The University of Georgia has been awarded a $5.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop artificial chromosomes in corn, which could lead to breakthroughs in crop protection and yield improvement. The research will focus on centromeres, repetitive DNA regions that control chromosome movement during cell division.
Scientists at UGA Vet School found a mechanism that blocks replication of retroviruses, including the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, which causes ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The discovery provides new insights into viral life cycles and could lead to the development of novel anti-retroviral therapies.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) will be decommissioned by NASA, marking the end of its outstanding contribution to Earth observations. TRMM's unique precipitation observations have provided unprecedented insights into rainfall-producing cloud systems over tropical land masses and oceans.
Researchers engineered a decoy Met receptor that successfully competes for HGF binding, inhibiting tumor growth and survival. The Sema domain of the Met receptor is also necessary for activation, offering a new therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
A study found that regular tuna or broiled/baked fish consumption may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in older adults. AF affects over 2 million Americans, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a critical component of the complex that enables NF-kB to trigger inflammatory responses. The study identifies ELKS protein as essential for NF-kB's function, opening new avenues for treating autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis.
Research by Barker and colleagues revealed that all songbirds, including robins and crows, share a common origin in Australasia and New Guinea. The Passerida group, comprising 3,477 species, made it out of Australasia onto the Asian mainland before the Corvida group did, about 20 million years ago.
Eating spinach and broccoli may slow cognitive decline; green leafy vegetables are associated with better brain health; complex leisure activities combining social, mental, and physical activity can prevent dementia.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new silicon-based photodetector that is sensitive to ultraviolet light. The device uses nanoparticles dispensed from silicon wafers, which efficiently couple with UV light and produce electrical current.
The American College of Physicians shares tips on safe air travel for heart patients, the efficacy of antibiotics in treating Gulf War illnesses, and the impact of living wills on hospital deaths. The ACP also introduces a nine-item pretravel checklist for cardiovascular disease.
A new product developed for soft tissue augmentation showed high efficacy and patient satisfaction rates of 74%, 80%, and 88% respectively. Moderate pain occurred in 59% of patients, but resolved within two weeks. Long-term safety profile remains unknown.
Scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute discovered evidence for DNA structure characteristic of metastasis in prostates with metastazing tumors. Early detection is crucial in fighting cancer, and this finding could lead to a new powerful weapon against cancer spread.
The study found that pramipexole and levodopa both significantly reduced motor complications and improved functional outcomes. However, pramipexole had a lower risk of dyskinesias and wearing off compared to levodopa. Both treatments provided similar quality of life, but long-term follow-up is needed to determine superiority.
A comprehensive brain-scan study of intelligence has identified certain brain regions and their gray matter volume as key determinants of general human intelligence. The research reveals that multiple brain areas are related to IQ scores, with only about 6% of all gray matter appearing crucial for intelligence.
The study found that participants on donepezil experienced a slower progression to Alzheimer's disease compared to those on placebo, with an average delay of 661 days. However, the effects were only observed during the first half of the study and further analyses are needed to confirm these findings.
A recent study demonstrated that a current Alzheimer drug may delay the transition from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease, but only for the first 18 months. The treatment showed modest effects on progression to Alzheimer's, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
A study by Emory University researchers found that patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show compromised ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), a trend also observed in Alzheimer's disease. Early detection and treatment can help maintain independence for individuals with MCI.
Research on statins as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease has yielded conflicting results, with some studies showing improved cognitive function and others finding no benefit. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to resolve the questions raised by these studies.
The Alzheimer's Association and NIA are expediting prevention trials for Alzheimer's by developing more efficient tools, such as home-based testing. This will reduce costs and burdens on participants while gaining valuable information about the course of cognitive changes in late life.
New research suggests that cancer-related fatigue is more closely tied to depression and impaired physical performance than previously thought. A study of 70 patients in remission found no correlation between fatigue and various physiological markers, but significant associations with depression and physical performance.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed sugar-like molecules that mimic the body's immune defense mechanisms to prevent scarring after glaucoma eye surgery. These new drugs show a dramatic increase in success rates from 30% to 80%, offering hope for patients with this condition.
Researchers are using primate behavioral memory tasks and infrared eye-tracking technology to identify patients with mild cognitive impairment. The study aims to detect impaired memory in humans before major brain damage occurs.
A randomized study compared vitamin E and donepezil to placebo for delaying progression to Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Patients treated with donepezil showed a modest delay in disease progression, but this effect was short-term.
A team of researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona has discovered a new genetic mechanism for evolution involving transposons and antisense RNA. Transposons can silence genes by inducing antisense RNA, leading to favorable changes in adaptation and survival.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patients who saw the same doctor after hospital treatment had a significantly lower risk of dying or being readmitted. The study analyzed data from over 938,000 adults in Ontario, Canada and found that patients who received consistent follow-up care had better...
NIST scientists have developed three new standards to measure microdevice materials more accurately. The standards aim to reduce variations in measurements between laboratories, improving the design and performance of microdevices. The new standards advance measurement of in-plane length, residual strain, and strain gradient.
A LSU vet school professor has successfully treated a dog with cancerous tumors using gene therapy, which helps the body develop an anti-tumor memory. The treatment involves electroporation and cytokine gene therapy, resulting in the elimination of smaller tumors and reducing the size of larger ones.
A new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that cinnamon oil is effective in killing mosquito larvae, with four compounds exhibiting strong activity against the yellow fever mosquito. The study suggests that cinnamon oil could be a good mosquito repellant, although further testing is needed.
The study found that living at home helped teenage mothers stay in school during the first two years of their babies' lives, possibly due to increased encouragement and child care support. However, it had little impact on their parenting skills, which may be influenced by other factors such as maturity level.
Children who feel socially ineffective and undeserving of attention from peers are more likely to withdraw and experience teasing, leading to a self-perpetuating cycle of negativity. Intervening requires changing how children perceive their social abilities and worth, as well as modifying school environments.
Researchers Wade Berrettini and Irwin Lucki received Distinguished Investigator Awards to study gene identification and behavioral effects of neurotrophins. Monica Gonzalez won a Young Investigator Award to investigate the effect of long-term light deprivation on depression.
The ocean absorbs a significant portion of carbon dioxide emitted by human activities, but research suggests that this process may be reaching its limits. By the middle of the century, increased CO2 levels in the ocean could lead to dramatic changes in pH and acidity, affecting marine life and ecosystems.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a key protein called arrestin is transported by a tiny molecular motor, myosin, in response to bright light. This swift relocation helps prevent temporary blindness caused by sudden increases in light intensity.
The Food Guide Pyramid is set to undergo revisions, shifting from a one-size-fits-all approach to an individualized model. This change aims to motivate consumers to make informed food choices, with the help of focused messages and educational tools.
A study found that high maternal anxiety during a specific period in pregnancy (12-22 weeks) can program the fetus's brain, increasing susceptibility to childhood disorders. This effect was more pronounced than other factors such as smoking or low birthweight.
Studies suggest that farming spread rapidly across Europe, with early Neolithic farmers bringing crops from Anatolia. Archaeological evidence suggests a 'revolution' period for agriculture in northwest Europe.
A study found that adults with regular doctors were more likely to receive influenza vaccinations and mammography, as well as advice on smoking cessation. This suggests that trust in a single provider contributes to better adherence to health recommendations.
Research suggests that prenatal cocaine exposure is not directly related to child development, but rather the quality of caregiving. Children in non-parental care performed better in several developmental areas, despite initial health issues at birth. Support for caregivers and mothers could help prevent and treat developmental problems.
Research found that infants with higher maternal DHA levels at birth showed more mature attentional development and were less distractible during play. This suggests a potential link between DHA supplementation during pregnancy and improved infant cognitive functions.
A new study uses virtual reality to safely study children's ability to cross busy roads, revealing that kids leave less time between themselves and oncoming cars than adults. The findings suggest mistakes in judging traffic gaps may be a significant risk factor in car/bicycle collisions.
Researchers discover small RNA molecules in plant phloem, suggesting a novel role in long-distance signaling and stress response. A new protein is identified as likely playing a key role in transporting these RNAs through the phloem.
Adolescents from lower socioeconomic families exhibit heightened biological responses to stressful situations, interpreting ambiguous social interactions negatively. Positive life experiences and alternative interpretations can promote better physical health for these children.
The teen birth rate has declined to a record low, and youth are less likely to be involved in violent crimes. However, the prevalence of overweight among children has increased, posing a risk for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
The Imager of Sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightning (ISUAL) instrument has captured unique images of sprites, jets, and elves in the upper atmosphere. The images show red sprites, blue jets, and elves, which are caused by lightning discharges into the upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
A study of 2060 children reveals that maternal obesity is a major predictor of cardiac and minor malformations, while gestational diabetes only predicts skeletal malformations. The authors suggest that excess energy and insulin resistance contribute to malformations.
A study of 200 adults found that physicians often misattribute physical symptoms to causes other than depression. Patients with physical symptoms were less likely to accept antidepressants and showed improved outcomes when presented with psychological symptoms.
A team of archaeologists has uncovered a cooking hearth and bone fragments at Alder Creek Camp in the Tahoe National Forest, providing new evidence to locate the Donner Party camp and settle debates about cannibalism. The discovery includes broken china, bits of jewelry, musket balls, fragments of a wagon, and a chunk of a writing slate.
A new study links psoriasis to genetic variations on chromosomes 6 and 4, specifically the MHC region. This meta-analysis confirms previous findings and highlights a potential focus for future research.
Researchers found that lung transplant patients who develop community-acquired respiratory viral infections are at twice the risk of developing bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Additionally, a study identified unique tumor signatures that can predict lung cancer death within 12 months with an accuracy rate of 87%.
Researchers have identified a new source of stem cells that can restore dystrophin expression and improve function in dystrophic skeletal muscle. Circulating AC133+ stem cells from humans showed potential in treating muscular dystrophy.
Aura, NASA's latest Earth-observing satellite, was launched to study the health of the Earth's atmosphere, focusing on ozone layer recovery and climate change. The satellite will survey the atmosphere from the troposphere to the stratosphere, using four instruments to collect data on air quality and its impact on the planet.
A Temple University study found that training nurses on end-of-life care can temporarily boost anxiety about death, but this effect wanes over time. The research suggests that repeated educational programs may be necessary to help nurses manage their anxiety in the long term.
A global study found that carnivore extinction risk is more closely tied to biological traits such as small geographic distribution and high trophic level. Human population density plays a lesser role in determining extinction risk, but can exacerbate it when combined with these factors.
Researchers developed a genetic model for familial spastic paraparesis, identifying the role of spastin in nerve communication. The study found that pharmacological treatments can restore normal nerve function by stabilizing microtubule activity.
Scientists have developed a method to measure the blinking behavior of large quantities of quantum dots in just a few minutes, revealing new insights into their properties. The approach uses a mathematical tool to analyze light output patterns, allowing researchers to better understand the behavior of these nanocrystals.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic used a human antibody to stimulate dendritic cells and induce an immune response against malignant melanoma. The study showed that the antibody treatment resulted in consistently strong and often curative effects in mice, with 69% of treated mice being tumor-free.
Researchers created a mouse model with increased cAMP levels in eggs, leading to infertility. By blocking another protein, egg maturation was completed, revealing potential new contraceptive targets.
A new study suggests that aggressive antismoking campaigns and higher prices could save thousands of lives by reducing smoking prevalence. By raising cigarette prices and disseminating multimedia antismoking campaigns, smoking rates among adolescents could be reduced by up to 26%, leading to significant life-saving benefits.
Astronomers have directly measured the mass of a single star, the first time this feat has been accomplished for any star other than our own sun. The star, nearly 2,000 light-years away, was found to have one-tenth the mass of the Sun using a combination of old and new astronomical techniques.
The CryoCor system, developed by CryoCor of San Diego, has shown a 98% overall treatment success rate in international clinical trials. The technology uses ultracold temperatures to block abnormal electrical signals causing arrhythmia, providing a potential cure for the condition.