A study published in The Lancet found an underlying autoimmune process linked to narcolepsy in people with a certain genetic profile. This breakthrough could lead to improved disease treatment and earlier diagnosis using a clinically useful assay.
A nuclear-powered space mission to Neptune, expected to launch between 2016 and 2018, aims to gather data on the planet's atmosphere and its largest moon Triton. The mission will employ electrical and optical sensors to study Neptune's atmospheric elemental ratios, gravity, and magnetic fields.
Researchers found that nanotubes were ingested by white blood cells and retained their fluorescent properties, allowing for selective detection. The discovery builds on a previous finding of unique fluorescent signatures from individual types of nanotubes.
The patientINFORM consortium, led by commercial giants Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley, has sparked controversy among advocates for enhanced public access to research. While the proposal aims to make taxpayer-funded research available, critics argue it discriminates among illnesses without justification and fails to respect all patients'...
The Life Sciences Research Office review of scientific literature concludes that dental amalgam does not cause serious adverse health consequences, except in rare cases of allergic reactions. The study's findings contradict claims that mercury release from dental amalgam leads to various health issues.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a method to detect cancer gene activity outside the body, which could lead to earlier detection and treatment of breast cancer. The technique uses genetic probes to visualize sites of cancer gene activity, allowing for potential early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a computational model of addiction that connects learning theories with neurophysiological mechanisms. The model uses temporal-difference reinforcement learning to simulate how addictive drugs impact brain function and behavior.
A new study contradicts previous predictions that coral reefs will suffer large declines by 2100 due to ocean warming. Instead, the research finds that coral reef calcification rates may increase by up to 35% by 2100, potentially exceeding pre-industrial levels.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have produced atomic-resolution images of silicon nitride ceramics, revealing the exact location of rare-earth atoms and their effect on toughness. This discovery could lead to tailoring grain boundaries for optimum mechanical properties.
A new typeface called Clearview has been approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for use on public roads in the US and Canada. The Clearview typeface offers a 20% improvement in legibility and recognition with the same size sign as currently used, reducing driver confusion and increasing safety.
Researchers found that people who believed they had become sick from eating hard-boiled eggs or pickles were more likely to avoid these foods in the future. However, the effect was limited to novel food items, with no change in behavior towards commonly consumed foods like potato chips.
Researchers detected continuous tremors near Cholame, 15 miles southeast of Parkfield, which are similar to those discovered in Japan and the Pacific Northwest. The tremors, which last more than four minutes each, may be precursory to earthquakes, potentially leading to earthquake forecasting and prediction.
Researchers found that males are more attracted to subordinate partners for high-investment activities like marriage and dating. The study suggests an evolutionary advantage for males who prefer less accomplished partners.
Researchers identified a subset of proteins vital to malaria parasite's survival in host red blood cells and a unique mechanism for protein export. This discovery allows for focus on key proteins for developing antimalarial drugs.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a signal on exported parasite proteins that enables the malaria parasite to target red blood cells. This discovery provides a new understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying malaria infection and offers promising leads for developing new treatments.
R207910, a novel diarylquinoline compound, has demonstrated effectiveness in clearing infection from lungs of mice and reducing bacterial load by 50%. The drug's unique mechanism of action targeting ATP synthase makes it active against drug-resistant strains of TB.
A NIAID-sponsored clinical trial is enrolling healthy adults to assess the immune response and safety of the Fluarix vaccine, which has been distributed in over 70 countries. The trial will provide valuable information on the vaccine's efficacy before it can be licensed for use in the US.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a compound that suppresses cell growth in psoriasis models, offering new hope for treating this life-long genetic condition. The compound, benzodiazepine-423, is selectively applied topically and shows great potential for controlling disease progression.
Researchers develop gene therapy to treat XP, a devastating disease causing cancerous lesions on exposed skin. The treatment restores DNA repair mechanism, preventing cancerous growth and sunburn-like symptoms in mice.
Researchers have discovered that neural crest stem cells in human hair follicles can differentiate into various cell types, including neurons and cartilage/bone cells. These findings hold promise for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, and bone degeneration.
A new antibiotic shows promise in treating tuberculosis by shortening treatment time and fighting drug-resistant strains. The drug, called R207910, operates differently than other antibiotics and appears to inhibit the bacteria's energy supply.
Researchers have developed an injectable gel that can speed up the repair of torn cartilage. The biodegradable material is composed of hyaluronic acid and can be hardened with ultraviolet light or visible light, creating a growth environment for cartilage-producing cells to grow new cartilage.
A European study has found a persistent three-decade increase in childhood cancer incidence, with rising rates in all tumour types. The study also shows that survival rates have improved substantially over the past three decades, with 5-year actuarial survival rates reaching 75% for children in western Europe.
The Center for Power Electronics, a leading research center in power electronics technology, has received a $12.5 million funding renewal from the NSF. This investment aims to develop more efficient and integrated power electronics devices, resulting in significant energy savings and increased U.S. competitiveness.
A genetic defect has been found to confer risk of major depression and resistance to SSRI drug therapy. The study identified a novel molecular mechanism underlying dysfunction in serotonin neurotransmission, which may explain the development of depression and other psychiatric disorders.
A recent study at McMaster University reveals that fitness experts can significantly increase self-confidence in beginner exercisers. By setting and achieving specific goals, individuals experience increased motivation and confidence in their abilities.
A blood test for HSV-2 can detect antibodies in people at high risk for STDs, HIV-positive individuals, and those whose partners have the virus. Pregnant women with uninfected partners do not require screening, as most women develop antibodies after three months of infection.
Researchers at Rice University aim to create implantable TMJ discs grown from patient cells, offering a potential alternative to transplantation. The goal is to provide a treatment option for the nearly 11 million Americans suffering from TMJ disorders.
Scientists have identified a promising new antibiotic target in diphosphomevalonate (DPM), which can inhibit the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and prevent its survival. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel antibiotics to cure pneumonia and other streptococcal diseases.
Researchers will enroll 100-150 children with autism, along with their parents and unaffected siblings, to conduct detailed behavioral evaluations and DNA analysis. The study aims to identify genetic differences and patterns that mark different autistic spectrum disorders, providing clues to their biological causes.