A study of premature infants found that mild undernutrition in early infancy may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. The findings suggest that slower growth and relative undernutrition associated with colostrum and breastfeeding may have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.
A team of scientists at the National Institutes of Health reports finding cheek cells with a male Y chromosome, indicating that some transplanted stem cells had differentiated into cheek cells. The study provides strong evidence for transdifferentiation and offers insights into its potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers discovered that human sperm cells have a receptor for chemo-attraction, which triggers movement towards elevated concentrations of a sperm-attracting substance called bourgeonal. This finding suggests that sperm may be able to 'smell' their way to the egg.
A study assessing young women with breast cancer in north-west England found that a third had a strong family history of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. Women with this history were more likely to carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, emphasizing the need for accurate family history elucidation to predict genetic mutations.
Researchers have improved the bonding in mechanically linked molecules by developing a method to increase the association constant of host-guest interactions, allowing for longer self-assembled chains. By utilizing hydrogen bonding instead of covalent chemistry, they were able to overcome the difficulty of creating rigid macrocycles.
The study found that nearly a third of the E. faecalis genome consists of mobile or 'foreign' DNA, which plays a crucial role in helping the bacterium develop drug resistance. The analysis identified two sites in the genome related to vancomycin resistance, including a novel transposon carrying vanB resistance genes.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new microfluidic fuel cell that can generate electricity under pulsating conditions, mimicking the flow of blood. This design could help power medical implants and eliminate the need for frequent glucose level monitoring in diabetics.
Researchers used a laser scalpel to dissect fruit fly tissue and understand the complex process of dorsal closure, which is crucial for human spinal malformation prevention. The team's findings showed that the system is resilient and can compensate for individual tissue disruptions.
Researchers discovered that the removal of MTase1, a viral protein, did not impact virus replication rates in tissue culture. This finding suggests that proteins essential to virus function may be more complex than previously thought, with implications for understanding virus behavior and potential applications in pest control.
Caterpillars' shelter-building habits impact insect communities by reducing diversity, whereas artificial habitats have similar effects as natural ones. The study suggests regional patterns of insect herbivore diversity may be influenced by these ecosystem engineers.
A new study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science reports that Europe's population will likely continue to shrink despite increasing birthrates. The timing of childbirth is cited as a key factor, with women delaying births for longer periods, reducing potential mothers and contributing to negative population momentum.
A comprehensive analysis of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron reveals its ability to process nutrients and forge a beneficial alliance with its host, providing new insights into human physiology and potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a non-toxic paint that effectively prevents marine fouling by creating a self-cleaning surface. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, tested by the ONR and other collaborators, deny bacteria a compatible surface to grow on, reducing fouling.
Current smokers have a higher risk of hemorrhagic strokes, with a two-fold increase in risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The study also found that quitting smoking decreases risk. Smoking damages arterial walls, making them more prone to rupture, establishing it as a risk factor for ICH.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new technique to process the difficult-to-process solid-state fluorescent material Alq3 using a universal polymer backbone, allowing for the production of inexpensive OLED devices. The new material demonstrates potential for color tuning and physical flexibility.
The Lancet editorial emphasizes the importance of addressing health disparities in global conflicts. Experts highlight the need for international cooperation to mitigate the devastating effects of war on vulnerable populations.
A study of over 7200 patients found that budesonide decreased the risk of severe asthma attacks by 44% and reduced the need for systemic steroids. The drug also improved lung function and was well-tolerated, but had a negative effect on growth in children under 11.
Researchers at UCSD have developed a way to transfer the optical properties of silicon sensors to plastic, creating flexible and biocompatible devices that can monitor drug delivery, joint strain, or healing. This technology could lead to non-invasive monitoring of implantable devices.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a technique called domain insertion to join two proteins, creating a microscopic protein partnership where one controls the activity of the other. This could lead to specialized molecules that deliver lethal drugs only to cancerous cells and biological warfare sensors.
Researchers found that even if climate sensitivity is low, massive transition to carbon-free energy technologies is needed during this century. The study suggests developing alternative energy sources now to achieve stabilization at a 2 degree Celsius warming.
Rensselaer researchers develop a new biocatalysis lab-on-a-slide technique to screen for NADPH oxidase inhibitors, potentially leading to effective therapies for cardiovascular disease. The method allows for faster and more cost-effective discovery of new drugs.
Studies found that patients with acute brain injury had lower levels of anti-inflammatory molecule a-MSH, which remained low over four days after injury. This impairment may have detrimental consequences for brain injury treatment.
Scientists at Brookhaven Lab are developing a promising radiation therapy technique called microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) that effectively destroys tumors in animal models while sparing normal brain tissue. Researchers have also made advancements in computer calculations and molecular electronics.
Researchers found a link between African-origin genetic markers and decreased insulin sensitivity in children, suggesting a genetic basis for the disparity. The study also highlights the importance of genetic factors in understanding and preventing type 2 diabetes in black communities.
Functional nanoparticles are being developed for molecular imaging, cancer treatment, and tissue engineering. Scientists can engineer nanoparticles to have multiple functions, including tagging proteins or genetic sequences in a process called multiplexing.
A study has identified a vast network of subsurface streams and ponds in the northern Gulf of Mexico basin that are believed to contain significant amounts of untapped oil and gas. The discovery, made by Cornell University professor Lawrence M. Cathles, estimates that these reserves could be as large as those found in the North Sea.
A survey of 16,500 Europeans in 15 countries shows optimism in biotechnology increasing to levels seen in the early 1990s. Medical applications are broadly supported, while agricultural and food uses are met with skepticism. European attitudes on biotechnology have shifted since 1999, with improvements in some countries.
Dr. Nie constructs smart nanoparticle probes to recognize DNA sequences and genetic mutations, enabling early cancer diagnosis and personalized medicine. The nanobeacons can profile multiple genes and proteins simultaneously, allowing for individualized cancer treatments based on molecular differences.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory University have developed improved molecular beacons for detecting viruses and cancer cells in living cells. The beacons use fluorescent dyes and oligonucleotides to target specific genetic sequences, producing a distinct optical signal when excited by light.
Researchers examined how transformational and transactional leadership predicted unit potency, cohesion, and performance. They found that both styles led to improved performance in simulated combat training exercises.
Fossil teeth from Egypt's Fayum desert have provided evidence of the earliest known ancestors of bushbabies and lorises, dating back to the Eocene epoch. The finds confirm earlier genetic studies suggesting that these primates diverged much earlier than previously thought.
Researchers from Italy studied over 14,000 births and found a significant disparity in sex ratios between optimal and sub-optimal reproductive conditions. The study suggests that nature tries to compensate for the vulnerability of male babies by favoring them in favorable months.
Researchers at the University of Washington used quantitative proteomic analysis to study Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria linked to cystic fibrosis. The study found that quorum sensing may help the bacteria adapt in the airway, leading to inflammation and fatal outcomes.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that walk-in patients with minor illnesses have a minimal impact on emergency department overcrowding. The study's authors suggest increasing hospital capacity to quickly assess and admit acutely ill patients is key to solving the issue.
Newly discovered primate fossils in Egypt double the known age of bushbabies and lorises, suggesting they may have originated in Indo-Madagascar instead of Africa. This finding pushes back the divergence times and origins of primates, including human ancestors, to around 90 million years ago.
The Two Micron All-Sky Survey (2Mass) has completed its vast archive of images and data, featuring five million images, now available online. The survey revealed new class of stars, brown dwarfs, a more complete understanding of the Milky Way's structure, and a detailed database of asteroids.
Researchers from Virginia Tech have made a significant breakthrough in fuel cell technology by developing an industrially available starting material for manufacturing proton exchange membranes. The starting material, derived from new copolymers, enables the mass production of fuel cells on an industrial scale.
Sea Grant's media relations office is closing its National Press Building Office and suspending operations due to restructuring. Meanwhile, NOAA's Public Affairs Officer, Ben Sherman, is assuming the role of Public Affairs Officer for NOAA's National Ocean Service.
A new study found that levorphanol's ability to reduce pain is comparable to tricyclic antidepressants and gabapentin, commonly used drugs for neuropathic pain treatment. High-dose treatment provided greater pain reduction without tolerance, but also led to more side effects and participant dropout.
A new water treatment process called activated magnetic sludge process has been introduced, which uses magnetic separation to reduce excess sludge production. The technique can treat up to 21 gallons of sewage daily without generating any excess sludge.
Researchers have spotted a spectacular 'bull's eye' effect in a star explosion, revealing new insights into the object's distance and characteristics. The discovery, led by Howard Bond of the Space Telescope Science Institute, used NASA Hubble Space Telescope images to calculate the star's distance from Earth at least 20,000 light years.
St. Jude researchers have gained insights into the critical role of E1 enzymes in controlling cellular functions by modifying ubiquitin-like proteins. The discovery sheds light on how cells maintain order and perform vital activities like immune responses and cell division.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discover that a rare blood disorder HES is caused by a fusion of genes creating a cancer-causing gene, which can be inhibited by the imatinib drug. The study shows that patients with HES respond well to the treatment, offering new hope for this aggressive disease.
Hebrew University scientists have created a new type of enzyme electrode that uses gold nanoparticles to detect glucose in the blood. This technology offers more sensitive and specific measurements than existing techniques, with potential applications for diabetes treatment and implantable biofuel cells.
A study by Bettina M. Beech of the University of Memphis found that low-income young adult blacks light up to relieve stress due to various life challenges. Smoking rates among black high school students have increased 80% in the past decade, contrary to lower rates among white peers.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new cryptand compound that forms stronger non-covalent bonds than traditional host crown ethers. The improved association constants enhance the recognition and attraction between host and guest molecules, paving the way for potential applications in medicine.
A newly discovered fungus, estimated to be between 2000 and 8500 years old, has rewritten the concept of individual organisms. The fungus, a clone of Armillaria ostoyae, covers an area of 9.65 square kilometers and has implications for forest management practices.
A professor's theory suggests that young people who choose identities that can only limit or end their lives are more likely to engage in suicide terrorism. This is due to a combination of factors, including the role of conflict and oppression in shaping their identities, as well as the promise of validation through sacrifice.
The researchers in Gibson's lab studied the attractive forces between the rings and rods using x-ray crystallography to understand how they self-assemble into pseudorotaxanes. By connecting molecular entities to polymer chains, the team creates materials with improved properties and low-temperature processing capabilities.
The University-Assisted Community Schools Program has been selected for a $100,000 prize to recognize its high-quality organizational work improving children's lives. The program, developed by Penn faculty and students, focuses on solving community problems in areas like environmental health, literacy, and nutrition.
A computer-intensive mathematical model simulated mutation in flu genetic units, revealing a secondary, non-specific immune response that gives people temporary protection against nearly all variants. This understanding could inform the development of more effective vaccines offering longer-term immunity.
Studies of hypereosinophilic syndrome reveal a novel mechanism for generating a cancer-causing tyrosine kinase. Gleevec treatment leads to extraordinary responses in patients, including complete recovery from severe organ damage.
Researchers found that mothers' anxiety and depression levels can impact whether their children visit the doctor for gastrointestinal problems. The study suggests that parents should be sensitive to how they teach their children to deal with physical sensations.
Researchers have developed a novel screening technique that quickly identifies chemical compounds active only against certain cancer-causing genes and proteins. This approach opens the door to custom-tailoring chemotherapy and may lead to more effective treatments for specific types of cancer.
Scientists discover five new species of salamanders from Asian sites, including Chunerpeton tianyiensis, which closely resembles the North American hellbender. The newly found species offer unique features such as unicapitate ribs, with implications for understanding the evolution of salamander families.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found sonography to be more accurate than mammography in detecting breast cancer in women under 45. The test correctly identified 84.9% of breast cancers in symptomatic women aged 25-44, while mammography had a lower accuracy rate of 71.7% in the same age group.
A recent study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that drivers using cell phones are twice as likely to cause rear-end collisions. The study, which analyzed data from over 500 cell phone users and 452 crash incidents, estimates that cell phones are responsible for at least 1,500 motor vehicle crashes per year.
The discovery of KCNK9 reveals a significant role in the development of breast and lung cancers. The study found that overexpression of KCNK9 promotes tumor formation in controlled functional tests.
Researchers found that increasing neprilysin levels decreased amyloid deposition and reduced plaque load in transgenic mice. Astrocytes also degraded beta-amyloid peptides, suggesting a new target for AD therapies.
Researchers found that catnip oil repelled and killed termites in a laboratory test, providing a potential less toxic alternative to pesticides. However, the oil breaks down quickly in the environment, limiting its long-term effectiveness.