A new enzyme called Set2 has been discovered, which regulates gene expression by methylating histone protein H3. This process can help turn genes off, potentially offering a new approach to treating human diseases such as cancer.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine are exploring the role of growth factors in axon regeneration, with a focus on improving spinal cord repair. They have identified a signal transduction mediator that promotes rapid axon growth and widening.
A UK national conference will discuss whether devolution poses a threat to British identity, bringing together politicians, academics and business representatives. The event aims to connect debates on the impact of devolution on Britain's unity and shared institutions.
A study by Hopkins researcher Jane McGowan found that hypoglycemia altered the ability of certain neurotransmitter receptors to bind glutamate, a key molecule for normal brain function. The research suggests that hypoglycemia may impact the brain's ability to develop normally, particularly in regards to learning and memory.
A new protocol for administering pneumonia vaccines has shown promising results in improving vaccination rates among hospital patients. The study found that the protocol resulted in a 38% vaccination rate, compared to 4.9% in standard procedures. This intervention can potentially save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
New research reveals that a biological arms race occurs between males and females in reproduction, with sex-specific traits leading to balanced conflicts. The study shows that the arms race is indeed balanced but not perfectly so, with some species experiencing high rates of costly matings.
Keblinski's research on polycrystalline diamonds reveals surprising strength and potential for designing stronger, less brittle materials. His work has implications for ceramics in turbines and other applications.
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition with minimal symptoms, yet it has never received the same attention as heart attack or stroke. The Council for Leadership On Thrombosis Awareness and Management aims to raise awareness and educate the public about DVT risk factors and symptoms.
Researchers have developed a uniform methodology to measure carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels in estuaries, revealing the relative health of coastal waters. The data show that some estuaries, like Tokyo Bay, have significantly higher nutrient loads than others, such as the Chesapeake Bay.
Researchers at UC Riverside demonstrate the lateral Casimir force, a new type of force that can create horizontal sliding motion between surfaces. This shape-dependent force has vast implications for micromachines and microdevices.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a remote control mechanism that sets human growth hormone into action, operating from 15 kilobases away. This discovery could lead to an eventual gene therapy for type of dwarfism resulting from pituitary gland's inability to manufacture hGH.
Regular intense exercise over nine months improved glucose metabolism in overweight individuals, with benefits persisting after cessation. The study found significant reductions in insulin levels and improvements in cardiovascular health.
A study of Peruvian children found that chronic malnutrition in infancy is associated with poor cognitive function in late childhood. Children who were stunted or had Giardia infections performed lower on the Wechsler intelligence scale, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections early on.
Researchers discovered a gene, wishful thinking (wit), that regulates neural development and synaptic growth in fruit flies. The gene is involved in coordinating muscle growth with synapse growth, essential for proper muscle contraction.
A study of urban pregnant Native American and African American women found that these groups have higher rates of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) than white women. The research reveals distinct beverage preferences, with beer being the preferred choice among Native Americans and malt liquor among African Americans.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study reveals a significant warming trend in the Southern Ocean over the last 50 years, with temperatures rising nearly double the global average. The research suggests that this region may be responding more rapidly to climate change than previously thought.
Children with severe stunted growth at age 2 scored 10 points lower on cognitive tests than their peers, indicating that the detrimental effects of malnutrition linger through childhood. Diarrhea caused by G. lamblia parasite also reduced test scores, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional needs in young children.
A new study finds that restricting R-rated movies is associated with lower rates of adolescent alcohol and tobacco use. Children who are not restricted from watching R-rated movies are three times more likely to smoke or drink compared to those who have no restrictions.
Researchers have found that birds excel in tasks such as combining objects in specific orders, using vocal labels, and learning complex songs. This suggests that the neural machinery involved in these abilities may not be unique to primates, but rather has evolved separately in birds.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure differentially affects visual and auditory attention in adolescents, with dysmorphic individuals showing a specific deficit in visual processing. The results suggest that attention is not uniformly affected, and knowledge of these patterns may aid in the development of remediative programs.
A recent outbreak in England and Wales highlights the need for better vaccination coverage among Mecca pilgrims, with a previously rare strain causing high case-fatality rates. Enhanced surveillance and early recognition are crucial to prevent further transmission of the disease.
The world's top 10 coral reef hotspots, rich in marine species found only in small areas and highly vulnerable to extinction, have been identified. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these critical ecosystems from human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, and climate change.
An ice-free Arctic would pose enormous implications for naval operations, requiring increased cooperation between nations, particularly the US, Canada, and Russia. The region's shorter routes from Europe to Asia could lead to increased transnational activity, international crime, and environmental challenges.
Stainless steel corrosion is a highly localized and devastating phenomenon that can cause catastrophic industrial accidents. Researchers at Imperial College London have solved the mystery by discovering that tiny sulphur-rich impurity particles 'suck' chromium out of the steel, creating a vulnerable layer that triggers the main attack.
Researchers identified a novel pathway controlling branching morphogenesis, a critical process in development and tissue formation. This finding has implications for understanding diseases involving abnormal branching patterns.
The Nabi experimental vaccine reduced bloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in end-stage kidney disease patients by nearly 60%. The vaccine elicited a significant antibody response in 86% of the patients, and significantly reduced the incidence of systemic S. aureus infection in the blood.
Researchers at Stanford University are conducting a randomized, multi-site clinical study on using therapeutic cooling to preserve heart muscle in heart-attack patients. The study aims to prevent or minimize damage caused by reduced blood flow during an attack.
A nonwoven fiber barrier made of ethylene vinyl acetate can significantly reduce the number of eggs laid by onion maggots, with treated plants having an average of 1.4 eggs per plant compared to 10.4 for untreated plants.
Research on spermatocyte apoptosis highlights the role of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Key findings include specific molecular pathways involved in regulating spermatocyte death, which may inform therapeutic strategies for male infertility and other reproductive disorders.
Studies found that denicotinized cigarettes can satisfy nicotine cravings and reduce smoke intake in smokers. The nicotine delivery method is linked to the sensory and habit components of smoking, suggesting a need for different techniques in comprehensive treatment programs.
A UB team has demonstrated a breakthrough in three-photon pumped frequency upconversion, producing fluorescent emissions with higher energy than the laser's pumping photon. This process enables efficient light production for applications such as optical imaging, bioimaging, diagnostics and photodynamic therapy of deep tissue tumors.
A study of water striders reveals an evolutionary arms race between males and females, where males use grasping structures to immobilize females, while females develop spines to counteract. This conflict leads to a balance in male and female traits, with some species experiencing high rates of costly matings.
Researchers have created a new vaccine that can prevent life-threatening infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are resistant to common antibiotics. The vaccine targets the bacteria's capsular polysaccharides and has shown significant efficacy in reducing bacteremia in hemodialysis patients.
Researchers have identified ciliary proteins as key contributors to polycystic kidney disease progression. Mutations in these proteins can disrupt normal kidney function and lead to cyst formation.
A new species of carnivorous dinosaur, Sinovenator changii, has been discovered in China, revealing that major structural modifications towards birds occurred earlier than previously thought. The fossil is closely related to the oldest known bird, Archaeopteryx, and provides evidence that birds did not evolve from dinosaurs.
A new interactive computer program will be developed to bridge the language barrier for Spanish-speaking diabetics, providing healthcare professionals with translation tools. The program will translate basic health questions and answers from English to Spanish and vice versa.
Researchers are studying the aerodynamics of bird-wrasse fish, fruit flies, and hawkmoths to develop more efficient unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and underwater vessels. By mimicking nature's designs, they aim to reduce drag, improve stability, and enhance control.
A new set of operations research models helps retailers identify strong and weak selling products, making targeted substitutions to increase profits. The study shows that reconfiguring a category's assortment can lead to significant improvements in profit without requiring major changes.
Scientists have developed a new mouse model that allows for selective elimination of genes in specific tissues, enabling studies on the role of PAX-3 in heart development and its connection to other systems such as the brain and spinal cord. This breakthrough technology facilitates research collaboration and opens up new avenues for un...
Researchers have found that blue whales travel rapidly from one feeding area to another and continue to feed throughout the year. These blue whales move fast, adapting to survive events like El Nino by moving to high-productivity areas quickly.
Elevated homocysteine levels are strongly linked to increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, doubling the chance of developing AD. The study found that consistently high homocysteine levels throughout the period of the study were at highest risk for dementia and AD.
Researchers discovered that autistic individuals have smaller minicolumns but more of them, leading to excessive communication and stimulation. This pathology may hold the key to understanding autism and other conditions like schizophrenia.
Research teams have discovered oxygen decreases of 10-15% in the upper thermocline, a layer 100-600 meters deep. Slower ocean circulation and increased plant productivity may be contributing factors, potentially linked to climate shifts and global warming.
Dr. Pandelakis Koni has developed an animal model to study autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, by selectively stopping the immune response. The mouse model allows researchers to understand how dendritic cells trigger the immune system and develop strategies to prevent autoimmunity.
A Mayo Clinic study found that sildenafil does not worsen symptoms of inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle during exercise in men with coronary artery disease. The study, which involved 105 patients, suggests that sildenafil can be safely prescribed for these patients without increasing their risk of heart attacks.
Researchers at Cornell University are growing methanogens and other microbes in a laboratory using conditions similar to acidic wetlands. The goal is to understand how these microorganisms function and potentially apply this knowledge to bioengineering, such as bioremediation of contaminated sites or controlled methane production.
A study found that African-American women were the least likely to donate blood, with only 41% reporting willingness, while African-American men were the least likely to become organ donors upon death. Religious beliefs played a significant role in organ donation disparities among African-American and white groups.
Researchers mapped the primary auditory cortex of a pallid bat, revealing insights into the structure and function of its hearing system. The study found that neurons in the low-frequency noise-preferring region are systematically organized with respect to their sensitivity to interaural intensity differences.
A new study using powerful DNA-amplification tests found that up to 3% of participants had untreated chlamydia and over 5% had untreated gonorrhea, suggesting a large reservoir of asymptomatic infections. The high prevalence rates in the general public and lack of symptoms emphasize the importance of screening programs and extended acc...
The study, conducted in Olmsted County, Minnesota, found that only a small percentage of people utilize recommended approaches to weight loss. The efforts being undertaken by CardioVision 2020 aim to reduce cardiovascular disease burden through diet and exercise changes. Meanwhile, another study on breast cancer patients highlights the...
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers has confirmed that long-term use of venlafaxine provides women with breast cancer significant relief from hot flashes, with a 60% reduction in frequency over eight weeks. The antidepressant is considered a safe and effective non-hormonal alternative to estrogen for treating hot flashes.
A study by scientists at Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center found that more frequent participation in cognitively stimulating activities is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research showed a 33% reduction in risk for each one-point increase in cognitive activity.
Research with monkeys shows that low energy availability due to strenuous exercise training causes amenorrhea. Increasing food intake reverses the effect, suggesting a key role for energy balance in exercise-induced amenorrhea.
The GRIP aims to combat 'brain drain' by providing partial salaries and research support to well-trained young investigators returning home. Eligible scientists can compete for funds through a peer-reviewed process.
A study found that blind individuals using Braille reading strategies activate areas of the brain normally reserved for vision, suggesting a novel way of utilizing occipital cortex. This activation is similar to what is observed in sighted individuals when reading print or receiving tactile stimulation.
A study found that 35% of staff left the field within four years due to colleague stress. However, burnout was not a major factor; instead, support from professional colleagues significantly impacted employee retention. The researchers conclude that improving team relationships can reduce job stress and enhance retention.
Researchers found that stress increases triglycerides in the bloodstream, which can contribute to heart disease. Triglyceride levels declined more slowly in stressed volunteers compared to those who rested, suggesting a negative impact of stress on fat metabolism.
Researchers found that plants inherit traits from factors outside of genes, such as DNA modification and packaging, which can be passed on to offspring. The study suggests a cost of resistance in plants, where hyperactive defense systems lead to physical damage despite low disease threat.
A new study has found a significant association between activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and individual differences in mood. The researchers used brain imaging techniques to record brain activity in 89 individuals, who were asked about their experiences with unpleasant moods.
The Ecological Society of America advocates for a broader view of freshwater resources, prioritizing ecological needs alongside societal requirements. Healthy freshwater systems provide essential goods and services like food supply, flood control, and habitat, which are costly to replace with technology.