Scientists identify site-specific growth signals that promote capillary formation in the developing retina and inner ear, providing a potential new approach for treating blinding diseases and improving treatment outcomes for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Researchers found simian foamy virus (SFV) in 1% of Cameroonian villagers, linked to hunting and butchering primates. The study suggests retroviral zoonosis is widespread, highlighting the need for economic alternatives to reduce human-primate contact.
A new toxicity test uses human growth hormone-secreting cell lines to detect toxic compounds, reducing the need for animal testing. The test, developed by Italian researchers, can identify low concentrations of chemicals that current methods may miss.
A study using modern-era satellite data found that a combination of cooler tropical Pacific Ocean surface temperatures and warmer Atlantic Ocean temperatures led to the US dust bowl drought from 1931 to 1939. This created shifts in weather patterns and reduced moisture supply, resulting in severe dry conditions.
A study published in Circulation found that HIV infection is an independent predictor of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Aggressive treatment of high cholesterol, blood pressure, and other risk factors is crucial for HIV patients.
Scientists have discovered a key relationship between two inherited eye disorders, Norrie disease and FEVR, linked to blood vessel malformation and activation of the Wnt pathway. The study sheds light on potential treatments for these conditions and raises questions about specialized vascular development systems in other tissues.
A portable, wearable device called Tyflos enables visually impaired individuals to conduct daily tasks efficiently. The device uses computer vision and robotics technology to convert images into audio information, allowing users to navigate and interact with their environment.
The research highlights the alarming rate of extinction among birds, with many species experiencing significant declines in population numbers. The study's findings suggest that birds are excellent indicators of global extinction rates, and their decline serves as a warning sign for the planet's overall health.
Dr. Berrino suggests that dietary factors play a major role in breast cancer prevention, particularly for women carrying BRCA mutations. By adopting a healthier diet, these women can reduce their risk of developing the disease.
Scientists have discovered that breast cancer metastases have a strikingly similar genetic profile to their primary tumours. This breakthrough discovery could enable doctors to choose the best treatment for each patient based on their unique tumour characteristics.
Scientists from UW-Madison used a new technique to precisely date glacial deposits, revealing that the last two major glaciations were global events. The findings suggest that rapid cooling of the Earth's atmosphere synchronized climate change worldwide during each ice age.
A recent international declaration from the OECD Committee highlights the critical need for an open and systematic approach to access scientific data. Researchers in various fields will benefit from cost-effective access to digital research data, which is essential for new knowledge creation.
The report highlights inconsistent data-access policies among nations and agencies, emphasizing the need for international efforts to promote open access. The authors call for an international framework to achieve this goal, making data sharing a rule rather than an exception.
New studies reveal a significant decline in UK species diversity, with insects, plants, and birds showing declines of up to 70% over 20 years. The findings support the 'Sixth Extinction' hypothesis and highlight the need for environmental policies to mitigate the effects of human activity.
A study by Bruce Patterson found that lion attacks increase during wet seasons when traditional prey disperses, making livestock more vulnerable. Implementing a seasonal stocking plan can reduce losses by quartering livestock only during the dry season and taking them to market before the rains.
A new study by Ristaino and Kim May identifies the Ia strain of P. infestans, tracing its probable roots to the Andes Mountains in South America. The researchers analyzed 186 specimens from six regions worldwide, confirming 90% were infected with P. infestans.
The Lancet's patient safety series aims to enhance care coordination through a framework focusing on patient, local environment, hospital, and healthcare system levels. The subsequent papers will delve into methods for measuring and improving inpatient safety.
Dr. Eric Winer emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing for complementary and alternative therapies (CAMs) due to safety concerns and limited scientific evidence. Many CAMs have not undergone thorough evaluation, leading to potential interactions with standard treatments.
Studies of rural communities in Cameroon found that people exposed to blood or body fluids from primates during hunting have a higher risk of simian retrovirus infection. Genetic analysis revealed three geographically independent human infections, acquired from different primates.
A recent study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that a lack of choline during pregnancy can lead to reduced brain cell formation and impaired memory in children. The scientists discovered that choline plays a crucial role in regulating stem cell division, which is essential for brain development.
A recent study using genetic data reveals that individual coral reefs within the Great Barrier Reef are vulnerable to global warming due to limited dispersal of corals. In contrast, reefs at Lord Howe Island have low genetic diversity and appear disconnected from the Great Barrier Reef.
Theoretical cosmologist George F.R. Ellis wins the Templeton Prize for his work on general relativity theory and its intersection with theology and social justice. His research questions the origin of the universe and explores the relationship between science, faith, and morality.
Researchers isolate three strains of yeast prions that transmit life-changing information in yeast cells without DNA or RNA. These protein-only particles act like genes, disrupting normal cell function and leading to the formation of amyloid plaques associated with neurological disorders.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding a natural mechanism cells use to protect themselves from stress, with potential applications for preventing motor nerve cell death. Up to 50% of nerve cell death could be prevented in mice with sciatic nerve injury using this approach.
A recent study found that young breast cancer survivors experience more severe long-term after effects, including arm problems and fatigue. Women diagnosed over 50 years old tend to report fewer symptoms than younger women.
A new diagnostic tool, BCPC, uses microarray technology to analyze tumor genetic signatures and provide personalized treatment recommendations for breast cancer patients. The tool aims to improve patient outcomes by avoiding over-treatment and reducing costs of treatment.
The Osteoarthritis Initiative aims to identify people at risk for OA and monitor disease progression using biological markers. The study will enroll 5,000 adults over five years, collecting data on joint pain, limited movement, and cartilage loss.
Research suggests that video game play is related to children's weight status, while television use is not. Children with higher BMIs spent moderate amounts of time playing electronic games, whereas those with lower BMIs played either little or a lot of time on other devices.
Researchers confirm that shape change accounts for strain differences in prions, laying groundwork for strategies to block disease. Prion shape underlies ability to jump between species, according to new finding.
In the phase III trial, exemestane demonstrated superior efficacy over tamoxifen in patients with hormone-responsive metastatic breast cancer, with a median progression-free survival of 10.9 months compared to 6.7 months for tamoxifen. The study also showed improved response rates and safety profile for exemestane.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have made significant progress in understanding lipodystrophies, rare disorders characterized by partial or total loss of fat tissues. Recent studies have identified gene mutations and novel therapeutic approaches for these patients, which may also be applicable to obese individuals with abnormal fat dist...
Researchers establish that different strains of prions can be accounted for by misfolded conformations of the same protein. The study provides insights into how amyloid proteins form and propagate, potentially guiding future studies of strain properties in mammalian prions.
A Mount Holyoke researcher is studying how low-income urban youth develop science aspirations and pursue careers in science and technology. The five-year study will examine the social negotiations of educational and career aspirations, effective mentoring strategies, and patterns of science and technology learning and motivation.
The SORCE satellite has been collecting long-term data on natural solar variation to determine the sun's role in global change. Accurate knowledge of solar variations is essential for understanding and predicting impacts on Earth's atmosphere and climate.
A combination of two existing drugs, rapamycin and doxorubicin, was found to be effective in treating cancer by restoring a natural cell death mechanism and triggering programmed cell death. The treatment led to complete remission in mouse models of B-cell lymphoma.
Older women with breast cancer often lose out on effective treatments, with prognosis not linked to tumour factor. Health policymakers need to develop strategies for elderly patients, while doctors must find suitable treatments tailored to their needs.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a method to control the architecture of nanocrystals using electrochemistry. They created nearly 30 different nanostructures by changing applied voltages and chemical types, offering greater predictability and convenience compared to traditional methods.
A new study explores whether children seeking object names actually desire the object's function, not just its label. Children given functional information seemed more satisfied with the response, suggesting they can distinguish between superficial classification and deeper understanding.
UCSD School of Medicine researchers have identified a mechanism leading to life-threatening infections, where PKR protein causes macrophages to die, allowing bacteria to spread. The discovery may help develop inhibitors for PKR, controlling nasty infections and reducing flu-related deaths.
A team of scientists at Rutgers University has identified the active compound in croton plant oil, TPA, which shows promise in treating prostate cancer. The study found that TPA can stop new cells from growing, kill existing cancer cells, and shrink prostate tumors.
Researchers found a 1.7-fold increase in cardiovascular death among breast cancer patients who received radiotherapy compared to those who didn't. However, the risk was lower for non-irradiated patients, suggesting that breast cancer may have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease.
Cornell University has been awarded a $300,000 USAID grant to implement two development programs in India. The Agriculture in Developing Nations course will be taught at Cornell and partner institutions in India, sensitizing students and policymakers on how to improve productivity and competitiveness in agriculture. For executives, the...
A recent study examined 350 adult volunteers and found that 3.6% developed harmless skin rashes after vaccination. The rashes cleared up on their own within one to three weeks without serious symptoms.
A recent study has confirmed that women with BRCA breast cancer who undergo conservation surgery and radiotherapy have a lower risk of recurrence compared to those without genetic mutations. The only factor associated with a higher risk of recurrence is young age, according to the researchers.
A new study shows that preoperative anastrozole treatment can downstage tumors and allow more patients to undergo less extensive breast-conserving surgery, reducing the need for mastectomy. The treatment has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
A team of researchers used yeast to elucidate the steps involved in the pathway that regulates vertebrate cell response to dioxin, identifying 54 genes with a significant influence on AHR response. The study reveals five discrete biochemical steps in the signaling pathway and identifies one previously undescribed nuclear step.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetes reduces life expectancy by 12 years, with men living 64.7 years and women 70.7 years compared to the general population. Eradicating diabetes would increase life expectancy by 2.8 years for men and 2.6 years for women.
A study of 501 patients with recurrent prostate cancer found that salvage radiotherapy can be effective for patients with high-grade disease and rapid PSA doubling time, suggesting it may prevent metastatic disease progression. The study's findings support early treatment for these patients, who are at the highest risk of disease spread.
The study found that 97.5% of patients with DCIS underwent surgery, but there is a wide variation in treatment approaches, including the use of mastectomy, radiation therapy, and axillary dissection. The incidence of DCIS increased by 73% between 1992 and 1999, highlighting the need for standardized treatment recommendations.
A team of researchers developed an optical glucose sensor that functions as a continuous glucose monitor capable of operating under physiological conditions. The sensor shows outstanding glucose response over the full range of glucose levels, which could reduce pain, costs, and deaths in ICU patients.
A new study found that infection with a high-risk type of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral epithelial cells may be an independent risk factor for head and neck cancer. High-risk HPV types detected in oral exfoliated cells were predictive of high-risk HPV types in tumor tissue.
A team of scientists has analyzed the largest sample of Neandertal and early human remains, concluding that Neandertals could not have made a significant genetic contribution to early modern humans. The study's findings challenge the theory of interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Homo Neanderthalensis.
A study by Miriam Jacobs and colleagues has found significant increases in flame retardant levels in cod liver oil supplements over the past four years. This is a growing concern due to the potential for these chemicals to contaminate the environment and human health, particularly through consumption of contaminated fish oils.
A study of 4,939 elderly patients with hypertension found that home blood pressure testing was more accurate than office tests in predicting cardiovascular events. Home blood pressure testing showed a 17.2% increased risk of cardiovascular events for each 10-mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure.
Researchers found that ocean acidity influences early estimates of carbon dioxide and temperature link, correcting temperature curves to match glacial records. They applied correction factors for changes in acidity, calcium ions, and carbon dioxide saturation, accurately predicting two major glaciations.
A study found that mutated tumor suppressor genes, particularly p53 and p21, play a significant role in bladder cancer development. Eighty bladder cancer patients were evaluated, and the researchers discovered that these genes are altered in 83 percent of patients.
Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, a banned chemical, was detected in the atmosphere of Sable Island off Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The study reveals that the chemical traveled from China and India to the Arctic Ocean before reaching Atlantic Canada.
Scientists have deciphered the genome of Wolbachia pientis wMel, a model bacterium that infects fruit flies. The study reveals the bacterium has accumulated more repetitive DNA than any other intracellular bacteria, with potential applications in developing new treatments for diseases such as dengue fever and lymphatic filariasis.
The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) will provide free online access to its archived research, including articles published from January 1999 to the present. This move aims to improve cancer care worldwide by increasing access to essential information.
Researchers have discovered a chemical modification of the dopamine transporter that enables amphetamine-induced dopamine release. This finding may lead to the development of treatments for drug addiction by targeting this molecular mechanism.