A new study suggests that indoprofen, a previously banned pain reliever, can increase SMN protein production in human fibroblasts by 13 percent. This increase could potentially lessen the severity of symptoms for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant and toddler death.
A team of researchers led by Qiang Fu validated satellite temperature data for global warming using direct measurements from the stratosphere. The results show that the troposphere has warmed at nearly one-third of a degree Fahrenheit per decade, consistent with climate models and surface temperature records.
Researchers found that viral delivery of a parkin gene protected dopamine-producing neurons from degeneration, offering new hope for treating Parkinson's disease. The study demonstrates the feasibility of gene therapy in a genetic model of the disease.
A new method of paleoelevation has been developed by Jennifer McElwain at the Field Museum, allowing scientists to estimate land elevation over geological eras. The method uses stomata on leaves to determine past carbon dioxide levels and elevation, providing a more accurate understanding of climate evolution and plant animal migration.
A novel imaging technique has found abnormality of fiber pathways in frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum in children with ADHD. This research suggests that subtle anatomical differences may be involved in the disorder, contrary to the traditional view of a chemical imbalance.
A new study by UGA researcher Rob Maier found that Salmonella uses molecular hydrogen as an energy source, expanding previous findings on major human pathogens. This discovery has profound implications for the treatment of some diseases and could lead to therapeutic interventions by targeting unique metal clusters in bacteria.
Researchers found that rifampicin stabilizes alpha-synuclein in a soluble form, preventing fibril formation and disaggregating existing fibrils. This finding suggests potential therapeutic benefits for Parkinson's disease when administered early in the disease process.
Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) show that individuals with brain deficits can relearn matching visual input with sensory input. This study used fMRI and a cyber glove to demonstrate the effectiveness of remapping motor commands, a crucial step in stroke recovery.
Researchers used MDCT to analyze the skeletal remains of early colonists, revealing evidence of scurvy and confirming the ages of the deceased. The study created a digital archive of the skulls and bones, providing valuable insights into the lives of those who settled on Saint Croix Island.
Researchers design medication that corrects abnormal brain functions in targeted areas, reducing side effects found in existing medications. The new type of drug could be available within five to 10 years and has the potential to improve treatment options for Canadians affected by psychiatric disorders.
The Planaria worm is an attractive study subject due to its simple biochemistry, brain, and spinal cord, allowing researchers to study the effects of multiple drugs on withdrawal. The worms respond to dopamine, opioids, cocaine, and cannabinoids, making them a promising model for understanding complex drug interactions.
The International Census of Marine Microbes project aims to understand the diversity and distribution of single-celled organisms in the world's oceans. The project will collect data on microbial diversity, evolutionary processes, and ecological relationships, with a focus on marine microorganisms that account for 90% of ocean biomass.
A lipid called ceramide helps eliminate potentially harmful cells during brain development, improving the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplants. Researchers found that adding ceramide to embryonic stem cells reduces the risk of teratoma formation, a type of tumor.
Two Williams students, Nathan Hodas and Gerke, have won the prestigious Apker Award in physics, showcasing their exceptional academic records and research potential. The college's emphasis on student-faculty research has been credited with producing high-caliber physics majors.
A new study found that smokers who start screening at age 50 or older have a risk for developing lung cancer similar to those who smoked heavily for many years. Annual CT screening can identify high percentages of Stage I diagnoses, the most curable form of lung cancer.
The use of celebrities to market drugs and diseases is a practice that raises concerns about public health and transparency. According to investigative reporter Ray Moynihan, this practice can lead to a lack of balance in the public debate about major health problems, as well as a failure to disclose potential conflicts of interest.
ALS researchers found that continuous administration of VEGF protein into the cerebrospinal fluid increases life expectancy in ALS rats. The treatment has shown promising results with a patient-oriented approach, allowing controlled doses to be easily administered.
T cells activated during IBD found in PSC livers, re-routed by aberrant attractant protein. Long-lived memory cells may explain delayed liver disease onset after IBD resolution.
A computer program reads CT scans and combines with radiologist's judgment to detect lung cancer, improving detection rates. The system analyzes size, texture, density, and change over time of nodules to determine cancer likelihood.
The U.S. National Science Foundation commemorates Charles Byrd's groundbreaking 1929 flight, opening the South Pole to scientific research. Today, NSF maintains three year-round stations in Antarctica, including one at the geographic South Pole.
Researchers discovered that IRAK1 activates the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which may play a role in preventing excessive inflammation and contributing to plaque stability. This finding provides a new therapeutic target for treating atherosclerosis.
Dr Jeff Hughes wins Watson Davis and Helen Miles Davis Prize for his book on the Manhattan Project, challenging widely held beliefs about the expansion of scientific projects. The book offers a broader narrative on 'Big Science' from the early 20th century to its collapse in the 1990s.
A study by UCLA found that Proposition 36 clients were more likely to receive outpatient care rather than intensive residential care, leading to higher re-arrest rates. The research suggests that undetreatment is a key factor in recidivism among drug abusers with severe problems.
Researchers have identified a new species of amyloid β-peptide, Aβ46, which is 46 amino acids long and produced by γ-secretase at a novel cleavage site. This discovery may provide new insights into the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease and open up avenues for treatment and prevention.
Historic US gray wolves lived in Ice Age environments with rich genetic diversity, suggesting past ecosystems were dominated by the species. Current restoration goals of a few hundred wolves are deemed inadequate, reflecting political and economic concerns over biological reality.
A Science magazine survey has identified top biopharma employers across two industries, with scientists in biotech and pharmaceuticals ranking highest for work-culture values alignment. The ranking takes into account 42 characteristics and attributes in seven categories, rating companies based on employee treatment, respect, and more.
Researchers found that chronic Helicobacter pylori infection leads to the death of normal stomach cells, prompting bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDCs) to arrive and transform into cancer cells. This discovery may aid in early diagnosis and treatment targeting BMDCs.
Scientists discovered pigeons have a magnetic sense beyond simple compass, supporting theory that birds use magnetic map to navigate. The study found magnetic receptors located in the nasal region and suggests magnetite-based ability.
Researchers argue that factors like peer pressure, superiors' expectations, and social interactions play a significant role in shaping behavior, not just individual psychology. Fisk suggests that preventing abuse requires understanding these conditions and promoting positive contact between groups.
Researchers discovered human islet-derived precursor cells that reproduce easily and can differentiate into hormone-producing cells. The findings may eventually have implications for islet transplantation, an experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes.
Effective management of insomnia begins with recognition and adequate assessment by healthcare providers. Non-pharmacological treatments like stimulus control and sleep restriction are effective for conditioned aspects of insomnia, leading to durable long-term improvement in sleep.
Researchers investigated cultivation, conservation, and restoration activities in UK urban areas, highlighting ecological diversity and social connections between people and nature. The study calls for a redistribution of expertise to tap local skills and knowledge in green space management.
The Joint Learning Initiative proposes that strengthening human resources for health is crucial in combating health crises and building sustainable health systems. To achieve the required health improvements and millennium goals, an estimated 4 million extra health workers worldwide are needed, with a focus on tripling human resources ...
A Ugandan clinical trial has identified the most effective drug combinations for treating malaria in Africa, with amodiaquine+sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine proving to be a highly efficacious and economical option. The findings highlight the need for continued research into artemisinin-combination therapies in African field conditions.
Researchers at Emory University have successfully created a unique metallic molecule, breaking the record for stable metal-oxo species. The breakthrough enables new insights into improving existing technology, particularly in automobile catalytic converters and fuel cells.
Key findings highlight the need for renewed public health strategies, especially in high-risk groups, to prevent sexually transmitted HIV. Experts emphasize the importance of abstinence, fidelity, and condom use, as well as providing contraception to women on antiretroviral drugs, particularly in Africa.
Researchers used VLT interferometer observations to study infrared spectra of dusty discs around three young stars, finding abundant crystalline silicate grains and processed dust near the star. This suggests that building blocks for Earth-like planets are present in circumstellar discs from the start.
Researchers found that dermal exposure accounts for a substantial portion of total exposure among pesticide workers, with some workers absorbing more pesticide through the skin than inhaled. The study's results underscore the need for improved methods to assess worker exposure and protect health.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School found that preparing for extreme events depends on a complex interplay between risk assessment, perception, and management. Understanding cumulative effects can increase people's willingness to take actions to mitigate risks.
Researchers discovered that Thymosin beta-4 prevents cell death after a heart attack and limits scar tissue formation in mice. The protein promotes survival and migration of heart muscle cells, which could lead to new treatments for heart disease in humans.
A study found that cord blood stem cells can be used in transplants for leukemia patients without a matched relative or donor, resulting in high survival rates. The availability of umbilical cord blood provides a logical choice for doctors and patients when a matching bone marrow donor cannot be found.
The study found that eelgrass significantly increased survival of silversides, tautog, and cunner even at low shoot densities. Macroalgae did not provide a similar benefit.
A UCLA study uses evolutionary game theory to model human behavior in small social groups, finding that cooperation in the context of public goods can be sustained when freeloaders are punished through social exclusion. This suggests a possible explanation for the evolution of altruism and moral outrage.
A University of Utah study suggests that a type of cellular waste may be responsible for a form of blinding eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. The researchers found that a mutation in the carbonic anhydrase 4 gene can lead to photoreceptor degeneration, highlighting the potential for new treatments targeting this process.
A new five-year project at NIST seeks to create standardized measurement methods and diagnostic probes for organic electronics. The goal is to accelerate the development of practical plastic microchips, which could enable large-area applications like wall-sized electronic murals.
A two-year depression treatment program improved employee productivity by an average of 6% and reduced absenteeism by 22%. Consistently employed patients benefited the most from enhanced treatment, making significant gains in productivity while reducing symptoms of depression.
A Medical College of Georgia study found that individuals with higher lean body mass can better regulate their blood pressure in response to stress. This is because fitness allows the body to efficiently excrete sodium, which helps lower blood pressure back to normal.
Researchers argue that female condoms are a vital method of protection against HIV/AIDS but have been dismissed due to cost and esthetics. Advocates need to reposition the product as an empowering way to approach reproductive health, emphasizing its benefits in reducing transmission of AIDS.
Researchers found a significant decline in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) reports following influenza vaccination, with annual rates decreasing by 4-fold between 1993-1994 and 2002-2003. A GBS diagnosis was confirmed in 82% of reports, and preceding illness within 4 weeks of vaccination was identified in 24% of cases.
The study found that older adults who received mental health treatment benefited considerably, refuting the notion that interventions are less effective for this age group. Mental health problems in later life lead to significant social, economic, and medical costs.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to align carbon nanotubes and filaments, similar to collagen fibers in real bones. This alignment improves cell adhesion and growth, potentially leading to better artificial joints that last longer and attach more securely to human bones.
A new microgenerator has been successfully developed by Georgia Tech researchers, capable of producing useful amounts of electricity and powering small electronic devices. The device's high-speed spinning magnet produces 1.1 watts of power, a significant advancement in microengines that could replace conventional batteries.
The National Center for Regenerative Medicine will enable groundbreaking research discoveries using non-embryonic stem cells to treat thousands of patients annually. The center's education programs will train personnel in performing innovative research and delivering world-class patient care.
Researchers found that individual fibroblasts in rat and mouse tissues exhibit robust, persistent circadian rhythms of clock gene expression for at least 1-2 weeks in culture. This discovery confirms that peripheral tissue clocks are indeed independent and self-sustaining.
Researchers found that low-glycemic-load diets resulted in smaller decreases in resting energy expenditure and less hunger compared to standard low-fat diets. The study also showed significant improvements in insulin resistance and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
A study of 401 US pharmacists found that they are concerned about the safety and quality of imported prescription medications. Pharmacists generally favored regulatory actions to decrease counterfeiting and believed that US pharmacy oversight could mitigate safety risks if importation is allowed.
Researchers discovered two proteins that chaperone odorant receptors to the surface of olfactory nerves in mice, enabling them to match nearly 1,000 different mouse odorant receptors with specific chemicals. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for understanding the mechanisms underlying our sense of smell.
A recent study found that obesity is a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation, with obese individuals having a significantly higher risk of developing the condition. The study examined data from the Framingham Heart Study and found that age-adjusted incidence rates for AF increased across BMI categories in men and women.
A low-glycemic load diet was found to be more effective in reducing hunger and improving metabolic rate during weight loss. The diet also showed beneficial effects on several obesity-related risk factors compared to a low-fat diet.
Researchers from UGA found that Georgia's recent drought, combined with an opportunistic parasite, led to the decline in blue crab numbers. The study reveals that the delicate balance of saltwater and freshwater in coastal estuaries is disrupted during droughts, creating a favorable environment for the parasite to thrive.