News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
The laboratory uses pneumatic launchers and high-speed cameras to study structural elements' response to impacts. Researchers aim to design armor plating that can withstand various types of collisions.
Researchers report that Hawaiian crickets have lost their songs due to a natural defense mechanism against parasitoid flies. The silent crickets avoid the deadly flies and still mate by positioning themselves near singing males, showcasing convergent evolution in action.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that nearly seven million Americans seek medical attention for sore throats each year, with one in 10 cases being strep throat. The researchers concluded that performing a laboratory culture can help doctors and patients avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment of sore throats.
A recent study published in Experimental Economics found that intermediaries significantly increase corruption, regardless of their level of involvement. The researchers designed a laboratory experiment to test the impact of intermediaries on corrupt behavior, and their results confirm this suspicion.
A recent study by the University of Kent found that individuals who drink moderately in a group are less likely to view risky situations with greater caution. The research showed that social interaction in groups can reduce the tendency of individual drinkers to accept risks.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a protein called Chd5 that plays a crucial role in chromatin remodeling during sperm development. The team found that Chd5 is essential for maintaining the genetic information of male fertility, and its absence can lead to infertility and increased risk of disease.
The robotic arm, developed by EPFL researchers, is capable of catching projectiles with irregular shapes and trajectories. It achieves this through a combination of machine learning algorithms and real-time adjustments, enabling it to catch objects in less than five-hundredths of a second.
Researchers at the Max F. Perutz Laboratories have developed a method for generating specific and inheritable mutations in the marine bristle worm Platynereis, enabling detailed in vivo functional analyses and advancing research in neurobiology, chronobiology, evolutionary developmental biology, and marine biology.
Researchers will simulate the impact of tsunamis on urban areas, modeling how water channels around clusters of buildings. The facility aims to produce engineering guidelines to mitigate future tsunami impacts. The research has far-reaching implications for building and urban design in tsunami-prone areas.
The human immune system uses enzymes like ADAR1 to modify viral genetic information, rendering it useless for new virus particles. The study reveals how the cell protects itself from accidental import of viral RNA into the nucleus.
Researchers from Inserm and the Institut Pasteur have identified a new variant of the Ebola virus in Guinea. The virus is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate, with symptoms including fever, severe diarrhea, and vomiting. The discovery highlights the need for increased measures to prevent transmission from wild fauna to humans.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) released a report recommending a molecular diagnostics curriculum for medical laboratory scientists, balancing accreditation, certification, and job market needs. The recommendations aim to prepare future scientists for high-complexity testing and support the growth of genomic technology.
A new study found that people perceive foods with rough textures to have lower calorie content. In laboratory experiments, participants consumed more soft than hard brownie bits when not focused on calorie content and vice versa when focused on it.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method to observe immediate changes in brain function during movie viewing. The study found similar brain signals in individuals watching the same movie, suggesting that the contents of the film affected certain brain functions in a similar manner.
A research team developed a force sensing skin that can identify potential bruising locations on a child surrogate to differentiate between accidental trauma and child abuse. The system provides a roadmap documenting a child's exposure to impact, critical for forensic analysis.
A study found that Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) at leading US institutions are dominated by animal researchers, with only 10% of members being non-scientist public representatives. This bias may contribute to deficiencies in the IACUC oversight system and marginalize input from public members.
Jun Shen, Ph.D., was honored as the 2014 recipient of the ACMG Foundation/Signature Genomics from PerkinElmer Inc. Travel Award for her platform presentation on a novel combinatorial algorithm predicting pathogenicity of human missense variants. The award recognizes Dr. Shen's scientific merit and supports her work in medical genetics ...
A new mathematical model predicts where different types of neurons are located in the brain based on their molecular identity. This approach enables scientists to draw an increasingly accurate map of neuronal distribution in the brain.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology honored researchers Eliseo Vano and Marwan Moussa for their contributions to radiation safety and chemotherapy delivery. The SIR Foundation awards recognize excellence in published clinical and laboratory investigations, advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient care.
James F. Benenati, a leading interventional radiologist and medical director at Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, will deliver the opening plenary at SIR's Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego. He has made significant contributions to the field through his research and training programs.
A team of scientists has discovered that a single amino acid difference in histone H3.3 enables it to serve as a memory device for the cell, marking genes that need to remain active. This epigenetic modification acts as a flag, signaling to the cell that genes in the vicinity should be inactive.
A national survey of primary care physicians found they often experience uncertainty in ordering and interpreting clinical laboratory tests, with missing results and confusing report formats being major challenges. Physicians reported that improved electronic decision-support tools and access to lab personnel would help reduce this unc...
A new study predicts a doubling of notifiable disease reporting volumes with the implementation of electronic lab reporting, placing pressure on public health departments. The increased volume is expected to strain local and state health departments' workloads.
A study published in Psychopharmacology found that even moderate alcohol levels can affect driving abilities of older adults, potentially leading to reassessment of legal blood alcohol limits. Researchers tested two age groups, ages 25-35 and 55-70, and found that a single drink impaired older drivers' skills
Researchers have identified two new biomarkers for acute kidney injury (AKI) in urine, allowing for earlier detection and treatment. The markers, TIMP-2 and IGFBP7, were validated using clinical adjudication and tested in independent labs.
A new meta-analysis by IOF-IFCC found moderate but significant associations between bone turnover markers s-CTX and s-PINP, and risk of future fractures. The study confirms the clinical performance of these markers for fracture risk prediction in untreated individuals.
Coral reefs face declining health due to nutrient pollution. Scientists emphasize that too many nutrients can harm corals more than a lack of them. Understanding nutrient competition is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Scientists have detected extremely low-volatility organic compounds for the first time, contributing to aerosol formation that affects climate and air quality. The discovery may explain discrepancies between observations and theories about volatile organic compound conversion into atmospheric aerosol.
A team of researchers found that some cells exhibit random monoallelic gene expression during development, which can affect protein production and potentially lead to diseases. The phenomenon is more common in mature cell types than stem cell precursors.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have proposed a new method for analyzing Big Data using mutual information, which can reveal patterns without prior assumptions. This approach challenges the latest statistical tools and has the potential to greatly benefit modern data analysis in biology and other fields.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a novel neural circuit linking the amygdala with the brainstem's fear response center. This discovery sheds light on how fear is translated into behavioral responses, paving the way for potential treatments of anxiety disorders like PTSD.
A panel of 35 genetically characterized DNA samples is now publicly available to help standardize Rett syndrome testing and improve diagnostic accuracy. The collection contains a wide variety of MECP2 mutations associated with most cases of the disorder.
Dr. Ronald G. Crystal developed the first in vivo adenoviral gene delivery vector, accelerating gene therapy translation from lab to clinic. The Pioneer Award recognizes his seminal work on adenoviral vectors.
System 91S is a tropical low-pressure area located northeast of Maputo, Mozambique, with heavy rainfall rates occurring over the Mozambique Channel. Wind shear has increased, causing the system to elongate and reducing its chances for tropical development.
Briand's work on model-based software verification and testing has been recognized for its outstanding contribution to reliability engineering. The award honors his efforts to deliver predictable dependable software-intensive systems within cost and time constraints.
Researchers at the University of York have discovered how one group of gut bacteria, Bacteroidetes, digest complex sugars found in fruits and vegetables. This understanding sheds light on nutritional issues like prebiotics and probiotics.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered two proteins that control the structure of chandelier cells, a type of inhibitory neuron important in epilepsy and schizophrenia. The study found that DOCK7 and ErbB4 regulate axonal projections, allowing one cell to block or modify hundreds of other cells.
Researchers from EPFL have created a new method to eliminate external noise in nanomechanical oscillators, allowing for nearly perfect ultra-efficient sensors. This breakthrough enables the detection of very small particles and masses with high accuracy, opening up new frontiers in fundamental science and applied studies.
Scientists have identified a genetic mechanism to increase crop yields by tweaking a 'hybrid vigor' gene in plants. By understanding how this gene affects flowering time and fruit production, researchers may be able to develop new strategies to improve agricultural productivity.
Researchers identified a SNP in Cyfip2 associated with cocaine response, highlighting the need for genetic quality control in mouse populations. The study used C57BL/6J and 6N mice substrains developed over nearly a century.
A team of researchers from University of California, Riverside claims that ancient zircons contain 'diamonds' which are actually fragments of polishing compound used in the laboratory analysis. The discovery was made using high-resolution electron microscopy and suggests no indigenous diamonds exist in these samples.
The Association for Molecular Pathology proposes a new term, Laboratory Developed Procedure (LDPs), to describe service-oriented tests. LDPs rely on laboratory professionals for design, consultation, and interpretive reporting in clinical care.
A recent study published in Diabetes Care journal found that artificially sweetened drinks produced a neutral response in healthy humans, unlike previous findings. The researchers aim to better understand the effects of long-term artificial sweetener intake on human health.
Researchers are using an advanced humanoid robot called Nao to measure human interaction with robots in public spaces. The project aims to enhance the public realm as a space where people can interact under conditions of privacy and equality.
A new laboratory rearing method has been developed to study the western bean cutworm's susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins. This allows for the evaluation of toxin efficacy and potential resistance development.
The study found that stimulation at Neiguan with a frequency of 1 Hz and long duration of 180 seconds significantly increased cerebral blood flow and decreased the ratio of infarct volume. A frequency of 2/3 Hz and short duration of 5/60 seconds also showed positive effects.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide discovered that the stomach's nerves act as a circadian clock, controlling food intake. The discovery suggests that the gut signals the brain about when to stop eating, and how this timing varies throughout the day.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that providing real-time cost information to physicians reduces the ordering rate of laboratory tests, including both high- and low-cost tests. This intervention increased physicians' knowledge about costs and their willingness to order cost-effective services.
Researchers have found a way to reduce the contact time of water droplets on surfaces by at least 40%, potentially aiding in ice prevention and wing efficiency. The breakthrough could also have implications for ecology and industry, including reducing corrosion and improving turbine blade efficiency.
Researchers developed a stretchy polymer that coats the electrode, binds it together, and spontaneously heals tiny cracks during battery operation. This self-healing coating extends silicon electrodes' lifespan up to 10 times, making them suitable for electric vehicles and cell phones.
A recent study analyzing 1.6 million results from 46 commonly ordered lab tests found that 30% of tests are probably unnecessary, while equally as many necessary tests may be going unordered. The research suggests that ordering the right tests during initial evaluations can lead to fewer errors and better patient care.
Recent experiments have found that lithium bound to carbon walls in fusion devices plays a key role in improving plasma performance. The combination of lithium, oxygen, and carbon improves deuterium retention and reduces recycling, leading to enhanced energy confinement and reduced edge plasma instabilities.
Neurosurgeon residents at UCSF implemented a quality improvement program to reduce unnecessary diagnostic laboratory tests, resulting in a 47% decrease and cost savings of $1.7 million. Patient care was not compromised, and the program improved patient satisfaction and reduced hospital costs.
Cesar Arias has received the Oswald Avery Award for Early Achievement from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) for his groundbreaking work on superbugs and antibiotic resistance. His research aims to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and has been recognized globally.
UC Davis is part of a five-year collaboration to develop real-time cyberattack detection and response systems without human intervention, leveraging industry partners and joint research programs. The $48.2 million alliance aims to enhance cybersecurity in Army networks and address complex challenges in cyberspace.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that specific cells in the fruit fly brain respond to food odors, predicting how much flies like a given odor. By manipulating these neurons, researchers can influence fly behavior, shedding light on human obesity and food choice.
The five-year collaborative research alliance will focus on detecting adversaries and attacks, measuring and managing risk, and altering environments to achieve best results at the least cost. Researchers will develop predictive models to make real-time decisions that lead to mission success.
A multidisciplinary team treats a patient with severe OCD using DBS, achieving significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life. Whole-genome sequencing reveals gene variants associated with neuropsychiatric illness, providing insights for personalized care.
Physicists from Louisiana Tech University contribute to an international team that reports first results for the proton's weak charge based on precise new data from Jefferson Laboratory. The Q-weak experiment measured the weak interaction's unique property of parity violation, revealing a tiny asymmetry in electron scattering rates.
Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University have demonstrated a 'laser on a chip' technology that accelerates electrons at a rate 10 times higher than conventional methods in a nanostructured glass chip. This breakthrough could lead to compact accelerators for science, medicine, and research applications.