News on research labs and their facilities. Covers lunar research sites, national-lab partnerships, obesity classification, and cloud-lab funding.
Researchers found that most respondents reported improved mood after a good cry, but some felt worse or no improvement. Criers who received social support experienced the most significant improvements in mood. The study highlights the complexities of crying behavior and its physical and emotional effects.
WPI will support teaching and research programs in fire protection engineering with the new facility. The university is home to the world's leading graduate program in fire protection engineering.
A new study in Journal of Consumer Research uncovers a strategy for releasing consumers from 'regret lock' after missing a sale. By offering alternative sales on similar products, retailers can increase purchase likelihood and market share.
Simple clinical and laboratory tests can identify low-risk stomach bleed patients who can be safely managed as outpatients. This approach reduces hospital admissions by 71% without adverse effects on patient care.
Scientists have successfully grown two native bushy species, Genista versicolor and Reseda complicata, to suggest new mechanisms for restoring vegetation in the ski resort. The study aims to improve germination and growth percentages of these species using different vegetable growth regulators.
A balance between large research groups and individual scientists is optimal for success, according to a novel theory by Adrian Bejan. Successful research groups grow naturally and contribute to the whole, while solitary thinkers have flourished throughout history due to science being good for society.
The journal Cold Spring Harbor Protocols presents two articles detailing experimental culture methods for cells from the immune system and the nervous system. These protocols enable researchers to isolate and grow specialized cells like macrophages and cerebellar granule neurons, facilitating studies on their functions and interactions.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified a common variant in the GRM7 gene as being associated with susceptibility to glutamate excitotoxicity and hearing loss. The findings could lead to treatments that bring relief to millions of people worldwide suffering from age-related hearing loss.
Biological damage caused by declining calcium levels is causing widespread transformation of aquatic food webs in boreal lakes in North America. The phenomenon, known as 'aquatic osteoporosis,' affects many lake-dwelling organisms, including water fleas, and has important management implications.
Researchers used computer modeling and experimentation to investigate how cracks grow at low speeds in silicon, finding rearrangements of atoms associated with ductile materials can occur near the crack tip. This instability can lead to macroscopic changes in the path of the crack, leaving behind ridges on the crack surface.
Emory University's new Human Health: Molecules to Mankind (M2M) program trains students in both laboratory and population sciences, aiming to create a comprehensive approach to understanding human health. The program partners researchers from schools of medicine, public health, and other institutions.
Using a novel combination of technologies, researchers identified 13 previously unknown tumor suppressor genes that, when mutated, can lead to liver cancers. These findings may provide new avenues for cancer therapy and have implications for understanding the molecular causes of the disease.
The journal features two articles with detailed instructions for setting up experimental culture systems. These methods allow researchers to study and manipulate developing cells and tissues in the laboratory, enabling the identification of neural progenitor cells and the analysis of cell migration between organs during development.
The Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository has received two major NIH awards to support investigations into the genetics of mental disorders, metabolic diseases, and digestive health. The funds will enable researchers to study the genetic causes of complex diseases such as autism, bipolar disorder, and diabetes.
The University of Warwick is acquiring over 200 plastinated body parts from Germany for its medical school, a £400,000 investment in anatomy education. These specimens will be used by students to understand human anatomy and develop surgical skills.
Researchers have identified a stable, modifiable virus capable of withstanding harsh conditions and can be used as a nanobuilding block. The virus particles are ideal for producing materials on the nanometre scale and can be modified spatially controlled.
Researchers from Georgia Tech, University of Dayton, and others develop a stronger, more practical dry adhesive inspired by gecko feet. The new material creates directionally-varied adhesive force, with a gripping ability nearly three times that of real geckos.
Scientists will explore chemical reactions in extreme space conditions using a new research center combining laboratory experiments, theoretical studies, and radio-telescope observations. The Center for Chemistry of the Universe aims to expand our understanding of molecule formation that may seed young planets with life.
A team of researchers argues that current publication practices create an extreme imbalance between the abundance of supply and limited venues for publication, leading to unrepresentative results. This distortion affects the broader scientific community, as only a small proportion of research findings are selected for publication.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that a splicing factor called SF2/ASF targets known cancer-related proteins, leading to the disruption of cellular processes. Understanding these complex molecular interactions may lead to new approaches for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that juvenile bluefin tuna from both regions return to their birthplace to spawn, contradicting previous assumptions about fish migration patterns. This study has significant implications for managing bluefin tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic.
The use of multiple model organisms is expanding due to decreasing genome sequencing costs and advancing gene expression manipulation techniques. Emerging model organisms, such as planarians and snapdragons, are being introduced to the laboratory, enabling comparison and refinement of existing models.
A recent study published in Genome Research found that ultraconserved elements, identical between humans and animals, play a crucial role in the natural evolution of species. These elements account for less than 2% of the human genome but are essential for the survival of many species.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition has found that consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate (6.7 grams per day) can lower the risk of heart attack by significantly reducing inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The study, which enrolled over 20,000 participants, suggests that this amount of dark chocolate is associ...
Researchers may develop new treatments for diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis by understanding the role of fibrin in blood coagulation. The NIH grant will support a four-year study to identify how cytokines regulate fibrin levels.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a prosthetic vein valve to replace damaged valves in people with chronic venous insufficiency. The valve has shown promise in preclinical trials, demonstrating biocompatibility and performance similar to natural body tissue.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have made significant discoveries about bacterial cell wall recycling. The study reveals that a specific enzyme, M1tB, plays a crucial role in breaking down the cell wall, leading to pro-inflammatory events associated with bacterial infections.
MIT researchers have developed a technique called amplitude spectroscopy that can characterize the properties of artificial atoms used in quantum computing. This approach enables the study of quantum entities over broad frequency ranges, which is essential for understanding and engineering atomic-scale devices.
This study investigates the 3D rupture conformations of a surface fault under biaxial compression, revealing three stages of crack growth and introducing the concept of anti-wing cracks. The results provide fundamental understanding of surface fault propagation and have significant implications for future studies on active fault movement.
Researchers develop powerful tool for investigating gene function using siRNA and lentiviral vectors. The method enables long-term down-regulation of specific target genes in various cell types, facilitating cancer cell biology studies.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified two signaling pathways activated in response to exercise that converge to increase endurance. They discovered a drug, GW1516, that simultaneously triggers both pathways, turning laboratory mice into long-distance runners and conferring many exercise benefits.
Researchers have successfully differentiated pluripotent stem cells from a patient with ALS into motor neurons and glia featuring an ALS genotype, offering new avenues for drug discovery and understanding the disease process.
Jackson Laboratory scientists have developed a simple and cost-effective method to freeze mouse sperm, achieving high fertilization rates with mouse eggs. This breakthrough will significantly reduce the cost of developing new mouse models for human diseases.
The journal Genome Research has seen a significant boost in its impact factor, ranking #2 in the Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology category. With an impact factor of 11.224, it continues to be a major player in the field.
A team led by Professor Richard Ford is awarded a $1.85M contract to continue researching biologically-inspired tactical security infrastructure (BITSI) for military computing and disaster relief operations. The project aims to build computers that can protect themselves when under attack, using biological systems as inspiration.
Resveratrol slows age-related deterioration and functional decline in mice, improving cardiovascular function, bone health, and motor coordination. However, it does not increase longevity when started at middle age.
Researchers have developed a haplotype map of the human genome to study genetic diseases. The Cold Spring Harbor Protocols journal provides step-by-step instructions for analyzing HapMap data using tools like the Genome Browser and DDDP methods.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by studying the interaction between two electrons in a carbon nanotube, paving the way for a quantum mechanical bit. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of a revolutionary quantum computer capable of solving complex calculations much faster than current computers.
Researchers have identified a key role for fish-based fatty acid molecule RvE1 in resolving airway inflammation and promoting its resolution in mice. The study provides insight into the potential therapeutic use of RvE1 in asthma prevention.
The research focuses on designing miniature components called compressors and evaporators, critical for refrigeration systems. The team developed an analytical model and validated it with experimental data, showing that it is feasible to design a prototype system small enough to fit in a laptop.
Researchers have discovered insights into vertebrate origins and the evolution of immune systems, nervous system development, and cell signaling through the analysis of the amphioxus genome. The study reveals conserved genes and DNA elements between amphioxus and humans, suggesting a common ancestor with vertebrates.
A study finds that east Siberia's permafrost contains 500 Gt of frozen carbon deposits susceptible to disturbances from climate warming. The permafrost's irreversible thawing could release 2-2.8 Gt of carbon into the atmosphere annually between 2300 and 2400, transforming 74% of the initial carbon stock.
Researchers have found a human virus in chimpanzees in Tanzania's Mahale Mountains National Park, which may be transmitted from visiting scientists and tourists. The discovery highlights the need for more research to establish a comfortable level of proof and protect the region through science-based changes.
The journal features two new methods: one for detecting copy number variation in genomes using PennCNV software, and another for studying ion differences across membranes in plant cells using patch clamping. These techniques provide a more comprehensive understanding of genome variation and cellular responses.
Researchers developed a biomimetic jumping robot inspired by grasshoppers, capable of jumping 1.4 meters and navigating rough terrain with ease. The tiny robot can be fitted with sensors and solar cells to aid in search and rescue operations or explore remote areas on Earth or other planets.
Researchers find global sea level acceleration may have started in the 18th century, causing a 6 cm rise during the 19th century and 19 cm during the 20th century. The US east coast also subsided since the Eocene, with wind-launched ocean eddies triggering formation and propagation in the South China Sea.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have found that modulating enkephalin peptides in the brain may reduce cognitive deficits seen in Alzheimer's disease. Increased levels of preproenkephalin mRNA and enkephalins in brain regions affected by AD were observed, suggesting a potential new therapy target.
Researchers at Duke University have made significant advancements in autonomous robot surgeries, demonstrating the feasibility of robots performing complex procedures under real-time 3-D ultrasound guidance. The technology has the potential to improve patient safety by reducing radiation exposure and enhancing surgeon precision.
The journal showcases two classic methods for chromosomal analysis, including a protocol for mapping protein distributions on polytene chromosomes and a karyotyping technique for mouse cells. These approaches allow researchers to study gene regulation and chromatin structure at high resolution.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that clinical monitoring is as effective as using CD4 count or viral load measures in advising when to switch to second-line ART. This finding has implications for resource-limited settings where access to laboratory tests may be limited.
A production laboratory founded by the Minnesota Partnership has transferred its first potential therapy, a medication for multiple sclerosis, to a processing plant in Minnesota. The antibody rHIgM22 was developed at Mayo Clinic and has been validated for clinical development.
A study published in JCSM finds no significant differences in sleep parameters between patients undergoing sleep studies in a hotel and a hospital-based sleep laboratory. Sleep architecture changes, including REM sleep latency and stage 1 sleep, were similar in both groups.
A study by researchers from the American Psychological Association found that people experience mental fatigue and decreased productivity when faced with numerous choices. In experiments involving 328 participants, those who made choices had trouble staying focused and completing tasks compared to those who didn't make decisions.
Emory University geneticist Madhuri R. Hegde was honored with the 2008 Signature Genomic Laboratories Travel Award for her scientific merit and selected presentation at the 2008 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting. The award recognizes outstanding young researchers in medical genetics and covers travel costs to future meetings.
The journal highlights a method for ENU mutagenesis to screen the mouse genome, allowing researchers to identify genes important in specific tissues or processes. A second featured protocol provides a step-by-step process for selecting the proper method for analyzing evolutionary relationships between genes.
A new study has introduced a nonlethal method to measure the body composition of small rodents using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorbtiometry (DXA). This technology allows for accurate measurements without harming the animals, facilitating longitudinal research and increasing scientific collaboration between field and laboratory researchers.
The USC project, led by Gully A.P.C. Burns, aims to develop software for laboratory use, creating a small-scale knowledge base for storing scientific articles locally. The project seeks to alleviate information overload and enable researchers to quickly find and retrieve data.
A study by Catholic University - Campobasso confirms flavonoids' beneficial effects on human health, particularly on the heart. The research found that rats fed an anthocyanin-rich diet were more resistant to myocardial infarction.
Researchers found that mice treated with low-molecular weight heparin before or after vein damage healed faster than those not treated. The study's findings support the use of heparin as a preventative measure for deep-vein thrombosis, which affects millions of Americans each year.
New study suggests that non-lab-based risk factors can predict cardiovascular events with similar accuracy to laboratory-based values. This approach could simplify risk assessment and screening in developing countries where laboratory testing is often unavailable.