A new UC Davis study reveals that C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a key role in the formation of blood clots and plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. High CRP levels can be reduced by losing weight, exercising regularly, or taking statin drugs.
Scientists have developed a new theory explaining the formation of large-scale magnetic fields in galaxies, which twist and expand like elastic ribbons. The theory resolves a long-standing problem in astrophysics by showing how turbulence creates opposing small-scale fields that eventually suppress growth.
Researchers have identified a mutated form of the enzyme PDGFRA, which is found in many body tissues and may trigger gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The study validates a novel molecular technology that can be used to find additional targets for cancer treatments.
Researchers found that calorie-restricted diets reduced levels of proteins linked to cell death and increased beneficial protein ARC, which prevents neuron death. The findings have significant implications for alleviating memory loss and mental declines associated with aging.
Researchers at UMass developed a method to create robust capsules from nanometer-sized particles and make them water-soluble by shining light on them. The study also found that nanoparticles can be functionalized with tailored properties, such as luminescence, and that larger particles win in assembly competitions.
Researchers have identified the KCNQ1 gene as the primary cause of familial atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting nearly one in 20 individuals over 65. The mutation leads to excessive potassium channel activity, disrupting normal heart rhythms and increasing the risk of heart failure.
A UCI study reveals a new method to identify and track specific sources of water pollution at beaches by combining bacteria sampling with genetic testing. The approach has already led to significant reductions in bacteria levels and beach closures in Catalina Island.
Scientists have identified a third light detection system in the eye, which is linked to the melanopsin gene. This discovery could explain why we stay awake during the day and may lead to new therapies for disorders such as jet-lag and Seasonally Affective Disorder (SAD)
Researchers identify a crucial pathway in the retina that allows the pupil to respond to light, even when rods and cones are absent. This discovery suggests a complex non-visual photoreceptive system in the inner retina that helps regulate the body's internal clock and unconscious activities.
Scientists find that northern right whales in Grand Manan Basin are exposed to substantial amounts of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins, which can cause chronic impairment and death. The toxins may affect diving capabilities, leading to poorer condition, reduced calving rates, and increased susceptibility to disease.
The study found that students consumed an average of 26 grams of total fat at school, exceeding the recommended 20 grams. A la carte items and student-run stores also contributed to high-fat consumption, with cafeteria lunches being the largest contributor.
The Pacific Ocean's sardine and anchovy regimes alternate every 25 years, affecting the marine food web and climate. These cycles are similar to El Niño events but take place over longer time periods.
Researchers have discovered that the molecule melanopsin is necessary for the pupil to constrict properly in response to light. Melanopsin is part of a distinct light-sensing pathway that complements the primary visual pathway, and its loss affects the pupillary light reflex, which regulates sleep-wake cycles and hormone secretion.
Researchers found that Deinococcus radiodurans' DNA is packed tightly into a ring, preventing breakage and allowing it to withstand extreme stresses. The microbe's unique ring-like DNA structure enables it to repair damaged DNA and survive in harsh environments.
Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered a new role for the BLM gene in repairing DNA breaks, which can lead to cancer. The study found that the BLM gene is essential for maintaining genome stability and preventing chromosome rearrangements similar to those seen in follicular lymphoma.
Research suggests that felons and ex-felons could have voted differently in several presidential elections, including the 2000 Bush vs. Gore election, which might have reversed the outcome. This disenfranchisement disproportionately affects working-class poor and African Americans, traditionally voting Democratic.
Researchers found women with atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) are three times more likely to develop breast cancer in the same breast, leading to a reevaluation of surgical management and risk reduction strategies. The study's findings also highlight the importance of diligent breast screening for these women.
Researchers discovered yeast cells can recycle their nucleus by removing non-essential components, a critical process for maintaining cellular health. This finding has implications for understanding human diseases such as Bloom's disease, where pieces of nuclei are pinched off into the cytoplasm.
The University of California, Berkeley's robotic telescope has captured the earliest image of a gamma-ray burst's optical afterglow, offering unprecedented data for theorists to study. The data provides key constraints for physical models of gamma-ray bursts and will help astronomers better understand these enigmatic events.
Researchers investigate various aspects of exercise and recreation for individuals with mobility impairments, including the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted prosthetic sockets, the importance of walking speed after stroke, and the development of rehabilitation technologies. These studies aim to improve the lives of people with spinal c...
The NIH has awarded nearly $8 million to the University of Pittsburgh and Magee-Womens Research Institute to develop a microbicide barrier to prevent HIV transmission in women. The project aims to create a safe and effective way for women to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
A team of scientists at the University of Rhode Island tested shallow marine systems' response to increased nutrients, focusing on eelgrass survival. They found that rapid leaf elongation and low root growth can indicate a poor prognosis for bed survival in these ecosystems.
A new study reveals that Viagra encourages platelets to aggregate, potentially leading to thrombosis and life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and strokes. The researchers found that the drug's active ingredient raises levels of cGMP, which initially causes platelets to clump but later reverses to prevent excessive buildup.
Scientists are developing an encyclopedia of innate immune system activity using systems biology approaches. This could lead to a better understanding of inflammation and its control, potentially revealing targets for new drugs. The study also explores the use of bioinformatics resources to support research on immune-mediated diseases.