Researchers used 'gene chips' to analyze the effects of two antibiotics on bacteria, revealing distinct gene signatures that can aid in developing novel antibiotics. This technology helps classify and combat increasingly resistant bacterial strains.
Scientists have successfully created a liquid form of DNA, which can be processed in various ways and may improve genetic engineering and microelectronic circuitry. The liquid DNA is also soluble in several solvents that ordinary DNA is not, enabling new scientific studies.
University of Iowa researchers found that long-term treatment with verapamil can prevent heart muscle damage in mice without serious side effects. They also identified a specific biomarker, cardiac troponin I, to detect early diagnosis of cardiomyopathy in patients with muscular dystrophy.
Engineers at Johns Hopkins University invented a globe-shaped motor that can rotate in any direction, giving robotic arms greater flexibility and precision. The device could also be used to create a computer mouse that interacts with the user, or as a three-dimensional wheel with omnidimensional characteristics.
Weixiong Zhang developed an algorithm to tackle the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), a classic planning and scheduling problem, and found it to be the best solution for half of the tested problems. The algorithm has real-world applications in logistics, business, and even biological data analysis.
Researchers at NASA Langley studied various aspects of atmospheric science, including the tropical radiation energy budget, climate classification, and the impact of increased aircraft traffic on climate change. The study used data from the NASA Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) to analyze the effects of weather and climate para...
Researchers have synthesized a protein called 5-Helix that jams the HIV grappling hook, preventing infection. The protein is stable and resistant to degradation, making it a promising candidate for injectable therapy.
Scientists study seismic waves to understand tectonic plate dynamics, aiming to resolve the long-standing 'great plate debate'. They use data from seismometers worldwide to characterize wave origins and time delays, creating a X-ray image of the planet's internal structure.
Researchers have identified a brain region involved in planning movement, which also controls gain control of eye movements. This finding provides new insight into how the brain adjusts to moving objects, allowing for smooth image display.
Familial Dysautonomia, a devastating disorder, has been linked to mutations in the IKBKAP gene. The gene's disruption leads to poor development and degeneration of sensory and autonomic nervous systems, resulting in symptoms such as abnormal sweating and insensitivity to pain.
A University of Michigan study finds that ancient human fossils from Australia and Europe show distinctive characteristics to an older African population, contradicting the 'Eve theory'. The research suggests that multiple groups of humans survived and thrived globally, rather than a single ancestral group replacing others.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that Gram-positive bacteria like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus use cholesterol-dependent cytolysins to inject toxins into host cells, paving the way for entry of other proteins. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers have discovered a gene that makes mousepox virus deadly to lab mice, raising concerns about its potential misuse in biowarfare. The technique could be used to strengthen biological weapons based on viruses affecting humans.
Astronomers studied 37 nearby galaxies using Hubble Space Telescope images in ultraviolet light, finding that faraway galaxies may not be inherently odd-shaped. The survey suggests that astronomers are detecting the 'tip of the iceberg' of very distant galaxies, and that their shapes may be influenced by incomplete observations.
Researchers have successfully introduced a new gene into the unfertilized eggs of rhesus monkeys, resulting in several pregnancies and live births. The breakthrough technology has the potential to develop animal models of diseases with greater resemblance to human conditions.
Researchers have discovered a 4.4-billion-year-old zircon crystal that suggests the early Earth had a low-temperature environment with water and conditions suitable for life. The findings contradict conventional wisdom, which predicted a magma ocean, and may indicate the Earth cooled faster than thought.
Children's adjustment problems after divorce depend on their temperament and mother's parenting style, according to a study. Impulsive children at risk of depression if mothers are inconsistent with rules and discipline.
Researchers design 5-Helix protein to block HIV entry into human cells, offering a promising alternative to current treatments. The protein has potential applications as a broad-spectrum inhibitor against various viruses and could serve as a model for generating antibodies against HIV.
The discovery confirms the existence of an event horizon around the massive black hole Cygnus XR-1. The data shows chaotic fluctuations in ultraviolet light from swirling gas, consistent with theories of what scientists predict to see when matter falls close to the event horizon.
Researchers found that gene Rb2 inhibits angiogenesis, a critical process for tumor growth. The study suggests that Rb2 may be used to treat lung cancer and glioblastoma by blocking blood vessel formation.
The Idaho National Laboratory's Rapid Solidification Process (RSP) Tooling has been recognized by the Department of Energy for its innovative approach to fabricating precision tooling. This process enables mass-produced items to be created more quickly and cheaply, reducing production costs and turn-around time.
The Idaho National Laboratory's lithium battery solid electrolyte has been recognized by the DOE as a top consumer product, offering substantial savings and improvements in safety. The technology promises longer-lasting rechargeable batteries with reduced waste, making it suitable for applications such as space exploration and pacemakers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found a faulty releasing hormone receptor gene in three families with isolated growth hormone deficiency type 1-B, the most common type of growth hormone-deficient dwarfism. The study suggests that this condition is not caused by a defect in human growth hormone production.
A new computer recycling model developed by Purdue University's Julie Ann Stuart can help recyclers determine the economic viability of processing bulk materials. The model takes into account factors such as metal prices and helps prevent financial losses for recyclers.
A new $1.85 million grant-funded study will investigate how African-American and white patients develop, maintain, and change self-care behaviors over time. The study aims to identify how these racial differences affect health outcomes and long-term quality of life.
Eye attacks, also known as Ischematic Optic Neuropathy (ION), are a sudden lack of blood flow to the eye resulting in painless but catastrophic consequences. A new multi-center clinical trial aims to determine whether neuro-protection can minimize collateral damage and prevent second eye involvement.
A new study suggests that discussing advance care directives with patients can enhance the patient-doctor relationship and improve visit satisfaction. More than half of patients who had such a discussion rated their primary care visits as excellent, compared to 34% of those who had not discussed advance care directives.
Researchers found that malignant melanomas often lose the protein Apaf-1, leading to resistance to chemotherapy drug adriamycin. Restoring Apaf-1 in melanoma cells rescues their ability to kill themselves in response to adriamycin.
A team of researchers has discovered a new species of early bird, Apsaravis ukhaana, in Mongolia, which sheds light on the evolution of modern birds. The fossil, dated to 80 million years ago, reveals that early modern birds were not restricted to near-shore environments and were instead small terrestrial flyers.
Glenn Agnolet's research uses Self-Assembled Tunnel Junctions (SATJs) to distinguish molecules based on their vibrational modes. By studying acetylene molecules on platinum, he found that the coupling between the molecule and electrons is ten times larger than expected.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that a protein called parvalbumin can improve heart function in laboratory rats by restoring normal relaxation rates. The researchers hope to one day use this protein as therapy for progressive heart failure, a growing medical problem affecting millions of Americans.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has developed a low-cost method to fabricate scale models for aerodynamic wind tunnel tests. The alternative approach uses non-metallic materials like engineering polymers and thermoset resins, enabling program managers to obtain high-quality data at a fraction of the cost of trad...
A one-year study of male veterans found that health-related quality of life declined and psychological distress increased over time for participants with or without psychiatric disorders. Those with psychiatric disorders were the most impaired, experiencing substantial impairments in functioning that persisted over a year.
Research findings indicate that viral infections can cause chronic vascular disease by establishing a protected niche within the elastic media of large arteries. This 'immunoprivilege' allows viruses to evade the immune system, leading to destructive arteritis and inflammation.
Researchers at Yale University have found that combining Salmonella injections with radiation therapy can effectively suppress tumor growth, prolonging the life of mice by six times. The study suggests this combination therapy could be a future use for Salmonella in cancer treatment.
A new study suggests that the shape of a bird's beak affects its courtship song, with smaller beaks producing quicker, more varied melodies. This finding has implications for our understanding of speciation, as different songs may help distinguish between species.
The conference aims to rethink old paradigms on work and family policies, focusing on quality of life beyond economic correctness. Confirmed participants include experts from Greece, US, New Zealand, India, Belgium, Sweden, Tanzania, and Hungary.
Syndecan-4 is essential for wound repair, as its knockout leads to marked defects in angiogenesis and tissue healing. In contrast, fibroblasts from syndecan-4-deficient mice display normal focal adhesion assembly and response to FGF-2.
Toxic algal blooms in Monterey Bay have been linked to domoic acid accumulation in anchovies, sardines, and krill, posing a threat to endangered whale species. Monitoring programs are in place to ensure seafood safety, but more research is needed to understand the toxin's effects on wildlife.
The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft will embark on a series of low-altitude passes over asteroid 433 Eros from Jan. 24 to Jan. 28, gathering detailed images of the surface. The controlled descent, set for Feb. 12, aims to capture high-resolution close-ups of Eros' cratered landscape.
A study of identical twins found a significant association between chronic fatigue syndrome and an increased incidence of fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. The researchers suggest that physicians should assess CFS patients for other clinical conditions, as these illnesses can compound the condition's high costs.
A nearly complete bird fossil found in Mongolia provides insight into the origin of living birds and the evolution of flight. The Apsaravis ukhaana specimen is from a part of the evolutionary tree close to the origin of all living birds, shedding new light on their evolution.
Researchers using NASA's Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) have discovered that water vapor is 10,000 times less abundant than previously thought in interstellar clouds. The satellite's findings also indicate that molecular oxygen is at least 100 times less abundant than predicted, contradicting prevailing wisdom.
Researchers from UCLA and Curtin University of Technology found ancient zircons in a rock that suggest liquid water existed on Earth's surface around 4.3 billion years ago. This discovery supports the idea that the conditions for life were met early on, possibly allowing for the emergence of life as early as 4.3 billion years ago.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a federal grant to conduct research on racial and ethnic differences in health status among adults. The four-year program aims to address health disparities by involving the minority community at every stage, from data collection to intervention development.
The new center, led by Dr. Theodor Krauthammer, will focus on research and development of methods to ensure building safety under terrorist bomb threats. Penn State will collaborate with other institutions to provide training programs for engineers, architects, and others on using the new technology.
Scientists confirm pulsar formed in 386 AD supernova, a historic event witnessed by Chinese astronomers. The discovery, using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, provides strong evidence for the pulsar's age and sheds new light on the behavior of young neutron stars.
Grasslands have been found to sequester carbon under elevated CO2 conditions, with soil microbes playing a critical role in the process. This finding has important implications for understanding how ecosystems can mitigate climate change.
Researchers using Chandra X-ray Observatory associate a pulsar with a historic supernova, dated back to 386 AD, providing strong evidence for the young age of the pulsar. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom on pulsars and their formation.
A new study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that early postnatal doses of dexamethasone may increase the risk of intestinal perforation in extremely low birth weight infants. The treatment was not shown to prevent chronic lung disease or improve survival rates.
The review analyzes all previous studies of St. John's wort as a treatment for major depressive disorder, finding it to be a promising drug but also raising cautionary notes about interactions with certain medications. Long-term effectiveness is still being determined through ongoing research.
Researchers found evidence of liquid water on Earth 4.4 billion years ago, contradicting previous views on the planet's formation. The discovery suggests an early Earth with conditions that could support life, raising questions about the moon's formation and potential for life.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal article explores the pros and cons of Ontario's no-cost flu vaccine program, which aims to ease pressure on emergency services. Experts argue that while the program may be a step forward in influenza control, its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are uncertain.
A study found that biofeedback-assisted relaxation training techniques significantly reduced headache frequency and severity in children with migraines. The treatment improved school attendance by 85% of parents' reports, demonstrating its potential as a complementary therapy for managing migraines in children.
A study published in JAMA found that insured homeless people are more likely to access outpatient care and adhere to medication regimens than their uninsured counterparts. The researchers identified factors associated with healthcare use, including sociodemographic characteristics, physical health, mental health, and substance abuse.
Researchers have found evidence of an extreme warp in the stellar disk of the Andromeda Galaxy, which may be the most extreme case of a warped spiral galaxy. The findings suggest that interactions between Andromeda and its satellite galaxies could be responsible for the warp.
A study found that 2.2% of adults with diabetes were undiagnosed, leading to more physician visits, hospital admissions, and unfavorable health outcomes compared to normoglycemic individuals.
Researchers found that sediment on the sea floor has a different electrical potential than surrounding salt water, allowing for sustainable fuel cell power. This innovation could significantly reduce costs of ocean monitoring and enable continuous operation of self-sustaining equipment.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that cellular telephones can interfere with the operation of external devices monitoring the heart and lungs. Interference occurred in 41% of devices, but was deemed clinically important only in 7.4%. Researchers recommend further testing to inform hospital policies.
A team of scientists at UNC-CH has discovered a human gene that produces a protein essential for generating forces powering cilia movement. This discovery could help understand and combat chronic lung diseases such as asthma and primary ciliary dyskinesia, which affect cilia function.