Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a critical step in cell communication that promotes bone formation, limb growth, and tissue development. The study reveals how the MAD protein regulates gene transcription in response to specific signals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University aim to extend the lifetime of biotech lab cells by stopping their suicidal impulses. By understanding the genetic path that leads to apoptosis, scientists can apply
A long-term trial found that treating hypertension reduces heart failure risk, even in those with severe heart disease. The study showed significant benefits for patients over 80 and those who had a heart attack before the trial.
Scientists have discovered that two parasitic wasps, Spalangia endius and Spalangia nigoraenea, can efficiently control stable and house flies in Illinois. This finding has significant implications for the state's agricultural industry and public health.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to measure interior temperatures of food using magnetic particles, enabling safer and more efficient aseptic processing of solid-liquid foods. This technology has the potential to increase nutritional value, flavor, and reduce energy consumption in food packaging.
Scientists develop polymers that can emit patterns of light using microlithographic technique, opening door to plastic LEDs in displays. The new technology has potential to replace silicon-based electronics with plastics.
Researchers found glioblastoma multiforme tumors resistant to procarbazine exhibited defects in mismatch repair, leading to drug resistance. The study may lead to more effective treatment of GBM, a common and virulent brain tumor.
A mathematical model explains the scientific basis of radical heart surgery, potentially selecting suitable candidates for therapeutic removal of large heart muscle portions. The Batista procedure aims to improve cardiac function by reducing heart size and stress.
A research network will investigate how adolescent development influences juvenile law, focusing on competence assessment, risk factors for future crime, and treatment amenability. The goal is to make informed decisions regarding young offenders in the juvenile justice system.
Researchers at University of Illinois set new record for radar cross-section calculation, a measure of aircraft visibility to radar. The achievement uses advanced software and fast multipole method algorithm, reducing computation time and memory requirements.
A new intranasal influenza vaccine has been shown to provide 93% protection against the flu in healthy young children. The vaccine was well-tolerated and safe for administration in a nasal spray format, offering an attractive alternative to traditional injection-based vaccines.
Researchers found a significant link between maternal cigarette smoking and conduct disorder in boys, with 80% of sons of smokers developing the condition. The study suggests that nicotine may disrupt fetal brain development, highlighting the importance of preventing such disorders.
Recent satellite and in-situ measurements reveal no definitive warming trend in the tropical free troposphere over the past two decades. The low humidity in this region allows more infrared radiation to escape from the Earth, cooling the atmosphere. Current computer models inaccurately handle humidity processes in this region.
Researchers at UB University have developed a new method to improve battery performance using thermal oxidation, allowing for increased electron transfer rates and reduced processing costs. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly impact the industry, particularly in terms of cost savings.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a method to measure dynamic indentation hardness in materials, which could render traditional tests obsolete. The new device can achieve results in under 200 microseconds, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming tests.
The USGS National Wetlands Research Center presented research on the effects of global climate change on coastal wetlands. Dr. Virginia Burkett discussed the relationship between global climate change and coastal wetland loss, highlighting the vulnerability of low-lying habitats to sea-level rise and storm surges.
A new study found that screening turtle nests with wire screens is more effective than killing raccoons, but the high cost and labor-intensive process may slow widespread use. The method involves securing 3 ft.x 3 ft. mesh screens over nests to keep out raccoons, with results showing a significant reduction in egg losses.
Researchers from USGS, UC Berkeley, LLNL, and PG&E are studying the northern segment of the Hayward fault by excavating 10-foot-deep trenches. They will analyze soil layers, pollen, and carbon-14 to establish past earthquake dates and recurrence intervals. The project aims to inform the updated Bay Area Earthquake Probability Report.
A team of researchers found that Neandertal mitochondrial DNA falls outside normal human variation, indicating they did not contribute to the genetic makeup of modern humans. The study also confirms the origins of modern humans in Africa and suggests a divergence of 500,000 to 600,000 years ago.
Scientists at NIH have identified a gene alteration associated with NPC, leading to improved diagnosis and understanding of the disease. The finding also offers insights into cholesterol metabolism and may contribute to treatments for atherosclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech are conducting X-ray research at Brookhaven National Laboratory to reduce iron and other trace metals in paper-making processes. The goal is to lower costs, reduce water use and environmental discharges in the pulp and paper industry.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that bilingual individuals who acquire a second language as young adults have distinct brain areas associated with their native and second languages. This information may be useful for neurosurgeons navigating around the brain's language-sensitive areas during surgery.
Researchers found that individual polymer vibrations can be accurately described by a linear theory, similar to the vibrations of a musical string. The study used DNA strands and optical tweezers to analyze their movements, finding a high accuracy rate of over 1 percent up to the eighth harmonic.
The new Parkinson's disease drug pramipexole dihydrochloride has been shown to reduce symptoms by 20% in patients, with a more precise target on the specific dopamine receptor involved. The drug also appears to be better tolerated than current options, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at NIA found that high blood pressure speeds up memory loss in the elderly by accelerating brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Current treatment practices may not be sufficient to prevent this combined effect of hypertension and aging on the brain.
A new UNC-CH study found that an antiretroviral drug reduced HIV transmission in men, suggesting a potential decrease in the probability of transmission. The study showed significant drops in virus levels and undetectable HIV in eight out of 11 subjects.
A meta-analysis of 98 studies found that sustained-release and extended-release formulations of nifedipine are safe when used in combination with diuretics or beta blockers. However, patients taking short-acting nifedipine were more likely to experience adverse side effects.
The pickle plant mutation retains embryonic cells in its root, storing oil, proteins, and starch. Gibberellin plays a crucial role in switching from embryonic to adult cell program, but its absence during early growth amplifies the effect.
A non-invasive method for distinguishing between different types of tumors has been developed by Prof. Hadassa Degani at the Weizmann Institute. The approach, known as the Three Time Point method, uses MRI to monitor the uptake and clearance of a contrast-enhancing dye-like material in tumor tissue.
A recent study found that inhibiting the ICE gene, responsible for programmed cell death, slowed ALS-like symptoms in mice. The research suggests that targeting this genetic pathway could lead to a new treatment option for patients with ALS.
Researchers found a strong link between increased ovulatory cycles and p53 genetic mutations in ovarian cancer. Women at high risk can protect themselves by reducing their ovulation through birth control, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Research shows that patient choice significantly impacts surgical rates, with significant variation among geographic units. Shared decision-making strategies can reduce demand for discretionary care by up to 40%, according to studies.
State legislators introduced legislation to ensure insurance coverage for post-partum hospital stays, but were influenced by financial decisions, lobbying, and personal experiences. The law requires a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for normal vaginal deliveries and 96-hour stay for cesarean deliveries.
A study in Canada found that waiting times for cataract surgery varied between public and private clinics, with patients perceiving longer waits in the public sector. The majority of physicians practice within the public sector, but some offer faster service due to better resource allocation.
University of Delaware scientists have discovered that firefly larvae use light signals to ward off predators, rather than coloration. The research suggests an aposematic display, warning predators of an unappetizing meal.
A study found that low leptin levels are associated with the absence of menstruation in underweight female students. The research suggests a critical leptin level is needed to maintain menstruation, with implications for eating disorders and other physiological and psychological conditions.
Research reveals low leptin levels in restrained eaters, particularly in underweight females, who have higher cognitive restraint scores. The study found a negative correlation between leptin levels and cognitive restraint scores in these individuals.
A study examining brain tissue from suicides and controls reveals higher serotonin receptor binding in certain areas, particularly those associated with violent deaths. The findings suggest a potential link between altered serotonin function and suicidal behavior.
Female patients with acute anorexia nervosa exhibit low plasma leptin concentrations, reflecting restricted energy intake. Leptin levels increase upon weight gain, but drop again after weight loss, suggesting a complex relationship between leptin regulation and weight fluctuations in these individuals.
Researchers found immense microbial diversity in Amazonian forests and soils, with new bacteria discovered. Deforestation alters soil properties, leading to differences in microbial populations.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to detect early signs of cancer and heart attacks using optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT produces a clear picture of tissue without damaging it, allowing visualization of individual cells.
Researchers found that treating co-infections with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) significantly reduces the amount of virus shed in semen, making transmission less likely. The study suggests widespread STD screening and therapy could be a crucial step in combating HIV/AIDS globally.
A study examining childbearing intentions in low-fertility societies like the US found that people value children beyond their economic benefits. Respondents ranked importance of social and economic priorities, with many considering children a vital source of social capital.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that chloroplasts are connected by long, slender tubules, allowing them to exchange proteins and potentially other molecules. This finding reveals a new form of communication between organelles within plant cells.
Scientists at the NIH have identified a gene abnormality causing some cases of Parkinson's disease, which affects nerve cells and dopamine production. The discovery provides a new tool for understanding cellular abnormalities in Parkinson's disease and connects it to research on Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying long-term potentiation, a key process for memory formation. The study reveals that CaM-KII plays a critical role in this process, enabling persistent changes in synaptic strength and storage of information.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have found that PC4 plays a vital role in male fertility and early embryonic development in mice. The study revealed that PC4-deficient testicular germ cells fail to properly process precursor proteins, rendering them incompetent for fertilization.
A three-step program has been shown to keep drug offenders cleaner and out of prison, with graduates staying straight longer than those who received no treatment. The study compared prisoners who completed a prison-based treatment program with those who participated in a community-based program.
Researchers have identified the precise mechanism by which marine algae produce DMSP, a compound that helps clouds form in the atmosphere. This discovery could lead to genetically engineered crops with improved drought, freeze, and salt tolerance, potentially regulating global climate.
A study published in Environmental Geology suggests that a magnitude 5 or 6 earthquake could raise the water table by up to 750 feet at the Yucca Mountain storage site, leading to potential flooding. The researchers used computer modeling based on geological data and historical quakes to make their predictions.
A $6.5-million study, the largest of its kind, aims to prevent deterioration in patients with Huntington's disease. The CARE-HD trial tests two treatments: experimental drug Remacemide and nutritional supplement CoQ10 to slow disease progression.
Researchers found that high cholesterol can lead to increased blood pressure during stressful situations, but lowering cholesterol can help control this response and reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease. The study involved 70 people with normal blood pressure, with 33 having normal cholesterol and 37 having high cholesterol.
Physicists have demonstrated that single photons and other quantum particles can store a maximum amount of readable information in the presence of noise and real-world disturbances. This finding provides insights into how little energy is required to store complex messages, advancing the idea that information is physical in nature.
A thousand-foot-long ice core from the Tibetan Plateau provides a detailed climate record for the last 130,000 years, with some sections dating back potentially over 500,000 years. The analysis reveals significant changes in temperature and greenhouse gas levels during this time period.
Researchers use strontium isotopes to identify salmon stream origins, allowing for unprecedented accuracy in tracking adult salmon. The technique has promise for restoring salmon populations and studying their migrations.
A new biodiversity theory suggests that protecting ecotones along rainforest periphery is crucial for preserving biodiversity. Ecotones, the transition zones between rainforests and savannas, may be integral to generating biodiversity in tropical rain forests.
A new study reveals that tissue macrophages play a critical role in triggering the production of HIV in patients with AIDS, leading to increased virus levels despite declining CD4 T cell counts. This finding highlights the importance of controlling opportunistic infections to slow the cycle of virus production.
A long-term study found that women who used estrogen replacement therapy after menopause had a 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted by the National Institute on Aging, suggests that estrogen may play a protective role in warding off the onset of this devastating disease.
Nomad, an autonomous wheeled robot, is undertaking a 40-day, 125-mile journey through the Atacama Desert to explore terrain, navigate, and conduct remote science. The experiment aims to develop technologies for planetary exploration and provide a unique opportunity for public teleoperation.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a natural antimicrobial compound called hTAP that appears to be disabled in CF patients, increasing their vulnerability to lung infections. The researchers believe mass-producing similar compounds could help fight lung infections in both CF patients and the general population.