Researchers successfully converted muscle stem cells into cells showing properties of neurons through the use of an artificial gene. This breakthrough suggests that stem cells may be 'flexible' and able to develop into different cell types, paving the way for potential neuroregeneration techniques.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is providing 80 scientists with five-year grants to conduct basic biomedical research in their own countries. This initiative aims to combat emerging and established infectious diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, and support the development of scientific capacity in regions hit by brain drain.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a key to tackling obesity in humans by studying the thermal regulation system of newborn lambs. The study found that a molecular switch controls the transformation of brown fat into normal white fat, and that activating this switch could potentially lead to new weight loss techniques.
The Proteomics Shared Resource at OHSU enables faster and more precise protein identification, processing up to 180 samples in six hours. The lab's advanced technology, including a robotic arm and mass spectrometer, helps researchers analyze proteins and identify their composition.
Jonathan I. Lunine, a renowned planetary scientist, will testify before the President's Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy about detecting other Earths around nearby stars. He suggests developing medium-sized optical and infrared space telescopes, the Terrestrial Planet Finder, which could discover habitable ...
A longitudinal study found that early childhood sleep problems predicted substance abuse during adolescence, with around half of children experiencing sleep issues also starting to use substances at an early age. Researchers hope that identifying and treating sleep problems early on may help prevent later substance-use problems.
A study by Texas A&M University reveals Houston's air quality is severely impacted due to industrial emissions and auto exhaust, posing a significant health risk to its 5 million residents. The city must take steps to curb its air pollution problems, including alternative energy sources and more efficient transportation.
A meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials found no significant differences between the failure rates of oral and intravenous rehydration therapies. The researchers conclude that further studies are not warranted, as oral rehydration is less traumatic, simple to administer, and associated with lower hospital admission rates.
Researchers found that older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who continued to exercise regularly maintained improved cognitive, psychological, and physical function over a year, while those who stopped exercising experienced significant declines.
Scientists studying stickleback fish discovered that small changes in gene regulation can lead to rapid skeletal changes without disrupting essential genes. The researchers identified a single region on the chromosome responsible for most of the changes in spine and pelvic morphology, pointing to the key role of the Pitx1 gene.
A new study published in Urology found that men taking AVODART for four years experienced a significant reduction in urinary symptoms and prostate volume, with an average symptom improvement of 6.1 points on the AUA-SI. Long-term treatment also resulted in low incidence of drug-related side effects.
A Stanford study on threespine stickleback fish found that a single gene, Pitx1, is responsible for the loss of hind fins in two distinct populations. The researchers discovered that mutations in this gene can alter limb development without killing the animal.
Young female chimpanzees learned to fish for termites at 31 months, while young males began playing and swinging around at 58 months. Females also copied their mothers' fishing techniques more closely, reflecting their adult sex roles.
Research on young female bowerbirds suggests that they are attracted to blue decorations in the males' bowers, rather than intense courtship displays. This finding has implications for understanding mate selection and could aid wildlife conservation.
A long-term family study found that toddlers with sleep problems are at a higher risk of becoming teens who smoke, drink or do drugs. The study suggests that early sleep problems may be a predictor for later adolescent substance use.
A survey of 32 popular English-language websites found that many promoted unproven therapies and some were even dangerous, while others provided valuable and reliable information. The researchers recommend a seal of approval scheme for complementary and alternative websites to minimize harm.
A new climate model, LDEO5, has been developed by scientists at Columbia University that accurately predicted every major change in the tropical Pacific Ocean temperature over the past 150 years. The model suggests that ENSO is largely driven by internal relationships between ocean temperature and tropical winds.
Researchers have identified two distinct patterns of gene activity that correlate with patient outcomes in intermediate-risk AML. The findings could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients with this type of cancer.
A recent USGS review of scientific literature reveals increased reports of disease outbreaks in turtles, corals, mollusks, mammals, and urchins since 1970. However, no significant trends were detected for seagrasses, decapods, or sharks/rays, with even a decrease in disease reports among fish.
Researchers Eric van Sprang and Henk-Jan Ramaker developed a new control method for managing chemical reactions. The method takes into account the relationships between various process parameters, reducing the need for multiple univariate control charts and improving early detection of process disruptions.
Early study results show that women with small uterine fibroids may be at increased risk of miscarriage, with smaller fibroids more associated with pregnancy loss. The research aims to investigate the influence of fibroids on pregnancy outcomes and will enroll an additional 3,300 ethnically diverse women.
Researchers have decoded the genome of Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a microbe responsible for microbially-influenced corrosion. The analysis provides insights into the microbe's capacity and flexibility to reduce metals, potentially leading to new methods for preventing corrosion and remediating metallic pollutants.
Women are more likely to develop lung cancer, with longer survival rates compared to men. Estrogen signaling and hormonal factors may play a role in these differences.
A study published in JAMA found that computed tomographic colonography (CTC) had lower sensitivity rates compared to conventional colonoscopy for detecting colorectal tumors, raising concerns about its readiness for widespread clinical use.
A new online tool provides personalized 10-year survival predictions for prostate cancer patients, taking into account age, race, co-morbidities, and treatment type. The model also highlights the significant impact of co-morbidities on long-term survival rates.
The report 'INVENTION: Enhancing inventiveness for quality of life, competitiveness and sustainability' highlights the critical roles of invention and inventiveness in society. The National Science Foundation, along with the Lemelson-MIT Program, has examined the factors that drive invention.
Researchers discovered that gene BMI1 is essential for the multiplication of stem cells in the cerebellum, leading to an enormous growth of these cells. Overexpression of BMI1 was found in 8 of 12 medulloblastomas investigated, suggesting its contribution to brain tumour development.
A new analysis of 4,657 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery found that discontinuing beta blockers and ACE inhibitors can lead to abnormal accelerations in heart pumping known as atrial fibrillation. However, these medications also appear to offer protection against the condition. The study identified a risk index that c...
A new study aims to determine if abciximab can improve function in patients with ischemic strokes up to six hours after onset. The treatment, which prevents blood platelets from forming clots, could provide a new approach for treating patients who wake up from sleep with a stroke.
A new study by UC Berkeley finds that renewable energy generates more jobs per megawatt installed than the fossil fuel-based sector, with potential benefits for all states. Investing in renewables could create up to 240,000 new jobs by 2020, while reducing trade deficits and reestablishing US leadership in energy technology.
Researchers develop a method to identify biologically significant cancer subtypes using gene expression data and patient clinical history, showing it's a powerful predictor of patient survival. The approach reduces the chances of including unrelated genes, increasing the probability of identifying clinically relevant subsets of genes.
Scientists have engineered a vaccine vector that targets mucosal surfaces, which are entry points for many pathogens. The hybrid vector combines features of adenovirus and reovirus to repel viruses like HIV-1 and infectious bioweapons.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered signs of superfluid hydrodynamics in a degenerate gas of lithium-6 fermionic atoms. The findings suggest that these atoms can exhibit behavior characteristic of a fermionic superfluid, providing new insights for studying high-temperature superconductivity.
Researchers have demonstrated that adipose-derived cells can engraft and differentiate into cardiac myocytes, offering new hope for treating heart disease. The study's findings are consistent with previous research and are being further explored by MacroPore Biosurgery.
Researchers warn of the potential for human infection due to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain, which has already been responsible for 32 laboratory-confirmed cases and 22 deaths. General precautions such as thorough hand washing and disinfection can help prevent transmission.
Blank's research challenges initial findings on cyanobacteria age, pinning emergence to 2.3 billion years ago using genetic analysis. This breakthrough also sheds light on eukaryote evolution and the development of mitochondria.
Researchers Francesca O'Kane used pea proteins to study the behavior of plant proteins when heated, forming a gel that can be repeatedly heated without losing strength or flexibility. This unique structure provides insight into protein aggregation and will help predict texture changes in meat substitutes.
Research reveals that concrete floor slabs can develop vertical cracks within 14-16 minutes of fire exposure, leading to rapid weight loss. The new temperature-dependent model also finds that thick floors are more sensitive to thermal expansion than thin ones.
Women are more susceptible to lung cancer due to genetic mutations and hormonal changes, resulting in increased adenocarcinoma prevalence. Effective tobacco control measures are crucial to prevent a similar surge in lung cancer rates among women in developing countries.
Researchers at UCSB are studying cinnamon's effects on mice with diabetes, finding a compound that has insulin-like activity and may help alleviate the condition. The study aims to explore the potential of cinnamon as a natural treatment for type II diabetes, which affects over 170 million people worldwide.
Elderly individuals with white matter abnormalities and infarcts exhibited accelerated cognitive decline compared to those with fewer abnormalities. A serious increase in white matter lesions was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia and depression over a period of five years.
Research by Mark Jung-Beeman and colleagues found increased neural activity in the right temporal lobe when solving problems with insight, suggesting a distinct computational and neural mechanism. This suggests that creative thinking relies on at least one unique brain process that involves reinterpretation and integration of information.
A long-term study by Cornell University finds that marine-organism disease is increasing in some taxa, such as turtles and mammals, but declining in fish due to over-fishing. However, disease rates are still too low to be observed for many populations of wild fish.
Scientists have created a system to identify specific protein fragments bound to T cells, allowing researchers to better understand the immune system's attack on foreign invaders. The breakthrough could lead to major advancements in preventing and treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
In a groundbreaking study, Robert Sapolsky and Lisa Share found evidence of a pacific culture among wild olive baboons in Kenya, where males became less aggressive after an outbreak of TB. This unique cultural tradition suggests that females may play a key role in regulating male behavior.
Scientists have developed a 3D image of the UvsW enzyme, crucial for understanding replication-dependent replication in human cells. The findings reveal how this enzyme orchestrates the process by which viruses, plants and animals introduce new genes into DNA during replication.
Researchers found that salt-tolerant rice varieties can be accurately predicted using DNA markers and a crop growth model, allowing breeders to select the best varieties for specific conditions. This is crucial for increasing yields in areas with sub-optimal conditions, such as those affected by salinity.
A study examines the reasons behind the US epidemic of lung cancer in women, citing data on rising smoking rates and disproportionate impact on adenocarcinoma cases. The authors emphasize the need for more comprehensive research on lung cancer prevention and early diagnosis, particularly among women.
Concussions are linked to depression and confusion in athletes after injury. The study found that emotional changes disappeared within three weeks of recovery.
A new method by Jessica Ward and Kevin Lafferty confirms fears of rising distress in threatened populations, revealing a real underlying pattern in nature. Disease trends were found to increase in all groups except seagrasses, decapods, and sharks/rays, while fishes experienced decreased disease reports.
The estrogen-alone study, part of the WHI, found that women taking this form of hormone therapy had an increased risk of stroke, with 44 cases per 10,000 women per year. However, it did not reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The study involved 10,739 postmenopausal women and was stopped early due to these findings.
Studies using fMRI and EEG reveal a distinct neural activity pattern in the right hemisphere's anterior Superior Temporal Gyrus (aSTG) associated with insightful problem-solving. This finding suggests that insight involves integration of distantly related information, providing new insights into cognitive processes.
A randomized trial of conjugated equine estrogen found no significant effect on coronary heart disease risk, but increased stroke risk and reduced hip fracture risk. The study concluded that estrogen therapy has no overall benefit for chronic disease prevention in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy.
A recent study has found a dramatic increase in lung cancer incidence in women, with many cases occurring in non-smokers who stopped smoking years ago. The study also reveals that women's response to targeted therapies is more favorable than men, raising questions about the differences between male and female lung cancer.
A study by Northwestern Memorial Hospital suggests that CPOE systems with significant clinical decision support and pharmacist involvement can improve medication safety. However, the system's limitations in artificial intelligence mean that human oversight remains crucial to prevent prescribing errors.
Researchers found that a widely used reading test, the National Adult Reading Test (NART), can accurately predict an individual's pre-dementia cognitive abilities. The study compared NART scores with IQ scores from childhood and showed no significant difference between demented and non-demented individuals in terms of NART scores.
A study estimates that 937,000 Americans are blind, with white persons affected by age-related macular degeneration. The prevalence of visual impairment is expected to increase due to aging, with blacks and Hispanics more likely to be affected by cataracts and glaucoma.
The Cancer Screening Project for Women found that unmarried women are less likely to obtain regular cancer screenings due to assumptions about their relationships. The study's findings suggest that a trusting relationship with at least one provider who knows about the woman's life and sexual history is crucial for her health care.
Researchers studied 502 hospital patients and found that nearly two-thirds experienced an adverse event before admission, with many being preventable. The study emphasizes the need for improved patient safety through ambulatory care and hospital-based interventions.
A team of scientists led by UC Berkeley's Richard Mathies is developing the Mars Organic Analyzer to test for amino acid handedness, a crucial characteristic of life-based amino acids. The instrument aims to provide absolute proof of life on Mars, as detecting left-handed or right-handed amino acids could indicate biological activity.