News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
The discovery of the TRPM8 gene, led by Scripps Research Institute's Ardem Patapoutian, reveals that this single gene is responsible for most cool temperature sensations. The study shows that activation of TRPM8 triggers cold sensation and may lead to new treatments to ease pain.
The RAND Corporation's expert panel identifies key components of public health emergency preparedness, including a coordinated rapid-response capability, adequate public health worker and volunteer numbers, and regular testing. The report emphasizes the importance of community engagement and clear definitions to ensure readiness.
Scientists have created a technique to directly control brain cell activity with light, enabling experimentation with neural circuits and potentially leading to therapies for disorders like depression and Parkinson's disease. The 'traffic light' system uses light-sensitive proteins to selectively stimulate or dampen different neurons.
Scientists have developed tiny gel particles that can be injected into damaged intervertebral discs to restore mechanical properties and regain mobility. The 'microgels' have the potential to offer a non-surgical alternative to spinal fusion surgery, reducing recovery time and preserving disc flexibility.
The collaboration aims to broaden the scientific basis for targeted cancer therapies, combining expertise from NDDO, ESMO, and NCI. The partnership will further accelerate early-phase clinical trials and translational research, strengthening ties between European and US cancer research communities.
A new study found that consumers reject high-quality medical information in favor of websites with a human touch. Trustworthy sites with personal stories and like-minded contributors have more influence on consumer behavior, while untrustworthy features like advertising can have negative effects.
Researchers from top universities explore how crowding impacts visual recognition, finding that everyday surroundings are often crowded and unrecognizable. The study sheds light on the challenges of seeing in cluttered environments, highlighting the limitations of human vision.
A Queen's University poll found that 65% of respondents believe workers with intellectual disabilities should work alongside those without ID, while 71.1% note a lack of job training programs as a major obstacle to workplace inclusion. The study suggests that public attitudes are not a barrier to keeping workers with ID in the workplace.
A RAND Corporation study found that neighborhoods with more four-way intersections and diverse businesses encourage walking. However, the impact of these factors on walking is not particularly strong, especially when housing density is low. The study suggests that urban design recommendations can help create walkable communities.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that western scrub-jays plan for future food scarcity by caching food, anticipating potential shortages. This finding suggests that birds may also experience anxiety about the future, similar to humans.
The Inuit are adapting to climate change in coastal communities such as Arctic Bay, but the transfer of knowledge between old and young is becoming less relevant. The use of dogs versus snowmobiles for travel over sea ice is a significant issue due to changing ice behavior.
A study by Peter Austin found that people born under specific astrological signs are at increased risk for certain medical disorders. Virgos were found to be at a higher risk of vomiting during pregnancy, while Pisces had an increased risk of heart failure and Libras were more likely to fracture their pelvises.
A recent study by University of Washington researchers reveals that one negative employee can have a profound impact on the entire team. The researchers found that toxic team members can lead to downward spirals in organizations and create conflict among colleagues.
Researchers found that herbivorous fish play a key role in coral reef recovery from bleaching events. Exclusion of these fish led to reef degradation, while their presence boosted resilience.
The winners of the BioMed Central Research Awards have made significant contributions to both human health and scientific understanding. Dr. Lalit Dandona's work on HIV in India reveals major differences from official estimates, while Flavio R Zolessi's research on retinal ganglion cells sheds light on neuronal differentiation.
A recent study reveals that the bacteria causing most painful stomach ulcers has been present in humans since modern man migrated from Africa over 60,000 years ago. The research provides new insights into early human migration and offers a way to study the diversification of human populations.
A recent study suggests that overactive bladder is less common in Finland than previously thought. The condition was identified in 6.5% of men and 9.3% of women, with urinary frequency and nocturia being more prevalent among those with the condition.
Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding the unconventional superconductor URu2Si2 by studying its electron movements using neutron probes. The study reveals that the wandering particles work out an unexpected accommodation in the spacing of their energy levels, leading to a more orderly and cooperative behavior.
A RAND Corporation study found that better outpatient medical care leads to improved health and quality of life for non-elderly patients with chronic illnesses. The study, which evaluated 963 adults over a 30-month period, showed that those receiving higher-quality care experienced less decline in health and function.
A new research program will accelerate its work to improve African farmers' livelihoods with enhanced, drought-tolerant maize varieties. The initiative aims to reduce the impact of unpredictable rainfall and recurring drought on maize harvests, giving farmers a 25-30% yield boost.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council highlights tensions between voluntary organizations supporting refugees and government funding rules. Voluntary groups resist pressures to deliver government policy, citing conflicts with client interests and potential harm to migrants.
A team of researchers from Yale University and other institutions have discovered two 56-million-year-old fossils, including the most primitive primate skeleton ever described. The study reconstructs the base of the primate family tree, providing evidence that plesiadapiforms are the most primitive primates.
A Scripps Research study discovered that TRPA1 is directly activated by reactive chemicals through covalent modification of cysteine amino acids. This unique mechanism differs from other ion channels, which typically bind reversibly.
A new automated system installs raised pavement markers (RPMs) along lane stripes while in motion, reducing risk to workers and drivers. The system is less labor-intensive, faster, and safer than manual placement, using less fuel and causing less wear on equipment.
Researchers found that different regions require varying amounts of cold to delay flowering, with some requiring as little as four weeks of cold. This discovery could help breed crops that can thrive in changing climates.
Researchers have identified a new 'glucose sensor' that plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and fat synthesis, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and diabetes. The discovery highlights the significance of the Liver X Receptors (LXRs) in regulating gene expression linked to cholesterol and fat metabolism.
Researchers analyzed 43,000-year-old Neanderthal remains at El Sidrón in Spain, revealing significant north-south variations in facial shape. The study suggests that Southern-European Neanderthals had broader faces with increased lower facial heights.
A recent study reveals that a rare batfish species is crucial in promoting the return to health of disturbed coral reefs overgrown with algae. Researchers found that only two of 27 herbivorous fish species had a significant impact on reef recovery, with parrotfishes and surgeonfishes unable to reverse algal blooms.
Dr Nigel W Brown's Aquacart system uses Nyex material to remove toxic organic contaminants from wastewater, promising a solution to global water pollution concerns. The technology has the potential to meet challenges of new legislation and be applied to various industrial processes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a world-record fast transistor with an operating frequency of 845GHz, exceeding other groups by 300GHz. The device utilizes pseudomorphic material construction and vertical scaling to reduce electron travel distance, resulting in increased speed.
The EMBO Installation Grants scheme aims to strengthen science in selected member states by supporting talented life scientists in setting up their research groups. The grantees will receive 50,000 euro annually for three to five years, with networking opportunities through the EMBO Young Investigator network.
A global strategy to improve health in developing countries requires a globally representative selection of discussants. The World Health Organization's Intergovernmental Working Group on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property meeting excludes more than half of its member states, perpetuating the problems it aims to address.
A study by Catalyst found that one-third of the labor force, including both men and women, may be affected by after-school care concerns, leading to worker stress and lost productivity. Companies can reduce this stress by offering flexible work arrangements and supports for working parents.
A team of researchers is using data from the 2001 census to build a model of the UK population, which will be used to test the consequences of different demographic trends and policy decisions. The model can be projected into the future to explore how different scenarios may play out.
The Polarstern ship will conduct the first major biological research in an uncharted area of the Antarctic Peninsula, studying living communities from microbes to whales. The expedition aims to understand the impact of global warming on ice shelves and sea level rise.
A study on pigeon homing found that birds flying in pairs take more efficient routes home than alone, suggesting navigational benefits. The researchers discovered that compromise and leadership emerge from simple forces acting on the pigeons' behavior, resolving conflicts between individual preferences.
A team of Rensselaer researchers has developed a computer simulation to predict how an organization's culture affects its ability to respond to an extreme event. The model takes into account the organizational characteristics of FEMA and the Coast Guard, which showed significant differences in their responses to Hurricane Katrina.
A study by Université Laval researchers found that using an activated-carbon filtering pitcher can effectively reduce disinfection by-products, such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, in tap water. The results show that the filter can reduce THM concentrations by up to 92% and HAA concentrations by 66%.
A pig-sized, tusked creature discovered in Eritrea represents a missing link between ancient elephants and their modern counterparts. The finding suggests that mastodons and elephants originated in Africa, contradicting previous theories that placed their origins in Europe and Asia.
A new study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that senior civil service managers have struggled to resolve information-sharing issues, leading to a need for standardized best practices. The research identified key challenges in balancing media and public concerns with data protection legislation and professional codes.
A recent study published in Management Communication Quarterly found that employees experiencing workplace bullying often use painful metaphors such as 'nightmares' and 'slaves' to describe their experiences. The research suggests that emotion can serve as a warning sign, encouraging earlier intervention and organizational prevention.
The AGA Institute's report emphasizes the need for gastroenterologists to adapt to changing practices, technologies, and economic pressures. Key findings include the potential obsolescence of common endoscopic procedures due to technological advancements and increased utilization of nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
A new intelligent sensor system could provide rapid and specific warnings of local flooding, reducing damage costs. The system uses grid computing to analyze data from sensors in flood-prone areas, making it possible to issue targeted warnings in time for action.
Researchers have discovered how wood ants use visual navigation strategies to find food, storing images of routes and landscapes in their memories. This study could lead to the development of autonomous robots by understanding how ants learn and navigate using visual cues.
A national study of medical students will assess their future career aspirations, influences on specialty choice, and work preferences. The research aims to inform health workforce planning and address chronic shortages in rural areas, benefiting underserved communities.
New research reveals that shorebirds' breeding systems are shaped by the battle over childcare responsibilities. The study found that parents with demanding young are more likely to stay together to help rear their offspring, while those with harder-to-raise young are more likely to fight for mating opportunities.
Australian scientists identified a toxin produced by E. coli bacteria that causes severe gastrointestinal illnesses, including food poisoning and haemolytic uraemic syndrome. The research breakthrough may provide insights into age-related diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as cancer treatments.
A new workflow language, Martlet, enables the analysis of large datasets in a changing environment by adjusting to data requirements at runtime. This approach has potential for use in various e-Science applications and demonstrates how core computer science can be used to meet exciting challenges.
A new study reveals that most Alaskans, regardless of political affiliation, share a common concern about the impacts of global warming. Key findings include major impacts on sea ice, permafrost, coastal erosion, and forest fires, as well as significant threats to local communities, families, and the environment.
A new study found that CEO overpayment has a higher cost than previously realized, cascading down to lower employee levels. The research also revealed that CEOs serve as a key referent for employees determining fair pay, leading to turnover effects.
A study published in Current Biology found that the brain's premotor cortex displays the same activity pattern when subjects watch an action as when they hear a verbal description of the same action. This suggests a strong mental link between talk and action.
The UK e-Science Programme has been recognized for its innovative grid implementation, investing over $450 million in R&D and deployment. The program enables collaborative working by making computing power accessible across networks.
Engineers are developing a new technique that accurately measures how sound behaves in indoor environments, enabling the design of acoustic spaces based on realistic information. This could lead to improved hearing aids and better listening experiences for millions of people.
A new discipline could speed up and reduce legal proceedings over polluted sites, allowing for faster brownfield development. This could be achieved through the use of scientific evidence to prove who is responsible for environmental pollution.
Researchers studied chimpanzee progression order as they crossed two roads, finding that adult males take up forward and rearward positions depending on risk level and number of adults present. This cooperative behavior helps maximize group protection, suggesting a high level of flexibility in dominant individuals.
Researchers are investigating whether a pint of English cider can provide health benefits similar to apples, thanks to its high levels of phenolics. A three-year study is underway to analyze how humans absorb these compounds and explore ways to adapt production methods to maintain high phenolic levels.
Men do not adopt a 'female model' of parenthood with part-time work and high levels of child care. Fathers prioritize flexible work arrangements to accommodate family life, rather than reducing their working hours. Current policies may not address fathers' needs for adaptability.
Young children's future choices are influenced by their current desires, according to a new study. Researchers found that when given the option of pretzels or water now and tomorrow, three- to five-year-olds' preferences were shaped by their immediate needs, rather than their long-term goals.
A recent study reveals that volunteering in deprived communities develops individuals' self-confidence, builds a sense of belonging, and enhances social capital. Most volunteers are motivated by an ethic of care, rather than career development or training for the labour market.
The European Young Investigator Awards scheme attracts talented researchers from worldwide. This year's awardees are expected to contribute significantly to building the next generation of leading European researchers.