News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Willard Boyle shares Nobel Prize for co-invention of charged-couple device (CCD) with George E. Smith and Charles K. Kao. The CCD is a semiconductor circuit capable of sensing light and images, key technology behind digital photography.
A three-year research study is examining how freshwater marsh ecosystems react to global environmental change. The study will focus on the formation of marshes and their sensitivity to changes in water levels, biodiversity, and sediment deposition, with results aimed at preventing unintended destruction and restoring degraded marshes.
A team of researchers has developed a scintillating bolometer, a device that detects light and heat produced by dark matter particles. The device was tested at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory in Spain and performed excellently, proving its viability as a detector for dark matter.
Researchers conclude that controlled-release pills and capsules prone to dose dumping due to alcohol consumption require human testing. Formulations may pose significant overdose risks even after lab tests indicate faster release rates.
The Regenstrief Institute has developed technologies to enable rapid, secure bi-directional exchange of health information between clinical sources and public health organizations. This allows for efficient sharing of information on emerging risks and outbreak detection.
Researcher Rohit Trivedi conducts crystal growth experiments on the International Space Station using a mini lab called DECLIC. The goal is to understand how materials form crystals and how variations affect crystallization patterns, which govern material properties.
The MSD Wellcome Trust Hilleman Laboratories aims to develop new vaccines to prevent diseases affecting low-income countries. The not-for-profit joint venture will work on optimizing existing vaccines and developing new ones, with the goal of increasing vaccine impact in resource-limited settings.
The study reveals that Fbox proteins alternate between attaching to and being kicked off CRL1 by competing protein CAND1. This process is stabilized by the phosphorylated substrate N8, allowing for efficient degradation of aberrant proteins. The research highlights the importance of the proline residue in Fbox protein-CRL1 interaction.
The study found that the pathogen's genome is unusually large and has a unique structure, enabling rapid evolution of genes involved in plant infection. The 'two-speed' genomic strategy allows different parts of the genome to evolve at different rates, potentially making it harder for plants to resist infection.
Researchers found that pathogenic E. coli strains can survive modern food processing methods and exploit different food sources than laboratory strains. They demonstrated differences in growth characteristics, antimicrobial resistance, and reaction to environmental stresses.
Dr. Paul Flecknell, a renowned expert in laboratory animal pain management, has been recognized with the 2009 Charles River Laboratories' Excellence in Refinement Award. His work focuses on developing methods of pain assessment and alleviation for various species.
The article presents optimized ChIP protocol for mammalian cells, while recombineering methods are used to construct targeting vectors for conditional knockout mice. These techniques provide efficient and precise genetic modifications.
Research shows that the brain uses the same neural networks to process both familiar and newly learned words, with no clear differences in function. New definitions are learned even faster than new names, indicating a possible link between meaning retention and brain activation patterns.
A Chinese study establishes a multifaceted barrier-focused intervention program to increase colonoscopy attendance among nonadherent high-risk populations for colorectal cancer screening. The program significantly increased attendance rates, especially among those with objective barriers.
Researchers at RIT and UB are developing real-time information products to help emergency responders during disasters. The lab will focus on technology, policy, and business-development to create potential business opportunities for industry.
A multi-laboratory study has updated ASTM guidelines for measuring nanoparticle size, incorporating statistically evaluated data from 26 laboratories. The results provide a valuable benchmark for labs measuring nanoparticles, which is crucial in biotech applications where nanoparticle size affects cell response.
The Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) is a new visual language for graphically representing biological information, aiming to make complex models accurate, efficient, and easy to understand. Developed by researchers worldwide, SBGN will benefit systems biologists working on various biochemical processes.
Researchers from Turkey performed a non-radiation ERCP procedure on six pregnant patients with choledocholithiasis and one patient with biliary fistula, showing no complications. Laboratory and ultrasonographic follow-up confirmed successful treatment and stone extraction without radiation exposure.
A new molecule known as soluble VEGFR-2 has been identified that selectively blocks lymphatic vessel growth but not blood vessel growth. This breakthrough could lead to targeted treatments for diseases such as lymphedema, transplant rejection, and tumor metastasis.
The NRL's XFC UAS has successfully demonstrated a flight endurance milestone of over six hours, paving the way for long-endurance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The fuel cell-powered system greatly extends payload capacity and endurance compared to traditional battery-powered UAS.
Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory present a method for targeting hematopoietic stem cells using engineered lentiviral vectors. An alternative approach using DNA transposons offers a safer and effective way for non-viral gene transfer.
Researchers Dr. Margaret Palmer and Dr. Solange Filoso caution that market-based environmental restoration programs lack scientific certainty to ensure ecosystem health improvements.
A comprehensive book Shifting Sands examines Maryland's Coastal Bays ecosystem, detailing its six subwatersheds, history, and ecology. The study synthesizes decades of research to provide a holistic understanding of the region's fragile lagoons.
Montana State University is launching a pilot program to test the effectiveness of web-based engineering laboratory courses. With an $148,000 NSF grant, students will be able to control real laboratory equipment from home computers, simulating in-person lab experiences.
Researchers from Northwestern University have successfully grown a woman's immature egg cells, contained in a tiny sac called a follicle, to a healthy and nearly mature egg in the laboratory. This breakthrough could provide a new fertility option for women whose cancer treatments destroy their ability to reproduce.
Dr. Keri Smith has received a Career Development Award from the National Hemophilia Foundation to develop a therapy for people with Hemophilia A. Her approach involves altering chemical signals produced by T cells that trigger immune responses, making individuals more receptive to replacement Factor VIII.
A new metagenomic approach quantifies microorganisms in environmental or medical samples, while a method for adhesive micropatterning offers a simple technique for generating patterns. These methods provide insights into microbial populations and cellular behaviors.
The first comprehensive global assessment reveals accelerating losses of seagrasses, threatening the health and sustainability of coastal ecosystems. Seagrasses disappear at rates similar to coral reefs and tropical rainforests, with a loss of 110 square-kilometers per year since 1980.
Researchers found a coffee extract can prevent malodorous bacteria from causing bad breath, contradicting the common assumption that coffee leads to bad breath. The team tested different brands of coffee and found some components that inhibit bacterial odor production.
The study found that hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) will become an increasingly larger factor in future climate warming if business-as-usual trends continue. By 2050, HFC emissions could contribute 7-12% to climate change, exceeding CO2's current contribution.
Researchers are developing effective treatment strategies and animal model systems to study the effects of explosive blast-induced traumatic brain injury. Current research aims to recreate battlefield injuries in laboratory settings to better understand head injuries sustained during combat.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named 10 promising young scientists as Pew Latin American Fellows in the Biomedical Sciences. The fellows will receive $60,000 in salary support and an additional $35,000 to purchase essential equipment upon returning to their home countries.
Dr. Jeffrey Friedman of Rockefeller University identified leptin as the 'satiety factor' behind obesity and type 2 diabetes, shedding light on chemical and genetic factors involved in the condition. The discovery has opened possibilities for future pharmaceutical treatments, influencing research worldwide.
A new study finds nearly a doubling of illegal fishing in the Northeast multispecies groundfish fishery, with 12-24% annual harvest taken illegally. The study recommends a 'smart compliance policy' to combat noncompliance and protect fish stocks.
The article describes a new approach for targeted mutagenesis in Drosophila melanogaster using ChIP-Seq analysis. The SIRT method combines homologous recombination, site-specific integration, and bacterial recombineering to facilitate efficient genetic variants at specific loci. This novel technique enables researchers to investigate g...
Theoretical work by SLAC researchers reveals two methods for detecting true muonium's formation and decay in electron-positron accelerators. These methods use relativistic effects to create a stable signature, making observation of the exotic atom feasible. The discovery has the potential to reveal new forms of matter.
Researchers found that confined spaces lead to greater variety seeking, as people diversify their choices. In crowded stores, customers tend to choose unfamiliar and unique brands.
A recent study found that women have a more powerful innate immune system than men due to the presence of estrogen. Estrogen blocks an enzyme called Caspase-12, which prevents the inflammatory process, making women more resistant to infection.
Researchers at NIST conducted experiments on wind-driven fires in high-rise buildings, finding that conditions can quickly spread smoke, heat, and gases through hallways and stairwells. Techniques such as blocking windows with fire-resistant materials and using 'floor below nozzle' systems showed promise in reducing hazardous conditions.
The May issue of Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features a set of methods to analyze protein complexes, including Blue-Native PAGE and differential in-gel electrophoresis. Additionally, researchers can generate viral vectors using adenovirus technology for efficient gene delivery.
Jindong Chen, a VARI researcher, has been awarded the AACR Scholar-in-Training Award for his presentation on Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome and its relation to kidney tumors. This award recognizes groundbreaking cancer research and is highly competitive among applicants.
Physicists at Ames Laboratory have demonstrated that the superconductivity mechanism in iron-arsenide superconductors is unique compared to all other known classes of superconductors. The team found a power-law variation of London penetration depth, suggesting electron pairing different from any other known superconductor.
Gary Borisy, MBL director and CEO, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his distinguished contributions to cell biology. He is a pioneer in the field, having discovered protein tubulin and provided insights into chromosome movement, cell motility, and microtubule dynamics.
Grapevine flowers' fragrance comes from pollen grains stored in anthers, contrary to common perception that petals produce perfume. The scent serves as a defense mechanism to protect male reproductive tissues from predatory insects.
This article provides optimization strategies for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a method for loading individual cells with fluorescent probes via patch pipettes. The techniques are described in detail, including touchdown PCR and hot-start PCR, and their applications in neuroscience research.
Dr. Kathy M. Chun, Director of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics at North York General Hospital, is the recipient of the 2009 Signature Genomic Laboratories Travel Award. The award recognizes outstanding young researchers in medical genetics and covers travel costs to the ACMG meeting.
A study of 65 female commercial sex workers found that remote screening using tampon-based self-collection was easy and preferred over traditional methods. The method proved to be more accurate in detecting gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, with a higher number of cases identified compared to traditional tests.
Whitehead Institute member Peter Reddien has been awarded an Early Career Scientist position by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), providing him with a six-year funded research program. He will investigate regeneration in planaria flatworms, a project that aligns with HHMI's goals to support innovative and creative science.
A new measurement standard for vitamin D may lead to better bone health, particularly in children, women, and the elderly. The standard, developed by NIST and NIH, will enable more accurate and reliable vitamin D measurements in blood samples.
The renewal of the European Associated Laboratory Agreement establishes a France-Israel laboratory of neuroscience, fostering joint research projects and collaborative publications. The new agreement aims to promote brain research opportunities in Europe amidst calls for boycotting Israeli academia.
Researchers investigated coral skeleton formation and found systematic compositional variations, complicating paleoenvironmental change proxies. Meanwhile, a study on Venus' vortices revealed similarities with terrestrial hurricanes, potentially aiding atmospheric superrotation understanding.
Two new methods are featured in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols: a rapid, reversible method for studying protein stability using small molecules, and a combined technique for identifying proteins that mediate long-range chromosomal interactions. These methods provide new tools for investigating protein function and chromatin structure.
Researchers found that consumers' quality expectations were initially misled by biasing cues, but they learned from these mistakes and made more accurate judgments in subsequent purchases. The study suggests marketers should rethink their strategies for misleading consumers with false attributes, as it may backfire on repeat purchases.
Researchers found that combining DHEA with red clover isoflavones increased testosterone production and reversed androgenic effects in prostate cells. The study suggests a potential cancer prevention effect of herbal supplements like DHEA, warranting further research.
A research model has shown that training people to avoid falls by exposing them to unstable situations can help them maintain their balance on a slippery floor. The study found that trained subjects were better at controlling the landing foot and unconsciously changed their gait, reducing the risk of falling.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a new class of drugs that can reduce heart swelling and reverse heart failure. The study, led by cardiologist Nipavan Chiamvimonvat and entomologist Bruce Hammock, found that the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase plays a key role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy.
Researchers find that stretching facial skin during speech affects perceived sound, linking production and perception. The study contributes to understanding the relationship between speech perception and production.
A study led by Professor Derry Roopenian found that a blocked protein called Interleukin 21 prevents systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in mice. The researchers also demonstrated the importance of IL21 signaling in SLE progression, suggesting that interrupting this process could be an effective therapeutic option for human SLE patients.
Two protocols, one for DNA repair homologous recombination and another for sumoylation of proteins, are featured in CSH Protocols. These methods provide a biochemical means to dissect the mechanisms of molecular processes involved in DNA repair and post-translational modification.
The Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science has awarded grants to university investigators to conduct early studies in translational science. These studies may lead to improvements in human health if successful.