Researchers have discovered a way to harness biomolecular mechanisms in marine sponges to produce semiconductors and photovoltaic materials. The discovery represents a low-temperature, environmentally friendly route to nanostructural fabrication of valuable materials.
A study quantifying incidental catch of loggerheads and leatherbacks in the global pelagic longline fishery reveals alarming bycatch rates. The authors estimate that thousands of hooked turtles die from longline takes each year, posing a significant threat to Pacific turtle populations.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that minocycline reduces later-stage tissue loss by blocking mitochondrial cytochrome c release, potentially improving quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries. The study suggests a novel post-trauma strategy using a safe, FDA-approved drug.
A study highlights the need for further thinking on research conducted in developing countries, where a majority of studies were not reviewed by local institutional boards. The survey found that 44% of respondents believed their studies were not reviewed, with concerns about cultural appropriateness and language consent forms.
A study by James Carrington and Steve Jacobsen reveals distinct classes of small RNAs in plants with specialized functions. These include genome maintenance, regulation of specific genes, and defense mechanisms, shedding light on the evolution of RNA-mediated gene silencing.
A new study by St. Jude/Mayo Clinic researchers found a direct link between the CBP gene and lymphoma development in mice, with the loss of CBP promoting T-cell lymphoma and cooperating with reduced p27Kip1 protein levels. The study suggests that CBP plays a role in cancer development despite normal p53 activity.
Researchers found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to poorer hearing performance in women, especially in noisy environments. The study involved 32 women who had received HRT and compared their hearing with 32 women who had not.
A 26-week study found that topiramate significantly reduced monthly migraine frequency (-2.1 and -2.4 mg/d) and days with migraines compared to placebo. The medication also decreased rescue medication use, providing improved treatment outcomes for patients.
A study found that piercing ear cartilage increased the risk of infection compared to lobe piercing. The authors identified 7 confirmed Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and 18 suspected cases, with most treated ineffectively with antibiotics.
The pilot plant uses electrolysis to produce high-purity hydrogen, with a purity exceeding 99.999 percent. The system also compresses natural gas for use as a motor fuel, reducing petroleum use and providing air emissions benefits.
Researchers at Hamilton College have found that atmospheric water clusters could play a key role in accelerating the Greenhouse effect. The team's calculations suggest that larger water clusters should be detectable in the lower troposphere.
The Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape initiative protects 211 million hectares of marine habitat, including nesting grounds for the critically endangered leatherback turtle. The project addresses mounting evidence that the ocean is under duress, with 90% of large predatory fish populations and 75% of commercial fish populations at risk.
The giant catfish, a migratory species in Southeast Asia, is facing extinction due to the destruction of its habitats. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this vital species and the ecosystem it supports.
Critical care doctors have released the first-ever guidelines for sepsis, recommending more aggressive recognition and diagnosis, timely antibiotic therapy, and maintenance of adequate blood pressure. The guidelines aim to standardize clinical management of severe sepsis and reduce mortality rate by 25 percent.
Virginia Tech biologist Virginia Tyson earns top scientist award for his work in computational cell biology and mathematical models of molecular mechanisms controlling cellular growth and division. His research aims to understand and treat medical problems caused by molecular dys-regulation, such as cancer and nerve-cell regeneration.
The study found significant increases in methane emissions from thawing permafrost in Abisko, Sweden, potentially accelerating climate warming. Methane emissions have risen by up to 60% since 1970, with the ecosystem's sensitivity to temperature changes being rapid and dynamic.
Researchers propose a mechanism that helps uncommon species coexist with identical competitors, aligning with discoveries of cryptic fig wasp species. The evolutionary local mate competition theory is tested, revealing a demographic advantage to uncommon species.
The study found that patients who used home blood pressure monitoring were more likely to stop taking antihypertensive drugs and had lower costs, but also had less BP control. Self-measurement helped identify white-coat hypertension, supporting a step-wise strategy for evaluating blood pressure.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that nearly all women take prescription medications (92%) and self-medicate with over-the-counter medications (96.5%). Researchers also discovered potential drug interactions, including those between antidepressants and herbal supplements like St. John's wort.
Researchers develop system to study small RNAs using siRNA inhibitors, providing unprecedented insight into RNA interference and microRNA functions. The technique enables rapid discovery of hundreds of microRNAs' regulatory roles, with significant implications for genetic studies.
Researchers Rampal Etienne and Han Olff propose a novel framework linking local community diversity to ancestral immigration patterns. Their approach sheds light on the relationship between biodiversity and genetic diversity in ecosystems.
A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia found that patients who used E-TRANS Fentanyl HCI PCTS experienced better pain control and fewer withdrawals compared to those who received a placebo. The novel transdermal system, approximately the size of a credit card, allows patients to control their pain management without needles or pumps.
Early administration of reteplase plus abciximab did not reduce infarct size compared to abciximab alone in patients with acute MI referred for PCI. The study also found comparable clinical outcomes between the two treatment groups, but more major bleeding events occurred in the combination therapy group.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are testing a new treatment for bulimia nervosa, VNS Therapy, which targets the vagus nerve to reduce urges to binge eat and vomit. The study builds on previous research that found voluntary binge eating stimulates the vagus nerve, leading to involuntary behaviors.
Researchers Haygood, Ives, and Andow analyzed the probability of transgene escape within a given period, finding that it can happen much sooner than anticipated. Even with small leakage parameters, the risk of escape increases within ten generations.
A recent study found that cigarette smoking in top-grossing films has increased to 1950s levels, with an average of 10.7 smoking incidents per hour of screen time. The rise in screen smoking is concerning for youth smoking habits, as previous studies have shown a link between movie smoking and youth tobacco use.
Researchers used molecular modeling to study the detoxifying proteins of black swallowtail butterflies and corn earworms. The earworm's protein is more flexible, allowing it to bind to and detoxify six different plant defense chemicals and three common insecticides, making it a master of adapting to new pesticides and host plants.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a crucial link between the cancer gene CBP and protein p27Kip1 in the development of lymphoma, breast and colon cancers. The study found that the absence of CBP and low levels of p27Kip1 accelerate cancer growth in laboratory mice.
Researchers found that elevated levels of protein MUC1 in human tumors reduce apoptosis signals and confer resistance to anticancer agents. Reducing MUC1 increases sensitivity to these drugs, suggesting it as a potential target for future cancer therapeutics.
Patients who develop diabetes after kidney transplant experience poorer outcomes, including higher rates of infection and recurrent infections. Tight control of glucose levels is crucial for these patients to remain healthy.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that Minority Medicaid patients face barriers to quality care due to language and cultural factors. The study analyzed responses from 49,327 adults in 14 states, revealing significant disparities in care reports among linguistic minorities.
A study analyzing pooled results of several studies found that dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, or grains may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. The research showed a significant decrease in coronary heart disease risk for cereal and fruit fiber intake.
Researchers found that viruses used for gene delivery can influence gene expression, with AAV affecting genes minimally and adenovirus triggering broader responses. The study provides a systematic explanation for the relative safety profiles of two commonly used gene therapy vector classes.
A single-chambered microbial fuel cell prototype has been developed to efficiently treat wastewater and generate electricity. The design reduces energy demands and creates a continuous flow-through system, making it a promising approach for affordable wastewater treatment.
The University of Delaware has launched a new, 146-foot coastal research vessel to replace its aging ship, Cape Henlopen. The vessel will feature state-of-the-art modular design and clean operation, meeting international underwater noise standards.
A study of 1,492 ICU patients found that major discrepancies between clinical and autopsy diagnoses exist, with up to 31.7% of cases identified as having major diagnostic errors. Autopsies also revealed missed diagnoses, including cancers, strokes, and heart attacks, which could have changed management and potentially saved lives.
Researchers found that insulin can reduce concentrations of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A by 40% and 50%, respectively, during the 48 hours following a heart attack. Insulin also appeared to stem the increase of plasminogen activator inhibitor and reduced creatinine kinase levels, indicating improved heart muscle protection.
Researchers used mathematical models to investigate transgene escape from confined crops, finding a high probability that leakage can occur sooner than expected. The study suggests that even with effective containment strategies, genes can still spread to wild populations within a relatively short time frame.
A study published in Addictive Behaviors found that women who were sexually abused as children were 3.8 times more likely to be current smokers, with twice the likelihood of ever smoking cigarettes and starting by age 14. The connection between childhood sexual abuse and smoking may help inform new approaches to prevent or quit smoking.
Penn State researchers have successfully generated electricity from domestic wastewater using microbial fuel cells, removing up to 78% of organic matter. The technology has the potential to reduce wastewater treatment costs and provide access to sanitation technologies worldwide.
Researchers found that brain atrophy was detected on MRI more consistently than decline on cognitive tests or rating scales in patients with PCNSL. The study also examined the risk of stroke associated with triptan use in migraines, finding no increased risk.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy has been associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in women, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that current use of estrogen alone was linked to a 2.29 times higher risk of new asthma diagnoses compared to non-hormone users.
A new computer method called FamClash has been developed to predict the activity of hybrid enzymes, which are created by combining similar enzymes from different organisms. The approach identifies incompatible residue pairs that can lead to reduced enzyme activity, and provides valuable insights for protein engineering interventions.
A recent study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that having children increases the risk of obesity for both mothers and fathers. The research, published in the Journal of Women's Health, analyzed data from over 9,000 Americans and found that each additional child raises the risk of obesity by 7% for women and 4% for men.
A new Web site allows users to compare greenness from one year to the next, between years, against a 14-year average and at two-week intervals. This information is invaluable for making long-term land management decisions, enabling natural resource managers to monitor vegetation dynamics through time and across landscapes.
Purdue scientists Rick Howard and colleagues discovered that genetically modified fish have a reproductive advantage, but their offspring are less likely to survive. This paradox could lead to a population dwindling in size and potentially disappearing entirely if not managed carefully.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that draining a skin or soft-tissue abscess and packing the wound with gauze is an effective therapy for simple skin abscesses in children, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics. The treatment was shown to be effective even when treating methicillin-resistant Staphyloc...
A recent finding reveals a frequent abnormal cellular event occurring in about half of all myeloma cases, identifying c-maf as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Inhibition of c-maf function blocks tumor formation in mice, suggesting its potential as a novel target for future therapies.
Researchers at USC have created a transgenic mouse with an overexpressed noggin gene, resulting in increased hair follicles, thicker fur, and additional whiskers. The study also reveals unusual changes to the mice's eyes, feet, and genitalia, challenging the distinction between normal and abnormal variations.
A study found that bilateral mastectomy significantly lowers breast cancer risk in high-risk women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Short-term hormone replacement therapy is safe after oophorectomy, increasing life expectancy by 3.34 to 4.65 years.
A recent study, PROSE, found that double mastectomies significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations by 95%. The study followed 483 at-risk women for over six years, showing that prophylactic mastectomies can be an effective preventive measure.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a complex of two proteins in the intestine that plays a crucial role in cholesterol transport. Treating mice with ezetimibe disrupts this complex, leading to impaired cholesterol absorption, suggesting new therapeutic possibilities.
A study of 92 patient cases found that laparoscopy can diagnose abnormalities earlier, reducing the need for hormone therapy and in vitro fertilization. Women with painful menstrual periods, previous natural contraception use, or a history of pelvic disorders are at higher risk.
The von Liebig Center has awarded six grants totaling $1.2 million to UC San Diego faculty for commercializing their research. These grants support projects in various fields, including bioengineering, computer science and engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical aerospace engineering.
Researchers watched the inner regions of an accretion disk, just miles from a neutron star's surface, change its structure in real-time. The observation provides new insight into the flow of a neutron star's accretion disk and could help study black holes and distant quasars.
Researchers have successfully treated individuals with Type 1 diabetes using a single infusion of islet cells, with recipients maintaining insulin independence for over one to three years. The new treatment approach uses optimized recipient immunosuppression and a novel anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody.
Researchers have found that the lack of response occurs because IGF-I does not activate its receptor molecule on the surface of the cells, triggering a signaling feedback loop. Integrins, which regulate growth factors in other cells, are also impaired due to skeletal unloading.
Research suggests that hunger increases sensitivity to sugar and salt, as the body tries to consume food. However, this effect does not apply to bitter tastes, which may be more related to detecting toxins.
Researchers at OGI School of Science & Technology have successfully grown silicon nanowires in a precise location and direction using electrical fields. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize the microelectronic industry by enabling the fabrication of high-performance electronic devices.
Researchers developed a computer model to predict the effects of different hunting regimes on lion populations over 50 years. The study suggests that males aged 5 or older can be sustainably hunted without limits, while younger lions are prohibited to ensure population stability.