Articles tagged with Discovery Research
Chemist F. Ann Walker received the Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal for her research on heme proteins, including nitrophorin, a molecule found in kissing bugs that releases nitric oxide to facilitate feeding. Her work provides insight into the function of heme proteins and their role in the immune system.
Hoffman's groundbreaking work led to the discovery of primordial plutonium and seaborgium, with a focus on symmetrical mass division in spontaneous fission. Her ongoing research continues to advance our understanding of nuclear chemistry and its applications.
Researchers at OHSU's Casey Eye Institute have developed a new method to diagnose rare eye infections caused by the Acanthamoeba organism. Using a confocal microscope, they can now detect the early stages of infection, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing vision loss.
A new NASA web site features women who are making history with their contributions to microgravity research. The site profiles women from diverse backgrounds and expertise, including astronauts, scientists, engineers, and more.
Stephen L. Buchwald receives American Chemical Society Award in Organometallic Chemistry for developing more efficient methods to create complex chemical bonds, with applications in plastics, drug discovery, and manufacturing. His work has been recognized for its breadth and unique interest, spanning multiple fields.
Glaucoma is now understood as a neurodegenerative disease affecting the entire visual system, including brain cells. Researchers found that forty percent of nerve cells in both eye and brain are destroyed by the disease.
Scientists identify a feature common to the immune systems of long-term nonprogressors that enables them to resist disease. The discovery links HLA B*5701 gene to immune resistance in HIV-infected individuals, offering new insights into mechanisms of immune defense.
A study found that metallothionein levels increase in the brain in response to alcohol consumption, suggesting a potential protective role. Higher MT levels may explain different levels of alcohol-related toxicity in individuals.
Researchers found that aberrant cytosine methylation and chromatin condensation can silence maspin gene expression, allowing tumors to grow and spread. The discovery provides critical information on the regulatory mechanisms of maspin, paving the way for potential cancer therapies.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that levels of two blood factors associated with heart disease risk vary during a woman's menstrual cycle. Levels of PAI-1 decreased steadily as the cycle progressed, while vWF peaked at days 2 and 23, potentially increasing heart attack risk for postmenopausal women.
Researchers have confirmed a new, genetically distinct species of Pfiesteria that thrives in waters with high levels of nitrogen, posing risks to fish and potentially human health. The discovery brings the total number of toxic Pfiesteria species to two, shedding light on their life cycles and behaviors.
A study by Emory University researchers found that Wernicke's area, a region of the brain known for language processing, also monitors nonverbal predictability. This suggests that our ability to acquire language may stem from our subconscious recognition of predictable events.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered a gene called Mgat5 that affects cancer growth. By knocking out this gene in mice, they found a significant reduction in breast and lung cancer growth, suggesting that sugar structures play a role in promoting tumor development.
Researchers have discovered chemical deposits from 1815 Tambora and 1883 Krakatau eruptions in a Wyoming ice core, providing a unique insight into past climatic changes. The analysis indicates that major shifts in climate can occur on a 10-year scale, raising concerns about potential future climatic changes.
Researchers discovered that the PTTG1 gene is highly expressed in colorectal tumors, pre-cancerous polyps, and invasive cancer. The gene appears to play an early role in cancer development, acting as a marker for malignant activity.
Archaeologists have found that Roman wall painting declined in quality after Emperor Nero took power, as evidenced by the Domus Aurea complex. The imperial apartments were decorated with marble, while courtiers' rooms had less marble and more paintings.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness nature's own tool, photosynthesis, to produce hydrogen gas from sunlight and water, offering a promising alternative fuel source.
Recent research by Dr. Endel Tulving suggests that episodic memory is essential for human cultural advancement, enabling awareness of the future. Functional neuroimaging studies have identified regions in the frontal lobes linked to past and future awareness.
Researchers created light-emitting materials combining fluorescence and phosphorescence, increasing efficiency production of light. This breakthrough allows developers to choose from a wider range of materials, adding flexibility and reducing costs for products such as laptops and cell phones.
The Cornell University-led Comet Nucleus Tour mission aims to conduct close-proximity comet flybys, studying the comets' geology and composition. The spacecraft will be launched in July 2002 and explore Comets Encke, Schwassmann-Wachmann-3, and potentially others.
A study of genetically obese rats revealed that an overabundance of fat can collect in heart cells and cause them to die, leading to heart failure. The researchers found that a diabetes drug prevents this damage by oxidizing the fat so it burns up rather than accumulating and causing heart-cell death.
A new thermoelectric material has been discovered with the potential to significantly improve cooling efficiency in electronic systems. The material can drop temperatures by as low as 100 degrees when stimulated with an electrical current.
Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring animal model of subretinal neovascularization, a component of age-related macular degeneration in humans. The Bst mouse develops abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina, similar to human ARMD, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a method to study the function of genes necessary for limb regeneration in salamanders, a finding that may provide key information for treating ailments like spinal cord injury and deep wounds. By understanding the process of regeneration, researchers may find new approaches and therapies for rep...
Researchers at Queen's University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the cause of sudden heart failure after open-heart surgery. They found that a specific protein called troponin I is damaged, leading to cardiac stunning. This new understanding could lead to new ways of preventing and treating this specific heart problem.
Researchers found that honeybees rely on image motion to monitor flight distances of hundreds of meters in natural environments. Bees were also affected by visual cues such as tunnel decorations and walls, with some patterns amplifying their perception of distance.
University of Pittsburgh researchers discovered a link between a genetic defect in mitochondria and the development of hereditary paraganglioma tumors. The study found that a defective gene on chromosome 11q23 causes cells to incorrectly sense oxygen levels, leading to chronic stimulation and tumor growth.
Researchers uncover evidence of advanced textile production in Ice Age women, revealing intricately woven clothing and accessories made from plant fibers. The findings challenge traditional images of our ancestors, highlighting the important role that women played in late Pleistocene societies.
The new phenomenon, called the quantum mirage effect, enables data transfer within future nanoscale electronic circuits too small to use wires. The IBM scientists used a quantum state that concentrated large electron densities at each focus point of the elliptical corral.
The Carnegie Mellon University's Nomad robot successfully completed its mission to find meteorites in Antarctica, classifying seven specimens as meteorites. The robot achieved this feat autonomously and without prior knowledge of the samples, marking a significant milestone in robotics and scientific inquiry.
Researchers have discovered the cause of enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS), a disorder that affects sensitivity to blue light and development of night blindness. Mutations in the photoreceptor gene NR2E3 were found in 94% of DNA samples from ESCS-affected individuals.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that protein gelsolin plays a crucial role in disassembling the inner skeleton of cells, which can lead to cancer development. By understanding how gelsolin works, scientists hope to develop new cancer-fighting drugs by stimulating or blocking its activation.
Scientists at Human Genome Sciences and the CRC Beatson Institute discovered a new protein that blocks a key receptor on eosinophils, cells that induce allergic reactions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a new drug to treat asthma and allergies.
Researchers use oxygen isotope fingerprinting to uncover evidence of lost Asian emerald sources in antiquity, tracing gems from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Colombia. The study reveals a significant role for the Spanish in introducing New World emeralds into Old World trade.
Researchers at Yale have discovered new insights into the development of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a life-threatening genetic disorder affecting millions. The study reveals crucial information about the PKD2 gene's role in normal development and its impact when mutated.
Butterflies have developed ultrasound-sensitive ears on their wings to detect bat calls and exhibit evasive flight manoeuvres. The study found that rare nocturnal butterfly species in Panama possess this unique adaptation, protecting them from bat predators.
NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has detected nearly a thousand faint X-ray-emitting stars in the young star-forming region of the Orion Nebula. The discovery will help unravel the astrophysical principles underlying violent magnetic activity in young stars.
A Yale researcher has recalculated the number of near-Earth asteroids, estimating fewer than initially thought, with a smaller potential impact risk. The study found that only 500 to 1,000 such asteroids exist, each carrying a 0.5% chance of colliding with Earth in the next million years.
Scientists at National Jewish Health have identified a key protein that regulates fat cell development, which could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and related conditions. By inserting a negative version of CREB into fat cells, researchers can inhibit the growth of new fat cells.
Scientists discovered a PAX9 gene mutation causing congenitally absent molars in a Houston family, revealing insights into the genetics of human tooth development. The study, published in Nature Genetics, used molecular epidemiology and DNA analysis to identify the responsible gene, which is activated early in tooth development.
The medical school will recruit four researchers in structural biology, including Michael Weiss, to study molecular processes leading to disease. The HHMI grant aims to enhance the medical school's research enterprise and develop scientific breakthroughs.
Researchers compare gene order on X and Y chromosomes of humans, cats, and mice, finding that cats and humans have similar gene orders on both chromosomes. A small block of genes with preserved order and spacing was discovered in mouse, cat, and human, suggesting an important function in male reproductive fitness.
A new ovarian tumor index helps physicians accurately diagnose ovarian tumors as either cancerous or benign. The index uses real-time ultrasound findings, patient age, and other characteristics to provide a valuable way for clinicians to plan further testing, surgery, or other clinical management.
A 500mg daily vitamin C supplement reduced systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures by approximately 9% in hypertensive patients. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties may help protect nitric oxide levels and maintain healthy blood pressure.
Scientists made significant progress towards controlling human stem cells, which showed promise for treating a range of diseases. Adult stem cells also demonstrated the ability to shed their old identities and adopt new ones, opening up possibilities for important therapies.
Researchers have figured out how kinesin motors separate chromosomes, distribute embryonic material, and transport precious cargo in organisms. The discovery reveals a crucial leapfrog motion that allows the motors to move along microtubules, generating force to haul objects up to a thousand times their own size.
Researchers at Banyu Pharmaceutical Co. in Japan have designed a synthetic molecule that can block the molecular pathway of the opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL-1), leading to a better understanding of pain regulation. This breakthrough finding may pave the way for new and improved drugs to treat pain, as well as other neurological disorders.
The University at Buffalo has received a four-year, $3.8 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to develop two new research centers, including a Center for Genomics and Proteomics and a Center for Single-Molecule Biophysics. Five new faculty members will be hired to further develop this area.
Researchers use Canadian Radarsat satellite data to uncover tributaries feeding giant ice streams, changing understanding of Antarctic ice sheet dynamics. High-resolution radar maps reveal complex patterns and fast-flowing glaciers, shedding light on the continent's past and potential sea level rise
The DFG will establish 21 new collaborative research centres in 59 universities, focusing on Cultural Sciences, Biology/Medicine and Natural/Engineering Sciences. The initiative aims to investigate various topics, including social integration, religion, cell regulation and disease mechanisms.
Researchers at UroGenesys identify a novel cell-surface antigen called STEAP, expressed on prostate cancers but rarely in non-prostate tissues. The discovery suggests STEAP may be a promising target for new treatments and diagnostic tools to monitor prostate cancer progression.
Researchers found an ozone level of 85 parts per billion at 20,000 feet, exceeding the new U.S. EPA standard, and other pollutants like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide were also detected. The high-pollution plume originated from East Asia and could pose health risks if it reaches ground level.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a new patterning technology called Lithographically Induced Self Assembly (LISA), which creates arrays of ultrasmall pillars without the need for a carefully engineered mask. The technique has potential applications in computer memory chips, flat-panel displays, and DNA sorting.
Researchers found that women smokers are three times more likely to have the K-ras mutation and nearly four times more likely to die from lung cancer if they have it. The study suggests a link between estrogen and the initiation of K-ras mutant cells in lung tumors.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully characterized the function of yeast genes, providing new insights into how human cells work. The study's findings could lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases like cancer.
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully built single iron carbonyl molecules using a scanning tunneling microscope. The team used the microscope to attach carbon monoxide molecules to individual iron atoms, forming new molecules with unique properties.
Oregon Health Sciences University researchers have found a genetic link between vascular disease and the human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpes family. The study suggests that CMV stimulates smooth muscle cell migration, leading to inflammation and blockage in artery walls.
Neurobiologists identified an alcohol-sensitive potassium channel that enhances neurotransmitter action, producing profound physiological effects in the central nervous system. The discovery has significant implications for understanding alcohol addiction and may influence neuron communication.
Researchers at TIGR have completed the genetic sequence of Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacteria that can withstand extreme environmental conditions. The study reveals its unique genome composition and large redundancy of repair functions, which may contribute to its exceptional radiation resistance.
The 1999 Fall Meeting featured press conferences on climate change, solar activity, and Mars exploration, as well as new discoveries in India and Antarctica. A digital library for Earth science education was also unveiled, providing rapid access to high-quality information.