Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have identified a gene in mice that causes an autoimmune disease similar to human systemic lupus erythematous. The study found abnormal N-glycans in the mice, leading to SLE-like symptoms and organ damage, offering new insights into understanding autoimmune disease.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have demonstrated binary optical storage using nanoclusters of 2-8 silver atoms. The clusters can fluoresce when exposed to blue light, allowing for nondestructive reading with green light. This technique has the potential for high-density storage and parallel reading.
Researchers propose a new model of asthma that suggests epithelial cells play a crucial role in the development of the disease. They found that IL-12 p40 production is increased in airway epithelial cells during inflammation and is overactive in people with asthma.
A new sensing device developed by Virginia Tech engineers is set to reduce energy consumption and emissions in various industries. The self-calibrated interferometric/intensity based sensor has several advantages over existing semiconductor pressure sensors, including higher resolution and accuracy.
New theory proposes that iron-rich sediments are stuck to the bottom of the mantle, creating drag that throws off the Earth's wobble. Seismic waves slow down as they approach the core-mantle boundary, suggesting a thin layer of silicates may be present.
A UC Berkeley scientist proposes that chromosome reassortment, rather than genetic mutations, is the cause of cancer's tendency to develop drug resistance. This theory suggests aneuploid cells, with abnormal numbers of chromosomes, are more prone to producing drug-resistant cancer cells.
A protein called NR2B makes mice more aware of minor pain for longer periods of time, a phenomenon that mimics what happens in people with chronic pain. The researchers suggest that interfering with NR2B in humans might be a strategy for treating chronic pain.
A new study reveals that the BRCA2 gene, linked to breast and ovarian cancers, plays a previously unsuspected role in human cell division. Inactivating the BRCA2 protein delays cells' progress through mitosis, suggesting a potential new target for cancer treatment.
A new operations research model helps planners resolve conflicting demands by developing alternate relocation plans statistically, diagrammatically, and spatially. The most desirable policies generate incentives for stakeholders, including landlords, to participate in the housing mobility program.
A team of researchers, led by Keith Cooksey from Montana State University, is on a mission to find microorganisms that can naturally lower carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. They plan to use the heat-loving microbes found in Yellowstone National Park's hot springs to scrub CO2 from industrial exhaust.
The UNC-CH AIDS clinic in Robeson County offers treatment and care to HIV-positive patients near their homes, addressing a significant problem in the area's high sexually transmitted disease rates. The clinic is supported by a $100,000 grant and covers costs for indigent patients through Medicaid and private insurance.
Yale researchers have identified virtually all of the gene targets for a key protein, known as transcription factors, using new DNA chip technology. The study reveals that these proteins control cell proliferation in yeast and can be used to understand how cells become specialized.
Researchers have identified a protein in fruit flies that resembles the molecule targeted by cocaine, offering insights into its addictive properties. The discovery of this protein, called dDAT, could lead to genetic manipulation and behavioral studies.
Research by Penn State specialist Dr. W. Larry Kenney highlights the strain on older hearts when exercising in heat stress, increasing mortality rates among those over 65. Regular exercise and hydration countermeasures can mitigate effects, but individual factors like fitness level and medication impact thermoregulation.
A new study on Lake Titicaca reveals dramatic changes in the lake's water level and precipitation patterns over the past 25,000 years. The research suggests that natural climate variability, including changes in Earth's orbit around the sun, may be influencing global climate change.
A new study by Yale anthropologist Harvey Weiss suggests that abrupt climate changes played a significant role in past societal collapses. The research analyzed recent archaeological and paleoclimatological data to understand the impact of natural climate events on human societies.
Researchers at North Carolina State University are studying the life cycle and migration patterns of female blue crabs to ensure long-term sustainability. They aim to discover environmental cues that initiate their journey to spawning grounds, which is crucial for understanding the species' ecology and conservation.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center present findings on Gulf War illnesses, finding similarities to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Cognitive-behavioral therapy improves treatment success rates by 48 percent for symptoms of both conditions.
A team of researchers led by Bradley and Yale archaeologist Harvey Weiss found that sudden climate changes were often present in societies that collapsed during the past 10,000 years. The study suggests that climate change was a major factor in the collapse of several societies around the world.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that breastfeeding for two or more years significantly reduces breast cancer risk among Chinese women. The study showed a 50 percent reduction in breast cancer risk for women who breastfed for more than 24 months, compared to those who did not.
The new mathematical method drastically speeds up the time it takes to calculate the behavior of how drops form as they come out of a nozzle or faucet. This breakthrough has broad applications in improving industrial processes such as inkjet printers, photographic films, and analytical devices.
A study by Oklahoma State University researchers found that changes in the American Great Plains have affected birds, with some species benefiting from woody habitat and others declining due to habitat loss. Management options such as prescribed fire and grazing animals may help mitigate these impacts.
Biologists from UCLA and Swedish universities have uncovered the history of how wild horses were domesticated, revealing widespread interbreeding across multiple regions. The study found that genetic diversity was much higher than previously thought, suggesting a more complex process of domestication.
A team of scientists analyzed sediment core samples from Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Peru, revealing a 25,000-year precipitation record that suggests tropical South America was wet during the last Ice Age. The findings challenge traditional views that the region was dry during this time period.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that stimulating a mother's immune system can increase growth factors in the fetus, reducing birth defects. The study suggests a new role for maternal immunity in fetal development, potentially unlocking secrets to reversing certain birth defects.
The $54 million Substance Abuse Policy Research Program aims to produce information on ways to reduce harm caused by tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use. The program has awarded over 131 grants totaling $25 million, with a focus on public and private interventions to address substance abuse.
Purdue University researchers have developed a method to sort and isolate chemical compounds as they are made, identifying the most biologically active compounds among millions of candidates. The new method combines state-of-the-art imaging technology and combinatorial chemistry, reducing screening times by four to 12 times.
Researchers at Lehigh University have successfully made droplets of water move at faster rates by utilizing surface tension gradients and fast condensation, showing potential applications in heat transfer and microfluidic devices
Researchers have identified the RMRP gene responsible for cartilage-hair hypoplasia, a rare syndrome causing dwarfism. The discovery may lead to better understanding and treatment of the disease, which affects worldwide but is prevalent in Finnish and Amish populations.
Researchers unveil a new model suggesting magnetic dynamo forces shape planetary nebulae by twisting radiating material into distinctive shapes. The discovery sheds light on the cosmic 'paintbrush' responsible for creating stunning nebulae, with implications extending beyond our solar system.
Researchers analyzed ancient coral cores to study climate patterns and found that El Niño was weaker during ice ages, while warm periods saw stronger events. The findings suggest global warming may be responsible for recent intense El Niño events, but more research is needed.
A study published in Neuron found that ephrin-B3 plays a key role in the connection between the brain and spinal cord, which is essential for forming motor connections. The research provides new insights into mirror movement disorder, a rare condition characterized by involuntary symmetrical movements of limbs.
Measuring horizontal strain is crucial for understanding how aquifers respond to pumping, as it affects both vertical and horizontal compression. Scientists have found that aquifer compression occurs in a horizontal direction, leading to land subsidence.
The Penn Head Injury Center will study the long-term effects of concussions with a $110,000 grant from NFL Charities. The center aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for traumatic brain injury and improve treatment outcomes.
A clinical study has confirmed a single gene mutation as the cause of chloroquine-resistant malaria. The study developed a molecular marker that can diagnose individuals with chloroquine-resistant malaria, helping doctors select the best therapy and public health officials set country-wide treatment guidelines.
Researchers have solved a long-standing volcanic mystery by finding a tear in the Pacific Plate, leading to the melting of cold slab material and altering its chemical makeup. This discovery sheds new light on the formation of adakites, a type of lava found in various parts of the globe.
A new predatory dinosaur, Masiakasaurus knopfleri, has been discovered in Madagascar with unique features including specialized teeth and jaws. The fossil remains date back to the Late Cretaceous period, around 65-70 million years ago.
Researchers identified a polyoxometalate (POM) molecule that inhibits HIV protease, providing a potential second line of attack against the virus. The discovery could lead to reduced spread of drug-resistant strains and delayed onset of full-blown AIDS.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found evidence that hot and dry Venus could have had water in its past due to the chemical stability of tremolite at extreme temperatures. This discovery could help scientists determine if they should investigate hydrous minerals on Venus.
A study from the University of Southern California found that regular use of permanent hair dyes increases the risk of bladder cancer in women. Women who use permanent dyes at least once a month for one year or longer have twice the risk of bladder cancer as non-users, with increased risks observed in frequent users over 15 years.
A newly completed genomic sequence of E. coli O157:H7 reveals how these bacteria are armed with a wide range of genes that trigger illness. The study found large-scale genetic changes, including the ability for viruses to introduce virulent genes, making it harder to control public health threats.
A common treatment for diabetic crisis in children may contribute to a rare but often-fatal complication known as cerebral edema. Two simple blood test measurements can help predict which patients are at greatest danger of developing the potentially deadly complication.
A new study sequenced the gene of a deadly type of Escherichia coli, revealing that it frequently picks up new DNA from other bacteria and viral genes. These newly acquired genes may contribute to the organism's virulence and make infections difficult to treat.
Three Dutch researchers, Ewine van Dishoeck, Daan Frenkel, and Dirkje Postma, have been awarded the NWO/SPINOZA Award for their internationally recognized excellence in science. The award recognizes their exceptional contributions to molecular astrophysics, computational physical chemistry, and pathophysiology of respiratory disorders.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a computer program that can analyze handwriting and determine authorship with high accuracy. The software uses scientific criteria to quantify performance and increase confidence in identifying writers, which is essential for admitting handwriting evidence in U.S. courts.
The long-term care staff crisis is caused by low pay, restricted immigration policies, and a shrinking labor pool, resulting in patient deaths and injuries. Upgrading the training and professional development of nursing assistants and offering higher pay could solve the crisis.
A study by Cornell University found that even moderately noisy open offices can contribute to health problems like heart disease and musculoskeletal issues. Workers in noisy offices experienced higher levels of stress and made fewer ergonomic adjustments than those in quiet offices.
Scientists using Chandra X-ray Observatory discovered a supernova remnant in the center of our galaxy, which may help regulate a nearby supermassive black hole. The remnant is believed to be responsible for intense feeding of material into the black hole, followed by a period of starvation.
A team led by Sean Ling observes melting in a superconductor using a single crystal of niobium and neutron imaging. The result shows that vortices can melt into a liquid at a specific temperature, paving the way for further studies on the mechanism of melting.
A new drug, lamotrigine, has been shown to reduce central post-stroke pain in patients by an average of 30 percent. The treatment was found to be effective for patients who could not tolerate amitriptyline due to its side effects.
A Cornell University study found that women who gained more than the recommended amount during pregnancy are four times more likely to be obese one year after giving birth. This excessive weight gain contributes significantly to the rising levels of obesity in the US.
A study of over 4,500 teens found that affiliation with substance-using peers can significantly increase the likelihood of smoking and drinking. Parents also play a role in influencing teen behavior, particularly those who demonstrate high levels of regard and responsiveness to their children.
The Cassini spacecraft's Magnetospheric Imaging Instrument (MIMI) has captured the first images of Jupiter's magnetosphere and surrounding particles. These images reveal the presence of a huge nebula enveloping Jupiter, extending out to 13 million miles from the planet.
A study of 15 professional welders found they developed typical clinical signs of Parkinson's disease 15 years earlier than the general population. Brain imaging scans revealed no significant difference in dopamine levels between the welders and control patients, suggesting a possible environmental link.
A study by Penn researchers found that a common gene delivery system for muscular dystrophy can trigger an immune response in mice unless paired with a muscle-specific promoter. The use of restricted promoters is crucial before expanding clinical trials.
Idun Pharmaceuticals recreates key apoptosis reaction to understand mechanism of programmed cell death. The company screens new drugs modulating apoptosis using the assay, aiming to treat cancers, heart attacks, and strokes.
A landmark survey shows that patients with major depression often feel their illness isn't under complete control and experience few quality-of-life improvements. The study highlights a significant communication gap between primary care physicians and patients, leading to inadequate treatment and side effect management.
A study by Raben et al. found that postobese women have different metabolic profiles than never obese women, with greater insulin sensitivity and more efficient triacylglycerol storage. This suggests that weight loss may not entirely eliminate the risks associated with obesity.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that energy-restricted diets had the most beneficial effects on serum lipids, lowering triglycerol concentrations and elevating HDL cholesterol. The authors suggest reevaluating current low-fat diet recommendations for individuals with excess body weight.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal has published new clinical practice guidelines for managing lymphedema related to breast cancer treatment. The guidelines include an updated patient version for women battling the condition. These updates aim to improve patient care and outcomes.