News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 aims to analyze environmental and economic importance of polar regions. Scientists from around the world have submitted over 1000 research proposals, focusing on global climate change, ocean circulation, and human activities.
The new ASTRO/ASRT grant program aims to establish new radiation therapy programs, addressing significant shortages in the field. Currently, there are only 71 accredited educational programs in the US, down from 125 a decade ago, and 13 states have no radiation therapy program.
Researchers have developed a faster method to create antibodies for disease research, enabling the study of proteins at a higher rate. The new technique uses synthetic peptide immunisation and binds specifically to proteins with a precise sequence, producing highly specific antibodies.
Researchers have developed a product that blocks insect enzymes and delivers a dose of pesticide 4-5 hours later, proving almost 100% effective in trials. This technology reduces the amount of pesticide needed on fields, benefiting both Western and developing world farmers.
Endosomes travel to the nucleus using back-and-forth movement, accumulating at an aster-like layout of microtubules. This symmetrical approach allows for efficient distribution of nutrients and molecular information.
A new strategy to use nursing resource teams offers a competitive advantage by recruiting, retaining, and maximizing the use of nurses. This approach recognizes nursing expertise and provides opportunities for professional development, ultimately improving patient care.
Researchers at Southampton and Nottingham universities are developing a new method of gene delivery to promote bone tissue formation. The technique, if successful, could provide a new source of bone tissue for orthopaedic procedures, addressing healthcare needs associated with trauma, degenerative disease, and age-related bone loss.
Dr Frederic Meunier's research explores how powerful nerve toxins like Botox selectively dissect basic nerve cell processes, leading to a novel angle in understanding neuronal diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. He has also discovered that Botox-intoxicated nerve cells can recover by emitting little sprouts.
A team of researchers successfully predicted a new polymorph of the Alzheimer's drug piracetam, demonstrating the potential of computational methods in pharmaceutical industry. The prediction was made using Grid technologies and validated through experimental techniques, showcasing the credibility of the methodology.
Researchers develop new e-Science techniques to visualize data from large detectors, such as the ISIS neutron source. This allows for better understanding of material properties and opens up new research opportunities in materials science. The new methods, including GAPtk, enable users to manipulate gigabytes of data in near real-time.
GSK has successfully implemented a new automated process for the early phase of drug discovery, using InforSense KDE to retrieve and analyse data rapidly. This technology allows chemists to modify complex analytic workflows and access data from distributed databases, significantly improving their ability to respond to scientific needs.
An e-Science project has adapted SARIS software to access near real-time Met Office forecasts of ocean currents and winds, providing more accurate data for rescue predictions. This adaptation aims to reduce the time to rescue and potentially save lives.
Researchers at Loughborough University have developed a lightweight visualisation tool for the RealityGrid e-Science project, which uses Grid technologies to model and simulate complex condensed matter structures. The tool can be used on mobile devices and supports multiple users to view and interact with data simultaneously.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have successfully used molecular information processors to perform logic operations and process information in spaces a few nanometres across. This breakthrough harnesses the principle of photo-induced electron transfer, mimicking the process of photosynthesis.
Scientists have built molecules that can move large droplets of liquid across surfaces and up slopes against gravity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of artificial muscles and smart materials with potential applications in drug delivery and nanotechnology.
The mammalian transcriptome has been completely mapped, showing a massive abundance of noncoding RNAs and antisense genes. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of genetics, gene regulation, and cellular functions.
Researchers developed a nanoscale optical biosensor to detect amyloid ?-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs), tiny proteins accumulating in brain tissue of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The findings may enable early diagnosis of the condition, currently only possible after death.
A unique program at Stevens Institute of Technology addresses the need for in-depth understanding of sourcing's four key aspects: governance, legal issues, relationship management, and organizational impact. Preliminary research aims to understand current and future IT skills and capabilities needs.
Researchers found that chimpanzees learn and adopt specific techniques to solve problems, demonstrating a form of culture. The study shows that chimpanzees have a tendency to conform to their group's norms, even when they know alternative methods exist.
Research by Jason Walker found that women make more workplace adjustments than men, leading to scheduling conflicts and time pressures. Public and private sector policies can help maintain employees' ties to the paid labour market while allowing care for family members with chronic health problems.
The partnership aims to develop a micro fuel cell system with potential industrial applications, offering advantages such as fuel versatility and fast start-up times. Researchers from both organizations will conduct joint research at each other's labs.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will release animal disease reports on July 18 at a news conference. The reports, embargoed until 1:30 p.m. CDT, will be available to reporters through the AVMA and National Academies
A new technique manipulates laser light to create decoy signals, distracting eavesdroppers and protecting secret messages. This development has immediate commercial applications, improving the security of fibre-optic communications.
Researchers have discovered a key gene controlling how leaves close their surface pores, leading to improved understanding of plant responses to climate. This finding has significant implications for crop breeding and studying evolutionary responses to drought.
A UK-led project measured public services performance and found significant differences in education sector output compared to the US. The research also highlighted a lack of correlation between healthcare expenditure and outcomes across the EU, but found links between system organization and disease outcomes at a micro level.
Researchers discover Aspergillus fumigatus has genes required for sexual reproduction, affecting disease control and potential antifungal drug resistance. The fungus's common presence in compost heaps may be a hotbed of fungal sex.
Researchers are using the UK Kennel Club's extensive breed records to identify genetic variations in diseased and healthy dogs. The study aims to improve nutrition and veterinary drugs for dogs, while also providing insights into human diseases.
A £1.8m UK project aims to identify genes that improve barley quality for whisky production, benefiting growers, producers, and drinkers, while supporting the Scottish agricultural economy.
Scientists at IGER have created a genetic map of pearl millet DNA, enabling the rapid development of downy mildew-resistant plants. This approach allows for faster breeding techniques than traditional methods, benefiting farmers in Africa and India.
The Joint Center for Structural Genomics will determine a large number of high-resolution structures of biological molecules using new methods and technologies. The researchers aim to tackle challenging structures such as large protein assemblies and proteins essential for all organisms.
Researchers at KEK Laboratory in Japan have observed a new type of interaction among quarks, producing evidence of a beauty quark converting to the lightest down quark. This observation allows for study of fundamental laws of the universe and potential validation or discovery of new physics models.
A joint study by the University of Minnesota and German institutions found that participants' perceived shape of a face influences their verbal estimates and reach movements. The 'hollow-face illusion' showed similar effects on both verbal and reaching tasks, highlighting the importance of object recognition in motor actions.
A University of Toronto study found that upgrading to R2000 homes can save up to $818 a year in energy costs. Homeowners can generate an annual cash flow of $423 by increasing mortgage payments, making energy-efficient homes a financially attractive option.
Dutch researchers have won the NWO/Spinoza prize for their groundbreaking work in cancer research, cognitive sciences, physics and mathematics. Prof R Bernards developed innovative genetic technologies to predict breast cancer metastases, while Prof P Hagoort demonstrated that damaged brains can still understand language via other routes.
The ARC solar thermal building product significantly reduces energy consumption, saving Canadian homeowners up to 48% on their heating bills. By combining SIPS technology with solar panels, the product achieves impressive energy savings and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The ESRC Delivery Plan aims to increase responsive funding, address staff recruitment and retention issues, and enable major partnerships through collaborative funding. The plan also focuses on addressing key research challenges and demonstrating high ethical standards in social science research.
A study by Dr. Michael Orton found that there are fewer instances of people on low incomes living in high-value properties than previously thought. The research also highlights how middle and lower-income individuals spend a higher proportion of their income on council tax compared to those with higher incomes.
Researchers used harmonic radar to track bees' flight paths after attending a 'waggle dance', confirming the dance is a coded message guiding them to new food sources. The study showed that bees translate the dance code into successful navigation, correcting for wind drift even when visiting unfamiliar destinations.
Researchers in the Jefferson Lab CLAS collaboration found no evidence of a pentaquark, contradicting earlier signals. The team will take more data in 2006 to search for the particle in a different channel and at higher energies.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that drug eluting stents are just as effective and safe for women as they are for men. However, female patients experience higher re-intervention rates due to smaller vessels and perceived narrower narrowing.
A global study reveals that 172 of the world's largest rivers are regulated by dams, affecting ecosystems globally. The highest impacted regions include temperate forests and savannahs, while Australia has the largest proportion of free-flowing rivers.
Scientists create biochips that allow analysis of cells using fluorescent chemicals and tiny lasers, enabling examination of cellular conditions for diseases and developing new treatments. The technology has the potential to create small diagnostic devices for medical diagnostics, improving patient treatment by reducing hospital visits.
Researchers used harmonic radar to track butterflies' flight patterns, finding they follow decisive routes for feeding and orientation. The study aims to understand how butterflies navigate fragmented landscapes and maintain sustainable populations.
Research by Professor Allan Williams found that short-term migrants gained enhanced social skills, self-confidence, and networking capabilities, leading to better jobs and higher salaries in Slovakia. The study also highlighted the positive impact of these experiences on migrant's future career aspirations.
The US healthcare system exhibits both strengths and failings, with private market competition driving inequality, inefficiency, and high costs. Researchers explore the role of corporate interests in shaping health care markets, organizational forces, and clinical practice guidelines.
A new image search technique developed by Mirela Tanase recognizes visual patterns and significantly increases the number of correctly identified objects in a search. The method provides a useful addition to existing methods, such as MPEG7, and can improve image recognition rates in certain cases.
Dr. Eliades received the 2005 Wilmer Souder Award for his groundbreaking research on dental biomaterials surface analysis, including spectroscopic and electron optical methods. His work has advanced significant dental health through understanding molecular interactions and conformational changes of collagen with dentin-bonding agents.
A study by neuroscientists suggests that faces and words are recognized differently, with faces identified by wholes and words by parts. In experiments, observers were asked to focus on a black dot accompanied by a letter or face, finding it easier to recognize the individual elements when they were isolated from context.
A recent study published in JAMA found that distal microcirculatory protection devices used during angioplasty procedures in heart attacks failed to improve patient outcomes. Despite successfully removing debris from arteries, the treatment did not reduce major adverse cardiac events or affect ST segment normalization.
In strongly fragmented areas, Lychnis caterpillars consumed more white campion seeds due to increased egg laying. This was found by Jelmer Elzinga, contradicting the initial hypothesis that decreased ichneumon fly populations would lead to reduced consumption.
In a unique mating ritual, cricket males offer their wings to females during copulation. This 'love bite' keeps the female occupied while the male transfers sperm, gaining a temporary advantage in the mating process.
Researchers from Newcastle University and Denmark found that the natural pesticide falcarinol in carrots reduced cancer risk in rats. The study suggests that eating one small carrot daily could benefit consumers' health, with potential recommendations for growers.
Researchers developed a new method to evaluate complex systems, finding four types of benefits: measurable, tangible, intangible, and unrealized. The scenario-based evaluation (SBE) approach encourages consideration of contextual factors and provides rich recommendations for system redesign and organizational initiatives.
Researchers discover human body odor plays a crucial role in mosquito attraction, with certain compounds acting as repellents or masking attractant components. The findings could lead to the development of safe, naturally occurring insect repellents more effective than conventional products.
Researchers at University of Toronto developed a sprayable infrared detector that can harness the sun's invisible rays. The discovery may improve renewable energy sources by increasing efficiency and flexibility in solar cells.
Researchers mapped airflow patterns through nasal cavity using transparent models, revealing why deep breathing is needed for smelling flowers. The study's findings may aid surgeons and drug companies in developing new treatments.
A recent study reveals that US homes suffer from over 12 million nonfatal unintentional injuries annually, with falls, poisoning, and burn injuries being the leading causes of such incidents. The research emphasizes the critical need for action to reduce injury risks within the home, particularly among vulnerable age groups.
Male crickets fed high protein diets engage in more sexual calling and die sooner than those on low protein diets. This is because they spend extra resources on mating behavior, shortening their lifespan. In contrast, males on low protein diets tend to delay calling until later in life, maintaining their body weight for longer.
The Journal of Dental Research (JDR) is now featuring manuscripts from Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, enhancing its content and Scientific Impact Factor. The journal will also be made freely available online after 12 months.
Nanotubes form along atomic steps due to iron nanoparticles' attraction to local fields created by the steps. The orientation and form of these steps can be controlled, enabling the production of different nanowire arrangements.