News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a catalytic system that enables direct metal-mediated reactions between aryl halides and carbonyl compounds in water. This breakthrough could streamline synthetic sequences and make chemical products safer and more efficient.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a fungus-derived molecule called AMA that can stop the spread of the deadly antibiotic-resistant gene NDM-1. Testing revealed that the molecule rescues carbapenem antibiotics' activity, providing a new way to combat superbugs.
A study found that UK supermarkets respond to tax increases on alcohol by under-shifting cheaper products and over-shifting more expensive ones, leading to smaller reductions in excessive consumption. This could hinder efforts to reduce harmful drinking, particularly among high-risk drinkers who favor cheaper supermarket products.
A new study by Concordia University researchers shows that even with mental overload, the brain can automatically detect changes in blur across the visual environment. This finding challenges previous theories on the detection of blurred sight and has implications for daily tasks like driving.
Researchers discovered that taking an outsider's perspective, rather than one's own, can eliminate bias and lead to wise reasoning about interpersonal relationship conflicts. This strategy is referred to as Solomon's Paradox.
A new study found a significant decline in speeding-related injuries and fatalities among young men in Ontario since the province's tough laws were introduced in 2007. The study credits the deterrence of swift and severe sanctions for reducing risky driving behavior.
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded the NWO Spinoza Prize to four outstanding researchers: Dirk Bouwmeester, Corinne Hofman, Mark van Loosdrecht, and Theunis Piersma. They will receive 2.5 million euros to pursue their research in various fields of science.
The study provides a new framework to interpret previous research on European Neolithic populations, suggesting that the expansion took place through pioneer seafaring colonization. Genetic affinities between the mitochondrial DNA of first Neolithic farmers and those of Catalan and German farmers support this hypothesis.
A gene study has identified the genetic differences that distinguish sheep from other animals, including humans, cattle, and pigs. The findings could aid in developing DNA testing to improve livestock breeding programs.
The EXO-200 experiment searched for Majorana neutrinos, which could explain their mass, but found no evidence. The decay of a radioactive isotope that may only occur if neutrinos are their own antiparticles was tested with unprecedented accuracy.
Physicists at the University of Toronto have made a breakthrough in ultra-precise measurement technologies using quantum mechanics. By employing entangled photons and multiple detectors, they were able to achieve resolutions unattainable by classical physics.
The UK has invested £5.64M in the European X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFEL) project, allowing UK researchers to use serial femtosecond crystallography for high-resolution biological molecule determination. This cutting-edge technology will enable scientists to study the smallest building blocks of life at unprecedented speeds and reso...
A grape-enriched diet resulted in a protective effect on retinal structure and function, with three-fold higher rod and cone photoreceptor responses compared to control diets. The study also found lower levels of inflammatory proteins and higher amounts of protective proteins in the retinas.
The new Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic Integration for Advanced Data Storage will address the shortage of skilled professionals in this field by educating 50 future scientists and engineers. Students will collaborate with industry partners, including Seagate Technology, to generate new ideas and research opportunities.
The UK Energy Research Centre will continue to drive innovation and research into sustainable future energy systems, with a focus on addressing climate change and increasing energy security. The funding is part of the RCUK Energy Programme, which aims to position the UK for a low-carbon future.
A new study suggests that switching to video streaming from traditional DVD methods can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption. Streaming requires less energy than buying or renting DVDs, which also emits more CO2 due to driving and data transmission.
The Panama government has implemented new traffic separation schemes to minimize overlap between commercial vessels and humpback whale migration routes. The changes are expected to reduce vessel speed four months a year and minimize vessel-whale collisions by up to 95%.
A research team led by Dr. Bing Hu aims to understand a cell defect that contributes to diseases like cancer and develop effective drug therapies.
Drones have been developed with flight control mechanisms inspired by birds, bats, insects, and snakes to navigate through urban environments. Researchers have made significant advancements in drone technology, enabling them to perform complex tasks such as obstacle avoidance, pick-up and delivery, and landing on tricky surfaces.
A new centre, The Oxford Centre for Drug Delivery Devices (OxCD3), will be established to exploit engineering approaches to improve the therapeutic outcomes of drug-based cancer treatments. The centre aims to use stimulus-responsive nanocarriers and medical devices to enhance drug delivery into tumours.
Researchers have discovered how proteins fetuin-A and albumin can slow down the uptake of calcium phosphate crystals by blood vessel cells, reducing damage. The study offers potential to develop treatments to prevent and reduce the damaging effects of calcification in ageing and several diseases.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a way to physically prove a 1934 theory that turned light into matter by smashing two particles of light together. The 'photon-photon collider' experiment uses existing technology to recreate a process important in the universe's first 100 seconds.
The University of Washington is receiving a $31.2 million gift from Washington Research Foundation to fund four interdisciplinary initiatives that tackle crucial challenges in global innovation. The funding will boost the UW's research contribution, attract top postdoctoral researchers, and encourage spinout companies.
Researchers from around the world presented their findings on detecting early symptoms of autism, treating anxiety and depression in adults with ASD, and the potential for 'course correction' in development. Insulin-like growth factor-1 was shown to rescue synaptic and motor deficits in a mouse model of autism.
Researchers have developed a new concept for simplifying ultrafast lasers, enabling control over multiple parameters and excellent performance potential. The 'frequency domain optical parametric amplification' (FOPA) approach supersedes traditional time domain amplification schemes.
Researchers found that a 'treat and extend' strategy can reduce the average number of visits and injections from 12 to 8.3 times per year for patients with age-related macular degeneration. This approach could lower the financial burdens on patients, families, and government.
A study analyzing US presidential State of the Union addresses from 1790 to 2012 reveals a significant increase in egotism over the past century. Characteristics related to self-interest have consistently risen since the early 20th century, peaking after economic booms and declining during times of economic crisis.
Researchers developed a thermoresponsive adhesive that warms up and seals wounds, then reverts to its non-adhesive form when cooled. The technology could prevent retinal detachment and vision loss in military-related eye injuries.
A comprehensive study of lake water composition reveals its strong connection with environmental factors, such as climate and hydrology. The research found that the chemical diversity of dissolved organic matter in lakes varies significantly depending on these factors.
Scientists at the University of York studied how Staphylococcus aureus attaches to human blood proteins fibronectin and fibrinogen. The research reveals how binding of these proteins cooperates to cause life-threatening infections, including infective endocarditis.
Neiker-Tecnalia's research finds climate change reduces anthocyanin content in Tempranillo grapes, leading to lower-quality wines. Climate-induced water stress also delays ripening and reduces polyphenol content.
Researchers at Imperial College London identified an anti-appetite molecule called acetate, naturally released when we digest fibre in the gut, which produces a signal to stop eating. The study found that acetate reduces appetite and could inform potential methods to prevent weight gain.
A new study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that NHS staff's willingness to recommend their organization is influenced by concerns about reliability, clinical care, and management. Staff highlighted structural issues like under-staffing, poorly designed systems, and lack of resources as major concerns.
Researchers created a hybrid material that aligns dyes along nanochannels, improving luminescence and optical switching. The material exhibits colour changes depending on light polarisation, opening doors for new photonic and biomedical applications.
A new study found that older siblings more strongly sway younger siblings close in age towards violent criminal behavior. Environmental factors within families play a crucial role in delinquent behavior, and the results may inform prevention and treatment programs.
The American Gastroenterological Association has awarded fellowships to 10 minority college students to further their research careers in digestive disease and nutrition. The 2014 AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship Award recipients will conduct eight to 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases or nutrition.
A UCLA research team has made significant progress in developing a computer-aided diagnostic system to accurately distinguish between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures. By analyzing clinical notes from patients with medication-resistant seizure disorder, the team achieved a diagnosis accuracy of 65% using machine learning methods.
Sophie Martin received the 2014 EMBO Gold Medal for her groundbreaking research on cellular polarity, which has renewed interest in mechanisms of cell size regulation. Her work revealed a potential mechanism by which microtubules direct actin cytoskeleton-driven cell growth.
A new amplifier design for mobile phone masts has been developed, achieving 50% efficiency compared to the current 30%. This could lead to a massive 200MW reduction in load on UK power stations and a corresponding decrease in CO2 emissions. The project aims to make a valuable contribution to meeting the UK's carbon reduction targets.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a key brain pathway linking emotional behavior to survival circuits, revealing potential therapeutic targets for anxiety and phobias. The study highlights the cerebellum's role in fear response and suggests its involvement in managing dysregulated emotional states.
Researchers found that Cooperative Extension is a vital hub for community development efforts, providing resources and services to underserved communities. By partnering with local organizations and experts, Extension aims to address specific concerns and empower residents to influence their neighborhoods.
Researchers studied identical twins with trisomy 21 to understand gene expression changes. The study found that extra chromosome 21 affects entire genome, leading to various pathologies and disrupting cellular function.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that mothers' conversations with their children help them understand moral missteps and develop empathy. The study showed that these conversations have a significant impact on children's understanding of themselves as moral people, capable of both good and harm.
A new study found that forests growing in fertile soils with ample nutrients can sequester up to 30% of the carbon they take up during photosynthesis. In contrast, nutrient-poor forests retain only 6% of that carbon, which is released back into the atmosphere as respiration.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield have challenged long-held assumptions about the Titanic's fate, revealing that the risk of icebergs is actually higher now. The study used data on iceberg locations dating back to 1913 and found that while 1912 was a significant ice year, it was not extreme in the long term.
A robotic digger, RoboClam, has been created to mimic the unique mechanisms employed by the Atlantic razor clam. The robot can transform soil into a liquid and achieve deep digging with high efficiency, making it suitable for applications such as anchoring underwater robots and subsea cable installation.
A global study by Concordia University researchers found that 94 percent of people experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, and/or impulses. This commonality challenges traditional OCD diagnoses and treatment strategies, suggesting that cognitive and behavioral interventions may be more effective across cultures.
The AXA Research Fund has awarded €2 million to two Spanish researchers, Professor Ben Lehner and Professor David Ríos, to study age-related diseases and adversary risk analysis. Their research aims to predict a person's health future, combine experiments with computational data analysis, and examine threats with intelligent behavior.
Researchers at Saint Mary's University and the University of Jyväskylä have isolated cyanoformate, an ion that can deactivate cyanide's toxic capabilities, using crystallography and computational chemistry. This discovery highlights the importance of applied chemistry in understanding carbon-capture processes.
Scientists have successfully fabricated a photosensor using single layers of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), which converts light into electricity at an extremely efficient rate. The material's large energy gap enables it to achieve high on/off ratios, making it suitable for future electronic devices.
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters has found that a warm North Atlantic Ocean can promote extreme winters in the US and Europe. The research suggests that natural variations in sea surface temperatures, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, can affect atmospheric circulation patterns like the North Atlanti...
The Mayo Clinic has been recognized for its effective integration of operations research into organizational decision-making, leading to improved patient outcomes and financial savings. The organization's use of advanced analytics and operations research has been instrumental in addressing healthcare challenges.
Modjaz will observe host environments of stellar explosions to investigate which kinds of stars have exploded and why. Her research aims to determine the make-up of stellar progenitors that yield stripped envelope supernovae and gamma-ray bursts.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced 22 new Centres for Doctoral Training to further boost postgraduate training in key engineering and scientific fields. The new Centres will receive £106 million investment from research councils, universities, and industry partners.
A new UK research center will focus on developing advanced chemical products worth £200 billion to the economy. The Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Particulate Products and Processes will train researchers to develop people who can go out there and continue the UK's leadership in this field.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $4 million in NARSAD Grants to 40 mid-career scientists from around the world. The grants will fund basic research, new technologies, and next-generation therapies for schizophrenia, major affective disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.
Researchers at the University of York and University of Leeds have developed a mathematical model that explains the molecular mechanisms behind virus assembly. The discovery opens up possibilities for the development of anti-viral therapies and could help treat diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Norovirus, and the Common Cold.
The symposium explores the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of community water fluoridation, as well as assessments of fluoride ingestion risks. It aims to address knowledge gaps on fluorides and their impact on oral health.
Researchers found that happiness significantly increases productivity in the workplace, with participants producing 12% more work under happy conditions. The study suggests that employers can improve employee satisfaction and boost productivity by implementing employee support programs.
A team of researchers from South Korea has developed a novel technique to authenticate goods by creating unique patterns made from tiny, randomly scattered silver nanowires. The 'fingerprints' are almost impossible to replicate due to their natural randomness and difficulty in manipulating the tiny materials.