News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
IRC researchers led by Dr. Frédéric Charron have made a significant discovery about the internal clock of nerve cells during embryonic development, which could lead to new tools for repairing and regenerating damaged nerve cells in the central nervous system.
The EMBO Young Investigator Programme recognizes 22 young researchers under 40 who have established their first laboratories in the past four years. The selected candidates receive financial support of €15,000 per year for three years, as well as access to networking opportunities and laboratory training.
A CSHL-led team has identified a novel gene, TERMINATING FLOWER (TMF), regulating the timing of flowering in plants. This discovery reveals a previously unknown pathway involved in the process, allowing plants to control flower production and increase agricultural yields.
Scientists have developed a new micropump capable of producing pressures up to 17,000 pounds per square inch for 'labs-on-a-chip' in handheld devices. This innovation could enable instant analysis of blood and urine at patient bedside, reducing the need for central lab waiting periods.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that hopping robots can use a stutter jump to reduce energy consumption, with potential applications for future rescue and exploration robots. By analyzing nearly 20,000 jumps, the team found that taking a short hop before a big jump can allow robots to conserve power as much as ten-fold.
A team of neuroscientists proposes a new method to assemble the 'connectome' via genetic barcoding, which uses high-throughput DNA sequencing to probe neural connectivity at the resolution of single neurons. This approach promises to be much faster and cheaper than current methods.
Researchers have developed a new treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), using nanoparticles to rapidly restore blood flow to the brain. In laboratory rats, the nanoparticles acted like antioxidants, reducing free-radical buildup and killing brain cells.
A scientist from Scripps Research Institute has received a grant to develop new chemical reactions for the laboratory preparation of rare natural products, including anticancer and antifungal agents. The project aims to establish a firm scientific foundation for driving medicinal pursuits with improved efficiency.
Kansas State University assistant professor Carlos Trallero has received two prestigious national awards for his research on quantum laws. He will use nearly $1 million from the National Science Foundation to buy a world-class femtosecond laser.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a new technique to synthesize complex terpenes, a crucial step towards cheaper and fully synthetic cancer drugs like Taxol. The breakthrough mimics a natural biochemical phenomenon that allows cells to make these compounds, overcoming significant challenges in organic chemistry.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that the protein DOCK7 regulates the fate decision of radial glial cells, determining whether they proliferate or differentiate into neurons. DOCK7 interacts with TACC3 to control interkinetic nuclear migration, a mechanism essential for cortical development.
A team of scientists corrected a fundamental rule in quantum mechanics by slowing down particles to extremely cold temperatures. They used the University of Florida's Microkelvin lab, which can reach temperatures near absolute zero, to observe and manipulate quantum systems.
The U.S. Navy awarded Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory a $853 million contract over the next 10 years to support critical defense research and development. The award enables ARL to carry out research in guidance, navigation, and materials science.
The National Science Foundation has awarded funding to the Gramene project for a 5-year period, supporting the development of a Plant Reactome. This will increase the functionality of Gramene, which already provides valuable comparisons across and within sequenced plant genomes.
Researchers at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory presented a new system called Pyxis that automatically streamlines website database access patterns. This results in significant speedups of up to three times and reduced bandwidth usage. Pyxis works with languages already favored by web developers, such as Java.
Fiji, an open-source platform, has become a de facto standard for biomedical-image processing, offering improved precision and accessibility. The platform, created by researchers, allows application sharing and plug-in development, driving collaboration and innovation.
Scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography discovered how fault zones weaken in select locations after an earthquake tipping point, creating 'melt welts'. These regions can lead to runaway slip and massive earthquakes. The study addresses the 'low heat flow paradox' and may improve earthquake prediction models.
Kansas State University professor Matthias Kling has received a $750,000 award to study electron dynamics in nanostructures with strong laser fields. His research could lead to speeding up electrons by a factor of 100,000, improving communication technology.
High doses of vitamin B3 stimulate a specific gene to enhance white blood cells' ability to combat staph infections. The study found that vitamin B3 increased the body's immune system by up to 1,000 fold, killing staph bacteria in laboratory tests
María Soledad Ramírez has been recognized for her outstanding work on integron participation in gene capture and dissemination, a crucial area of research in antimicrobial resistance. Her extensive experience and publications have made significant contributions to public health, addressing the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
A laboratory study reveals that Elesclomol triggers cell death in metastatic melanoma cells by suppressing oxidative phosphorylation. The research also suggests a two-pronged strategy to target both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation for effective cancer treatment.
The JYFL-ACCLAB Centre of Excellence has made significant advancements in studying the nucleus 256Rf, providing insights into the stability of superheavy elements. This breakthrough is crucial for understanding the 'island of stability' and its implications for nuclear physics.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati's Gas Dynamics and Propulsion Laboratory have made progress in reducing supersonic jet noise using chevrons and fluidic injection. The goal is to reduce noise by up to 10 decibels while maintaining or improving engine performance.
A new study published in Military Medicine reveals that 22 of 28 NATO nations do not use animal laboratories for military medical training. Officials prefer non-animal methods, such as lifelike human simulators, due to legal prohibitions and the superiority of simulation technology.
Curiosity rover successfully landed on Mars in August, beginning its primary mission to assess the planet's surface radiation environment. Researchers will use the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) instrument to measure energetic particle species and provide insights into potential habitability.
Notre Dame physicists are utilizing a new particle accelerator to recreate stellar nuclear processes in the lab. The research complements observational studies of new telescopes, shedding light on cosmic nucleosynthesis processes.
A study by Michigan State University found that parents use physical discipline more frequently in public settings, with 23% of children experiencing negative touch, including arm pulling and spanking. Positive touch, such as hugging and patting, is more effective in encouraging compliance.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a genetic cause for Essential Tremor (ET), a common movement disorder characterized by involuntary shaking. The study's findings provide new insights into the disease mechanism and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals.
The US Army Research Laboratory is developing a system to train rats to detect improvised explosive devices and mines. Trained rats can search smaller spaces than dogs and are easier to transport, making them ideal for mine removal and homeland security tasks.
Researchers are developing a multiple marker test in peripheral blood to detect lung cancer, promising an earlier diagnosis. The test discriminated between healthy donors and patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with high accuracy.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully synthesized a material with a similar structure, mechanical behavior, and optical appearance to natural nacre, also known as mother of pearl. The new coating has potential applications in coating applications due to its cheap ingredients and ability to be easily automated.
The $100,000 Taubman Prize is awarded to Dr. Harry Dietz for his pioneering work on modifying genetic defects in connective tissue, potentially leading to new treatments for Marfan syndrome and other disorders. The prize recognizes the clinician-researcher who has transformed laboratory discoveries into clinical applications.
A new software package corrects errors in single-molecule sequencing, boosting accuracy to 99.9% and enabling complete genome assembly for large organisms like parrots. The hybrid error-correction approach combines the best of both '2nd-gen' and '3rd-gen' technologies to produce high-quality genome assemblies.
Researchers demonstrate blindsight in monkeys in everyday environments, finding they turn eyes to conspicuous portions of motion, brightness, or color. This discovery may indicate hidden visual function recovery for patients with hemianopia.
The Pew Latin American Fellows Program provides salary support for postdoctoral-level scientists to work in top laboratories in the US. Over 70% of fellows return to their home country to build scientific infrastructure, despite a high number of foreign doctorate recipients staying in the US.
Brent Barrett, a renowned clinical microbiologist, has been honored with the 2012 Scherago-Rubin Award for his exceptional work in diagnostics and continuing education. Barrett's dedication to bench-level clinical microbiology has gained national recognition, making him a leading expert in his field.
Geoffrey L. Smith, a renowned virologist and leader in the field of microbiology, has been awarded the GlaxoSmithKline International Member of the Year Award. He is recognized for his numerous original contributions to virology and his role as a leader in various scientific institutions.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have mapped the atomic-level architecture of the CLOCK complex, a key component of the body's circadian rhythm. The study provides insights into how this protein works and may lead to better treatments for insomnia, diabetes, and cancer.
A new web-based resource, Taxonomic Name Resolution Service (TNRS), resolves up to 30% of incorrect plant names in major databases. The service uses exact matching, parsing, and fuzzy matching to resolve taxonomic names, providing a critical tool for plant scientists.
Researchers release first installment of 500 terabytes of data on whole-brain circuit mapping project. The data provide a detailed picture of individual neurons and their processes, enabling users to explore three-dimensional brain space.
A new study found that emissions from cookstoves are highly dependent on how they are used, and laboratory tests do not accurately reflect real-world operations. The research team developed a real-time analysis technique called Patterns of Real-Time Emissions Data (PaRTED) to measure emissions under different operating conditions.
Researchers have identified a new HIV-suppressing protein called CXCL4, which binds to the outer coat of the virus and prevents it from entering human cells. This discovery may provide new insights into treating and preventing HIV disease progression.
Researchers have identified a new genetic signature associated with basal-like breast cancer, which is more prevalent in African Americans. The discovery suggests that combination therapy targeting multiple pathways could be an effective treatment strategy for this aggressive subtype.
Researchers at the Buck Institute have found that modifying scar tissue can potentially improve outcomes in chronic stroke. The study builds on spinal cord injury research and shows that treatments like chondroitinase ABC and glypican can reduce scar tissue size, stimulate neuron growth, and increase survival.
Ellen Jo Baron has been recognized with the 2012 ASM Founders Distinguished Service Award for her decades-long commitment to promoting clinical microbiology and ensuring excellence in laboratory practice worldwide. Baron's extensive service includes volunteering with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Clinical Laboratory Imp...
Researchers at the US Army Research Laboratory developed a novel processing technology that enabled commercial production of advanced Soldier head protection. The new helmets offer improved weight reduction and increased durability, with some models already fielded to Special Operations Forces.
A McLean Hospital study found that an herbal extract from the Chinese herb kudzu significantly reduces drinking and slows the pace of consumption. The study's lead author suggests that puerarin, a key component of the kudzu root, may be useful in treating alcoholism and curbing binge drinking.
A new study found that specific planning is less effective for achieving multiple goals due to increased obstacles and constraints. However, people who thought others had more goals than they did were more likely to benefit from planning and see their own goals as manageable.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding correlated electron dynamics by observing double ionization events at the attosecond scale. They found that these events occur earlier than expected, shedding new light on quantum dynamics.
A study by Penn State researchers found that users increase their interactivity and develop a greater sense of community when they can express themselves through blog posts, site customization, and gadget selection. However, too many functional gadgets lead to decreased satisfaction.
A research group from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has identified genetic mutations in the GUCY2C gene that cause intestinal blockages in newborns from two Bedouin tribes in Israel. The mutations may have evolved to protect against diarrheal diseases in the harsh desert climate.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press announces new licensing arrangements with Genome Research authors. Authors can now retain copyright and license their work for 6 months, after which it will be made freely available under a Creative Commons License.
Researchers have announced GenomeSpace, a software environment that brings together a wide range of genomic analysis tools and data sources. The platform enables seamless transitions between tools, allowing biologists to carry out projects from start to finish without manual conversions or programming skills.
Researchers introduce a new 'prediction-based classification' system to reduce the burden of monitoring patients on ART, potentially saving 54% of CD4 tests. The algorithm can prioritize patients who may need routine CD4 count tests, increasing capacity and resources for life-saving treatment.
A new biostatistical tool, prediction-based classification (PBC), can help allocate resources to patients who need them most by linking CD-4 T-cell levels to other patient data. The study found that PBC could reduce the number of CD-4 tests needed during the first year of ART by nearly 57 percent.
A new study by Stanford researcher Joseph Garner found that providing laboratory mice with nesting material allows them to naturally regulate their temperatures and builds cozy nests. This results in mice being physiologically comparable to humans, potentially leading to more meaningful research outcomes.
The Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory has developed an online deep-sea animal photo-guide with over 1,500 images, making it easier for scientists and the public to identify and appreciate marine life. The guide is organized by major taxa and includes tags indicating depth levels.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that patients with mild to moderate Crohn's disease showed significant improvement when taking supplementary CLA. The natural fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties and may offer a safer alternative to synthetic drugs.
The NRL has developed a humanoid robot called the Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot (SAFFiR) to fight fires on ships. The robot features enhanced multi-modal sensor technology, allowing it to navigate through narrow passages and interact with humans.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen mapped a previously unknown biological mechanism in the brain's blood-brain barrier, revealing its vital role in maintaining glutamate balance. The discovery has enormous potential for future drug development and could lead to new treatments for neurological diseases.