Researchers discovered unique genetic differences between lung cancer patients that correlated with cancer relapse rates. A 22-gene cluster was identified as a key predictor of treatment outcome, providing unprecedented insight into individual lung tumors.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to increase hydrogen production from fermentation by 43%, utilizing industrial wastewater as feedstock. This approach can potentially make hydrogen a cheaper fuel alternative to gasoline, while also reducing costs for wastewater treatment plants.
Researchers at MIT have created a biodegradable polymer called biorubber that can stretch and snap back into shape, mimicking the elasticity of human organs. This breakthrough material has potential applications in tissue engineering, including heart tissue, blood vessels, and whole organs for transplantation.
Researchers at University of Illinois found that physically active older adults perform better in executive control tasks, which require more conscious effort. The study suggests increased physical activity is beneficial for older adults, improving their cognitive functioning and reaction time.
A long-term study found that habitat fragmentation has a far-reaching impact on rainforests, increasing local extinction rates and altering species richness. To maintain diversity and dynamics, Amazonian nature reserves will need to be very large to withstand human disturbances.
Researchers identify DHH as key player in fetal Leydig cell differentiation, enabling testosterone production. The discovery provides insights into human reproductive disorders resulting from faulty sex determination pathways.
NASA's SHADOZ project has solved a decade-old mystery about the source of Atlantic ozone, revealing a 'wave-one pattern' that is predominantly in the troposphere. The data also show that the tropical tropopause is not a sharp boundary but a 2-mile thick transition layer.
Researchers created genetically engineered mice lacking keratin 17, a structural protein found in hair follicles, to investigate its role in hair growth. The results show that K17 knockout mice display temporary baldness due to hair fragility and premature cell death, but eventually regrow fur at around three weeks old.
Researchers have discovered that adult blood stem cells can function to make blood vessels, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for circulatory diseases. The discovery was made using genetically engineered mice with green glowing stem cells, which were able to form new capillary beds in the eyes.
A recent study found that 42% of sexual assault survivors did not receive testing for sexually transmitted diseases or prophylactic medications. The study also showed that survivors over 18 were more likely to be screened, but only 34% received medication recommended by the CDC.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a gene that controls the growth of stomatal cells in plants, which could lead to enhanced crop plant development. The TMM gene is involved in the formation and distribution of stomatal cells on leaf surfaces, and its discovery may provide new insights into stem cell biology.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that xenon can block the effects of a glutamate receptor implicated in nerve cell death, potentially preventing damage. The findings have led to clinical trials and the formation of a spin-out company to develop treatments for neurological injuries.
Researchers at U-M have discovered that inflammatory cytokines are the primary cause of graft-versus-host disease, which can be prevented by neutralizing these proteins. The study's findings offer new hope for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, with human clinical trials currently underway.
Researchers have developed a new drug, CEP-701, that targets the genetic error causing a type of leukemia. The drug has shown promising results in clinical trials, interfering with the signal of the altered gene and leading to leukemia cell death.
A study conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that adolescent immigrants from Korea, Mexico, and Poland face distinct issues in the US. The research highlights how sports promote assimilation and materialism among these young immigrants, with varying degrees of emphasis depending on their cultural background.
Researchers analyzed seismic activity from six stations in West Antarctica, discovering a significant number of small earthquakes. The study confirms that West Antarctica is prone to earthquakes due to its rift-like nature.
A new climate study found that glaciers in the tropical Andes Mountains retreated several thousand years earlier than North American glaciers during a period of wet climate conditions. The research contradicts traditional thinking on global glaciation and suggests an alternative trigger for climate change.
A team of researchers is testing a new hyperspectral sampling technique to identify expansive clays in Colorado construction sites. The method, developed from NASA analysis techniques, aims to reduce remediation costs and prevent damage caused by swelling soils.
The American College of Emergency Physicians has issued first consensus guidelines on lightning safety before summer storms. These guidelines emphasize the importance of individual responsibility in avoiding lightning injury and provide tips on safer practices, including knowing safe locations and following weather updates.
A UNC research team has shed new light on the classic 'lock-and-key' theory of drug action by discovering functional selectivity. The findings reveal that drugs can act as both agonists and antagonists at different receptors, allowing for more targeted treatment options. This breakthrough could lead to improved clinical effects with ex...
Duke University researchers have successfully transformed adult stem cells taken from fat into cells that resemble nerve cells. The new cells were grown in the laboratory using chemicals and growth factors, and showed promise as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders. While further research is needed to determine th...
Researchers found that glaciers in the tropical Andes Mountains retreated several thousand years earlier than North American glaciers during a wet period, indicating temperature change was the primary cause of glacial retreat. This challenges conventional wisdom that high northern latitudes drive global climate change.
Researchers studied monkey behavior in a task that simulates goal-driven actions, revealing a boost in brain signal as the reward neared. The signal is thought to sustain goal-directed behavior and may underlie abnormal activity in the brain area associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers found two genes associated with human cancer play a central role in orienting cells towards chemical cues. They discovered that PI3K acts as an internal compass and steering mechanism, allowing cells to move efficiently towards chemical attractants.
Epilepsy does not increase motor vehicle crash risks compared to other medical conditions; regulations hinder patients from seeking proper care. Mandatory reporting laws are discriminatory and destroy patient-physician confidentiality.
Organic farming methods produced 20% smaller crop yields compared to conventional farming, but made up for it in ecological benefits. The study found that organic soils were more fertile, had a larger community of organisms, and decomposed more efficiently.
A recent study by Dr. Mark S. Kaplan and colleagues found that regular physician visits and dental check-ups are strongly associated with lower rates of smoking among older adults. The study analyzed data from the Canadian National Population Health Survey, which surveyed over 73,000 households across Canada.
A national survey found that most adults are unaware of the effectiveness of policies like raising taxes on alcoholic beverages and increasing the drinking age. Effective measures have saved tens of thousands of lives, but public awareness is needed to prevent accidents.
A team of Johns Hopkins University students designed and built a muscle enhancement device that enables a disabled man to grasp and lift small objects. The device uses two motors, voice recognition software, and an exo-skeleton inspired by science fiction to provide mechanical help in moving the man's fingers and bending his elbow.
A study found that homeless sexual minority youth are more likely to experience physical and sexual abuse, with bisexual individuals reporting the most incidents. These young people face significant challenges in their lives, including heavy substance abuse and difficulties dealing with their sexual identity.
Researchers aim to develop autonomous intelligent network and systems that can perform coordinated actions without human intervention. The goal is to create a 'commander' giving broad operational orders, while agents work together to overcome complex challenges, such as distributed signal processing and wireless communication.
Gardner's book examines how contemporary writers are expanding and testing the idea of 'fallen poetics' explored by Dickinson. The author analyzes works by Robinson, Graham, Wright, and Howe, among others, to understand their responses to human limits and the opening out of human responsiveness.
A new diagnostic faecal test detected MCM2-positive cells in 37 of 40 patients known to have colorectal cancer, but not in healthy individuals. The findings suggest that the test could be suitable for population screening, either alone or in combination with other tests.
PTEN, a cancer-suppressing protein, directs cells by anchoring to the cell membrane and regulating phosphate groups. Its presence helps cells move forward while restricting movement at the back, crucial for sensing direction. The findings could have implications in understanding cancer spread and metastasis.
The Lancet's editor urges caution on expanding nurse prescribing rights in the UK, citing concerns over inadequate training and potential risks to patient care. The government's plan to extend prescribing powers to all nurses is criticized for its haste and lack of regard for nursing professional boundaries.
A field study in Zimbabwe found that younger women formed partnerships with men 5-10 years older, increasing their risk of HIV-1 infection. Younger women also reported fewer condom uses and more frequent sexual activity, further exacerbating the issue.
Dr. McConnell's groundbreaking work on cellular behavior at the molecular level has shed light on interactions between cholesterol and phospholipids, as well as protein-peptide reactions. His research aims to improve understanding of immune surveillance and cholesterol function in cells.
The Marsquake sensors will detect weight shuddering caused by liquid water beneath the Martian equator, pinpointing each quake's location. This new method will help scientists find life on Mars and shed light on the planet's internal structure.
A large international trial found that magnesium sulphate reduced the risk of eclampsia by over half and maternal death by 45% compared to placebo. The treatment was also associated with a lower incidence of side effects.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that the CA3 region of the hippocampus is essential for 'pattern completion', allowing memories to be recalled from partial representations. The study involved genetically engineered mice with impaired NMDA receptor function in the CA3 region, which displayed deficits in memory recall.
Scientists have observed glowing coral reefs when illuminated with blue light, which could be used to map specific coral groups within a reef. This phenomenon is related to species and coral health, providing a potential tool for managing sensitive military areas and detecting man-made objects.
A team of scientists led by Indiana University's Alan Kostelecky aims to determine if Albert Einstein's theory of relativity holds true. By comparing extremely precise clocks in zero gravity, they may find changes that contradict the theory, revolutionizing our understanding of space and time.
QuikClot is a granulated material that rapidly absorbs all liquid in the blood and leaves behind clotting factors to effect coagulation within seconds. The product has been cleared by the FDA and is being distributed to US troops in Afghanistan, with plans for wider use in military and civilian settings.
Leaders in emergency medicine will read the same articles to share a common knowledge and background, with annual self-assessment tests to prove mastery of medical literature. The requirement aims to improve patient safety and physician accountability, as mandated by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
A team of scientists discovered a brain signal that encourages us to continue working on tasks to receive rewards. Abnormal activity in this signal may contribute to conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or drug abuse.
A study found that elderly patients with multiple prescription medications have difficulty identifying them, dosages, frequencies, and indications. The study suggests that this issue may be more widespread among elderly patients who are disoriented or medically unstable.
Researchers used a large database of ecological information to analyze over 100 animal populations in the wild. They found that generalist feeding organisms exhibit short cycle periods, typically four times as long as an animal's lifespan, while those that feed on one species have longer cycles.
In big cities like San Francisco, women value men with financial resources, while in smaller cities, emotional connections take precedence. Women's preferences vary by location and city size.
Recent clinical trials found that low-dose insulin injections do not delay or prevent type 1 diabetes in high-risk individuals, contrary to earlier animal studies and pilot trials. However, the trials revealed valuable insights into immune and metabolic markers for assessing diabetes risk and identifying potential prevention strategies.
The Q TRAP system combines triple quadrupole and ion trap mass spectrometry, enabling researchers to identify more proteins and metabolites with higher confidence and accuracy. This new technology is expected to increase productivity in drug discovery through improved metabolite identification.
Internal documents expose tobacco industry's secret lists of control advocates and researchers, aiming to discredit them. Industry agencies also conducted clandestine research on public health groups, including secretly recording meetings.
This study estimates the direct and indirect costs of prostate cancer in California for 1998, finding that hospitalization costs account for almost three-fifths of total costs. Prostate cancer adds significant costs to patients with comorbid conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory illness.
A new clinical trial has shown that a short-term use of a new drug can safely arrest the progression of Type 1 diabetes by targeting disease-causing T-cells. Patients who took the drug continued to produce their own insulin and needed less supplemental hormone, leading to improved metabolic control and reduced complications.
A team of researchers has demonstrated the first wireless communication system built entirely on a computer chip, breaking the need for wires to transmit information within the chip. This technology could lead to faster chips, tiny microphones, motion detectors, and other devices.
Tumor vaccines via dendritic cells aim to enhance the immune response against cancer cells Researchers found that dendritic cells can stimulate the production of antibodies and T-cells specific to cancer antigens
Directed antisense expression has been shown to moderate feeding behavior and weight gain in various animal models. This regulatory effect is attributed to the suppression of genes involved in energy homeostasis, ultimately leading to changes in food intake and body weight.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a correlation between earthquakes and ocean tides, with seismic activity increasing during tidal lows. This study suggests that the seafloor crust is breathing with the ocean tides, allowing for regular tidal scheduling of seismic energy release.
A new peptide developed by researchers at Yale University has shown promise in promoting new growth in injured spinal cords. The study confirmed that a molecule called Nogo blocks axon regeneration, but also demonstrated how to block its action with the peptide, allowing nerve fibers to grow back and restoring mobility to laboratory rats.
Researchers investigate NEMO submersion in virus-prone boys to identify potential risks and benefits. The study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between viral exposure and physiological responses.
Scientists warn of significant global impacts from glacier decline, with effects on agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems. Glacier melting may lead to both serious problems and short-term increases in water availability.