News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
A comprehensive quality improvement programme implemented in 103 Michigan ICUs reduced central line bloodstream infections to a record low. The programme's success was attributed to its community-driven approach and emphasis on storytelling, hard data, and checklists.
The Navy plans to double its investment in STEM education over the next five years, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The initiative will increase funding to more than $100 million by 2015, with a focus on under-represented communities.
A symposium on tissue injury and pulp regeneration has published proceedings that highlight the potential of dental pulp engineering for regenerating functional dentin. Researchers present data on stem cells, scaffolds, and differentiation factors, demonstrating proof of principle for pulp/dentin regeneration.
A new study found that strongly identifying with an organization enhances personal and economic lives. Consumers integrate organizational values into their behaviors, leading to life-changing experiences.
Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 individuals to identify four phases of blood pressure changes throughout life. The study found that midlife acceleration in blood pressure was more pronounced in men than women due to menopause-related effects, and body mass index had a strong link with blood pressure.
The HORIZONS-AMI trial found that bivalirudin reduces all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality by 18% compared to heparin plus a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor. Drug-eluting stents also show lower rates of ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization with equivalent safety.
The AGA Research Foundation has awarded $25,000 to ten high school students to support their research in digestive diseases. The recipients will participate in a minimum of 10 weeks of research at prestigious institutions.
Researchers have identified a wood-digesting enzyme in bacteria that could make sustainable biofuels more economically viable. The discovery could unlock currently unattainable sources of biofuels, particularly from fast-growing woody plants and crop byproducts.
A team from the University of Sheffield has discovered a novel mechanism that potentially accounts for the development of many different types of lymphoma. The research found that B-cells are deficient in one of the main DNA repair pathways, which explains why strong UV exposure is a major environmental risk factor for the disease.
A recent study reveals that charities in England receive significant public funding, with 70% of organisations working with socially excluded or vulnerable people relying on government support. The study also highlights regional variations and uneven distribution of public funding across the sector.
A new report examines the ways to protect sex workers, highlighting the need for decriminalization and policy changes. The study, conducted by Concordia University and University of Windsor researchers, reveals that sex work is increasingly dangerous and unprotected, with many sex workers facing marginalization and violence.
Researchers developed an artificial graphene device that simulates the quantum behavior of strongly interacting electrons. The device replicates the honeycomb lattice of graphene and enables exploration of fundamental quantum physics.
Researchers have successfully stored antimatter atoms for over 16 minutes, a significant milestone in understanding this elusive substance. The breakthrough allows scientists to test hypotheses about antimatter's behavior and its potential impact on our understanding of the universe.
The International Research Initiative on Adaptation to Climate Change has announced a total of $12.5 million in awards to five research teams, including two focused on vulnerable indigenous populations, to study climate change adaptation strategies and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Researchers are working closely with indigenous communities to develop interventions to address the health impacts of climate change. Pilot projects include medicinal herb gardens, online traditional health knowledge banks, and agricultural training programs.
A new study developed by McGill Professor Roussos Dimitrakopoulos has created more accurate mine planning models that take into account uncertainty in the supply of minerals. This results in higher return on investment for mining companies while increasing metal production from the same asset.
A recent study by McGill biologist Jonathan Davies and colleagues suggests that the criteria for assessing risk of extinction in plants should be revised. The researchers found that species with small population sizes, even if not limited to a specific geographical range, can also be at high risk of extinction due to their youth.
University of Missouri researchers found that human voice on social media leads to increased trust, commitment, and satisfaction. Personal contact on social media is perceived more positively than organizational presence, particularly for for-profit organizations.
Researchers develop new method to unreel silk from wild cocoons without damaging strands. The technique allows for long, strong fibers, opening up the silk industry to new regions with wild silkworm populations.
TDR, a UN program, has won the 2011 Gates Award for its impact in advancing research efforts worldwide to fight neglected diseases. It supports and advocates research, reducing leprosy to elimination and river blindness, and continues work on dengue, tuberculosis, and other diseases.
A groundbreaking study by Prof. Adrian Bachtold's team has discovered nonlinear damping behavior in nanoscale mechanical devices, which facilitates amplification of signals and dramatic improvements in sensitivity. The findings have profound consequences for the physics of nanoelectromechanical resonators and will enable significant ad...
Scientists analyzed aphid movements and found they wander randomly, with some individuals moving very little or a lot. This discovery challenges the long-held idea of Lévy flights in animal behavior.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research Foundation has partnered with Horizon Pharma to provide research awards to fellows and students in gastroenterology/hepatology. This year, three fellow abstract prize recipients have been awarded $1,000 each for their outstanding work. Additionally, eleven student abstract pri...
New research from the University of Cincinnati suggests that small business owners who consult with outside advisors are more likely to achieve revenues sooner. By seeking input from respected colleagues, business owners can bring fresh perspectives and information into their decision-making process, leading to better outcomes.
Researchers found that nonprofit health groups effectively use Twitter to share interactive health information and raise awareness, increasing health literacy. About 30% of tweets were re-published by readers, expanding the audience for health messages.
A new program called Helping Babies Breathe is teaching basic techniques to resuscitate newborns immediately after birth, resulting in a 50% decrease in mortality rates. The program focuses on simple interventions like drying the baby, keeping them warm, and suctioning their mouth within 'The Golden Minute'.
Renowned structural engineer Michael O'Rourke has been recognized with the American Society of Civil Engineers' 2011 Walter P. Moore Award for his significant contributions to snow load engineering, advancing building codes worldwide. His extensive research continues to inform design and safety standards.
A new scale used to assess newborn behavior may help identify children who were exposed to methamphetamine prenatally and are at risk of developing problems later in life. The Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle (IDEAL) Study found that these children were hard to arouse but had difficulty calming down once awakened.
A team led by Iowa State chemist Malika Jeffries-EL has developed new polymer structures that mimic traditional semiconductors, improving properties of certain organic polymers. The research aims to create more efficient organic solar cells and light-emitting diodes.
The NIST framework analyzes sustainability standards using the Zachman framework, providing a structured approach to selecting and implementing effective standards. This helps small and medium-size enterprises identify relevant standards, measure progress, and report results, ultimately boosting their sustainability efforts.
UC Santa Barbara researchers identify Auger recombination as the mechanism behind LED droop, a drop in efficiency when operating at high powers. They propose using thicker quantum wells or growing devices along non-polar directions to minimize this loss mechanism.
The Lancet Series on Stillbirths reveals over 2.6 million stillbirths annually, with 98% in low-income countries, and explores causes and actions to halve this devastating event.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed two free software solutions to make computer mice easier for people with motor disabilities. The Pointing Magnifier combines area cursor visual and motor magnification, allowing users to acquire targets faster. In contrast, the Angle Mouse adjusts movement angles to make target...
Yusuf Hannun has pioneered the understanding of bioactive sphingolipids, a class of lipids regulating multiple cell functions. His research group is one of the best-funded lipid research groups in the US.
A recent study by University of Missouri experts found that stepchildren build positive relationships with stepparents based on their evaluations of the stepparents' behaviors and treatment. Children also develop relationships influenced by biological parents and other family members.
A recent study published in American Sociological Review found that flexible schedules and results-oriented workplaces can significantly reduce work-family conflict and turnover. The research, conducted at the University of Minnesota, involved over 600 employees and a company-wide initiative to introduce a 'Results Only Work Environmen...
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method for drug testing that uses individual living cells on nanowire carpets, with potential applications for neurological problems, cancer, and heart disease.
Researchers from Indiana University have identified serious logic flaws in third-party payment services like PayPal and Amazon Payments. The team exploited these flaws to receive electronic products at significantly reduced prices or for free.
Scientists at Queen's University have won a £2 million grant from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to study dark matter, dark energy, and the Sun. The funding will support international collaborations with top universities, including Harvard and Vanderbilt.
Stepchildren build positive or negative relationships with stepparents based on their evaluations of stepparents' behaviors and overall family situation. Researchers identified six patterns of step-relationship development from stepchildren's perspectives.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that brain growth in babies is linked to maternal investment, including duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding period. The research suggests that longer pregnancies and breastfeeding periods result in bigger brains for babies.
Peter Shizgal, a leading researcher in reward, motivation, and decision-making, has been awarded the prestigious Prix Adrien Pinard. A prolific scientist, he is known for his work on cognitive, emotional, and neural mechanisms that underlie human behavior.
Researchers found a rare eye movement pattern more common in healthy Chinese individuals than in British participants, challenging the assumption that this pattern is only indicative of underlying neurological issues. This discovery could indicate subtle cultural or genetic influences on brain function, warranting further investigation.
Researchers investigated how older women feel about their representation in media and society, finding complex emotions and transformative experiences. The project encouraged women to create alternative images using photography, art therapy, and video techniques, leading to increased confidence and self-acceptance among participants.
Researchers compared two pulp extraction techniques on dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) quality and quantity. The study found that the second technique resulted in higher stem cell integrity, growth rate, and quality, while also improving quantity.
Dr. Werner Mueller, a Springer editor and professor at Mainz University, has won the European Research Council's ERC Advanced Grant for his work on biosilicate research. His goal is to develop biological supporting structures made of biosilicates that can produce bone tissue in humans.
Researchers have discovered a unique antibody from llamas that can interfere with the toxins produced by Clostridium difficile, a health problem affecting hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. This discovery promises to provide a much-needed alternative treatment option for this increasing healthcare problem.
A study of 523 patients aged 6-17 years found that non-operative sealing of manifest occlusal caries lesions resulted in a significant reduction in caries progression and improvement in tooth health. The results indicate the possibility of extending the criteria for non-operative sealing, but further observation is needed.
A joint PhD research group will be established to focus on electromobility, with Daimler supplying EUR 1.75 million in total funding for nine PhD students over four years. The group aims to enhance transfer between science and industry in the field of electromobility.
A symposium at the International Association for Dental Research conference will present cutting-edge technologies to minimize caries damage and potentially eradicate caries disease. High-level evidence supporting new approaches will be discussed, including their potential effects on future healthcare costs.
Researchers found that Fuz plays a crucial role in regulating craniofacial development, with defects leading to severe deformities. The study also highlights the importance of Fuz in negative feedback loops of canonical Wnt signaling.
This study evaluated three-dimensional changes in the mandible and glenoid fossa of skeletal Class III patients treated with bone-anchored maxillary protraction. The results showed posterior displacement of the mandible and remodeling of the glenoid fossa, suggesting a favorable control of mandibular growth.
A new study published in the Journal of Vision uses a unique method to evaluate brain activity when recognizing faces. The technique, called steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), found that the brain signal is larger when presenting different faces than when repeating the same face.
A new study in Honduras found that climate-related weather disasters can lead to increased land wealth and earnings for the rural poor. The poorest residents of a small village were able to recoup their losses and even triple their average holdings after Hurricane Mitch devastated their village in 1998.
Researchers use high harmonic generation method to study electronic correlations in xenon atoms, opening opportunities for investigating electron dynamics on the attosecond timescale. The new laser source developed at ALLS proves ideal for HHG from atoms and molecules, providing information on giant resonance of xenon.
The British depiction of Egyptians as weak and subservient led to a shift towards masculine ideals, including physical health and bodybuilding. This, in turn, contributed to the formation of an anti-colonial nationalist movement that reversed the colonial narrative and created a new sense of national identity.
A team from Vienna and Munich has developed a numerical solver to predict the design-limited damping of mechanical resonators, enabling the creation of more efficient devices. The solver uses quantum mechanics to calculate the radiation of phonons from the resonator, removing the need for trial and error prototype fabrication.
Researchers found that night-flying moths match the migration speeds of songbirds, traveling between 30-65 km/h. Moths use favorable tailwinds to aid their journeys, while birds take advantage of winds from various directions.
Researchers at Sbarro Health Research Organization have discovered a new mechanism for INK4/ARF protein inactivation in Burkitt's lymphoma. The study suggests that reactivating tumor suppressor genes p16 and p14 could lead to the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis, offering potential new treatment avenues.
L. Keith Woo is searching for cleaner chemical reactions by studying iron porphyrins, a type of enzyme that catalyzes oxidation and electron transfer reactions. His research aims to develop more efficient catalysts that promote reactions at lower pressures and temperatures, reducing waste and creating safer alternatives.