Articles tagged with Discovery Research
The second Dynamics Days international conference will bring together experts in chaos, nonlinear dynamics, and complex systems to share their research. Speakers will discuss topics such as internet storms, animal coordination, extinction causes, and pattern formations.
Researchers discovered a simple mechanism of aging in yeast cells, where extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA (ERCs) replicates until the cell dies. ERCs' accumulation causes enlargement and fragmentation of the nucleolus, leading to cell death, suggesting a potential target for intervening aging processes.
In 1997, scientists made significant discoveries in cloning, with the cloning of Dolly sparking debate on ethics and potential benefits. The year also saw major breakthroughs in Mars exploration, gamma ray bursts, and advances in genetic understanding, including the identification of clock genes and microbial genomes.
Researchers at Northwestern University Medical School found that resveratrol in red wine is a form of estrogen with cardioprotective properties. Moderate consumption of red wine may reduce cardiovascular disease risk due to its resveratrol content, which activates estrogen receptors and increases HDL cholesterol.
Researchers discover new protein AD7c-NTP significantly elevated in brain tissue of people with Alzheimer's disease, even in early stages. The protein's presence suggests a possible role in the disease's progression and potential as a diagnostic tool.
Researchers have identified 80% of the genes active in the cardiovascular system, creating a comprehensive database that sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding complex diseases and developing new diagnostic tests and therapies.
Researchers at Penn State found that northeastern Yellowstone mudpots emit significantly higher levels of carbon dioxide, up to 32,000 grams per square meter per day. This discovery contradicts previous assumptions that active geysers were the primary source of CO2 emissions.
JoAnn Burkholder, a North Carolina State University researcher, was awarded the 1998 Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for her unyielding pursuit of knowledge about Pfiesteria piscicida, a microbe devastating U.S. rivers and fish. Her research led to the identification of the toxin's chemical structure and faster-acting poiso...
Scientists predict small-scale spark channels form at the breakdown points, propelled upward with velocities as fast as one-tenth of the speed of light. The new model explains recent observations of sprites, including intense bursts of blue light and radio waves in the extremely low frequency band.
Researchers detected intense X-rays in seven bursts, each lasting for half an hour, emanating from the Earth's upper atmosphere. The high-energy bursts were recorded during the day with no auroral activity overhead, posing a scientific mystery that scientists are struggling to explain.
Penn State researchers develop a finite difference method to simulate sonic boom noise for both simple and complex ocean surfaces. The new technique allows for accurate predictions of underwater noise, paving the way for the development of supersonic passenger aircraft with minimal impact on marine life.
Researchers are exploring unmodified monoclonal antibodies, or 'naked mAbs', as a potential therapy for cancer. These antibodies can trigger programmed cell death in cancer cells, restoring control mechanisms that have gone awry in the disease.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found a way to increase vitamin C levels in the brain by crossing the blood brain barrier. They achieved this by injecting dehydroascorbic acid, which is converted to ascorbic acid in the brain.
Researchers discovered muscle dysmorphia, a disorder causing individuals to obsess over their bodies, leading to detrimental habits like steroid abuse. The study emphasizes the importance of public health implications as weightlifting gains popularity.
Researchers have developed a novel gene-therapy strategy to target HIV-infected cells using the virus's molecular tools against it. The technique, which employs therapeutic genes only in infected cells, has broad applicability and could potentially cure HIV infection.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center found that chronic exposure to nicotine stimulates and permanently inactivates two prominent subtypes of acetylcholine receptors, leading to tolerance. Habitual users become dependent on nicotine through neural reward pathways similar to other addictive drugs.
Researchers successfully cloned a gene responsible for inherited deafness in a large extended family in Costa Rica, revealing insights into hearing mechanisms. The autosomal dominant gene DFNA1 causes progressive hearing loss between ages 6 and 20, with the mutation tracing back to a common ancestor in 1713.
Researchers discovered a protein, Apaf-3, that signals apoptosis and is essential for life. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments by activating the cell death pathway.
A study found a link between high blood pressure and sexual problems in premenopausal women, with difficulties in achieving orgasm and inadequate vaginal lubrication being associated with the condition. The researchers hope their findings will encourage physicians to ask about sexuality when treating patients.
Researchers will analyze complex human thought processes using brain imaging to discover how the human operating system works. The project aims to develop displays and interfaces that keep information processing requirements within the human range, particularly in high-stress environments.
A new research tool developed at USC promises to speed dramatically the hunt for disease-causing genes by reconstructing gene layouts. The ExonPCR technique uses a series of 'yes' or 'no' answers, similar to the parlor game '20 Questions,' to narrow down possibilities and solve the riddle.
Researchers create a novel form of botulinum toxin that survives the gastrointestinal system and can be used as an effective oral vaccine. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for developing vaccines against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a novel leukemia-producing transcription factor called E2A-HLF, which transforms immature lymphocytes by preventing normal destruction programs. This finding provides a potential window into understanding leukemias that result from altered survival signals.
Lee R. Berger receives the top prize for his groundbreaking discoveries in southern Africa, including the oldest known footprints of an anatomically modern human dating back 117,000 years. He aims to piece together data on the environment that spawned early humans.
Researchers have identified a critical nicotinic receptor in the brain that may contribute to the development of epilepsy, Alzheimer
A portable, hand-held biosensor has been developed to detect a wide range of medically important chemical compounds. The device, capable of detecting tiny concentrations of specific molecules, may represent a new type of practical and affordable device for various medical applications.
Researchers found that using Interferon-alpha, a cancer treatment agent, can extend the preservation time of donor livers and improve their function. This novel approach may significantly help future liver transplant patients by allowing for more time to prepare the organ.
Researchers have detected unusual light patterns from faint stars in a globular cluster, suggesting catastrophic star interactions. The study's findings reveal that these clusters are regions of intense stellar activity, with stars locked in orbital duets that can prevent core collapse into black holes.
Researchers used tree-ring analysis to confirm a devastating 1700 earthquake along the Pacific Northwest coast triggered a tsunami that flooded coastal Japan. The study provides new evidence for the Cascadia subduction zone's role in earthquakes of magnitude 9.
University of Delaware professor Daniel van der Weide will receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the National Science Foundation. The award recognizes his efforts to develop ultra-small instruments and techniques for polishing and characterizing semiconductor integrated circuits.
Researchers have discovered fossilized termite nests in the sandstone pillars of New Mexico, with some reaching depths of over 120 feet. The ancient structures contain interconnected galleries and chambers similar to those found in modern social termite nests, providing insights into past biodiversity conditions.
Researchers discovered a protein sensitive to chemical stimuli and tissue-damaging levels of heat, identifying capsaicin as the key player. The cloned gene enables large-scale production of the protein, paving the way for potential pain-controlling drugs.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that glucocorticoid can inhibit expression of TNF-alpha gene, halting inflammation and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Understanding this mechanism could lead to better drugs with fewer side effects.
A study of over 1,700 older adults found a strong association between frequent religious services and lower levels of inflammation. Researchers discovered that attending church regularly was only half as likely to have elevated interleukin-6 levels, which can indicate immune system dysfunction.
The Comet Nucleus Tour mission, led by Cornell University, aims to study the composition of comet nuclei and assess their diversity. The mission will take images and comparative spectral maps of at least three comet nuclei, analyzing dust and gas flowing from them.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a portable evidence-detection system that uses flashing lights and modified goggles to make organic substances appear to blink. The system aims to help police investigators quickly find potential evidence in lighted rooms, reducing the time spent on crime scene investigations.
The FDA has approved the first phase of a new AIDS vaccine developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which aims to trigger immune responses to multiple HIV isolates using envelope proteins. The vaccine combines 23 different envelopes representing various HIV strains and is expected to last one to two years.
Scientists have identified a new genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, accounting for up to 15% of cases. The gene located on chromosome 12 works independently of the previously discovered ApoE gene, which accounts for half of all patients with the disease.
Researchers at UNC-CH have discovered that carbon nanotubes can bend without breaking and then return to their original shape under large strains. The nanotubes' buckling behavior indicates potential for safer, stronger products, including those used in sports and aerospace materials.
Researchers Cecilia Soderberg-Naucler and Jay Nelson identified the host site where human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) resides and developed an activation mechanism in specific white blood cells. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for HCMV-related complications, including birth defects and transplant deaths.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a new protein receptor, TACI, that interacts with CAML to trigger the immune response. This finding may lead to more effective cancer treatments for leukemia and lymphoma patients.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered a unique behavior in paper wasps called 'male-stuffing,' where females aggressively force males into empty nest cells to limit their food consumption. This behavior may maximize worker wasps' inclusive fitness and contribute to the colony's fitness.
Researchers created a topical hand cream that prevents two common latex allergy reactions, sensitization and contact dermatitis. The cream's zinc gel composition forms a protective matrix on the skin's surface, binding soluble latex proteins and other irritants to prevent allergic responses.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a modified filtration system that effectively traps heavy metals and improves water quality. The partial exfiltration trench (PET) system shows trapping efficiencies ranging from 82 to 97 percent, even in heavy rainstorms.
A team of archaeologists has discovered a previously unknown mound complex in Louisiana built between 5,000 and 5,400 years ago. The site, Watson Break, consists of 11 mounds that predate other known complexes by 1,900 years and provide clues about the planned engineering behind their construction.
A study of 11 London taxi drivers reveals the right hippocampus is activated when recalling complex routes, but not during other types of memory recall. The brain area is specially recruited for route recall, supporting human navigation and spatial cognition.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that a hepatitis infection converts the liver into a 'cancer time bomb' by converting it into billions of cancer-prone cells. The virus makes even apparently healthy cells lose one of two copies of a protective tumor suppressor gene, making them vulnerable to further genetic damage.
The W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation has donated $5 million to create an endowment for Scholars in Medical Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The program aims to recruit the world's most promising young medical scientists and provide them with research funds, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their careers.
Researchers discovered middle-aged undertakers exhibit distinct developmental patterns, moving faster than peers but not improving with experience. They also struggle working together and respond to the odor of dead bees. The study provides new insights into the behavior and development of these specialized workers.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new state of matter in high-temperature superconductors, characterized by broken time-reversal symmetry. The material exhibits spontaneous currents and magnetic fields, creating a unique pairing mechanism.
A MGH-led team has pinpointed the location of the DYT1 gene on chromosome 9, revealing it is responsible for virtually all cases of early-onset dystonia. The discovery may help understand how stress triggers neurological diseases and lead to the development of a blood test to diagnose the disorder.
A study by University of Rochester researchers found that maternal lead exposure leads to a 40% increase in cavities in rats. Lead interferes with saliva production, which protects teeth against decay. The team is now searching for the cause of this link, which could help explain why dental cavities remain a major public health problem.
Scientists activate protein receptor to stimulate cell death in brain tumors, potentially sparing normal brain tissue. The therapy shows promise in treating nearly untreatable primary central nervous system lymphomas.
A unique deep-water coral reef with 80% coral cover was discovered in the Gulf of Mexico, challenging conventional thinking that coral reefs are restricted to shallow areas. The reef's unusual flat plate-like form and complex structure provide an ideal habitat for fish.
Researchers found that Respiratory Sincytial Virus (RSV) affects previously healthy adults, leading to misdiagnoses and delayed treatment. The study highlights the importance of routine RSV testing in hospitals to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and ensure accurate diagnosis.
Researchers discovered an electrical abnormality in heart failure patients that prevents their hearts from recovering normally after each beat. This erratic and unstable ability to recover affects millions of Americans with heart disease, leading to potentially life-threatening rhythm disturbances.
Hopkins-HHMI researchers discover a novel genetic mutation in the APC gene that causes familial colorectal cancer (FCC) through DNA instability. A simple blood test can detect this mutation, providing valuable insights into the disease and potential early detection.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found an association between the HLA-A2 gene and the age of onset for Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that the two susceptibility genes HLA-A2 and apolipoprotein E (APOE) together account for a decade variation in the age of onset.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel gene called p73, which closely resembles the well-known tumor suppressor gene p53. The study found that p73 is deleted in at least one type of cancer and resides in an area of the genome suspected to contain other tumor suppressor genes.
Researchers have identified a crucial telomerase subunit, hEST2, expressed in primary human tumors but undetectable in normal tissues. This discovery paves the way for developing anti-telomerase drugs to target cancer cells and halt their immortal growth.