A recent study examined the genetic factors underlying a low response to alcohol and found potential links to several gene categories. The research suggests that these genes could play a significant role in the development of alcoholism, particularly in individuals who experience little or no effect from drinking.
Early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis through newborn screening can lead to improved height and weight measurements, better pulmonary status, and cognitive benefits. Implementing CF newborn screening in all states aims to give people with this disease the best odds at living longer, healthier lives.
The Huygens probe will encounter a mysterious surface of seven-kilometer-high ice mountains and liquid methane seas. Scientists expect the Cassini spacecraft to improve the current sketchy picture of Titan's surface.
A multi-university study found that levels of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors were significantly lower in people with severe clinical depression. The researchers also found that those who had been taking antidepressants before death had levels closer to normal.
Researchers found two brain areas competing for control over behavior when balancing near-term rewards with long-term goals. Decisions involving immediate rewards activated emotion-related brain systems, while abstract reasoning systems were active in all choices.
Weight-reduction surgery patients are at risk of developing peripheral neuropathy, a condition causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Following nutritional guidelines and attending post-surgical care programs can help prevent nerve damage.
A recent study examining obese postmenopausal women found that visceral fat storage was the main determinant of metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular disease risk. High-intensity exercise and general weight reduction were identified as potential strategies to reduce this risk.
The influenza vaccine faces production challenges, with Chiron's manufacturing troubles affecting UK and US supplies. To mitigate this, manufacturers are diversifying their output to ensure vaccination for high-risk groups is maintained.
Researchers studied 13,000 people for ability to detect deception and found 31 'wizards' who consistently outperform others in spotting lies. They identified key behavioral clues, including micro-expressions and inconsistencies in speech patterns, that can betray a liar.
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing novel biomaterials and imaging techniques to improve the survival and function of transplanted islet cells in patients with type 1 diabetes. The grant will fund efforts to create microenvironments favorable for islet survival and function via controlled delivery of biological factors.
Researchers at Tufts University found a significant gap in care for fracture patients, with few treated for osteoporosis despite increased risk of re-fracture. The study suggests that primary care physicians play a crucial role in reducing this risk through targeted counseling and medication.
A University of Florida study found that using ingratiating behaviors such as agreeing and complimenting can make a favorable impression on recruiters, while self-promotion tactics have no effect. The research suggests that businesses may be looking for people who fit in rather than those with unique ideas.
Researchers at Bristol University found a link between magma storage depth and eruption explosiveness in the 1980 Mount St Helens eruption. Monitoring isotopic content of gases emitted from the volcano may help predict the next eruption's style and timing.
A controlled study found that bariatric surgery is associated with an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy (PN), a condition causing pain and weakness. The study highlights the importance of nutritional counseling and follow-up care to prevent PN complications, which are largely preventable.
A study published in Psychological Science used MRI technology to investigate how people form false memories. The researchers found that brain activity in specific areas, such as the precuneus and right inferior parietal cortex, was greater for words that were later falsely remembered as having been presented with photos. This suggests...
Scientists have discovered a compound that blocks both ways cancer cells make energy, leading to the complete halt of tumor growth. The chemical, 3-bromopyruvate, targets cancer cells' high appetite for sugar and appears to have little effect on normal tissues.
A new study provides a detailed picture of magma and gas movement leading up to the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, showing that magma stalled at a depth of three to four kilometers beneath the surface. The research sheds light on volcano behavior and offers fresh insights into the cataclysmic event.
A review of herbal and nutritional supplements found eight products associated with clinically significant ocular side effects, including ginkgo biloba, Echinacea purpurea, chamomile, licorice, canthaxanthine, Datura, niacin, and vitamin A. The side effects range from dry eye to retinal hemorrhages and transient visual loss.
A new study finds that emotion coaching by mothers and fathers can reduce behavior problems in children exposed to domestic violence. When fathers engage in emotion coaching, their children are less withdrawn.
A new experimental drug called PSC-RANTES has shown promising results in preventing vaginal simian HIV transmission in monkeys. The study found that the highest dose of PSC-RANTES protected all five recipients from SHIV infection, suggesting a potential key target for strategies to prevent vaginal HIV transmission.
A global assessment of amphibian populations reveals that nearly one-third of species are threatened with extinction, with many more considered vulnerable. Key drivers of decline include habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and climate change.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism underlying muscle wasting in various diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Blocking the NF-kB pathway can prevent muscle atrophy and prolong survival in mouse models of disease.
Patients with dementia face significant barriers to optimal care, including lack of education, poor prognostic tools, and conflicting financial incentives. The authors propose solutions, such as improved hospice access, better quality-assessment tools, and changes in the healthcare system.
A study found that 31% of acute medical inpatients lack mental capacity, but recognition by clinical staff is low. Increasing age and cognitive impairment are key factors associated with a lack of mental capacity.
Researchers have successfully engineered mice with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a particularly deadly childhood muscle cancer. The studies provide insights into the genetic events that cause the disease, paving the way for potential new therapies.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that sustained exercise can prevent cell death in the substantia nigra of adult mice treated with a toxin called MPTP, which mimics Parkinson's disease. Exercise increased production of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), protecting nerves against damage caused by free radicals.
A study in flies reveals that rapid and chronic tolerance operate via different neurobiological mechanisms and genes. Rapid tolerance is blocked by a drug inhibiting protein synthesis, while a fly mutant lacking octopamine shows reduced rapid tolerance.
Research suggests that binge drinking has a detrimental effect on platelet adhesion and aggregation, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, moderate red wine consumption may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease due to its high polyphenol count.
A new technique improves survival rates and quality of life for the youngest heart patients by eliminating initial open-heart surgery. The hybrid procedure, pioneered by Dr. Bacha and Dr. Hijazi, reduces risk of neurological damage and enables children to grow before follow-up operations.
The Department of Energy has partnered with the University of Southern California, national labs, and a private company to develop an artificial retina. The project aims to restore sight to millions of individuals worldwide who are blind or severely visually impaired due to diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
The team created two prototype fibers with new technology, combining optical and electronic components, enabling smart fabrics and potential computer interface innovations. Assembling the fibers into woven structures allows for precise identification of light sources on surfaces.
A new protein called mBDNF has been found to play a crucial role in forming long-term memories. The discovery opens up possibilities for studying the protein in people with disorders of learning and memory, as well as developing new medications to compensate for these problems.
Researchers at NYU used rhesus monkeys to test game theory predictions, finding that monkey behavior matched human behavior. The study's findings suggest the posterior parietal cortex plays a key role in decision-making.
Physicians and individuals with stable schizophrenia report similar top treatment goals: improving mental health and overall happiness. People with schizophrenia prioritize life goals, such as returning to favorite hobbies and reducing feelings of isolation.
Researchers discovered that flies have two activity peaks due to dual circadian clocks, one governing morning activity and the other evening. The studies revealed that specific groups of neurons, including ventral lateral and dorsal lateral neurons, govern these peaks.
A study published in Nature confirmed that gene flow across a heterogeneous landscape can alter coevolutionary dynamics. The experiment showed that adaptation can vary in both space and time across a fragmented natural habitat, providing hard evidence for the importance of links between populations in evolutionary theory.
A robotic microscope system allowed researchers to track changes in individual neurons over time, revealing that formation of inclusion bodies prolongs neuron survival. Neurons with larger gene mutations had a higher cell death rate, but the overall death rate remained constant.
Researchers are testing the effectiveness of both flu shots and nasal sprays to determine which one provides better protection against influenza. The study aims to gather valuable information for influenza pandemic planning and control annual outbreaks.
Research suggests that combining features into one object can improve reaction times, but this approach may not always work. Dr. Greg Davis's studies found that stimulation of a second brain pathway, the magnocellular-dorsal process, enhances performance for multi-object displays.
Researchers created a device that can split streams of quantum objects into two according to their spin state, which could be key for quantum computers. The separation method uses a magnetic focusing technique and has been a great challenge due to the weak coupling of spin with the environment.
The study found that inclusion bodies in Huntington's disease are beneficial coping responses, sequestering mutant huntingtin protein and prolonging neuron survival. The researchers used robotic microscopy to track changes in individual neurons over time, enabling them to identify factors that predict cell fate.
The SAGE II instrument has provided 20 years of high-quality ozone measurements, enabling scientists to monitor trends and changes in the stratosphere. Its data have also helped study the impact of volcanic aerosols on temperatures and the effects of human activities on the Earth's radiation balance.
A new study suggests that using whole blood for priming in pediatric heart surgeries may not be the best option, as it can lead to increased hospital stays and costs. Reconstituted blood, which combines red blood cells and plasma, has been shown to be just as effective but with lower risks of bleeding and inflammation.
A US team of biomedical engineering students from Johns Hopkins University has won a British biotech business plan competition. The team presented their idea for an automated retina imaging device to a panel of judges in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was selected as one of the top four teams representing North America.
The American Academy of Family Physicians presents award-winning research papers on key medical topics such as prenatal care, diabetes management, and pain assessment. Researchers will be available to discuss their findings between presentations.
Researchers find that people's brains use both reason and emotion when making personal moral judgments, as opposed to judgment of others. Increased activity in the 'anterior cingulate cortex' was found in difficult personal moral dilemmas.
Researchers found that an ACAT inhibitor reduced amyloid deposition and improved learning in female mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's. The study also showed promising results for male mice, which could lead to faster development of new treatments.
Babies who received reconstituted blood during heart surgery had shorter ICU stays (70.5 hours vs 97 hours) and spent less time on mechanical ventilation (36.3 hours vs 53 hours). The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, puts to rest a decades-long debate and could save patients and blood banks money.
A new anti-cholesterol drug, CP-113,818, has shown promise in treating Alzheimer's disease by reducing amyloid plaque accumulation and improving learning and memory in mice. Treatment with the drug resulted in a significant reduction of cholesterol storage in the brain, as well as improved performance on cognitive tests.
African-American men reported significantly higher sexual and urinary function five years after prostatectomy compared to non-Latino white men. However, they also experienced slightly more bother from changes in their function.
Researchers at INEEL isolated a stable catalase enzyme from T. brockianus, improving industrial half-life by 86,000-fold, reducing environmental costs and toxicity associated with chlorine-based bleaching processes.
A team of British astronomers is tracking Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) using the Faulkes Telescope North and South in Hawaii and Australia. The UK Astrometry and Photometry Programme (UKAPP) provides crucial information to protect the Earth from potential asteroid impacts.
Scientists found evidence of jarosite and gypsum on Mars' surface, indicating that liquid water likely existed in the past. The discovery suggests a brief geological window where conditions may have been hospitable for life.
The study aims to develop new treatments and monitor their effectiveness by tracking cognitive changes associated with MCI and AD. Researchers will use neuroimaging, biological, and clinical information from over 800 participants to identify critical biomarkers that respond to treatments.
Researchers have discovered a long-sought protein called TRPA1 that converts sound into nerve impulses, transmitting to the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deafness and balance disorders in the next five to ten years.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified TRPA1 as the hair-cell transduction channel, which converts sound vibrations into nerve signals. The discovery has significant implications for understanding normal hearing and inherited forms of deafness, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers discovered a brain region, lateral intraparietal (LIP) area, plays a key role in subjective decisions about actions. Monkeys trained to play a game against computer opponent adopted the same strategy as humans, suggesting similar neural processes are at play.
The UK has played a significant role in CERN's history, contributing to groundbreaking research and technological advancements. The laboratory continues to be a hub for scientific discovery, with ongoing experiments searching for the Higgs boson and exploring dark matter.
Burn victims may soon experience restored faces with a single operation, reducing pain and recovery time. Surgeons utilize innovative techniques to create thick skin flaps with unique blood supplies, eliminating huge scars and promoting emotional healing.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute find that TRPA1, a protein known for its role in sensory transduction, also forms a spring-like structure in hair cells, amplifying auditory signals. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of hearing and could lead to new treatments for hearing loss.