Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a link between an enzyme called MSP and multiple sclerosis tissue damage, which could lead to new treatment options. The study found that excess MSP promotes demyelination, but also contributes to proper oligodendroglia function when functioning normally.
A new study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that workers with little control in their jobs were 43-50% more likely to die during a five-to-ten year period. The research team suggests that 'alienating' work could lead to social disengagement and high-risk behaviors, increasing mortality risk.
The excavation of a chimpanzee stone tool site in the Ivory Coast reveals new insights into the behavior of our closest living relatives. The site, discovered using archaeological methods, shows that chimpanzees collected rocks from various sources and brought them to nut-cracking sites, creating large refuse accumulations.
In Eastern Cameroon, many children live with an uncle and aunt due to divorce. Adoptive families benefit from the arrangement, as adoptive children cannot be lost in a divorce. Women have little difficulty forming bonds with their brothers' children, who remain with them after a divorce.
Professor Alain Goriely explains that whip cracking is caused by a sonic boom generated by the loop in the whip, which travels at one speed but parts of it travel twice as fast. The tip's motion is also analyzed to reveal why it wasn't heard when hitting the speed of sound
USC researchers propose lipid peroxidation as a mechanism for renal cell carcinoma, uniting known risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure. The process creates DNA damage that can lead to cancer mutations, increasing kidney cancer risk.
Recent claims of fossil life on Earth over 3.8 billion years ago are called into question by researchers from The George Washington University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History. A new study suggests that carbon in ancient rocks may have formed non-biotically, rather than through biological processes.
Researchers have developed a new TB vaccine by fusing a Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen with a gene that highly expresses a thiol-specific-antioxidant protein from Leishmania major. This hybrid DNA vaccine increased protein production, leading to a more robust immune response in mice.
Research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found significant increases in obesity rates among older children and adolescents in Brazil, China, and the US between 1991 and 2017. The study highlights the growing global burden of nutritional problems and calls for revised nutrition programs to address energy excesses.
A study found that individuals with strong social connections scored better on a measure of aging, including lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and hormonal imbalances. Strong relationships with family members also had a positive impact on health outcomes.
A team of scientists excavated a chimpanzee nut-cracking site in West Africa, uncovering new facets and confirming existing knowledge about chimpanzee tool behavior. The study suggests that some Oldowan sites may be re-interpreted as nut-cracking sites, providing new insights into human evolution.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that an at-home exercise program significantly reduced depression and stress among caregivers of demented relatives. The program provided regular counseling sessions to help participants work up to a home exercise routine.
A study found that cognitive therapy was as effective as medication in treating severe depression, with a lower cost. Cognitive therapy showed a long-term cost benefit and offered enduring protection comparable to ongoing medication.
Researchers at UCR have developed an organic compound that exhibits bistability in all three physical channels: optical, electrical, and magnetic. This multifunctional material has the potential to be used in advanced electronic devices.
Brown dwarfs have long been observed to appear brighter as they cool, but scientists couldn't explain the phenomenon until now. Using a model that takes into account cloudy storm patterns, researchers have found that atmospheric weather on brown dwarfs can cause them to brighten, similar to Jupiter's Great Red Spot.
A study by UCSF found that consuming excessive salt increases calcium loss, while a potassium supplement helps maintain bone density. Potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach can be beneficial for preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Studies by Johns Hopkins researchers found that excessive myostatin levels cause rapid muscle and fat loss in mice without affecting appetite. This discovery offers hope for new treatments for muscle-wasting diseases like muscular dystrophy and extreme weight loss associated with certain cancers, AIDS, and other conditions.
A new counting method allows for the detection of semi-viable bacteria in cheese, which are active but no longer divide. This method is useful for following the ripening of cheese and yoghurt, as well as developing probiotic dairy products.
Researchers found that children's brains show different activity patterns in left frontal and extrastriate cortex compared to adults. The study suggests that brain development continues into early school years, with some areas becoming more active in children.
The study found that enriched egg yolks increased red cell membrane DHA levels by 30-40% in both breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Additionally, plasma iron levels were improved in all groups, with no negative impact on cholesterol concentrations.
A study found that children exposed to home bombardment and demolition reported higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder compared to those not directly exposed. The research highlights the need for early detection and training of healthcare professionals to address child mental health problems in war zones.
A Swedish registry study found that early revascularisation significantly reduces mortality risk by up to 50% within a year after a heart attack. This suggests improved success rates for bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty over time, as well as the inclusion of sicker patients in previous studies.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a signaling mechanism in yeast cells that controls cell growth and differentiation, with potential implications for cancer treatment. The study found that pheromone triggers cells to stop dividing and orient their growth toward the source of pheromone.
Lonely college students exhibited increased blood pressure from mentally stressful tasks, with higher vascular resistance and lower cardiac output compared to non-lonely peers. In older subjects, systolic blood pressure rose with age in lonely individuals, suggesting a pervasive cardiovascular risk associated with loneliness.
The prevalence of overweight in children and adolescents tripled in Brazil, almost doubled in the US, and increased by one-fifth in China over 2-3 decades. Improved economic conditions led to more secure food supplies and inactive leisure time, contributing to childhood obesity.
A study on the French text 'Lancelot en prose' found that minor characters helped medieval readers follow complex tale plots. These stereotypical characters, such as damsels and dwarfs, served specific narrative functions.
A study of over 600 high school teachers found that burnout patients can maintain a positive self-image despite mixed feelings upon seeing colleagues perform well. Researchers recommend leveraging social comparison to aid therapists in treating burnout patients.
UCSF researchers argue that funding HIV prevention interventions in sub-Saharan Africa is 28 times more cost-effective than treating individuals with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Implementing six proven prevention interventions can save a maximum number of lives with limited funds available, according to the study.
Scientists have identified a new amino acid, pyrrolysine, in a particular strain of microbe, Methanosarcina barkeri. The discovery suggests that even more genetically encoded amino acids may be found using modern genome sequencing techniques.
A virtual robot developed by researchers at Leiden University Medical Center can accurately outline the damaged areas of a patient's heart muscle using MRI images. The robot uses machine learning algorithms to create 'surgically precise' contours, eliminating the need for manual drawing and increasing efficiency.
A multi centre collaborative study found a two-thirds reduction in group C meningococci carriage after UK-wide vaccination. The programme protected both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, providing valuable insights for future comprehensive vaccines.
A study by psychologists from the University of Amsterdam found that mentally fatigued persons have difficulty translating objectives into actions, are less flexible, and more persistent in their behavior. They also scored lower in psychological tests and made more mistakes, particularly when faced with changing rules or situations.
Scientists at UC Davis have found a gene in nematode worms Caenorhabditis elegans that matches a gene altered in one form of dystonia. The discovery may lead to new insights into the disease and potential treatments. Researchers plan to study how OOC-5 interacts with other proteins to better understand its role in human nerve cells.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in men. The research, led by Peter P. Vitaliano, identified a general pattern connecting chronic stress to heart disease, including poor health habits and changes in body composition and metabolism.
Researchers have discovered the location of the genes that can cause heart attack, a breakthrough that could lead to new means of prevention and treatment. The study used genetics maps to scan chromosomes and found regions on chromosomes two, three, and 20 linked with heart attacks.
A study published in The Lancet found that rubber bullets can cause severe and penetrating injuries, including fatalities. Experts recommend limiting the use of rubber bullets to lower limbs and increasing firing ranges to prevent serious injuries.
A new test simulates real-world noise to evaluate children's binaural hearing abilities, which affects learning and concentration in noisy environments. The test assesses how well children can separate competing sounds, with results showing varying ability levels among children.
A meta-analysis of zinc supplementation found that both height and weight increased positively in response to zinc supplements. Infants and children who were initially stunted or underweight realized the greatest benefit from zinc supplements. Zinc supplements also significantly increased serum zinc concentrations.
A research team led by Professor Timothy Zwier has demonstrated how laser light can be used to prompt large molecules to make alterations in their three-dimensional structure. By choosing different infrared wavelengths, the laser can selectively choose the molecule's new shape, favoring the formation of one conformation over another.
Continental Airlines used operations research to generate globally optimal crew recovery solutions, recovering from terrorist attacks and inclement weather with tens of millions of dollars in benefits. The airline's partner CALEB Technologies Corp. developed the CrewSolver decision support system.
The new tool helps decision makers utilize long-range forecasts by explaining and evaluating their performance. It allows users to customize evaluations based on lead-times, seasons, and locations relevant to their specific needs.
Three Columbia University dental students, Ms. Gao, Mr. Zhang, and Mr. Reyes, were selected for the prestigious NIDCR summer dental student award program. They gained hands-on experience in research and received access to state-of-the-art laboratories and technologies, enabling them to undertake valuable research initiatives.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have created genetically altered mosquitoes that prevent the passage of malaria from one individual to the next. The mosquitoes were engineered to produce a protein that interferes with the development of the parasite in the mosquito, reducing transmission by about 80%.
A recent study found that venlafaxine is effective in reducing symptoms of GAD in children and teens, with a significant decrease of 18.6 points on a standard measurement scale. The medication showed promising results in improving symptoms, with 64% of participants responding to therapy.
CU Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Signatures win with innovative approaches to pharmaceuticals and life sciences. The two companies will receive funding to develop their ideas.
BP7787 shows impressive safety profile and high tumor response rate, indicating potential as a preventive measure for chemotherapy side effects. The Phase 1 clinical trial demonstrated no severe nerve damage and partial tumor remission in nearly all patients treated with BNP7787
A study found that influenza A infection attracts pneumonia bacteria, increasing binding to lung epithelial cells. Treatment with Tamiflu may prevent this increased binding and related complications.
Computer model simulates brain cell firing patterns to explain Parkinson's tremors. The model suggests that a synchronized pattern of signals, rather than just increased frequency, is responsible for the characteristic tremors of the disease.
A new program helps protect Asian elephants from crop-raiding by implementing a coordinated effort to deter them, reducing farmer risk and protecting the environment. The initiative uses trip wires, sirens, spotlights, and firecrackers to scare off aggressive elephants, promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Researchers found that participants who wrote emails about traumatic emotional experiences were healthier in the weeks following their writings than those who wrote about non-emotional topics. The study's results suggest that written emotional expression is beneficial to physical health, even when conducted through email.
Researchers have identified a mechanism to increase drug delivery to brain tumors by manipulating calcium-dependent potassium channels. The study found that activating these channels can increase the permeability of the blood-brain tumor barrier, allowing cancer-killing medications to reach the tumor more effectively.
A new mouse model has shown promise in treating muscular dystrophy by increasing muscle mass and regeneration, reducing muscle cell death. The combination of better muscle regeneration and less muscle wasting could lead to improved muscle capacity over time.
The CYPHER Sirolimus-eluting Stent demonstrated significant reductions in angiographic in-stent restenosis (94% less than control) and late lumen loss. The stent also showed excellent safety results, with a low event-free survival rate and no cases of acute or subacute thrombosis.
Researchers found that insects on the same plant were more likely to mate with each other than those on different plants, suggesting habitat plays a crucial role in speciation. The study provides evidence of host-plant adaptation driving reproductive isolation and repeated divergence in this species.
A new method by USF researchers can detect anthrax spores in under 8 hours, reducing turnaround time from days. This breakthrough enables more laboratories to test samples, alleviating backlog and anxiety caused by long wait times.
A recent study has found that low-calorie dieting raises ghrelin levels, while gastric bypass surgery sharply reduces them, making it a potential key to unlocking the secrets of successful weight loss. The research also suggests that this mechanism may be why gastric bypass surgery is often more effective than dieting.
Researchers discovered an autoimmune response to GAD65 enzyme leading to excess glutamate and brain damage in children with juvenile Batten disease. The study suggests immunotherapy may slow progression of the disease, which is fatal by late teens or twenties.
Penn researchers used laser tweezers to study the strength of ligand-receptor binding in platelets, refining the paradigm of how blood clots form. They found that changes in integrin's ability to bind to fibrinogen are regulated by the cell as an all-or-none phenomenon with only one functional state compatible with binding.
The BAXJECT device eliminates filter needles during Factor VIII concentrate infusion preparation, reducing risk of needle-stick injury and contamination. The device is designed for safe and easy use by children and adults alike.
Researchers found that treating latent tuberculosis infections in non-U.S.-born residents may help decrease active disease cases. A new treatment regimen with shorter duration and fewer doses could improve compliance, but targeting only US-born populations is insufficient to solve the problem.