Researchers found that at least a third of neurons in the prefrontal cortex vary their activity with the number of dots seen, indicating they tune to quantity. The study suggests that individual cells specialize as they adapt to experience and participate in multiple networks.
Researchers found that genes, rather than blood pressure or age, significantly impact heart function and the risk of developing diastolic heart failure. The study suggests that an individual's genetic makeup may be programmed from birth, determining their future heart health.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to generate a genetic fingerprint of fertile men's sperm cells, identified around 3000 individual mRNAs, and suggest it could help diagnose idiopathic infertility and reveal paternal influences on fetal development.
UC researchers have confirmed that coast redwood and Douglas fir are susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen causing Sudden Oak Death. The disease has already killed tens of thousands of oaks and tanoaks along California's northern coast.
A Stanford study found that a single adult stem cell could only repopulate blood and immune cells in mice, casting doubt on its ability to form all adult tissues. The research suggests that embryonic stem cells remain the most promising option for tissue formation.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a gene called early flowering 4 (ELF4) that regulates when plants flower and maintains their daily rhythmic activity. The discovery may aid agriculture by optimizing vegetative growth and timing of flowering and seed production.
A new device called SARA has been developed to detect fetal brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and light stimulation. The study found that 4 of 10 fetuses had measurable brain responses to light pulses, with the response time decreasing with increasing gestational age.
Researchers aim to create partial vision for the blind using 1,000 MEMs electrodes attached to the retina. The system, backed by a $9 million grant, promises to enable basic household chores and reading, but not driving.
A study of 270 patients found that bladder cancer recurrence rates increased with each episode, with the average time to second and third recurrences decreasing by 15 and 13 months respectively. Patients whose original tumors tested positive for the Ki-67 marker were at higher risk for first recurrence.
The Truthsayer system uses digital signatures to guarantee the accuracy and authenticity of online information. This approach makes it challenging for hackers to alter information without being detected, thus reducing the need for high-level security measures.
DuPont scientists have developed an innovative process for converting hydrocarbons to fluorocarbons without generating waste, producing water as a byproduct. The alternate synthesis process uses principles of inorganic chemistry to produce fluorinated aromatics in environmentally and economically efficient manners.
The Association of American Medical Colleges and colleagues argue that attaining greater diversity in the health care workforce is crucial for advancing cultural competency among providers. Addressing disparities in primary, secondary, and undergraduate education can help increase access to high-quality health services for minorities.
BioCoRE enables real-time collaboration among scientists from diverse disciplines, leveraging shared project spaces and advanced computational tools. The virtual environment bridges geographical boundaries, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration and accelerated research progress.
A recent study has revealed a significant decrease in leisure-time physical activity among black girls (56%) and white girls (31%) aged 16-17. Lower parental education levels and higher body mass indexes were found to predict activity decline in both racial groups, while pregnancy was associated with activity declines only in black girls.
A study published in the American Journal of Pathology found that uncircumcised men are more susceptible to HIV due to high concentrations of target cells in their foreskin tissue. This tissue contains higher densities of CD4+ T cells, macropahges and Langerhans' Cells than in circumcised individuals or cervical tissue.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a method to create a class of drugs with controllable effects, allowing for the creation of matching antidotes. The new approach uses aptamers, which are compounds made of nucleic acid that bind directly to target proteins, to inhibit protein activity.
A study found that nearly all patients with cancer reported improved well-being from using alternative therapies, but used these therapies primarily for general health, not as a substitute for conventional medicine. Cancer patients who were female, college-educated, or younger were more likely to use alternative treatments.
Kelley, a Cornell professor, has been capturing images of the Earth's upper atmosphere over Greece as part of a Fulbright program research project. He aims to find clear evidence for waves traveling through atmospheric layers and their effect on radar.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that teens who feel close to their mothers are less likely to start having sex. The study also suggests that parents' awareness of their teens' sex lives is frequently inaccurate.
Researchers discovered an enzyme called Hck that plays a role in activating macrophages, which form part of the immune system in the lungs. The team found that altering the enzyme led to progressive lung disease in mice, mimicking human COPD symptoms, including mucus accumulation and scarring.
Andrei Linde has been recognized with the Dirac Medal for his pioneering work in inflationary cosmology, which posits that the universe underwent a rapid expansion. His theory has already had notable observational successes and has become a paradigm for fundamental studies in cosmology.
Professor Lipman's research highlights how current policies exacerbate existing inequalities and create new ones. She recommends providing all students with an intellectually rich education, deploying significant resources to under-resourced schools, and challenging deficit notions about children of color.
The western chimpanzee is critically endangered with only 4% of its original population remaining. Conservation efforts are underway to address threats such as agricultural development, logging, and the bush meat trade. The action plan provides a roadmap for halting or reversing the decline in chimpanzee numbers in West Africa.
A clinical trial found that defibrotide reversed severe veno-occlusive disease (VOD) in over one-third of stem cell transplant recipients. The treatment also showed improved survival rates for patients, with many long-term survivors reported.
UT Southwestern researchers have developed a vaccine against the deadly bioterrorism toxin ricin, which can be administered in foods and water or sprayed as an aerosol. The new vaccine has shown protective effects in mice and is believed to be safe and effective in humans.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have found that mice engineered to lack specific genes linked to pheromone detection exhibit reduced aggression and sexual behavior. The study suggests that the absence of these genes impairs the ability to detect certain pheromones, leading to behavioral abnormalities.
Researchers found that a recent swarm of earthquakes was triggered by the injection of molten rock into the earth's crust. The study suggests that continuous GPS and seismic data can be used to forecast the rate and distribution of damaging earthquakes, potentially saving lives and property.
Researchers at Penn State have identified a protein, km23, that is defective in nearly half of human cancer tissues. Alterations in this protein disrupt cell signaling, leading to tumor growth and spreading. The team hopes to develop drugs targeting km23 to prevent tumor progression and diagnose specific cancers.
As patients access health information online, doctors may take on advisory roles, helping patients make informed decisions. Despite internet accessibility, patients trust doctors more than online sources, ensuring the profession's continued relevance in society.
Researchers found that knocking out enzymes adds fucose to proteins, protecting the kidney from damage and inflammation. Developing drugs targeting these enzymes could lead to new therapies for conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
The Disease Control Priorities Project (DCPP) will analyze cost-effectiveness of health interventions, providing data for policymakers to make informed decisions. The project aims to develop highly effective, affordable health solutions that can be emulated globally.
A study found that medical students benefit from enhanced teaching approaches to smoking cessation counseling, such as patient-centered techniques and role-playing. Despite this, many medical schools fail to provide adequate training, leaving doctors ill-prepared to help patients quit.
Smokers are less sensitive to future health consequences than nonsmokers, prioritizing immediate health gains over long-term risks. Smoking cessation therapies should focus on illustrating the immediate consequences of not smoking, such as contingency management therapy.
A study has identified genetic markers that can help guide clinical trials for anti-Alzheimer drugs, potentially leading to the development of a more manageable pool of individuals at high risk. These markers may allow researchers to winnow down the general population and focus on those with relatively higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A newly developed 200-channel hyperspectral remote sensing capability has shown astounding results in improving breast cancer diagnosis accuracy. The algorithm, invented by ONR scientists Dr. Harold Szu and James Buss, uses a brain-like approach to analyze thermal heat distribution and detect early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ.
A new, high-throughput mass spectrometer has been developed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, providing unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy. This system enables the thorough identification and characterization of proteins, which is crucial for understanding cellular function, disease progression, and treatment options.
The TOPP program will track the movements of 15 species, including great white sharks and tuna fish, across immense Pacific Ocean areas. Scientists aim to understand migration patterns, diving behaviors, and ocean conditions affecting these marine animals.
A recent analysis of eight PC-SPES lots revealed widespread contamination with indomethacin and diethylstilbestrol, two potent synthetic compounds that undermine the supplement's anticancer potency. The study suggests that the contaminated batches had significantly reduced anticancer activity.
A Rutgers University researcher found that dopamine loss causes brain connections to reorganize, leading to impaired motor control. The study suggests that this permanent change may explain why current treatments fail to restore complex movements in Parkinson's disease patients.
Researchers found that low-dose aspirin changes the composition of arterial plaques, reducing cholesterol-rich cells and increasing collagen and smooth muscle cells. This shift in plaque composition is associated with reduced inflammation and lower risk of rupture.
Researchers discovered SynCAM plays a major role in synaptic formation, crucial for brain function and neural network development. The study provides insights into the process of synaptic transmission and its importance in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Cancer cells have evolved to continually activate telomerase, keeping telomeres intact and enabling rapid division. Researchers at UC Berkeley are now searching for proteins and signals involved in telomerase shuttling around the cell nucleus to develop new therapeutic strategies.
A new study found that bupropion significantly improved abstinence rates among participants who used spit tobacco, with 44% quitting after 12 weeks compared to 26% in the placebo group. Additionally, participants taking bupropion gained less weight than those on the placebo, averaging only 1.54 pounds versus 9.7 pounds over the 12-week...
Researchers found that a drug mimicking dopamine effects reduces desire to smoke, while a drug impeding dopamine's effects increases puffing frequency. The study suggests dopamine plays a crucial role in cigarette smoking addiction.
Researchers recreated a 240-million-year-old protein to study the vision of dinosaur ancestors, finding evidence that they may have had dim-light vision. The discovery offers insights into how biologically important molecules evolved over time and paves the way for further studies on ancient species.
The InnoLet system features a dosing dial and reversible dose mechanism, making it easier for patients to administer accurate doses. Clinical studies show that 95% of participants rated the device as 'very easy' or 'easy' to use.
The Navy is exploring the use of HSLA-65 steel in its next-generation aircraft carriers to reduce weight and increase service life. Preliminary calculations suggest that this new steel can provide equal or greater service life than traditional high-strength steel, but be thinner and weigh less.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found a link between a genetic variant of the serotonin receptor gene and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The research suggests that individuals with this variant may be more susceptible to developing OCD, potentially leading to earlier identification and treatment.
Researchers successfully converted circulating smooth muscle progenitor cells into functional smooth muscle cells, which could help address interventional cardiology problems. The study may pave the way for therapeutic angiogenesis by preventing or eliminating the adhesive properties that contribute to plaque formation.
A genetic study in Palau reveals distinct genetic factors contributing to schizophrenia in each of five families. The findings reinforce the complexity of schizophrenia and demonstrate the value of large extended pedigrees for gene mapping.
A study by Ohio State University found that employees are more likely to steal from their companies if there is no ethics program in place. However, employees who already exhibit honest behavior are more likely to be prevented from stealing by the presence of an ethics program.
A free computer program developed by Johns Hopkins researcher Benjamin W. Schafer allows designers to test stability and safety of thin-walled structures before construction. The CUFSM software provides critical predictions on buckling conditions, enabling the development of sturdiest and most cost-effective designs.
A Swedish study of over 3,000 children found that living with a cat significantly reduced the risk of developing asthma. Conversely, continuing smokers showed substantially lower lung function levels, indicating severe to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The XENDOS study found that 28.3% of obese individuals had undetected or untreated diabetes or pre-diabetes. Xenical-treated patients experienced significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular risk factors compared to lifestyle intervention alone.
A study suggests that a high-starch diet may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in overweight and sedentary women. Women with diets heavy in starchy foods were found to be more than two-and-a-half times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those with low glycemic loads.
A study found no association between carbohydrate and sucrose intake and pancreatic cancer risk, but a diet high in glycemic load increased the risk among overweight women. Dairy product consumption was not associated with reduced breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women, but may be protective in premenopausal women.
A recent study estimates that cigarette tax hikes could prevent between 5 million to 16 million tobacco-related deaths globally. The greatest savings would be in low- and middle-income countries, with the greatest impact on young smokers. Price increases are considered the most cost-effective anti-smoking intervention.
A study of 278 male and 433 female smokers found that peer pressure, parental approval, and social bonds played a significant role in quitting smoking. Females were more likely to quit if their parents disapproved of their smoking and had non-smoking friends.
A study by Emory University Health Sciences Center found that many young men have trouble using condoms correctly, with errors including not checking expiration dates and putting on condoms during sex. The research emphasizes the importance of providing adequate condom use education to prevent HIV and other STDs.
A new study led by Imperial College London seeks to treat children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) using EEG biofeedback therapy. The therapy involves training children's brain activity on a computer, aiming to correct the imbalance of slow and fast wave activity associated with ADHD.