Articles tagged with Government Research
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center present findings on Gulf War illnesses, finding similarities to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Cognitive-behavioral therapy improves treatment success rates by 48 percent for symptoms of both conditions.
A team of scientists analyzed sediment core samples from Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Peru, revealing a 25,000-year precipitation record that suggests tropical South America was wet during the last Ice Age. The findings challenge traditional views that the region was dry during this time period.
Karen Wynn, a Yale psychologist, has been awarded the Troland Research Award for her groundbreaking research on infants' numerical competence. Her studies have revealed that infants can distinguish between different quantities and even compute simple additions and subtractions.
A new study reveals English schoolchildren enjoy learning and teachers the least, while Danish children are more positive about their educational experience. In contrast, French schools emphasize academic objectives, leading to a stronger sense of social identity among pupils.
Emmett Bennett Jr, a renowned scholar and UC alumnus, has been awarded the Gold Medal for Distinquished Archaeological Achievement by the Archaeological Institute of America. His groundbreaking work on Linear B script led to its decipherment, revolutionizing the study of ancient Greek writing systems.
A new operations research model has the potential to reduce America's high mortality rate for those with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) by as much as 20%, while also containing budget costs. The model helps dialysis centers optimize treatment and reduce financial burden.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a technique to measure defects in materials with picometer accuracy, enabling the design of advanced materials. The new technique uses interferometry in coherent electron diffraction and is particularly suited for investigating tiny areas of materials.
Research suggests that moving from welfare to low-wage work has no significant impact on mental health indicators among women. The study of 1,848 women found no differences in depression, self-esteem, or emotional support scores between those who remained on cash assistance and those who left the rolls for work.
A seven-university team led by Brown University aims to add light waves to microchips, creating a superchip that could replace electronic microchips and enable faster personal computers and Internet connections.
A new study by University of California, San Francisco researchers highlights the need for clear guidelines to manage potential conflicts of interest in academic research. The study found that nearly eight percent of UCSF scientists reported financial ties to industry sponsors in 1999, with complex relationships being seen as problematic.
Research suggests that compounds in chocolate, such as tetrahydro-beta-carbolines, may contribute to chocolate cravings. These compounds are also found in wine, beer, and liquor, but no connection has been established with compulsive drinking.
Researchers found that low-level ultraviolet irradiation and refrigeration can significantly increase the antioxidant compound resveratrol in grapes, potentially leading to reduced risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. The treatment has no known side effects and may be beneficial for other grape varieties.
A Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded study found that full-term breech presentation is safest with a planned caesarian section. Babies in the caesarian group were 3-4 times less likely to die or have serious problems within six weeks, especially in developed countries.
A $1.1-million study led by LSU will examine marine life on offshore platforms for pharmaceutical value, while also investigating the potential for better glues and adhesives. The research aims to identify new treatments for diseases such as cancer and AIDS.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that regular gardening, walking, and swimming can lead to a 5-10% reduction in average monthly Medicare expenditures. Making homes safer through simple changes also resulted in significant cost savings.
Using I.T. to reduce lead times and increase shipment frequency results in a significant 21% supply chain improvement for smaller batch manufacturing. In contrast, relying on electronic data interchange and early alerts yields only a 2.2% average supply chain gain.
The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) needs a broader scope and clearer goals to truly benefit children and families. States should focus on quality of care, including regular physician visits and preventive services, as well as plan ahead for primary care services and evaluate program effectiveness.
A nurse home visitation program found to be less effective in preventing child abuse and neglect in households with high incidents of domestic violence. The study suggests that the program may not address the root cause of domestic violence, which can exacerbate child maltreatment.
The National Science Foundation awarded the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign a $300,000 grant to lead a national partnership in planning and designing the NEESgrid, a virtual laboratory for earthquake engineering. This grant could potentially lead to a $10 million integration grant.
University of Colorado at Boulder researchers will study the effects of spaceflight on neural development in fruit flies and investigate gene expression in kidney cells. The experiments, sponsored by NASA and the National Institutes of Health, aim to understand nerve growth and development, as well as tissue engineering applications.
A study finds that multinationals that adopt stringent global environmental standards in developing countries outperform those using laxer standards, averaging a $10.4 billion higher market value. The researchers suggest that firms that prioritize eco-efficient production systems may see increased productivity and profitability.
The PQRI Workshop on Blend Uniformity brings together industry, academia, and government to discuss batch homogeneity issues and identify scientific and regulatory gaps. The workshop aims to provide preliminary recommendations for science-based changes to guidelines and regulations.
Researchers argue that online retailers focus too much on site hits and not enough on customer behavior patterns. By analyzing these patterns, retailers can identify frequent shoppers and target their marketing efforts more effectively to increase sales.
A new Amazon rainforest field research facility will conduct extensive ecological studies to understand the region's impact on global change. Scientists from around the world will study logging effects, carbon exchanges, and ecosystem cycles.
The Canadian Arthritis Network hosts its Annual Conference 2000 in Toronto, bringing together researchers and clinicians to find solutions for the disease affecting over four million Canadians. The symposium will focus on new approaches to diagnosing and treating arthritis, including innovative strategies to repair cartilage defects.
A recent MIT study found that online retailers, such as Amazon.com, charge higher prices than low-cost competitors like Books.com and CD Universe. The study reveals substantial differences in prices across retailers on the Internet, with top brands maintaining price advantages despite lower costs.
Researchers found that survival and reproduction rates for black-throated blue warblers were lower during El Niño years and higher during La Niña years. Climate changes associated with El Niño diminished food supply, causing low reproductive success in breeding grounds.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin outlines China's commitment to global scientific collaboration, highlighting initiatives such as Sino-Israeli and Sino-Australian scientific collaboration funds. He also calls for curriculum reform in China's education system and acknowledges the country's brain drain, with Chinese students studying abroad.
Researchers analyzed food marketing trends over three decades, finding increases in energy-dense foods and portions. This shift is believed to contribute to the growing prevalence of overweight Americans.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that auditors tend to make more objective decisions than salespeople due to their legal liability. However, when salespeople are held accountable for their decisions, their bias is reduced. The study suggests that making decisions based on facts rather than personal biases can lead to bet...
A new study suggests that Istanbul is likely to suffer a major earthquake within the next 30 years. The research estimates a 62% probability of strong shaking near the city, comparable to recent disasters in Izmit and Düzce.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed new radar antenna designs to detect and disable buried land mines. The dishes and rod-shaped antennas can identify mines like fingerprints identify people, while being mounted on a cart or hand-held.
Borggaard, a Virginia Tech assistant professor, has made important contributions to the Air Force's science and technology needs with his work on continuous sensitivity equation methods. His research aims to reduce design cycle times and improve aerodynamic flows, benefiting aircraft performance and fuel efficiency.
University of Florida researchers Richard Elston and Zhuomin Zhang won the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The award includes a $500,000 research grant to support their independent research careers. The recipients' work focuses on advancing basic science in heat transfer and thermodynamics.
Dr. Sanjay Raman is developing single IC chip technology that can integrate antennas and electronics in wireless devices, enabling smaller devices with vast applications in military, medical, and environmental fields. He also aims to create comprehensive communications curriculums at Virginia Tech.
The UK is in danger of missing out on fuel cells, solar energy, and the next generation of cleaner cars due to lack of innovation, experts warn. Government needs to set tough strategic goals and regulation to guide and enable businesses to adopt greener management.
A $4.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation is helping researchers link disparate databases and protect confidential data for economic and social scientists. The project aims to improve quality of the Census Bureau's surveys and enable better research on social issues like welfare-to-work and aging.
Researchers found that women caregivers experience significant emotional distress, which accumulates over time, but adapt physically to caregiving responsibilities, and physical limitations often stabilize after initial increases
A statewide project led by UNC Chapel Hill aims to understand how North Carolina counties have implemented the state's Work First Program. The study will gather information from county officials and analyze interviews with key stakeholders, providing insights into the evolving relationships between states and their counties.
The Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute will host a free patient/family brain tumor conference featuring new research, treatments, and support services. Experts in the field will discuss various topics, including current treatment approaches and potential therapies.
NASA has awarded $22 million in grants to 65 researchers to explore the effects of microgravity on materials science. The research will be conducted both on Earth and in space, with a focus on understanding fundamental physical and chemical processes.
A case study by INFORMS finds that organizations operating near safety borders rely on after-the-fact interventions rather than preparation. The study compares two nuclear facilities, highlighting the importance of anticipation, foresight, and countermeasures in staying within a zone of safety.
A recent study by the University of Alberta found that non-paid elderly caregivers in Canada are saving taxpayers over $5 billion each year. However, these caregivers often pay a significant personal cost, including reduced social connections, physical health issues, and financial struggles. To address this issue, researchers recommend...
The Ontario Student Drug Use Survey reveals a significant increase in youth smoking rates to 28% this year. Meanwhile, adult smoking rates have decreased, but cigarettes remain accessible and affordable for minors, a major concern.
A study by Virginia Tech found that workplace financial education positively impacts worker money behaviors and attitudes. After participating in a program, employees reported better health, improved confidence in managing finances, and increased savings.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) has released new research on the influence of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) on doctors' prescribing habits. A study found that half of physicians feel pressure to prescribe products patients have seen advertised, with 77% linking patient requests to TV advertising. Ad...
Airline safety expert Arnold I. Barnett says flying with major carriers on the same route doesn't significantly reduce risk. The death-risk statistic for US domestic jet carriers is 1 in 7 million, and frequent flyers face minimal cumulative risk.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) has selected ten individuals for its prestigious Fellow status in recognition of their significant contributions to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. The new AAPS Fellows include experts from academia, industry, and government institutions worldwide.
The American Geophysical Union's Fall Meeting features a press field trip on San Francisco Bay, where USGS scientists discuss water resources research. Media representatives can attend scientific sessions, visit the Press Room and Briefing Room, and participate in exclusive events.
Researchers have uncovered six complete bone flutes at a 9,000-year-old Neolithic site in China, which may be the earliest complete, playable, and tightly-dated musical instruments. The flutes, made from red-crowned crane wing bones, have been analyzed and played, revealing a tone scale similar to the Western eight-note scale.
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 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.
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.