Scientists have identified two major gene duplication events in Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant, which occurred 200 million and 80 million years ago. These events are believed to be responsible for the differences among modern plants.
Researchers found women with hypothyroidism are 57% less likely to develop aggressive, estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. The study suggests a possible biological role of thyroid hormone in breast cancer and offers novel preventive strategies.
The American Academy of Neurology identifies five categories of reasons for treatment failure in headache patients. Incomplete or incorrect diagnoses are the most common reason, followed by unaddressed factors that exacerbate the headache. The experts also highlight inadequate medication regimens and lack of non-drug treatment options ...
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a second anthrax toxin receptor, revealing that the toxin's entry into cells is more complicated than previously thought. This finding provides pharmaceutical companies with new ammunition to attack anthrax disease and offers potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers found high levels of COX-2 in dopamine neurons of Parkinson's patients, leading to cell death. Inhibiting the enzyme with a COX-2 inhibitor increased surviving neurons by up to 88%. The study suggests COX-2 inhibitors may slow disease progression and is being tested in new trials.
Researchers found that celecoxib capsules stop the Sp1 transcription factor from activating genes associated with cancer growth. This led to reduced production of VEGF, a key angiogenic factor that feeds tumors. The study provides a novel molecular mechanism for celecoxib's antitumor activity and may lead to tailored treatment options.
Rice University researchers aim to develop new, noninvasive treatment options for damaged cartilage by using patient's own bone marrow cells to grow more cartilage. The goal is to create a biodegradable scaffold that promotes cartilage formation and avoids problems associated with current therapies like allografting.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer found a link between arsenic exposure and suppressed expression of DNA repair genes. The researchers discovered that individuals with elevated arsenic levels had lower levels of certain genes involved in nucleotide excision repair, which helps protect against DNA damage.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that intensive toilet training before 27 months may not provide clear benefits, but also takes longer and can be frustrating. The research suggests that parents should consider their child's individual readiness and family situation when deciding to initiate training.
Sandia scientists confirm Z produces fusion neutrons, a crucial step towards self-sustaining fusion reactions. The experiment demonstrates that high-yield fusion is achievable through the application of huge pulses of electricity.
Researchers have created a two-sided coating with sticky and repellant properties to prevent bacterial contamination on medical implants. The new compound could potentially last permanently and be used in various implant surfaces, including tooth coatings and boat hulls.
The Center for Reproductive Research aims to improve understanding of hormones, receptors, and signaling molecules in female reproduction. Researchers will develop synthetic scaffolds and investigate molecular machines to address diseases associated with reproductive function.
Researchers found that DHEA did not significantly improve cognitive performance or ratings of disease severity in a randomized, double-blind trial. The study's small size and high drop-out rate may limit the findings, with larger studies needed to confirm the results.
A new study documents domestic violence by race and income in Rhode Island, finding that black women are overrepresented among victims reported to police. The researchers suggest that socioeconomic factors and racial positioning contribute to this disparity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems.
A UC Irvine study found that hospitals can successfully evacuate patients and staff without relying on outside assistance. Non-structural problems like water leaks and electrical outages pose the biggest risk to facilities during disasters. The study provides basic steps for responding to bioterrorist attacks on medical facilities.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that statin drugs can prevent breast cancer cells from growing by blocking proteins that inhibit cell cycle progression. The study suggests that potent anti-cancer drugs could be developed based on the unconverted form of statins.
The ACS survey found mixed results, with new bachelor's-level chemistry graduates facing a median salary of $31,000, down $1,200 from the previous year. Despite this, unemployment rates remain low. In contrast, master's and Ph.D. level graduates saw increases in salaries, but full-time employment rates declined significantly due to mor...
Rep. Holt, a physicist and advocate for science education, has won a public service award from the American Chemical Society (ACS). He has worked to improve math and science education, increase funding for the Math and Science Partnership Program, and champion increases in the physical sciences budget.
Ancient societies successfully transformed their environments through slow, incremental changes to living, labor, agricultural, and water collection/distribution practices. In Bali, Indonesia, centuries-old environmental/cultural/religious practices remain functional, highlighting the complexity of human ecology in ancient landscapes.
A study found that men with high CRP levels were 3.8 times more likely to experience a stroke over 10-15 years compared to those with low CRP levels. The researchers also discovered that inflammation may trigger stroke by causing cell growth, cholesterol accumulation, and plaque formation in blood vessels.
Researchers have found a potential genetic link between variations in the beta-2 receptor gene and a reduced risk of heart attack and death from coronary disease. The study, published by the American Heart Association, suggests that individuals with certain forms of the gene may be more resilient to cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that mice with a mutation in the fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) gene lack wrinkles and normal hair growth. The study suggests that FATP4 plays a critical role in skin development, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and other conditions.
A new generation of medical treatment is being driven by proteomics, enabling early detection of cancer and personalized therapy. The technology uses multiple high-resolution serum proteomic patterns to detect disease, with 85% accuracy in diagnosis.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that alpha lipoic acid significantly improved symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, including a 5.7-point total symptom score improvement. The treatment had no unfavorable side effects and may be a promising lead for future research into the cause and prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
Researchers found that 11C-acetate PET scans were more sensitive than 18F-FDG PET scans in detecting recurrent prostate cancer. The study used 46 patients with detectable serum PSA, and the imaging procedures were conducted on the same day.
The study found that Education Action Zones demonstrated some innovation in parents' perceptions of education, but this was not matched by consistent improvements in pupil performance. The zones also struggled to implement lasting changes in classroom practice due to the pressure of short-term targets.
A Duke team has identified two proteins, MIF and CyP-A, that are elevated in lung cancer cells but not in normal cells. These proteins may be potential targets for new therapies and a simple blood test to diagnose lung cancer without biopsies.