Scientists at the University of Chicago's Howard Hughes Medical Institute have discovered that an improperly folded protein in yeast cells can corrupt other proteins, leading to heritable changes. This finding supports the 'prion hypothesis' and provides direct evidence for protein-based inheritance.
University of Washington researchers have made significant advances in a new MRI technique called magnetic resonance (MR) neurography. This breakthrough allows for clear images of nerve compressions, injuries, and normal nerve function, enabling diagnoses and treatment with unprecedented precision.
Researchers have identified three genes connected to stroke in hypertensive rats, with two protecting against the disease and one predisposing it. The study sheds light on the complex nature of stroke, which is influenced by multiple genetic factors beyond well-known risk factors.
Researchers investigated nausea in a study of 1,695 Penn State students, discovering 17 descriptors that define the feelings associated with nausea. These descriptors were clustered into three groups: somatic, gastrointestinal, and emotional distress, highlighting the variability in nausea experiences among individuals.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a method to recover fossil iron meteorites from coal using tramp iron magnets. The method involves examining magnetic materials pulled out of coal by these electromagnets, which could potentially yield up to 5 pounds of iron meteorites per year.
An international team of scientists has identified the gene responsible for anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA), a condition affecting the development of skin, hair, and teeth. The discovery provides a molecular marker to identify female carriers and is a step towards developing therapeutic interventions.
A two-year study on wild baboons found that environmental factors such as social status and seasonal conditions significantly impact reproduction. The research suggests that understanding these natural processes can inform the development of new treatments for human infertility.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed an experimental system to match inlet and engine components, addressing a critical issue in aircraft design. The system combines a small jet engine with a special inlet to improve stability and predictability, enabling safer and more efficient flight.
Scientists have developed a powerful new way to visualize the full set of human chromosomes using spectral karyotyping, which translates computer-gathered light waves into a full-color palette. This technique enables easy examination of chromosome changes that could lead to disease, such as missing or extra pieces.
Microgravity researchers Michael Paulaitis and Kathleen Stebe are developing stable suspensions to create polymers in Earth-based labs. Their findings could shape space station materials, fuel pumping systems, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Researchers find that parents' management of their children's emerging autonomy during the Terrible Twos significantly impacts future behavioral problems. The study reveals that families with less income, negative emotions, social isolation, and authoritarian parenting styles are more likely to experience troubled interactions.
Scientists have discovered how p27 blocks cell growth in virtually all human cancers, providing new hope for developing drugs to halt uncontrolled cell division. The discovery uses X-ray crystallography to reveal the molecular structure of p27 and its interaction with cyclin-CDK complexes.
The implant is a button-sized polymer that releases hydromorphone over one to three months, providing steady pain medication. It could be used in developing nations where cancer rates are high but limited treatment options exist, and potentially as an alternative to oral methadone treatment for heroin addicts.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have extracted a range of natural chemical compounds from the green ash tree that can repel or poison gypsy moth larvae. The chemicals work at very low concentrations and offer an environmentally benign alternative to existing control methods.
Researchers are investigating alternative methods to stabilize seemingly chaotic oscillations in experimental nerve cell and heart preparations. They aim to improve treatments for arrhythmia by controlling chaos in the heart's upper chambers, which can lead to conditions like atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found that native aquatic plants hyperaccumulate contaminants in their tissue, transforming toxic metal forms into benign ones. Turtle shell fragments serve as sensitive biomonitors of uranium, nickel, selenium, and arsenic contamination, enabling environmental risk assessment and remediation project evaluation.
Thyroid screening can prevent mild problem from becoming severe and reverse undiagnosed symptoms, according to a Johns Hopkins study. Screening costs are comparable to other preventative tests, with greatest savings from lowering cholesterol and heart disease risk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University created a scale model of Jupiter that simulates the banding pattern, lending support to the idea that the atmospheric bands have deep roots. The model's findings are backed by data from the Galileo spacecraft, which shows that wind speeds persist deep into the atmosphere.
A recent study using pocket gophers found that individuals with low genetic variation accepted skin grafts from each other, while those with higher genetic diversity rejected them. This suggests that cheetahs and other genetically impoverished species may be more vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
A team of researchers has identified a gene responsible for hair growth, tooth development, and sweat gland function. The gene, located on the X chromosome, is associated with a rare genetic disorder called anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (ED), which affects approximately 125,000 Americans.
A study from Ohio University predicts which donors are more sensitive to medical procedures, enabling stress-reducing techniques to be applied. The 10-question form identifies high-risk donors, who can benefit from shorter questionnaires and targeted interventions.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a hormonal link between nutrition and reproduction, with leptin serving as a metabolic signal to the reproductive system. The study provides an explanation for how the body's energy stores determine reproductive readiness.
A study by the University of Illinois Chicago found that most day-care centers have no policy or procedures for systematically protecting children from sunburn. On average, only 2.5 bottles of sunscreen were available per 104 children, with 95% not wearing hats and 26% without shirts.
Researchers found that some algal cells can grow and survive in near-normal conditions without Photosystem I, a key component of traditional photosynthesis. This discovery may challenge our understanding of plant biology and suggest new avenues for studying photosynthesis.
Hospice care is underused in the US, with most patients enrolling too late to benefit from it. Short stays can lessen the effectiveness of hospice care, leaving little time for caregivers to learn about the patient's needs and arrange optimal care.
Researchers at Duke University successfully demonstrate that placental blood can be used as a reliable alternative to traditional bone marrow donors for transplantation. The study's findings pave the way for innovative treatments in hematology and immunology.
A University of Massachusetts study warns that Olympians may experience performance issues due to extreme heat and humidity. The study suggests that some remedies, such as blowing air over water with fans, may not be effective in cooling athletes down.
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Chediak-Higashi syndrome, a fatal childhood disease that weakens the immune system and increases cancer risk. The discovery could lead to new treatments and diagnostic tests for patients with cancer or autoimmune disorders like lupus.
A clinical trial found that Modafinil improved wakefulness in narcoleptic patients by at least 50% compared to placebo, with fewer side effects than current treatments. The drug also showed potential as an anti-fatigue agent for truck drivers and airline pilots.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends federal guidelines to ensure the safe use of xenotransplantation. The guidelines address four major areas: source animal screening, patient surveillance, tissue banking, and national registries.
Scientists at Yale University found that seasonal temperature trends have been arriving earlier each year since the turn of the century, contradicting predictions by two leading computer models. Regional patterns and variations in temperature changes were also discovered, highlighting limitations in current climate modeling.
Researchers at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory found that the Earth's inner core is rotating faster than the planet, completing its once-a-day rotation about two-thirds of a second faster than the entire Earth. The discovery was made by measuring changes in seismic wave speeds through the inner core.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that face-to-face encounters with racism can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure in African Americans. The researchers also discovered that strong feelings of anger, resentment, and anxiety follow such encounters.
Researchers tested bovine tuberculosis diagnosis methods, finding similarities in cattle responses to three tuberculins. Swine were found susceptible to M. bovis infection through meat consumption.
A comprehensive brain imaging study confirms subtle structural abnormalities in the brain circuit responsible for executive functions in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study found smaller right hemisphere brain structures and abnormally symmetrical brains in boys with ADHD.
A better-coordinated data base can help policymakers analyze situations, identify priority research areas, and allocate resources more effectively. It enables researchers to determine cost-effective strategies for controlling pathogens in specific foods.
Methylnaltrexone, a medication that blocks morphine side effects without affecting pain relief, has been granted orphan-drug status. This designation will help bring the drug to patients with cancer pain who struggle with nausea and constipation due to long-term opioid use.
A new system using ozone has been successfully tested at a turkey processing plant in Arkansas, allowing for the recycling of at least 80% of chill water. The process saves energy and reduces costs by minimizing the need for cooling and pretreatment.
A study by NIH scientists found that individuals with dyslexia exhibit no activation in the V5/MT brain area, which specializes in movement perception. This suggests trouble processing specific visual information and may contribute to reading disabilities characteristic of dyslexia.
Marsden proposes using pilot plants to validate new technologies and reduce the approval process for pathogen-controlling technologies. The controlled environment allows for efficient testing of technologies in a realistic setting.
Dr. Daniel Fung's work on rapid methods in food safety has bridged the gap between clinical microbiology and food microbiology, enabling faster testing for pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. The goal is to provide real-time results within a day, reducing waiting periods from seven days, which were once common.
Researchers at Kansas State University recommend using a small probe thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patty, which should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal doneness. Color alone can be misleading, as premature browning can occur due to factors such as packaging and handling.
Researchers found that programs teaching African-American foster children about their cultural heritage improve self-esteem and encourage positive community involvement. Participants in the AA-RITES program showed greater respect for women, desired further education, and felt a sense of responsibility.
A study by Ohio State University researcher Paul Nutt found that business decisions often fail, with about half resulting in no implementation and 50% being partially used. Managers can improve decision-making by involving those affected and using effective tactics.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that testing for a specific gene type can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease in most patients. The study showed that 100% of patients with the Alzheimer's susceptibility gene had the disease's telltale neurofibrillary plaques and tangles.
The US Department of Agriculture has introduced Mediterranean mites to control field bindweed, a perennial weed that infests millions of acres of wheat, corn and other crops in the Pacific Northwest. The mites feed on bindweed leaves, causing galls to form, which weaken the weed and make it more susceptible to herbicides.
Researchers found that middle-aged males with rigid styles of expressing anger had higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol than those who were flexible. This study suggests that a flexible approach to managing anger may be the best solution for reducing heart disease risk.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker linked to the callipyge trait, which results in larger buttocks and leaner, less expensive meat. The discovery of the marker will aid efforts to breed sheep with heftier hindquarters using a blood test, and may also be applied to other species.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health have discovered the role of Stat 4 in determining T helper cell differentiation. The study found that Stat 4 is the master switch controlling the differentiation of T helper cells, which plays a critical role in dictating the outcome of immune responses.
A new study by Ohio State University found that U.S. House members who collect high amounts of campaign funds reduce the likelihood of a quality challenger entering the race by 16%. The study analyzed 397 races in 1990 and showed how incumbents' fundraising can discourage challengers.
Researchers weigh evidence for and against prion theory behind rare fatal diseases. A 24 researcher interview draws on interviews with all sides of the issue.
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully determined the structure of a newly identified key protein, expanding our understanding of cellular function and potential therapeutic targets. The discovery opens doors to further investigation of this protein's role in various diseases.
Hydrated lime has been shown effective in reducing sulfur dioxide emissions, now researchers found it also reduces selenium. At 400-600 degrees Celsius, the compound captures up to five percent of its weight in selenium.
Wild honeybee populations have collapsed due to a combination of factors, including harsh winters, wet springs, and blood-sucking mites. As a result, small and medium-sized fruit and vegetable growers will be hardest hit, leading to smaller yields and lower quality produce.
Researchers at Rutgers University are developing metalloprotein models to emulate nature's energy conversion process using state-of-the-art equipment. The models have the potential to lead to efficient molecular-based solar-energy systems and possibly molecular-based computers that derive their energy from synthetic metalloproteins.
A linguist documents the development of a sign language in Nicaraguan deaf children, revealing that early exposure to language is crucial for its emergence. The study confirms theories that language is an innate human trait with minimal input triggering expression.
A new clinical trial has shown that combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy can improve the survival rate of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma by 31% compared to radiation alone. The treatment, which included cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, resulted in a three-year survival rate of 76% for those receiving the combination therapy.
Experts suggest modifying building codes to provide air-conditioned lobbies, utilizing churches as shelters, and implementing debt-forgiveness programs to help vulnerable populations. Proactive measures like sentinel surveillance, public education, and outreach can save lives during heatwaves.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that overweight and severely overweight patients are six to nine times more likely to develop post-operative infections than normal weight patients. These infections can be serious, but obesity does not increase mortality rates in this context.
Researchers at UC Davis found that diets deficient in amino acids can increase seizure severity, shorten time before seizures occur and reduce chemical stimulant needed. The study suggests specific brain regions are influenced by diet components, with implications for treating epilepsy, particularly in underdeveloped countries.