News from the institutes and societies that organize science. Covers scientific medals, university-hospital partnerships, oncology cooperatives, and society leadership.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that mild iron deficiency weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures in laboratory rats. The researchers also discovered that even minor iron deficiency can lead to lower bone density, making it more likely for bones to break.
Researchers have isolated a bacterial protein that allows Helicobacter pylori to attach to the gastric lining, a key step in developing a vaccine against peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The discovery of BabA protein, found on the surface of H. pylori, could lead to an effective, cheap vaccine that boosts immunity after every exposure.
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Foundation has received a $60,000 grant from The Gerber Foundation to administer fellowships to graduate students focusing on pediatric nutrition. This grant will support tuition assistance and recognition for successful fellowship recipients.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has granted $120,000 to EurekAlert! over a two-year period. This grant will enable the development of new content areas, including peer-reviewed journals and a 'Science by Country' section.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has announced the winners of its national science writing awards, recognizing excellence in large and small newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. The winners were selected by independent screening and judging committees consisting of journalists and scientists.
Using heat-resistant microbes, researchers can treat waste air and water emissions at temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius. The new process eliminates the need for cooling, saving companies time and money while reducing environmental impact.
A new study using optical imaging reveals that brain cells engaged in different tasks form mosaics with remarkable order and elegance. The research may assist in the development of artificial vision systems.
Researchers have identified 80% of the genes active in the cardiovascular system, creating a comprehensive database that sheds light on the genetic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding complex diseases and developing new diagnostic tests and therapies.
The study found that fraternity leaders reported the highest rates of binge drinking and adverse consequences, including hangovers, arguments, and blackouts. Greek leaders also tend to view alcohol as a facilitator for social interaction and sexuality, contrary to expected moderate views.
Researchers have crystallized the active form of adenylyl cyclase, revealing how Gs-alpha binds to and activates it. This discovery helps understand the regulation of these enzymes, which are crucial for various biochemical processes.
The winners, Christine Jacobs, James E. Brownell, Georg Halder, and Mitsuharu Hattori, have made groundbreaking discoveries in bacterial resistance, genetic function regulation, eye development, and brain development research. They will receive $5,000 each plus a grand prize of $20,000.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that the ARF tumor suppressor interacts with the p53 gene, preventing cancer growth and development. The study identifies a single genetic locus, INK4a/ARF, which encodes two proteins regulating two key biochemical pathways.
A study of 4,364 Canadian youngsters found that starting tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use at an early age significantly increases the risk of long-term addiction. The research revealed that the major risk period for substance use begins around age 12 and peaks between 15 and 19.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center found that chronic exposure to nicotine stimulates and permanently inactivates two prominent subtypes of acetylcholine receptors, leading to tolerance. Habitual users become dependent on nicotine through neural reward pathways similar to other addictive drugs.
A study projects a four-fold increase in hip fractures among Canadians aged 65 and older by 2041, highlighting the need for intervention to prevent this trend. The analysis attributes the rise to an aging population and emphasizes the importance of measures like exercise, diet, and hormone replacement therapy.
The GUSTO grid will provide pervasive access to supercomputing capabilities, enabling new problem-solving techniques and distributed supercomputing. Ten groups will use Globus software and resources for various applications, including remote visualization and tele-immersion.
Research suggests that a stable fish diet can significantly lower lipoprotein (a) levels, a blood fat linked to increased heart attack risk. The study found a 40% median Lp(a) difference between groups, with fish-eaters having lower levels of the 'bad' cholesterol.
A Yale study reveals that information related to faces is processed in a specific region of the prefrontal cortex. The research found that neurons responding to faces were clustered in one area, called the inferior prefrontal cortex, and were able to maintain activity even after stimuli disappeared.
A new study reveals that employers give fewer chances to women and employees with working spouses for job relocations, despite their acceptance rates being no different. The research found biases based on sex and marital type, which could impact career development and create a glass ceiling for working women.
Charles Rick's half-century of research at UC Davis forged a fundamental understanding of tomato genetics. He identified 42 disease-resistance genes and bred them into commercial varieties, benefiting almost every other vegetable crop worldwide.
Researchers found that tightly controlling blood sugar levels can significantly decrease the lifetime risk of diabetes-related blindness for people with early-onset type 2 diabetes. For those who develop the disease at an age of 50-55 or earlier, maintaining a near-normal blood-sugar level can prevent vision and kidney problems.
The Canon National Parks Science Scholars program aims to nurture a new generation of environmental scientists by supporting innovative research on topics selected by the NPS. Four doctoral students will receive $25,000 per year for up to three years to conduct research on critical challenges facing the national park system.
A study found that seniors with depression in HMOs receive fewer mental health specialist visits and are prescribed benzodiazepines instead of newer antidepressants. This disparity may be due to cost-containment strategies, highlighting the need for better care for vulnerable elderly patients.
Researchers at NCAR have created a software that uses an aircraft's existing equipment to measure and report in-situ turbulence, enabling pilots to steer clear of bumpy air. The data will be used to create turbulence forecasts and potentially enable real-time turbulence warnings.
The Society of Actuaries Foundation hosts a forum on math mentoring at the elementary school level, bringing together teachers, actuaries, and companies implementing a $120,000 two-year grant program. The session focuses on feedback from the first year and adjusting projects for the second year.
Shaul Mukamel, a professor of chemistry at the University of Rochester, has received the Humboldt Research Award for his lifetime work on molecular dynamics and its applications in various fields. The award will enable him to conduct research in Munich with European colleagues.
A consortium of scientists has released a new genome sequencing project for the bacterium P. aeruginosa, which causes chronic lung infections in CF patients. The project aims to increase practical knowledge about the pathogen and develop new drugs for treatment.
The W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation has donated $5 million to create an endowment for Scholars in Medical Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The program aims to recruit the world's most promising young medical scientists and provide them with research funds, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their careers.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has determined the molecular structure of Cre recombinase, an enzyme used in genetically engineering animal models. The detailed structural picture will aid in designing better research models and provide insights into the recombination reaction.
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), an inherited disease characterized by recurring fevers, abdominal pain, and inflammation. The discovery of the pyrin protein mutations may lead to a simple diagnostic blood test and improved treatments for FMF.
Research finds that stream biodiversity is slow to recover from long-term agricultural impacts, with diversity greater in forested areas. However, forest regeneration may alleviate some effects, but complete recovery may take years.
A multilevel study of collective efficacy found that neighborhoods with strong, trusting relationships between neighbors have a lower homicide rate. Collective efficacy is characterized by mutual trust and support among residents, who are willing to intervene in crime and delinquency.
Researchers developed a molecular radar system to track signaling enzymes inside cells, allowing them to map the exact progress of intercellular messengers during embryonic development. This achievement has valuable implications for understanding how signals are transferred inside cells and how they go awry in diseases like cancer.
A color-blind approach to equal opportunity for all Americans is unlikely to succeed, according to research by James H. Jones, Ph.D. The study found that humans react to racial differences at an elementary level, revealing deep-seated biases.
Researchers studied 93 gay men with HIV who showed no symptoms when they entered the trial. Stress levels were found to be significantly associated with disease progression, with higher severe life stress increasing the odds nearly fourfold over two years.
Researchers found that Rhododendron maximum restricts the formation of mycorrhizal fungi associations with certain tree species, particularly hemlocks. This limitation combined with resource scarcity hinders young oak seedlings' ability to absorb nutrients, giving Rhododendron an advantage in nutrient competition.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have automated two buses, a pair of cars and an Oldsmobile minivan for an automated highway system demonstration. The vehicles will exhibit various aspects of highway and vehicle automation, including lanekeeping and obstacle detection.
A new study reveals striking fluctuations in blood cholesterol levels among children and teenagers, suggesting that normal cutpoints for testing may need to be revised. The study found that boys' body fatness levels decrease as they mature, while girls' body weight increases with minimal changes in body fat percentage.
New Arecibo radar images show no signs of ice in permanently shadowed areas at the moon's poles. Researchers believe rough surfaces from impact craters may be responsible for observed reflections instead.
A four-phase intensive treatment program, CALM, increases relationship stability and helps clients maintain sobriety through improved communication skills. The program also shows cost savings and reduces domestic violence incidents after treatment
Game shows on TV can reinforce information and change attitudes in kids, according to a study by Ohio University researcher Anne Cooper-Chen. The format is easily replicable in classroom settings, making it a valuable educational tool.
Scientists have found that the fragile X protein is produced in synapse junctions, essential for normal brain development. The discovery reveals a new understanding of the disorder's mechanisms, which may lead to better treatments and therapies.
A new UNC-CH study reveals North Carolina's Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) consumer protection is lacking, with the state receiving only 'C-minuses' for its report card. The study highlights the need for enhanced accessibility, understandable written materials, and improved due process requirements.
A recent study discovered that stimulation of the CD28 receptor can regulate coreceptor expression in activated T cells, potentially preventing HIV-1 infection. This finding may lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with HIV and other immune deficiencies.
Research on nematodes led to the discovery of potential anti-cancer drugs and antibiotics. The substances, called xenorxides, have proven more effective than traditional anti-cancer drugs in some test settings.
A National Research Council panel recommends hiring criteria, training programs, and better displays for air traffic controllers to maintain situation awareness and improve system reliability. The FAA is expected to assess different types of automation and make recommendations on implementation.
A study found that paying high-performing employees according to their performance can help retain them, as promotions alone do not effectively reduce turnover among top performers. High salary growth also helps retain high performers more than it does low performers.
A study of Medicare data found that stroke patients cared for by neurologists had better survival rates and less disability compared to those cared for by generalists. The study suggests that redirecting patient care to generalists may not be cost-effective, but further research is needed to understand the differences in outcomes.
A CWRU study reveals that blaming people for mental illness can impair family functioning, leading to decreased cohesiveness, communication, and problem-solving ability. The research highlights the importance of understanding causal attributions about mental illness in promoting healthy family dynamics.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in the TIE-2 gene responsible for venous malformations, the most common type of birthmark. The mutation disrupts the normal molecular dialog between endothelial cells and their environment, leading to abnormal blood vessel formation.
The report summarizes findings of a workshop on robotics and computer-assisted medical interventions, highlighting advancements in surgical simulations, image-guided therapies, robotics, and teleinterventions. Researchers aim to improve patient care and reduce treatment costs with more precise tools that leverage human skills.
Researchers gather to explore progress and challenges in implementing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty's verification regime, covering seismic, infrasound, hydroacoustic, and radionuclear data. The goal is to detect even tiny nuclear events, making it as difficult as possible for them to slip through.
Researchers at KU Medical Center developed a technique predicting seizures by analyzing brain activity, potentially leading to new treatment options for patients with epilepsy. The algorithm measures seizure and non-seizure components, allowing for up to three-minute warning before a seizure occurs.
A group of scientists agreed upon revised criteria to distinguish different forms of Alzheimer's disease. The new guidelines take into account the distribution of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, providing a more accurate diagnosis and aiding researchers in their understanding of the disease.
The ancient port of Berenike continued to operate for centuries longer than previously thought, with entrepreneurs keeping costs low to maximize profits. Traders brought in luxury goods like elephants, gold, and red coral, while also exporting essential items like frankincense and Indian pepper.
A recent study published in the journal Stroke found that patients who receive primary care from a neurologist after a stroke have better survival rates and less disability. This is in contrast to those cared for by generalists, where death rates are higher despite similar short-term costs.
Microdevices bypass centrifugation, separating molecules as they pass through an H-filter and reading them with optical detectors. These devices will enable immediate diagnoses in ambulances and hospitals.
A Johns Hopkins study found that high-risk gastrointestinal surgery patients are less likely to die if treated at hospitals performing more complex procedures, without increased costs. The study's lead author notes that Maryland's unique data collection system contributed to the findings.
The study reveals that higher brain structures directly control the abstract information in a bird's song, while lower brain centers manage individual notes. Researchers hope to gain insight into how learning influences brain activity patterns.
Researchers are conducting studies on wind load, wind engineering meteorology, and wind flow around low-rise buildings. Computer programs have been developed to calculate direct/indirect costs of natural hazard disasters. The goal is to mitigate damage caused by hurricanes and other severe weather events.