Researchers at The Wistar Institute have provided new insights into the emerging theory of gene regulation, showing how two enzymes work together to activate specific genes by loosening chromatin. This study supports the 'histone code' theory, suggesting complex modifications to histones control gene activity.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed an advanced PET scanner, MicroPET II, that can resolve a volume of one cubic millimeter, significantly improving detection of small cancer cells in experimental animals. The non-invasive imaging technology allows researchers to gain more information and use fewer animals in studies.
Dr. Ginis receives two-year grant to improve hurricane forecasting model and enhance storm prediction capabilities. The model, developed in collaboration with NOAA scientists, aims to better understand and predict extreme winds and heavy rain causing $5 billion in annual damages.
A recent study found that the TGFBR1*6A gene is associated with a 26% increase in cancer risk, particularly for breast, ovarian, and colon cancers. The study's findings suggest that genetic testing and counseling can help identify individuals at high risk and provide targeted prevention strategies.
A Leishmania mutant parasite has been developed to study persistent infections without triggering disease. The research may provide a breakthrough in understanding how the parasite interacts with the immune system, potentially leading to the development of a vaccine.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to measure the electrical resistance of individual molecules, overcoming previous limitations. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of faster and more efficient electronic devices.
Researchers found that a 6-month mark after starting antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can be used to predict disease progression in HIV/AIDS patients. Patients with higher CD4 cell counts and lower viral loads have lower risks of AIDS or death at this stage, suggesting that initial response to treatment is crucial for determining prognosis.
A recent study reveals that pedestrians and cyclists in the US are more likely to be killed by cars compared to their European counterparts. The researchers attribute this to a range of public policies that make walking and cycling inconvenient, unpleasant, and unsafe.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute have launched three research programs to address heart attack resuscitation, cellular imaging, and thrombotic disorders. The programs aim to improve cardiovascular disease treatment outcomes, particularly in developing countries.
The Lancet calls for increased investment in nanomedicine research, citing its potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment. The field's benefits include novel means of imaging and delivery systems for drugs and gene therapies.
A team of scientists has resolved the long-standing mystery of hydrogen balance in the Earth's atmosphere by analyzing stratospheric air. The research reveals that the major sink for hydrogen is not as previously thought, but rather a complex interplay between atmospheric reactions and methane oxidation.
A new study suggests that massive methane releases could have led to the extinction of up to 95% of marine species and 70% of land species. The researcher estimates that 10,000 gigatons of dissolved methane could have been released, causing catastrophic conflagrations and flooding.
Researchers developed a new composite score combining CT imaging and pulmonary function testing to assess treatment effects in young cystic fibrosis patients. A new test was also developed to predict increased mortality risk in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia patients with significant decline in pulmonary function.
Research reveals that human activity has reduced natural habitats, making it difficult for species to adapt to climate change. Mobile species like birds and butterflies are more likely to survive, while sessile species like reptiles and amphibians are at high risk of extinction.
A new study reveals that patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy lived an average of 31 months longer than those treated with surgery alone. The combination therapy showed a 66% greater chance of surviving bladder cancer.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that everolimus significantly reduced the incidence of acute rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant patients. The medication also lowered rates of cytomegalovirus infection, a major risk factor for these complications.
The new cryo-electron microscope allows for unprecedented high-resolution imaging of individual molecules and cellular structures, enabling scientists to study complex diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease
New technique uses electron beams and ultraviolet light to remove chlorine ions from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), reducing toxicity and enhancing biodegradation prospects. The method shows promise for decontaminating sediments contaminated with PCBs, a potential risk factor for cancer.
The Mayo Clinic team has successfully transplanted kidneys into 29 high-risk patients, achieving an 80% success rate. By filtering out antibodies from the patient's blood, they can create a less hostile environment for the donor kidney to adapt. This approach may change the fate of thousands of patients waiting for a transplant.
Researchers at UCSB have identified a cell survival gene, ICD-1, that prevents normal cells from committing suicide. The discovery may lead to new treatments for degenerative diseases such as ALS, stroke, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
Researchers found that zinc sulphide nanoparticles change their crystal structure when wet, becoming more ordered. This effect could help identify extraterrestrial rocks and has implications for sensing technology.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a novel technique for tailoring silicon nanocrystals on 4-inch wafers, enabling the mass production of these tiny crystals. By controlling the size and position of the nanocrystals, the team aims to improve the efficiency of light-emitting devices such as LEDs.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified the key aspects of silk processing that enable spiders and silkworms to create strong fibers. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new high-strength materials, biomaterials for tissue engineering, and environmentally friendly processes.
Research by Jayanth Banavar, Igor Volkov, and Amos Maritan provides a mathematically stronger framework for Hubbell's Neutral Theory of Biodiversity, explaining patterns of relative species abundance and biogeography. The study rebuts criticisms and sheds light on the long-standing problem in island biogeography.
Researchers at NIST used a special facility to study 'shake gels,' materials that firm up and relax in response to external stimuli. They discovered the polymer's oxygen atoms, not hydrogen atoms, attach to clay, and water binds to surfaces in a perpendicular arrangement.
Researchers found that the abnormally active Bcl10 gene drives B cells to become cancerous, suggesting a drug blocking the gene could be effective treatment for MALT lymphoma. The study also showed that mice lacking Bcl10 genes cannot launch an effective antibody response against bacteria.
A collaboration between IFF and NIST uses slowed-down neutrons to measure fragrance and carrier molecule structures. This information can guide efforts to enhance models for formulating carriers that are optimized for specific fragrances and products.
The Army has established an Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) with funding of up to $50 million. The ICB aims to develop new biotechnologies that improve the effectiveness of the Army's mission by leveraging investments in biotechnology research.
Researchers found that structured treatment interruption in people with multidrug-resistant HIV led to more HIV-related complications and poorer immune response. The study suggests that continuing therapy guided by HIV drug resistance testing is a better approach for this group of HIV-infected individuals.
A University of Washington scholar argues that massive wealth disparity has severely weakened US democracy, fueling the power of corporate money in politics. This trend traces back to President Reagan's policy philosophy, which continues to shape national politics.
Researchers found that Prochlorococcus cyanobacteria traps atmospheric carbon dioxide and stores it in the deep sea through photosynthesis. The study reveals iron's critical role in this process, which could help combat global warming by increasing ocean levels of iron.
Dr. Beth Montemurro's study finds bachelorette parties reflect women's growing acceptance of their sexuality and desire for independence. The rise of bachelorette parties is linked to the sexual revolution and changing attitudes toward women's rights and freedoms.
Researchers are exploring ways to combat the devastating impact of the Asian woody adelgid on western North Carolina's hemlock forests. CAMCORE, a global forest conservation program, is working with natural predators and developing resistant tree varieties to preserve genetic diversity.
A mystery illness in western Montana was solved by researchers identifying the cause as Borrelia hermsii, a spiral-shaped bacterium. The disease is curable with antibiotics and can cause recurrent febrile illnesses, highlighting the potential for emerging diseases in previously unrecognised areas.
PNNL's new supercomputer is the US' fastest operational unclassified system, featuring an 11.8T HP Integrity system with Intel Itanium2 processors running Linux. The machine will enable novel studies in atmospheric chemistry, systems biology, and materials science.
Researchers found an 84% reduction in preterm births among pregnant women with periodontitis who received scaling and root planing therapy. The study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk of premature delivery, highlighting the importance of regular dental exams for pregnant women.
Scientists, led by Bartel, develop RNA enzymes in lab that can replicate and act as enzymes, but still short of the 200-nucleotide goal. The RNA-world hypothesis proposes RNA played both DNA and protein roles in early evolution, with researchers re-creating this system to study its feasibility.
A study of children with Medicaid insurance found that they received antibiotics for only 41% of the year, despite being at risk for nearly 60% of the time. The lack of antibiotic use puts these children at high risk of developing serious infections and sometimes dying.
Researchers found that coronary artery calcium scoring can predict death with high accuracy, especially in individuals with high scores. The study contributes to the debate on using calcium screening to detect latent atherosclerosis and its link to heart disease.
Researchers suggest that heightening immune response against human proteins in viral envelope could prevent HIV infection, offering a potential solution for reducing transmission rates. This approach, called alloimmunization, has the advantage of working against all strains of HIV and other retroviruses.
A recent JAMA article highlights that less than half of patients with atrial fibrillation are receiving warfarin therapy to reduce their risk of ischemic stroke. The scoring system developed by Thomas J. Wang and colleagues can easily stratify patients at high or low risk for stroke, enabling targeted treatment and counseling.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has received a significant National Science Foundation (NSF) award for its plasma research, enabling the development of new computational infrastructure and innovation. The NSF funding will support key areas of research, including fusion energy, astrophysics, and space weather.
Victoria Hale, founder of Institute for OneWorld Health, recognized by the Schwab Foundation for her innovative approach to pharmaceutical development, providing life-saving medicines to those in need. The Institute's entrepreneurial model combines pharmaceutical expertise with a social mission to address global health disparities.
Contrast digital mammography has been shown to accurately identify cancers in patients with suspicious abnormalities, reducing false positives and unnecessary biopsies. The new technique uses intravenous iodine contrast to enhance blood vessels created by tumors, improving detection in dense breast tissue.
The NWO/Spinoza prize is awarded to Dutch researchers who rank among the world's top scientists. Four winners were recognized for their outstanding contributions in economics, history, and physics.
A new study links workplace exposure to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affecting three to five million people in the US. The research suggests that controlling hazardous exposures can play a significant role in reducing COPD cases.
Researchers found that amphetamine and cocaine exposure blocked environmental-induced structural changes in the nucleus accumbens and parietal cortex. Exposure to complex environments increased dendritic branching and spine density in these areas, but was hindered by prior drug exposure.
A recent study of 118 heart patients found that while they made significant progress reducing fat intake, many failed to adopt a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. After two years, only 23% were meeting the recommended daily intake, highlighting the need for targeted nutrition education.
The UGA team will expand on their glancing angle deposition technique to fabricate nanoscale 3-D pillars, providing unique features for biosensing applications. The project aims to solve pressing health-related problems through interdisciplinary research and cooperation.
The American Chemical Society is honoring a high school chemistry teacher for his exceptional mentoring skills and commitment to the ACS Scholars Program. The program has provided scholarships to 28 students from Puerto Rico who took Mr. Fonseca's chemistry class, with some going on to win national awards.
David Anderson receives Rumelhart Prize for 30 years of research on human thought processes and learning, leading to effective computer-based tutoring systems. His work explores the neural basis of cognition, contributing to our understanding of the human mind.
Researchers are developing an automated search and retrieval process for drug names to minimize medication errors caused by soundalike words. The software will use intelligibility and perceptual neighborhood measurements to predict confusability scores.
A recent study identified 35 genes that may be linked to prognosis in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), providing new insights into the disease. These unexpected genes were found independently of current classification methods and separated patients into high- and low-risk groups.
Research suggests that planets with high tilt angles may be habitable if they have suitable geography, such as large oceans or continents near the equator. While extreme temperatures would make it difficult for simple life forms to survive, advanced water-dependent life could thrive in these environments.
A new nomogram model predicts prostate cancer likelihood in men with PSA levels below 10 ng/ml, helping to reduce unnecessary biopsies. The model identifies four independent risk factors for positive biopsy results and provides a score to calculate the likelihood of cancer presence.
Researchers at UCSD create tiny silicon chips, 'smart dust,' that can detect chemical or biological compounds and report information to the outside world. The dual-sided particles can collect at a target and self-assemble into a larger reflector for remote sensing applications.
Researchers found that infants as young as four months old learn object concepts through visual observation, not manual exploration. The study used eye-tracking experiments to show that babies quickly grasp fundamental concepts by watching objects in motion.
Researchers developed a novel computer protein design method that created a more efficient and stable version of the peptide Compstatin, which prevents autoimmune-mediated damage. The new method cut down on trial and error, allowing for faster development of potential biopharmaceuticals.
Research shows a shift toward 'medicalization' of deviation from women's traditional roles, while men's depressive illness is increasingly described in terms connoting work and aggression. The study highlights the importance of accurate media representation in influencing patient-doctor communication about mental health concerns.
A study found that 63% of patients with intractable epilepsy who underwent surgery remained seizure-free for over eight years. The duration of epilepsy before surgery was a significant factor in predicting seizure freedom, with patients having longer episodes more likely to remain free from seizures.