News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
Researchers have successfully boosted the vitamin C levels in blackcurrants by altering starch deposits, which could lead to more nutritious fruit with improved taste. The study, funded by £1.2M, aims to accelerate the breeding of super blackcurrant bushes with enhanced health benefits.
Dr. Ambati, a University of Kentucky researcher, has received the prestigious 2006 Lew R. Wasserman Award for his work on age-related macular degeneration. The award comes with a $55,000 grant to support his research and will be used to hire additional staff.
The University of Liverpool has secured a £2.5M investment to enhance its marine biology research and facilities, including a new mesocosm system and research vessel. This expansion will support the creation of seven new academic posts and introduce new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Researchers developed nanoparticles to target atherosclerotic plaques with low doses of fumagillin, reducing new blood vessel growth by 60-80%. This technique may enable effective treatment at lower doses for drugs with high side effects.
A new paint-on semiconductor device has been developed by researchers at the University of Toronto, surpassing traditional methods in terms of cost and performance. The device, created using a liquid painting process, boasts exceptional sensitivity to infrared rays and is approximately ten times more sensitive than current sensors.
Researchers have developed a new model explaining how spiders 'fly' or parachute into new territory on single strands of silk. The model shows how the spider's silk moulds to turbulent air flows, carrying them unpredictable distances. This breakthrough could alleviate pesticide use and improve ecosystem balance.
Dr. Brownlee, a leading researcher in type 1 diabetes, has been awarded the prestigious JDRF Scholar Award to pursue innovative research directions. He aims to develop strategies to reduce susceptibility to diabetic complications through his studies on hyperglycemic memory and free radical production.
The ESF launched EuroBioFund to bring together funding bodies and life sciences researchers for coordinated research strategy development. The initiative aims to facilitate joint research initiatives, organize research communities, and shape a new funding way in Europe.
Dr. Goldberg's research on dentin-pulp complex has significantly impacted the field, with over 150 publications and a strong clinical application focus.
A new cue, dynamic half-occlusion, is used to perceive motion in depth when unmatched features are observed. The study enhances the potential for creating more effective simulation of motion in 3D displays and virtual environments.
Nearly 20% of Canadians work on weekends, mostly in the service sector, with most being female due to part-time and temporary job trends. The unsocial schedule can lead to stress, physical and mental health problems, and decreased productivity.
The 2006 winners of the NWO/Spinoza Prize are Prof. J.M. Bensing for her work on doctor-patient communication, Prof. C.G. Figdor for his pioneering dendritic cell therapy, Prof. B.J.G. Scheres for discovering stem cell role in plant roots, and Prof. J.J. Zaanen for high-temperature superconductivity research.
The ECHO project grant funds innovative chemical research, including new synthetic methodologies and single metal nanoparticles in catalytic action. Researchers investigate ultrasmall magnets' behavior to understand fluid formation, and study peroxisomal enzymes' functionality and uptake.
The three most important and damaging cacao diseases, black pod, frosty pod, and witches' broom, are threatening global chocolate production. According to plant pathology professor Randy Ploetz, black pod could reduce yields by an additional one million metric tons per year in West Africa.
Researchers genetically removed checkpoint proteins in nematode worms, resulting in a 15-30% increase in lifespan. This discovery suggests that these proteins have a dual function in both dividing and non-dividing cells, influencing both aging and cancer.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is coordinating the planning process for Panama's Coiba National Park/World Heritage Site, aiming to develop a realistic management plan while promoting sustainable activities. The park will benefit from expertise in diverse areas and collaboration with local authorities.
Grade 11 student James McLeod won $5,000 for his study on how the HIV/AIDS virus attacks specific cells in the body's immune system. He found that a protein molecule called CD127 prevents the delivery of a survival signal to T-cells, leading to their rapid death and compromised immune function.
Researchers have successfully imaged frameshifting in action, revealing how a virus-encoded RNA pseudoknot interferes with the translation of genetic code to allow HIV and SARS to express their own replication enzymes. This discovery may lead to designing new ways to combat virus pathogens.
Researchers used a virtual 'forest' to test navigation skills, finding that good navigators rely on internal representations of the environment rather than just visual information. The study suggests that understanding how individuals use visual and non-visual cues can inform rehabilitation protocols for people with visual impairments.
Geri Richmond, founder of COACh, will receive the Council for Chemical Research Diversity Award for her leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in chemistry. The award recognizes her impact on advancing research careers for underrepresented groups.
A study of 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study data found that driver distraction and inattention significantly contribute to crashes and near-crashes. Drowsiness is a major problem, increasing the risk by at least four times, while cell phone use is the most common distraction.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a motorized nanocar that can be powered by light, paving the way for bottom-up construction. The nanocar, measuring just 3-by-4 nanometers, features a rotating motor that pushes it along like a paddlewheel.
Researchers have found that organic nitrogen can be directly taken up by plants, allowing them to share nitrogen and maintain biodiversity. This discovery has significant implications for unfertilised grasslands where organic nitrogen often dominates.
The pHLIP peptide accumulates in cell membranes at low pH and translocates molecules into cells without relying on traditional entry pathways. This technology has potential applications in imaging, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases associated with acidic environments.
Research reveals a significant gap in publications between US and non-US groups, with the US trailing behind in human embryonic stem cell research. The study suggests that federal policies may be contributing to this disparity, which could impact competitiveness in the biotechnology industry.
A growing trend towards transparency in executive compensation packages is driven by increased investor scrutiny and demands for accountability. This shift signifies a change in the post-Enron era, where shareholders are now more diligent in monitoring how companies allocate their resources.
A study by Wageningen University found that weight and a saddle induce an overall extension of the horse's back, contributing to soft tissue injuries. The researchers hope to generate guidelines for riding techniques and maximum weight limits to prevent such problems.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) history study reveals the Nazi regime's impact on German science, including medical research and agricultural studies. The study highlights the need to consider the historical context of scientific development during this period.
A team at the University of Bristol has created microphones based on the structure of a locust's eardrum, allowing them to detect extremely faint sounds. By studying the nanoscale movements of an insect's hearing system, researchers have gained insights into developing tiny sensors that can analyze sound frequencies.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a new class of potent SARS virus protease inhibitors, offering hope for developing a possible drug treatment against the disease. These benzotriazole esters block the enzyme and are stable enough to be used in clinical trials.
A study by WHO found that haemorrhage was the leading cause of maternal death in Africa and Asia, while high blood pressure was responsible for most maternal deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean. The review highlights the need for increased emphasis on programs to prevent and treat postpartum haemorrhage.
Researchers at the University of Toronto developed a new material, periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO), that acts as a better insulator for microelectronics. The PMO film would take up less room than conventional silica glass and allow components to shrink further, enabling smaller and more efficient devices.
A new study by the University of Liverpool reveals that unelected agencies control up to 60% of public spending in local authority areas. The report highlights the need for a revival of local democracy, aided but not driven by central government.
The National Academies report highlights the potential benefits of using coal combustion residues in mine reclamation, including reducing landfills and neutralizing acid mine drainage. However, careful characterization and monitoring are necessary to minimize potential health and environmental risks.
A recent study using high-resolution stable-isotope analysis from 95-million-year-old fossilized wood found that the mid-Cretaceous period was not a super-greenhouse, but rather had a short-lived glaciation. This new information may help us understand how the biosphere will respond to human-generated alterations of CO2 concentration.
A new study uses quantum decoy technique to encrypt data over fibre optic cable, increasing security. Photonic decoys change after eavesdropping, alerting receiving computer to potential tampering.
The InterRidge statement of commitment emphasizes the need for responsible research practices in deep-sea vent areas. The statement aims to establish professional standards and promote awareness about the potential consequences of human impacts on these extreme ecosystems.
Two Dutch researchers, Gerard Roelfes and Jan van Esch, receive funding from ERA-Chemistry for their projects on DNA polymer-based nanostructures and self-organizing nanopatterns. These innovative materials have potential applications in asymmetric catalysis, programmable reactions, and biosensors.
Researchers found that Antarctic krill can perform multiple daily vertical migrations, with some descending rapidly like parachutes. This behavior is estimated to sequester 0.02 metric gigatons of carbon per year, equivalent to annual emissions from 35 million cars.
The ARVO/Pfizer Ophthalmics conference aims to improve research and clinical care in areas of ophthalmology related to preventable vision loss and blindness. The meeting will explore topics such as angiogenesis, neovascularization, and vasoproliferation.
A state-wide report reveals that nearly two-thirds of Kansas respondents had medical debt, affecting all racial and ethnic groups. People drew on savings, borrowed from friends, or took out loans to pay off their bills, despite struggling to meet the financial burden.
In 2005, Research to Prevent Blindness awarded over $7.9 million in grants to support eye disease research at 46 medical schools nationwide. The funding enabled significant breakthroughs in understanding and treating various eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Researchers at the University of York have developed a novel way to clean up contaminated land using micro-organisms found in soil. The team has isolated bacteria that can use explosives like RDX as a source of nitrogen, and redeployed an enzyme from these bacteria into plants, enabling them to biodegrade the pollutant more efficiently.
Researchers have discovered a gene in barley that controls flowering time, allowing for longer growing periods and potential adaptation to UK climate conditions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new crop varieties better suited to hot and dry summers.
A UK study reveals a correlation between women's stress levels and their career ambitions, while also highlighting the benefits of Portugal's more family-friendly policies. The research suggests that women in Britain face limited access to quality childcare and domestic help, leading to increased work-life conflict.
Researchers obtain unique view of electronic orbitals and separation of NO dimers by exciting molecules with femtosecond laser pulses. The experiments reveal an intermediate Rydberg state that dissociates in about 600 femtoseconds, providing a detailed understanding of the dissociation process.
Scientists have found that plants can turn excess sunlight into heat by altering protein structure, preventing damage and promoting growth. A special carotenoid molecule called zeaxanthin aids in this process, making some plants more resistant to harmful radiation.
Researchers found that algae need vitamin B12 from bacteria due to an alternative metabolic process. This discovery highlights the importance of symbiotic relationships in maintaining ecosystem balance, with implications for global health and biodiversity.
Case Western Reserve University professor Eric Pearlman has received a prestigious vision research grant to study the immunology of the eye. The grant will help researchers understand the immunological basis of diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Researchers solved the structure of a water-protein channel in plants and found that specific residues control the opening of the channel. The study could lead to new agricultural techniques and pharmaceuticals targeting aquaporin proteins.
The discovery of p63, a death-promoting protein for nerve cells, may lead to new treatments for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The research also highlights the need for further funding in neuroscience research.
A new study has identified a key regulator of spindle orientation in mammals, essential for neural development. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of neural stem cell division and its impact on brain structure and function.
The SPICE project successfully simulated DNA strands passing through a cell membrane, a crucial process in understanding genetic information transfer. The project utilized a combination of high-performance computing and optical networks to overcome computational challenges.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) presents the 2005 M. Powell Lawton Award to Dr. Mary Tinetti, recognizing her commitment to translating research into practice through collaborations with top health organizations. At Yale University, she has established a renowned geriatric clinical epidemiology program.
The UK's top science stories highlight significant advancements in bone health technology, underwater archaeology, and superconductors. These innovations hold promise for improving human health, enhancing technological capabilities, and shaping the nation's future economic development.
A recent study has discovered substantial room for increasing the efficiency of nanotubes, which are crucial for producing light with novel properties. The research found varying quantum efficiencies among individual nanotubes, with some being up to 1,000% more efficient than others.
Christian Schafmeister and his student Christopher Levins have designed small molecules that can be linked together like Lego blocks to create complex nanoscale devices. The breakthroughs hold great promise as nanoscale parts for future atomically precise machines, including hinged molecular traps that can serve as chemical sensors.
A three-year initiative uncovers Gladstone's personal library at St Deiniol's Library in North Wales. The researchers will examine annotations, bookplates, and handwriting to identify volumes owned by Gladstone himself, providing new insights into his political, cultural, and social attitudes.
The University of Manchester has received a £1.9m grant to develop e-science software as part of the Open Middleware Infrastructure Institute-UK (OMII-UK) initiative. The project will focus on the myGrid platform, which supports biomedical research and has been widely adopted since 2001.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) has launched a new strategy to strengthen international science, focusing on interdisciplinary research in areas such as sustainable development and natural disasters. The plan aims to improve communication between scientists and policymakers, and promote the sharing of findings and data.