News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully captured and measured the statistical properties of optical rogue waves, which are brief pulses of intense light. The study's findings may help develop mathematical models that can identify conditions leading to rare but extreme events in various fields.
Research funded by ESRC suggests that UK businesses are under-investing in intangible assets, which could be the reason for stagnant productivity. Investing in intangibles such as software, research, and branding can increase productivity, making traditional measurement techniques inadequate.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has established a collaborative Cardiovascular Research Network, tapping into Kaiser Permanente's rich electronic data systems to better understand cardiovascular diseases. The network will conduct three core research projects over the next five years.
A £1.7 million project led by the University of Leeds seeks to fully sequence the DNA of G. pallida, a parasitic worm attacking potato crops worldwide. The research aims to understand its mechanisms and lead to sustainable management methods.
A recent study by the University of Leeds reveals that porous sandstone can react quickly with injected fluids, making it a potential safe reservoir for carbon dioxide. This reaction is essential if the captured CO2 is not to leak back to the surface, and could provide a long-term solution for tackling climate change.
Research explores how social, cultural, and historical contexts hinder Israeli children's understanding of the Palestinian perspective. Dr Asi Sharabi's study reveals contradictory feelings of racism and compassion among Israeli children, highlighting the need to overcome prejudices in conflict situations.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that attractiveness is hereditary in fruitflies, passed on from father to son. Attractive males are more likely to mate quickly and produce successful offspring, benefiting females who can pass these traits to their sons.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a genetic variant on chromosome 6 associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery may influence the behavior of a nearby gene, tumour necrosis factor associated protein (TNFAIP3), which is involved in inflammatory processes.
Mice rely on a highly specialised set of proteins in their urine to recognise different individuals, suggesting this may also be true for other animals. The team found that female mice distinguish between dominant and weaker males by the freshness of male scent-marks.
The US government is facing criticism for its lack of oversight on nanotechnology products, with expert Andrew Maynard warning of potential risks to the environment, health and workers. Maynard recommends establishing a clear risk research strategy and allocating funding for safety research and oversight.
Scientists observe molecular-level observation of self-selection, demonstrating fundamental step in biological evolution. The study reveals promising nanostructures for catalysts and nanotechnologies.
Researchers present studies evaluating percutaneous procedures to repair and replace defective heart valves, demonstrating clinical improvements for high-risk patients. The devices have been shown to provide sustained symptom improvement for at least 6-12 months in these patients.
The AMIHOT II trial found that infusing oxygen-saturated blood into the previously blocked artery after an angioplasty procedure significantly reduced the size of the 'infarct zone', or damaged heart tissue. The study showed a 6.5% reduction in infarct zone size and no significant increase in Major Adverse Cardiac Events at 30 days.
The SPIRIT III trial found that the Xience V everolimus-eluting coronary stent significantly reduced major adverse cardiac events, including heart attacks and deaths from cardiac causes, by 50% after 12 months compared to the Taxus paclitaxel-eluting stent. This reduction in events is an important finding for patients with heart disease.
A RAND Corporation study found that many schools in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas struggled to provide ongoing mental health support to students displaced by the hurricanes. Despite initial efforts, schools often returned to academics-only focus within six months, citing barriers such as lack of resources and staff training.
The New Dynamics of Ageing Programme has funded 12 research projects, totaling £3million, to investigate various aspects of ageing. These studies aim to enhance the quality of life, productivity, and self-sufficiency of older adults, with a focus on improving their health, social engagement, and community support.
Research suggests that early intervention with angioplasty improves survival and reduces the risk of heart attack in women. Women are at higher risk of bleeding complications, but this does not justify withholding life-saving procedures.
The HORIZONS AMI trial enrolled over 3600 patients with a heart attack, examining the safety and effectiveness of stents and anticoagulants in heart attack patients undergoing angioplasty. The study aims to determine whether using bivalirudin provides the same benefit as standard anticoagulant therapy without causing excess bleeding.
The Regenstrief Institute will participate in a trial implementation of the Nationwide Health Information Network, testing secure health information exchange among providers, patients, and stakeholders. The project aims to improve quality of care, increase efficiencies, and prevent diseases.
Researchers have discovered a key difference in the way gastrulation occurs between higher vertebrate species and less evolutionarily advanced animals. The study reveals that higher vertebrates acquire a new mechanism of 'cell intercalation' to position their axis at the midline, distinguishing them from fish and other lower vertebrates.
A common model of immune responses will improve understanding by providing a shared language among scientists. The Immunology Imaging and Modelling Network's theoretical and computational model will help track parasites and cells in real-time, measuring interactions between immune system components.
A new fabrication technique using soft lithography has enabled the mass production of plasmonic metamaterials, which exhibit exceptional optical properties due to their unique structure. The technique allows for scalable manufacturing and can produce materials with high-quality transmission behavior, focusing light in microscale patches.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure require more coordinated brain blood flow to perform memory tasks, even after treatment. This increased coordination was observed in the four areas of the brain involved in memory: thalamus, posterior parietal, prefrontal area, and hippocampus.
A Queensland University of Technology research team has received $280,000 in funding to investigate how to make technology easier for older people to use. The study aims to improve the design of complex interactive devices, such as healthcare products, to reduce errors and save lives.
The Arctic sea ice extent on Sept. 16 stood at 1.59 million square miles, lower than the long-term minimum average from 1979 to 2000 by about 1 million square miles. The minimum also breaks previous records set in 2005.
A global study has found that phosgene is present in all latitudes and its levels have decreased since previous studies. The gas plays a role in pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and synthetic materials, but its use is being reduced due to legal restrictions.
The SESAME project is developing a unique, integrated computer system that substantially increases data available to coaches during training sessions. This will enable coaches to provide near-instantaneous feedback on athlete technique, improving performance and reducing injury risk.
A new self-waxing device has been developed to improve ski performance, allowing skiers to travel 1-2% quicker than conventional skis. The system, which includes a biodegradable lubricant, is being tested with major manufacturers and could play a key role in deciding World Cup outcomes.
A revolutionary unobtrusive sensor is being developed to collect wide-ranging data on human posture, stride length, acceleration, and response to shock waves. The sensor can transmit this data in real-time for instant coaching advice, potentially delivering better sporting performance.
Researchers at Loughborough University are developing advanced computer models to simulate sports equipment behavior, enabling more accurate designs and better performance. The models will aid in reducing prototype manufacturing costs and increasing participation in sports, leading to improved health benefits.
The National Research Council recommends pursuing the Joint Dark Energy Mission as the first mission in the 'Beyond Einstein' program, which aims to study dark energy. The report also suggests investing additional funds in technology development of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) program.
A large-scale virtual microscopy slide seminar is held with over 800 pathologists from Europe and worldwide participating. The event features digitized samples of rare cases and a European Virtual Microscopy Network for future collaboration.
The National Research Council recommends the Joint Dark Energy Mission, supported by NASA and DOE, to study dark energy's role in the universe's expansion. The mission aims to map the sky with unprecedented resolution and study Type Ia supernovae to shed light on this mysterious entity.
An international research team has discovered a new species of Ostracod in the North Atlantic Ocean, while exploring the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The team used advanced technology to capture stunning images and specimens, shedding light on life in this remote deep-sea environment.
A new study by the University of Michigan has found that over 90% of Americans age 65 and older now have prescription drug coverage, up from 75% in 2004. The study also revealed that poor seniors are as likely to have coverage as wealthy elders, with many citing few or no drugs as the reason for not obtaining coverage.
Researchers used sensors attached to 85 seals to track their movements and collect data about the marine environment. The results show that elephant seals adopted different strategies to find food, visiting colder waters nearer the continental shelf.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends gastroenterologists use evidence-based sedation protocols for endoscopic procedures to improve quality of practice and reduce adverse events. Proper training and experience are crucial for administering sedation safely.
The study explores how the brain processes musical movements and transitions, finding two distinct networks involved in perceiving these events. The ventral region detects salient events, while the dorsal region focuses attention on event boundaries, forming a tightly coupled network that maintains attention during movement transitions.
A study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that penduline tit parents frequently abandon 1 in 3 clutches of eggs to pursue new mates. This unique breeding strategy allows for improved reproductive success but also poses risks for the young.
Researchers have discovered a hidden magnetic order in a ceramic material that extends over chains of 100 atoms, with potential applications in quantum computing and information processing. The team found that the magnetic excitations can propagate long distances at low temperatures, but can be disrupted by defects or heat.
The University of Leeds is joining forces with leading Chinese scientists in membrane and neurobiology to enhance research outputs and international profiles. The partnership aims to collaborate on studies focusing on ion channels, membrane transporters, and the flow of membranes between cellular compartments.
Researchers studying fantasy baseball aim to comprehend expert and novice players' approaches, as well as their learning processes. They analyze three leagues with varying levels of expertise, gathering insights into player strategies, community connections, and the role of technology in gaming.
Researchers have discovered a new physical phenomenon called acoustic plasmon, which can be triggered into an excited state with very low energy input. This discovery could have significant implications for the design of ultra-high velocity electronic devices and materials for medical applications.
Gro Amdam, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, has been awarded the "Outstanding Young Investigator" award from the Research Council of Norway for $1.6 million over four years to support her research on honeybees.
Researchers have identified Interleukin-12 (IL-12) as a vital molecule for resistance to food allergy. By delivering an allergen in the presence of IL-12, allergic reactions could be brought under control, potentially providing a new treatment option.
Cancer researcher Dimitrios Trichopoulos received a medal of honor from the World Health Organization's cancer agency for his work linking passive smoking to lung cancer. He has also explored the Mediterranean diet's role in reducing cancer and heart disease risk.
A RAND Corporation study found that improved access to federal and employer-provided time off improves parents' ability to care for their chronically ill children. The study revealed that many parents struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities due to inadequate leave policies.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) has honored six outstanding young Canadians for their research excellence. The winners have made significant contributions to various fields, including technology, chemistry, and biology.
Researchers at Iowa State University developed a coating technology that improves the heat resistance of turbine blades in jet engines. Rolls-Royce has acquired exclusive rights to commercialize the invention, which is expected to provide significant advantages over existing coatings.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are developing tools to adapt urban landscapes to heat islands, aiming to increase human comfort and reduce harmful carbon emissions. The SCORCHIO project will provide a detailed picture of how urban 'heat islands' impact temperatures during hot months.
A new method for predicting cross-pollination between GM and conventional crops has been developed by the University of Exeter. The study reveals huge variation in cross-pollination levels depending on wind direction and speed, highlighting the need to increase minimum field-to-field distances.
An international team of researchers has been awarded £2 million to study the genetic causes of dwarfism and develop future treatments. The EuroGrow project aims to investigate the most common bone disorders that lead to short stature, with a focus on achondroplasia, pseudoachondroplasia, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita.
A team led by Sally Johnson and Clive Upton assesses the BBC Voices project's 700 hours of sound recordings, showcasing diverse regional accents and vocabularies. The study explores how language relates to issues like gender, ethnicity, and media representation.
Skills being used in British workplaces have been rising for the last two decades, but at a slower pace in recent years. The study found that computing skills are becoming more essential, while jobs requiring 'influence skills' such as writing reports and teaching others are also on the rise.
A Queensland University of Technology research project has received a funding boost for developing technology to purify unclean water supplies. The project aims to revolutionize water purification using novel nanomaterials, demonstrating enhanced efficacy against toxic materials.
The AmIVital project aims to develop specific ready-to-use products and a technological platform for remote assistance using intelligent devices, biosensors, and multimodal interfaces. The project will benefit 21.6% of the world's population aged 65+, with a focus on elderly and disabled people.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) relies too heavily on expert opinion when developing policies, instead of systematic reviews and stakeholder input. WHO's guidelines recommend using systematic reviews, but in practice, expert committees dominate the process.
David F. Weeks receives the ARVO Kupfer Award for his contributions to eye research and leadership at Research to Prevent Blindness. The award recognizes his efforts to increase funding for the National Eye Institute, which has provided significant support for vision research over nearly 50 years.
Researchers have successfully imaged the internal workings of antiferromagnets using x-ray holography, revealing their unique 'secret' magnetism and potential applications in quantum computing. The breakthrough sheds light on the stability of domain walls in antiferromagnets.
Researchers are developing a new type of particle accelerator that could lead to more effective cancer treatment, greener electricity, and reduced nuclear waste. The CONFORM* project aims to build a non-scaling fixed field alternating gradient (NS-FFAG) accelerator, which has the potential to be used in medical applications, renewable ...