Harvard researchers are adding statistical nuance to our understanding of how modern and historical temperatures compare. Through developing a statistical model of Arctic temperature and how it relates to instrumental and proxy records derived from trees, ice cores, and lake sediments, Martin Tingley, a research associate in Harvard's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Peter Huybers, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, have shown that the warmest summers in the last two decades are unprecedented in the previous six centuries. Their work is described ...

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects nearly 8 million adults in any given year, federal statistics show. Fortunately, clinical research has identified certain psychological interventions that effectively ameliorate the symptoms of PTSD. But most people struggling with PTSD don't receive those treatments, according to a new report published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest. In the report, internationally renowned trauma expert Edna Foa of the University of Pennsylvania and a team of distinguished psychological scientists review studies describing interventions ...

New York, NY—April 11, 2013—Researchers at Columbia Engineering and Boston University have developed the first method to map evaporation globally using weather stations, which will help scientists evaluate water resource management, assess recent trends of evaporation throughout the globe, and validate surface hydrologic models in various conditions. The study was published in the April 1 online Early Edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). "This is the first time we've been able to map evaporation in a consistent way, using concrete measurements ...

Stem cells can be coaxed to grow into new bone or new cartilage better and faster when given the right molecular cues and room inside a water-loving gel, researchers at Case Western Reserve University show. By creating a three-dimensional checkerboard—one with alternating highly connected and less connected spaces within the hydrogel—the team found adjusting the size of the micropattern could affect stem cell behaviors, such as proliferation and differentiation. Inducing how and where stem cells grow—and into the right kind of cell in three dimensions—has proven a ...

In 1972, a U.S. Senate committee reported, "Many of the great whales which once populated the oceans have now dwindled to the edge of extinction," due to commercial hunting. The committee also worried about how tuna fishing was accidentally killing thousands of dolphins, trapped in fishing gear. And they considered reports about seal hunting and the decline of other mammals, including sea otters and walruses. In October of that year, Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Four decades later, new research shows that the law is working. Not only has the act ...

Obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure (hypertension) are all related, but understanding the molecular pathways that underlie cause and effect is complicated. A new University of Iowa study identifies a protein within certain brain cells as a communications hub for controlling blood pressure, and suggests that abnormal activation of this protein may be a mechanism that links cardiovascular disease and obesity to elevated blood pressure. "Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor," ...

Cold Spring Harbor, NY - Stem cells are different from all other cells in our body because they retain the remarkable genetic plasticity to self-renew indefinitely as well as develop into cell types with more specialized functions. However, this remarkable self-renewal capacity comes with a price, as stem cells can become seeds of cancer. Identifying genetic programs that maintain self-renewing capabilities therefore is a vital step in understanding the errors that derail a normal stem cell, sending it on a path to become a cancer stem cell. Isolating cells from various ...

Research on a soy-based treatment for colorectal cancer, a promising agent in ovarian cancer, and a new drug target for advanced prostate cancer was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research 2013 Annual Meeting. The meeting took place April 6-10, 2013 in Washington, DC. Natural Product From Soy May Be Effective in Combination with Chemotherapy The development of colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely driven by cellular signaling in the Wnt pathway, a network of proteins critical to cellular growth. Hyperactivity of the Wnt signaling pathway occurs in ...

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Researchers have discovered that rising temperature induces key changes in the dengue virus when it enters its human host, and the findings represent a new approach for designing vaccines against the aggressive mosquito-borne pathogen. The researchers found that the dengue virus particles swell slightly and take on a bumpy appearance when heated to human body temperature, exposing "epitopes," or regions where antibodies could attach to neutralize the virus. The discovery is significant because it could help to explain why vaccines against dengue ...

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Maya are famous for their complex, intertwined calendric systems, and now one calendar, the Maya Long Count, is empirically calibrated to the modern European calendar, according to an international team of researchers. "The Long Count calendar fell into disuse before European contact in the Maya area," said Douglas J. Kennett, professor of environmental archaeology, Penn State. "Methods of tying the Long Count to the modern European calendar used known historical and astronomical events, but when looking at how climate affects the rise and ...

The chances of developing lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure, asbestosis and smoking are dramatically increased when these three risk factors are combined, and quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing lung cancer after long-term asbestos exposure, according to a new study. "The interactions between asbestos exposure, asbestosis and smoking, and their influence on lung cancer risk are incompletely understood," said lead author Steven B. Markowitz, MD DrPH, professor of occupational and environmental medicine at the School of Earth & Environmental ...

Dog sniffs: Supreme Court honors privacy of the home Article provided by Fombelle & Fombelle, LLP Visit us at http://www.decaturdui.com Many criminal cases involve evidentiary issues, which are based on the Fourth Amendment. Case law is constantly evolving, revealing the boundaries of protection against unreasonable searches and seizures -- in the home, car or on a person. The Fourth Amendment analysis requires a thorough understanding of what constitutes a "search" under the Fourth Amendment. This, in turn, helps the criminal justice system uncover ...

An introduction to intentionally defective grantor trusts Article provided by Spencer Law Firm Visit us at http://www.spencerlawfirm.com/ Intentionally defective grantor trusts are valuable estate planning tools that have been used for years to transfer assets to heirs while minimizing estate tax liability. IDGTs came under threat in President Obama's federal budget proposal for 2013, which sought to change the rules governing their tax treatment, making them less attractive for people seeking to transfer assets in a tax-efficient manner. Congress rejected the proposal, ...

Stop Distracted Driving? There's an App for That Article provided by Menges & McLaughlin, P.C. Visit us at http://www.yourlawfirmforlife.com/ While behind the wheel, dialing or texting on a cellphone has been proven to be a major distraction. Even though today's mobile phones are called "smartphones," they are no match for the temptation to check in with friends while on the go, putting others at risk of being involved in a serious car accident. For this reason, phone makers and software developers are attempting to create a technological solution ...

Considerations when Investigating Franchise Opportunities Article provided by Usher Law Firm, P.A. Visit us at http://www.usherlawfirm.com/ Investing in a franchise can be a great way to build a successful business. Of course, it is necessary to research opportunities carefully. In addition to industry growth, unit growth, and the level of support provided by the franchisor, it is also important to find out as much as possible about earnings and financial statements. But where can investors find this sort of information? FTC Governs the Franchise Sector The ...

Investigation details complaints against Bay County police agencies Article provided by Stanley E. Peacock, P.A. Visit us at http://www.stanpeacocklaw.com Many police officers do their best to respect individual rights and operate within the legal bounds of their power. Yet, like everyone else, police officers are only human. They occasionally make mistakes, overstep their bounds or otherwise act outside of their official capacity. When this happens, the individuals whose rights were violated may be able to get evidence against them thrown out. In Bay County, ...

Northeast Florida spring break arrests put many in need of legal defense Article provided by Stanley E. Peacock, P.A. Visit us at http://www.stanpeacocklaw.com Panama City is always a popular destination for legions of beachgoers during college spring break season. While spring break is supposed to be a chance to cut loose and have a little fun, it is also a time of significantly stepped up law enforcement activity throughout Northwestern Florida. For many partygoers, spring break results in a serious criminal charge. After the 2013 spring break season, many ...

Supreme Court hears case concerning warrantless use of drug dogs Article provided by Marianne F. Auriemma Visit us at http://www.maywooddwiattorney.com Investigations into suspected drug crimes can be some of the most complex operations run by law enforcement. Many different agencies can be involved in the process, and it is often a very costly and time-consuming process. Those accused of drug crimes often do not know they are the target of an investigation until they are charged with a crime. Because of the secrecy involved in these investigations, law enforcement ...

Potential for abuse of discretion during DUI stops? Article provided by Marianne F. Auriemma Visit us at http://www.maywooddwiattorney.com When a motorist sees flashing lights in his or her rearview mirror, it is not uncommon for nerves to take over. Most people have very infrequent contact with law enforcement, and the feelings of "being in trouble" can lead to panic and uncertainty. Police officers may observe these behaviors and use it as evidence to turn a normal traffic stop into a DUI/DWI investigation. A recent high-profile DUI/DWI stop in New ...

Prenuptial agreements in Massachusetts Article provided by Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee, LLP Visit us at http://www.mirickfamilylaw.com Once thought to be only for the rich and famous, prenuptial agreements, or "prenups," are becoming more commonplace among couples who fit into a variety of financial statuses. Some individuals view these types of agreements as a bad way to start a marriage; however, individuals who are contemplating marriage should realize that prenuptial agreements can actually be very beneficial for them. The law In ...

New technologies increase distracted driving risk Article provided by Hoover Andrews, PLLC Visit us at http://www.hooverandrews.com Not long ago, drunk drivers and drowsy drivers were two of the most significant threats on our nation's highways. Although drunk driving and drowsy driving are still a problem in the U.S., the proliferation of cell phone technology in recent years has led to the emergence of distracted driving as leading factor in motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,092 people were killed and ...

Experimental drug offers hope to victims of spinal cord injuries Article provided by Goff & Goff, LLC Visit us at http://www.goff-law.com/ Spinal cord injuries are among some of the most catastrophic injuries that there are. Any damage to the spinal cord, which is the body's neurologic connection to the brain, can affect the urinary, respirator, gastrointestinal and muscular systems. In addition to the body, spinal cord injuries can significantly affect the pocketbook. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average annual cost ...

SmartAVI, Inc., a world-leading innovator of digital signage and audiovisual signal distribution, extension, and switching, has unveiled today its latest family of HD Multiviewers with the new HDMV-Plus HDMI KVM switch. HDMV-Plus can simultaneously monitor up to four different HD sources while maintaining maximum resolutions on a single screen. With USB keyboard and mouse support, HDMV-Plus can manage all input devices using a single set of KVM controls, offering greater flexibility for KVM management. HDMV-Plus is perfect for monitoring multiple real-time devices such ...

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) on Thursday listed a local content code of practice that would observe the state's resources industry strengthen its binds with local contractors. It was in the state and nation's long-term interest to support flexible and outcomes-based measures to 'join the dots' between the resources sector and local suppliers, QRC CEO Michael Roche said. "The minerals and energy sector is recognised as underpinning the Queensland economy by providing more than 70 000 direct jobs, and through A$28-billion in local purchases, more than ...

As a central piece of its global business transformation project, Telefónica selected TOA Technologies and its mobile workforce management software solution to manage its worldwide field technician workforce. Based in Spain, Telefónica is one of the largest telecom providers in the world with operations in 24 countries in Latin America and Europe, more than 315 million customers and a large mobile workforce of field service technicians. Telefónica evaluated its field service management strategy in an effort to transform its mobile workforce operations and standardize ...