A study by Rachel Mueller and David Wake rewrites the evolutionary history of salamanders, finding inconsistencies with accepted classifications. The research suggests that some terrestrial salamanders regained their larval stage after moving back to water, contradicting previous assumptions.
A study has identified two distinct subclasses of liver cancer with differing survival rates, providing new molecular insight into the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. The findings suggest that gene expression profiles can accurately predict patient survival and may lead to the development of more targeted therapies.
A study of 13,440 ischemic stroke patients found that serious medical or neurological complications accounted for over half of in-hospital deaths. Pneumonia was the leading cause, followed by increased intracranial pressure, with diabetes and previous stroke also linked to poorer outcomes in men.
A recent study using the General Practice Research Database found an association between hepatitis B vaccination and a three-fold increase in MS incidence within three years following vaccination. The study's limitations highlight the need for further research into the potential link between vaccines and autoimmune diseases.
A new study by the U.S. National Science Foundation highlights the vital importance of streamside forests in maintaining clean water and healthy ecosystems. The research, funded jointly by NSF and EPA, shows that these forests help filter pollutants from streams, enhance ecosystem processes, and support biodiversity.
Researchers found a link between positive emotions and reduced frailty risk in older adults. Another study showed that positive stereotypes about aging improved memory performance in older adults by reducing age-related differences. These findings highlight the importance of social environment in affecting aging outcomes.
A study by Thomas Stamey and colleagues found that the correlation between PSA levels and prostate cancer severity has decreased over time, making the test less useful for early detection. Instead, they recommend a yearly digital rectal exam for men over 50.
A recent study found that sex and drug use behaviors are associated with higher levels of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts among teenagers. Girls who engage in high-risk behaviors are more vulnerable to poor mental health than boys.
The 5-year project aims to determine which microbial proteins interact with human host cells, pointing the way to new drugs. Researchers will use advanced proteomics instruments to analyze these interactions, accelerating treatment development during outbreaks.
Researchers have developed a new dye that allows for direct visualization of activated proteins in living cells, enabling high-throughput drug screening. Cdc42, a key regulator of cell movement and proliferation, was visualized with the novel dye 'I-SO', which proved highly sensitive and required no protein over-expression.
Researchers found that growth hormone reduces STAT3 activation, modulates cellular apoptosis and proliferation, and improves weight gain in mice with colitis. The study suggests using growth hormone as a new therapeutic approach to improve growth and intestinal healing in IBD.
A new gene test can predict a child's risk of having an isolated cleft lip and palate, allowing parents to make informed decisions about future pregnancies. The test, based on distinct mutations in the IRF6 gene, has been shown to be effective in predicting the birth defect with approximately 12% accuracy.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that blue marlin caught in the Gulf of Mexico contain 20-30 times the acceptable levels of mercury. The team aims to understand why mercury accumulates in pelagic fishes and how it affects human health.
Research conducted by Penny Gordon-Larsen found that excessive TV watching and a lack of safe outdoor spaces contribute to increased obesity risk in young black girls. The study, which included 51 interviews with girls aged 6-9 and their mothers, highlights the need for affordable and accessible opportunities for physical activity.
Researchers explore how prosthetic legs can be tailored to improve mobility and comfort for amputees. Studies examine the impact of different shoes, sock liners, and physical activities on residual limb soft tissue damage and overall health outcomes.
Scientists have successfully created a mouse lacking both MAO A and MAO B, revealing the combined actions of these enzymes in neurotransmitter regulation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into anxiety- and stress-related disorders.
A government study estimated that nearly half a million medical device injuries occur each year, with falls while using wheelchairs and walkers being the most common recorded injury type. The study suggests that the actual number of injuries may be higher due to underreporting by healthcare providers.
A 73-year-old woman lost all dreaming and most brain functions following a stroke, but regained some dreaming function over time. Researchers found that the damaged area of her brain was involved in visual processing and emotions.
Researchers will study 120 patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis to identify molecular basis of disease and develop targeted therapies. The goal is to reduce risk of periodontitis and improve treatment outcomes for the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
Dr. C. Ronald Kahn receives the award for his groundbreaking work on insulin signal transduction and its link to diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, and obesity.
Researchers at Baylor, MIT and Hebrew University have made significant progress in understanding the potential of combination therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Probiotics and commensal bacteria have been shown to modulate mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokine production and reduce symptoms in mice. Additionally, a new class of ...
A Mount Sinai study found that nearly three-quarters of WTC responders experienced upper respiratory issues, with half still experiencing symptoms eight months later. Over half had persistent psychological symptoms, with risks for PTSD four times that of the general male population.
A UCLA/UA study reveals that the ear plays a crucial role in processing auditory signals, influencing speech and language development. The left ear provides extra amplification for tones like music, while the right ear enhances rapid sounds like speech.
Margaret Torn, a biogeochemist, is honored for her pioneering work on climate change and the terrestrial carbon cycle. Her research has improved regional and global computer climate models with data from the Southern Great Plains site in Oklahoma.
Researchers assess the accuracy of ocean general circulation models in representing deep convection in the Labrador Sea. They found that while one model simulated data more faithfully, it still suffered from problems, and further study is needed to improve understanding of this process.
A recent conference presented findings that a healthy diet may play a key role in preventing childhood leukemia. Turmeric and its active compound curcumin have been shown to reduce the risk of leukemia by mitigating environmental toxins and promoting cellular health.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a computational platform to calculate wind loads and structural capacities of low-rise buildings. The goal is to appreciably reduce damage and increase safety for residential, institutional, and commercial structures vulnerable to extreme winds.
Recent findings by Illinois researchers identified two new serotonin metabolites in the nervous system of marine mollusks, suggesting different chemical pathways exist to convert serotonin. This discovery could provide novel means to target tissue-specific diseases related to serotonin signaling.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have invented a new fuel cell material called Battellion TM that can reduce the cost of production, making it more economically viable. The material has improved stability, conductivity, and manufacturing processes, allowing for longer service life and reduced weight compared to existing materials.
GM1 gangliosidosis causes brain cells to self-destruct due to excessive accumulation of fatty molecules in lysosomes and disrupted protein folding. The St. Jude team found that the endoplasmic reticulum is triggered by GM1 accumulation, leading to a cell's emergency response and eventual death.
A new handbook provides mayors, governors, and public health officials with research-based strategies for safeguarding the public's trust during a response. The guidebook presents common language and purpose for handling emergencies, limiting death and suffering through preventive care.
The majority of kidney transplant candidates waiting for kidneys have blood type O and are forced to wait even longer for a deceased donor kidney when list-paired exchanges are permitted. Researchers propose limiting these exchanges to pairs with compatible blood types to make them a moral option.
The Lancet task force outlines a research agenda to strengthen health systems and deliver effective interventions in an equitable manner. The proposal aims to enhance capacity for delivering life-saving interventions, particularly in the developing world.
The Knight Center seminar features keynote speakers from top institutions discussing topics like brain development, emotions, and decision-making. Participants will gain insights into the latest research and its applications in journalism.
UCSF researchers publish first atomic-level structure of the channel controlling ammonia passage in and out of cells. The discovery provides insights into toxic effects and potential treatment options for life-threatening diseases caused by ammonia toxicity.
Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem produced the most detailed 3-D representation of the spliceosome's structure to date, revealing a complex with two distinct halves surrounding a tunnel. The study sheds light on RNA splicing and alternative splicing mechanisms, providing new understanding of protein diversity.
Research by Yale University suggests that moderate gamblers aged 65+ experience improved overall health due to increased socialization and cognitive stimulation. However, the activity can still become highly addictive, particularly with non-strategic games, posing financial risks for older adults on fixed incomes.
A recent clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of duloxetine in reducing pain and improving disease symptoms in female fibromyalgia patients. The study showed significant improvements in tender point measures and pressure pain threshold, with benefits also observed in emotional and physical functioning.
Dr. Brian Strahl, an assistant professor at UNC School of Medicine, will attend a White House ceremony in honor of his selection for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. He was chosen for his exceptional potential for leadership and innovative research in chromatin biochemistry and gene regulation.
Penn researchers successfully inactivated the Foxp4 binding protein, allowing bilateral cardiac primordia to fuse into single tubes. This resulted in four-chambered hearts developing with most aspects of advanced heart development, challenging current understanding of congenital heart disease.
Researchers found that newborn babies' right ears are more responsive to speech-type stimuli, while their left ears are more responsive to tonal sounds. This suggests that the auditory system develops differently on each side of the brain from birth.
A team of scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory discovered a way to control defects in superconducting materials, leading to a two-to-five-fold increase in current densities in high magnetic fields. This breakthrough could revolutionize the development of powerful and energy-efficient superconducting electric motors and generators.
A year-long clinical trial found that prasterone improved disease activity, reduced organ damage, and boosted health-related quality of life for women with active lupus. The treatment, which is safe and effective, could offer an alternative to immunosuppressive agents or large doses of glucocorticoids.
A recent study found that genetic variations in the HLA and TNF gene regions are associated with response to treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis patients. Patients with two copies of the shared epitope were four times more likely to achieve significant improvement in disease activity compared to those with one or no copies.
Adults with ADHD experience significant economic losses, including lower household incomes and reduced full-time employment rates. The condition also affects relationships and overall satisfaction with life.
A recent study has identified Wunen2 as a crucial guidance molecule in Drosophila germ cell migration, requiring maternal activity to sustain pole cells during migration. The research suggests a new paradigm for explaining the function of lipid phosphate phosphatases in developmental processes.
Researchers have developed core/shell nanogels that can target cancer cells using folic acid, a nutrient that cancer cells absorb more than healthy cells. The nanoparticles can be heated to kill cancer cells, but applying targeted heat sources like ultrasound can spare healthy cells.
A study found that patients who received liver transplants from living donors are more likely to experience severe Hepatitis C recurrence. The research, led by Xavier Forns, investigated the effect of donor life status on HCV patient outcomes and discovered a significant association between living donor transplantation and severe disea...
Scientists uncover vital role of Periaxin gene in causing CMT, a disabling disease affecting 23,000 people in the UK. The new research provides insight into how nerves work and may lead to development of gene therapies to correct faulty genes.
The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Alert System tracks the spread of invasive aquatic species across the US. The system allows users to report sightings, receive automatic alerts, and search for specific species.
A recent UK study published in The Lancet has found no association between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism or pervasive developmental disorders. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 cases and 4,469 controls, concluding that vaccination did not increase the risk of these conditions.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new class of self-assembling designer molecules that mimic nature's system of organizing living tissue. These molecules can be programmed and exhibit a rich phase behavior, making them suitable for applications in batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells.
Researchers present novel therapeutic approaches to treat IBD by targeting adhesion molecules, platelet recruitment, and CTLA-4-Ig. These approaches show promise in reducing intestinal inflammation and promoting tolerance in experimental models.
Primary-care research is criticized for its weakness, but experts argue that reliable evidence is needed to support clinical practice. Effective primary care research influences clinical practice and improves healthcare. Improved investment in high-quality research is necessary to attract top researchers.
Researchers have discovered that a mutant gene's failure to convert vitamin A into retinoic acid leads to colon cancer. Introducing retinoids may prevent or control the growth of colon cells, offering new avenues for therapy development.
An international team of scientists has successfully tested an integrated Mars life-detection strategy, finding evidence of even a single-cell organism. The experiment used specially adapted instruments to identify organic and mineralogical markers in Arctic hot springs, which resemble Martian environments.
The National Agricultural Biosecurity Center is developing content and software to help emergency management personnel respond effectively to agricultural or zoonotic bioterrorist events. The project aims to create an integrated system accessible via the Internet, providing veterinarians, county extension agents, and others with access...
Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have produced the most detailed 3-D representation of the spliceosome's structure to date. The study reveals the spliceosome has two distinct halves surrounding a tunnel, with the larger part containing proteins and RNA segments.
A recent study has found that the extinction of a host species can lead to the loss of up to 200 associated species, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. The researchers calculated the expected levels of co-extinction across diverse systems and identified 6300 species at risk of being classified as co-endangered.
The bacteria sequester methane and turn it into methyl alcohol using methanobactin, a tiny pyramid-shaped compound with a cleft that holds a single atom of copper. Methanobactin serves to keep copper under control and protect the bacterial cells from its toxicity.