Researchers at the University of Minnesota are testing a new treatment for bulimia nervosa, VNS Therapy, which targets the vagus nerve to reduce urges to binge eat and vomit. The study builds on previous research that found voluntary binge eating stimulates the vagus nerve, leading to involuntary behaviors.
Researchers Haygood, Ives, and Andow analyzed the probability of transgene escape within a given period, finding that it can happen much sooner than anticipated. Even with small leakage parameters, the risk of escape increases within ten generations.
A recent study found that cigarette smoking in top-grossing films has increased to 1950s levels, with an average of 10.7 smoking incidents per hour of screen time. The rise in screen smoking is concerning for youth smoking habits, as previous studies have shown a link between movie smoking and youth tobacco use.
Researchers used molecular modeling to study the detoxifying proteins of black swallowtail butterflies and corn earworms. The earworm's protein is more flexible, allowing it to bind to and detoxify six different plant defense chemicals and three common insecticides, making it a master of adapting to new pesticides and host plants.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a crucial link between the cancer gene CBP and protein p27Kip1 in the development of lymphoma, breast and colon cancers. The study found that the absence of CBP and low levels of p27Kip1 accelerate cancer growth in laboratory mice.
Researchers found that elevated levels of protein MUC1 in human tumors reduce apoptosis signals and confer resistance to anticancer agents. Reducing MUC1 increases sensitivity to these drugs, suggesting it as a potential target for future cancer therapeutics.
Patients who develop diabetes after kidney transplant experience poorer outcomes, including higher rates of infection and recurrent infections. Tight control of glucose levels is crucial for these patients to remain healthy.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that Minority Medicaid patients face barriers to quality care due to language and cultural factors. The study analyzed responses from 49,327 adults in 14 states, revealing significant disparities in care reports among linguistic minorities.
A study analyzing pooled results of several studies found that dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, or grains may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. The research showed a significant decrease in coronary heart disease risk for cereal and fruit fiber intake.
Researchers found that viruses used for gene delivery can influence gene expression, with AAV affecting genes minimally and adenovirus triggering broader responses. The study provides a systematic explanation for the relative safety profiles of two commonly used gene therapy vector classes.
A single-chambered microbial fuel cell prototype has been developed to efficiently treat wastewater and generate electricity. The design reduces energy demands and creates a continuous flow-through system, making it a promising approach for affordable wastewater treatment.
The University of Delaware has launched a new, 146-foot coastal research vessel to replace its aging ship, Cape Henlopen. The vessel will feature state-of-the-art modular design and clean operation, meeting international underwater noise standards.
A study of 1,492 ICU patients found that major discrepancies between clinical and autopsy diagnoses exist, with up to 31.7% of cases identified as having major diagnostic errors. Autopsies also revealed missed diagnoses, including cancers, strokes, and heart attacks, which could have changed management and potentially saved lives.
Researchers found that insulin can reduce concentrations of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A by 40% and 50%, respectively, during the 48 hours following a heart attack. Insulin also appeared to stem the increase of plasminogen activator inhibitor and reduced creatinine kinase levels, indicating improved heart muscle protection.
Researchers used mathematical models to investigate transgene escape from confined crops, finding a high probability that leakage can occur sooner than expected. The study suggests that even with effective containment strategies, genes can still spread to wild populations within a relatively short time frame.
A study published in Addictive Behaviors found that women who were sexually abused as children were 3.8 times more likely to be current smokers, with twice the likelihood of ever smoking cigarettes and starting by age 14. The connection between childhood sexual abuse and smoking may help inform new approaches to prevent or quit smoking.
Penn State researchers have successfully generated electricity from domestic wastewater using microbial fuel cells, removing up to 78% of organic matter. The technology has the potential to reduce wastewater treatment costs and provide access to sanitation technologies worldwide.
Researchers found that brain atrophy was detected on MRI more consistently than decline on cognitive tests or rating scales in patients with PCNSL. The study also examined the risk of stroke associated with triptan use in migraines, finding no increased risk.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy has been associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in women, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that current use of estrogen alone was linked to a 2.29 times higher risk of new asthma diagnoses compared to non-hormone users.
A new computer method called FamClash has been developed to predict the activity of hybrid enzymes, which are created by combining similar enzymes from different organisms. The approach identifies incompatible residue pairs that can lead to reduced enzyme activity, and provides valuable insights for protein engineering interventions.
A recent study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that having children increases the risk of obesity for both mothers and fathers. The research, published in the Journal of Women's Health, analyzed data from over 9,000 Americans and found that each additional child raises the risk of obesity by 7% for women and 4% for men.
A new Web site allows users to compare greenness from one year to the next, between years, against a 14-year average and at two-week intervals. This information is invaluable for making long-term land management decisions, enabling natural resource managers to monitor vegetation dynamics through time and across landscapes.
Purdue scientists Rick Howard and colleagues discovered that genetically modified fish have a reproductive advantage, but their offspring are less likely to survive. This paradox could lead to a population dwindling in size and potentially disappearing entirely if not managed carefully.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that draining a skin or soft-tissue abscess and packing the wound with gauze is an effective therapy for simple skin abscesses in children, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics. The treatment was shown to be effective even when treating methicillin-resistant Staphyloc...
A recent finding reveals a frequent abnormal cellular event occurring in about half of all myeloma cases, identifying c-maf as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Inhibition of c-maf function blocks tumor formation in mice, suggesting its potential as a novel target for future therapies.
Researchers at USC have created a transgenic mouse with an overexpressed noggin gene, resulting in increased hair follicles, thicker fur, and additional whiskers. The study also reveals unusual changes to the mice's eyes, feet, and genitalia, challenging the distinction between normal and abnormal variations.
A study found that bilateral mastectomy significantly lowers breast cancer risk in high-risk women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Short-term hormone replacement therapy is safe after oophorectomy, increasing life expectancy by 3.34 to 4.65 years.
A recent study, PROSE, found that double mastectomies significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations by 95%. The study followed 483 at-risk women for over six years, showing that prophylactic mastectomies can be an effective preventive measure.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a complex of two proteins in the intestine that plays a crucial role in cholesterol transport. Treating mice with ezetimibe disrupts this complex, leading to impaired cholesterol absorption, suggesting new therapeutic possibilities.
A study of 92 patient cases found that laparoscopy can diagnose abnormalities earlier, reducing the need for hormone therapy and in vitro fertilization. Women with painful menstrual periods, previous natural contraception use, or a history of pelvic disorders are at higher risk.
The von Liebig Center has awarded six grants totaling $1.2 million to UC San Diego faculty for commercializing their research. These grants support projects in various fields, including bioengineering, computer science and engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical aerospace engineering.
Researchers watched the inner regions of an accretion disk, just miles from a neutron star's surface, change its structure in real-time. The observation provides new insight into the flow of a neutron star's accretion disk and could help study black holes and distant quasars.
Researchers have successfully treated individuals with Type 1 diabetes using a single infusion of islet cells, with recipients maintaining insulin independence for over one to three years. The new treatment approach uses optimized recipient immunosuppression and a novel anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody.
Researchers have found that the lack of response occurs because IGF-I does not activate its receptor molecule on the surface of the cells, triggering a signaling feedback loop. Integrins, which regulate growth factors in other cells, are also impaired due to skeletal unloading.
Research suggests that hunger increases sensitivity to sugar and salt, as the body tries to consume food. However, this effect does not apply to bitter tastes, which may be more related to detecting toxins.
Researchers at OGI School of Science & Technology have successfully grown silicon nanowires in a precise location and direction using electrical fields. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize the microelectronic industry by enabling the fabrication of high-performance electronic devices.
Researchers developed a computer model to predict the effects of different hunting regimes on lion populations over 50 years. The study suggests that males aged 5 or older can be sustainably hunted without limits, while younger lions are prohibited to ensure population stability.
A $1.7 million NIH-funded study found that bed rest in high-risk pregnancies is associated with weight loss, increased risk of fetal growth restriction, backache, joint soreness, headaches, muscle loss, and depression. The study suggests that prescribed antepartum bed rest may be more harmful than helpful.
Laws regulating short hospital stays in the US led to an average increase of 16 days in postpartum care for privately insured women. Hospital charges also rose by $200 per patient. The effects varied across states, with some seeing significant improvements in maternal health outcomes.
Terahertz (THz) frequencies have potential applications in medicine, remote sensing, imaging, and satellite communications. Lehigh researcher Yujie J. Ding has developed a compact THz radiation source that can generate coherent waves with high output powers, enabling new diagnostic tools and monitoring technologies.
A study by Dr Moira Inghilleri highlights the complexities of interpreter roles in asylum applications, highlighting varying approaches and inconsistent demands. This can lead to substantial confusion about interpreters' roles, affecting asylum outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that protein cdk6 inhibits breast cancer cell growth, suggesting a promising avenue for diagnosis and treatment. Cdk6 levels were found to be significantly lower in breast cancer cells compared to normal cells, with increased expression of cdk6 linked to suppressed cell growth.
Research finds blue collar workers are more apt to smoke and struggle with quitting due to low socioeconomic status. Successful quitters tend to come from wealthier backgrounds, suggesting targeted on-the-job programs can help.
The gift will establish a comprehensive center utilizing information technology to connect basic research and biological systems analysis. This will enable scientists to build on recent scientific developments, gain insights into biological function in health and diseases.
The new robotic procedure uses remote control technology to perform the surgery, reducing recovery time and scarring. Women who have undergone the procedure have shown no signs of recurrence, making it a promising alternative to traditional full surgery.
The new center will integrate basic molecular and cellular research with advanced imaging technologies and computational science to understand complex biological systems. This collaboration aims to develop computer models of entire cells, revolutionizing drug development and reducing costs.
A 10-week study found that consuming plant sterol-fortified orange juice lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels by 7.2% and 12.4%, respectively. The researchers suggest this could be a healthy and appealing option for individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol.
Researchers are studying how the heart changes its energy source from fat to glucose in end-stage heart failure, which may improve pumping function and treatment outcomes. The new program aims to bridge the gap between basic genetic data and clinical trials for heart failure patients.
Studies investigate relationships between energy expenditure, lean muscle mass, and upper-body strength in persons with SCI. Researchers also explore potential treatments for bowel movement issues, respiratory problems, and pain management.
Research by Ostfeld and Holt found that mobile predators like foxes, coyotes, and falcons effectively suppress rodent numbers, reducing disease transmission to humans. In contrast, specialized predators like weasels cause periodic population booms, promoting the spread of rodent-borne pathogens.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered a novel protein-protein connection involved in the tight control of cell proliferation and differentiation in medaka embryos. The study reveals that the protein SIX3 clamps onto GEMININ to regulate cell division, allowing tissues to grow to their proper size.
Schering-Plough scientists identified NPC1L1 as a critical protein in the intestinal cholesterol absorption pathway. The discovery provides new insights into how the body regulates cholesterol levels and suggests that Zetia, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, works by interacting with NPC1L1.
Researchers at Oregon State University and EPA developed a new approach to predict disease spread based on climate change and ecological changes. The system uses loop analysis and vectorial capacity formula to estimate the growth rate of diseases, providing valuable insights for public health officials.
A new protein called VLA-1 enables the immune system to develop peripheral immunity by anchoring virus-killing cells to tissues in the lungs. This allows for an instant strike against flu viruses, potentially delivering a better defense against deadly strains like avian flu.
Domestic tomato varieties in the US are now producing anthocyanin-containing fruit, offering a boost to nutritional value. The discovery opens doors for developing more nutrient-rich tomato varieties, benefiting both home gardeners and the food industry.
The Connexions Project is a revolutionary approach to scholarly content, offering a single platform where educators can post, use, and modify knowledge freely. With over 1,600 educational modules available, Connexions enables instructors to supplement or replace textbooks with interactive simulations and multimedia.
The SORCE satellite has tracked exceptionally high levels of solar activity, including the third most powerful solar flare ever observed in X-rays. This comprehensive dataset will help scientists better understand the mechanisms of solar spectral-irradiance variability and their possible climatic impacts.
Researchers used fMRI to map changes in brain activity after volunteers received a placebo, showing the prefrontal cortex is activated in response to pain relief. The study provides new insights into the brain's pain pathways and may lead to new therapies for chronic or acute pain.
A new vaccine has shown significant improvement in 5-year progression-free survival rates for patients with renal cancer, with a 77% rate in the vaccinated group compared to 68% in the control group. The well-tolerated treatment was associated with only 12 adverse events.
Researchers found a moderate link between celiac disease and schizophrenia, with individuals having celiac disease three times more likely to develop the condition. A gluten-free diet may be beneficial for those genetically prone to celiac disease but undiagnosed, according to lead author Dr. William W. Eaton.