Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new approach to decoding the protein language by creating a 3-D image of each known protein and reducing it to a simpler 2-D representation, called a contact map. The data from the contact map is used to predict unknown proteins and novel protein formation.
A new study found that families struggle to balance the expectations of the government's home learning initiative with their everyday family life. Parents are often overwhelmed by the need to educate their children, leading to a blurring of boundaries between home and school.
TZDs trigger a 'futile' cycle where glycerol kinase stores fatty acids faster than fat cells release them, leading to increased insulin sensitivity. Researchers also found that TZDs alter chemical signals produced by fat cells, potentially benefiting future anti-diabetes drug development.
Researchers developed a new circuit that harnesses vibrations to generate up to 50 milliwatts of power, surpassing the output of simple energy harvesting circuits. The adaptive piezoelectric energy harvesting circuit can be used in various applications, including wearable devices, sensor networks, and smart home security systems.
The complete genome sequence of B. suis reveals fundamental similarities with Brucella melitensis, a related species that causes similar disease in goats and humans. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms enabling closely-related species to target different host animals.
Researchers found that CREB activity in the nucleus accumbens controls behavioral responses to emotional stimuli, including those related to drug rewards and anxiety. The study suggests a potential link between addiction and depression, implicating CREB's role in brain reward regions.
Researchers have developed a new technique for embedding data in images without causing distortion. Authorized recipients can extract the embedded message while recovering the original image intact. This technology has significant applications in authenticating images, detecting changes, and encoding information about the image itself.
The study found limited genetic diversity in maize's starch pathway, making it harder to increase yields. To address this, researchers suggest incorporating genes from teosinte or using transgenics as alternative methods for improving crop diversity and productivity.
A new undersea data network, MARS, will be deployed in Monterey Bay to provide real-time monitoring of ocean conditions. The network will support a variety of research devices and supply power to instruments, enabling continuous and long-term data collection.
Research suggests that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 45% if started before the onset of dementia. Aspirin compounds and other medications showed similar protective effects, while recent or late use offered little protection.
A study found increased transmission of SNAP-25/DdeI variant in Irish ADHD trios, suggesting a genetic link between the SNAP gene and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential of SNAP gene variants as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
A 150-ton magnet in Japan is a testbed for the 925-ton magnet needed for ITER, which aims to demonstrate nuclear fusion as an energy source. The team has made progress in understanding the magnet's performance and reducing costs.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new class of materials that can bind water faster and more strongly than best drying agents, with a higher capacity for storing water. The material also exhibits shape selectivity, allowing only specific molecules to enter its structure.
Annualised hours contracts (AHCs) offer advantages for both companies and staff, including higher hourly wages, lower overtime, and stronger job security. AHCs are often implemented in volatile industries with complex shift systems, providing employees with flexibility over the working year.
The Electronic Surveillance System for Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) tracks data from military medical facilities in the Washington, D.C. area to detect outbreaks and biological terrorism. The system balances timeliness with data quality to identify clusters of diseases.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded a $10.2 million project to sequence the maize genome, which is estimated to be 20 times larger than Arabidopsis. The project aims to develop tools for large-scale sequencing and improve genome mapping techniques.
Scientists developed an optical system to monitor drop sizes and trajectories at high spatial resolutions, finding rogue drops responsible for unscavenged metals. The technology has implications for nuclear waste treatment and design of cleaner-running engines.
The NASA consortium aims to create self-repairing materials that mimic the properties of biological substances like bone and sea shells. Researchers will focus on creating innovative composites of organic and inorganic compounds to make airplanes and spacecraft lighter, stronger, and more reliable.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is leading a global effort to develop revolutionary materials and systems for safely and economically purifying water. Researchers will focus on improving disinfection and desalination processes, removing trace contaminants, and eliminating foulants that clog filters.
A study of 34,708 postmenopausal women found that compliance with the Dietary Guidelines reduced overall cancer incidence by 5-15% across quintiles. Regular exercise and weight management also played a significant role in reducing breast, colon, and uterine cancer risk.
A study published in Science reveals a new risk factor for colon cancer, associated with the Bloom syndrome gene mutation. Researchers found that individuals carrying the mutated gene had nearly three times the risk of developing colon cancer compared to those without the mutation.
A 10-week study found that participants consuming artificial sweeteners lost an average of 1 kg, while those consuming sucrose gained 1.3 kg of fat mass and rose in blood pressure. The authors suggest overweight individuals consume beverages with artificial sweeteners to prevent weight gain.
The study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer, pulmonary embolism, and stroke in women, while reducing the risk of colorectal cancer and hip fractures. HRT may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease among older women.
A randomized controlled trial found that sildenafil reduced pulmonary blood resistance, a key indicator of pulmonary hypertension. The study suggests sildenafil could be a promising candidate for long-term treatment of secondary pulmonary hypertension in lung fibrosis. Controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings.
African-American patients are 71% as likely as white patients to receive a referral for coronary angiography, but only 63% actually undergo the procedure. Private insurance and patient preference may play roles in the disparity.
The UCI-based center will utilize mass spectrometry to measure radiocarbon in plants, soils and ocean coral, providing insights into the global carbon cycle. This technology enhances Earth system science research and strengthens UCI's interdisciplinary scientific study capabilities.
Researchers discovered a possible novel pathway for colon cancer in humans, associated with a single BLM mutation. The study found that almost two percent of patients with colon cancer carried the BLMAsh mutation, compared to less than one percent of healthy individuals.
Scientists at Oregon State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of micro-RNA in regulating gene expression. Micro-RNAs are found to cut messenger-RNAs in half, interfering with their function and controlling the process of cell differentiation.
The award recognizes Laing's successful implementation of diversity strategies, including promoting women to management roles and supporting part-time employees. With nearly 25% of unit managers being women, his work has significantly altered the demographic makeup of Xerox's supplies delivery unit.
Researchers found thicker, denser storm clouds over warmer waters, covering wider areas of the tropics and releasing more moisture as rain. This contradicts the 'Adaptive Iris' theory, which suggests cloud cover decreases with rising ocean temperatures.
The newly revealed hieroglyphs at Dos Pilas shed new light on a critical period of Maya history, revealing a complex web of alliances and conflicts between Tikal and Calakmul. The inscriptions clarify the political and military relationships between these two superpower blocs, which dominated the region in the seventh century.
A new experimental technique called adoptive transfer has shown significant promise in treating metastatic melanoma by replacing immune cells with those specifically designed to destroy tumors. The treatment resulted in at least 50% tumor shrinkage in six patients, with no growth or appearance of new tumors.
The Sister Study aims to investigate the causes of breast cancer by recruiting 50,000 sisters of women with breast cancer. The researchers will collect biological and environmental samples, as well as questionnaires about health histories, environmental exposures, and lifestyles.
A Cincinnati ossuary has been discovered to feature a unique image of a massive Jerusalem tomb from the first century, associated with early Rabbi Hillel and Jesus of Nazareth. The ossuary's distinctive three pyramids have garnered attention from scholars, providing new insights into ancient Jerusalem's architecture.
Penn researchers have identified a key gene, Hop, that plays a vital role in regulating the development of heart cells. By inhibiting the expression of another important regulator, serum response factor (SRF), Hop protects cardiac muscle cells from over-development and fatal abnormalities.
A new therapy boosts the immune system's targeted assault on tumors, shrinking melanoma in human patients. The approach involved suppressing the patients' immune systems to make room for new cells that attacked and killed tumor cells.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a protein called Homeodomain-Only Protein (HOP) that regulates heart growth from fetal stage to adulthood. HOP helps control the balance of cardiac cell proliferation and differentiation, with disrupted levels leading to abnormal heart development.
Active mountains, despite constant uplift, do not get taller because of erosion forces balancing uplift and sediment transport. Researchers found that river erosion rates closely match the rate at which rocks move up, with abrasion by suspended particles doing most of the down cutting.
A team of researchers, led by Josef Penninger, found that the PTEN and PI3K alpha and gamma proteins work together to regulate heart size. They also discovered that when these proteins are shut down, large hearts can pump more efficiently than normal-sized hearts.
Researchers used the GISS SI2000 climate model to simulate past and future global temperature changes, finding that human-made forcings are mainly responsible for recent warming. The study suggests that reducing air pollution and stabilizing carbon dioxide emissions could limit warming to 0.75°C over the next 50 years.
The new 800 MHz magnet will enable researchers to study larger and more complex biological systems, including protein folding and complex formation. This advancement is expected to significantly improve understanding of normal biological function and regulation, as well as the development of diseases and drug response.
In a 6-month study, black women experienced a 26% decrease in daily energy expenditure after weight loss, while white women saw a 16% increase. The authors conclude that black women's decline in physical activity increases their risk of weight relapse.
A study of 58 children with high cholesterol found that girls with hypercholesterolemia were more likely to become overweight or obese by age 11-12 compared to their peers. The researchers propose that abnormally high cholesterol may be a marker of an altered metabolism leading to excess adiposity.
A genetic mutation common among Ashkenazi Jews can double the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers discovered this relationship through an international study analyzing DNA from nearly 3,100 individuals.
The laser technique, called LIBS, can detect various explosives and identify close relatives of anthrax in instant detection. A portable LIBS system could continuously monitor air for signs of chemical or biological agents, alerting officials to potentially hazardous substances.
A recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that genetically identical twin pairs had similar breast densities, while non-identical pairs had breast densities about half as similar. This suggests that genetic factors play a major role in explaining why women of the same age have different breast density.
A study of 9019 participants found that waist circumference correlates better than BMI with most CVD risk factors. The authors propose WC
The top-ranked company, Genentech, is praised for its alignment of work culture and personal values, as well as its commitment to translating scientific discoveries into medicine. Millennium Pharmaceuticals ranks second, with a strong focus on attracting leading scientists and providing them with the tools to practice their science.
A recent study found that breastfeeding had no significant effect on the risk of developing asthma or allergies in childhood. In fact, children who were breastfed for more than four weeks were twice as likely to develop allergic disease or asthma compared to those who were not breastfed.
Researchers found that Nocaine is a weak reinforcer, providing some of cocaine's effects but at a lower level. This makes it less likely to be abused and have abuse-related toxicity.
A new clinical trial is investigating the combination of high-dose calcitriol and docetaxel in treating advanced prostate cancer, with the goal of reducing PSA levels by 50% or more. The study builds on promising preliminary results from a previous Oregon Health & Science University trial.
Scientists are developing a new space weather model that can mimic solar explosions, auroras, and geomagnetic storms. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) will provide a computer model of Earth's upper atmosphere to aid the effort.
Researchers found diatoms use glass to facilitate photosynthesis, which benefits the planet by reducing carbon dioxide levels. This discovery links carbon cycles and silicon chemistry, providing insights into historical climate variations and greenhouse gas emissions.
The NIH Autism Coordinating Committee has selected two new centers to conduct autism research, expanding the agency's commitment to the field. The centers will focus on understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism, with a goal of advancing knowledge about this devastating condition.
Climate change is expected to increase winter temperatures, leading to greater risks for perennial forage crops in Eastern Canada. The study used agro-climatic indices to analyze the effect of climate conditions on winter survival, finding increased risks due to warmer winters and reduced cold hardiness.
Researchers have found an enzyme that activates specific RNAs outside the nucleus, enabling them to carry out important steps of germ line development. The discovery provides an important piece of the puzzle in understanding how genes are controlled and may lead to new ways of regulating genetic information.
The National Lung Screening Trial will enroll 50,000 current or former smokers in the US to compare the effectiveness of CT scans and chest X-rays in detecting lung cancer. The trial aims to determine if early detection can lead to a reduction in lung cancer deaths.
Duke University psychologists found that infants who used 'sticky mittens' had more sophisticated abilities to explore objects and showed increased cross-sensory exploration. The study suggests that providing rich opportunities for infant learning is crucial for development.
A study published in Biochemistry found significant alterations in white matter tissue of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a potential initiating step for the disease. White matter degeneration may be caused by a disease of oligodendrocytes, leading to axon damage and cognitive impairments.
A study by Georgia Tech reveals that individuals with optimistic outlooks, high self-esteem, and conscientious personalities tend to have more success in their job searches. Additionally, a change in daily routine can positively affect re-employment prospects, particularly for older workers.