Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a critical molecular switch, GSK-3ß, that allows cancer cells to become mobile and move away from tumors. This discovery provides an anticancer strategy to pursue by boosting GSK-3ß activity, which can repress the ability of cancer to spread.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to discover that the Astraptes fulgerator butterfly is comprised of at least 10 separate species, each with distinct caterpillars and food plant preferences. This finding highlights the complexity of biodiversity and raises questions about wildlife conservation.
A new study found that tamoxifen would only prevent a maximum of 6-8% of breast tumors in eligible women, while its harmful side effects rule out 90% of potential beneficiaries. The researchers suggest that other chemopreventive agents without the same side effects could be more effective in saving lives.
HBOCs increase tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery, offering a temporary solution for situations with massive hemorrhaging or blood shortages. They can effectively increase the usable blood supply in cardiac surgery, creating a 20% increase in supply.
A study surveyed 605 women aged 40-69 to assess eligibility for tamoxifen-based breast cancer prevention. Only a small proportion of white women and none of black women were found to be at high risk, highlighting challenges in targeting discussions about chemoprevention.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that marijuana use can cause tubal pregnancies by over-stimulating the CB1 receptor, necessary for embryo transport. The receptor's role in regulating muscle contraction to move embryos through the oviduct was discovered using a mouse model.
A meta-analysis of RCT data found that patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had a lower risk of death and recurrence than those not receiving chemotherapy. Women with optimally staged stage I ovarian cancer may have an excellent prognosis without adjuvant chemotherapy.
In a preclinical safety study, adipose-derived stem cells demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at six-months post-infarction. The treated group showed improved heart function compared to the control group, as measured by both 2D echocardiography and cineangiography.
A team of engineers at Northwestern University has developed a method for precisely aligning multiple types of molecules on a silicon surface at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the construction of nanoscale systems such as molecular transistors or light-emitting diodes, and paves the way for integrating with current technol...
A significant social gradient in the incidence of type 2 diabetes was observed among civil servants, with men and women in lower employment grades having a higher risk of developing the disease. Effort-reward imbalance was also found to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in men.
Researchers have developed a DNA-based method to determine the geographic origin of ivory, enabling authorities to identify hot spots for enforcement. The technique has been tested in 16 African nations and shows high accuracy in assigning tusks to specific locations.
Dr. Longo's research suggests that the majority of a population dies prematurely to provide nutrients for a few individuals with acquired genetic mutations, raising the possibility of programmed human aging.
Researchers have developed a new system to improve heart defibrillation by targeting rogue electrical waves in arrhythmia. The device produces milder shocks, reducing the amount of energy required, which could lead to smaller, longer-lasting devices that spare patients from frequent replacements.
A recent study reveals that two-thirds of assisted living residents exhibit mental health problem indicators, with half suffering from dementia. The findings are higher than expected and highlight the need for improved accommodations to address these needs without over-medicating.
A USC study found that the brain processes rhythmic and discrete movements differently, with distinct activity patterns in different brain areas. The research has implications for movement control and rehabilitation, as well as our understanding of music's effect on human movement.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that slow waves in the earth's crust may be precursors to frictional movement causing earthquakes. By measuring these 'unfelt' waves using micro-scale technology, scientists hope to prevent earthquake-related damage through early warnings.
A Canadian study found that fortifying foods with folic acid reduced the incidence of neural tube defects in babies from Newfoundland and Labrador by 70%. The blood folate levels of women and seniors also increased significantly, indicating a positive impact on fetal development.
A study by Dr. Guy Stecklov and Dr. Joshua Goldstein found a significant increase in road fatalities in Israel following terrorist attacks. The research suggests that people may become more considerate after an attack, only to experience a temporary surge in aggressive behavior that leads to increased accidents
Researchers have identified a new type of regulatory T cell that reduces airway inflammation and asthma in mice. The discovery sheds light on the characteristics of these cells and their potential role in treating allergies and other immune disorders.
Researchers discovered that enthusiastic lecturers and effective study skills are key factors in creating more maths graduates. Students who struggled with the subject often had poor lecturers and inadequate support, leading to a decrease in motivation.
Huberman and Yompakdee found a stretch of DNA surrounding late-firing origins that contains repeats rich in the nucleic acid component guanine. These repeats, called Late Consensus Sequences (LCS), affect replication timing, with more copies causing regions to replicate late.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that the use of high-contrast colored tableware increased food intake by 24.6% and liquid intake by 83.7% in individuals with severe Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Boston University researchers, suggests that visual impairment may be a contributing factor to weight loss in AD patients.
Researchers create nanotubes with antimicrobial properties that can detect and kill biological agents. The nanostructures can change color in response to UV light and have been shown to be effective against E. coli bacteria.
A Penn State study suggests that student advocates and school districts can achieve their goals by agreeing on non-negotiable core values before compromising on issues. The study emphasizes the importance of dialogue, give-and-take negotiation, and acknowledging diverse social values.
The Lennart Nilsson Award honors Göran Scharmer for his groundbreaking solar research, including the development of the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope. The award is presented annually by Karolinska Institutet and includes a prize of SEK 100,000.
Researchers at Rice University discovered a method to mitigate buckyball nanoparticle toxicity by enhancing their surface properties. By modifying the surface of buckyballs with specific molecules, they can dramatically reduce their toxicity to individual cells.
A study by Yale University researchers reveals that lowering a specific lipid in nerve terminals affects neurotransmitter exchange between neurons. The findings have implications for understanding synaptic transmission and potentially developing new treatments for diseases like Down syndrome, cancer, and diabetes.
Researchers found that fertilized tundra soils release significantly more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, offsetting any potential storage by plants. The study suggests a greater positive feedback loop to further warming, potentially leading to increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Acheson's work uses rational choice theory to understand how groups develop rules to conserve resources, with applications to managing other threatened natural resources. He is recognized for his contributions to applied anthropology and public policy.
A study found that imagery reduced children's post-operative pain and anxiety after elective tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. The 'To Tame the Hurting Thing' intervention, which included deep breathing and relaxation techniques, was effective in reducing pain levels.
Researchers are investigating whether neglecting oral hygiene increases the risk of heart disease by allowing plaque to accumulate on teeth. The new study will examine white blood cell counts and other inflammatory markers in African American volunteers.
The ORNL engineer was honored for his breakthrough research in diesel engine emissions control and inter-laboratory teaming. He also received awards for developing a process to improve combustion stability, being an outstanding alumnus of the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science.
A team from PNNL and USC has identified the region of a protein that interacts with crystals to form enamel, a material with entirely different properties from bone. The discovery explains how proteins can control crystal structure, enabling nano-patterning and nano-building.
A new study found Seroquel to be effective in rapidly relieving core symptoms of depression, such as sadness and suicidal thoughts, in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with a low risk of mania compared to other treatments.
New research suggests that wealth does not create individual happiness and does not build a strong country. The study proposes a system to measure well-being directly, including engagement, purpose, optimism, trust, and emotions in specific areas like work life and social relationships.
Researchers successfully targeted the key HIV protein Nef using small molecules, disrupting its interaction with other proteins. This breakthrough may lead to new drug therapies with improved treatment options.
Experts dispute FDA warnings on antidepressants and suicidal risk, citing limited data for children and adolescents. Studies show a decrease in suicides over years of growing SSRI use, but caution is advised when interpreting the data.
A recent study has identified previously unknown mutations in the pfrct gene as key players in Plasmodium falciparum's resistance to halofantrine and amantadine. These mutations may also restore sensitivity to chloroquine, a widely used antimalarial drug. The findings suggest a new approach to combating chloroquine-resistant malaria.
Researchers at Penn State are part of a multi-institutional project studying restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition characterized by creepy-crawly sensations in the legs. The study aims to explore treatment options and causes of RLS, including iron deficiency and FDA-approved pharmaceuticals.
The AAAS has announced the winners of the 2004 Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, showcasing outstanding visualizations across five categories: photography, illustration, graphics, interactive media, and non-interactive media. Marna E. Ericson took first place in photography for her image capturing tick nymphs' autofluore...
A 39-year-old woman gave birth to a healthy baby girl after undergoing orthotopic autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. This procedure bypasses the need for in-vitro fertilization, offering new hope for young cancer patients facing premature ovarian failure.
Researchers, led by Dr. Shelagh Campbell, study ATM mutants to understand the molecular mechanisms behind A-T disease. They found that mutant males exhibited locomotor defects, sensitivity to ionizing radiation, and chromosome instability similar to those seen in human patients.
Researchers detect distinctive fold in the ice, suggesting rapid movement and 'drawn down' towards the bottom of the ice sheet thousands of years ago. The finding implies that the centre of the ice sheet is more mobile than previously thought, requiring rethinking of existing models.
The Lancet editorial advocates for free access to genome data, highlighting its benefits in accelerating research on diseases such as SARS. This open-access policy promotes international cooperation, trust, and altruism, offering a compelling alternative to bioweapons.
A study found that oral amoxicillin was as effective as injectable penicillin in treating severe pneumonia in young children. The treatment has the potential to reduce referral, admission, and treatment costs in developing countries.
A team of US marine scientists has discovered a new cluster of hydrothermal vents in the Lau Basin, a geologically unique back-arc basin. The vents are expected to hold secrets about the origin of life on Earth, and the discovery is part of an unprecedented research effort that includes multiple expeditions over the next two years.
A study of college students found that 62% relied on prayer to handle stress-related difficulties, regardless of their religious affiliation. Spiritual support was shown to be similar to social support in promoting mental health and well-being.
A recent study published in Demography found that fathers are less likely to cohabitate with infants who have health issues. The research suggests that low-income children in poor health face significant challenges in maintaining a stable family structure.
A K-State sociology professor is working on a project called The Going Home Initiative for Re-entry of Serious Juvenile Offenders to improve the system for girls. Williams found that girls are treated more harshly than boys, with lower tolerance for their offenses and longer custody times.
The study reveals that a gene called phytochrome-interacting factor 1 (PIF1) regulates the production of protochlorophyll, a precursor to chlorophyll. Plants with mutated PIF1 genes accumulate too much protochlorophyll, leading to photo-oxidative stress and bleaching on leaves.
A retrospective study found that low-dose ketamine infusions provided complete relief from CRPS pain for 76% of patients, with 54% remaining pain-free for three months or more. The therapy's effectiveness was linked to its ability to block NMDA-receptor complexes involved in pain processing.
A study published by Express Scripts found that pharmacy dose consolidation programs offer minimal cost savings, ranging from $0.02 to $0.03 per member per month. The program's effectiveness was limited due to the low number of prescriptions and the availability of generic or over-the-counter options.
Scientists have discovered a new species of sea reptile, Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, from the Guanling Formation in southeast China. The creature had a long-necked body, measuring over five feet, with relatively stiff neck and short limbs, suggesting it was adapted for life in the water.
Researchers at The University of Scranton and the University of Illinois have made groundbreaking discoveries about how molecules interact in nanoscale devices. Using IR Raman Spectroscopy, they measured the pathways for energy transfer across a molecular wall, shedding light on how to design materials that move heat effectively.
The Earth Institute at Columbia University aims to increase the number of women in its affiliated departments and research centers to 25%. The ADVANCE Program, funded by a $4.2M NSF grant, uses a five-fold approach to help women overcome career barriers in earth sciences and engineering.
A study found that Mexican-born Hispanics returning to Mexico experience lower mortality rates, adding up to five to eight years of extra life expectancy at age 45. The analysis suggests that return migration is a key factor in this anomaly.
Biologists at Duke University discovered that nitric oxide delays flowering in plants, influenced by external concentrations of the chemical. This finding suggests that air pollution from burning fossil fuels could impact critical plant processes.
Norman, a morphine-free poppy variant, produces thebaine and oripavine compounds preferred by industry. CSIRO's Dr Phil Larkin and colleagues discovered genetic differences in Norman that facilitate its superior pain relief properties.
The study reveals that recycling endosomes transport molecular cargo to the neuronal surface after being drawn into the neuron, regulating long-term potentiation (LTP) and spine growth. This discovery suggests a unifying mechanism for understanding LTP and its role in learning and memory.
A recent study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center researchers used multiple methods to detect SV40 DNA, RNA, and protein in human pleural mesothelioma samples, finding no evidence of a significant role for SV40. The team also discovered that common laboratory plasmid vectors may be causing false-positive results in assays.