Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a gene therapy that reduces inflammatory cytokines involved in joint inflammation. The treatment, which uses the IL-13 gene, has been shown to suppress joint inflammation and prevent the development of arthritis in rat models.
A study by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia and others found that autistic patients have significantly smaller minicolumns, a basic organizational unit of brain cells, but more of them than controls. This may be consistent with an existing theory that autistic individuals suffer from overarousal and abnormal behaviors.
Researchers at Tufts University have engineered custom-made human knee ligaments using adult stem cells, offering a potential solution to the costly and debilitating ACL reconstruction process. The new tissue engineering strategy could significantly reduce recovery time for professional athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Researchers found a correlation between older adults' use of speech and their ability to gesture, with more words spoken leading to lower scores on pantomime tasks. The study suggests that speaking may interfere with gesture production or be used as a substitute response to activate gestures.
A new study finds that global warming will increase the length of the day by 0.11 seconds over the century due to changes in Earth's angular momentum. The effect is expected to be small and difficult to distinguish from natural variations, but measurable on a decade scale.
The center aims to increase opportunities for underrepresented minority researchers, educators, and clinicians in the biomedical research community. It also seeks to create a nationally recognized model for addressing racial and ethnic health disparities through campus and community partnerships.
The TIMED spacecraft is beginning its two-year science mission to study the influences of the sun and humans on the least explored portion of Earth's atmosphere. The mission will provide a global picture of this critical region, enabling future 'space weather' predictions.
The Keck Foundation is funding a $750,000 grant to develop a 3D fusion microscope at Northeastern University. The instrument will enable three-dimensional imaging of biological specimens using five advanced technologies, with applications in embryonic development and spinal cord injury research.
Levels of nitrogen and sulfuric acid have decreased moderately in some Adirondack lakes, suggesting a decline in acidic levels. Long-term data is needed to confirm the changes and understand the underlying causes.
Erik Westman aims to reduce fatalities, lower construction costs, and improve environmental protection through a practical method for predicting failures in rock masses. He's adapting tomographic imaging technology for field use, enabling engineers to monitor stress redistribution in rock masses.
The innovative procedure uses a 40-second CT scan to identify colon polyps, reducing the risk of puncturing and sedation. Virtual Colonoscopy has been shown to detect polyps as small as 3mm in diameter with high accuracy.
Researchers from the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research have successfully cloned mouse embryos from mature B and T cell nuclei, demonstrating that fully differentiated adult cells can form clones. However, the process is extremely inefficient, and it is more likely that elusive adult stem cells are responsible for cloning.
A recent study found that depression treatments are less effective among certain populations, including elderly women and individuals with low education levels. These populations tend to have higher rates of non-response to treatment, suggesting the need for more intensive specialty mental health care.
A study of 78 older adults found that chronic, sub-clinical mild depression can suppress immune systems, leading to poorer responses to infections and diseases. The findings suggest that early detection and treatment of even mild depression may be crucial for better health in older adults.
A study suggests that robot-assisted sensorimotor therapy can help stroke survivors recover movement abilities years later. The robot exercises patients' limbs and rebuilds nerve pathways from the brain to the injured limb, leading to improved movement abilities.
A Mayo Clinic study has confirmed the effectiveness of samarium as a treatment option for osteosarcoma, with 24 of 30 patients experiencing a good to excellent response. The radioactive drug targets tumors in the bone, killing off cancer cells and reducing side effects associated with chemotherapy.
Researchers have created an image of antiferromagnetism within a solid material using a new technique, enabling the study of advanced magnetic recording materials. The discovery could lead to more cost-efficient evolution of nanoscale devices for computing and communications.
The study found that childhood hemorrhagic strokes declined by 79%, while ischemic strokes declined by only 19%. Black children were more than twice as likely to die from stroke-related deaths, highlighting the need for further research into risk factors and prevention strategies.
The U.S. Navy has deployed a mobile communications center to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympics, offering reliable satellite links and connectivity. The system, developed by the Office of Naval Research, can provide telephone and data connectivity anywhere and even handle streaming video.
Recent changes in public and private pension schemes are reducing incentives for early retirement, particularly among men and women. The analysis highlights the growing life expectancy and ageing population, making it less necessary to retire early.
Researchers found that sudden changes in body position and negative emotional stress/anger are linked to an increased risk of ischemic strokes. The study suggests that awareness of these potential triggers can help prevent strokes, particularly among older adults.
A team of Danish researchers compared data from the Copenhagen Stroke Study to investigate possible differences in causes of TIAs and strokes. They found that TIA patients were half as likely to have diabetes and claudication, suggesting alternative causes beyond blood clots.
A training program improved emergency physicians' ability to diagnose strokes via CT scans, leading to a significant increase in accurate diagnoses. Remote review of CT scans using teleradiology also showed reliable results in evaluating stroke patients for thrombolytic therapy.
Research by Marlene Behrmann seeks to understand how the human brain interprets visual information, enabling us to recognize objects and locations. Her work aims to shed light on the neural processes underlying visual mental imagery and its relationship with perception.
A new study on Neurospora crassa reveals a gene silencing mechanism called MSUD, which could have implications for human reproduction and speciation. The process involves the scanning of paired chromosomes before they separate, and can eliminate deleterious genes in organisms.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of membrane fusion in yeast cells, which challenges prior assumptions about the process. The study offers a practical tool to study and modulate fusion events, with potential applications in understanding disease and developing treatments.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered a unique 'flap' on protein Tall-1 crucial to its function, which could lead to new treatments for autoimmunity. The flap-free version of the molecule triggers no biological activity but still binds to receptors.
Researchers found diseased gums release higher levels of bacterial pro-inflammatory components, which can travel to organs like the heart and cause harm. The study supports earlier findings suggesting periodontal disease may trigger cardiovascular disease through oral bacterial components.
Researchers analyzed carbon and hydrogen isotopes in black-throated blue warbler feathers to link northern breeding populations with southern wintering grounds. The study found a significant correlation between isotopic composition and geographical location.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute have identified specific amino acid residues in the Gumboro-causing viruses responsible for their infection and disease development in poultry. This discovery will enable the creation of more effective genetically engineered vaccines to protect against severe outbreaks.
Engineers have demonstrated the precision attitude control capability of NASA's Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) on board the EO-1 satellite, making it the first time this technology has been used. The PPT is a fuel-efficient system that uses electromagnetic forces to propel a spacecraft, offering potential benefits for future space missions.
A portable ultrasound device has been developed to detect neck artery blockages with high accuracy. The device takes only 8.8 minutes to perform a comprehensive examination, compared to 30 minutes or longer for standard laboratory ultrasounds.
The DEIMOS instrument will multiply the power of current Keck spectroscopy by a factor of seven, enabling observations of distant galaxies and shedding light on the formation and evolution of galaxies. With its massive detector and advanced optics, DEIMOS will create the most comprehensive map of the distant universe ever attempted.
Scientists at Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Physiology develop a new concept for more efficient search of drug candidates. By employing biologically relevant natural products as starting point, the 'domain concept' aims to increase hit rate in compound libraries.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a new photoreceptor cell in the eye that turns light energy into brain signals, governing the body's 24-hour clock and helping people adjust to jet lag. This discovery expands our understanding of visual systems, suggesting a parallel system to the well-known rods and cones.
A study of 741 police officers found that those who experienced intense fear, horror, or helplessness during traumatic incidents had a higher risk of developing PTSD symptoms. Insomnia was also prevalent among the officers, with nearly half suffering from sleep disturbances typical of insomnia clinics.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a protein called stat3-beta that regulates genes involved in systemic inflammation. In mice engineered to lack this protein, researchers found fatal kidney failure due to uncontrolled inflammation, highlighting the potential of stat3-beta as a therapeutic target for human inflammatory diseases.
A study suggests that kinking in the iliac arteries is a common cause of blood flow restriction in endurance athletes, particularly cyclists and speed skaters. Surgical release of these kinks can improve performance and enable athletes to return to competition, with 87% successfully returning to their desired level.
A study using virtual blue jays as predators found that they drove the evolution of diverse wing markings in a population of virtual moths. The research, funded by the NSF, used a genetic algorithm to favor moths with more cryptic markings and found evidence of increased diversity after 100 generations.
Researchers have developed a way to fabricate superlattice nanowires, which can incorporate transistor junctions, light-emitting diodes, and lasers within a single wire. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of ultra-small electronic devices that are equal to or better than current hand-size electronics.
Researchers propose that the continents emerged suddenly over 200 million years ago, coinciding with the formation of supercontinent Rodinia. This theory suggests that changes in plate tectonics may have triggered evolutionary activity and influenced life's evolution.
D'Andrade's research focuses on cognitive anthropology, quantitative methods, and American culture, with a focus on insightful interpretations of historical trends shaping the future goals of anthropology. He is one of 14 individuals honored by the NAS this year.
Narcolepsy is a lifelong problem characterized by sudden sleep episodes and muscle paralysis triggered by strong emotions. A new study aims to understand the role of hypocretin cells in controlling sleep and arousal, with potential breakthroughs for future treatments.
The Coordinated Stroke Strategy led to a dramatic increase in stroke treatment rates, from 3.5 patients per month to an average of six patients per month. Intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalization rates varied by gender and geography, with higher rates among men and in the southern United States.
Chemists observed significant improvement in catalyst performance when changing support material, leading to up to ten-fold increase in efficiency. The researchers created nearly uniform nanoclusters of iridium atoms and found that the catalytic clusters and support were chemically bonded.
A study analyzing stable isotopes in feathers reveals that black-throated blue warblers segregate according to their summer breeding locations in North America, linking them to specific Caribbean wintering grounds. This research provides crucial insights for developing effective conservation initiatives for Neotropical migrants.
A new study finds that the updated birth control pills pose a significant stroke risk for women. The risk is similar to that of first-generation pills and higher than non-users.
The Choice Plus plan, a direct contracting health plan, contains costs and maintains quality of care. The study found that hospital care costs dropped, while ambulatory care rose slightly.
Researchers mapped the neural circuitry of a light-sensing system that governs the body's internal clock and regulates sleep-wake cycles, discoveries that could lead to new treatments for jet lag and depression. The study identified melanopsin as a key player in this system.
A new computer-based algorithm identifies a distinct proteomic pattern that distinguishes malignant from benign tumours within the ovary with 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity. This technique may help screen for ovarian cancer in high-risk and general populations.
Researchers create protein nanoarrays with features over 1,000 times smaller than conventional arrays, enabling more accurate and efficient detection of biomolecules. The technology, developed by Northwestern University, holds promise for applications in disease screening and biorecognition.
Researchers believe that bionic technologies can be adapted for restoring some degree of lost function, with progress continuing at its present pace. The development of wireless implants and miniaturized components will bring processing closer to the body, enabling more complex actions like walking.
Researchers found that dedicated stroke teams can improve treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) without increasing hospital costs. The use of tPA increased by 2.1 times in the year with a specialized team compared to the year without one.
Researchers found that gastric juices can accumulate in the middle ear, causing inflammation and secondary bacterial colonisation. The study suggests that anti-reflux treatment could prevent otitis media with effusion, a common problem in young children.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a family of bone formation genes that can be regulated by bioactive materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of new biomaterials for tissue regeneration and repair, with potential for targeted treatment of specific patients and disease states.
A Swedish study found IVF children are three times more likely to have cerebral palsy and four-fold increased risk of developmental delay compared to naturally conceived children. The authors recommend single embryo transfer during IVF to limit these risks.
Researchers use theoretical calculation to understand merger process, predicting brief brightness increase and high-speed gas outflow. The study sheds light on quasar activation following super-massive black hole mergers, a phenomenon not yet fully understood.
Researchers are creating a genetic database for ornamental trees by analyzing the DNA of George Washington's trees. The project, led by Virginia Tech and the USDA Forest Service, aims to understand the genetics of specific tree species.
Researchers found that growth hormone therapy stimulated immunity-promoting cells in bone marrow and other organs of aging rats, increasing red and white blood cell production by up to three times. This approach could lead to increased reserve capacity for immune cells in the elderly.
Researchers reveal how mutations in Hox genes allowed aquatic crustaceans to evolve into six-legged insects, answering a key criticism of evolution. The discovery sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind macroevolutionary change.