News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
The BRIDGE trial shows cangrelor provides effective maintenance of platelet inhibition with no apparent increase in major bleeding, but numerically higher rates of minor bleeding prior to surgery. Researchers found the investigational drug cangrelor could serve as a 'bridge' between discontinuing thienopyridines and surgery.
A new study suggests that migrant South Asians should be classified as obese with a BMI between 23-28 kg/m2, indicating a higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The conventional definition of obesity may need to be lowered for this population to detect equivalent levels of cardiovascular risk.
A British team has discovered over 100 fortified farms and villages with castle-like structures in Libya's south-western desert, uncovering new evidence of a lost civilization. The Garamantes were highly civilized, living in large-scale fortified settlements, predominantly as oasis farmers.
A new study found that bundling payments to healthcare providers to reduce costs proves difficult to implement, despite its potential benefits. Researchers identified technical and cultural barriers as major obstacles to the approach.
The report highlights the need for Humanities researchers to build and access 'fit-for-purpose' digital Research Infrastructures, addressing issues like funding models, institutional transformations, and coordination. Digital infrastructures offer new ways to explore old questions and develop new ones in Humanities research.
Andrew Barron, Rice University's Charles W. Duncan, Jr. -- Welch Chair of Chemistry, is honored with the prestigious World Technology Award for Materials for his groundbreaking nanotechnology research in energy and health. His work has led to projects involving down-hole sensors, carbon dioxide mitigation, and cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that juvenile dragonflies exposed to predatory fish had survival rates 2.5 to 4.3 times less than those not exposed. This stress caused more dragonflies to fail metamorphosis and die, with 11% of larvae dying during this process.
A study by Concordia University explores how IT impacts manufacturing SMEs, finding that strategic planning positively affects performance. The research highlights the importance of autonomous IT management and aligned applications to maximize technological benefits.
A new three-dimensional model of measles virus helps explain unaccounted observations in its life cycle. The study found matrix protein forms helical tubes around the viral genome and nucleocapsid, regulating replication and genome movement.
A study by researchers at the University of Strathclyde found that vividness in face descriptions can be achieved through holistic approaches rather than detailed features. This approach leverages the reader's emotional response to create a more vivid image.
Researchers find that magnetic atoms are necessary for low-temperature superconductivity in heavy fermion compounds. This discovery sheds light on the delicate balance between magnetism and superconductivity, potentially leading to breakthroughs in high-temperature superconductors.
A research team at Virginia Tech has discovered genetic mechanisms behind bed bug resistance to deltamethrin and beta-cyfluthrin. The study found multiple genes that enable the insects to detoxify these insecticides, making them less effective.
Ronald Rudin, a history professor at Concordia University, has been awarded a Trudeau Fellowship to propel his research on Quebec and Acadian identity. He will use the funding to continue making the past relevant to future generations through innovative storytelling methods.
Concordia University professors have been awarded Canada Research Chairs for their work in linguistics, gaming, and cancer research. The funding will support the acquisition of new equipment and infrastructure for seven years.
A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that homes near nature trails increase in value by $9,000 for every thousand feet closer to the trail entrance. This suggests that investing in infrastructure and public amenities can result in a positive return on investment for communities.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have created an anti-fouling coating that prevents barnacles from forming colonies, using macrocyclic lactones to shut down their growth. The coating is environmentally friendly and can fully replace copper-based coatings in use on boats.
Researchers have uncovered a key enzyme in plant immunity, NADPH oxidase, which regulates the production of toxic molecules that encourage cell death. This discovery could lead to disease-resistant crop varieties and new treatments for human immune disorders such as chronic granulomatous disease.
Research from the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme found that average wellbeing levels among older people in South Africa and Brazil improved between 2002 and 2008 due to economic growth and social policies. Economic performance, labour market conditions, and pension income were key factors influencing improvement in wellbeing.
Researchers found that mosquitoes are attracted first to carbon dioxide, then to skin odors, which could lead to more effective mosquito traps. The study's findings provide crucial insights into how female mosquitoes locate human hosts for diseases like malaria and yellow fever.
Researchers developed a software toolkit that enables students to conduct their own scientific experiments, analyzing data and reaching conclusions based on hypotheses. The nQuire software covers three key topics of the new science curriculum, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Researchers aim to overcome fundamental limitations of photosynthesis by improving light capture, sugar production, and molecular structure. Successful projects could lead to significant increases in crop yields for food and bioenergy crops.
Researchers have created a simple nanoantenna that directs red and blue colours in opposite directions, defying wavelength size limitations. This discovery can lead to the development of optical nanosensors for detecting very low concentrations of gases or biomolecules.
Researchers developed a new chip using SPIDER technology to measure ultrafast optical pulse intensity and phase without expensive equipment. The breakthrough paves the way for applications in metrology and optical telecommunications.
Archaeologists have uncovered a large Roman shipyard near Rome, which could be the largest of its kind in Italy. The massive building, dating back to the 2nd century AD, features eight parallel bays with wooden roofs and was likely used for shipbuilding activities.
Researchers excavate Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly, and Outer Hebrides to understand the transition from hunting to farming in Britain. The study aims to answer questions about the processes and timing of this significant lifestyle change.
The Boltzmann constant has been re-determined by PTB scientists using Dielectric-Constant Gas Thermometry, with an uncertainty of 8 ppm. This achievement demonstrates that DCGT is suitable for determining fundamental constants and brings the country closer to redefining the kelvin unit.
The report highlights the importance of living conditions, such as housing quality and access to healthy food, in determining health outcomes. Health Impact Project director Aaron Wernham praises the publication as a 'game-changer' for promoting the use of health impact assessments in decision-making.
A commercial weight loss programme, Weight Watchers, has been shown to be effective in reducing weight and improving health outcomes for overweight adults. Participants who received the programme lost around twice as much weight as those receiving standard care over 12 months.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has been awarded $50,000 by the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation to discover the genetic origins of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that rapidly progresses without warning.
Researchers refute hopping mechanism, showing that porphyrins' conductivity is influenced by temperature and length, potentially suitable for quantum computing applications. The study highlights the potential of porphyrins as electronic components due to their wave nature.
In exploring the formation of disaster-response agencies after 9/11, a researcher finds that most new nonprofits ceased operation within two years. However, those with stronger ties to families of victims endured past two years. The expert's research also highlights the importance of collaboration and leveraging resources.
Linguistic researcher Marianne Pouplier aims to clarify why certain sound patterns are rarely encountered in languages, proposing an empirical approach using ultrasound imaging and perceptual tests.
A Danish research group has discovered a significant decline in malaria mosquito populations in certain Tanzanian villages without organized mosquito control. The researchers attribute the decrease to changes in precipitation patterns, which may be linked to global climate change.
Research reveals that E. coli O157 can persist in the environment for over 15 weeks, making it essential for everyone to take precautions when visiting rural areas or consuming contaminated food and water. Farmers, visitors, and governments must adopt strategies to reduce risks and promote awareness about the dangers of this bacteria.
A new study combining short-term and long-term data found that rapid evolution does not always persist, and major changes tend to take around 1 million years to occur. The research supports the concept of 'punctuated equilibrium' and suggests that natural selection forces must be widespread for changes to accumulate.
A Baylor University study found that stress created by incivility at work affects not only the employee but also their family and partner's workplace. The study suggests that organizations must address co-worker rudeness to prevent its impact on employees' lives.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism controlling aging in white blood cells, opening up the possibility of temporary boosting of the immune systems of older people. This could help fight off infections and improve quality of life for older individuals.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a method to stabilize radicals, allowing for controlled release of fragrances. This breakthrough enables slow release of scents over time, useful for household products and medical applications.
Barry Bittman, a neurologist and researcher, is awarded the Gene D. Cohen Research Award for his work on the benefits of music-making protocols for individuals with age-related stress responses. His research has shown significant reductions in burnout and mood disturbances among long-term care workers.
The University of Nottingham will conduct cutting-edge research on herd welfare, diet, grazing, health, and disease to deliver benefits directly to British dairy farmers. The five-year programme aims to develop programmes for maintaining the health, welfare, and nutritional status of the national dairy herd at world-class standards.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have received a major funding boost to continue their research into the pathological processes underpinning Alzheimer's disease. They have found that neuronal excitability is substantially altered in the model of Alzheimer's disease, leading to changes in action potential generation and waveform.
Researchers have developed a reflective 'carpet cloak' made of silicon oxide and silicon nitride, which conceals an object under layers and bends light waves around it. The device demonstrates the possibility of actual invisibility for the light seen by the human eye, surpassing previous infrared-based demonstrations.
New data from two independent research groups provides hope that a therapeutic approach can be developed to treat SMA. Prolactin treatment increases SMN levels, improves muscle movement, and enhances survival in mouse models of severe SMA.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism for epigenetic memory in plants, which affects the timing of flowering based on environmental conditions. The study reveals that histone modifications can be passed on to offspring, providing a new understanding of how organisms 'remember' their environment.
Professor Achim Hartschuh at LMU Munich has been awarded a highly endowed EU Starting Grant for his project on new tools for nanoscale optical spectroscopy. He aims to develop innovative methods for optical microscopy and study the physical and chemical behavior of nanostructures.
The European Science Foundation has endorsed the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, which sets out principles for self-regulation of the research community. The code aims to promote trust between science, society, and policymakers by establishing a culture of best practice in research integrity.
Researchers explored why charismatic leaders are perceived as visionary and successful, finding that managers can establish mystique through practice and presentation style. The study suggests that firms should scrutinize charismatic candidates to ensure transferable skills.
Researchers found that genetically identical trees grew differently in response to drought conditions depending on their nursery origin. This study reveals a form of molecular 'memory' where trees retain information about their past experiences, influencing their behavior in the environment.
The Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium completed the genome sequence and analysis of the potato, revealing new insights into its evolutionary history and potential mechanisms for tuber initiation and development. BGI's bioinformatics expertise facilitated the annotation of 39,031 protein-coding genes.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have engineered nanomaterials that absorb and funnel light energy to specific locations. Inspired by nature's light harvesting antennas, these artificial molecules exhibit new properties with potential applications in fields such as electronics and photonics.
A favorable organizational climate has a direct impact on new inventions and patents, with management playing a key role. Effective technology transfer offices (TTOs) also facilitate commercialization.
Scientists have developed a technique to mass-produce high-quality boron nitride nanoribbons with uniform lengths and thickness, opening doors for various electronic and magnetic properties. The ribbons display unique edge orientations, such as zigzag or armchair shapes, which are crucial determinants of their properties.
Research by Ruud van der Ent shows that evaporation from the Amazon forest is responsible for 50% of rainfall in Peru and other surrounding countries. Land use changes such as irrigation, dams, and deforestation can alter evaporation patterns, affecting water resources in distant regions.
A new, top-tier, open access journal for biomedical and life sciences research will attract the best publications from across these fields. The journal will employ a fair, swift and transparent editorial process with rapid online publication.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a tandem solar cell based on colloidal quantum dots, which can convert a broader range of sunlight into electricity. This breakthrough aims to increase efficiency and reduce costs for solar cells.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have demonstrated a novel technique using phase-change materials for simultaneous information processing and storage. This breakthrough could revolutionize computing by making computers faster, more energy-efficient, and brain-like in their architecture.
Researchers found smaller osmolyte molecules are more effective at protecting protein structures than larger ones, which could lead to better storage techniques for human reproductive tissue used in IVF and other materials.
Nadia Bhuiyan and Yves Gélinas, two Concordia professors, have received NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement awards to advance their research in lean manufacturing and coastal aquatic ecosystems. The awards will support Bhuiyan's study on product development and Gélinas' research on estuaries and microbial composition.
Researchers found that angry user-generated comments can perpetuate negative perceptions of corporations during crises. Organizations should monitor and respond to online comments from victims to prevent reputation damage.
Scientists at Imperial College London have developed a new method to make proteins form crystals using 'smart materials' that remember the shape and characteristics of the molecule. This technique should assist research into new medicines by helping scientists work out the structure of drug targets.