News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
The University of Colorado at Boulder's archaeological team, led by Professor Payson Sheets, is developing a five-year conservation plan for the ancient village of Ceren. The plan aims to preserve the site's structures, artifacts and agricultural features using ground-penetrating radar and climate-controlled environments.
A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that proteins fold through a series of pre-determined, intermediate arrangements. This process allows proteins to correct mistakes quickly and prevent aggregation, which is crucial in fighting diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Lafora disease, a severe form of epilepsy characterized by seizures and progressive neurological degeneration. The discovery opens up new areas of research into both epilepsy and normal brain function, with potential applications in genetic diagnostics and treatments.
A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University will study the inner workings of primary care practice to determine its impact on patient health. The grant-funded Center for the Value of Family Practice aims to establish a new level of scientific evidence about family- and patient-centered medical care.
Lee Hartwell, director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, is one of three scientists to share the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Prize. He has been honored for discovering the universal mechanism controlling cell division in eukaryotic organisms, a fundamental insight into cancer cell mutation and development.
A study found that children of divorce are more likely to become smokers and problem drinkers as adults. For boys, divorce increases the likelihood of problem drinking, while girls from divorced families have similar rates of smoking and problem drinking as those from intact families.
A new report recommends guidelines for governments to evaluate proposals for public investment in freight facility projects, focusing on economic viability and benefits such as reduced pollution and job creation. The report also examines government policies beyond infrastructure investment that affect freight efficiency.
New research from Ohio State University suggests that workplace teams are not the key factor in determining employee behavior. Basic standards of employment, such as job security and good worker-manager relations, were found to be more important than management control in shaping worker behavior.
The National Congregations Study found that 2/5 of American congregations are interested in applying for government funding to support their social service programs, while 1/2 indicate they would not be interested. The study also reveals that only 4% of religious congregations receive government funding for social services.
Researchers at Spalding Sports Worldwide aim to create a golf ball that travels up to five yards farther when hit by the average amateur golfer. They are exploring solid-core balls with modified cores and new crosslinking agents.
A major study of 45,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 years old or older found that only half received beta-blockers after heart attacks, despite the medication's proven benefit in reducing mortality. This underprescription highlights an opportunity for improvement in caring for elderly patients who are at high risk of another heart attack.
A team led by University of Colorado at Boulder Professor Robert Hohlfelder has discovered a 1,700-year-old Christian church submerged in shallow water off the coast of southern Turkey. The stone church, with an elaborate apse and multicolored mosaic, is likely the only underwater church known from that era.
Cornell University is part of a national effort to pioneer new integrated circuit design and support the US microchip industry. The university's contribution will focus on photonics and novel information distribution methods.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that intervention and participation techniques led to successful decisions 90% of the time, but were used in only 13% and 16% of cases respectively. Meanwhile, managers relied on less effective tactics like issuing edicts, which was used in nearly 40% of cases.
A recent study highlights the importance of delivering bad news effectively to patients with cancer and other serious illnesses. The findings emphasize that withholding information or breaking bad news abruptly can exacerbate distress, while honest and empathetic communication can lead to better adjustment in the long term.
Giorgia Gri, a Wistar Institute visiting scientist, has received a $25,000 fellowship award from the American-Italian Cancer Foundation to study the regulation of Interleukin-12 receptor b2 chain expression. Her research aims to develop safer and more effective IL-12 therapies against cancer.
Researchers found that praising children for their intelligence can lead them to believe good test scores are more important than learning and mastering new things. In contrast, praising effort leads to a focus on learning goals and strategies for achievement.
Caroline Sokol, a researcher at The Wistar Institute, has been awarded the Goldie Simon Preceptorship Award for her work on autoreactive B-cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. She aims to earn a joint M.D./Ph.D. to conduct clinical research and improve understanding of the chronic autoimmune disease.
A San Francisco study found that 55% of HIV patients who achieved undetectable viral levels experienced a return to detectability within one year, yet remained generally healthy. The study's findings suggest that maintaining undetectable viral load levels may not be necessary for sustaining wellness.
Research finds that voluntary HIV counseling and testing significantly reduce risk behaviors, including unprotected sex, in individuals and couples. The study, conducted in three developing countries, shows a 50% reduction in risk behavior among participants who received counseling and testing compared to those receiving standard healt...
Researchers found that misoprostol can cause congenital facial paralysis known as Mobius syndrome in children born to mothers who took the drug during pregnancy. The study also showed that mothers who used misoprostol were more likely to have infants with Mobius syndrome compared to those who did not use the medication.
Researchers at Eastern Oregon University developed a new method to assess salt content in fish, reducing waste and ensuring food safety. The technique uses near-infrared spectrophotometry to analyze the salt content of live fish, allowing for precise addition of salt to meet safety standards.
The DFG is establishing 14 new collaborative research centres across Germany, focusing on areas like biology/medicine and natural sciences. These initiatives will enable universities to conduct costly long-term research projects with a focus on young scientists' autonomy.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service are working on a new synthetic trap to lure and capture potato beetles. The trap uses an artificial plant odor that mimics the scent released by damaged plants, which attracts the beetles.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified 15 fundamental desires and values that guide human behavior, including basic needs and social desires. The study found that at least 12 of the desires have a genetic basis, and a new test can measure individual differences in these desires.
Scientists have identified KasA, a critical protein in bacterial growth, as the target of isoniazid. This discovery enables the development of new anti-TB drugs and fast-screening assays to combat antibiotic-resistant strains.
A research team has identified a critical weakness in the defence against aging and discovered that a specific cell type, the motor neuron, is the major target for oxidative damage. By inserting a human gene into fruit flies, researchers were able to boost their lifespan by 40%.
A study of 996 terminated Ohio workers found that those given no explanation of why they were dismissed were 10 times more likely to report suing their former company. Employees who felt treated unfairly or undignified at termination were also more likely to file a wrongful termination suit.
A newly unearthed version of the Laozi (Tao-te ching), dating back at least 2,350 years, is being studied by 30 international scholars. The Guodian Laozi sheds new light on the debate about its authorship and the relationship between Daoism and Confucianism.
Researchers have uncovered 38 additional fossils that provide a more complete picture of Australopithecus anamensis, confirming its status as the most ancient known upright-walking human ancestor. The new discoveries reveal primitive features such as large canine teeth and sexual dimorphism.
Researchers found naphthalene in termite nests, sparking speculation about its source. Termites may produce naphthalene through microbial action on food or soil, according to Dr. Henderson.
Bosques Arauco's winning study utilizes operations research systems to improve efficiency and have a positive impact on forest plantations. The award recognizes outstanding work in operations research that has had a significant impact on the performance of the client organization, with notable annual savings.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a 'risk index' using patient survey data to predict undesirable outcomes in asthma patients. The study found that factors such as recent oral steroid use, high beta agonist puffs per day, and non-white race can indicate future attacks.
A study of 6,100 doctors found that female physicians experience higher levels of frustration and burnout due to limited time and increased workload. The researchers highlight the need for better work-life balance and more support for women in medicine.
The Wistar Institute's Albert R. Taxin Brain Tumor Research Center has received a $350,000 challenge grant award from The Kresge Foundation to complete funding by January 1, 1999. Over $2.6 million has been raised so far towards the project's overall cost of $3.5 million.
Penn State's Pennsylvania Transportation Institute (PTI) will conduct research, education, and technology transfer programs for PennDOT through the five-year, $15 million agreement. PTI will also assist in assembling focused teams from universities and colleges to support PennDOT's projects.
Luther S. Williams, a prominent NSF scientist, has been awarded the William A. Hinton Research Training Award for his contributions to fostering minority participation in microbiology research. The award recognizes his dedication to mentoring students from underrepresented groups and promoting diversity in STEM fields.
Researchers found that annual mammograms and clinical breast exams can lead to high false-positive rates, causing unnecessary anxiety and costly follow-up tests. The study suggests that up to 16 million US women may experience a false-positive result after 10 years of screening.
The SOAR telescope, a state-of-the-art facility in Chile, will enable researchers to study the universe like never before. It will collect 3,400 times more light than the original telescope, allowing for observations of dimmer objects and stars at greater distances.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory successfully marked selected internet traffic for priority service over unmarked traffic in a cross-country demonstration. The demonstration showcases a key milestone in the development of differentiated services, which will provide specialized services to network customers.
The Bright Beginnings program has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to expand its support services for vulnerable inner-city women and their babies. The program, which pairs trained volunteers with pregnant women, aims to promote good health care and parenting practices.
The event aims to encourage minority students into biomedical research and set them on a career path. The proportion of researchers from minority groups is strikingly lower than their percentage in the overall population.
A recent study found that brain-enriched hyaluronan binding protein (BEHAB) is a key factor in brain cancer cells' ability to invade healthy tissue. Researchers hope to develop therapies that block BEHAB's function or reduce its production, potentially slowing tumor progression.
Research highlights girls' increased relational victimization, leading to social anxiety, loneliness, and self-restraint issues. The study underscores the importance of studying relational victimization for girls' mental health.
Researchers analyzed data from 60 medical groups in Washington state, finding that physician compensation type did not affect patient costs or utilization. However, factors such as patient age, gender, health plan benefit level, and physician age were identified as significant influencers of health service use.
The James C. McGroddy Prize for New Materials aims to stimulate discovery and innovation in materials science. This award recognizes Dr. McGroddy's significant contributions to the field, including his work on semiconductors and III-V compounds.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has selected seven top care centers to participate in an innovative Therapeutics Development Center network. This model will enable researchers to quickly translate laboratory discoveries into new therapies, with the goal of developing life-saving treatments for cystic fibrosis.
Researchers create detailed 'movies' of deadly heart irregularity, discovering spiral waves that can be controlled using chaos techniques, offering a less energetic alternative to massive jolts.
A new orthopaedic brace has been developed to help paraplegics regain independence. The SEPRIX device supports the torso, legs, and allows bending of knees during walking, facilitating rehabilitation and everyday life.
A National Research Council panel recommends more automation in air-traffic control to enhance safety and efficiency. The panel advises against fully automating tasks that require human judgment, instead focusing on tools that assist controllers with understanding and predicting situations.
GrantsNet provides an extensive database of fellowships, grants, and funding opportunities for young biomedical scientists. The site offers insights from previous recipients, tips for improving chances of receiving support, and information on various programs.
A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and the Family found that husbands' acceptance of influence from their wives and sharing power are crucial for successful marriages. The research, conducted over six years, showed that active listening techniques do not predict marital success and may even hinder conflict resolution.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are testing UV technology to enhance night visibility, with the goal of improving road safety. The project aims to increase drivers' visibility distance by up to 30% and make pedestrians more visible.
A study of physically impaired older Americans found that 50% reported receiving unnecessary help, while 28% felt they needed more support. Negative reactions to care significantly predicted depression, highlighting the need for interventions improving caregiving exchanges and quality of life.
Dr. Ray Herrmann, a USGS scientist, has been named an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished efforts in advancing science through his watershed research. He is being recognized for his leadership in communicating the importance of watershed investigations to various stakeholders.
Colin Adams, Williams College math professor, has been awarded the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Distinguished Teaching Award for his innovative teaching methods and ability to increase student enrollments in mathematics classes. He is also recognized for involving undergraduates in serious pure mathematics research.
Professors Michael Sela and Ruth Arnon have made significant contributions to the field of immunology with their development of synthetic vaccines and peptides. Their work has led to safer and more effective treatments for infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders.
A recent study found that most common colds are caused by viruses, with rhinovirus being the primary culprit. Researchers identified 138 cases of the common cold in university students, with 105 cases linked to rhinovirus infection.
The Emory University Fragile X Group will investigate molecular, neurological, and biochemical approaches to clarify the fragile X syndrome, a cause of inherited mental retardation in humans. The team aims to develop model systems and explore potential therapeutic strategies.
A recent study suggests that smokers with depression may be more likely to self-medicate with cigarettes due to genetic differences. The research found that individuals with specific variants of the dopamine D4 receptor gene were more likely to smoke for mood-enhancing purposes.