Scientists have discovered a key gene responsible for tomato ripening, which could lead to tastier and more nutritious grocery store tomatoes. The discovery allows researchers to moderate the ripening process, creating tomatoes that ripen at different speeds.
Researchers propose that social insects like ants, bees, and wasps provide a unique opportunity to study genetic imprinting. This process involves the labeling of genes by mothers and fathers before passing them on to their offspring, leading to conflicts between maternal and paternal genes.
Researchers discover immune proteins that viruses once exploited have evolved to call in attacks against their former exploiters. This finding suggests that the immune system may be turning the tables on pathogens, and could lead to new strategies for fighting viral infections.
A Mayo Clinic study found that youth football injuries are rare and often mild. The risk of injury increased with the player's age and level of play, but not with body weight. Most injuries were contusions, while fractures involving the ankle growth plate were more common in higher grades.
Scientists have successfully implanted cartilage made from stem cells in mice, showing promise for repairing damaged tissues. The study uses fat cells to produce cartilage-like cells that can be used as implants to treat injuries and diseases.
Human cloning has raised concerns about individual uniqueness and self-identity, but an expert argues that these are influenced by qualitative traits beyond genetics. Brock suggests that history, relationships, and personal experiences shape our sense of identity, making cloning less likely to undermine human potential.
Biocompatible thin films have been successfully fabricated on various biomedical substrates using electrostatic self-assembly techniques. These films can inhibit restenosis, a tissue buildup that occurs in blood vessels after trauma, and have potential applications in stents and dialysis tubing.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that falling wages and rising unemployment among men without college educations were significantly associated with increases in property and violent crimes between 1979 and 1997. The findings suggest that labor market conditions play a crucial role in shaping crime rates.
Researchers are developing a new method to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer by using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The study aims to identify areas in the prostate with more blood vessels, allowing for targeted biopsies and potentially reducing the number of unnecessary procedures.
Scientists have found a potential mechanism for obesity resistance in mice lacking the fat-making enzyme DGAT1. These mice are more sensitive to leptin and insulin, leading to lower tissue triglyceride levels and increased sensitivity to insulin, resulting in weight loss despite high-fat diets.
Research found that fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid, was the most effective treatment for asthma, reducing hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and need for additional medication. The study showed a nearly two to three times lower cost compared to other treatments, making it a more affordable option.
Researchers discovered a protein enzyme called calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) that controls mitochondrial production in muscle tissue, leading to improved metabolic properties. This finding has the potential to develop new drugs that mimic the effects of regular exercise for individuals unable to exercise.
Researchers found mostly beneficial gene substitutions in fruit fly Drosophila, but mostly detrimental substitutions in mustard weed Arabidopsis. The study attributes this difference to the Arabidopsis mating system of partial self-fertilization, which reduces effective population size and increases deleterious mutations.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that farming inside forests reduces bird diversity and nesting success compared to timber harvesting. The study's results suggest that small agricultural openings can have a significant impact on bird populations.
A survey by Johns Hopkins researchers estimates probable environmental concentrations (PECs) of the top 200 drugs, suggesting potential sublethal effects on aquatic organisms. The study suggests that certain classes of compounds, such as antimicrobials and anticancer drugs, may be found at high concentrations.
The American Geophysical Union has selected its 26th Congressional Science Fellow, OHSU student Amerson, who will spend a year working in Congress. She aims to apply her expertise in environmental science to inform sound public policy.
A study by Timothy Sullivan found that homeless urban Guatemalan street children have a similar average body mass index (BMI) to American children, suggesting better health and survival rates despite harsh conditions. The research challenges previous assumptions about the negative impact of homelessness on child health.
Researchers have developed the STED-4Pi-Microcope, which uses stimulated emission to narrow the focal spot of the fluorescence microscope, allowing for resolutions below 50 nm. This technique enables the imaging of features on a molecular level, advancing biological and medical research.
A recent study confirms that mutations are mainly caused by random errors in cell divisions, contradicting earlier estimates. The study found a low male-female mutation rate, especially in closely related species, but a high alpha in distantly related species, supporting the dominant role of males in driving evolution.
The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) will study blue compact dwarf galaxies, which are deficient in heavy elements and contain as little as 2 percent of the solar system's share. The telescope will provide detailed physical information about distant targets using its infrared spectrograph instrument.
Researchers at UPCI found that several plant extracts interact with estrogen receptors and induce strong estrogenic responses in female rats. The study highlights the need for caution when using these remedies, especially for women with a family or personal history of breast and uterine cancer.
Researchers found that a combination of targeted therapies can effectively inhibit tumor growth in prostate cancer. Using different drugs after resistance occurred inhibited tumor growth, suggesting multiple treatments may be needed to manage the disease. This approach is similar to how advanced breast cancer is treated today.
Researchers found that Tsavo lions live in large groups of females ruled by a single male, with an average of 7.4 adult females per group. The study suggests that the lions' manelessness may be an adaptation to their hot and dry environment.
Researchers found that a calcium-signaling protein transforms sedentary, easily fatigued muscle fibers into energy-producing, fatigue-resistant type I muscle fibers. This discovery could lead to novel measures to stimulate muscles in patients with chronic diseases or individuals confined to bed rest.
A study of over 40,000 young participants found that marijuana smokers are more likely to have the opportunity and try hallucinogens. By age 21, nearly half of marijuana smokers had tried a hallucinogen, compared to one in 16 who had never smoked.
Fox Chase Cancer Center researcher Glenn F. Rall is studying whether a link exists between the measles vaccine and the development of autism. He believes that maternal exposure history to measles may afford protection to offspring, but more research is needed.
A UMass project allows students to study plant growth in space, simulating micro-gravity conditions and evaluating plant-growth chambers. The project uses closed-loop systems and computer software to teach students about biology, engineering, and ecology.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are launching a three-year study to investigate prescription drug pollution in drinking water, sewage treatment plants, and coastal waters. Two new scientific tools have been developed to aid in the investigation, including a survey of environmental concentrations and a highly sensitive lab test ...
Researchers found glucose oxidase in caterpillar saliva, which converts glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme suppresses plant nicotine production by 26%, making caterpillars healthier.
The Johns Hopkins University team won second prize in the Microsoft .Net Best Awards for XML WebServices with their prototype virtual observatory program, SkyQuery. The service allows users to run queries across multiple databases simultaneously, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and 2 Micron All-Sky Survey.
Scientists have confirmed the syntenic relationship between rice and other cereal grasses like corn, wheat and barley, thanks to a pioneering genome sequencing project. This breakthrough allows researchers to identify important genes in these crops more efficiently.
Researchers have synthesized peptide mimics that may inhibit Pin1's action, which regulates cell division. The goal is to develop new anticancer therapies by targeting the cell-cycle-regulating enzyme Pin1.
The study predicts that over 50 years, changing climate will bring about great instability for wildlife, reshuffling ecosystems and introducing new diseases and parasites. A majority of species are expected to have smaller geographical ranges than today, with some local communities experiencing up to 40% species turnover.
Roger Balm examines the extent to which original pictures of Machu Picchu were framed to fit popular ideas about lost worlds rather than provide scientific documentation. He revisits an explorer's first photo-shoot at Machu Picchu using the same camera and film as the original 1911 expedition.
Women need active mentoring to realize their strengths and potential for career advancement. Flexible work arrangements and policies that support working mothers are also crucial. Companies that prioritize these aspects can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Researchers have recalculated the amount of carbon dioxide released from tropical forests into global waterways, finding that it is triple the current estimate. The new total is comparable to a fifth of human activities' carbon dioxide emissions, challenging the notion that forests are carbon sponges.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing injectable magnetic fluids to repair torn or detached retinas, a technique that could help prevent blindness in thousands. The treatment appears promising in laboratory studies, with the potential to be more precise and effective than current methods.
Researchers found that iron oxide minerals are effective in removing lead from water, with synthetic manganese oxides showing high efficiency. Manganese oxides, especially the Birnessite form, also adsorb lead in similar amounts to naturally occurring iron oxides.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an ultrasonic cleaning technique that can clean ceramic membrane filters without the need for harsh chemicals. The method uses sound waves to form and collapse bubbles, releasing heat and energy that flushes away contaminants.
Researchers found a genetic connection between permanent hair dye use and bladder cancer risk, particularly among women with certain slow genes. The study suggests that exposure to hair dyes increases the risk of bladder cancer, likely due to the presence of carcinogenic arylamines.
A national field experiment found that Americans who experience anger are more optimistic about the future, less likely to take precautionary actions, and more likely to favor aggressive policy responses. Media portrayals of terrorist attacks strongly influence emotional responses, producing anger in some instances and fear in others.
Researchers developed method for biodegradable polymer microspheres with precise size and shell thickness, enabling controlled-release drug delivery and single-shot vaccinations. The technology can generate constant rate of release over time, improving patient comfort and compliance.
Researchers have successfully attached a water-soluble group to an 80-atom fullerene, creating a buckeyball with biological functionality. The aim is to get these molecules into the bloodstream for potential drug delivery. This innovation marks a first step in developing drugs and expands MRI reagents and nanotube applications.
Prostate cancer tumors produce factors that inhibit dendritic cell growth and induce apoptosis, explaining immunological non-responsiveness in advanced patients. Stimulating dendritic cell growth is a promising area for future prostate cancer therapies.
McGrath has made significant contributions to the development of thermoplastic elastomers, which are widely used in fuel cells and other applications. His work on block copolymers and phosphorous-containing polymers has enabled the creation of materials with improved durability, reliability, and safety.
A large clinical trial found St. John's wort to be no more effective than placebo in treating moderately severe major depression. Researchers tested the supplement against the antidepressant sertraline and concluded that patients with moderate to severe depression should not self-medicate with St. John's wort.
Researchers at Virginia Tech create flexible photovoltaic devices using nanometer-thick layers of self-assembling materials, increasing efficiency to up to 20% of silicon. Electrochromic films also improve response times, enabling faster color changes for applications in flat panel displays.
A study of over 27,000 breast cancer patients in Finland found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases breast cancer risk after menopause. Researchers discovered that each 1 kg increase in pregnancy weight boosts the risk by 3.9%, with women who retain excess pounds post-pregnancy facing the greatest threat.
A test to detect the RhoC protein has shown promising early results, detecting invasive cancers with high specificity and identifying tiny tumors that have already metastasized. The study aims to identify early-stage cancer that could be vulnerable to aggressive treatment, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.
A study of 297 patients found a significant prevalence of renal artery narrowing among those with hypertension. The researchers recommend considering abdominal aortography to better define cardiovascular risk and monitor kidney function.
A new study reveals that college students contribute to an estimated 1,400 student deaths, 500,000 injuries, and 70,000 cases of sexual assault each year. The study proposes several strategies to prevent high-risk drinking, including increasing campus awareness campaigns, improving alcohol-free events, and providing counseling services.
Researchers found that dark-colored honeys, especially buckwheat, had the highest antioxidant values, which are comparable to those in fruits and vegetables. The study suggests that honey may have the potential to serve as a dietary antioxidant, potentially preventing oxidation in the blood.
PARSL's suite of instruments measures key elements contributing to climate change, including solar energy and atmospheric conditions. The system provides immediate access to data, enabling researchers to gain insights into the earth's climate and climate change.
A recent study published by researchers at the University of Southern California found that polyphenols in tea may be associated with a lower risk of gastric and esophageal cancer. The study followed 18,244 men aged 45-64 in Shanghai, China, and found that those who consumed more tea had a 50% lower risk of developing these cancers.
Researchers analyzed seasonal changes in immune system activity among 28 MS patients, finding more activated T-cells during autumn months. However, no significant variation was detected in lesions or relapse rates, challenging previous theories on the topic.
A study of 145 stroke patients found that those with lesions in the frontal, lenticulocapsular, and pontine base areas were more likely to experience uncontrolled anger and aggression. Emotional incontinence, sudden outbursts of emotion, was also commonly observed.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a technique to create nano-structured polymer films with tunable refractive index, enabling faster and cheaper conversion of electrical signals to optical signals. This innovation has the potential to speed up access to the Internet, making it more accessible and affordable for widespread use.
CP461 acts against cancer cells selectively through both apoptosis and anti-angiogenic effects, preventing new blood vessel formation. The compound also disrupts microtubule organization and proper spindle formation, blocking mitosis and promoting cell death in cancer cells.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a more reliable and durable wood adhesive, polymeric isocyanate, to enhance the strength and stiffness of wood composites. The new adhesive reduces undesirable swelling caused by moisture and eliminates formaldehyde emissions.
University of Rhode Island researchers, Thomas Mather and David Nelson, are developing a new Lyme disease vaccine using tick saliva genes. They have received $2.3 million NIH grant to identify promising genes over five years.