News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
A team of scientists at TUM has successfully determined the three-dimensional structure of αB-crystallin, a key protein that protects against cataracts. The discovery sheds new light on the molecular architecture of this protective protein and may lead to the development of new treatments.
A comprehensive book Shifting Sands examines Maryland's Coastal Bays ecosystem, detailing its six subwatersheds, history, and ecology. The study synthesizes decades of research to provide a holistic understanding of the region's fragile lagoons.
Researchers from Université de Montréal and McGill University have engineered an enzyme that resists harmful agents like methotrexate, a breakthrough in treating genetic diseases. The study's discovery provides new avenues for therapies to combat conditions like leukemia.
Dr. Kai Fu receives $300K Clinical Investigator Career Development Award for mantle cell lymphoma research, focusing on miR-17~92 expression and its correlation with patient survival. The funding aims to support a pre-clinical study to determine the effectiveness of suppressing miR-17~92 in improving chemotherapy outcomes.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has awarded 16 fellowships to UK researchers, including the first-ever Diamond Fellowship. Professor So Iwata from Imperial College London will study human cell membrane transporters using high-quality x-rays produced by the Diamond Light Source.
The Nepean Dyspepsia Index has been successfully translated and validated in Chinese patients with functional dyspepsia. The study found that the Chinese version is a reliable scale for measuring health-related quality of life and disease severity, making it suitable for future clinical research.
The National Institutes of Health has expanded its national consortium for transforming clinical and translational research, awarding $171 million to seven institutions over five years. The consortium aims to accelerate laboratory discoveries into treatments for patients and engage communities in clinical research.
The study aims to reduce bone damage and fractures in laying hens by providing omega-3 supplemented diets. Researchers will house 16 flocks of 1,500 hens each in identical free-range systems to compare the effects of high and standard omega-3 diets.
A Japanese research group discovered that two types of palmitoylating enzymes regulate synaptic protein PSD-95 in different ways, contributing to stable synaptic activity. This finding suggests individual enzymes have distinct functions and may represent therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a new Bluetooth application that allows people in different parts of a stadium to share banter, photos, and video clips instantly. This technology makes innovative use of short-range communications, enabling fans to connect with up to seven other users simultaneously.
Researchers aim to understand how colicins penetrate Gram-negative bacteria, potentially leading to new drug delivery methods for diseases. The five-year programme will improve our understanding of biological warfare in bacteria.
The network, built by 41 organizations, allows for secure transmission of data beyond classical methods using quantum cryptography. The researchers achieved a record-breaking transmission capacity of up to 8 nodes with links ranging from 20 to 83 kilometers.
The University of Leeds has been awarded $18 million in funding to improve the quality of life for older adults. The new Centre of Excellence in Medical Engineering will focus on developing innovative therapies to address age-related degeneration, with the goal of creating '50 more years after 50'.
A study on quality improvement (QI) research found that most studies had methodological limitations, including inadequate study duration, selection bias, and poor implementation. The review highlights the need for longer-term results and improved intervention design to accurately assess QI effectiveness.
Researchers identified a small set of genes responsible for mental retardation by comparing human DNA with mouse genome disruption data. The study found that genomic deletions and duplications frequently cause the disorder, enabling genetic testing and diagnosis.
The AUA Foundation has awarded the 2009 Astellas Rising Stars in Urology to William Roberts, MD and Edward Schaeffer, MD for their groundbreaking research projects on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Phospholipase A2 signaling in prostate development. The award aims to support young urologists in pursuing careers in urologic research.
The Sixth Annual Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium Scientific Workshop brought together experts to discuss key issues in MCL research, including biomarkers, chemoimmunotherapy, and novel therapeutic strategies. The report highlights the progress made in understanding this rare disease and its treatment options.
Leading European scientific institutions are linking up their polar research through a new framework agreement, aiming to improve international teams and collaborative efforts. This will facilitate the launch of joint funding calls, share scientific data, and host scientists in each other's research stations.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council are partnering to fund $6 million in research for alternative, non-nuclear medical isotopes. The goal is to address the medical isotope shortage and support the production and clinical testing of these alternatives.
Researchers have gained insight into the regulation of aquaporins in yeast cells, revealing a previously mysterious region that acts as a gate controlling water flow. This discovery may lead to the development of inhibitors for human aquaporins, which could slow down cancer tumor growth.
Researchers at NYU developed a method to precisely bind micrometer-sized particles together into larger-scale structures with useful materials properties. The technique uses DNA-coated particles to form reversible bonds, enabling self-replication and fine-tuning particle interactions.
Research by Carol Grayson highlights the risks of paid blood donors and the need for an open and safe blood policy to prevent patients from contracting blood-borne infections. The study found that successive UK governments failed to prioritize self-sufficiency in blood products, leading to the contamination of blood supplies.
Alpesh Patel, a senior at MCG School of Dentistry, has identified proteins responsible for inhibiting oral cancer cell growth when exposed to blue curing light. He found that this phenomenon reduces tumor growth in mice, offering a promising alternative treatment.
Scientists have developed a non-intrusive scanner that uses electromagnetic waves to detect concealed guns and knives without putting police officers in harm's way. The device uses neural network technology to identify the weapon and ignore everyday items, making it a potential game-changer for mobile gun detection.
A team of researchers has recreated the Lituus, a forgotten instrument by Johann Sebastian Bach, using advanced computer modelling software. The new design is believed to have been used by Bach and could be performed as intended for the first time in nearly 300 years.
Researchers found that rooks can use tools to solve problems and adapt them for better performance. They also demonstrated sequential tool use and creative modifications.
Research funded by EPSRC and Airbus in the UK suggests a 20% reduction in fuel bills by using tiny air-powered jets to redirect air over wings, reducing mid-flight drag. The novel approach harnesses the Helmholtz resonance principle to create an oscillation that increases pressure and reduces environmental impact.
Researchers have developed an air-fueled battery that stores up to ten times more energy than current designs, with potential applications in electric vehicles and renewable energy. The new design uses oxygen drawn from the air during discharge, reducing the need for chemicals and increasing capacity.
The fellowships will investigate how individuals develop their ideas about security and insecurity, exploring the impact of language, images, and symbolism on risk perception. The programme aims to generate knowledge and develop understanding of global uncertainties, informing effective strategies for prevention and mitigation.
Researchers found that learning from experience changes brain circuitry, enabling quicker categorization and decision-making in uncertain situations. The study suggests that previous experience is retained in brain circuits, influencing flexible decisions and actions.
The University of Liverpool has been awarded £2.2 million to establish a high-throughput genomic analysis hub in the North of England, consolidating expertise from four partner universities to accelerate genetics research and personalized medicine. The hub will expand access to cutting-edge sequencing technology for researchers and cli...
Researchers found that engaged workers are not necessarily committed to their organization. Engaged employees require resources to perform well and may leave if they don't receive necessary support. Managers must balance pressure from bosses with motivating and keeping employees engaged.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has awarded £16.5m in grants to develop new techniques for screening and treating major public health issues such as cancer and stroke. The projects aim to create affordable home-based stroke detectors and cancer screening devices.
A 22-year longitudinal study found that nearly 56% of Canadian adults are consistently inactive, with only 12% remaining active in each subsequent survey. Socio-economic factors, such as education and income level, significantly influence physical activity levels among participants.
The University of Nottingham is receiving £6.9m in funding to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies that could drastically cut CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel power stations. The project aims to investigate combustion and CO2 capture and transport technologies to help meet UK and global emission reduction targets.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that North Sea oil-bearing layers resemble a sponge, with tiny pores and gaps where oil 'hides' and can only be pressed out by injecting water. The chalk particles should repel oil, but the surface coating on the pores allows it to stick.
A study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers suggests that swift recall, restitution, and effective crisis management can minimize harm to a company's bottom line and reputation. Companies should engage the public immediately after announcing a recall, take shared responsibility for errors, and provide easy compensation options.
The study analyzes the feet of Homo floresiensis, finding they had human-like and early hominin traits, with a primitive big toe and lack of arch, suggesting inefficient gait. This evidence supports the idea that Homo floresiensis was an isolated population of early hominins.
A new study published in Strategic Management Journal reveals that entrepreneurs' success is driven by their industry experience and contextual knowledge, rather than direct technical innovations from their former parent company. This understanding helps founders identify opportunities and develop products and services that meet market...
A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that paclitaxel-eluting stents reduce target lesion revascularization rates and binary angiographic restenosis compared to bare-metal stents. The study also showed comparable safety profiles for both types of stents.
Researchers have found that attentional bias, a key factor in addiction, does not directly control the decision to consume unhealthy items. Instead, conscious rapid decision-making processes following Pavlovian-type cues may be at play. This new understanding could lead to more effective treatments.
Researchers have discovered that fish can harbour and spread PKD, a debilitating condition causing severe inflammation of the kidneys. The discovery paves the way for effective control measures against the disease, which has devastated the UK's fish farming industry.
The bovine genome consists of at least 22,000 protein-coding genes, with significant rearrangements compared to human and mouse genomes. The sequence provides new insights into ruminant evolution, unique traits making cattle useful to humans, and the mechanisms behind genetic changes.
A list of 100 key scientific questions has been published to aid conservation efforts. These questions, compiled by 761 conservationists and academics, aim to address gaps in knowledge on issues such as climate change and ecosystem function. Answering these questions could help stem massive biodiversity loss.
A new Australian study reveals a significant rise in neonatal withdrawal syndrome among newborns, with 906 cases diagnosed between 1980 and 2005. The research highlights the need for early identification and intervention to prevent abuse and neglect.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered 'dancing' algae, Volvox, that form stable groupings and exhibit unique waltzing and minuet patterns. The 'dance' is held together by fluid flows and induced attraction between colonies.
The University of Liverpool has secured funding to create a Knowledge Exploitation Laboratory, accelerating the transfer of research into industry. The lab will facilitate collaboration between academics and industrial partners, exploiting £43 million of EPSRC-funded research in molecular engineering, advanced manufacturing, and sensors.
A recent study reveals that cells use a sophisticated communication system to coordinate responses to infection and maintain inflammation in the body. The team discovered that NF-kappaB, a biological machine that coordinates inflammation, uses an FM signal to communicate with surrounding cells.
Researchers found that visual motion affects tactile perception, causing subjects to perceive touch as moving in the opposite direction. Conversely, tactile motion gives rise to visual illusions of motion in the opposite direction.
Scientists have found that changing the timing of NF-kappa-B signalling can treat diseases more effectively, challenging traditional drug approaches.
Researchers found that visual motion influences tactile motion, and vice versa, using a unique tactile stimulator. This discovery suggests overlapping neural circuits for sensory processing.
This year's Proctor Medal recipient, Joe G. Hollyfield, is recognized for his research on drusen and age-related macular degeneration. Samuel Wu receives the Friedenwald Award for pioneering retinal signaling process systems.
New research using African frogs reveals that alcohol 'hijacks' a molecule needed to produce retinoic acid, which is crucial for embryonic development. This leads to cellular disorientation and malformations in babies.
Scientists have re-examined Hawaii's formation, finding the Pacific oceanic plate moved under a drifting hotspot, creating a 50 million-year-old bend in the seamount chain. Mantel circulation models aid understanding of forces on tectonic plates and stress estimation for major earthquakes.
Researchers found that allergens can bind to and travel through the epithelium of allergic patients but not healthy subjects. This transport mechanism is crucial for the development of allergic reactions.
A team of scientists at Aberystwyth University has created a Robot Scientist named Adam that independently discovered new scientific knowledge about the genomics of baker's yeast. The robot used artificial intelligence to hypothesize, test, and interpret results, demonstrating its potential for automating scientific processes.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIAID, receives IADR Honorary Membership for his significant contributions to dental research. The award recognizes his commitment to improving oral health worldwide.
Roseann Mulligan, a University of Southern California researcher, has been recognized by AADR for her work improving oral health in vulnerable populations. She will receive the award at the International Association for Dental Research's General Session & Exhibition in Miami, Florida.
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has awarded Lars Petersson with the 2009 E.W. Borrow Memorial Award for his original research and achievements in promoting children's oral health. The award recognizes Petersson's work in advancing knowledge to improve oral health worldwide.
Congressman Mike Simpson has received an honorary membership from AADR for his long-standing support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its impact on dental research. The recognition is a testament to his commitment to advancing oral health through research.