Scientists hope that a new supercomputer may help them identify the sound of a celestial black hole. Gravitational waves are produced by violent events in the distant universe, such as the collision of black holes or explosions of supernovas. The waves radiate across the universe at the speed of light. While Albert Einstein predicted the existence of these waves in 1916 in his general theory of relativity, it has taken decades to develop the technology to detect them.
Teams of researchers all over the world are working on the development of organic solar cells. Organic solar cells have good prospects for the future: They can be laid onto thin films, which makes them cheap to produce.
Botox and Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin Type A) and Myobloc (Botulinum toxin Type B) have been linked in some cases to adverse reactions, including respiratory failure and death, following treatment of a variety of conditions using a wide range of doses, according to the FDA. The most severe adverse effects were found in children treated for spasticity in their limbs associated with cerebral palsy.
Microneedle technology will increase the availability of medications applicable for transdermal drug delivery, a pain free and patient friendly route of drug administration. The study could help advance the use of microneedles as a painless method for delivering drugs, proteins, DNA and vaccines into the body.
Consumers have long known that including dairy in their diets can help maintain healthy bones and even help promote weight loss. However, a recent study demonstrated that routine intake of dairy products may also help promote periodontal health.
Human-computer interaction has not improved enormously since Mark Twain's time, when the typewriter was invented. A European research task force hopes to change that by making human-computer interaction, well, 'similar' to the way humans do it. Mark Twain famously invested, and then lost, a fortune on the first typewriter, in 1874. Since then, human-computer interaction has moved beyond basic key-entry (here, the mouse is the most pervasive development), but the keyboard's legacy lives on. We are still using Qwerty, a layout designed to slow down the typist's speed, because the mechanical keys would jam together if pressed in rapid succession.
Contrary to popular notions, people at the high end of the autism spectrum disorder continuum suffer most from an inability to model "self" rather than impaired ability to respond to others, according to a novel research study. This inability to model "self" can disrupt an individual's ability to understand the world as a whole, according to researchers.
For several years, scientists have been working to determine why so many male smallmouth bass in the Potomac River basin have immature female egg cells in their testes - a form of intersex. They are closer to finding an answer. New research shows that a high incidence of intersex occurs in the Potomac watershed at sites where farming is most intense and where human population density is highest. The study also shows the greatest prevalence of this form of intersex, known as testicular oocytes, occurs in the spring, just before and during the spawning season. A prevalence of intersex is not unique to the Potomac basin, nor is it unique to smallmouth bass. It has been documented in other wild fish populations including spot-tail shiners in the St. Lawrence River, white suckers in Colorado, shovelnose sturgeon in the Mississippi, white perch from the Great Lakes, roach fish in the U.K and Denmark, sharp-tooth catfish in South Africa, three-spine stickleback in Germany, and barbel in Italy. It has also been noted in marine and estuarine fishes in Japan, the UK and the Mediterranean.
Scientists are at sea studying the Saharan dust that blows off the coast of Africa - triggering huge plankton blooms in the eastern Atlantic. Saharan dust is rich in nitrogen, iron and phosphorus and acts as a fertilizer on the production of plankton.
Significant pre-clinical results on the anti-tumor activity of Titanocene Y on human breast tumors and in a mouse model have just been published. In the mouse model, a decrease not only in tumor growth but also a reduction in tumor volume to around one-third was observed for the first time. In the human breast cancer, Titanocene Y showed cell death induction comparable to the widely-used chemotherapy drug Cisplatin.
Scientists in Germany are reporting development of test that can answer one of the most frustrating questions in the animal kingdom: Is that bird a boy or a girl? Their study is a potential boon to poultry farmers and bird breeders.
Sugar isn't the only enemy of teeth. Acids found in diet and regular soda, energy drinks, juice and wine can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. There are a few ways to minimize the risk of damage from acidic foods and drinks such as timing consumption: Eating acidic foods as part of a meal helps neutralize and eliminate acids. Before bedtime is the worst time to consume acidic foods, because saliva production decreases during sleep. Saliva helps neutralize and dilute acids. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste 30 minutes before consuming acidic foods or drink is most beneficial. Brushing immediately afterward should be avoided.
Scientists have successfully produced carbon nanotubes in high yields in bulk solid compositions using commercially available aromatic containing resins. The concentration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and metal nanoparticles can be easily varied within the shaped carbonaceous solid. Carbon nanotube containing fibers and films have also been formulated from the precursor compositions. The potential range of applications is huge, including structure, energy, sensors, separation/filtration, battery, electronic displays and nanoelectronic devices.
Increases in young women's drinking during the transition from high school through the first year of college can have dangerous physical, sexual and psychological implications, according to a new report. Researchers found that the changes in drinking patterns during the high-school-to-college transition influenced risk for physical and sexual victimization in different ways.
