Articles tagged with Government Research
A study has identified perchlorate in fertilizers, a chemical compound suspected of adverse health effects. The findings suggest that fertilizers could be a source for perchlorate accumulation in the food chain, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reveals that low to moderate lead levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. The research, conducted in Mexico City from 1994 to 1996, found that the risk nearly doubles for every five micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.
Researchers developed an electronic stock exchange that rapidly detects and shares insider information, imposing electronic penalties on insider traders. This approach can level the playing field and diminish the gains from insider trading.
The research report highlights the emotional impact of organ donations on both recipients and donor families. Recipients often view their transplanted organs as mechanical objects, while donor families perceive them as a personal connection to the donor.
Driver fatigue is a leading threat to road safety, with at least 100,000 crashes and 1,500 fatalities attributed to it annually. New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that fatigued drivers become increasingly susceptible to accidents long before they fall asleep at the wheel.
The AGU Spring Meeting will feature new press conferences on Leonid Meteors, which created a temporary lunar atmosphere, and Yucca Mountain as a potential site for long-term nuclear waste storage. The sessions will also include discussions on Mars Global Surveyor findings and the impact of magnetic storms on Earth.
Researchers at University at Buffalo discovered that aerosol clusters can amplify chemical reactions, creating carcinogenic by-products from benign reagents. The study may provide a better understanding of how air pollution forms and inform regulation strategies.
At the 95th annual meeting of the Association of American Geographers, researchers will present papers on declassified satellite data revealing secret technological breakthroughs during the Cold War. Additionally, sound maps for visually-impaired individuals and fire risk mapping techniques using satellite images to predict forest fire...
Researchers found no link between M74 and environmental pollutants, but suspect complex interacting factors in the Baltic Sea. Precautionary treatment with Vitamin B1 reduces mortality in salmon hatcheries.
Researchers have identified two genetic mutations as the cause of megaloblastic anemia 1, a rare disease affecting vitamin B-12 absorption. The disease is exceedingly rare, occurring in only one person in a million, but can be fatal if left untreated.
A form of bait and switch could actually benefit consumers, say professors, as it drives prices down and stimulates in-store promotions. However, others contest this argument, citing fraudulent practices and the need for retailer competition.
The future health requirements of tomorrow's older population will significantly impact their quality of life, with millions expected to be poor and frail. Investing in aging research is crucial to prevent debilitating conditions and reduce healthcare costs.
A recent study confirms that clot-busting drug tPA has no benefit in improving stroke recovery after three hours. Instead, it carries a 7% risk of worsening the stroke and a 3% chance of early death. The research firms up guidelines for using tPA, emphasizing the importance of prompt hospital care within the 3-hour window.
Experts gather at AAAS Symposium to discuss the impact of new accountability requirements on research environments. A study by the National Academy of Science's Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy (COSEPUP) will be presented, highlighting potential negative effects.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA and Catholic University found that younger addicts, particularly those from minority groups, have lower chances of long-term recovery. The study analyzed data from over 800 narcotics addicts in California and identified key factors influencing relapse rates, including age of first use and ethnicity.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have created an anti-browning treatment that prevents apples from turning brown for up to five weeks. The new technique uses natural products and doesn't require special packaging, with potential applications in other fresh-cut fruits.
Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a form of HIV from India, finding significant variation in genes for proteins on the outer envelope of the virus. This suggests that currently favored approaches to vaccine development may not work, and that a new approach may be needed.
A total of 48 researchers, including eight from Alabama, have been awarded NASA grants to study protein crystallization and cell science. These grants may lead to improvements in medical technologies such as drug design and tissue engineering.
TOPIC ISLANDS transforms large documents into visualizations and excerpted summaries to recognize themes and facilitate easy understanding. The technology can process multiple pages simultaneously and is applicable to daily needs of individuals and organizations.
A study of 1,189 Indian seventh-grade children found that nearly 13% had fluorosis, a primarily aesthetic condition affecting adult teeth during development. Children who started using fluoride toothpaste under age 2 showed more severe cases of fluorosis.
The Johns Hopkins University engineering graduate student created a website to address questions on the impact of climate change on public health and policy makers' responses. The site provides research tools, links to experts, and raw data for researchers.
A study at Duke University Medical Center found Hispanic heart patients experienced a median delay of nine minutes from symptom onset until receiving medical therapy. Despite differences in treatment, clinical outcomes were similar between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients.
Nu-Trim, a new fat substitute, contains beta-glucans that lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. It can transform baked goods into low-calorie, high-fiber foods with improved texture and volume. Studies show it reduces plasma cholesterol by 27% and LDL cholesterol by 36%, making it an attractive option for heart health.
Researchers found that welfare-dependent individuals and working poor people face negative attitudes from professionals and encounter barriers in their daily lives. They struggle to lead ordinary lives without facing stigma, which drains their energy and hinders their progress in moving up the economic ladder.
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.
A recent study by Dr. Robert Haley at UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that Gulf War veterans experience significant post-war excesses in hospitalizations and deaths, contrary to earlier government studies. The research is based on the team's findings of neurological damage caused by chemical exposure during the war.
Researchers created a mathematical model that builds on current FAA ground-holding policies, aiming to reduce cost and improve efficiency in air traffic management. The model has been partially implemented in Europe and shows a potential improvement of up to 30 percent in reducing congestion.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) and the Operational Research Society of Israel (ORSIS) will hold an international convention at Tel Aviv University. Operations researchers use math and science to make sense of millions of details, impacting industries such as airlines, healthcare, and business.
The Aviation System Analysis Capability (ASAC) is an integrated suite of models and databases that assesses the impact of new technologies on air transportation efficiency and safety. Developed by Logistics Management Institute, ASAC assists researchers in air traffic management analysis and aircraft technology analysis.
The TRAMAH model has been successfully tested in Maryland, achieving near 100% access to trauma system resources within 30 minutes for severely injured residents. By optimally locating fewer helicopter depots or replacing single trauma centers, the researchers saw significant improvements in response times and coverage.
Researchers recommend strategies to manage queues and waiting lines, including paying bills by mail and avoiding in-person registration. Dr. Richard C. Larson suggests that fair standing queues, such as merging traffic, can help reduce frustration with waiting.
Researchers developed two time-saving strategies for drivers to find parking spaces: Pick a Row, Closest Space and Cycling. The first approach requires less driving but more walking, while the second is faster but with slightly longer distances.
A study by Columbia University statistics professor Andrew Gelman and colleagues found that small-state voters have a higher probability of affecting the outcome of presidential races due to the electoral college system. In close national elections, vote tallies in politically balanced states are more likely to determine the outcome.
Rising global temperatures could lead to the expansion of dengue fever's geographic range into temperate regions. The mosquito Aedes aegypti's larval size and adult frequency will increase with warmer temperatures, boosting disease transmission.
A five-year educational campaign in Thailand has dramatically cut HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases among young army draftees. The program, which promoted condom use, reduced the HIV rate by a factor of five and STDs by a factor of ten among those studied.
A study found that product linkage and market position are crucial factors in International Joint Venture performance, while a local partner's strategic fit is also vital for risk reduction, market development, and profitability. The research suggests that multinational corporations should select partners with rich market experience, s...
A recent journal issue concludes that businesses are failing to leverage emerging computer/communications technology for profits. The study highlights the need for commensurate changes in management practices to unlock economic value from technological advancements.
Researchers use exploratory analysis of CCEP database to identify smaller groups with common health conditions based on shared exposure to risk factors. The study found no large group affected by a syndrome, but identified specific characteristics that may be related to Gulf War Syndrome.
Researchers found that making optimal use of backup agreements between catalogers and manufacturers can increase net cash by almost 50%. The strategy, tested on a multibillion-dollar retail giant, is applicable to various industries with seasonal demand fluctuations.
Carnegie Mellon University researchers are developing mobile, wearable computer systems to provide fast access to maintenance and repair information for aircraft mechanics. The project aims to cut time and cost of planes going in and out of repair depots, benefiting the US Air Force.
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.
University of Delaware professor Daniel van der Weide will receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the National Science Foundation. The award recognizes his efforts to develop ultra-small instruments and techniques for polishing and characterizing semiconductor integrated circuits.
A new study found that even with enforcement of laws banning tobacco sales to minors, many youths continue to easily purchase tobacco products from merchants. The researchers suggest improving compliance by using more effective inspection methods and stricter penalties.
Researchers will focus on assessing earthquake resistance and retrofitting options for major structures in urban areas. The project aims to develop more sophisticated criteria for earthquake hazard prevention, potentially saving $10 or more in building costs for every dollar spent on research.
The research aims to determine the prevalence of neurotoxic poisoning among Gulf War veterans, design a national survey, and identify cost-effective screening tests. The goal is to find treatments to allow affected veterans to live more comfortable lives.
The University at Buffalo Center for Biosurfaces has received a $900,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the effects of airborne contaminants on human cardiovascular and respiratory health. Researchers aim to develop new materials that are non-toxic and do not cause adverse reactions in humans.
Researchers are focusing on mediators in Georgia with a four-year project aiming to identify common practices that distinguish skillful from less effective mediation. The study includes 25-page surveys of 1,000-plus mediators and analysis of 40 videotaped mediation sessions.
Chernobyl wildlife exhibits genetic change but no apparent defects, suggesting less severe environmental damage than feared. The area's abundant species thrive in a largely abandoned landscape.
A federally mandated regulation led to a significant reduction in hospitalization rates among nursing home residents, with no increase in death rate. The study found that targeted hospital use resulted in better care and cost savings.
A four-year study found that poverty is a significant risk factor for emotional disturbances in white children, but not in American Indian children. Despite having a higher poverty rate, American Indian children were less likely to experience emotional disturbances.
A recent study comparing US and Canadian heart attack patient care found small but statistically significant short-term edges for American cardiac care. However, overall data suggest conservative Canadian practices may favor better long-term outcomes.
A $2.7 million clinical trial is underway at the University of Alaska Anchorage to investigate the effectiveness of needle exchange programs in reducing the spread of disease among injection drug users. The study will compare participants who receive clean syringes through needle exchange with those who purchase them at pharmacies.
A team of geophysicists has found a partially molten granite pool beneath southwestern Tibet, which could have absorbed India's impact and lifted the plateau. The discovery uses seismic profiling techniques to detect deep earth structures and suggests that the Indian subcontinent's thrust into Asia may have created this zone.
A UNC-CH report evaluates the effectiveness of family planning programs in developing countries, identifying key components linked to success. The research emphasizes the importance of evaluation in allocating resources for maximum impact.
Most young molecular biologists (91%) are satisfied with their career choice despite facing challenges in the field. They believe effective gene therapy and a cure for AIDS will be significant breakthroughs in the next decade.
Research by UNC-CH history professor Dr. Richard Kohn helped lead President Bill Clinton's awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to black WWII veterans. The research uncovered instances of racism and black heroism, leading to the re-evaluation of over 40 black soldiers' nominations for the top military honor.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a miniature video camera that can transmit to a site up to 100 feet away, such as a police car. The camera features a disguised lens that makes it unobtrusive, and its design enables secure surveillance and protection for law enforcement.
Scientists from The Scripps Research Institute investigated how moderate and low doses of alcohol impact brain function. They found that c-Fos protein levels were stimulated in regions involved in emotions, motivation, and sensory processing, while selectively decreased in the hippocampus.
Scientists are examining population sizes using new statistical methods to determine if they're constant or fluctuating. The study aims to understand the causes of worldwide amphibian decline, which remains a mystery.
Six American institutions are putting ancient manuscript collections online through the Advanced Papyrological Information System (APIS), making fragile materials accessible to scholars worldwide. The effort aims to digitize and link images, texts, and bibliography for easier research.