NIST researchers Bo Yang and Vinod Tewary used a mathematical concept to predict how self-assembling quantum dots align themselves. The theory, based on the elastic energy release rate, can aid in developing more reliable methods for fabricating quantum dot devices.
Dr. Halas' nanoshell technology has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer detection and treatment by providing earlier diagnosis, increased imaging resolution, and real-time information about tumor cells. This innovative approach uses near infrared light to target and destroy tumors without harming healthy tissue.
Researchers have developed a miniature biolab on a silicon chip that captures DNA from samples, purifies it, and performs polymerase chain reaction to rapidly replicate the selected segment of DNA. This breakthrough simplifies the process and enables real-time automated detection of biological agents.
NIST scientists have developed a new tool in chemical sensing called microboiling, which uses tiny vapor bubbles to detect specific substances. The technique can measure changes in boiling behavior in just 5 microseconds, making it faster than typical lab techniques.
U.Va. researchers have identified T-type calcium channels as a key regulator of low-voltage-activated calcium channels, a crucial process in various cell types. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more specific and effective drugs for cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers sequenced 99.4% of gene-containing regions on chromosome 7 with high accuracy, revealing duplicated segments that may contribute to genetic diseases. The analysis also identified approximately 1,150 protein-coding genes, shedding light on the genetic basis of human disease.
Two studies clarify that ADHD and BPD are distinct disorders that can occur in adults, and identify bupropion as a possible treatment for both conditions. The medications used to treat ADHD may exacerbate manic symptoms, but addressing both disorders is crucial for improved functioning and well-being.
Researchers have discovered a single gene mutation in flies that provides resistance to multiple, chemically unrelated pesticides. This mutation has spread globally and has been linked to devastating consequences if not addressed through reassessment of current pest management methods.
The McGill University Health Centre has received significant funding for health research, with approximately thirty-five percent of grant applications awarded. Researchers such as Dr. Sam David and Dr. William Muller will investigate regeneration in the spinal cord and study the molecular basis of breast cancer development.
Rutgers University has been awarded millions by the NIH for its genetic research efforts, expanding its capabilities to study disease genetics globally. The new funding will support researchers in studying common pools of subjects to identify genes predisposing individuals to diseases.
The NIST-designed optical detector and ILX Lightwave Corp.-designed optical multimeter enable reliable optical fiber power measurements. Independent tests confirm the system's accuracy, with excellent agreement between NIST and its German and British counterparts.
Kansas State University has received $4.2 million from the National Science Foundation to support new science initiatives, including a project in ecological genomics that aims to understand how organisms respond to environmental changes caused by human activities. The project will use the tools of molecular genetics with ecology to inv...
A new study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that B cells play a significant role in acute kidney rejection, and targeting them may lead to more effective treatment. The study identified three distinct subgroups of acute rejection based on gene-expression profiles, which could help physicians tailor their treatment approaches.
A Cornell University study found city-grown air pollution, particularly ozone, hinders rural tree growth. Contrary to expectations, city trees outperformed their country counterparts in terms of biomass.
A new UK study led by Dr Stephen Farrall found that only around 15% of people were 'very' or 'fairly' fearful in the past year. The study aimed to improve the accuracy of statistics about fear of crime by asking new survey questions, suggesting that surveys may exaggerate fears.
Melbourne scientist Mike Hubbard overturns long-held assumption on calcium transport, revealing a new class of protein linked to breast cancer and fertility. His research suggests an alternative calcium transport system based on the Endoplasmic Reticulum, potentially leading to new drug developments.
A new study suggests that horizontal gene transfer occurs in flowering plants for thousands of ordinary genes, contradicting the traditional view that eukaryotes acquire genes only through vertical transmission. The research found anomalous genetic material in mitochondrial DNA chromosomes across different species.
The survival rate of ICU patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) is influenced by the presence or absence of organ failure in other vital organs. Patients with ARF alone have a lower mortality rate compared to those with multiple organ failure. The study emphasizes the importance of treating all organs simultaneously for optimal ...
A recent study found that a sepsis drug, DAA, can significantly reduce hospital care and mortality rates among older patients. The study, which followed 386 patients over two years, showed that the drug improved survival rates and reduced the need for intensive care.
The human genome has been fully sequenced, revealing important genes and their biological significance. The sequence data is expected to aid in the understanding of genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Williams-Beuren syndrome.
A study by Mary A. Whooley and colleagues found that depressive symptoms are a better predictor of poor quality of life in patients with coronary disease than previously thought. The researchers measured depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and found that these patients were more likely to report lower healt...
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new colon cancer gene, SLC5A8, which is silenced through aberrant methylation. The discovery offers potential for a new diagnostic test for early colon cancer detection.
A new nanotech strategy creates a precise architectural framework for liver or kidney cells to sustain viability for at least one week. Experiments show 96% of kidney cells and 95% of liver cells survived with the device, paving the way for whole, functional organs
The new test uses PAP smears to isolate and genetically identify foetal cells, allowing for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal and single gene disorders. This reduces the risk of miscarriage associated with invasive tests and increases accessibility to prenatal testing for all pregnant women.
Children with severe asthma defy conventional understanding of inflammation-driven disease, showing little to no evidence of ongoing inflammation and permanent changes in lung tissue despite long-term therapy. Despite aggressive treatment, many patients experience uncontrolled symptoms, frequent hospitalizations, and even death.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified nine specific genes that are shut off in plants before they develop from embryos to adults. These genes, part of the LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) class, are controlled by a master regulator called PKL, which turns them off to allow plants to develop root and leaf systems. The study's findings m...
Researchers at PNNL and UCLA have discovered six times more proteins in NAF than previously identified, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for breast cancer. The study aims to develop a more accurate, non-invasive method for early diagnosis.
A multidisciplinary research team led by IUB evolutionary geneticist Michael Lynch will study the genetic mechanisms of recombination in Daphnia. The grant aims to understand this critical phenomenon in the life cycles of all sexual organisms and its impact on human diversity.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that black college students were more likely to be 'shot' by police officers in a virtual reality simulation, even when holding harmless objects. The researchers used the Implicit Association Test to measure unconscious racial biases and stress levels.
Cedars-Sinai physicians advocate for pre-transplant liver biopsies in living donor liver transplants to detect chronic hepatitis, severe fat in the liver, and other complications that may go unnoticed through routine screenings. The analysis found that only 27% of donors had healthy livers without biopsy results.
Research confirms a direct link between small jaws, breathing difficulties, and increased risk of bed-wetting and ear infections in children. Orthodontic treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating these issues, offering an alternative to traditional medication or ear tubes.
Researchers found that sleep deprivation zero to five hours after learning impaired spatial orientation and recognition of physical surroundings, but not recollection of specific facts or events. The findings suggest that sleep helps regulate neuronal function in the hippocampus during memory consolidation.
Researchers at U-M developed a new method for separating viable sperm using microfluidics, which increased motile sperm to 98% and improved sperm structure and form. The technique has the potential to benefit men with low sperm numbers and infertility problems.
A team of experts envisions an intelligent implant that can detect debilitating bacterial infections early, identify the bacteria responsible, and provide targeted therapy. The project aims to develop a prototype within seven years, with technology advancements expected to overcome technical hurdles.
Researchers identified a previously unknown protein family, chaplins A-H, essential for S. coelicolor's aerial hyphae formation. Exogenous application of chaplin proteins restores aerial growth in streptomycetes lacking specific genes.
Physicists at the University of California, Irvine have discovered superweakly interacting massive particles (superWIMPs) that may constitute up to one-quarter of the universe's mass. These new particles are predicted to be stable and could provide an alternative explanation for dark matter.
Researchers developed a gene therapy technique that uses an oncoretrovirus to transfer MGMT into normal bone marrow cells, allowing for the enrichment of healthy cells. The treatment showed promising results in mice with beta-thalassemia, achieving successful in vivo selection in 66% of cases.
Pre-diabetic adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are nearly twice as likely to die from any cancer and four times more likely to die from colon cancer compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. Researchers suggest that high insulin levels may promote the development of cancer cells, but prevention methods are unclear.
A bowel cancer screening trial tested faecal occult blood testing in the UK population and found detection rates lower in the West Midlands than Scotland. The study identified the need to target specific groups and recommends a national strategy targeting colorectal cancer, including awareness-raising measures.
The Institute for OneWorld Health is conducting a Phase III clinical trial to develop paromomycin as an affordable and cost-effective cure for visceral leishmaniasis. The trial, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to provide an effective treatment for a disease that affects 1.5 million people worldwide.
Researchers found a major neurochemical deficit in patients with multiple system atrophy, a rare degenerative disease, which correlates with worsened sleep problems. The study suggests that brain chemistry disruptions may also be linked to other neurological diseases like Parkinson's.
The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the importance of food and nutrition programs for children and adolescents. These programs not only combat hunger and food insecurity but also provide crucial nutrition education and promote physical activity to prevent excess weight and chronic diseases.
The study found that rhTSH reduced the mean effective half-life of radioiodine by 26% in patients who received it before therapy. This reduction allowed patients to clear 131I more rapidly, resulting in lower radiation levels in their blood and tissues.
A study of 778 Ohio State University students found that nearly two-thirds (64%) were in the precontemplation stage, which is associated with increased heavy drinking. In contrast, students who had cut back on their intake reported perceiving more risks and fewer benefits associated with alcohol use.
A study published in Pediatrics found that children with migraines experience significant impairment in school functioning and emotional well-being. The researchers surveyed 572 children and adolescents, revealing that quality of life is negatively affected across all areas of functioning compared to healthy peers.
A study of 23 West Nile patients reveals early symptoms include rash, low back pain, and limb pain, progressing to muscle weakness and respiratory failure in severe cases. The disease can cause significant disability and death if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A clinical trial found that early treatment with Atacand significantly reduced 12-month mortality and vascular events in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. The study also showed a comparable tolerability profile to placebo.
A study of very low birth weight infants found that female babies grew more quickly than males, leading to higher obesity rates and increased risk of metabolic disorders. By age 20, 21% of females were overweight and 15% obese.
Researchers found that the ThinPrep Pap test was more likely to detect abnormal cervical cells in women taking oral contraceptives than those not on birth control. In reality, most healthy cells looked like HPV-infected cells due to changes caused by the testing method, highlighting the need for further analysis and potential re-testing.
Research by Scott McWilliams at the University of Rhode Island shows that birds' digestive systems adapt to meet changing energy demands during migration. Birds need sufficient protein to build their digestive tract, which can impact habitat management at key stop-over sites.
A study of 978 heterosexual residents found that physical attractiveness is not a primary factor in long-term relationships, while fidelity and good parenting qualities are highly valued. The researchers suggest that humans have evolved to play a sophisticated mating game, with similar characteristics being preferred in partners.
Leading climate scientists endorse the position on climate change and greenhouse gases taken by AGU in 1998, stating that natural factors cannot fully explain recent warming. They argue that proxy data must be assessed for temperature variability and hemispheric mean temperature should be distinguished from regional temperature anomalies.
A new study found that nodding or shaking one's head can affect agreement with an editorial, increasing confidence in favorable thoughts and decreasing confidence in negative ones. Body movements like writing with a non-dominant hand also influence attitudes, even on important issues.
Researchers found that rare variations of HLA-A and HLA-B genes can protect against HIV. The study, which analyzed data from 996 HIV-infected men in Chicago, suggests that these genetic variants may be used to develop targeted AIDS vaccines.
The trial, led by Saint Louis University, is a phase I trial investigating the safety and immune response of EP HIV-1090 vaccine candidate. Participants will receive the vaccine or placebo over 18 months, with observations to assess its potential effectiveness against HIV.
Research shows that most women cannot rely on private pensions for adequate income in later life, highlighting the need for improved state pensions and carer credits. Single women have a significant private pension advantage compared to married or divorced women.
A research team led by Nathaniel Landau identified the interaction between HIV's Vif protein and APOBEC3G. The study found that mice have a similar antiviral protein that can block HIV replication due to its inability to recognize human proteins.
A new study suggests that psychological factors like anger and anxiety may boost heart risk in postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy provides some artery protection for women with high levels of anger and Type A behavior, but not for those with anxiety or depression.
A recent study has identified GATA4 gene mutations as a primary cause of human cardiac septal defects, which are characterized by the incomplete formation of the heart's four chambers. The discovery is significant, as it may one day enable doctors to prevent congenital heart defects by fixing the problem before birth.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have discovered that stem-like cells from peripheral blood can promote functional recovery after a stroke. The study found that rats treated with these cells showed significant behavioral improvement and reduced hyperactive behavior compared to those receiving no cellular treatment.