Science News
Broad Institute Finds Gene Mutation, Prevents Diabetes
Researchers at the Broad Institute have discovered several gene mutations that potentially protect against type 2 diabetes, according to a journal article published in Nature Genetics earlier this month.
Professor Discusses the Challenges of Policy-Making and Climate Change
Students, resident scholars, and House Masters alike gathered Tuesday evening for a Lowell Masters’ Dinner to discuss climate change and policy-making with renowned environmental science and engineering professor, Daniel P. Schrag.
Scientists Modify Cotton and Polyester to Display Repellent Properties
By modifying cotton and polyester fabrics with a coating that repels almost any type of substance, a research team from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering could be close to changing the nature of several consumer and industrial products—as well as the need for laundry.
50 Years After "Big Bang" Theory, Experts Discuss Universe's Origins, Future
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of research validating the "big bang," experts from Harvard and elsewhere spoke Thursday.
Researchers Identify New Treatment for Kidney Disease
A group of researchers led by Dr. Peter H. Mundel at Massachusetts General Hospital has recently identified the first targeted therapy for a specific type of kidney disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS.
Energy Official Advocates Climate Adaptation
John M. Deutch, who served in multiple capacities for the Department of Energy and later directed the Central Intelligence Agency under President Bill Clinton, lectured Wednesday on the future of global energy, expressing a need for adaptation and not just mitigation to climate change.
Undergraduates Receive Collegiate Inventors Competition Award
Four Harvard undergraduates have received second place and a $10,000 award in the national Collegiate Inventors Competition for their development of a convenient, low-cost chemotherapy patch, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences announced Tuesday.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room in Cancer Genetic
Researchers from Harvard Medical School have predicted that many more tumor suppressor and oncogenes have a combined effect on the development of disease than originally thought, concluding that cancer is even more complex than imagined.
Scientists Use Zebrafish To Turn Human Stem Cells into Muscle Tissue
Harvard researchers have used Zebrafish, a tropical freshwater fish, to develop a way to turn human stem cells into muscle tissue.
Think You Have Strep Throat? There’s an App for That
Using troves of data to allow patients to know whether they are at risk for strep throat, Harvard Medical School researchers hope to lessen the number of unnecessary visits Americans make to their doctors for strep tests.
Scientists Discover New Species in Australia
A recent scientific expedition to the Cape Melville rainforest in Australia, led in part by a Harvard researcher, resulted in the discovery of three new vertebrate species. The scientists identified a golden colored skink, a leaf-tailed gecko, and a boulder-dwelling frog—all of which have been isolated in their environment for millions of years.
Study Measures Impact of Teacher Quality on Life After Schooling
According to a newly published study by economics professor Gary Chamberlain, having higher quality teachers in elementary and middle school predicts an increase in students’ college attendance and income.
Political Protests Change Behavior, Says Study
Political protests do not just show changing political preferences, but can actually cause political views and behaviors to change, according to a new research paper co-authored by assistant professors at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Business School Professor Examines 'Cheater's High'
As the unprecedented academic dishonesty case that rocked Harvard last year remains on the minds of students and faculty, a recently published article argues that cheating boosts self-satisfaction.
Scientists Re-Code Genome of E. Coli Bacterium
Scientists from Harvard and Yale came together to achieve what was once thought impossible: to fundamentally transform the identity and properties of an organism by re-coding its genome.
Chemistry Professor Emeritus Named Joint Winner of Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Martin Karplus ’51 and the two other winners won this year’s prize for developing computer simulations using classical physics and quantum mechanics that could improve scientists’ understanding of complex reactions and the development of new drugs.
Wyss Study Could Be Genetics Breakthrough
A recent study from Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering has uncovered features of the genetic code that may end a long-standing controversy in molecular biology and revolutionize the way many drugs and biofuels are currently produced.
Physics Professors Approach Real-Life Lightsaber
More than 40 years after the Star Wars saga's debut, Harvard physics professor Mikhail Lukin and MIT physics professor Vladan Vuletić say that they are closer to making the film’s iconic lightsaber a reality.
HPSH Study: High-Quality Surgical Care Linked to Low Hospital Readmission Rate
The study, published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine, provided numerical evidence that surgery, unlike general hospital care, can be assessed through hospital readmission rates.
HSPH Professor: Gun Owners More Likely To Die by Suicide
The study, entitled “Firearms and Suicide in the United States: Is Risk Independent of Underlying Suicidal Behavior?”, examined data on suicide rates and gun owenership from across the United States.
Medical School Researchers Urge Earlier, More Frequent Mammograms
The study found that women should have mammograms performed yearly beginning at age 40, contrary to government recommendations that state the screenings should occur biennially beginning at age 50.
HBS Professors Investigate Faked Positive Yelp Reviews
The study found that small independent companies are the most likely type of business to solicit faked positive reviews on the popular review website.
Study: Public, Policy Experts Disagree on Medicare
While the public-at-large is predominantly opposed to any cuts in the Medicare program, experts maintain that reducing spending is crucial to balancing the federal budget, the Harvard Opinion Research Program study says.
Study: Despite Longer Lives, Anxiety Persists
Researchers found improvements in the length and quality of life for the average American after examining trends in quality-adjusted life expectancy from 1987 to 2008.
African-American Professionals May Sleep Less, Study Finds
The HSPH study surveyed more than 135,000 African Americans and white Americans from the same work forces.