alsin, is responsible for juvenile inherited ALS (ALS2), a rare and slowly progressive disease affecting young populations in North Africa and the Middle East.
A team of researchers discovered a new type of carbon nanotube that is approximately 40 percent stronger than other nanotubes made using the same number of atoms. This breakthrough was achieved through supercomputer simulations at the San Diego Supercomputer Center and the University of Michigan.
Chemists are using statistical design of experiments and parallel reactors to improve the creation of polymers. This approach enables the efficient production of novel elastomers by determining the optimal reaction conditions. By doing so, researchers can generate predictive models and discover new materials.
A new sea current has been discovered off the African coast, with high speeds of up to a metre per second. The current is driven by the mixture of cold polar water and extremely saline water from the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.
Researchers found a significant difference in movement on each side of the Eastern California Shear Zone, with one side moving more than the other due to varying heat flow properties. This discovery provides a more accurate method for modeling earthquake data and could be applicable in many places.
Researchers at UCSD Cancer Center develop a two-drug combination that tricks leukemia-causing gene Bcr-Abl into committing suicide, achieving complete eradication of CML cells. The treatment uses STI571 and Leptomycin B to mobilize and trap the oncogene in the nucleus.
Researchers have identified a pivotal early event in breast cancer development, where mammary epithelial cells spontaneously surmount senescence and acquire genomic instability. This finding could lead to new targets for very early detection and treatment of breast cancer, as well as broader implications for understanding carcinogenesis.
Three Dutch researchers, Ewine van Dishoeck, Daan Frenkel, and Dirkje Postma, have been awarded the NWO/SPINOZA Award for their internationally recognized excellence in science. The award recognizes their exceptional contributions to molecular astrophysics, computational physical chemistry, and pathophysiology of respiratory disorders.
The Penn Head Injury Center will study the long-term effects of concussions with a $110,000 grant from NFL Charities. The center aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for traumatic brain injury and improve treatment outcomes.
A specific protein isolated from Chilean tarantula venom shows promise as a basis for new drugs to prevent atrial fibrillation, a major cause of death following a heart attack. The research demonstrates the physiological function of mechanosensitive ion channels in the heart for the first time.
Researchers discovered a plausible mechanism for a cancer-causing gene found in aberrant bone marrow cells. The study reveals the function of SET, a protein that helps regulate gene activity and protects cell integrity.
Researchers have discovered a gene that makes mousepox virus deadly to lab mice, raising concerns about its potential misuse in biowarfare. The technique could be used to strengthen biological weapons based on viruses affecting humans.
The Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute and University at Buffalo have received $3.13 million to develop new methods for determining protein structure, crucial for designing new drugs. Researchers will use X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy to determine protein structures.
Researchers made significant breakthroughs in genome sequencing, decoding the script of life in various organisms. These advances have profound implications for society and human health.
Researchers from UCSD and Japan have identified a new gene called NUDEL, which plays a critical role in regulating the function of motor-molecules that transport cellular cargo within cells. This discovery sheds light on how neurons in the developing brain become wired and provides insights into neurodegenerative diseases.
A new microarray technique can decipher the function of master switches in a cell by identifying the circuit, or set of genes, they control across the entire genome. This technique allows researchers to unravel complex genetic information in a week, compared to years with conventional methods.
New Zealand scientists are presenting innovative research on meat storage, with freezing found to be the best way to preserve raw sheep meat. Researchers have also isolated a promising chemical from a native Asian tree for treating AIDS, cancer, and diabetes. Additionally, marine sponges have yielded compounds that may aid in fighting ...
Researchers found that FRAP regulates a membrane-to-cytoplasm communication network, governing cellular response to outside stimuli. The protein must shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm to function properly.
Researchers have identified a potent neurotoxin called kalkitoxin, which appears to block sodium channels in neurons. This finding could lead to new treatments for conditions like pain, epilepsy, and potentially stroke by selectively activating or blocking sodium channels.
Researchers have discovered a chemical in sea urchins that appears to attract and repel starfish, which are devasting coral reefs at an alarming rate. The finding could provide a new method for controlling the starfish population and saving these valuable ecosystems.
University of Michigan geologist Peter van Keken uses virtual reality to explore Earth's inner reaches, discovering new patterns and relationships. He aims to advance research into plate tectonics and mantle mixing using this immersive technology.
The University of Washington has established a $35.5 million center for mind, brain and learning to conduct innovative research on early brain and behavioral development. The center, in partnership with Talaris Research Institute, will focus on five major themes: brain plasticity, brain-behavior links, nature-nurture, computer vs. biol...