Researchers at U of T found that municipal wastewater contains enough organic material to generate significant amounts of electricity. By using anaerobic digestion instead of aerobic treatment, wastewater treatment plants could produce enough electricity for their own operations and potentially export excess energy to the grid.
Researchers found dopamine transporter injury in HIV dementia patients, suggesting a new direction for treatment. The study suggests that viral suppression may lead to recovery of deficits in the dopamine system.
The study found that obese trauma patients were 6 times more likely to die from their injuries compared to non-obese patients. The researchers also discovered that the obese group had a higher incidence of multiple organ failure, with 13% experiencing this complication compared to 3% in the non-obese group.
Researchers found that amyloid growth can occur independently of oligomers in yeast prion protein Sup35. The study suggests that creating conditions favoring fiber growth while inhibiting oligomer formation might limit the toxic effects of amyloid plaques.
A recent study found that IV access does not provide a significant advantage for healthy children undergoing minor ear surgery. Children without IV access experienced reduced pain requirements and shorter hospital stays. Meanwhile, parents whose children did not receive IV access reported higher satisfaction rates with the procedure.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have successfully treated medulloblastoma brain cancer in lab models by targeting a single protein in the hedgehog pathway, demonstrating potential for novel treatment approaches and improved outcomes for patients.
A study of 4,522 patients found that 48-53% received less than 85% of recommended chemotherapy doses due to treatment delays or dose reductions. Patients over age 60 had significantly higher risk of under-treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of timely and effective chemotherapy management.
Timothy Gardner, a Boston University biomedical engineer, has been selected for the TR100 award for his groundbreaking research on gene regulatory networks in bacteria. His work aims to optimize metabolic networks for bioremediation and energy production, with potential medical implications such as inferring mechanisms of drug action.
The study suggests that monitoring glycated hemoglobin levels can help identify individuals at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Researchers found a significant association between elevated glycated hemoglobin levels and increased risk of large-vessel cardiovascular disease among people with type II diabetes.
Researchers have developed a variant of vanillin that can treat sickle cell disease, a condition that causes red blood cells to form the hazardous sickle shape. The compound, MX-1520, was tested in mice and found to inhibit the formation of rigid sickled cells, offering hope for safer and more effective treatment options.
Two studies find that high hemoglobin A1c levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, including heart disease and stroke. Improvements in glycemic control may improve health outcomes in people without diabetes.
Researchers have identified a protein tag that is unique to cancer cells and can be targeted by a drug delivery system. The strategy showed effectiveness in laboratory tests and animal models, and the team plans to test it next in human tumors.
Researchers have cracked the genetic code of B. mallei, a highly evolved pathogen that causes glanders, an infectious equine disease. The study reveals a tightly regulated set of virulence genes and genomic instability, which may explain why B. mallei can evade host immune responses.
A recent study using binocular rivalry demonstrates the importance of feedback in interpreting visual images. The experimenters found that once a walking figure is recognized, it can cause dominance of signals from one eye and suppression of signals from the other.
Experts recommend seven potential options to raise funds for development, including global environmental taxes and private donations. The policies aim to increase external flows of finance to the poorest countries by 2015 to meet MDG targets.
Researchers found that inhibiting NF-kB or TNFα can prevent inflammation-induced tumor growth, allowing TRAIL to tip the balance in favor of cancer killing. The study suggests using NF-kB inhibitors with anti-TNFα drugs and TRAIL-inducing cytokines to promote tumor killing.
RIT will receive $1.2 million to study nanomaterials and nanostructures for space photovoltaics, aiming to develop more efficient solar cells for robotic exploration. The goal is to upgrade power supplies, improving performance and range for NASA's robotic missions.
A study of 128 women found that immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy did not delay the initiation of postoperative chemotherapy. The overall rate of wound complications was 15.5%, with higher rates in patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction, but these complications did not affect chemotherapy timing.
Researchers developed a small molecule inhibitor of the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway, HhAntag, which completely eradicated medulloblastoma tumors in mice. Long-term treatment prolonged medulloblastoma-free survival without toxic side effects.
Researchers found that combining 308-nm excimer laser therapy with topical tacrolimus ointment resulted in 100% repigmentation in group A lesions and 85% in group B. The treatment was well tolerated, with an average of 10-12 sessions needed to see improvement.
Deletion of d-catenin leads to severe learning and memory deficits and alterations in synaptic plasticity. The study establishes a causal link between d-catenin deletions and cognitive dysfunction, offering insights into the mechanisms underlying Cri-du-Chat Syndrome and Familial Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new potential target for preventing colon cancer: the PPARdelta gene. By 'knocking out' this gene in mice, they found that polyp development was inhibited, providing a promising avenue for safer prevention methods.
Women with fibromyalgia often struggle with breast-feeding due to medication side effects and pain. Research suggests healthcare providers should explore non-prescription methods and refer women to lactation consultants for support.
Amyloid fibers assemble individually through the addition of monomers, contradicting earlier theories that suggested oligomeric globules played a key role in their formation. This finding has significant implications for understanding amyloid diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Scientists have found a trackway of fossil genes in the Japanese yeast Saccharomyces kudriavzevii, showing how an organism discards traits when they are no longer needed. The discovery provides insights into the process of evolution and how genetic pathways become obsolete.
Martin Saunders will receive the James Flack Norris Award for his seminal contributions to NMR spectroscopy, structures, and rearrangements of carbocations. He developed new methods for studying these highly reactive species, allowing him to discover detailed mechanisms and rates of rapid rearrangement reactions.
Scientists successfully eliminated leukemia in genetically modified mice by disrupting the BCL-2 protein. The study provides strong support for a new paradigm of cancer treatment involving targeted apoptosis regulation.
A study by Dr. Massey Beveridge highlights the importance of orthopedic care in developing countries, where road traffic injuries and falls are major causes of disease burden among children. With only 400 surgeons serving 200 million people, access to simple surgical and obstetrical procedures could prevent up to 10% of all deaths.
T.P. Ma, a Yale University professor, is honored with the 2005 IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award for his groundbreaking research on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) gate dielectrics. His work has focused on microelectronics, semiconductors, and memory applications.
A multidisciplinary team reports the first complete genome sequence of Methylococcus capsulatus, a methane-loving bacterium that can consume methane and produce protein. The genome provides insights into methanotroph biology and its potential for bioremediation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and degrading pollutants.
The study reveals that methanotrophs, including M. capsulatus, have multiple pathways for using methane and can respond to environmental changes by switching between different chemical pathways. This flexibility could make them a valuable tool for reducing methane emissions.
In a breakthrough study, scientists discovered that stimulating the production of utrophin improves muscle function and quality in mice with muscular dystrophy. The research uses a small molecule to turn on utrophin production, bypassing the need for gene therapy. Utrophin levels increased by threefold, leading to improved muscle tissu...
Researchers found that PGE2 activates PPARd through a signaling pathway promoting cell survival and polyp formation. This effect was not observed in mice lacking PPARd, highlighting the role of PPARd as a critical downstream mediator in PGE2-stimulated colorectal tumor growth.
The study reveals that Strep bacteria employ a dual strategy to outsmart the immune system: producing a toxic 'sword' called hemolysin to kill immune cells, and an antioxidant 'shield' made of carotenoids to protect itself from oxidative damage. This unique approach makes GBS a more lethal pathogen.
A survey found that the public perceives 'cosmetic surgery' as more temporary and less technical compared to 'plastic surgery', with lower risk and recovery time. However, respondents struggled to distinguish between the two terms in terms of cost and risks associated.
RIT's NanoPower lab has secured a three-year project to improve the efficiency of alpha voltaic batteries for miniature military devices. The team, led by Ryne Raffaelle, will use nanotechnology materials to protect semiconductors from radiation damage.
Researchers at MIT and partners successfully integrated a photosynthetic protein complex with a solid-state electronic device, paving the way for efficient energy generation. The innovation uses spinach chloroplasts to create a dry environment that stabilizes protein complexes, enabling the development of practical organic solar cells.
A study reveals that the apparent movement of eyes in paintings is caused by visual perception, not supernatural forces. The researchers found that changes in viewing direction had little effect on the observers' perceptions, except for making the torso look thinner when viewed from an angle.
Researchers Konrad Körding and colleagues used utility functions, commonly used in economics, to analyze motor control. They found a surprising amount of agreement on preferred movements and a counterintuitive result that longer resistance was preferred over stronger resistance.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered new insights into ancient mating and migration patterns in humans using genetic data. The study found that men's genes traveled farther than women's, contradicting previous assumptions about patrilocality, a common marriage practice.
Research finds that areas with high levels of informal voluntary activity enjoy better health, higher GCSE grades, and lower crime rates. Volunteering is also strongly linked to overall life satisfaction and happiness, with some communities recording the highest percentages of people satisfied with their lives.
A study found that preschool participation significantly increases rates of high school completion and lowers juvenile arrest rates. The primary contributors to these outcomes include attendance in high-quality elementary schools and parental involvement in school.
Researchers produced genetically modified linseed plants that accumulate significant levels of very long chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in seed, improving human nutrition. The production of these oils in plants may reduce unsustainable pressures on fisheries and provide a sustainable alternative for consumers.
Research on the 1970 British Cohort Study found that middle childhood development significantly affects adult outcomes. Children's relative cognitive ability changes between ages 5 and 10 are crucial, as those who 'escape' their initial performance tend to have better life chances and reduced risk of negative adult outcomes.
The study found that adolescents' autonomy increased over five years, with more independence in personal and multifaceted issues as they aged. Parental involvement in prudential and conventional decisions was associated with better adjustment, while joint decision-making on multifaceted issues predicted positive outcomes.
A team from the Salk Institute has revealed the structural basis for tetraketide cyclization in stilbene synthase, which produces resveratrol, a beneficial phytonutrient found in red wine. The mechanism of stilbene synthesis is crucial for its pharmaceutical and medical interest.
Girls spent more time in feminine activities with lower testosterone levels and reported interest, while masculine activities increased until age 13. Family characteristics, such as personality traits and attitudes, also predicted involvement in sex-typed activities.
Macroalgae, particularly Halimeda opuntia, triggers a virulent white plague type II disease in corals. The alga is also found to be a reservoir for the causative agent Aurantimonas coralicida.
Researchers have successfully synthesized the 22nd amino acid, L-pyrrolysine, and demonstrated its incorporation into new proteins within E. coli bacteria. The discovery explains how this amino acid is inserted into proteins inside living cells, following a traditional path that had been predicted by scientists.
A meta-analytic review found that home visiting programs enhance parenting behaviors, increase educational attainment, and boost children's cognitive and social skills. While the benefits are statistically significant, the magnitude of the impact varies.
Chemical genetics was used to identify novel small-molecule inhibitors of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus. The study revealed four compounds that effectively inhibited the replication of the virus, providing new hope for the treatment of SARS.
Researchers in The Netherlands and Belgium developed a new technique that uses genetically engineered rhTSH to stimulate thyroid cancer cells to absorb radioactive iodine, avoiding hypothyroidism and increasing safety. This approach may allow higher doses of radioiodine to be used when needed, improving treatment efficacy.
A study of 1,323 students found that teenage perceptions of math and English changed over time, with boys generally liking math more and girls preferring English. Initially, girls found math harder than boys but this gap narrowed by senior years.
A team of researchers has developed a fast-track method to identify regulatory sequences in the genome that control cell growth and development. The study, published in Science, used a unique algorithm called Improbizer to predict where these regulatory sequences might be found in the genome.
Columbia researchers found that patients with thinner or thicker corneas need different IOP adjustments for effective glaucoma treatment. The study's linear correction scale significantly impacted treatment decisions, highlighting the importance of CCT in managing the condition.
Research found that differential parenting, particularly negative behavior, is linked to child maladjustment and aggressive-disruptive behavior. The study suggests parents should follow a principle of fairness in dealing with their children, but acknowledges that special circumstances require different treatment.
Researchers have deciphered the three-dimensional structure of a plant enzyme that produces resveratrol, a key component of red wine with impressive health benefits. The study provides new insights into the relationships among plant proteins, shedding light on how grapes produce resveratrol to defend against fungal invasion.
A team led by Brown ecologist will study how Arabidopsis integrates environmental signals to flower at favorable times. The research aims to improve food production, understand climate change's impact on crops and wild plants, and shed light on genetic variation.
The Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program supports up to 42 new Doctoral Fellows with a two-year fellowship and career development enhancements. A pre-dissertation award also encourages more social work doctoral students to consider gerontology.
Researchers from UMaine and China collaborate on a joint expedition to study atmospheric circulation and global warming. They successfully melted an 87-meter ice core using a device built at UMaine, shedding light on changes in the region's climate.