A study reveals that mutant tau proteins disrupt microtubule assembly, leading to neuronal death in frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism (FTDP-17). This discovery suggests a primary role for tau tangles in disease progression, pointing to potential therapeutic strategies involving tau-stabilizing drugs.
Researchers found that maternal tissue types can improve survival rates of slightly mismatched kidney transplants. The study suggests adding maternal HLA typing to the routine family workup could expand the pool of optimal donors.
Researchers at Amgen have demonstrated how a newly discovered protein regulates feeding behavior, suggesting a potential treatment for obesity. The study found that the protein blocks alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, leading to increased food consumption.
Researchers have developed a nasal vaccine that could protect people from pneumonic plague, the disease responsible for the Black Death. The vaccine, which targets tissue lining the gut and respiratory system, has shown promising results in mice trials.
New superballoons could carry scientific experiments and relay voices globally, offering a cost-effective solution for space research. The balloons' lightweight design and strong materials enable long-duration flights up to 100 days at an altitude of 36 kilometres.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo's Toshiba Stroke Research Center have developed a prototype camera that can turn blurred X-ray images of brain stents into clear images, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatments. This technology enables viewing of even the tiniest blood vessels in the circulation system.
The new report reveals that drug overdoses and poisonings cause one-third of injury deaths in San Francisco. The city's injury rates are lower than Oakland but higher than Los Angeles and San Jose, while the leading causes of injury death include firearms, falls, and motor vehicle accidents.
Researchers propose that HIV's passive infection of astrocytes may contribute to AIDS dementia by disrupting glutamate removal. The study found more apoptotic astrocytes in brains of people with dementia compared to those without, suggesting a potential new target for prevention and treatment.
Scientists uncover new fossils of Deltatheridium, an early relative of marsupials, providing unprecedented insight into the evolutionary split between marsupials and placental mammals. The discovery sheds light on the origins of modern marsupials in Asia.
TOPIC ISLANDS transforms large documents into visualizations and excerpted summaries to recognize themes and facilitate easy understanding. The technology can process multiple pages simultaneously and is applicable to daily needs of individuals and organizations.
A new technique discovered by Lars Sørensen allows thieves to unlock and steal from cars using handheld computers, exploiting vulnerable infrared remote controls. The method is being taken seriously by car manufacturers, who are investigating ways to mitigate the threat.
A study of 4,108 participants found no association between normal use of hair color products and risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study suggests that hair dye use is an unlikely risk factor for the disease.
A new test for newborn screening can detect a wider range of congenital disorders, including phenylketonuria (PKU), within the time allowed for hospital stays under early discharge policies. The test uses tandem mass spectrometry and eliminated 90 of 91 false positive results produced by routine methods.
A new study finds that digital mammography provides better information for diagnoses, allowing radiologists to use multiple views of images. The technology has the potential to lead to earlier tumor detection and treatment, reducing breast cancer mortality rates.
A recent study reveals that up to 8-16% of the male population have experienced childhood sexual abuse, with far-reaching consequences including psychiatric problems, substance abuse, and long-lasting emotional health issues. The researchers call for medical professionals and parents to be more vigilant in addressing this issue.
University of North Carolina researchers have successfully used an antibiotic-like compound to externally regulate a gene implanted in the brain using AAV technology. This breakthrough suggests that gene therapy may eventually be feasible for human brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.
The University of Michigan's VORTEX experiment, launched on the Space Shuttle Endeavour, investigates fluid atomization in microgravity. The study aims to answer fundamental questions about the process by which liquids are converted into tiny droplets.
A new study at Johns Hopkins suggests a safe and effective way to detect left-over thyroid cells using PCR technology. The test relies on detecting genes for thyroglobulin in patients' blood, allowing them to stay on their thyroid hormone medication while reducing the risk of false results.
A UCSF neurologist argues that children require unique treatments for brain disorders, as their developing brains are not miniature versions of adult brains. Researchers need more information about what goes wrong in childhood neurological disorders to develop targeted therapies.
Scientists Dr. Jeffrey R. Johnson and colleagues developed a helium-3 map of the Moon based on factors like exposure age, solar wind, and titanium content. The greatest amounts of helium-3 are expected to be found on the far side maria and in nearside areas with high concentrations of titanium dioxide.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method to detect chemical weapons by reacting with specific phosphate esters. The system uses molecules that selectively detect even small amounts of lethal phosphate esters, reducing false positives from benign chemicals like pesticides.
A recent study found gabapentin to be at least as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in treating postherpetic neuralgia, with better-tolerated side effects. The eight-week clinical trial involved 229 patients and reported a significant drop in pain levels for those treated with gabapentin.