From the database of
Essential
Science IndicatorsSM, this list of Emerging
Research Fronts has been generated by a comparison of the data sets for
the current period of January 2002-December 31, 2007, and the previous
period of November 2001-October 31, 2007 (sliding 6-year period). Of
the 6,757 Research Fronts in the January 2002-December 31, 2007 file, a
total of 2,417 (35%) were new. The following Research Fronts were
selected for mapping from the list of Emerging Research Fronts from
this period:
View a list of all Emerging
Research Front Maps within ScienceWatch.com.
This symbol indicates that the author(s) of the
comments below have also sent along accompanying images/descriptions
of their work.
Field
Research Front Name
Description
Agricultural
Sciences
ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY; PHENOLIC
COMPOUNDS; RUBUS SPECIES (FAMILY ROSACEAE)
There is intense interest in the phytochemical
composition and antioxidant properties of fruits and
vegetables because of their possible health benefits.
Superoxide activates uncoupling proteins and their
putative roles in energy dissipation, obesity and
regulation of insulin secretion and regulation of
mitochondrial radical production, aging, and
degenerative diseases.
Demonstration of the collective behavior of
nanoparticles as well as a convenient, simple technique
for production of one-dimensional semiconductor
colloids suitable for subsequent processing into
quantum-confined superstructures, materials, and
devices.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK FACTORS; UNITED STATES;
LIFETIME RISK
Context Modifiable behavioral risk factors are leading
causes of mortality in the United States, providing
insights into missed prevention opportunities.
HAPLOTYPE TAG SNPS; ASSOCIATION ANALYSES USING LINKAGE
DISEQUILIBRIUM; HUMAN GENOME; HAPLOTYPE BLOCKS
Results provide a foundation for the construction of a
haplotype map of the human genome, facilitating
comprehensive genetic association studies of human
disease.
Economics &
Business
TRIAL-BASED COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS;
COST-EFFECTIVENESS ACCEPTABILITY CURVES; HEALTH CARE
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
The relationship between cost-effectiveness
acceptability curves and decision-making in health care
and the introduction of the concept of the
cost-effectiveness frontier.
Engineering
SHOTGUN TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS;
ELECTROSPRAY IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS;
MATRIX-ASSISTED LASER DESORPTION/IONISATION TANDEM MASS
SPECTROMETRY
Mechanisms involved in the formation of various product
ions following collisional activation of molecular ion
species generated by electrospray ionization of the
common glycerophospholipids.
Environment/
Ecology
DNA REPAIR GENES USING CYTOGENETIC CHALLENGE ASSAYS;
CANCER RISK; BLADDER CANCER; NON-SMALL CELL LUNG
CANCER; BASE EXCISION REPAIR PATHWAY
Common polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may alter
protein function and an individual's capacity to repair
damaged DNA; deficits in repair capacity may lead to
genetic instability and carcinogenesis.
Geosciences
MODIS AEROSOL ALGORITHM; AEROSOL
OPTICAL DEPTH; KEY AEROSOL TYPES; TERRA MODIS LAND
PRODUCTS
A summary of multi-year aerosol observations—the
property which drives the impact of aerosol on the
radiative balance of the atmosphere.
A current understanding of the diversity of macrophage
activation in terms of polarization of cells with
different functional properties, including a review of
tumor-associated macrophages and the relationship of
inflammation and cancer.
Nanocomposites based on nylon 6 exhibit higher extents
of platelet exfoliation and better mechanical
properties than nanocomposites formed from low
molecular grade polyamide, a trend attributed to the
higher melt viscosity and higher shear stresses
generated during melt processing.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses can provide
convincing and reliable evidence relevant to many
aspects of medicine and healthcare.
Microbiology
ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANCE; MACROCYCLIC
LACTONE RESISTANCE; DRUG RESISTANCE; BENZIMIDAZOLE
RESISTANCE
Drug resistance in nematode parasites of grazing
livestock is one of the most significant issues facing
animal production systems across much of the world.
Environmental contaminants affect a wide variety of
biological events in many species, for example, dioxins
that exert adverse estrogen-related effects.
EFFICIENT BULK HETEROJUNCTION PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS;
ORGANIC SMALL MOLECULE
SOLAR CELLS; EFFICIENT
THIN-FILM ORGANIC SOLAR CELLS;
2% EFFICIENT ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
A consideration of the physics underlying the operation
of single and multiple heterojunction, vacuum-deposited
organic solar cells based on small molecular weight
thin films.
Plant &
Animal Science
ECOLOGY; STATISTICAL HYPOTHESIS TESTING; INFORMATION
THEORY; USING INFORMATION-THEORETIC METHODS
Model selection is now being implemented by researchers
in ecology and evolution as a valuable alternative to
traditional null hypothesis testing, especially when
more than one hypothesis is plausible.
Psychiatry/
Psychology
CORONARY HEART DISEASE; PHYSICAL HEALTH; CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASE; SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS
Childhood family environments represent vital links for
understanding mental and physical health across the
life span.
Three regimens studied are very efficacious for
emergency contraception and prevent a high proportion
of pregnancies if taken within five days of unprotected
coitus.
Space
Science
DARK MATTER HALOES; EXCURSION
SET MODEL; HUBBLE VOLUME SIMULATIONS; SKY SURVEY
POPULATIONS
Data from a number of N-body simulations is combined to
predict the abundance of dark haloes in cold dark
matter universes over more than four orders of
magnitude in mass.