News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
A Canadian consortium, led by NOVA Chemicals and the Alberta Research Council Inc., has developed a new membrane technology to improve olefin production. The process aims to reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions in petrochemical plants, with potential economic and environmental benefits for industry and Canadians.
A team led by Dr. Loretta Dunne has discovered a thousand times more cosmic dust than previously detected in the remnant of a supernova explosion in our own Galaxy. This finding solves the riddle of how large quantities of dust were formed in the early universe and provides evidence for supernovae as efficient dust factories.
A UBC-led research team has confirmed the existence of the universe's oldest and farthest planet, a gas giant formed 13 billion years ago. The ancient world takes a century to complete each orbit and is unlikely to support life due to its metal-poor composition.
The Institute for OneWorld Health is conducting a Phase III clinical trial to develop paromomycin as an affordable and cost-effective cure for visceral leishmaniasis. The trial, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to provide an effective treatment for a disease that affects 1.5 million people worldwide.
Researchers discovered protrusions in oil paintings, composed of metal soaps, which form when paint layers contain lead and zinc. The phenomenon affects both panels and canvases, causing a bumpy surface texture, and can still be active in some cases.
The alliance aims to provide advanced research and development services, field desorption measurements, and laboratory isotherm measurements for Canadian energy producers. ARC and TerraTek will collaborate on unconventional gas recovery and environmental expertise.
Researchers at U of T have created a topographical map of the 'beating heart' of lasers, allowing for more accurate design and diagnosis. The study could influence laser design, improve diagnosis of faulty lasers, and potentially reduce manufacturing costs.
The study identifies changes to rate-determining factors at transition points, shedding new light on the nature of non-linear spreading. Researchers used a model to calculate these changes and found them to be crucial for understanding various phenomena such as 'avalanches' in sand piles.
Professor Elizabeth Legge explores how British art marketed itself as a failure to gain cultural credibility in the US. She argues that this strategy tapped into American perceptions of British art as gauche and incapable of irony, generating mutual indignation between the two nations.
A study found that young children interpret both abstract and narrative dance performances to a similar degree, challenging the assumption that they need to be narrative or 'comprehensible'. The research also showed that children have the ability to give meaning to what they see and hear in abstract dance.
A new book by Corien Prins examines the tension between anonymous online activities and tracing technologies, with implications for consumer protection, liability, and privacy. The Dutch National Programme for Information Technology and Law (ITER) funded the research.
A new study raises concerns about the effectiveness of Scotland's modern apprenticeship scheme due to lack of data on its success. The researchers recommend introducing a recognized national diploma and monitoring employment conditions to ensure young people gain real benefits from the scheme.
Researchers have discovered a genetic link between specific mutations in the Dnchc1 gene and selective death of motor neurons, causing diseases like ALS. The study provides new insight into the pathogenetic mechanism underlying MND.
The Management of Knowledge-Intensive Dynamic Systems (MKIDS) program supports research on how information technologies can streamline processes for organizations responding to rapidly changing situations. Researchers are developing tools to design optimal organizational structures, predict failure points, and monitor organizational pe...
The report, endorsed by national not-for-profit research organizations, urges a 10% increase in the NIH budget to address Alzheimer's, diabetes, and arthritis. This investment could lead to major medical advances and alleviate suffering from aging-related diseases.
The study found that voluntary organisations play a greater role in designing and delivering policies, but face growing tensions between leadership and participation. To deliver effective results, they need to maintain their autonomy and critical edge.
The Human Media Lab invents computers that sense user attention, prioritizing messages based on user availability. Their Attentive User Interfaces use eye contact sensors to track user focus, optimizing communication and minimizing distractions.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that Myosin V moves in a unique 'hand-over-hand' motion along actin tracks, allowing it to transport molecules without losing contact. This discovery sheds light on how cells convert chemical energy into motion and may offer insights into nanotechnology.
New research on corals from the Madracis genus reveals significant genetic variation among species, challenging traditional classifications. The study found two distinct species, while four others exhibited considerable overlap in genetic material, making identification difficult.
Researchers detected a sudden cooling of the star Rho Cassiopeiae in 2000, resulting in an unprecedented mass ejection into space. The star is now considered one of the brightest yellow hypergiants in the Milky Way, with a luminosity over half a million times that of the Sun.
A study by Dr. Danielle Mohren found that employees in demanding jobs suffer from colds 20% more often than those in less demanding positions. Fatigue and burnout also increase the risk of infections, particularly gastroenteritis. The research highlights a clear link between working conditions and health.
Researchers at TSRI describe experiments showing Opn4 gene is crucial for maintaining circadian rhythms, enabling organisms to adapt to daily changes. The discovery may lead to strategies for correcting sleep disorders and jet lag.
A sociologist's study of over 20,000 adults from 178 countries reveals that people are maintaining existing social connections while adding internet communication. The findings also show that the internet is a preferred method for communicating with distant friends and relatives, but can be both beneficial and burdensome.
Physician participation in HMOs and IPAs has declined significantly, with 33% of specialists without HMO patients in 2001/2002. Kaiser Permanente stands out as the most stable employer for physicians, with higher satisfaction rates compared to other managed care networks.
The American Educational Research Association published a report on scientific research in education, highlighting the importance of rigorous research methods. Scholars represented in the discussion emphasize the need for evidence-based practices to enhance educational outcomes.
Researchers at Alberta Research Council have developed a working demonstration unit of micro fuel cell technology, capable of powering a small electric fan. The single-cell fuel cell uses hydrogen gas as a fuel and can be adapted to run on various fuels, including natural gas and butane.
Researchers from Cardiff University are conducting a £70,000 study to understand the advice needs of lone parents, who often struggle with income, housing, and childcare support. The study aims to identify barriers to access and advice for these families, shedding light on crucial issues that require attention.
The study found that excluding exile groups from politics can lead to radicalization, as they become introverted and marginalized. Inclusive policies allow migrant organizations to engage in domestic politics and work on issues related to their European situation.
Researchers from Leiden investigated the role of constraints in evolution using tropical butterflies. They found that constraints sometimes play a role and sometimes do not, contradicting previous assumptions about natural selection.
Amanda Fisher has been awarded the prestigious EMBO Gold Medal for her exceptional work in European molecular biology. The award recognizes her achievements as a role model for scientists in Europe.
The Council on Competitiveness symposium features Carnegie Mellon's ESM (End System Multicast) technology, enabling efficient and cost-effective live streaming over the Internet. With its distributed coordination mechanism, ESM adapts to network dynamics for optimal bandwidth and latency.
Researchers at Stanford University Hospital have discovered a bacterial enzyme that can rapidly degrade toxic fragments of gluten, potentially providing an alternative to a strict gluten-free diet. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of Celiac disease patients worldwide.
The study explores how older widowed women in Britain transition to becoming 'women alone', finding a new sense of confidence and self-sufficiency through personal growth and engaging in new activities.
A two-year study by psychologists from Tilburg University found that introvert persons are more likely to become tired at work due to their workload and perception of busyness. The study also showed that physical and mental tiredness are closely linked, highlighting the importance of including both in workplace investigations.
Researchers at Kansas State University have received a $1.4 million grant to develop semiconducter ultraviolet light sources, including LEDs and laser diodes, for detecting bioagents like anthrax. The team aims to create chip-scale and remote detecting devices that can be used in portable devices.
Research reveals that people with low self-esteem are significantly less likely to select a comedy video or engage in activities to improve their mood compared to those with high self-esteem. This is attributed to feelings of resignation and sadness, leading to a lack of motivation to change their emotions.
Researchers have discovered that protein simulations can be completed in 7 femtoseconds, three times faster than previous methods. This breakthrough enables the efficient calculation of biologically interesting processes such as protein folding.
A study on the French text 'Lancelot en prose' found that minor characters helped medieval readers follow complex tale plots. These stereotypical characters, such as damsels and dwarfs, served specific narrative functions.
In Eastern Cameroon, many children live with an uncle and aunt due to divorce. Adoptive families benefit from the arrangement, as adoptive children cannot be lost in a divorce. Women have little difficulty forming bonds with their brothers' children, who remain with them after a divorce.
A preliminary study at the University of Toronto found that green roofs were better at protecting roof membranes from extreme temperatures than conventional roofs. Green roofs also reduced storm water run-off and kept summer temperatures inside structures lower due to vegetation cooling effect.
The National Research Council's Committee on the Physics of the Universe recommends a national underground science laboratory at Homestake Gold Mine in South Dakota. The facility will enable US scientists to conduct experiments in physics, geology, cosmology, and ecology, among other disciplines.
Researchers discovered that a lack of autonomy at work increases the risk of prolonged fatigue by 1.5-2 times. Additionally, men who are overweight or physically inactive experience faster onset of fatigue, while women who are underweight have a threefold increased risk.
The Trio language requires precision in translation to convey expectations and avoid misunderstandings. With a complex grammar system, Trio speakers must specify verb forms to indicate whether they witnessed or understood information.
Dr. Doyle, a prominent chemist, has received the ACS George C. Pimentel Award for his contributions to chemical education. His most notable contribution is a study of 136 schools from 1986-2000 that found only 25% of published papers had student authors.
Researchers found clean-air slots with pristine air, sandwiched between polluted layers in southern Africa. These 'clean-air slots' can persist for days on end over thousands of square miles.
Women tend to make greater tonal movements and use more intonation in questioning, enabling clearer differentiation between statements and types of questions. The findings suggest that women prioritize clarity and are less afraid of adopting a position of dependency in communication.
Research by Margriet van Eikema Hommes shows that shadows in Raphael's painting became darker over time, changing the contrast and creating a theatrical effect. The study provides insights into the original composition of Renaissance paints and their aging process.
Researchers discovered that autistic individuals have smaller minicolumns but more of them, leading to excessive communication and stimulation. This pathology may hold the key to understanding autism and other conditions like schizophrenia.
A study of water striders reveals an evolutionary arms race between males and females, where males use grasping structures to immobilize females, while females develop spines to counteract. This conflict leads to a balance in male and female traits, with some species experiencing high rates of costly matings.
Researchers have created an image of antiferromagnetism within a solid material using a new technique, enabling the study of advanced magnetic recording materials. The discovery could lead to more cost-efficient evolution of nanoscale devices for computing and communications.
A strong relationship exists between Zimbabwe's peasant farmers and city-dwellers, with family ties playing a vital role in securing employment and housing. This connection is particularly evident during Christmas, when many return to their rural roots laden with city-purchased goods.
Researchers confirm rare kaon decay through 6 trillion decays, shedding light on fundamental forces and building blocks of the universe. The discovery is a significant confirmation of earlier findings and paves the way for further study of exotic aspects of the Standard Model.
Scientists at University of Toronto have discovered that copper oxide materials conduct heat and electricity independently, violating the Wiedemann-Franz law. This finding opens a new window into understanding superconducting materials and their potential to revolutionize industries like electronics and energy.
A study found that ethnic differences affect the relationship between family environment and teen gang involvement, with black youth benefiting from more controlling parents and white/other youth increasing their involvement with gangs. Gang intervention programs should address both peer and parent relationships to be effective.
Paul Roman will investigate how scientific orientations and attitudes impact treatment centers and therapeutic communities, with a focus on retention and resource attraction. His research aims to improve substance abuse treatment systems' quality and stability in dynamic environments.
Research finds HR practices enhance financial performance in British businesses, particularly in manufacturing sector. Companies with specialist personnel relations demonstrate strongest and most consistent association between profit and people management.
Research finds UK public sector workers are losing access to training opportunities due to work intensification and contracting out. This decline in training is expected to impact job motivation, particularly among low-paid workers.
Professor Ian Hacking argues that classifications like 'football hooligan' and 'sex addict' can shape people's identities, while also highlighting the potential negative consequences of such labeling. His research emphasizes the importance of understanding how these classifications impact individuals and society.
E-BioSci aims to provide complete searchable combinations of information available to every scientist globally. The platform leverages partnerships among EMBO, CINES, CSIC, DIMDI, EDINA, EMBL-EBI, and ingenta plc to offer a vast research library.
Medical school leaders in the US express concerns about the health and quality of their clinical research enterprises, citing pressure on faculty to see patients, insufficient revenues, and difficulties recruiting trained researchers. Despite some positive findings, many believe that addressing these challenges is crucial for advancing...