News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Researchers have successfully visualized the human immune system's assassin protein perforin, revealing how it punches holes in cancerous or infected cells. The study provides insights into the protein's structure and function, which could lead to new ways of fighting cancer, malaria, and diabetes.
Scientists from Queen's University Belfast are developing a new technology using wearable sensors to create ultra-high bandwidth mobile internet infrastructures. This innovation has the potential to reduce the density of mobile phone base stations and bring significant social benefits, including improved healthcare and remote gaming.
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has recognized 63 life scientists for their outstanding research contributions. Among the new members are 12 female researchers who have made significant advancements in various fields of molecular biology, neuroscience, and cancer biology.
Dr Veerle Huvenne, a NOC marine geoscientist, has been awarded a major research grant to map complex deep-sea environments and study the biodiversity they support. The project, CODEMAP, aims to use state-of-the-art surveying methods to map habitat heterogeneity as a proxy for biodiversity.
Susana T. Valente receives $240,000 grant from the Landenberger Foundation to explore novel ways to prevent HIV replication. Her research focuses on identifying molecular interactions between retroviruses and host cells.
Physicists and engineers have installed a radar system on the Falkland Islands to monitor upper atmosphere activity that creates the Southern Lights. The radar station, part of the international Super Dual Auroral Radar Network, will help climatologists understand the link between the upper and lower atmospheres.
Researchers found that video game training improves employee knowledge by 11%, skill-based knowledge by 14% and retention rate by 9%. Games work best when engaging users and provide flexible access.
Researchers found that cataract surgery significantly reduces the frequency of all car crashes, with a 12.6% decrease in crash rates after accounting for other factors. The study also found cost savings of AUD $4.3 million, with each operation saving approximately $150 in crash costs.
New evidence supports the power of open access in increasing citation impact for higher-quality research. The study found that mandatory and self-selected open access articles have similar citation impacts, contradicting the self-selection bias hypothesis.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a novel technique to control molecular alignment in discotic liquid crystals, enabling the creation of stable nanowires. These wires could be used in low-cost biosensors for water quality testing and next-generation electronic devices.
Two new 'Innovation and Knowledge Centres' in the UK will combine research with business expertise to accelerate development of cutting-edge technologies. The centres, funded by EPSRC and Technology Strategy Board, aim to generate economic growth through sustainable products and infrastructure.
A team of scientists has demonstrated the feasibility of Raman amplification, compressing long laser pulses to 1000 times shorter with intensities 300 times greater. This method could replace current expensive systems with smaller and more cost-effective ones, making technologies like x-ray development more accessible.
The partnership aims to double the number of physicians graduating from Mozambique medical schools in the next decade and improve surgical care in rural areas. The UCSD component will focus on training additional faculty and building surgical research capacity within UEM.
A recent study has found that environmental changes, such as dry and wet conditions, may have influenced the development of early human ancestors. The research team analyzed chemical compositions of rocks from Olduvai Gorge, which revealed more extreme climate fluctuations than previously thought.
A new study examines how river flow affects sediment movement, aiming to predict erosion and deposition in rivers. By using an innovative combination of measurements, scientists will improve understanding of sediment transport and develop techniques to prevent damage to infrastructure.
The £40 million Ecosystems Services for Poverty Alleviation programme aims to benefit developing countries by adapting to climate change. Experts from these nations will be trained in new farming techniques and infrastructure development.
Research at the University of East Anglia reveals that adding histidine to salmon diets prevents cataract formation. The nutrient was found to be deficient in post-1990s fish feed due to BSE concerns, leading to a significant increase in cataracts.
Lillian Feldshuh, an early transcatheter aortic valve recipient, received the Courageous Patient Award at TCT 2010. She was successfully treated for life-threatening aortic stenosis and remains in good health.
A new percutaneous mitral valve clip device demonstrated significant clinical benefits for patients with mitral valve regurgitation, improving left ventricular function and quality of life scores. The study found that patients with reduced MR grade at 12 months experienced marked clinical benefit.
The CREATE study demonstrated satisfactory angiographic and clinical outcomes for biodegradable polymer-based sirolimus eluting stents. The use of these stents with a recommended antiplatelet regimen resulted in a low rate of major adverse cardiac events and stent thrombosis.
A new drug-eluting stent design demonstrated superiority over a traditional drug-eluting stent at 6 months, according to a study led by Laura Mauri, MD. The bioresorbable polymer and stent design showed better clinical outcomes and reduced stent thrombosis risk without compromising anti-restenotic efficacy.
A robotically assisted percutaneous coronary intervention system has been shown to be safe and feasible in a first-in-human study, reducing radiation exposure and contrast media usage. The technique allows for technical precision and improved procedural effectiveness compared to manual PCI.
The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center has developed a new disease-resistant fig named 'Champagne', which outperforms other varieties in terms of fruiting characteristics. The fig produces distinctive yellow and gold-colored fruit and is resistant to defoliation caused by fig leaf rust and leaf spot.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen and TU Muenchen used NMR spectroscopy to determine the spatial structure of Sam68's Qua1 region, essential for dimerization and biological function. The study sheds light on Sam68's role in cell cycle regulation and cancer pathogenesis.
A new report examines current capabilities for making climate predictions and identifies opportunities for improvement. Improvements in observational capabilities, statistical models, and data assimilation systems are needed to better understand key processes that could help improve forecasts.
The Epitwin project will analyze methylation patterns of 20 million sites in DNA from 5,000 twins to identify differences that explain why identical twins don't develop the same diseases. This study has the potential to uncover key genes responsible for disease and accelerate research into human healthcare.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a technology that can produce ethylene glycol and propylene glycol from biomass, two high-value chemicals with various industrial applications. The process uses supercritical fluids and does not require expensive reagents or harsh compounds, making it a more sustainable option.
A new RAND Corporation study concludes that providing body armor to all US police officers nationwide is worth the cost, with a potential saving of at least eight lives annually. The study estimates that outfitting all 236,000 officers without body armor would cost $26 million annually.
The UK researchers have released the first sequence coverage of the wheat genome, comprising 95% of all wheat genes. This data will allow scientists and plant breeders to develop new varieties through accelerated conventional breeding or other technologies.
A recent study published in Science found that two heads can be better than one, but only if both partners are equally competent and can freely discuss their disagreements. The research showed that joint decisions were even better than the decision made by the better-performing individual.
The University of Tennessee-managed NICS will add 300 teraflops and 200 million service units to the TeraGrid, increasing total available resources to over 800 million. Researchers can now access more resources, including the 166-teraflop Cray XT4 Athena, with improved availability for smaller jobs.
A new study by University of Colorado Denver Business School researchers found that organizations learn more from failure than success and retain that knowledge longer. The study's findings suggest that managers should treat failures as invaluable learning opportunities, encouraging the open sharing of information about them.
Biologists at TUM have discovered mini-inflammations in the gut mucosa that upset the balance of the bowel and cause IBS symptoms. The team's research suggests that treating IBS with antihistamines may improve symptoms by normalizing nerve activity. Successful identification of physical causes could lead to effective treatments for IBS.
A recent study published in Nature has found that certain genetic disturbances contribute to autism. The research revealed that Copy Number Variants (CNVs) are over-represented in individuals with autism. Furthermore, abnormalities in genes related to synapse development have been linked to the origin of autism.
Archaeologists have unearthed Britain's earliest surviving Stone Age house at the Star Carr site in North Yorkshire, dated to 8,500 BC. The 3.5m circular structure features a large wooden platform and post holes, providing evidence of early carpentry and domestic life.
Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) used X-ray absorption spectroscopy to observe electron transfer in biochemical substances. They discovered a 'dark channel' where excited electrons remain longer, preventing fluorescent light emission.
Researchers found that some body areas are more resistant to tanning than others, with the buttock being particularly resistant. People with no freckles also tanned more easily than those with freckling.
Ancient corals consisted of mostly separate sexes and required a brooding period to evolve into spawning hermaphrodites. The evolutionary origins of coral sex are complex, likely related to the challenges of shallow tropical reefs.
Scientists observed a chemical bond breaking into two separate atoms in record-breaking detail, revealing the rearrangement of electrons. The research uses ultra-fast X-ray pulses to capture the process, with precision below 500 zeptoseconds.
A research group at UCLA has devised a new method for securing location-sensitive data by leveraging quantum mechanics. This approach eliminates the need for distributing and storing keys, making it more secure than classical methods.
Researchers at Concordia University found that avatar-creators tend to create avatars that resemble their own personalities, with physical characteristics like hair length and clothing style providing clues about the creator's traits. This correlation has implications for companies looking to reach both virtual and real-world audiences.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers witnessing employee incivility, even when it's directed at another employee, form negative impressions of the company. The researchers suggest that promoting employee civility through training and setting zero-tolerance expectations can enhance customer behavior.
Researchers have confirmed an axiom in quantum physics by ruling out the existence of higher-order interferences experimentally. This confirms the accuracy of Born's law, a key principle in quantum mechanics that proposes interference occurs in pairs of possibilities.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool construct molecular 'knots' with dimensions of around two nanometers, using a process called self-assembly to mechanically bond interpenetrating loops. The discovery has potential applications in building molecular machines to trap harmful gases and pollutants.
Five young Portuguese researchers have been awarded starting grants from the European Research Council to study the processes underlying cell division, ageing and adaptation. Their work has implications for understanding cancer, age-related syndromes and infertility.
Kapahi is recognized for his work on the role of target of rapamycin (TOR) in mediating lifespan extension by dietary restriction, a method with broad significance for age-related diseases. His laboratory employs an interdisciplinary approach to understand how dietary restriction affects lifespan and metabolism in diverse species.
In a high-profile debate, Merrill critiques Smith and Cuesters' realist approach to ontology engineering. The exchange raises fundamental questions about the nature of ontology for e-science.
Researchers have developed a functional implantable artificial salivary gland to treat xerostomia in cancer patients. The new treatment uses modified hydrogels to regenerate functional salivary acinar cells, restoring saliva production and improving oral health.
Dr. Qingxian Lu has received a $60,000 grant from the Research to Prevent Blindness organization to investigate the role of MerTK in retinitis pigmentosa, a group of genetic disorders causing night blindness and vision loss.
Research finds that entitled employees feel more frustrated with their work lives and are more likely to engage in abusive behaviors towards co-workers. Supervisor communication can increase frustration among entitled employees.
A recent study found that traditional vision screening methods for adolescents often fail to detect hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. The researchers used a comprehensive eye examination to assess 2,353 year 7 students and found that no reliable cutoff point could be established for detecting these conditions.
Researchers developed a model predicting the architecture of nanoparticle ensembles and their properties. The findings could lead to more efficient production of nanostructures with complex architectures.
Dr. Hui Shao has received a grant from the Research to Prevent Blindness organization to study Sjogren's syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting millions of Americans. Her team has discovered a protein called Klk22, which may play a role in the development of the disease.
Researchers have discovered that vitamin B3 can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, two major human pathogens. The study found that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can reduce virulence in both normal and drug-resistant strains of C. albicans.
Drivers tend to look at a specific point on the lane marking when negotiating curves, with more time spent looking at the tangent point in shorter sight distances. A new study may lead to the development of an in-car warning system to prevent drivers from unintentionally departing from their lane.
The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology has received a high score from the European Research Council due to its excellent research in biotechnology. The institute supports promising researchers with ERC grants to advance their work and develop new therapies for autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders.
A 13-member panel led by NJIT professor Louis J. Lanzerotti is reviewing electronic systems across the auto industry to identify possible causes of unintended acceleration in vehicles. The study, which began June 30 and July 1, 2010, aims to provide insights into the recall of over eight million Toyotas due to sudden acceleration.
Kathleen Buckwalter, PhD, RN, FAAN, receives the 2010 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award for her outstanding and sustained contributions to geriatric nursing research. She has published extensively on improving mental health services and community-based care for chronically ill older persons.
The National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has awarded $3 million to the University of Montreal and École Polytechnique to launch training and mentorship programs for young researchers. The program aims to upgrade skills and foster brain-gain by attracting highly qualified students nationally and internationally.
An international team of researchers has effectively discovered a way to order molecules in conducting polymers, opening up possibilities for miniaturized electronics. The technique involves using an inorganic material as a template to create a conducting polymer, with the potential to produce continuous sheets and electronic circuits.