Experiments in mice with a bone disorder similar to that in women after menopause show that a scientifically overlooked group of cells are likely crucial to the process of bone loss caused by the disorder, according to Johns Hopkins researchers. Their discovery, they say, not only raises the research profile of the cells, called preosteoclasts, but also explains the success and activity of an experimental osteoporosis drug with promising results in phase III clinical trials. A summary of their work was publish…

The Ferrari name was established on the racetrack in 1929, and its founder, Enzo Ferrari, intended to keep it there. In fact, Ferrari (the man) famously despised building road cars, but he saw it as a means to fund his racing programs when he launched the marque in 1947. As a result, Ferrari—a name now synonymous with the world’s best sports cars—seems to be competing with itself these days. Having released its LaFerrari flagship sports car (limited to just 499 examples) in 2013, the Italian automaker recently…

Gene Variation Affects Brain Cell Development

Johns Hopkins researchers have begun to connect the dots between a schizophrenia-linked genetic variation and its effect on the developing brain. As they report July 3 in the journal Cell Stem Cell, their experiments show that the loss of a particular gene alters the  skeletons of developing brain cells, which in turn disrupts the orderly layers those cells would normally form.

“This is an important step toward understanding what physically hap…

900 hp Porsche 918 Spyder Supercar Earns Top Honors

MALIBU, CA (February 23, 2015) – For the first time in the award’s 22-year history, Robb Report’s Car of the Year honor will be presented to a plug-in hybrid, as the international luxury lifestyle authority has selected the 900 hp Porsche 918 Spyder from a field of 13 newly introduced luxury and sports cars.

Thanks to its prowess as a plug-in hybrid that has “more in common with a Formula 1 racecar than a practical daily driver,” the 918 becomes the sec…

An unusually diverse and uniquely daring assemblage of 13 automobiles challenged assumptions and presented our judges with the dilemma of choosing a clear winner during Robb Report‘s 22nd Car of the Year competition. The contenders comprised the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, Audi RS 7, Bentley Continental GT V8 S, BMW i8, Cadillac ELR, Ferrari California T, Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, Kia K900, Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, Maserati Ghibli S Q4, Mercedes-Benz S550 AMG 4-Matic Coupe, Porsche 918 Spyder (above illustration by Mike Kim), and <a href="http://robbreport.com/slideshow/automobiles/robb-report-2015-car-year/7" style="text-decoration:none; font-weigh…

Detecting delirium among small patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is tricky, since children are often heavily sedated and may not be able to articulate their visions or fears. 

“Any child who is exposed to the chaotic ICU environment, with constant light, noise, sedative medications, and resultant sleep disturbances, is at major risk for delirium,” says Johns Hopkins’ Sapna Kudchadkar, an assistant professor of pediatric anesthesiology and critical care. “We’re developing tools for identifyi…

Since introducing the innovative Master’s Collection in 2006, Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve’s master distiller, has taken this triple-pot-distilled whiskey to places no bourbon has gone before. In fact, due to the legal requirement that bourbon must be aged in new American white-oak barrels, this latest limited-edition spirit cannot technically be called bourbon at all.

As its name suggests, Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish ($100) has been finished in French oak barrels …

Asia Week New York, taking place this year from March 13 through 21 throughout Manhattan, has long been considered one of the year’s premier collecting events. Given its vast scope—the arts of China, India, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and the Himalayas—it is unsurprising that it has continued to grow. Museums, dealers, and auction houses all participate, and the latter often marshal truly head-turning art and antiques lots for the March event.

In addition to offering seven sales of items from the late U.S…

Researchers Pinpoint Protein Crucial For Development Of Biological Rhythms In Mice

Johns Hopkins researchers report that they have identified a protein essential to the formation of the tiny brain region in mice that coordinates sleep-wake cycles and other so-called circadian rhythms.

By disabling the gene for that key protein in test animals, the scientists were able to home in on the mechanism by which that brain region, known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus or SCN, becomes the body’s master c…

Silver Wind, the latest boat from Italy’s ISA Yachts, is the first in the world to use water-jet propulsion driven by a hybrid diesel-electric system. When powered by its two marine diesel engines, the yacht can reach a top speed of 32 knots and cruise at 26 knots; when its water jets are driven exclusively by the two electric motors, it is able to cruise at 8. Not only does this system reduce fuel consumption, it also helps reduce maintenance costs by allowing the engines and generators to operate for fewer t…