The US Department of Energy has funded two Fusion Science Centers, one at the University of Maryland/UCLA and the other at the University of Rochester. The centers will focus on fundamental issues in fusion plasma science and provide education and training for researchers and students.
Researchers from USC provide a new perspective on treating genetic disorders by switching genes back on using epigenetic therapy. Several chemical compounds have been found to affect epigenetic gene changes and are being tested in clinical trials, including one recently approved for myelodysplastic syndrome.
A new study published in Science proposes a potential design principle for vaccines targeting difficult-to-destroy viruses like HIV and smallpox. The research found that a double-punch approach, targeting both pathways to activate killer cells, could provide more efficient protection against viruses.
The study found a strong link between nerve damage and the presence of molecules Nav.1.6 and NCX, which can lead to permanent and irreparable damage in MS. The researchers hope to design new therapies that will protect vulnerable nerve fibers.
Astronomers have discovered over 300 newly forming stars in a distant nebula, creating ideal conditions for the formation of new solar systems. The sheer number of objects is astounding, and may force us to rewrite our ideas of star formation and how much of it is going on in the Milky Way.
The Tobacco industry's document depository in Guildford, UK, is being criticized for its limited access and transparency. The company has failed to provide electronic access to requested documents, despite claiming to have 'big time imaging' capabilities.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that most physicians reported positive attitudes towards caring for patients with chronic conditions, but felt they had received less training than needed. Chronic problems like diabetes and heart disease account for over 75% of healthcare spending in the US.
A new percolation model allows researchers to study cell signaling and track the movement of single atoms in complex pathways. This breakthrough enables fundamental chemical reactions to be observed at the molecular level in living cells.
The NSF Discovery Corps fellowship program aims to connect researchers with host organizations, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and skill-sharing. The pilot project will provide funding for six fellowships focused on various projects, including promoting STEM careers among undergraduates.
The study reveals changes in Earth's reflectance over the past two decades, with a sharp decline in albedo from 1995-2001 and subsequent brightening. These variations are comparable to those in infrared radiation observed in the tropics, influencing the Earth's radiation budget.
Pharmacogenomics has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce costs by identifying genes that govern drug responses. However, conducting clinical trials with pharmacogenomic studies poses challenges due to multiple genetic influences and interactions with other drugs.
Researchers have discovered a new way in which mutated Ras proteins contribute to cancer progression. They found that Ras interacts with an enzyme essential for the synthesis of GPI-anchored proteins, regulating their production on cell surfaces.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown microbial community in Mayan ruins that breaks down limestone from the inside out. The dominant Actinobacteria population on the interior surfaces degrades the stone as it grows, challenging conventional disinfection methods.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring can significantly reduce the incidence of awareness during surgery. By using BIS-guided anaesthesia, patients at risk experienced only two cases of awareness compared to 11 reported cases with standard care.
Researchers have discovered that a gene therapy using growth factor VEGF can slow down the onset and progression of ALS in mice, increasing life expectancy by 30%. This treatment has shown promising results without toxic side effects, offering new hope for patients with this incurable disease.
Researchers identify source of random noise in gene expression, finding that promoter preparation and remodeling contribute to variability. This variation can affect protein levels and cell behavior, with implications for evolution and development.
Researchers identified more than 500 proteins contained in the midbody structure necessary for normal cell division. Inactivating these proteins led to cytokinesis defects, causing abnormal cell division, which can lead to diseases such as cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.
The University of Cincinnati team is heading to Santorini, Greece to assess the island's problems and prioritize solutions. The team will focus on rapid assessment, evaluation and data collection regarding the island's carrying capacity issues, waste management, and infrastructure costs.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a method to target specific populations of nerve cells in the brain using viruses. By injecting an adeno-associated virus into the brain, they can trigger the expression of a jellyfish gene that glows green in certain neurons. This approach has significant potential for the treatment of neu...
The Wearable Low Vision Aid (WLVA) is a portable system that uses an infrared camera and head-mounted display to warn users of potential hazards. The device projects a warning icon onto the user's retina using an illuminated, vibrating crystal, alerting them to obstacles such as branches or trash cans.
The center will focus on research methods for creating a hydrogen economy, including production, safety, and performance enhancements. Florida Tech aims to contribute to the nation's transition away from dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
Researchers created a virtual model of the human immune system to study M. tuberculosis, a bacterium that causes TB. The computer model revealed key findings on granuloma formation and the immune response, shedding light on why some people fight off infection while others get sick.
A recent OHSU study found that Parkinson's caregivers experience dramatic declines in physical and mental health over 10 years, with increased strain and depression. The study identified predictors of caregiver risk, highlighting the importance of supporting family caregivers to improve patient outcomes.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers found African-Americans have a significantly lower response rate to treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Only 19% of African-American patients responded to the drug combination, while 52% of non-Hispanic white patients achieved a sustained virologic response.
Researchers at the University of Uppsala developed PQL, a diagnosis and treatment program that leads to improvement in stress management and overall well-being. The program uses psychosocial, biological, and production measures and has been shown to have a clear impact on sleep, concentration, and physiological factors.
A study published in Nature found that thick marine beds of siderite suggest early high carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The research suggests that the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was more than 100 times greater than today, causing acidic ocean water and maintaining liquid oceans.
Researchers found that several plant materials and extracts inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria when introduced into bird nests. These findings suggest that parent birds may be using medical botany as a form of effective home nest security to protect their offspring from disease.
A new, low-cost hand-held magnetic surgical tool has been developed to reduce X-ray exposure during long bone repair surgeries. The device uses electronic sensors instead of X-rays to locate screw holes, making the process precise and reducing radiation exposure for surgeons.
Researchers found that antibiotic therapy can promote allergic airway responses in mice, particularly when Candida albicans colonization occurs. The study suggests a potential link between antibiotic use and human allergies.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have demonstrated that the smallpox vaccine candidate LC16m8 protects mice from a virus related to smallpox when delivered via aerosol. The study aims to develop a safer smallpox vaccine for bioterrorism threats.
A one-year study involving 539 adolescents aged 12 to 16 found that Xenical significantly reduced fat mass, waist circumference, and BMI compared to lifestyle changes alone. The medication was well-tolerated, with similar adverse events reported as in adults.
Leroy Hood is being honored with the 2004 Biotechnology Heritage Award for his groundbreaking work in systems biology and medicine. He pioneered the techniques that enabled the rapid sequencing of the human genome, revolutionizing genomics.
Researchers discover tiny microbes in ancient Greenland glacier that are smaller than common bacteria and can survive extreme conditions. These ultra-small cells have been found to be among the uncultured majority of microbes on Earth and hold secrets to their survival mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a gene, CREB, that regulates brain function during development and learning. Mice with only one copy of the CREB gene exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviors and consumed more alcohol than normal littermates.
A recent study published in JAMA found that prenatal cocaine exposure was not associated with lower full-scale IQ scores, but did show specific effects on information, arithmetic, and object assembly. Children in foster or adoptive care showed improved cognitive outcomes despite higher levels of cocaine exposure.
Researchers have developed an iron oxide nanoparticle that can outline brain tumors and other lesions for up to five days under MRI, providing a new imaging marker. This contrast agent has the potential to assist in image-guided brain surgery and improve diagnosis of neurological disorders.
Researchers found that antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome, leading to increased lung sensitivity to allergens. This disruption can trigger a hyperactive immune response, producing allergy symptoms or even asthma. The study suggests that maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbes is crucial in regulating the immune system.
A recent MIT study explores the effects of terrorism on global supply chains, highlighting the importance of vulnerability maps and flexible supply chains in minimizing disruption. The research also emphasizes the need for corporate cultures to prioritize communication and security.
A study by the University of Washington found that late-night comedy viewership had a significant impact on George W. Bush's favorability rating during the 2000 presidential campaign. The study, known as the 'Letterman Effect,' showed that Bush's ratings increased among late-night viewers after appearing on David Letterman's show.
Researchers found that histamine cell activity continues during cataplexy, while norepinephrine and serotonin cell activity ceases, leading to loss of muscle tone. The study sheds light on the biological causes of narcolepsy and may aid in developing drugs to induce sleep and increase alertness.
Researchers found that the piriform cortex was activated when subjects saw objects previously associated with odors, confirming models of memory recall. The hippocampus draws on these sensory components to reconstruct rich memories.
A new study suggests that aspirin reduces breast cancer risk by 20% among women with ER-positive tumors, a type of postmenopausal breast cancer. The protection is strongest among daily aspirin users and those taking seven or more tablets per week.
The study found that BENICAR and Benicar HCT helped patients reach aggressive blood pressure goals, with nearly 69.3% achieving less than or equal to 130/85 mmHg after 16 weeks. Additionally, BENICAR was found to be more effective in reaching blood pressure goals compared to other ARBs like Cozaar and Diovan.
The exhibition features 12 thematic stations celebrating diversity in fields like genetic research, fashion, and environmental understanding, highlighting the impact of women chemists on our daily lives. Featured chemists include Marie Meurdrac and Susan Solomon.
Research suggests that telomere dysfunction may be a key component in the development of many epithelial cancers. Telomere length abnormalities were observed in 97% of precancerous lesions, with abnormally short telomeres found in 88%.
The cytolethal distending toxin, a bacterial toxin that causes diseases such as typhoid fever and diarrhea, damages human DNA by creating lesions and breaks that prevent cells from dividing. This discovery provides a visual blueprint for understanding the toxin's mechanism and could lead to new drug targets to prevent cancer.
The study reveals that histamine-triggered neurons maintain normal waking-level activity during cataplexy and are not affected by drugs that increase the condition. The findings also suggest a link between hypocretins, which govern wakefulness, and the effect of these proteins on histamine cells.
Scientists have found microscopic life in ancient glacier ice, sparking interest in survival mechanisms of small cells under harsh conditions. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into growing previously unculturable organisms and understanding the limits of microbial life.
Researchers have discovered a key principle in protein folding that may help understand neurodegenerative diseases. By studying the formation of raindrops, scientists have developed a new theory that can analyze protein folding in a clearer light, offering a potential step toward understanding and treating these diseases.
A new psychological theory proposes that 16 basic human needs, such as honor and idealism, drive individuals to adopt religious beliefs. The theory, developed by Steven Reiss at Ohio State University, suggests that each person balances their unique set of needs when engaging with religion.
Researchers at UCL's Institute of Neurology found that memories are distributed across different brain regions, not just one area. This means that a single sense can reactivate a memory, rather than requiring all aspects to be recreated.
A new study found that genes play a significant role in buffering children against poverty's negative effects on their cognitive and behavioral development. The research, published in Child Development, shows that genetic makeup accounts for 70% of variability in behavioral resilience and 46% of differences in cognitive ability.
The new center aims to develop scientific principles for nanoscale materials and integrate them into larger systems. It will provide researchers with state-of-the-art capabilities to explore, fabricate, and study nanoscale materials.
Researchers discovered an optimal shape of nanoscale contact surface that enhances adhesion strength, which becomes insensitive to small variations at a critical size scale of around 100 nanometers. This finding suggests combining size reduction and shape optimization for robust and reliable adhesion.
A new study by the American Society for Microbiology reveals that white tea extract is more effective than green tea at inactivating bacterial viruses and has an anti-fungal effect on certain fungi. The addition of white tea to toothpastes enhances their anti-microbial properties.
A study found that planetary waves reflect instead of absorb in the subtropics, affecting weather patterns. Phytoplankton growth in Arctic waters is influenced by sea ice coverage, with polynyas impacting timing and intensity. Carbon dioxide release from underground waterways may predict tectonic activity in central Italy.
Researchers analyzed 770 seizure records to investigate the possible link between lunar phases and frequency of epileptic seizures. The study found that epileptic seizures were lowest during the full moon and highest in its last quarter.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine ovarian cancer screening due to no evidence that it reduces mortality. In contrast, they support regular eye exams for children under 5 to detect amblyopia and other causes of visual impairment. Early detection can improve visual acuity and prevent long-term harm.
Research shows that older mothers produce faster-growing and more resilient larvae, while smaller ants disrupt native seed dispersal patterns. Exotic plants also adapt quickly to new environments, and artificial night lighting can harm migrating birds.
Researchers found that heavy smokers had a reduced rate of restenosis at both six months and 12 months following angioplasty. Increasing carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream may inhibit smooth muscle cell growth, a key factor in restenosis.